Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

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