Dragnet: The Big Saw 04/06/1954

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode: Dragnet: The Big Saw
Original Air Date: April 6, 1954
Release Date: April 22, 2025

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, sergeants Joe Friday and Frank Smith tackle a meticulously planned bank robbery known as "The Big Saw." Set against the backdrop of 1950s Los Angeles, the story delves into the procedural challenges faced by law enforcement when confronting cunning criminals.

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The Crime

The episode opens on a warm Tuesday morning, June 3rd, when two masked gunmen execute a daring bank robbery. The perpetrators, armed with a machine gun and a pistol, target the downtown bank with precise knowledge of its operations.

• Joe Friday sets the scene:

  "It was Tuesday, June 3rd. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day." [02:51]

• Narrator emphasizes the authenticity of the story:

  "Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent." [00:47]

The robbers' strategy includes waiting for employees to arrive, using a decoy (Joe Friday) to mask their true intentions, and exploiting the bank's security procedures to minimize immediate detection.

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The Investigation Begins

Sergeants Friday and Smith are assigned to the robbery detail. Their initial assessments highlight the sophistication of the crime, noting the robbers' familiarity with the bank's layout and security measures.

• Joe Friday interacts with the bank manager, uncovering crucial details:

  "I came in and locked the door behind me. Rules say you gotta lock the door. I did." [03:54]

The investigators collect evidence, including footprints and broken hacksaw blades, but face obstacles such as the robbers wearing gloves to prevent fingerprinting.

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Key Testimonies and Clues

Through meticulous questioning, Friday and Smith uncover vital information from witnesses and the bank manager, Mr. Blanton. Key clues include:

• Description of the Robbers:

  "The big one had a machine gun. And the other, the little scrawny one, had a pistol." [05:18]

• Suspicious Behavior:

  "They wanted me to act as kind of a decoy, ma'am. Well, when the other people who work in the bank came up to the door, they could look inside and see me standing there." [07:15]

Despite extensive efforts, initial leads prove unfruitious, leading to growing frustration among the investigative team.

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Breakthrough and Pursuit

The turning point in the investigation comes when a serialized ransom note and additional eyewitness accounts point towards a potential suspect, Betty Gallic. Her involvement provides a tangible lead, prompting the detectives to collaborate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

• Frank Smith expresses determination:

  "I've got a couple for them." [10:10]

Their pursuit takes them to a motel on Sepulveda Boulevard, where they anticipate the robbers' return. A tense standoff ensues, showcasing the thin line between law enforcement and criminality.

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The Arrest and Conclusion

After a suspenseful search of the motel reveals a hidden machine gun, the detectives await the robbers' return. At midnight, Dean Franklin and Richard Norton make their move, leading to their apprehension.

• Joe Friday confronts Franklin:

  "Put your hands behind you." [26:42]

Their capture culminates in a courtroom confession, tying up loose ends and reaffirming the efficacy of diligent police work.

• Narrator concludes:

  "Dean Roger Franklin, Richard Henry Norton, and Betty Elaine Gallic were tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree." [27:50]

The episode underscores themes of perseverance, the importance of evidence-based investigation, and the unwavering commitment of law enforcement to uphold justice.

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Notable Quotes

• Joe Friday reflecting on the strategy:

  "They thought there wasn't anything wrong. Came right in like lambs to the slaughter." [07:15]

• Frank Smith on the ordeal:

  "I'm not a young woman anymore. A thing like that can be a tremendous shock." [05:04]

• Jim Allison cautioning the detectives:

  "Because I know Franklin's got a gun." [23:23]

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Final Thoughts

"Dragnet: The Big Saw" exemplifies the quintessential police procedural drama of its era, blending realism with compelling storytelling. Through sergeants Friday and Smith, listeners gain insight into the complexities of criminal investigations and the relentless pursuit of justice that defines the Los Angeles Police Department.

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Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections to focus solely on the narrative and investigative elements of the episode.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

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[Frank Smith]

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[Joe Friday]

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[Frank Smith]

I love it.

[Joe Friday]

I really do.

[Detective]

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 [e-mail].

[Narrator]

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

[Commercial Voice]

Dragnet is brought to you by Chesterfield. Made by Liggett and Myers. First major tobacco company to bring you a complete line of quality cigarettes.

[Narrator]

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[Commercial Voice]

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, June 3rd. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A robbery detail. My partner's Frank Smith, the boss of chief of Detective Stad Brown. My name's Friday. I was on my way back from the street and it was 8:47am when I got to the rear of the bank, the manager's office.

[Frank Smith]

I'm not a young woman anymore. I can't take this kind of excitement.

[Detective]

Yes, ma'am. You check with them?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, they got the broadcast out right away. It's a long shot if it pays off.

[Detective]

Yeah, not much of a Description?

[Frank Smith]

I hope you're not saying that for my benefit. Young man, I gave you all I could. It was hard to see their faces with those scarves on. Maybe you could have done better, but I couldn't.

[Joe Friday]

We're not trying to say that you didn't do good, ma'am. We understand the handicap that you were under.

[Frank Smith]

I should hope so. Terrible thing. I'm not a young woman anymore.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. Now, would you tell us just exactly what happened now? Right from the beginning?

[Frank Smith]

You mean starting when I come in this morning?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am, that's right.

[Frank Smith]

8:00, just like always. That's when I got here. Opened the door with McKee and came right on in. Little suspecting what was waiting for me. I tell you, I was pretty surprised when they popped out at me.

[Joe Friday]

You didn't see them at first then, huh?

[Frank Smith]

Of course not. You think I would have come in if I'd have seen them?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma'am.

[Frank Smith]

Certainly not. Never would have come in.

[Joe Friday]

When did you first see the two men?

[Frank Smith]

I came in and locked the door behind me. Rules say you gotta lock the door. I did. And then I went back to the clothes closet to hang up my coat and umbrella.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Go ahead.

[Frank Smith]

Kind of silly, I guess, carry an umbrella on a day like this. But I always do. Never know.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Frank Smith]

People always kind of smirk at me for carrying one. But whenever it rains out of a clear sky, they don't smirk. Then I'm always the center of a crowd? You just bet, you.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. Would you go ahead with what happened, please?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I hung up my umbrella and my coat, and then I came out the main part of the bank. Right out where those two assassins were.

[Joe Friday]

And that's when you saw them? Is that right?

[Frank Smith]

Oh, no. They were cagey. They waited until I was away from the alarm system. They were real sly.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Go ahead.

[Frank Smith]

I walked out the tables. You know where the deposit slips are out in the center?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Frank Smith]

Out there. I walked out straightened up. Really isn't my job. But I didn't have anything else to do. So I thought I'd maybe just check and see if any of the points needed new nibs. I like a neat place, you know. All the slips in the right place. Blotters all clean and new. Neat.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am, I understand. When did you see the thieves?

[Frank Smith]

As I was straightening up the counter. That's when they stepped out in the open.

[Detective]

Where were they, ma'am?

[Frank Smith]

Over in the escrow department. Hiding behind the desks. I guess that's the direction they came from.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Now, what'd they say to you?

[Frank Smith]

The big one, he looked at me with his steely eyes and told me to be quiet and nothing would happen. Said to be just quiet. I'm not young anymore, Sergeant. A thing like that can be a tremendous shock.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. Were both of the men together at that time?

[Frank Smith]

I don't understand.

[Joe Friday]

Well, did they both come out from behind the counter?

[Frank Smith]

Oh, yes. The big one had a machine gun. And the other, the little scrawny one, had a pistol.

[Detective]

You're positive the big one had a machine gun?

[Frank Smith]

Listen, young man, I've seen enough movies and television to know a machine gun when I see it, don't you think? I don't.

[Joe Friday]

Now, about the pistol. Was it a revolver or an automatic?

[Frank Smith]

What?

[Joe Friday]

Well, look here. Did it look like this, this gun of mine?

[Frank Smith]

No, no, it wasn't like that. It was more the kind you see in movies. More mean looking than that. Real mean looking. Kind of flat like.

[Joe Friday]

I see. It was an automatic then, huh?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I don't know what it was, but it was real mean. And furthermore, I wouldn't be surprised there were real bullets in it. Not in the least.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Now, after they came out from behind the counter, what happened?

[Frank Smith]

They asked me what time the rest of the staff came in. I told them anytime that seemed to make them happy.

[Joe Friday]

Why you say that?

[Frank Smith]

Because one of them, the big one, turned to the little runt and said, just like clockwork. That's what he said. Just like clockwork. I'm going to tell you something. Sort of a clue.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am, that's it.

[Frank Smith]

These fellas been planning this a long time. They knew all about how the bank works, what time everybody comes in and all. They even knew about the keys.

[Joe Friday]

What keys?

[Frank Smith]

The ones to the bank door. They knew who had them. First thing they wanted to know, after they asked about the staff, was where my key was.

[Detective]

You have a key to the vault?

[Frank Smith]

No, not to the vault itself. Just to the doors in front of it. You know the barred doors in front of the vault door? Yes, ma'am, to those.

[Joe Friday]

Did you give the men your key?

[Frank Smith]

I didn't have much to say about it. I told you, I think they might have had real bullets in those guns. And I wasn't about to make sure.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Frank Smith]

After all, I pay my taxes. Catching those fellows is your job, not mine. If you want to cash a check, I can take care of you. But I'm not About to go out and apprehend no thieves.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. What happened then?

[Frank Smith]

You mean after I gave them the key?

[Joe Friday]

That's right, yes.

[Frank Smith]

They made me get off to one side of the front doors and wait for the rest of the staff. As they'd come in, the holdup men would make them get into the closet in the rear of the bank Where I hung my umbrella.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. But they let you stay outside, did they?

[Frank Smith]

Oh, yes. They had me right up in front with those guns pointed at me every second. Every second. I guess they wanted me to act as kind of a decoy, ma'am. Well, when the other people who work in the bank came up to the door, they could look inside and see me standing there. That way, I guess they thought there wasn't anything wrong. Came right in like lambs to the slaughter. Next thing they knew, there was a gun in their ribs and they was locked up in the closet.

[Joe Friday]

What time did the manager come in?

[Frank Smith]

Poor Mr. Blanton. He's not well, you know. He's not well at all.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. We saw him out front.

[Frank Smith]

Is he all right? He had an awful attack. Bad heart.

[Joe Friday]

Well, they've taken him to georgia street receiving hospital.

[Frank Smith]

Did they find his pills?

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Frank Smith]

His pills. Mr. Blanton had a special kind of pills he takes when he has an attack. Some kind of explosive. Always has them with him. Did the men find him?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I guess they did, or else they had the necessary medication with him. He's going to be all right. Just need some rest.

[Frank Smith]

I'm glad of that. Sweet man. Widower.

[Joe Friday]

What happened when he came in?

[Frank Smith]

Mr. Blanton?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Frank Smith]

Well, he was just about pulled right in off the streets. He just got his key in the door and they practically just yanked him right in right away. Wanda's key to the vault door. You have to have both of them in order to open it. Both of them have to be turned at the same time. They asked him for his key. At first he didn't want to give it to him. Told him to get out of his bank and to stop the foolishness. Just like that. He told em. I thought they were going to shoot him, but they didn't. I think if it hadn't been for the big one, they would have. The scrawny one wanted to. Wanted to kill Mr. Blanton right in cold blood, but the big one stopped him. Said to just get on with the job and get out of there. That's what he said, to get out of there. That's when Mr. Blanton passed out cold, right on the floor. Attack.

[Joe Friday]

You want to go ahead?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I guess they just about had a fight between themselves over that.

[Joe Friday]

Well, how do you mean?

[Frank Smith]

The big one really read the runt off. Told him he was stupid for making poor Mr. Blanton pass out. Said that now they'd have to wait for the combination of the safe. But I stopped that.

[Joe Friday]

How's that?

[Frank Smith]

I gave him the combination.

[Joe Friday]

You told him how to open the safety?

[Frank Smith]

Certainly. With poor Mr. Blanton laying there on the floor, all I could think about was them getting out of there. That's all that was important.

[Joe Friday]

That's when they opened the safe, didn't it?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Went right over to Mr. Blanton and got his key out of his pocket and unlocked the door. By then the lock had switched off and they just opened up the vault, went in, cleaned it right out. Just scooped up the money and put it in a black bag and left. First off, of course, they locked me up in the closet with the others and then they left.

[Joe Friday]

Who turned in the alarm?

[Frank Smith]

I guess it was Mr. Blanton. He was laying on the floor where he'd fell. I guess he came to enough to get to the alarm system and turned it on. Must have been him. Wasn't anybody else who could have done it?

[Detective]

During the time the men were in the bank, did you hear them use any names?

[Frank Smith]

I don't think I understand what you mean.

[Detective]

Well, do they call each other by name at any time?

[Frank Smith]

Not that I heard. Is it important?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it'd help.

[Frank Smith]

I didn't hear them use any, but if worse comes to worse, I can do something about it.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Frank Smith]

I've got a couple for them.

[Joe Friday]

We obtained a complete description of the hold up pair and a supplemental broadcast was put out. The crime lab crew came out to the scene and went over the premises for physical evidence. From their investigation, we found that the bandits had made their entrance through a rear window. They'd sawed through the steel bars and broken the glass. From there they'd come in and apparently had waited for the employees to arrive. We'd ascertained from the cashier that both men had worn gloves, so there was no chance of getting any fingerprints. In the dirt on the alley pavement, Lee jones was able to find several good impressions of footprints. These were photographed and booked as evidence. Because of their placement, it was more than likely that they belonged to the thieves. Also in the alley, he found several broken hacksaw blades. These were booked. Their Numbers noted and a request sent to the manufacturer for the name of the store that had sold them. The other employees of the bank were questioned, and they verified the story and the description that we'd gotten from the cashier. The stats office started a run on the MO used, and the victims were taken downtown and asked to go through the mug books. They were not able to give us an identification of the thieves. That afternoon at 3:47pm Frank and I met back in the squadroom. Hi. Hi.

[Detective]

How'd the stats office do?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I got the list right here. 18 possibles?

[Detective]

Yeah. Any of them look good?

[Joe Friday]

Couple. Skipper around?

[Detective]

No. You went over the inspector's office. Anything special?

[Joe Friday]

I wanted to check with him on who's gonna work with us on this thing.

[Detective]

We left word Murph and Gaffney are with us. We can use Pinky and Stromwell if we need him.

[Joe Friday]

Is Murph around?

[Detective]

No, he went down to R and I. You got a hunch this might tie in with the heist they worked on last month? Same mo Figured he might as well check it out.

[Joe Friday]

Well, as soon as he gets back, maybe he'll give us a hand with this list, huh?

[Detective]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

How about the bank manager? Any word there?

[Detective]

I called Georgia street, talked with Dr. Sebastian. He said Bland has been released to his own doctor.

[Joe Friday]

What kind of condition is he in?

[Detective]

Should be able to talk to him tonight. Guess it was a pretty bad attack. Sebastian said he was in rough shape.

[Joe Friday]

Well, let's check out. We can tag Murph in the hall. Is Gaffney with him?

[Detective]

He was.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's go. You want to sign us out? Yeah, I got it. Robbery Friday. Yeah, he's here. Just a minute. For you, Frank.

[Detective]

Okay. You want to take care of the book?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective]

Who is it?

[Joe Friday]

He didn't say. He just wanted to talk to you.

[Detective]

Smith speaking. Yeah, that's right. Huh. Yeah, sure we can. Yes, sir, we can. Right away. You want to give me that address?

[Joe Friday]

Podbean. Your message amplified. Ready to share your message with the world. Start your podcast journey with Podbean. Podbean, the AI powered all in one podcast platform. Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Use Podbean to record your podcast. Use PodBean AI to optimize your podcast. Use PodBean AI to turn your blog into a podcast. Use Podbean to distribute your podcast everywhere. Launch your podcast on Podbean today. Uh huh.

[Detective]

Yes, sir. Okay. Thank you. I have it. Yeah, right away.

[Joe Friday]

Goodbye.

[Detective]

It's Bland's Doctor?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective]

Says he wants to see us right away. No.

[Joe Friday]

What about?

[Detective]

Well, Bland says he remembers that when the thieves left the bank, a customer came up to the door.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective]

He heard the big one tell the other one to take off his mask. The customer got a good look at both of them.

[Joe Friday]

We left the office immediately and drove over to the bank manager's home. We talked with his doctor and we obtained permission to ask a few questions. Blanton told us that as the two thieves had left the bank, a woman passerby had noticed the bank manager's key still in the front door lock. She'd stopped and knocked at the door to notify someone in the bank about the keys. As she did, the two hold up men had taken off their masks and passed directly in front of her. We asked Blanton if he knew the woman, but he said that he'd never seen her before. We asked if it was possible that she might be a customer of his bank. He said it was possible that he'd just never seen her before. He gave us her description and we started a check with the bank employees in the hopes that one of them could identify her. None of them could. We got out a supplemental bulletin asking that the woman be picked up. In the meantime, Officers Murphy and Rafferty had checked out the list of possibles that the office had come up with. All of the names on the list either had alibis or could establish that they were not near the bank when it was robbed. We checked all FI cards filed in the area without result. Frank and I checked out of the office at 12:18am and went home to get some sleep. The next day, Wednesday, June 3rd, Frank was waiting for me when I got to work.

[Detective]

Don't sit down. We got a call to make. Yeah, Marie Logan called you. Remember the rental car agent out in the Valley?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah. She gave us a hand on the identity of that young fellow that knocked over the liquor store. Out of Tilda. The method, wasn't it?

[Detective]

That's the one.

[Joe Friday]

What you got?

[Detective]

Might be nothing, but we ought to check it out. Says there's a woman who hangs around the local bars mooching drinks. Never got a dime. Yeah, she came in to see Marie yesterday afternoon. Wanted to rent a car to drive to New York.

[Joe Friday]

Where do we fit in?

[Detective]

She wanted to pay in advance. Offered Marie Brand new $100 bills.

[Joe Friday]

From the statement we'd gotten from the bank, we knew that in the $34,000 the thieves had taken, there were several thousand dollars in $100 bills. Frank and I signed out of the office and drove out to the San Fernando Valley. At the corner of Valley Heart Boulevard and Dickens, we found Marie Logan's rental agency. There was a line of late model cars in front of the lot, and at the rear we found a small wooden building. Frank knocked at the door and we waited.

[Marie Logan]

Yeah? Oh, hi. It's you.

[Detective]

Hello, Miss Logan.

[Joe Friday]

Miss Logan.

[Marie Logan]

Hi, Sergeant. Mr. Smith, come on in.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Detective]

Thanks very much.

[Marie Logan]

Sure. I hope I haven't brought you guys out here in a wild goose chase. Hope it works out all right.

[Joe Friday]

You want to fill us in?

[Marie Logan]

This woman, name's Betty Gallic, hangs around the bars in the neighborhood. Spends her time catching drinks. Real bum.

[Detective]

Why do you figure we might be interested?

[Marie Logan]

Couple of times she's come in to rent a car just to use around town. First few times I was stuck.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean?

[Marie Logan]

Checks. She'd pay the deposit with a check. Then when she brought the car back, she'd pay the bill by check, check it bounce. Then when I'd call her, she'd come in and pick it up and give me the cash to cover it. That's the only reason I didn't turn it over to you. She always paid up.

[Joe Friday]

Now, this time she had the cash, though.

[Marie Logan]

Yeah. Came in, wanted a new Lincoln to drive to New York. She was dressed like always. Cheap cotton dress cloth coat. Even had the imitation leather purse kind that's supposed to look like real leather, but as soon as you get inside 10ft, you know it isn't. You know what I mean?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, I think so.

[Marie Logan]

That kind. Well, anyway, when she asked for the car, I told her I couldn't let her have it. Said I'd been stung too many times before. So right off she said she wanted to pay cash. That's when she opens his crummy purse and the door almost fell out. Must have had a couple of thousand dollars in there, maybe more.

[Detective]

Well, you said something on the phone about Hundred Doll?

[Marie Logan]

Yeah. She pulled out a couple of them to show me she could pay cash. I asked her where she got them.

[Detective]

What'd you say to that?

[Marie Logan]

She said it wasn't any of my business. Told me as long as she had the money and a driver's license, I should ought to rent her the car. I thought I ought to check with you first.

[Joe Friday]

Now, you got an address on this Gallic woman?

[Marie Logan]

Yeah. After I called this morning, I checked through the records, Got her home address and the driver's license number.

[Detective]

She got any friends you know of?

[Marie Logan]

Just about on every bar stool where she hung out, I mean.

[Detective]

Anyone special?

[Marie Logan]

Oh, I don't know. I saw her a couple of times with the same guy in the place down at the corner. Hot days, I sometimes go down there for a beer. Well, I've seen her there with this one guy a couple of times.

[Joe Friday]

You know who he is?

[Marie Logan]

No, not his name. I've seen the two of them drive away together a couple of times. He's got a flashy convertible. Guess he drove it out here.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean?

[Marie Logan]

Car's got a New York license plate. Oh, excuse me.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Detective]

Go ahead.

[Marie Logan]

Logan Reynolds service. Yeah. Huh? Yeah, I know her. Yeah. You sure about that? Sure. Okay, thanks. Goodbye. That tears it.

[Joe Friday]

What's wrong?

[Marie Logan]

There was a rental agency in Hollywood called to ask me about Betty Gallic. Seems she gave me as a reference.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Marie Logan]

Came into their place and rented a car from them. Paid cash for it.

[Joe Friday]

Was she there now?

[Marie Logan]

No, she left for New York this morning.

[Commercial Voice]

You are listening to Dragnet. The authentic story of your police force in action.

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[Frank Smith]

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[Joe Friday]

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[Joe Friday]

We contacted the rental agency that had leased the car to Betty Gallick. From them we got a description of the car and the license number. We put out a local and an all points bulletin on the vehicle. We got in touch with the New York authorities and asked them to be on the lookout for the car. We got the Gaelic woman's address from the rental agency and we checked out her house. We found nothing to give us any indication as to where she might have gone. But we did find a silk scarf similar to the one described by the victims as having been worn by the hold up men. We checked with the neighbors, but none of them could tell us where Betty Gallic had gone two days Went by while we followed down every lead that turned up. The information from the crime lab was checked out, but it led us nowhere. The serial numbers on the hacksaw blades had come back, but when we talked to the store owner, he was unable to tell us who had bought them. Saturday at 12 noon, a meeting was held in the offices of Thad Brown. Members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation were there. They had agents working on the case, but they hadn't been able to come up with any more information than we'd gotten. 2:14pm Frank and I got back to the office.

[Detective]

The chief was your man.

[Joe Friday]

Well, do you blame him? We haven't got very much.

[Detective]

Well, seems like every time we do get a lead worth anything, it goes to nothing.

[Joe Friday]

It's got to end someplace. I got it. Robbery Friday. Yeah, we did. No, when. Yeah, right. No, I'll be right down to pick it up. Yeah, thanks. Bye. Those communications, they just got a wire from Chicago. Yeah, they picked up the Gallic woman. Betty Gallic had been picked up south of Chicago and held in answer to our communication. However, when she was picked up, she was in the company of two other women. They were identified as her sisters. We made arrangements to talk to her by long distance telephone. As soon as we started to ask her questions regarding the bank robbery, she admitted being the driver of the getaway car. She told us that the theft had been planned by a man she knew only as Dean. She was unable to tell us any more about him. She went on to say that she'd met him in a bar in the Valley along with the other two men. She identified these two men as Richard and Matt. She was unable to give us their last names or tell us any more about them. She did say, however, that Matt was from New York and that as far as she knew, he was there at the time. She went on to say that he was not with the trio when the bank was held up. We questioned her further, but she was unable to give us any additional information on the three men. She did, however, tell us that they had stayed at a motel located on Sepulveda Boulevard. She gave us the name and the approximate location. She was detained pending extradition in Chicago. Saturday evening, Frank and I drove out to the motel that the Gaelic woman had mentioned. We rang the bell and waited.

[Narrator]

Yeah, Lights on.

[Jim Allison]

We got no vacancies.

[Joe Friday]

Police officers. We want to ask you some questions. What about a couple of men who stayed here?

[Jim Allison]

Anybody in this place who's got trouble with the cops has to get out. You tell me who they Are, and I'll throw them right at you. I don't want no trouble. Now, who you looking for?

[Detective]

One of them's tall, the other's short, Named Dean and Richard.

[Jim Allison]

What about the last name?

[Detective]

We haven't got that.

[Jim Allison]

Don't need it. I know who you mean.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure.

[Jim Allison]

Dean Franklin, Dick Norton, A couple of no goods. They ain't here no more.

[Detective]

You know where they are?

[Jim Allison]

I'm not sure. I think maybe. I got an address in my desk. Come on in.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Jim Allison]

I'm Jim Allison.

[Joe Friday]

Well, it's Frank Smith. My name's Friday.

[Jim Allison]

What have the boys done?

[Joe Friday]

Just routine. We want to talk to them.

[Jim Allison]

You won't tell me, huh?

[Detective]

It'll be better if we talk to them about it.

[Jim Allison]

Have it your own way. I don't want to get mixed up in anything. Those boys got themselves a bucket of trouble. I want no part of it. While they was here, they paid their rent and didn't cause much trouble. That's all I was interested in. Long as they didn't cause any trouble.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. How long ago did they leave?

[Jim Allison]

I guess about a week ago. I got it in the book, so I can check it for you if you want.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. We'd like to have the information.

[Jim Allison]

Sure, I'll get it for you.

[Joe Friday]

Do you have any visitors while they were here?

[Jim Allison]

A couple of guys come around in the morning. That's about it, though. Look like bill collectors. The boys never let him inside. Used to talk on the porch.

[Detective]

The three of them move out at the same time?

[Jim Allison]

No, Matt left a couple of days before. Said he was going back East. I think he had some kind of a job back there. They wasn't real chummy, you know. Kind of kept to themselves.

[Joe Friday]

All right, sir. Would you see if you got that address where they might be?

[Jim Allison]

Oh, sure. Forgot all about it. It's in the desk, I think. Always running into this kind of thing with a motel.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. What's that?

[Jim Allison]

Wrong people renting rooms. We got no way of checking on them. Seems like whenever somebody's got trouble, they pick a motel to have it. And it never ends. Now, let's see.

[Detective]

Yeah, here it is.

[Jim Allison]

They left this in case I got any mail forms. Said just to send it on.

[Frank Smith]

Here you are.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Jim Allison]

It's a place out in West Los Angeles.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you very much, sir.

[Jim Allison]

Glad to help out. You can't tell me what this is about, huh?

[Joe Friday]

No, sir. It's police business.

[Jim Allison]

You figure you're gonna have any trouble with them?

[Joe Friday]

Well, it's hard to say. It'll depend on how they want it.

[Jim Allison]

And if I was you, I'd take it easy picking them up.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Jim Allison]

Because I know Franklin's got a gun.

[Joe Friday]

We obtained the license number and a description of the car that the suspects had driven. It was a late model convertible with New York license plates. Before we left the motel, we called R and I and checked the names Dean Franklin and Richard Norton. We found that both of them had long felony records. We talked to Captain Donahoe and had two more teams of men sent out from the office to meet us at the address that we'd gotten from the motel manager. From what we knew of the two men, taking them into custody would be difficult. Frank and I left the motel and drove out to the address. In West Los Angeles was a one story wooden building set well back on a weed filled lot. A late model car was in the driveway. Ten minutes after we got there, Officers Murphy, Rafferty, Mead and Lightner met us. Murphy had brought two sawed off shotguns loaded with double aught buck and several tear gas grenades. The only chance we had of taking them in without bloodshed was to use the one element on our side. Surprise. Murphy and Rafferty went around to the street at the back of the house and Leitner took the other. When all of us were in position, Frank and I prepared to move up to the front door.

[Detective]

You all set?

[Joe Friday]

Just a minute. All right, let's go. I don't see anything. Well, they might have seen this. You better take it easy.

[Detective]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's make it for the porch.

[Detective]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Come on. You okay? Yeah. All right. Now I'll take the door. When we get inside, you go to the left, I'll handle the right side.

[Detective]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

You know what I'm saying? Yeah. Now.

[Detective]

How about it?

[Joe Friday]

Nothing. Place is empty. We searched the house, but we found no trace of the suspects. From the clothing in the closets, we figured that they had not moved out. And going over the house, we found a machine gun hidden in one of the bedrooms. The cartridge clip was loaded and the gun was ready for use. We pulled the clip, called the officer and told them where we were. Then we settled down to wait for the suspects to return. Murphy and Rafferty covered the rear approaches to the house. Mead, Leitner were in cars parked down the street and Frank and I waited in the front room. At 10:46pm the phone in the house rang three times and then it stopped. We waited for Franklin and Norton to come back. 11:00pm 11:30, still no sign of him. Started to get Cold in the house. Midnight, 12:30. The phone rang again. 12:45. From down the street, we heard a car approach.

[Detective]

Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective]

You see anything?

[Joe Friday]

Just a minute. Pull that curtain back. It's a Ford sedan coming down this way. Pulled into the driveway. Wait a minute. That's them. Just the two of them? Near as I can tell, yeah. They're getting out of the car. Yeah.

[Detective]

How about Lightner and me?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. They see them? They're starting to get out of the car down there. Better cover the door. They're coming in.

[Detective]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Police officer. Stand still. Frank. Vic. Frank, get the other one. Frank.

[Detective]

Hold him up.

[Jim Allison]

Hey, Lightning, he's coming at you.

[Joe Friday]

No.

[Frank Smith]

Hold him up.

[Joe Friday]

We got him, Frank. All right, Franklin, turn around.

[Jim Allison]

How'd you get to us? Who told you?

[Joe Friday]

Put your hands behind you.

[Jim Allison]

Who told you we were here? Somebody had to tell you. You'd never have got us without somebody tipping you. It was that lush Betty, wasn't it? It was her that told you.

[Joe Friday]

All right, outside. Come on, move. Had to be her.

[Jim Allison]

She was the only one that knew. Had to be her. You'd never have made it without her.

[Joe Friday]

You're wrong. Huh? We'd have made it. Come on.

[Narrator]

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

[Commercial Voice]

On November 14, trial was held in Department 92, Superior Court of the State of California. In and for the county of Los Angeles. In a moment, the results of that trial.

[Narrator]

Now, here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

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[Commercial Voice]

Dean Roger Franklin, Richard Henry Norton. And Betty Elaine Gallic. Were tried and convicted of robbery in the first degree. Robbery in the first degree is punishable by imprisonment in the state penitentiary. For a period of from five years to life. Further investigation showed that Matthew Arthur Ross had no part or knowledge of the crime. 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 Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, Sergeant Vance Brasher. Heard tonight were Ben Alexander, Helen Kleeb, Georgia Ellis, Vic Perrin. Script by John Robinson. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Narrator]

Watch an entirely different 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 Filter cigarette smokers Here is headline news. Nationwide demand for L and M filters drops price. Now you save up to 4 cents a pack, 40 cents a carton. Now everyone can afford America's highest quality and best filter tip cigarette. Remember, only L&M's have the miracle filter tip containing alpha cellulose. You get much more flavor, much less nicotine. Buy L and M filters, the distinctive Monogram cigarette at the new low price L and M filters. Hear Dane Clark in Crime and Peter Chambers following John Cameron Swayze and the News on the NBC Radio Network.