Dragnet: The Big Talk 03/22/1955

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Dragnet: The Big Talk" (Original Airdate: 03/22/1955)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Host: Choice Classic Radio
Episode Description:
A jewelry salesman reports being robbed of his sample case containing valuable watches. As Detectives Friday and Smith investigate, the story becomes more complicated, revealing twists, fabrications, and the human stakes behind a seemingly simple crime.

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Main Theme / Purpose

This Dragnet episode centers on a robbery case reported by a watch salesman named Russell Liggins. The detectives’ methodical investigation systematically challenges the veracity of the victim’s story, culminating in the revelation of a self-engineered cover-up and an unexpected culprit. The episode is a prime example of Dragnet's dedication to realism and the step-by-step nature of police work, as well as its unembellished, matter-of-fact tone.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Initial Report

• Russell Liggins walks into the robbery detail office and claims to have been robbed of a case containing valuable watch samples by two men, "George" and "Paul," after meeting them at a bar.
  • "[The Company] ought to fire me. I wouldn’t blame them if they did." (03:00, Liggins)
• He details a late-night meeting, friendly drinks, and an early morning ride to the airport that ended with the supposed robbery.
• Detectives Friday and Smith gather initial facts: location (Greystone Hotel), car description, partial physical descriptions, and "George" and "Paul’s" supposed background.

2. Investigative Doubts

• As detectives retrace Liggins's steps and interview witnesses, his account begins to unravel.
  • Bartender Sam at the Green Hat Café recalls Liggins was alone the night before, except for a woman, not two men.
  • A cab driver reports Liggins left the hotel later than claimed and never entered another car.
  • The hotel desk clerk and bellhop confirm Liggins had only one suitcase and no sample case when he checked out.

3. Confrontation and the Truth

• Confronted with contradicting witness accounts and evidence, Liggins maintains his story before admitting the fabrication under pressure.
  • "You make it kind of hard to buy." (14:17, Friday)
• Liggins confesses he invented “George and Paul” to avoid embarrassment; the real story is that he invited a woman he met at the bar (Barbara) to his room, shared drinks with her, and woke up to find the sample case gone.
  • "I told her she could have [the watch] for free... Then she said we ought to have a couple more drinks... Maybe she put something in mine. Or maybe they were just strong." (15:00, Liggins)

4. Following the Trail

• The detectives track the mysterious "Barbara" through waitress Jeanette at the Green Hat Café.
• Jeanette reveals "Barbara" is recently married to Tom Kernan, an ex-con with a long record.
  • "He’s got a record as long as my right arm… A good-looking girl like Barbara, she sure could have done better." (20:38, Jeanette)
• The police locate the Kernans' apartment and confront Tom, discovering the stolen watches in the closet.
  • Tom feigns ignorance but is quick to disparage Barbara’s naiveté: "First job she ever pulls, she gets picked up. Time I was her age I’d pulled half a dozen, you cops hadn’t even tumbled once." (23:26, Tom Kernan)
• The episode underscores the damaging influence of criminal relationships and naïve trust.

5. Resolution

• Legal outcomes are summarized:
  • Tom Kernan is returned to the Adult Authority for parole violation.
  • Barbara Kernan (née Hooper) is convicted of grand theft.
• The detectives’ methodical, sometimes blunt, approach contrasts with the emotional motivations and vulnerabilities of the people involved.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Perils of Truth-Shading:
  "Well, you want the truth, don't you? Well, you're getting it. Least you can do is try to believe it." (14:14, Liggins)

• On Motives for Lying:
  "If [my boss] ever found out I let some dame roll me in a hotel room, well, I'd be out of my ear. And that's not all. I got a wife." (16:41, Liggins)

• On Detective Work:
  "No. It makes a difference. Yeah, if we want to find out who took them." (17:33, Friday, explaining why honesty matters)

• On Influence and Recidivism:
  “Tried to teach her the ropes. Gets picked up on her first job… Look who taught her.” (23:30-23:39, Exchange between Friday and Tom Kernan)

• Comic Relief:
  Sam, the bartender, bemoaning police attention: "Whenever you guys show up, I make up my mind you’re not gonna get any answers from me... And then what happens? I end up telling you everything you wanna know." (19:33, Sam)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Initial Call/Robbery Report: 02:05–07:54
• Liggins Describes 'George and Paul': 03:54–07:54
• Police Begin Fact-Checking: 08:01–11:13
• Confrontation in Hotel Room: 12:02–13:04
• Liggins Admits the Truth: 14:03–16:26
• Bartender and Waitress Identify Barbara: 18:23–20:32
• Interview with Jeanette (Waitress): 20:06–21:25
• At Barbara and Tom Kernan’s Apartment: 21:49–23:46
• Resolution/Sentencing: 23:52–24:53

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Tone and Language

• The language is spare and direct, typical of "Dragnet’s" documentary realism.
• Humor and exasperation surface, especially through interactions with witnesses like bartender Sam.
• The pathos emerges in Liggins’s confession—his blend of shame, fear for his marriage, and the casual tragedy of a good job lost through a careless encounter.

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Summary Takeaway

This is a classic Dragnet: a seemingly straightforward robbery case becomes a puzzle whose solution relies on careful police work, the fragility of human character, and the sometimes unexpected turns of truth. The detectives’ stoicism and tenacity expose not just the facts but the emotional lives and flawed choices of everyone involved.

Transcript

[A]

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].

[B]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a robbery detail. A watch salesman tells you his sample case has been stolen. He says he knows the men who did it. Your job, find him.

[C]

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 site 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.

[A]

It was Tuesday.

[D]

October 4th.

[A]

Was cool in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of robbery detail. My partner's Frank Smith, the boss of chief of detectives Thad Brown. My name's Friday. We're on our way into the office and it was 7:46am when we got to room 27. A robbery.

[E]

I'll check the book.

[A]

All right. Anything for us? No.

[E]

Say, took Faye the movies last night.

[A]

Well, yeah. Darn good double bill.

[E]

Mystery in a comedy. Sure had me fooled.

[D]

What?

[E]

The mystery had me fooled. I never can figure out who done was this rich society girl. She lived in the penthouse, top floor. Real modern, kind of glass.

[A]

Yeah.

[E]

Well, they found her lying outside on.

[D]

The roof garden part. And the doors were all locked.

[E]

And the police had to break them down to get in as soon as they got in.

[A]

Yes, sir.

[D]

I'd like to report a robbery. Is this the right place?

[F]

Yes, sir.

[A]

You want to sit down?

[D]

Oh, thanks. My name's Liggins. Russell Liggins.

[A]

Can you spell it, please?

[D]

It's L, I, G, G, I, N S. Liggins.

[A]

This is Frank Smith. My name is Friday.

[D]

I'm pleased to meet you. How you doing?

[A]

I suppose you tell us what happened, Mr. Liggins.

[D]

Be okay to smoke? Sure, Go ahead. You fellas care for a cigarette?

[A]

Yeah, thank you. Here, I have a light.

[D]

Frank. Thanks. Thank you. Well, it was my own fault to begin with. It just wasn't using my head. Company ought to fire me. I wouldn't blame them if they did.

[E]

What company is that?

[D]

Sentinel Watch company up in Seattle.

[A]

I see.

[D]

It's a new outfit. They import movements from Japan and put them in cases over here and wholesale them, you know?

[A]

Mm.

[D]

I'm one of their head salesmen. I came down for the jewelers convention, I see. The convention ended yesterday and I was supposed to leave for home this morning. Nine o' clock plane. I guess I have to take a later flight now. Yes. Boy, of all the dumb stunts. Practically handed in my sample case on a silver platter. That's 100 watches, our best stuff. A lot of them in jeweled cases. Company want to make a good impression, you know.

[E]

Where'd the robbery take place, Mr. Liggins?

[D]

Front of the hotel. For all intents and purposes, that is.

[A]

Which hotel is it?

[D]

A Greystone. That's where I've been stopped.

[A]

I see. Do you have any idea who robbed you?

[D]

The best idea in the world.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Spent a couple of hours with him last night. Yeah, you see, what happened is this, like I said, the convention was over yesterday and wound up about five o'clock in the afternoon. And, well, I had the whole evening ahead of me. Nothing to do. Go ahead. I had dinner there at the hotel, a couple drinks. Stole too early to go to bed, so I thought I'd look the town over, you know, Stopped by Pershing Square and listen to those characters spouting off and along. About 10 o' clock I headed back toward the Graystone, passed the bar and decided to go in for a nightcap.

[A]

Do you remember the name of the bar?

[D]

I'm afraid not. It's just a couple blocks from the hotel, though. Had a nice little combo in there. Played pretty good music. So I sat around for a while. Yeah, I guess I had a little too much to drink. Oh, I wasn't drunk or anything like that, but had my share. It must have been a little higher. I wouldn't have got started talking to a couple of strangers the way I did. Yeah, they were sitting next to me, these two fellas. We got to chatting, you know, it's about music. At first they seemed to be enjoying it. One thing led to another and they.

[F]

Bought me a drink.

[D]

And then I had to pay them back, of course.

[A]

Yes, sir.

[D]

Asked me what line I was in. I told them I sold watches. Said I was in town for the jewelry convention. They took a real big. Said that's why they were here, too. Claimed they had a jewelry store in Salt Lake City.

[E]

They mentioned their names?

[D]

Oh, sure, they introduced themselves, but it didn't sink in. Not their last names anyhow. George and Paul. Yeah, that's all I can remember.

[E]

What happened then?

[D]

Well, they started complaining about the quality of the watches they've been shown. Said they hadn't seen anything worth buying. Well, so I asked Them if they'd looked at my samples, and they said they didn't think so. I offered to make an appointment to show them my stuff. Figured I could stay over an extra day on the chance of making a good sale. And they said that wouldn't be necessary for me, you know, to stay over. Said they could meet me this morning before I left for the airport.

[A]

Did you set up an appointment?

[D]

Yes, sir. I told them it'd have to be earlier if I was still going to catch my plane. And that was fine with them. The earlier the better. Agreed to meet me at 7am they even offered to drive me to the airport. Couldn't ask for anything more than that, could I? No, sir. Well, anyway, I come downstairs about a quarter to seven and checked out. And they were supposed to pick me up in front of the hotel.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Well, about five or seven they come by. I hopped in the car and we drove off. And we hadn't gone more than a mile or so, and they pulled over and parked. A quiet street, not much traffic. I asked them why they were stopping there. I figured I was showing them my watches out at the airport. They said they wanted to look at them now.

[A]

What was that again?

[D]

They said that they want to look at him right now. You know, in the car.

[A]

The watches?

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Mm.

[D]

Go ahead. And it struck me as kind of funny. I didn't see where it would make any difference. And I opened up the case and they just sort of glanced inside. And then one of the fellows, the one named George, he took out a gun, started shoving me through the door. And I tried to argue with him. I wasn't getting anywhere, though.

[A]

Pulled a gun, huh?

[D]

Yeah. And he, you know, kind of pushed me with it.

[G]

Mm.

[D]

And finally I asked him to please, at least give me my suitcase. I said it wouldn't be worth anything to them, but I needed it. And they tossed it out on the street beside me and drove off.

[A]

I see. What about your wallet? Hmm? Did they take your wallet, too?

[D]

Oh, no, no. Just the sample case. I guess they were in a hurry. Didn't want to spend a lot of time there on the street in broad daylight or something.

[A]

I see.

[D]

As soon as they left, I started looking around for a cab. Had to walk a couple of blocks before I found one. And then I got him to bring me right here.

[A]

What kind of a car do they drive?

[D]

Do you know the fellows that robbed me?

[A]

That's right.

[D]

Sedan, I think it was black. A Ford.

[A]

Did you get the license?

[D]

No. I didn't even think of trying that until after they were out of sight.

[E]

Well, now, can you describe these men for us, please?

[G]

Well, sure.

[D]

Well, they were about 40, medium sized. George had black hair and the other fella, he had sort of sandy hair, you know.

[E]

I see any marks or scars?

[D]

I don't think so.

[A]

How are they dressed?

[D]

Suits. Conservative blue or kind of gray maybe, I'm not sure.

[A]

Were they wearing the same clothes this morning?

[D]

Well, no, I don't know. They had on top coats today.

[A]

I see.

[E]

Now, you said their names were George and Paul.

[D]

Yeah, that's right.

[E]

Anything else that might help us identify them?

[D]

Gosh, I'm afraid not.

[A]

Do you have a list of serial numbers from your watches?

[D]

Well, yes.

[A]

May we see it?

[D]

Yeah, it's in my wallet here. Just a minute. There you go.

[E]

Oh, thanks very much.

[A]

I'll get out of circular, Joe. Okay.

[D]

Is there anything else you want from me?

[A]

Yes, sir. We'd like to have you show us the bar where you met these men.

[D]

Well, no, sir, I'm not sure I can. A lot of bars in the neighborhood and I pay too much attention.

[A]

You said they had a combo there. Yeah. Well, that ought to make it easier.

[D]

Well, I'll sure do my best.

[A]

Yes, sir.

[D]

I have to get my airline ticket changed too.

[A]

We'd appreciate it if you could stay over a couple of days. Oh, in case we turn them up, we'll need you to identify them.

[D]

Well, there isn't much chance of that, is there?

[A]

How do you mean?

[D]

Well, the descriptions I gave you could be anybody.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Besides, the company will want me back on the job. That is, if they don't fire me for this.

[A]

Well, you know, you aren't the only thing they'll want back.

[D]

Huh?

[A]

They'll want those watches too. Frank and I checked the MO and the descriptions Russell Liggins had given us with the stats office. They came up with 11 possibles. We took the names to R and I and pulled the packages. Liggins was unable to identify any of the mug shots. 10:13am we cruised the vicinity of the Greystone Hotel looking for the bar where Liggins had first met the suspects. He told us the Green hat Cafe on 6th street seemed familiar, but he wasn't certain. We left him in the car and we went inside to interview the bartender.

[F]

Look, you boys know me.

[D]

I run a nice clean place.

[F]

Don't even cut the liquor. Yeah, I ain't caused you no trouble. Why don't you lay off just a couple questions.

[A]

For you, Sam?

[F]

Sure, a couple of questions. Next thing I know, I'M testifying in court.

[A]

You got something you ought to testify about?

[F]

No, no, of course not. I'm just talking.

[A]

Well, then talk to us, huh?

[D]

Okay, what do you want?

[A]

You on the job here last night?

[F]

Yeah.

[A]

All evening? All evening.

[F]

I got a little combo working in the joint now. They cost money. There's nothing left over for extra bartenders.

[A]

You see that fella out in the car?

[D]

Where?

[A]

Out over here. Sam, lean over. See out there?

[D]

Yeah. Yeah, I see him.

[A]

Take a good look at him.

[F]

All right.

[D]

I look good.

[A]

He ever been to your place?

[F]

Like when?

[A]

Last night.

[F]

Bar was real crowded last night. Music helps the business. He might have been here.

[A]

Well, yes or no, Sam?

[D]

Yeah. Yeah, he was here.

[A]

Alone?

[F]

Yeah, he came in alone. He took that stool over there, had a few drinks and left.

[A]

He talked to anybody?

[F]

He talked to me.

[A]

What'd he say?

[F]

He liked the music, that's about all.

[A]

Who else?

[F]

He talked to a girl sitting next to him.

[D]

Was she?

[F]

Well, I don't know her name. She comes in once in a while. Kind of nice looking.

[A]

There were a couple of men in here too, weren't they, Sam?

[D]

Well, there were a lot of guys. Why?

[A]

Well dressed, middle aged?

[D]

Could be.

[A]

They talked to him too, didn't they?

[F]

The fell in your car.

[A]

Same guy? Yeah.

[F]

Well, if they did, I didn't see him.

[A]

Had quite a conversation.

[F]

I didn't hear it.

[D]

Music's pretty loud.

[A]

Who were they, Sam?

[F]

Look, I don't ask for a driver's license unless a guy looks like he's under trouble.

[A]

Come on, Sam. Who are they?

[F]

He's conning you. That friend of yours out there?

[D]

Yeah.

[F]

And stool.

[A]

That's where he sat.

[F]

The girl was next to him the whole evening. Well, he couldn't have talked to nobody else.

[A]

We took Liggins into the Green Hat Cafe and he said he was certain that that was where he had met the two men known as George and Paul. Sam Hupple, the owner of the bar, was equally certain that liggins was mistaken. 10:48am Frank and I drove Liggins over to the Greystone Hotel. While he went inside to re register, we talked with the cab drivers who were stationed at the stand next to the main hotel entrance. One of them told us he had been parked there from about 6:30 until 7:15am that morning.

[D]

Thought I was never gonna give me a fare when it starts like that. The whole day shot. Look at me now. Been sitting here for the last 25 minutes.

[A]

Did you see a man come out of the hotel about five minutes a.

[D]

Second, I was watching those doors, real anxious. If he came out, I saw him.

[E]

Same fellow we just let off.

[A]

Oh, you remember him?

[E]

Sure.

[A]

Did you notice the car he drove off in?

[D]

You kidding?

[A]

What do you mean?

[D]

This hack of mine, huh? He was my first fare this a.m.

[A]

You picked him up here?

[D]

That's right. Wasn't 5 or 7, though. Closer to 7:30.

[A]

Where'd you take him?

[D]

City Hall.

[A]

We went into the hotel and talked to the desk clerk. He told us that Liggins had been assigned the same room he had previously occupied, 417. He also told us that he was almost positive Liggins had not carried a sample case when he checked out that morning. We talked to the bellhop who had brought down Liggins baggage. He said Liggins had only one suitcase. 11:13am Frank and I went up to room 417.

[D]

Come in. Yes, sir. Yes, sir. It's very kind of you. I'll be with you as soon as I get off the phone.

[A]

It's okay.

[D]

Yes, sir. Well, a day or two, I guess. If that's all right. No, no, no. They didn't take my money. Thanks, I can manage. Just one thing. Would you ask one of the girls to call my wife and explain the delay? Oh, thank you very much, sir. Bye. Well, I was just talking to the boss of Seattle. Says it's all right for me to stick around a few days. Good. Now, you really think you can find those guys that fast, huh?

[A]

Well, we may not have to look for them.

[D]

What do you mean?

[E]

We've been checking your story. Liggins.

[A]

Yeah, leaks like a sieve.

[D]

Well, that lousy bartender, huh? You taking his word against mine?

[E]

No, we got more than the bartender.

[D]

Oh? The cab driver says he picked you.

[E]

Up here at 7:20 and drove you down to City Hall.

[D]

Well, he's crazy.

[A]

You can have it in person.

[D]

He must have picked up somebody who looks like me, that's all.

[A]

We talked to the bellhop who brought down your luggage. There wasn't any sample case.

[D]

I carried it myself. I wasn't gonna let a bellhop handle something as valuable as that. He just didn't notice it, that's all.

[A]

Desk clerk didn't notice it either.

[D]

Well, I stood in front of his desk when I paid up, that's why. What do you guys want from me?

[A]

Just tell us what happened to the sample case.

[D]

I. I've told you the whole story.

[A]

There's one thing you left down.

[D]

What's that? The truth.

[A]

We continued to question Russell Liggins in his hotel room. He insisted that he'd been telling us the truth. We confronted him with the cab driver, the desk clerk, the bellhop. He refused to change his story. 1:05pm we drove Liggins down to the City hall for further interrogation.

[E]

How much are the watches worth?

[D]

Wholesaler? Retail?

[E]

Both ways.

[D]

About 4,000 wholesale. Maybe 10 retail.

[A]

That's a lot of money.

[D]

Well, sure.

[A]

Your boss upset?

[D]

Well, he wasn't very happy about it.

[A]

He's insured, isn't he? Well, come on.

[D]

Yeah, I guess so.

[A]

Don't you know?

[D]

Yeah, he's insured. He said so over the phone. He told me not to worry.

[A]

You didn't know about the insurance before?

[D]

What if I did?

[A]

Maybe we better talk to your boss. What's his number? Come on, fellow, what's his number?

[D]

Well, what are you gonna tell him?

[A]

That you've been handing us a line about being robbed.

[D]

You think I robbed myself? Is that what you're getting at?

[A]

What else can we think?

[D]

Oh, you're crazy.

[A]

Where are the watches?

[D]

Somebody stole them.

[E]

Yeah, George and Paul.

[D]

Look, okay, it wasn't George and Paul.

[E]

Go ahead.

[D]

I made it up. The whole thing about them. You know, the fellas. I had to tell you something.

[A]

Sure you did.

[D]

Well, you want the truth, don't you? Well, you're getting it. Least you can do is try to believe it.

[A]

You make it kind of hard to buy.

[D]

Look, I went into that bar last night just like I told you. And the bartender was right. I didn't talk to anybody except the girl sitting beside me.

[A]

Yeah?

[D]

Well, she said she came in because she liked the music and I was feeling kind of lonesome. I don't know anybody in la. So we started to talk. Said her name was Barbara. Didn't give me her last name because she was married and she wanted to keep things on a first name basis. And that was all right with me. I told her to call me Russ.

[E]

Yeah?

[D]

She said her husband worked nights. One of the aircraft plants. And I told her about my job, that I sold watches. She kind of laughed when I told her.

[A]

What about?

[D]

Well, it was a big coincidence, me being a Watch Salvatore. She was planning to buy a watch. Told me the one she had was ready to give up the ghost.

[A]

I see.

[D]

Then she showed it to me on her wrist. A real cheap kind. Just a piece of junk. Yeah, well, she asked me if maybe I could get her a new one wholesale. And I said I might be able to arrange it. Then I suggested she come up to my room and look at the samples I had there. Yeah? Now, I wasn't up to anything. I figured we'd have a couple of drinks, but that was all. Sure. And then she kind of hesitated, said it wouldn't look very good. And finally she agreed. We went over to the hotel and I had a bottle in my room and I fixed us a drink. And then I showed her the watches and she picked out the one she liked. But she didn't have any money with her. Not enough to pay for it, anyway. Then I told her she could have it for free. You know, it was a present. It wasn't an expensive model. And I was going to pay the company back out of my own pocket. So she took off her old watch and she put it in her purse and she put the new one on.

[A]

All right, go ahead.

[D]

And then she said we ought to have a couple more drinks, you know, to kind of celebrate the present. She offered to fix them. Well, maybe she put something in mine. Or maybe they were just strong. I don't know. Anyway, I don't remember much after that.

[A]

What'd you do, pass out?

[D]

Yeah, I guess so. Next thing I knew, it was morning, about 6:30 and I'd fallen asleep on the bed with all my clothes on. Yeah, that must be why she didn't take my wallet.

[A]

All right, what happened then?

[D]

Well, I didn't think anything was wrong. I couldn't remember when Barbara left, but I've blacked out before when I've had a little too much.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

So I took a shower and I got dressed. It was while I was dressing I noticed the sample case was gone. I looked everywhere for it.

[E]

You figure she took it, huh?

[D]

Now, who else could have?

[E]

Maybe.

[D]

You guys are pretty hard to convince, aren't you?

[A]

Well, why didn't you tell us about Barbara when you first came in here?

[D]

Well, I was thinking of my job. Yeah. Boss just promoted me a couple of months ago. I'm doing pretty good. I'm making fair money.

[A]

Is that so? Yeah.

[D]

If he ever found out to let some dame roll me in a hotel room, well, I'd be out of my ear.

[F]

All right.

[D]

And that's not all. I got a wife. Helen, that's her name. You guys married?

[A]

He is.

[D]

Well, then maybe he'll understand. We've only been married a couple of years and Helen doesn't like the idea of me being on the road half the time. She's suspicious enough as it is.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

So I did some quick thinking. Come up with a story I gave you this morning. You know, about George and Paul. Well, it really wasn't my own idea exactly. What I mean is that I was talking to a salesman at the convention the other day. You know, one of the real old timers. He told me how some guys had robbed him once when he was just starting out. And that's where I got the idea. Sort of switched it around to fit. What happened to me? Well, I didn't see where I was doing any harm. I never thought you'd be able to get the watches back.

[A]

Anyhow, you didn't make it any easier for us.

[D]

Well, maybe not. But you don't know Helen. Why, she'd leave me, sure as fate, if this ever gets out.

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

I didn't mean to cause you any trouble. You seem to make any difference what I told you as long as the watches were gone.

[A]

No. It makes a difference. Yeah, if we want to find out who took them. 3:15pm we went back to the Greystone Hotel and talked to the manager. He gave us the home telephone number of the elevator boy who had been on duty the previous night. We called the boy and he told us he remembered taking a passenger who resembled Russell Liggins up to the third floor sometime after 2am in the morning. He also remembered that Liggins had been accompanied by a young lady. He did not remember bringing the lady down, but he suggested that she might have used the stairs. We called the crime lab and they went over Liggins room. They found no useful fingerprints or other physical evidence. 5:15pm we went back to the office. Liggins gave us a description of the girl known to him as Barbara. We showed him some mug shots, but he was unable to identify any of the women. 7:18pm Frank and I again interviewed the bartender at the Green Hat Cafe.

[F]

Well, what did I tell you? Just a couple of questions, that's all. Next thing I know, you guys have moved in for the winner.

[E]

All right, Sam, now take it easy.

[F]

Have I got any choice?

[A]

You remember the girl Liggins was talking to in here last night?

[F]

So it's a girl now. I thought it was two guys.

[A]

Oh, come on, Sam. You mentioned her yourself.

[F]

I never figured you fellas believed anything I told you.

[A]

We want to know who she is.

[F]

Just a girl, that's all. She comes in once in a while.

[E]

She got a name?

[F]

Never introduced herself.

[A]

She live in the neighborhood?

[F]

I don't know.

[A]

Well, who does?

[F]

Look, this Liggins is a character. He's already taken you for one ride today. Now why don't you get off?

[A]

We'd like to get in touch with her. Sam, get in touch.

[E]

You gonna help?

[F]

Well, how can I help you? I don't know her name. I don't know her address.

[A]

Yeah, well, maybe you can find out.

[F]

I busted my crystal ball just the other day.

[D]

All right.

[A]

We'll send in a couple of uniforms to watch your joint for a few days, hmm?

[E]

You got any objections?

[D]

Well, sure.

[F]

Cops make me nervous. Make the customers nervous too.

[E]

Maybe you got the wrong kind of customers.

[D]

Well, what are you gonna do?

[G]

All right.

[F]

Talk to Jeanette.

[A]

Jeanette?

[F]

Yeah, the waitress. She's in the back room eating her chow.

[A]

She knows the girl we're looking for?

[F]

Yeah, their real buddy. Buddy spend half their time chinning together. Never get any work out of Jeanette once the other one comes in.

[A]

All right, Sam. Thank you.

[F]

You know, there's something been worrying me.

[A]

What's that?

[F]

Whenever you guys show up, I make up my mind. You're not gonna get any answers from me. I'm not even gonna give you the time of day. And then what happens? I end up telling you everything you wanna know.

[A]

Maybe you just like us, Sam.

[F]

Yeah, that's what's been worrying me.

[A]

Frank and I walked back into the kitchen of the Green Hat Cafe. And we interviewed the waitress, Jeanette Grover. She told us that her friend's name was Barbara Hooper. She also told us that she had no idea where Barbara lived.

[H]

Used to have a room over on Western, but she moved when she got married.

[E]

How long ago was that?

[H]

Three weeks. Oh, no. Let's see. It's longer. Oh, they went to Vegas on a Sunday before. Four weeks next Sunday.

[A]

You're sure you don't have her address, huh?

[H]

No. She gave it to me once, but I didn't take it down. I wouldn't have no use for it.

[A]

How's that?

[H]

I don't get along with Tom.

[A]

Tom?

[H]

Yeah, that's Barbara's husband, Tom Kernan. Oh, say, that's right. I guess I made a mistake, ma'.

[D]

Am.

[H]

When you asked me what her last name was, I said it was Hooper. I should have said Kernan. Now?

[A]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[H]

I don't know why she ever married him. A good looking girl like Barbara, she sure could have done better. Clamp. That's all he is. Well, I told her what she was letting herself in for. But he's got a record as long as my right arm. I've seen him come and go. When you work in a place like this, you can spot a rotten apple a mile off. Never figured he'd get into trouble this fast, though. What do you want with Her Just.

[A]

Like to get in touch with her, that's all.

[H]

Now, I know better than that about cops. They want to get in touch, they mean business. You mind me giving you a piece of advice?

[A]

Not at all.

[H]

I don't blame her. Whatever it is, he's to blame. Whatever she's done, you check into it and you'll see. Gal gets married to a wrong guy, lasses up her whole life.

[D]

Not her fault, except for one thing. Yeah?

[A]

She married him. We went back to the office and ran the name Thomas Kernan through the Record Bureau. They came up with a pattern. Kernan had served time for burglary and was now on active parole. We checked with Fred Galloway at adult parole. He told us that Kernan's last known address. Was an apartment on Western Avenue.

[D]

We drove out there.

[A]

It's down here. Yeah.

[G]

Here it is.

[E]

Elsa.

[A]

Wait a minute. All right.

[D]

Al.

[G]

What do you want?

[A]

Come on. Open up.

[D]

Okay, okay.

[A]

Keep your hat on. Police officer. Stand still.

[F]

He's moving.

[A]

He's clean. Joe, where's your wife?

[G]

Out.

[D]

Out where?

[G]

I don't know. She wasn't here when I came home.

[E]

We'll look around.

[G]

Be my guest. Always knew you guys wrote us ex cons. That ain't no surprise. But I didn't know you started picking on our wives too. Well, she's a nice kid.

[D]

Mm.

[G]

Don't start in on her. You can stay on my back. I'm used to it. But let her alone.

[D]

Joe.

[A]

Yeah?

[E]

I found this case in the closet.

[A]

The watch is still inside.

[E]

Most of them, anyway.

[D]

All right.

[G]

The heck's that?

[A]

You didn't know about this?

[G]

Of course not.

[A]

Yeah, sure. Yeah.

[G]

I never saw him before your wife did.

[A]

How soon will she be back?

[G]

I don't know. We'll wait up to you. Never saw those watches before in my life. I'm telling you the truth.

[D]

You bet you are.

[G]

Even if Barbara did take him, that don't make me guilty of anything.

[A]

No. Stupid broad.

[G]

Once you start making with a question, she'll spill a whole deal.

[A]

But you didn't know anything about it.

[G]

Maybe I knew she was looking for a setup. What does that prove? Some setup guy with a suitcase full of watches. Dizzy dame. Didn't even know they had serial numbers on him. What a brain. First job she ever pulls, she gets picked up. Time I was her age, I'd pulled half a dozen you cops hadn't even tumbled once.

[A]

You're real bright.

[G]

That's the use. They won't learn. Tried to teach her the ropes. Gets picked up on her first job.

[A]

You know, you should have expected that.

[D]

Why?

[G]

What do you mean?

[A]

Look who taught her.

[B]

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

[C]

On February 2, trial was held in Department 97, Superior Court of the State of California. In and for the county of Los Angeles. In a moment, the results of that trial. Thomas Carew Kernan was returned to the Adult Authority for violation of parole. Violation of parole is punishable by the term not served. Barbara Jane Kernan was found guilty of grand theft, one count. Grand theft is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year. Or in the state prison for not less than 1 nor more than 10 years. 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.

[D]

Sam.