Dragnet: The Big Tie 04/12/1955

Summary

Podcast Summary: Dragnet – "The Big Tie" (04/12/1955)

Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode: Dragnet: The Big Tie
Date: January 27, 2026
Source Story Date: April 12, 1955
Host: Choice Classic Radio

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Overview

This enthralling episode of Dragnet, one of radio’s most revered police dramas, follows Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith as they investigate a series of burglaries in Los Angeles, starting with the theft of over a hundred dozen hand-painted neckties from a small manufacturer. The episode captures the procedural, often mundane, reality of detective work, laced with moments of empathy, suspense, and wry humor. The main theme is the determination of police work and the search for truth amidst circumstantial evidence and false leads, ultimately culminating in the capture of an experienced serial burglar.

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Key Discussion Points and Storyline Breakdown

1. Initial Report: The Tie Factory Burglary

• [00:20-02:14]
  Joe Friday and Frank Smith are assigned to check out a burglary at the Prosper Tie Company. Over 100 dozen hand-painted ties have been stolen overnight—the value and uniqueness of the stolen goods raise immediate concern.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent." — Narrator [00:20]
  • "Over a hundred dozen neckties... Owner says he knows who did it." — Joe Friday [02:04]

2. Interview with the Victim and Identification of a Suspect

• [02:14-03:51]
  The owner, George Prosper, suggests recently fired employee Morgan Gilroy as the likely culprit, citing his anger over being let go and his desperate circumstances.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "You take young fellows like Gilroy. Careless, irresponsible, always looking for shortcuts." — George Prosper [03:52]

3. Visiting the Gilroy Residence

• [04:49-08:56]
  Friday and Smith visit Gilroy’s wife, who is unaware he has been fired and adamant about his innocence. The encounter is tense and emotional, reflecting the personal toll of criminal investigations on families.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "He wants everything to be just perfect when the baby comes. That's why he couldn't have done anything wrong." — Mrs. Gilroy [06:44]
  • "He wouldn't have done anything wrong, not at a time like this." — Mrs. Gilroy [06:37]

• They find some ties in the apartment, but Prosper later confirms these are legitimate samples given to Gilroy.

4. Gilroy’s Interrogation: The Red Herring

• [11:42-14:49]
  Gilroy, when picked up, is revealed not to be the thief. During questioning, it comes out that he lied to his wife about being employed, having lost his job a week before and been covering with borrowed money. His alibi (playing cards with friends all night) is later corroborated.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "Maybe it looked like I was stealing, but I wasn't. I was gonna tell him I was taking it. It was just a loan." — Morgan Gilroy [12:30]

• Key Segment:

  • [14:04-14:16]: Gilroy explains he only took what he needed, not everything, arguing for his honesty.

5. More Burglaries: Establishing a Pattern

• [16:16-17:12]
  Following similar MOs, additional men’s clothing stores are burglarized, indicating a serial burglar is at work. The investigation turns from suspicion of an insider to a wider search for a skilled thief.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "Men's clothing store out in Crenshaw... sold a supply of suits, slacks, sport coats, and a batch of hand-painted ties." — Joe Friday [16:18]

6. Break in the Case: The Stolen Tie Sighting

• [17:54-18:43]
  Prosper spots one of his unique ties being worn at a bar, alerting police. The acquisition of the tie is traced to a CPA named Dick Trundle, who had bought it from a man in a local bar.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "That's a special. Worked out the design myself. There’s not another one like it anywhere." — George Prosper [18:09]

7. Tracking the True Burglar

• [19:30-20:56]
  Trundle describes the seller and helps Friday and Smith find the residence—room 212 at the Mortensen Hotel. The hotel clerk and others reveal the suspect as Russell Herbert Lafferty, known for his generosity and gifts of ties.

8. Arrest and Confession

• [21:37-22:58]
  Lafferty is arrested in his room, admits to the crimes, and even seems proud of having eluded capture longer than usual. He confesses with a certain charm and resignation, exhibiting the traits of a seasoned professional criminal.

• Memorable Quotes:

  • "I've already managed to dispose of a good deal of it. What's left is in the closet and the bureau. By the way, the burger kit's under the bed." — Russell Lafferty [21:55]
  • "I've never been able to pull more than two before without being arrested... four this time. That's a new record for me." — Russell Lafferty [22:33]
  • "Just wait till I get out. We won't be around that long." — Joe Friday [22:58]

9. Case Resolved: Justice Served

• [23:09-23:44]
  The narrator reveals Lafferty was tried and convicted on four counts of first-degree burglary and, due to his prior record, sentenced to life imprisonment as a habitual criminal.

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Notable Quotes & Dialogue Moments

• On Suspicion and Human Nature:

  • "You take young fellows like Gilroy. Careless, irresponsible, always looking for shortcuts. Always looking for an easy dollar." — George Prosper [03:52]

• On Desperation:

  • "He wants everything to be just perfect when the baby comes. That's why he couldn't have done anything wrong." — Mrs. Gilroy [06:44]

• On Professionalism and Irony:

  • "Always believe in cooperating with the police. Things seem to work out better that way." — Russell Lafferty [22:04]

• Procedural Dry Humor:

  • "No, I don't feel right when I sleep in the daytime. Joe, it isn't good for a person, you know. Throws your system right out of whack. Except for my brother-in-law Armin." — Partner/Frank Smith [15:50]

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Important Timestamps

• [00:20] – Opening narration and case assignment
• [02:04] – Call regarding the tie factory burglary
• [03:05] – Owner points suspicion toward Gilroy
• [04:49-08:56] – Interview with Mrs. Gilroy
• [11:42] – Gilroy’s interrogation begins
• [14:04] – Gilroy explains his ‘loan’
• [16:18] – Discovery of further similar burglaries
• [18:09] – Stolen tie spotted in public
• [20:56] – Arrival at Lafferty’s hotel room
• [21:37] – Arrest and confession
• [23:09] – Outcome: Lafferty convicted and sentenced

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Tone and Style

• The tone is classic Dragnet: procedural, methodical, and even-keeled, with moments of empathy and understated humor.
• The language is crisp, economical, and period-appropriate, with straightforward, realistic dialogue.
• Friday’s professionalism and eye for detail ground the story’s twists, while Smith provides a touch of warmth and levity.

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Summary Takeaway

This episode is a classic example of Dragnet’s storytelling: dogged investigation, reluctance to jump to conclusions, and ultimate vindication of fact over suspicion. The detectives’ persistence pays off, the innocent are cleared, and the real criminal—proud even in his downfall—is brought to justice. The episode is a time capsule of mid-century American police work and an exemplar of radio drama’s ability to create suspense without spectacle.

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Recommended Listening Notes

• The episode is a compelling listen for fans of procedural mysteries and provides a fascinating glimpse into everyday detective work, the importance of thorough investigation, and the human stories behind police cases.
• No advertisements or extraneous segments—all content is tightly woven into the story.

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Transcript

[Narrator/Announcer]

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].

[Frank Smith]

Dragnet.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been been chained to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a burglary detail. You get a call that someone has broken into a necktie manufacturers. A large supply of hand painted ties have been stolen.

[Joe Friday]

Your job. Check it out. Was Saturday, September 10th. It was hot in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A burglary detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Bernard. My name's Friday. I was on my way into the office and it was 8:31am when I got to room 45. Burglary.

[Dick Trundle]

Hi, John.

[Joe Friday]

Morning.

[Frank Smith]

Anything for us?

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Patrol car picked up a couple of.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

High school kids about 3am Found them hanging around a filling station over on Jefferson. Juvenile's checking them against those other filling station jobs last week. Just let us know, okay.

[George Prosper]

Well, it's gonna be a scorcher.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Yeah. You noticed it last night, the heat?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah, sure I did.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

I don't think I slept more than 30 minutes. Wonder about air conditioning the house.

[Joe Friday]

What?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

It's pretty expensive, isn't it?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I guess it depends, doesn't it?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Be worth it though, weather like this. Well, we don't get these spells too often. I don't know, Joe.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Lots of the new houses had air conditioning. Yeah, just the bedroom. Might not cost too much. You know, one of those portable units.

[Joe Friday]

I get it. Burgery, Friday. Yes, sir. Just a second.

[Frank Smith]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

What's the address?

[Frank Smith]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. I see. Right away. Bye. Tire manufacturing company out on Western. Somebody cleaned them out last night. Over a hundred dozen neckties.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Owner says he knows who did it. Frank and I drove out to a small manufacturing shop on Southwestern Avenue. 9:03am we interviewed the owner, George Prosper. He told us the back door had been forced open during the night and that a large supply of hand painted neckties had been stolen.

[George Prosper]

You see right here? The lock's broken.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[George Prosper]

That's how he got in. No mistake about it.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

You take anything else beside the ties?

[George Prosper]

A little cash, 80, $90. But the ties are the important thing.

[Frank Smith]

Oh yeah.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

They're worth at least $5 a piece retail.

[Frank Smith]

All hand painted, you know.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir.

[George Prosper]

Some of them are worth more. Special designs.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Why is that?

[George Prosper]

Well, they're made up for the individual one Of a kind.

[Frank Smith]

Oh, I see.

[George Prosper]

Of course, most of the ties he stole weren't specials. They were from a wholesale stock.

[Joe Friday]

Christmas orders.

[George Prosper]

I'll admit it doesn't feel very much like Christmas today, but we have to get our orders filled before the end of October. I certainly hope you'll be able to get the ties back for us in time.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. You said you had an idea who the thief might be?

[George Prosper]

Yeah, that's right. Morgan Gilroy.

[Joe Friday]

Who's he?

[George Prosper]

Young fella.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Used to work for me.

[George Prosper]

I let him go first last week. Just wasn't dependable.

[Joe Friday]

Always late in the morning. Careless worker, too. Yeah. Why do you blame him for the burglary?

[George Prosper]

Well, he was very upset when I fired him. Said his wife was having a baby. Said I didn't have any right to let him go without notice.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[George Prosper]

Told him I'd warn him off enough. Gave him a whole week's pay, and that seemed more than fair to me.

[Joe Friday]

Did he say anything else?

[George Prosper]

Well, yeah, he threatened me.

[Frank Smith]

Oh.

[George Prosper]

Said I'd be sorry I fired him. Said I'd live to regret it. Made quite a scene. Told him if he didn't get out.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

I'd call the police.

[Joe Friday]

Did he leave then?

[George Prosper]

Well, not right away. He quieted down some. Asked me to change my mind to keep him on. Said he couldn't be out of work now, that he had to have a job and kind of the baby. I told him there are plenty of jobs to be had. If a man really wants work, he can find it.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[George Prosper]

Different when I was his age. Had to earn your wages. You take young fellows like Gilroy. Careless, irresponsible, always looking for shortcuts. Always looking for an easy dollar. Never give value in return. That's why I'm sure it was him. Just the sort of stunt he'd pull. Easy way to earn a dollar.

[Joe Friday]

Well, then he's got something to learn. Any this was the hard way. Frank and I called the crime lab. While they checked the premises, we continued to interview the victim, George Prosper. He gave us a description of the suspect, Morgan Gilroy, and Gilroy's home address. They also gave us a detailed description of the stolen property. 10:17am the lab reported that they were unable to find any useful fingerprints on the jimmy door. Pictures of the jimmy marks were taken. There was no other physical evidence. 10:57am Frank and I drove out to the address Prosper had given us. It was a small apartment house on Fountain Avenue in Hollywood. The Gilroy apartment was number seven.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Yes, Morgan Gilroy in no he isn't.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

You Mrs. Gilroy?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Friday]

We're police officers, ma'. Am. This is Frank Smith. My name's Friday.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Pleased to meet you.

[Joe Friday]

Be right if we come in for a minute.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

I guess it'll be all right.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

I'm sorry I'm not fixed up. I kind of overslept this morning.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Am.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Were you out late last night, Mrs. Gilroy?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

No.

[Joe Friday]

How about your husband?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

What about him?

[Joe Friday]

Was he out late?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Well, don't you think you ought to tell me why you want to know?

[Joe Friday]

It's a police matter.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Then maybe you better talk to Morgan.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. Do you know where he is?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

It worked.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Now, where does he work, Mrs. Gilroy?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

For a time manufacturer.

[Joe Friday]

Which one do you know?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Prosper's. George Prosper. That's the owner's name.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

How long has your husband worked for him?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Six or seven months.

[Joe Friday]

And that's where he went this morning, did he?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

That's where he goes every morning. Something happened to Morgan.

[Joe Friday]

We'd like to talk to him, that's all.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Then why don't you? I told you where you could find him.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Frank Smith]

Am.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

The Prosper Tie Company. I don't know what the address is, but it's in the phone book.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, we just came from there.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Ms. Gilroy, I don't understand. Didn't you see Morgan?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Your husband doesn't work for him anymore.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

What?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

He was let out last week.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

I don't believe you.

[Joe Friday]

That's what his boss told us.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Morgan would have said something about it. Oh, you've made a mistake. You must be talking about a different person.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

No, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

It's got to be a mistake. Sure. Morgan gave me his paycheck last night. Every Friday night, he gives me his paycheck. He got paid yesterday, the same as every week.

[Joe Friday]

Do you still have the check?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

No, not exactly.

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Well, it wasn't the check he gave me. Not really.

[Joe Friday]

Oh.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

You see, he'd cashed it on his way home from work. But it was the usual amount. $80. Mr. Prosper must have paid him.

[Joe Friday]

What time did your husband get home? Is he all right?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Last night?

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

He was later than usual. Holly, if Morgan's in some kind of trouble, I've got a right to know. I've got a right, haven't I?

[Joe Friday]

Suppose you'd just answer our questions, would you?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

He wouldn't have done anything wrong, not at a time like this. You see, we're. We're gonna have a baby.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Morgan doesn't even think about anything else. He wants everything to be just perfect when the baby comes. That's why he couldn't have done anything wrong. Do you understand what I'm getting at?

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

That's why, whatever it is, it just has to be a mistake.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you can help us clear it up.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

What time do you come home?

[Frank Smith]

About.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

About 2:15am yes, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Did he say where he'd been?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

He called from the shop about 5:30 yesterday afternoon. Said they had a rush shipment to get out, that he'd be working late. Told me not to wait up for him.

[Joe Friday]

Had he ever worked this late before?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Once or twice. Not till 2:15 maybe, but till nearly midnight.

[Joe Friday]

Were you awake when he got home?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Friday]

And you're sure at the time? 2:15?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Yes, sir, I'm sure. See, I couldn't get to sleep. I was kind of worried about him, I guess. I kept watching the clock. It was 2:15 when he came in.

[Joe Friday]

What did he say?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

He was kind of put out. Provoked about my still being awake. Said I ought to get my rest on account of the baby. I guess I sort of flared back. I said it was his fault on account of him being out so late. Oh, it wasn't a real fight or anything like that.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

He said I oughtn't to blame him, that we'd need all the extra money he could make. He took out his wallet and gave me this week's pay, like I told you.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Did he bring anything else home with him, Mrs. Gilroy?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

With him?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Extra clothes, ties, anything like that?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

No.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

You mind if I look around the apartment?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Well, where everything is. If you'll tell me what you're looking for, maybe I can help you.

[Frank Smith]

That's all right.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

I can make out. Is this the bedroom?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Yes. The bed isn't made.

[Frank Smith]

Don't worry about it.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

I wasn't feeling very good this morning.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Frank Smith]

Am.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Would you like some coffee?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma', am, thank you.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

What about your friend?

[Joe Friday]

No, I don't think so.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Did Mr. Prosper really say he fired Morgan?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Am. Well, did he say why?

[Joe Friday]

Well, you better ask your husband about that.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Just isn't fair in time like this. You don't appreciate Morgan. None of the people he's worked for. Man does his best, this is the thanks he gets.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

This is Gilroy. These ties belong to your husband?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Why, yes.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

You know where he got him?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Sure. There's some he made at the shop samples.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Does he have any more of the same kind?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

I don't think so. Don't tell me all this fuss is about a couple of ties.

[Joe Friday]

Well, it's a few more than that, ma'. Am. Oh, a hundred dozen. Except for the three ties which Frank had found in the bedroom, we were unable to turn up anything else that seemed to answer the description of the stolen property. 12:15pm Frank stayed at the Gilroy apartment to wait for the suspect while I drove back to the tie factory. George Prosper identified the ties taken from Gilroy's closet. He said that they were samples manufactured in his plant. He also said that they had been given to the suspect and had not been stolen. 1:36pm I checked Gilroy's name through R and I. They had Nothing on him. 2:17pm I returned to the suspect's apartment.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Hi, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Hi. Any sign of him?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

No, not so far.

[Joe Friday]

Where's Ms. Gilroy?

[Frank Smith]

She's lying down.

[Joe Friday]

Oh.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

She's taken this pretty hard on all.

[Joe Friday]

The pieces after you left. That's a shame. I guess you can't blame her much. In the heat and all. She's bound to be upset. Find out anything? Well, these are Gilroy's tie. Yeah, Prosper gave them to him. Says they're somewhat similar to the ones that were stolen, but they're not the same.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Uh huh.

[Joe Friday]

You want to go out for a sandwich?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Yeah, I guess so. You eat already?

[Joe Friday]

No, I wasn't hungry.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Can I bring you back something?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, milkshake maybe. That'll do it. Okay.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Taco?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, fine.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

I won't be long.

[Joe Friday]

Frank?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

Ms. Gilray's all right, isn't she?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Well, I guess so.

[Joe Friday]

I mean, she doesn't need a doctor or anything like that.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

I don't know, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you'd know more about it than I do. Well, I suppose if she needs a.

[Frank Smith]

Doctor, she'd call one.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. We'll hurry it up anyway. Will you? Sure.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

I thought I. You.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Frank Smith]

Am.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

What happened to the other officer?

[Joe Friday]

Went out to get some lunch.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Oh.

[Joe Friday]

You feeling better?

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Yes, thank you. Apartment's so stuffy today. That's what it was.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Dick Trundle]

Am.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

No, that isn't what it was at all, ma'.

[Joe Friday]

Am.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

You and that other poison. You've got me so nervous I don't know whether I'm coming or going.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'm sorry we had to bother you.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

You're just wasting your time. Morgan won't be home before 6 o'.

[Joe Friday]

Clock.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

He never gets off working. I can't seem to get it through my head that he's not at the Shop?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Look, the minute he comes in, I'll telephone you. Or if I hear from him, I promise. The minute he comes in.

[Joe Friday]

Well, it might be better if we wait.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Won't you try to believe me? Morgan's honest. Completely honest?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

He hasn't done anything wrong. If he had, I'd know it. He'd have told me.

[Joe Friday]

There's one thing he didn't tell you, Ms. Gilroy.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Oh?

[Joe Friday]

That money he brought home last night. Well, where it came from. Frank and I waited in the apartment until the suspect, Morgan gilroy, came home. 6:17pm we took him into custody and drove him down to the City hall for question. He was very uncooperative and for nearly an hour refused to discuss his whereabouts the previous night. 7:08pm we continued the interrogation.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

How'd you happen to lose your job last week?

[Frank Smith]

Gilroy asked the boss.

[Joe Friday]

He says you weren't dependable.

[Frank Smith]

That's his opinion.

[Joe Friday]

You afraid to tell your wife he fired you?

[Frank Smith]

Who says? I didn't tell her?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Did you? Well, maybe you'll feel more like talking in the morning.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Morning?

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Frank Smith]

You can't keep me down here tonight. Is that right? You want to drive Judy out of her mind. You saw how she acted when you guys took me in. What are you trying to do to her?

[Joe Friday]

We're not doing anything to her, Gilroy. All we want is some straight answers from you.

[Frank Smith]

It wasn't enough losing my job just when I needed it the most. Now you guys got to crawl on my back too.

[Joe Friday]

When'd you get your last paycheck from Prosper? Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Day you fired me.

[Joe Friday]

That was last week sometime, I guess so. You gave your wife some money just last night. So you told her it was this week's pay?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I had to tell her something, didn't I? Yeah. I didn't want her worrying about me being out of work. I had to tell her something.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you get the money, Father? Yes.

[Frank Smith]

Maybe it looked like I was stealing, but I wasn't. I was gonna tell him I was taking it. It was just a loan. I started drawing unemployment. I thought we was buddies, Steve and me. Some buddy turned you over to the cops for a lousy 80 bucks.

[Joe Friday]

Who's Steve?

[Frank Smith]

Steve McGill. Isn't that why you picked me up?

[Joe Friday]

When were you with us, McGill?

[Frank Smith]

Last night.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

What time?

[Frank Smith]

Five o'.

[Joe Friday]

Clock. Huh?

[Frank Smith]

Till when? Must have been nearly two. It was a little after when I got home.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Where were you?

[Frank Smith]

I met Steve at a bar over in Vermont.

[Joe Friday]

What's the name of it. Black Pony. What'd you do then?

[Frank Smith]

I had a couple of drinks. Bite to eat. Go ahead. Some other guys came in, friends of Steve's. I met him once or twice too. Somebody said, let's get up a poker game. I told him I couldn't afford it. I didn't have any cash to spare. Steve said for me not to worry, that if I ran short, he'd stake me.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

We all went over to his place. I did real good for the first couple hours. Only had five bucks to start with. Ran it up to over 100. They were all ridden Me? But how? I was the one that didn't want to play.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

On about midnight, my luck started turning. By 1:30, I was cleaned up. Oh, it seemed to be second high. Get a straight. Sure as fate somebody else would have a flush. Second high.

[Joe Friday]

The game break up at 1:30.

[Frank Smith]

Well, they played on a little longer without me. 15, 20 minutes. I stayed on because I wanted to make a touch from Steve after the.

[Joe Friday]

Other guys went home. All right, go ahead.

[Frank Smith]

I didn't know how to bring up the subject. Not that Steve can't afford it. He's got plenty of dough. And he won over a couple of hundred in the game. I was kind of beating around the bush. All of a sudden I noticed how drunk he was. Couldn't get his pants off. Just toppled over on the bed and went to sleep.

[Joe Friday]

He sure looked like he was asleep.

[Frank Smith]

Money was still laying there on a table where we'd been playing. Over 200 bucks. Only took 80. That ought to prove I ain't a thief. If I was, I'd have taken it all.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

What'd you do then?

[Frank Smith]

I went home.

[Joe Friday]

Did you stop off on the way?

[George Prosper]

Why?

[Frank Smith]

Couldn't I have asked Judy? She'll tell you. I was there by a little after two.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Were you in the neighborhood of the tie factory last night?

[Frank Smith]

Not within a half a mile. What's that got to do with it anyhow?

[Joe Friday]

Where's this friend of yours live, Steve?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

That's right.

[Frank Smith]

A little street just off Western Gramercy Place.

[Joe Friday]

You got a telephone? I guess so. You know the number?

[Frank Smith]

Not offhand. It must be in the book.

[Joe Friday]

I'll check it, Joe.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Last name's McGill, huh?

[Frank Smith]

That's right. What the heck's going on here? You guys didn't even know about Steve? He didn't turn me in.

[Joe Friday]

Well, who did? A lot of ties were stolen last night. Factory.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

You used to work for Ty? That's right.

[Frank Smith]

You think I had something to do with her.

[Joe Friday]

Your ex boss does well.

[Frank Smith]

He hasn't got any right to accuse me.

[Joe Friday]

He threatened to make trouble.

[Frank Smith]

Well, I may have sounded off when he fired me, but it was just talk. How could I make trouble for him?

[Joe Friday]

Somebody did. We were unable to contact the Suspect's friend, Steve McGill until the following morning. He confirmed the story Gilroy had told us and refused to press any charges against him. From McGill we got the names of the other three men who had played cards the night the tie factory was broken into. They also confirmed gilroy's alibi. Sunday, September 11, 10:46am Morgan Gilroy was released. Frank and I went back to the office.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Now we got nothing.

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

You think his wife was telling the truth about him getting home at 2:15?

[Joe Friday]

We can't prove he didn't.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

No, I guess not.

[Joe Friday]

Well, it seems to be cooling off a little, doesn't he?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Yeah. Probably would have been able to sleep last night too.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, it's my luck. Well, maybe you can grab a nap this afternoon.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

No, I don't feel right when I sleep in the daytime. Joe isn't good for a person, you know. Throws your system right out of whack. Except for my brother in law Armin. He can sleep anytime, any place, no strain at all.

[Joe Friday]

Burglary, Friday. Yes sir. Uh huh. Yeah, I've got it. When did it happen? I see. Right.

[Frank Smith]

Bye.

[Joe Friday]

Men's clothing store out in Crenshaw. Owner came in this morning to do some work on the books. Somebody jimmied the back door during the night. Sold a supply of suits. Slack sport coats. Yeah, and a batch of hand painted ties. Frank and I drove out to Nimbo's Men's store on Crenshaw Boulevard. We talked to the owner, Carl Nimbo. He showed us how the store had been entered and gave us a description of the stolen merchandise. The thief had apparently followed the same MO that had been used on the Prosper Tie Company. We were unable to learn anything more about the suspect's identity. Several days later, a tie shop in Hollywood reported the loss of over 200 knit ties. The following night, a men's clothing store on Wilshire Boulevard was burglarized. Investigation indicated that all these crimes were the work of the same man or men. Burglars who were known to have used similar MOs were interrogated. No leads were developed. Monday, September 19, 8:06pm Frank and I were getting ready to go off duty.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

You want to stop by the house on your way home?

[Joe Friday]

No, I'm pretty tired. I think I'll hit The sack early.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

We could watch a little tv. It's supposed to be a good fight tonight.

[Joe Friday]

It's too late for that now, isn't it?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Oh, yeah, I guess so. Oh, we could watch something else. You're not gonna go to sleep at.

[Frank Smith]

8 o', clock, are you?

[Joe Friday]

No.

[Frank Smith]

Well, come on, then.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

I'll get it.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Gregory Smith.

[Frank Smith]

Who?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Oh, yes, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Sure, I remember. Yes, sir.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

I see. What's that address? We'll meet you out in front right away. Yes, sir. Guy owns that tie factory. George Prosper?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

He's calling from a bar over on Normandy. One of his stolen ties just walked in.

[Joe Friday]

We drove out to a small bar and grill on the corner of Normandy and Kingsley Drive. George Prosper was standing in front of the place when we pulled up. He walked over to us.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Evening, Mr. Prosper.

[Frank Smith]

Good evening.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

How are you?

[Joe Friday]

Pretty fair. You sure this is one of your ties now?

[George Prosper]

Positive. Positive. It was a special. Worked out the design myself. There's another one like it anywhere.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Can you point them out to us?

[Frank Smith]

Mm.

[George Prosper]

I see through the window there, that corner booth.

[Joe Friday]

That one there, huh?

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Yeah.

[George Prosper]

Tall fella, sitting alone.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, thanks.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[George Prosper]

You want me to come in with you?

[Joe Friday]

No, sir. We'll take care of it. We might need you later on, though.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Whatever you say.

[George Prosper]

You know how to get in touch with me?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. Good night.

[George Prosper]

Night.

[Joe Friday]

Good night. Well, like to talk to you for a minute. Okay.

[Dick Trundle]

Sit down. Well, we're police officers. Okay.

[Joe Friday]

What's your name?

[Dick Trundle]

Crandall. Dick Trandle.

[Joe Friday]

You got a job?

[Dick Trundle]

Sure.

[Joe Friday]

Doing what? Cpa. Public accountant.

[Dick Trundle]

That's right.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Must make pretty good money, huh?

[Dick Trundle]

What makes you think so?

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

The way you're dressed.

[Frank Smith]

I'm single.

[Dick Trundle]

I don't have a lot of expenses.

[Joe Friday]

It's a nice suit.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Nice.

[Joe Friday]

Remember where you bought it?

[Dick Trundle]

Sure. San Francisco. Went up there on my vacation a week ago.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Can we see the label?

[Frank Smith]

Okay. Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Dick Trundle]

One drink.

[Joe Friday]

No, thanks.

[Dick Trundle]

My pleasure.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Nope. Ever been arrested, Tranl?

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Sure.

[Joe Friday]

Tell us about it. Speeding. Nothing else?

[Frank Smith]

No.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

You get that tie up north, too?

[Frank Smith]

No.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Where'd you get it?

[Dick Trundle]

Fella I met a couple of nights ago. Got to talking to him in a bar.

[Joe Friday]

What bar?

[Dick Trundle]

Olympic, down toward town. Don't remember the name of it.

[Joe Friday]

What about this fella we were talking.

[Dick Trundle]

Said he was in the clothing business. Happened to mention my hobby was stamp collecting.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Yeah.

[Dick Trundle]

Said sure was a coincidence.

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean by that?

[Dick Trundle]

One of his customers was a stamp collector, too. Had the factory make up a special tie for him. Designed it like rare postage stamps. This One right here. The one I went, uh huh. Offered to sell it to me. Yeah, because the customer was made for it. Left L. A.

[Joe Friday]

He have the tie with him in his hotel.

[Dick Trundle]

Took me over there to show me.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

What hotel was it?

[Dick Trundle]

I don't know. A little place a couple of blocks.

[Joe Friday]

Away from the bar. You think you could find it again?

[Dick Trundle]

I guess so.

[Joe Friday]

Did you go up to his room? Yeah.

[Dick Trundle]

He showed me the tie. Showed me a lot of other clothes too.

[Joe Friday]

Did you buy anything else?

[Dick Trundle]

Nothing else I needed. I stocked up when I was in San Francisco.

[Judge]

Didn't need the tie either.

[Dick Trundle]

But it was a real bargain.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, 350.

[Dick Trundle]

It's all you asked for.

[Joe Friday]

Felt like this is worth at least.

[Dick Trundle]

Seven or eight bucks.

[Mrs. Gilroy]

Sure.

[Dick Trundle]

Couldn't see how I was making any profit selling it at a price like that.

[Joe Friday]

You made a profit?

[Dick Trundle]

Well, it doesn't seem possible. It must have cost him more than 350.

[Joe Friday]

No, it didn't. Huh. But it will. Dick Trundle gave us a description of the man who had sold him the tie. He. He agreed to accompany us to the bar where they'd met. 10:17pm Frank and I interviewed the bartender at the BTJ Cafe on Olympic Boulevard. He remembered the suspect and said he had been in several times during the past week. He couldn't tell us his name or address. We left the bar and canvassed the vicinity for the hotel where the suspect had taken trundle. 10:58pm Trendle identified the Mortensen Hotel as the suspect's residence. Frank and I went inside and talked to the clerk on duty.

[George Prosper]

To the best of my knowledge, there's.

[Dick Trundle]

Only one person staying here who fits that description.

[Joe Friday]

That's Mr. Lafferty, one of the nicest.

[Dick Trundle]

Gentlemen you ever meet.

[Joe Friday]

He's in the clothing business.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

He around now.

[Joe Friday]

Let me check his box. Yes.

[Narrator/Announcer]

Yes.

[Dick Trundle]

He must be in his room.

[Frank Smith]

The key's not here.

[Joe Friday]

What room is that?

[Frank Smith]

It's 2:12.

[Joe Friday]

He's very careful.

[Frank Smith]

Mr. Lafferty always leaves his key at.

[George Prosper]

The desk whenever he goes out.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Thanks.

[Frank Smith]

He's generous.

[Joe Friday]

Too generous to a fault. You don't say. Sure.

[Frank Smith]

See this tie? He gave it to me.

[Joe Friday]

Is that right? Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

It's one of my favorites.

[Joe Friday]

That's too bad. You may have to give it back. Frank and I walked up to the second floor. Room 212 was at the end of the hall near the fire escape. The transom was open and we could see a light inside the room.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Who is it?

[Joe Friday]

Come on, open up.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Yes, sir. Just a minute. What can I do for you, Jeff?

[Joe Friday]

Police officer.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Stand still.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Oh, Police. You're wasting your time. I don't believe in firearms.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

He's light, John.

[Frank Smith]

What did I tell you? Right.

[Joe Friday]

Where's the stuff?

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

I suppose you mean the items I stole.

[Joe Friday]

That's what we mean.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

I've already managed to dispose of a good deal of it. What's left is in the closet in the bureau. By the way, the burger kit's under the bed.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

Thanks.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Always believe in cooperating with the police. Things seem to work out better that way.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Although, frankly, I'm surprised you weren't here sooner.

[Joe Friday]

Is that so?

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Last week, that's when I was expecting.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'm sorry we were late.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

It looks like we got everything we need, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's go.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

You didn't overlook the tool.

[Frank Smith]

Don't worry.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Last week I was certain you'd be here. Then right after my second job. I've never been able to pull more than two before without being arrested.

[Joe Friday]

I mean, you don't say it was.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Four this time, you know?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, we know. Four jobs.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Well, that's a new record for me.

[Joe Friday]

Well, let's don't let it go to your head, huh?

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Oh, I don't take all the credit. If I'd ever worked Los Angeles before, you probably would have found me sooner.

[Joe Friday]

Mm.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Have to go somewhere else when I get out. Yeah, maybe up north to Seattle.

[Partner/Colleague (possibly Frank Smith or Joe Friday's partner)]

I never worked there.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

Might be able to pull five jobs before they catch me. Set myself a new record.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, well, that's not likely.

[Russell Herbert Lafferty]

You'll see.

[Joe Friday]

Just wait till I get out. We won't be around that long.

[Narrator]

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

[Judge]

On January 7, trial was held in Department 98, Superior Court of the State of California in and for the county of Los Angeles. Russell Herbert Lafferty was tried and convicted of burglary on the first degree, four counts.

[Narrator]

Because of his previous record, he was.

[Judge]

Adjudged to be an habitual criminal and was sentenced to life imprisonment in the state penitentiary, San Quentin, California.

[Frank Smith]

Dragnet, the story of your police force in action is a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service.