Dragnet: The Big Rain 11/03/1953

Summary

Dragnet: The Big Rain (11/03/1953) – Detailed Summary

Introduction

In the "Dragnet: The Big Rain" episode of Choice Classic Radio Detectives, hosts Joe Friday and Frank Smith navigate a complex homicide case amidst the heavy rains of Los Angeles. This detailed summary captures the intricate investigative process, key dialogues, and the eventual resolution of the case.

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Discovery of the Victim

On the night of Tuesday, November 17th, Los Angeles is enveloped in a relentless downpour. Detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith are introduced as they return from the main jail to the Homicide Division at 11:27 PM ([02:14]). Their routine shifts abruptly when they receive a call about a severely beaten woman, signaling potential foul play.

Frank Smith sets the stage:

“We gotta get that car radio fixed, Joe. It's getting worse all the time.” ([02:29])

Joe Friday reflects on the challenging conditions:

“All I want to do is get home and get some dry socks on. My feet are killing me.” ([03:15])

The detectives rush to Room 42, Homicide, where they learn the victim, a woman in her early 40s, was found with a skull fracture and possible internal injuries. Notably, her left shoe and purse are missing, complicating the identification process.

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Interviews and Investigation

A. Interview with Cecil Johnson

Cecil Johnson emerges as a person of interest. During the initial questioning at the scene ([05:16]), he provides conflicting information, revealing a history of instability:

“I was in Camarillo once.” ([06:13])

His evasiveness and prior records of molestation raise red flags. Johnson's interactions are marked by deceit:

“I’m a liar. You can’t believe anything I say.” ([08:03])

The detectives discover Johnson's association with the victim, Grace Dillon, at a local bar. Their subsequent interview at the bar ([11:19]) uncovers further suspicions about his behavior and relationship with Grace.

B. Interview with Herman Dillon

Herman Dillon, the victim's husband, becomes the primary suspect. After being detained ([20:19]), Dillon presents a defensive stance, highlighting marital tensions:

“We've been married for 10 years. It's all the answer you need.” ([20:35])

As the interrogation progresses, Dillon's frustration surfaces:

“I came home the other night, she'd walked out and left the kids all alone.” ([21:07])

His inability to account for his whereabouts during the crime intensifies suspicions:

“You have to know that? Why are you asking all these questions about me and Grace?” ([22:18])

C. Attempt to Interview Grace Dillon

Grace Dillon, the victim, is hospitalized in a deep coma with retrograde amnesia due to her injuries ([18:21]). Her recovery is slow, and initial interviews prove uninformative as she struggles to recall the events leading to her condition.

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Hospitalization and Recovery

By 10:14 AM the following morning, Grace regains consciousness. Accompanied by her husband, the detectives approach her for questioning. Her fragmented memories initially suggest a fall:

“I was on my way home. I was going back. Cecil was walking home with me.” ([25:08])

However, subtle inconsistencies in her statements prompt further investigation. Grace admits to being influenced by alcohol and highlights underlying marital issues:

“Herman and me had a fight and I walked out… I got to thinking about me and Herman.” ([24:32])

Her admission hints at self-inflicted distress rather than external assault. Yet, the detectives remain skeptical, given Herman Dillon's aggressive behavior and history.

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Conclusion and Resolution

The relentless investigation culminates in deciphering the truth behind Grace Dillon's injuries. Despite initial suspicions surrounding Cecil Johnson and Herman Dillon, evidence points towards Herman Dillon as the perpetrator. His volatile temper and inability to provide a credible alibi solidify his culpability.

Grace Dillon's final statements reconcile her grievances with her husband:

“I was to thinking about me and Herman. How I was such a bad wife. I got to thinking about the kids and how I was a bad mother.” ([24:43])

Her acknowledgment underscores the emotional and psychological strains within her marriage, leading to the tragic incident.

Joe Friday reflects on the resolution:

“Because only Chesterfield gives proof of low nicotine, highest quality.” ([19:57]) (Note: This line is part of the advertisement and not related to the case conclusion.)

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Notable Quotes

Throughout the episode, key dialogues emphasize the detectives' investigative rigor and the suspects' troubled personas:

• Joe Friday: “You’re an awful liar.” ([09:55])

• Cecil Johnson: “You gotta shut them off sometime.” ([14:54])

• Herman Dillon: “I suppose so. If I’d have found her tonight, I’d have maybe killed her.” ([22:03])

• Grace Dillon: “I was going to leave him. I went down, had a few drinks, just a few.” ([24:33])

These exchanges highlight the tension and complexities inherent in the case, driving the narrative toward its resolution.

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Conclusion

"Dragnet: The Big Rain" masterfully intertwines atmospheric elements with a gripping homicide investigation. Through meticulous detective work and compelling character interactions, Joe Friday and Frank Smith uncover the layers of deception and emotional turmoil that culminate in uncovering the truth behind Grace Dillon's tragic plight. This episode exemplifies the quintessential Dragnet ethos of procedural accuracy and human drama.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

Welcome to Choice Classic radio where we bring to you the greatest old time radio shows like us on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and thank you for donating at choice classicradio.com.

[Frank Smith]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Narrator]

Dragnet is brought to you by Chesterfield. Made by Liggett & Myers, first major tobacco company to give you a complete line of quality cigarettes.

[Frank Smith]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a homicide detail. You get a call that a woman has been badly beaten. The circumstances indicate foul play. Your job, Check it out. The nation's top golfers and sports writers have named Ben Hogan professional golfer of the year. Ben, of course, smokes Chesterfields. But let's hear what he has to say about them himself.

[Joe Friday]

I'm a Chesterfield smoker and have been for seven years.

[Cecil Johnson]

The reason is simple.

[Joe Friday]

Chesterfield is the best for me. They're milder and they taste great. Try them yourself.

[Frank Smith]

Take that suggestion from Ben Hogan. Today. Try Chesterfield. Regular or king size. They're low in nicotine, highest in quality, really mild, really satisfying. Chesterfield. Best for you.

[Narrator]

Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case, transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

It was Tuesday, November 17th. It was raining in Los Angeles. We were working the night. Watch out. A homicide detail. My partner is Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Lorman. My name's Friday. We're on our way back from the main jail. And it was 11:27pm when we got to Room 42, Homicide.

[Frank Smith]

We gotta get that car radio fixed, Joe. It's getting worse all the time.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, well, we can take it over in the morning.

[Frank Smith]

The thing almost knocked me right out of the seat when I called in tonight. Soon as you press the button, bang, you get a shot.

[Joe Friday]

When I was out with Lope yesterday, he picked up the mic. I thought he was gonna climb right out of the window.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, well, that's pretty funny. As long as you don't have to use the thing.

[Joe Friday]

There must be a shot someplace, huh? Got to get it fixed.

[Frank Smith]

You know, I must have used the dollars worth of dimes calling in today. This keeps up, I'm going to have.

[Joe Friday]

To give up lunches. Well, that wouldn't hurt you either. That's not kind, Joe.

[Frank Smith]

I've lost seven pounds in the Last two weeks.

[Joe Friday]

Where? I'm going to see about a transfer. Well, let's finish up this report so we can get out of here. What do you say? Okay. I'm with you, hot shot. I get it. Best robbery called bar out in the Olympic. Oh.

[Frank Smith]

Thought for a minute we were gonna have to go out.

[Joe Friday]

All I want to do is get home and get some dry socks on. My feet are killing me. Yeah, well, I got an idea. If you'll stop talking and pick up a pencil, we can quit on time for a change. Another hot shot. I'll get it.

[Frank Smith]

Get your hat beating out in Hollywood.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Woman found her laying in the gutter. She still alive?

[Frank Smith]

Was when they got the call.

[Joe Friday]

We better step on it, though.

[Frank Smith]

They don't know how long she's going to last.

[Joe Friday]

When we got to the address we'd been given by the complaint board, two radio cars from Hollywood Division were already there. An ambulance had arrived, and the crew was doing what they could for the victim. She was still alive, but the attendant said that she appeared to have a skull fracture in addition to possible internal injuries. From one of the officers who answered the call, we found that the victim had been sprawled across the sidewalk, her head in the gutter. Due to the heavy rain, a stream of water was running down and into a storm drain. The fact that the drain was above the victim's head appeared to be the only thing that saved her from drowning. The crime lab had been called, and the men from Hollywood Division were doing what they could to keep the crowd back in order to preserve any physical evidence that might have been left. The victim appeared to be a woman in her early 40s. The clothes she wore looked expensive, but they were badly torn. Her face was cut, and the men in the ambulance crew removed her immediately to Hollywood Emergency Hospital for treatment. An officer was assigned to her in the event she regained consciousness. When she was found, her left shoe was missing, and there was no sign of any purse or wallet. None of the people who'd gathered in the crowd could give us an identification of her. The homes in the vicinity were large and the area was sparsely populated. The nearest house to the place where the victim was found was at least 300ft down the street. We talked to the people in the crowd and found that the man who'd made the original call was still supposed to be there. We checked with the officers in the radio unit, but they said they hadn't seen him from them. However, we found that the call had been from the home of a Mr. And Mrs. Roger Heflin. We contacted them and they came back to the scene and pointed out the man. Frank and I took him over to our car for questioning.

[Frank Smith]

All right, Johnson, you want to tell us what happened?

[Grace Dillon]

I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

You called the police, didn't you?

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah, I called him.

[Joe Friday]

You found her?

[Grace Dillon]

Yes, sir. She was lying in the street like that. I got scared and I called the police. I thought maybe she was dead.

[Frank Smith]

What were you doing up here this time of night?

[Grace Dillon]

Just walking around.

[Joe Friday]

You live up here, do you?

[Grace Dillon]

No.

[Joe Friday]

Where do you live?

[Grace Dillon]

Got a room down a fountain.

[Joe Friday]

Let me see your identification, will you, please?

[Grace Dillon]

Oh, yeah. Here's my wallet.

[Joe Friday]

Any money in it?

[Grace Dillon]

No.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let me have it.

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah, here you are.

[Joe Friday]

This your true name? Cecil August Johnson?

[Cecil Johnson]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Who's Mary Johnson?

[Grace Dillon]

Hmm?

[Joe Friday]

I say, who's Mary Johnson? Who's she?

[Grace Dillon]

My sister.

[Joe Friday]

This her address here on the card?

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah. Hey, you aren't gonna call her, are you? You aren't gonna call her.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Grace Dillon]

Well, she'd be pretty sure about it if you did. She don't like me for me to get mixed up with cops. She don't like it at all.

[Joe Friday]

You ever been to an institution?

[Grace Dillon]

Hmm?

[Joe Friday]

State institution. You ever been in one?

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah, I was in Camarillo once.

[Joe Friday]

How long ago did you get out?

[Grace Dillon]

Oh, a long time ago. Three days. Long time ago. I haven't been there for a long time.

[Frank Smith]

What were you there for?

[Grace Dillon]

Molesting people.

[Joe Friday]

Who?

[Grace Dillon]

I was in Camarillo.

[Joe Friday]

Why'd they send you there, fella?

[Grace Dillon]

To get well.

[Joe Friday]

From what?

[Grace Dillon]

Just well.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we know what they want you to get well from.

[Grace Dillon]

I was never in Camarillo.

[Joe Friday]

You haven't been drinking tonight, have you? I said you've been drinking?

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah, a little bit.

[Joe Friday]

Where?

[Grace Dillon]

Barred, on Harlow Boulevard.

[Joe Friday]

When they sent you to the hospital, what was the reason?

[Grace Dillon]

I never been to hospital.

[Joe Friday]

You told us that you'd been in Camarillo.

[Grace Dillon]

That was to get well.

[Joe Friday]

Look, fellow, we asked you before, what for?

[Grace Dillon]

They thought I was molesting people.

[Joe Friday]

Were you?

[Grace Dillon]

No, I didn't hurt anybody.

[Cecil Johnson]

Did they say you did?

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Who?

[Grace Dillon]

The lady. They said I hit her.

[Joe Friday]

Did you hit her?

[Grace Dillon]

Huh?

[Joe Friday]

I said, did you hit the woman?

[Grace Dillon]

No, I never hurt anybody.

[Joe Friday]

You know who the woman is that you found?

[Grace Dillon]

You're not gonna call my sister, are you?

[Joe Friday]

Do you know who the woman is?

[Grace Dillon]

What woman?

[Joe Friday]

Now, look, fella, pay attention. The one you found tonight.

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah, I've known her for a long time.

[Joe Friday]

What's her name?

[Grace Dillon]

Grace.

[Frank Smith]

You know her last name?

[Grace Dillon]

Hmm?

[Joe Friday]

Do you know her last name?

[Grace Dillon]

No. You Know I never really been in camera. I just told you that, that's all.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Grace Dillon]

I don't know. Just sometimes I like to do things like that. I don't have no reason. I just like to do it. Like. Once I told my sister I killed a man. She almost fainted. I just like to do that. Once in a while, things get dull. I like to get them started.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you meet Grace?

[Grace Dillon]

Bar down in Hollywood. I go in there all the time. I met her there.

[Joe Friday]

Did you meet her there tonight?

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah, she was there. Said she had a fight with her old man. Said they had a real beef. She told me he hit her, belted her right in the mouth. What do you think of a guy do a thing like that to a woman? Any man do a thing like that, he's no good. No good at all. They said I did it, too. Told my sister I hit a woman.

[Joe Friday]

Who said that?

[Grace Dillon]

Other cops when they arrested me.

[Frank Smith]

When was this?

[Grace Dillon]

When I was a Camarilla, to get well.

[Joe Friday]

You under a doctor's care now?

[Grace Dillon]

No, I got real well at Camarilla. Real well. Hey, let me go.

[Joe Friday]

You just got through telling us that you'd never been there.

[Grace Dillon]

I'm a liar. You can't believe anything I say. I'm a real liar. My sister's all the time saying that about me. She says I'm a liar. That's one of the reasons she used to get sore at me. I'm such a liar. I was never there.

[Joe Friday]

You know where this Grace lived?

[Grace Dillon]

No. I think it was up on Ledgewood Drive. I think that's where it was. On Ledgewood Drive.

[Joe Friday]

You know where the house is?

[Grace Dillon]

Mm. Mm. I never saw it. I was going to go up there one day and punch your old man in the nose, you know, because he hit Grace. I was plenty sore about it. He gave her a black eye. I was plenty sore. But I didn't. You know why?

[Joe Friday]

You tell us?

[Grace Dillon]

Because I thought my sister get mad at me. She always gets mad when I get in fights. And when I lie, she get real sore. Got no sense of humor.

[Joe Friday]

Really.

[Grace Dillon]

There's a guy at the hospital had a real sense of humor. He was funny. He had a piece of inner tube, and he wore it like a hat. Floppy, you know. He had a real great sense of humor. But my sister, she don't like anybody to laugh.

[Joe Friday]

How many times you been arrested, fella?

[Grace Dillon]

Maybe a couple.

[Joe Friday]

Here in Los Angeles?

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah, all the time in la. Cops here don't like me. They got no sense of humor. None. Never Saw such dull cops.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Johnson, you wait here. We got a few things to check out and we want to take you downtown.

[Grace Dillon]

You aren't going to arrest me, are you?

[Joe Friday]

We'll see.

[Grace Dillon]

Well, I hope not. My sister, she'd be real sore.

[Joe Friday]

Johnson.

[Grace Dillon]

Hmm?

[Joe Friday]

Tell me something. Did you hit her?

[Grace Dillon]

You mean, did I hit Grace? Is that what you mean?

[Joe Friday]

That's what I mean.

[Grace Dillon]

No. I met her tonight and she asked me to take a walk with her. To take a walk. That's all. Then all of a sudden, she was lying on the ground. I was pretty drunk. I didn't know what happened. Just all of a sudden she was there. And I got scared and I called the cops. But I didn't hit her. I wouldn't do a thing like that to Grace. Not me. You believe that, don't you? Well, don't you? You gotta buy it. You got it. Because it's the truth.

[Joe Friday]

Is that right?

[Grace Dillon]

Sure, it's the truth. Every word.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you said it yourself, didn't you?

[Grace Dillon]

Hmm?

[Joe Friday]

You're an awful liar. 12:52am While one of the officers from a radio unit stood by with Cecil Johnson, we talked with Lt. Lee Jones from the crime lab. He told us that what footprints they'd found in the immediate vicinity of the victim had been destroyed by the rain. He told us that his crew was unable to find any useful physical evidence. The area was searched, but we failed to find either the missing left shoe or the woman's purse, if she'd carried one. We put in a call to the Hollywood Receiving Hospital. Dr. Elwyn Terrell told us that the victim was suffering from a fracture of the skull and apparently several broken ribs. He told us that the woman was in a deep coma and she couldn't be questioned at that time. We asked him to contact us through the business office in the event that she regained consciousness. We questioned the people in the neighborhood, but they were of no aid. None of them recalled hearing any automobiles on the streets, and none of them could testify as to the people loitering in the area. 1:10am we took Cecil Johnson and had him detained at the city jail pending further investigation. The check of his record showed that he'd been sent to Camarillo twice on charges of molesting and violation of section 245pc. He'd been released into the custody of his sister three weeks previously. Before he was placed in a cell, we got the name and address of the bar where he said he'd met the woman he called Grace. 1:40am Frank and I Drove out to the place. It was located on Hollywood Boulevard near Las Palmas Avenue. There was only one other customer in the place when we went in. The bartender was cleaning up for the night.

[Frank Smith]

What'll it be?

[Joe Friday]

We're looking for Anal.

[Cecil Johnson]

Hi, man. What do you want? It's not about that lousy Jackie, is it?

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Cecil Johnson]

You're cops, aren't you? Isn't this about Jackie?

[Joe Friday]

We're police officers.

[Cecil Johnson]

Yeah, you gotta understand, I thought he was an actor, you know, I thought he was just hanging around the place to take work calls. That's what he told me. I didn't have no way of knowing different.

[Frank Smith]

Here's the truth.

[Joe Friday]

We don't know anything about Jackie. We'd like to ask you some questions about a man named Cecil Johnson.

[Herman Dillon]

That crackpot.

[Cecil Johnson]

You know, I thought you were after me because of Jackie. Oh, there it goes again. Excuse me. Yeah, hello, here it is. No, he ain't here anymore. What? I don't care how the horse did. Jackie ain't here now. Don't call me no more. You see this guy? Jackie's a book. All the time he's using my phone and I don't know it. Yesterday a couple of cops come in and put the arm on him. All day the phone's been ringing. Yeah, from what they say, he's lucky he got arrested. He must have lost his shirt yesterday. Horse came in that paid 20 to 1. Boy, he really must have had it.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Now, what do you know about this Cecil Johnson?

[Cecil Johnson]

That creep. Real creep.

[Joe Friday]

Did you see him tonight?

[Cecil Johnson]

Yeah, he was in about what time? See, it was just before the fight on TV. That'll make it about 6:45. Yeah, about that. About 6:45.

[Frank Smith]

He come in alone?

[Cecil Johnson]

Oh, yeah, always does. He don't have no friends.

[Joe Friday]

What time did he leave? Do you remember?

[Cecil Johnson]

Oh, he stayed around and watched the fight. Got into an argument with a guy. Then he left about, let's see. I guess it must have been about 9:34 of 10.

[Joe Friday]

You know a woman named Grace? We understand she's in here quite a bit.

[Cecil Johnson]

Grace, huh? We got a couple of Graces come in here. What's yours look like?

[Joe Friday]

About 42, dark hair, wearing a tweed coat.

[Cecil Johnson]

Excuse me a minute, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Cecil Johnson]

Hello. Yeah, it is. No, he's not here. He won't be back, so stop calling. I don't care if it did pay that. Look, bud, I got no part in the action now. Forget the number, huh? Jackie's gone. He's in the can. Yeah, he's Pinched? Now lay off, huh? Let's see. Dark hair, tweed coat.

[Grace Dillon]

Oh, yeah.

[Cecil Johnson]

That'll be Grace Dillon Dylan. Yeah, she's pretty much of a regular. D, I, L, L, O, N. Yeah, I guess so. D, I, L, L, O, N. I guess that's the way to spell it. Well, what's all the questions? Something wrong?

[Joe Friday]

What time was she in here tonight?

[Cecil Johnson]

Who says she was?

[Joe Friday]

Well, that's what we understand.

[Cecil Johnson]

Oh. Oh, yeah. Well, there's nothing wrong around here. No reason not to cooperate. She was here. Come in about eight.

[Joe Friday]

What time did she leave?

[Cecil Johnson]

I guess it was 9:30, 9, 45.

[Joe Friday]

She leave alone?

[Cecil Johnson]

I gotta think about that.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Cecil Johnson]

Lots of people in here with the fights, you know. Let me think. I'm gonna tear that thing right out of the wall. He ain't here.

[Frank Smith]

He's been pinched.

[Cecil Johnson]

I don't know when he'll be back and I don't care.

[Joe Friday]

You know, come to think about it.

[Cecil Johnson]

I think she left with that Cecil Johnson. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Either one of them had much to drink, you know.

[Cecil Johnson]

Well, Cecil had a couple of beers. It's all he needs. Don't take much with him.

[Frank Smith]

How about the Dylan woman?

[Cecil Johnson]

She was feeling no pain when she got here. Really carrying a load. I finally told her to take a walk. Told her I couldn't serve her no more. That's when she left. Her and Cecil was sitting right there next to each other. When I told her I wouldn't pour no more for her, she got hacked and her and Cecil left.

[Joe Friday]

You know where she lives?

[Cecil Johnson]

Not right off. I can look it up. We keep a list of people who come in here. Send them announcements about things like when we get a new piano, play, things like that.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Cecil Johnson]

I can look it up for you. Just take a minute.

[Joe Friday]

Fine. Thanks.

[Cecil Johnson]

C, A, B, C. Oh, here it is. Dobby Dexter. Dibs. Wish he'd come in and pick up the table. Here we can. Oh, let's see here. Here it is.

[Grace Dillon]

Here it is.

[Cecil Johnson]

2917 Ledgewood Drive.

[Joe Friday]

2917. Thank you.

[Cecil Johnson]

You can take the card if you want. Don't make any difference to me if she never comes back. The way she carried on tonight. People just don't understand.

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Cecil Johnson]

You can just serve them so much after that, you're pouring 100 proof trouble. You gotta shut them off sometime.

[Joe Friday]

Uh huh. She ever come in here with her husband, Dylan?

[Cecil Johnson]

Yeah, couple of times. Quite a while ago though they came in late one night, sat back there in the booth, had a couple of quick belts. He drinks Irish whiskey, likes it neat. Had a big beef. I finally had to go back and ask him to go out. He's a real bum. He's mean.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Cecil Johnson]

The kind of guy where to know him is to hate him. You know the kind.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Cecil Johnson]

He ain't here. I don't care how much you lost. He's in the can and. What?

[Frank Smith]

What?

[Cecil Johnson]

Oh, yeah, honey. Well, I didn't know it was you. Uh huh. Yeah. I'll be home early as soon as I close up. Right.

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah.

[Cecil Johnson]

Well, I do too. What? All right, honey. I love you. I do too. Mean it. Look, honey, there's a couple of men here I gotta talk to. Well, yeah, as soon as I close up. Yeah. Goodbye, honey. What? Oh, yeah. Yeah. All right. There. Bye.

[Frank Smith]

The wife?

[Cecil Johnson]

We've just been married a couple of weeks. She's kind of, you know.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Did Dylan ever hit his wife? Would you know?

[Cecil Johnson]

Yeah, he did. She came in here one night with a mouse that had no end. Said her old man gave it to her. Say, what's all this about anyway? There's something wrong with Grace. Something happened to her?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we don't know yet.

[Cecil Johnson]

Well, let me give you this for free. If there's anything happened to her, six to one even it was her own man. It's a real bum. He's mean. Anything wrong and it's him that caused it. You better talk to him. You'll find out.

[Joe Friday]

All right, sir. Thank you very much. Yes, sir, we will. Thanks.

[Cecil Johnson]

No, not at all. Glad to help out.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Good night.

[Cecil Johnson]

Say, you guys going downtown?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right.

[Cecil Johnson]

To the jail?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Cecil Johnson]

Well, if you see Jackie, will you give him a message for me?

[Joe Friday]

All right. What's that?

[Cecil Johnson]

Tell him if he gets out, I don't want him back here no more.

[Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Cecil Johnson]

Guy ties up my phone.

[Joe Friday]

2:26Am we got a description of the victim's husband and checked the name through R and I. We were unable to come up with any criminal record on him. Frank and I drove out to the address given us by the bartender. It was a large English stucco house five blocks from where Grace Dillon had been found. We rang the bell and waited. An elderly woman answered the door and told us that Herman Dillon was not in. She explained that she was a babysitter and that she'd been called to take care of the couple's three children. She went on to say that Mr. Dillon left the house at approximately 10:15pm and had not yet returned. We called the office and arranged for a stakeout to be set up on the house while we Waited for the officers to arrive. The babysitter told us that the Dillons had constant fights. She said that on several occasions, Mr. Dillon threatened to kill his wife if she didn't spend more time at home taking care of the children. She went on to explain that there'd been an argument that evening and that after a loud fight, the wife had left the house. After she'd been gone for over an hour, Herman Dillon left to find her. 3:02am the officers arrived. We asked them to wait for the husband to return and then to notify us immediately. Frank and I drove downtown and checked into the crime lab. We talked with Lt. Lee Jones regarding his findings. He told us that he'd gone over the victim's clothing, but he was unable to find any physical evidence to help us in finding her assailant. 3:46am we checked into the office and put in a call to the hospital.

[Frank Smith]

How do you spell that, Doc?

[Joe Friday]

Huh?

[Frank Smith]

A D, E?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[Frank Smith]

Do you have any idea when that might be? I see, sir. Well, if you let us know. Right. Yeah, the business office here will know how to reach us. Right. Thanks again. Good night, Doc.

[Joe Friday]

How is she?

[Frank Smith]

Well, the doctor says he's finished his examination. She's got a frontal bone fracture, three broken ribs, cuts and contusions.

[Joe Friday]

Is she gonna be all right? Yeah, you think so?

[Frank Smith]

So she might come out of it anytime. Says it looks like she might have.

[Joe Friday]

Been thrown from a car. Well, that'd explain the missing shoe and purse, wouldn't it? Yeah. Do you have any idea when we can talk to her? No.

[Frank Smith]

Might not do any good anyway.

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean?

[Frank Smith]

Well, the doc says this kind of fracture can produce a retrograde amnesia.

[Joe Friday]

Huh.

[Frank Smith]

She won't remember anything.

[Narrator]

You are listening to Dragnet, the authentic story of your police force in action. It's taking place at your dealers, cigarette.

[Frank Smith]

Dealers, coast to coast. Smokers by the thousands are now changing to Chesterfield. Join them today and you'll be smoking the only cigarette that gives you proof of low nicotine. Highest quality. I want you to know that's a matter of record. And so is this. As I've been telling you, Chesterfield is the only cigarette with this proven record with smokers no adverse effects to the nose, throat and sinuses from smoking Chesterfields. Good reasons why you should change to Chesterfield. You bet. Ask for Chesterfield. Regular or King's Eyes? Best for you.

[Joe Friday]

4:02Am Frank and I signed out of the office and we went home. At 5:13am I got a call that the husband of the victim, Herman Dillon, had returned home. The officers who call said that they were bringing him down to the city Hall. I got in touch with Frank, and by the time we got to the squadron, Dylan was already there. He appeared dazed and acted as if he'd been drinking heavily. We sent out for some black coffee for him. He apparently didn't know what had happened to his wife.

[Herman Dillon]

What's all this about, anyway? What are you dragging me out of my house like this for?

[Joe Friday]

Got a few questions we want to ask you, Dylan.

[Herman Dillon]

What do you got that's so important you gotta go through it at six in the morning?

[Joe Friday]

When did you see your wife last?

[Herman Dillon]

About 7:30 last night.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Frank Smith]

How do you and your wife get along?

[Herman Dillon]

We've been married for 10 years.

[Joe Friday]

It's not much of an answer.

[Herman Dillon]

Mister, you're not married. Been married 10 years and it's an answer. Been married 10 years. It's all the answer you need.

[Frank Smith]

Well, maybe you better spell it out.

[Joe Friday]

For me after that long.

[Herman Dillon]

You have a few disagreements? Bound to. You know, being together all that time.

[Joe Friday]

You and your wife have a disagreement Last night, did you?

[Herman Dillon]

Yeah, we had a discussion.

[Frank Smith]

What about?

[Herman Dillon]

I don't think that's any of your business.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, well, maybe it is now. What'd you argue about?

[Herman Dillon]

Running around wasn't a real argument, just a discussion.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we got it. It was more than that.

[Herman Dillon]

And you got it wrong.

[Frank Smith]

We heard you hit her a couple of times.

[Herman Dillon]

That's a lie. I might have shoved her a little. She had it coming all the time, running around. We got three kids. Three little kids. And she doesn't care that for him. Always going out, hanging around those cheap bars, boozing it up. I came home the other night, she'd walked out and left the kids all alone, all by themselves. Didn't even get a sitter for where you been tonight.

[Cecil Johnson]

Why?

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Herman Dillon]

You have to know that?

[Joe Friday]

You want to tell us?

[Herman Dillon]

Yeah. After Grace and me had the fight, she walked out. I waited for her to come home. Then when she didn't, I went out to find her.

[Joe Friday]

Did you? Did you find her?

[Herman Dillon]

No. I looked all over for her. All the bars along the boulevard, but she wasn't there.

[Joe Friday]

Where you been since the bars closed? Walking around in all this rain?

[Cecil Johnson]

Yeah.

[Herman Dillon]

I've been trying to figure out what to do. Trying to make up my mind.

[Joe Friday]

About what?

[Herman Dillon]

What I should do with Grace. Things can't go on like this.

[Grace Dillon]

They just can't.

[Joe Friday]

We've heard from some of your wife's friends that you made threats in their lives. Is that right?

[Herman Dillon]

Who Told you that?

[Joe Friday]

We just heard it. Is it true?

[Herman Dillon]

I suppose so. If I'd have found her tonight, I'd have maybe killed her. I never been so mad before.

[Frank Smith]

You see anybody you knew tonight?

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Frank Smith]

When you were walking around, did you.

[Cecil Johnson]

See anybody you knew?

[Herman Dillon]

No. Why?

[Joe Friday]

When you got no way to prove where you were?

[Herman Dillon]

Why do I have to do that?

[Joe Friday]

Might make things easier on you.

[Herman Dillon]

Hey, what's this all about, anyway? Why are you asking all these questions about me and Grace? What are you trying to say?

[Cecil Johnson]

Where is Grace?

[Herman Dillon]

You know. Well, where is she? What's happened to her?

[Joe Friday]

She's in the hospital. She's had an accident. It's pretty bad.

[Herman Dillon]

What kind of an accident?

[Joe Friday]

Looks like she was beaten.

[Herman Dillon]

Do you think I did it?

[Joe Friday]

Might have been you.

[Herman Dillon]

She lied.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Herman Dillon]

You think I beat her up?

[Joe Friday]

Did you?

[Herman Dillon]

No. I maybe wanted to knock some sense into her, but I didn't do it.

[Joe Friday]

You proved where you were tonight.

[Herman Dillon]

Why?

[Frank Smith]

Can you prove where you were?

[Herman Dillon]

No. I don't even know myself. You really think I did it?

[Joe Friday]

That's what we're trying to find out.

[Herman Dillon]

You know, I was pretty drunk tonight. I got real loaded. That's a terrible part.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Let me see your hands, will you?

[Cecil Johnson]

Why?

[Joe Friday]

Let me see them. All right, put them up there. Both of them?

[Grace Dillon]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you get those bruises?

[Herman Dillon]

I don't know. I don't remember.

[Joe Friday]

You better try. This is pretty important.

[Herman Dillon]

I told you I was drunk.

[Joe Friday]

There's only one thing that'll put bruises like that on your hands. Yeah. You hit something pretty hard. Herman Dillon was detained pending further investigation. We'd call the hospital, but there was no change in Mrs. Dillon's condition because of the lack of physical evidence. Her testimony was essential in apprehending the person who'd beaten her. We had two prime suspects. Cecil Johnson, who was known to have been in her company when she left the bar. Johnson's record indicated that he was capable of committing the crime. On the other hand, the victim's husband had stated that he might kill her. He was unable to explain his movements at the time of the attack. The only person who could tell us the true story was the victim herself. And we had the doctor's statement that she might not remember the events immediately leading up to. At 10:14am the following morning, the officer called from the hospital telling us that Mrs. Dillon had regained consciousness and could be questioned. The doctor told us that she was calling for her husband and asked that we bring Dylan with us. We went by the city jail and picked him up and Then we drove over to the hospital. The doctor told us that Mrs. Dillon was in a weak condition and that we couldn't talk to her at any length. Frank, Dylan and I went into her room and waited for her to open her eyes.

[Grace Dillon]

Is that you, Herman?

[Herman Dillon]

Yes, dear.

[Grace Dillon]

You're not mad at me, are you? You're not still mad at me?

[Herman Dillon]

No, dear, I'm not.

[Grace Dillon]

That's good. I was afraid you still were mad. You know, Herman, you shouldn't have hit me like you did. I know. Maybe you had a reason, but you shouldn't have hit me.

[Joe Friday]

Can you tell US what happened, Mrs. Dillon?

[Grace Dillon]

Who are you?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers.

[Grace Dillon]

What are you doing here?

[Joe Friday]

Trying to find out who did this to you.

[Grace Dillon]

Wasn't anybody did it. It wasn't anybody. I did it myself, silly. Did it all by myself.

[Joe Friday]

I don't believe I understand, Ms. Dillon.

[Grace Dillon]

Herman and me had a fight and I walked out. I was going to leave him. I went down, had a few drinks, just a few. And I got to thinking about me and Herman. How I was such a bad wife. I got to thinking about the kids and how I was a bad mother. You aren't still mad at me, are you, Herman? Really, in your heart?

[Herman Dillon]

No. Grayson. Glad you're going to be all right. That's all that counts.

[Joe Friday]

You want to tell US what happened, Ms. Dillon? Please.

[Grace Dillon]

I was on my way home. I was going back. Cecil was walking home with me. It was raining pretty hard. And we came to a gutter that was full of water. I stepped up on the curb to go around it. I didn't want to step in the water. And I fell. Fell down the hill. Rolled all the way to the bottom, all the way to the next street. I remember falling. I remember laying in the street down below and how I couldn't move. I didn't know about anything else after that. Until just when you got here, Len. I don't remember much of anything.

[Joe Friday]

You mean that you fell down yourself? That nobody beat you up, huh?

[Grace Dillon]

No. Herman hit me when I was home. He got mad at me and hit me. But he was right. You were right, honey. Real right. First going to be different, I promise you. Just as long as you ain't still mad at me. That's all that matters, that you ain't mad.

[Herman Dillon]

Now, take it easy, honey. Everything's going to be all right. Just take it easy and try to get some sleep.

[Grace Dillon]

I love you, Herman. I love you very much. And I'm gonna make it all up to you. All the bad times. I'm gonna make it all up to you.

[Herman Dillon]

I love you too, Grace. You go to sleep. Get some rest.

[Grace Dillon]

All right, honey.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Thank you, Ms. Dillon. We better go.

[Herman Dillon]

You gonna want me anywhere?

[Joe Friday]

Cider? No, I don't think so.

[Herman Dillon]

I wonder if she means it. If she really does.

[Joe Friday]

What's that about making it up to the kids?

[Herman Dillon]

How things are going to be different?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know. She said she would.

[Herman Dillon]

That's just it. She said it so many times before.

[Frank Smith]

The story you have just heard is true. The names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Narrator]

On November 18, a meeting was held in the captain's office. Homicide Division. In a moment, the results of that meeting.

[Frank Smith]

Now here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you, George Fenniman. Friends, we've been getting letters from people all over the country telling us that they've switched to Chesterfield. Now, just as I've been telling you, thousands of smokers are changing to Chesterfield. Because only Chesterfield gives proof of low nicotine, highest quality. That's why I recommend you try them today. Regular or king size? Chesterfields are really mild, really satisfying. Best for you.

[Narrator]

Since no crime had been committed, no legal action was taken against Mr. And Mrs. Dillon. Cecil August Johnson was removed to Room 5, Georgia Street Receiving Hospital. For further psychiatric examination. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department. Technical Advisors, Captain Jack Donohoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Vance Brasher. Heard tonight were Ben Alexander, Jack Crucian, Vivie Janis, Harry Bartell. Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schuman. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Frank Smith]

Watch an entirely new Dragnet case history each week on your local NBC television station. Please check your newspapers for the day and time Chesterfield has brought you Dragnet. Transcribed from Los Angeles. Have you tried new cork tip Fatima? It's the smooth smoke with Fatima tips of perfect cork. King size for longer filtering and Fatima quality for a much better flavor and aroma. Fatima is made and guaranteed by Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company. Try Fatima today. Hear Frank Sinatra as Rocky Fortune tonight on the NBC Radio Network.