Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Dragnet: The Big Pick (12/8/1953)

Release Date: December 31, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, the iconic detective series Dragnet unfolds a gripping tale of pickpocketing in Los Angeles. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, the episode delves deep into the meticulous investigative process of Detective Friday and his partner, Detective Smith, as they navigate the complexities of an organized crime gang targeting unsuspecting victims.

The Crime

Timestamp [02:42] The story kicks off on Tuesday, May 10th, with Detective Friday detailing their assignment to track down a Bunko fugitive, part of an organized gang of pickpockets wreaking havoc in the city. The victims, including an elderly man named Lewis Bonning, have no specific descriptions of the culprits, complicating the investigation.

Notable Quote:

Detective Friday [02:42]: "You’re assigned a Bunko fugitive detail. An organized gang of pickpockets is working in your city."

Initial Investigation

Timestamp [03:00] - [05:21] Detective Friday and Detective Smith gather initial information from Lewis Bonning, the latest victim who lost $5,200 without any confrontation. Bonning recounts his routine that morning: withdrawing a significant amount from the bank intending to move to Chicago after his wife's passing. His meticulous account of the theft, occurring at a local market while he had his money in his pocket, provides the detectives with sparse clues.

Notable Quote:

Victim Lewis Bonning [04:12]: "If it was that way, I'd know. But just all of a sudden I put my hand in my pocket to feel the money and it wasn't there."

Developing Leads

Timestamp [05:06] - [08:21] The detectives analyze the modus operandi of the pickpocket gang, identifying roles such as the Jug Mob, the shover, and the wire. They consult their records and connect with Slim Ramos, a reformed pickpocket known for his cooperation with the police. Ramos, now running a Wheel of Fortune booth, becomes a crucial informant, offering names of suspects: Howard Kremer, Victor Lyden, and Edward Alcott.

Notable Quote:

Detective Friday [07:05]: "It's the one good thing about starting with nothing in it. Yeah, we can only go one way."

Stakeout and Informant Engagement

Timestamp [08:33] - [16:04] Detective Friday and Detective Smith visit Slim Ramos at his booth in Santa Monica to extract information about the gang's operations. Slim provides insights into recent activities and emphasizes the gang’s focus on elderly victims for easy pickings. The detectives enhance their surveillance efforts by coordinating with Captain Didion and deploying additional officers to monitor key locations, including the victim's bank.

Notable Quote:

Slim Ramos [11:17]: "I know the score. There ain't a place in the world that the fix can't be put in."

Breakthrough and Surveillance

Timestamp [17:28] - [20:56] Despite intensive surveillance from May 11th to May 18th, the gang remains elusive, prompting the detectives to revisit their strategies. Their persistence pays off on Friday night when a tip from a bank guard leads them to the suspects wandering through a busy street. In a swift maneuver, Detective Friday and Detective Smith apprehend Howard Kremer as he attempts another theft alongside his accomplices.

Notable Quote:

Detective Friday [20:56]: "The Shover just spotted him. The call had come from a bank at the corner of 7th and Jackson Streets."

Interrogation and Confession

Timestamp [22:24] - [27:04] The arrested suspect, Howard Kremer, faces intense interrogation. Initially defensive and uncooperative, Kremer's facade crumbles as Detective Friday skillfully challenges his alibis and inconsistencies. The detectives leverage Kremer's experience and knowledge of pickpocket operations to break his resistance, ultimately extracting a confession that implicates his partners, Victor Lyden and Edward Alcott.

Notable Quote:

Detective Friday [26:19]: "You work?"

Howard Kremer [24:34]: "Yeah. Where?"

Trial and Conviction

Timestamp [27:16] - [28:42] The narrative culminates in the courtroom, where Howard Kremer, Edward Alcott, and Victor Lyden stand trial for six counts of grand theft money. The evidence, meticulously gathered and presented by Detective Friday and Detective Smith, leads to their conviction. The punishment for grand theft money ranges from 1 to 10 years in the state penitentiary, underscoring the severity of their crimes.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [27:16]: "Howard Nathan Kremer, Edward Francis Alcott and Victor Frederick Leighton were tried and convicted on six counts of grand theft money."

Conclusion

The episode wraps up by reaffirming the authenticity and procedural accuracy of the Dragnet series, emphasizing collaboration with the Los Angeles Police Department and acknowledging the contributions of various technical advisors and cast members. The story of Detective Friday and Detective Smith not only entertains but also educates listeners on effective law enforcement techniques against organized crime.

Notable Quote:

Narrator [27:16]: "The story you have just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent."

Final Notes

Throughout the episode, Dragnet exemplifies the dedication and persistence of law enforcement in combating sophisticated criminal operations. The detailed portrayal of investigative methods, coupled with authentic dialogues and character interactions, makes this episode a standout in old-time radio detective storytelling.

Credits and Acknowledgments

Dragnet Announcer and the production team receive special thanks for their role in bringing authentic police procedural narratives to life, with John Robinson scripting and Walter Schumann providing the evocative musical score.

This extensive summary captures the essence and key moments of the Dragnet: The Big Pick episode, offering both an engaging narrative and insightful look into the investigative processes of the era's most renowned radio detectives.