Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Try" (09/21/1954)
Podcast: Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio
Episode Date: September 23, 2025
Main Theme:
This episode of Dragnet follows Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith as they investigate a young man's confession to a hit-and-run homicide. What begins as a straightforward case of self-incrimination quickly unravels into a nuanced examination of guilt, evidence, and personal struggle as the detectives uncover the truth behind the crime.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. A Young Man's Confession (01:41–03:59)
- Setting: December 10th, cold morning in LA, Joe Friday and Frank Smith return to the homicide squad room.
- Introduction to Emil Salter: An 18-year-old, weary and hungry, walks into the station to confess.
- Salter's Statement: "I want to talk to you. ... I'm in trouble real bad." (02:20–02:36)
- He claims to have killed a man by running him down with a stolen truck.
- Initial Investigation: Detectives feed Emil, check his record (finds none), and ask him to recount his story. He describes hitting an unknown man on the Coast Highway near Malibu.
2. Salter’s Background and Self-Doubt (05:00–08:10)
- Personal History:
- Salter is from Waukesha, Wisconsin; troubled at home but has no real criminal past.
- He left home seeking a fresh start but ended up sick and alone in Los Angeles.
- Briefly detained previously for minor mischief ("one night we broke into [a] church...just wanted to play the organ." (06:02)).
- After escaping the hospital to avoid being sent home, he stole a truck in desperation.
- Emotional State: Salter expresses deep loneliness, regret, and self-blame.
- “Seems like I was always alone. Sure was last night. I guess I never do anything right, do I?” (07:50–08:10)
3. Investigation and Doubt (08:10–11:12)
- Fact-Checking Salter's Story:
- Police confirm a transient (Lloyd Holtman) was killed in a hit-and-run on the Malibu highway.
- Crime lab discovers blue paint on the victim, not black like Salter’s truck.
- Inspecting the truck reveals it doesn't match evidence from the scene.
- Friday: “What you tell us doesn’t add up with the evidence here.” (10:00)
- Discovery of Discrepancies: Paint color and damage don’t match Emil’s confession.
4. Witness Emerges – The Real Story (11:12–16:02)
- A New Witness, Lorne Stait:
- Reluctantly shares he witnessed the accident, confirming a blue car—not a truck—killed Holtman.
- Stait’s account: “That emo kid, he ain't guilty...He didn’t do it. I seen the accident, seen the whole thing.” (12:24–12:28)
- He originally kept silent to avoid trouble at home; his alibi involves being with a woman, potentially embarrassing for him.
- Provides a vital clue: “I got license number.” (15:38–15:39)
5. Tracking the Real Killer (16:02–22:21)
- Identification:
- Blue Pontiac registered to Charles Bookman, who lent it to his brother-in-law, Casey Stedman.
- Bookman's frustration: “If he smashed up the car, he's going to pay for it though. I’m not going to be responsible.” (18:18)
- Locating the Car & Suspect:
- Mechanic contacts police about a blue Pontiac with stained, damaged fender (likely blood).
- Steadman attempts to deny involvement, then confesses under pressure and evidence.
- Joe Friday: “We got one that says you can’t use it to kill somebody.” (22:17)
6. Closure for Emil Salter (23:13–24:55)
- Emil is Cleared of Homicide:
- Friday delivers the news: “You didn’t kill that man.” (23:18)
- Salter is relieved, yet still faces charges for auto theft. Reflects on his loneliness and sense of being an outsider, even referencing watching his high school prom from the fire escape:
- “I was all alone, looking in from the outside.” (24:43)
- Detectives' Reflections:
- Frank Smith expresses empathy for Emil: “Listened to that kid, I got the same sort of feeling...I don't think he's a bad kid. Not really.” (25:06)
7. Aftermath & Sentencing (25:50–26:28)
- Verdicts:
- Casey Harrison Stedman convicted of felony hit-and-run, sentenced to state penitentiary.
- Emil Donald Salter pled guilty to grand theft auto, placed on probation.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Salter's Confession:
- "I didn't mean to do wrong...Killed a man." (02:53–02:56)
- Salter’s Loneliness:
- “Seems like I was always alone. Sure was last night. I guess I never do anything right, do I?” (07:50–08:10)
- Witness’s Reluctance:
- “I ain't gonna get mixed up enough.” (11:33)
- “That emo kid, he ain't guilty...He didn’t do it. I seen the accident, seen the whole thing.” (12:24–12:28)
- Detective’s Skepticism:
- “We just got to go with the evidence, mister.” (22:27)
- Resolution & Reflection:
- “Just me. I guess I blame my parents, my brothers, everybody. All the time, it's me. There’s nobody else to blame, really.” (23:44)
- “Like I said, I was all alone, looking in from the outside.” (24:43)
- “Listening to that kid, I got the same sort of feeling. I don't think he's a bad kid. Not really.” (25:06)
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 01:41–03:59: Emil Salter’s confession and background
- 05:00–08:10: Emil’s life story and emotional struggles
- 08:10–11:12: Police doubt, conflicting evidence
- 11:12–16:02: Witness Lorne Stait clarifies the truth
- 16:02–22:21: Identifying the real perpetrator and confrontation
- 23:13–24:55: Emil's exoneration and reflections on loneliness
- 25:50–26:28: Legal resolution for Emil and Stedman
Overall Tone and Style
The episode maintains Dragnet’s trademark reserved, methodical tone, with Joe Friday and Frank Smith proceeding by the book but showing empathy for the troubled youth at the center of the case. The narrative focuses not just on solving a crime but on exploring issues of guilt, fate, and the desire for belonging.
For Listeners
Even if you haven’t heard the episode, this summary offers a clear, structured view of the unfolding investigation and the emotional journey of Emil Salter. Through meticulous police work and the emergence of an unexpected witness, justice is ultimately served, but not without leaving a poignant reminder about the consequences of loneliness and the search for acceptance.