Dragnet: The Big Wish 08/10/1954

Summary

Choice Classic Radio Detectives | Old Time Radio

Episode Summary: Dragnet: "The Big Wish" (08/10/1954)

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Introduction

"The Big Wish," a compelling episode of the classic radio series Dragnet, delves into the harrowing journey of a young boy battling heroin addiction and the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated detectives. Hosted by Choice Classic Radio, this episode encapsulates the essence of old-time radio detective work, highlighting themes of addiction, familial struggle, and law enforcement's role in societal issues.

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Case Assignment and Introduction of John Colter

The story begins with Detective Sgt. Joe Friday and his partner, Frank Smith, assigned to a juvenile detail tasked with dismantling a narcotic ring supplying drugs to teenagers in Los Angeles. The detectives face the challenge of identifying key figures in the operation without any leads.

• Joe Friday: "You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a juvenile detail. A narcotic ring has been supplying drugs to the teenagers in your city. There's no lead to the identity of the key people in the operation. Your job. Find them." [00:53]

On a cold Monday morning, Friday arrives at the office where Smith briefs him about a personal issue involving Fanny, who had a disagreement due to a sick teenager under their care. Amidst this mundane conversation, a young boy arrives seeking help.

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Encounter with John Colter

John Colter, a 17-year-old, enters the office with a desperate plea:

• John Colter: "I want you to put me in jail. Because it's the only way I'll stop. I know it. I gotta be in a cell or I'll do it again." [03:12]

His sincerity is palpable as Friday observes, "There was an intenseness in his eyes that showed that he was serious." [03:31] Colter's confession reveals his struggle with addiction, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into his life and the narcotics network he's entangled with.

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John's Backstory and Addiction

Through meticulous questioning, Colter narrates how he became addicted to heroin. His journey began innocuously at a Halloween party, leading to increasing dependency:

• John Colter: "I thought I could beat it, turn it off when I wanted to. Didn't work out that way." [09:16]

Colter details his progression from casual use to severe addiction, highlighting the lack of support and the dire consequences of his choices. His motivation to seek help stems from the unbearable pain and the realization of the destructive path he's on.

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Interaction with Nora Coulter (John's Mother)

Detectives bring Nora Coulter, John's weary single mother, into the conversation. Nora's interaction underscores the emotional toll of raising a troubled teenager alone:

• Nora Coulter: "I have been a mother and a father, both to Johnny. I always knew there'd be something that'd blow up." [12:38]

She expresses her frustration and despair over John's actions, revealing the scarcity of happiness and the overwhelming responsibilities she bears. Her confrontation with Friday emphasizes the familial strain caused by addiction:

• Nora Coulter: "You think you're too big for me to do it. I have a lot of things I want to tell you. All the trouble you've caused." [16:05]

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Investigation and Unraveling the Narcotics Ring

Armed with information from Colter, Friday and Smith collaborate with Sergeant Roxy Lucarelli and Steve Broadhurst of the Narcotics Details. Their coordinated efforts lead to the arrest of 14 individuals connected to the narcotics operation, although the key figure remains elusive.

As the investigation progresses, Jerry Roth, identified by Colter as a pivotal player, is apprehended. Despite initial resistance, Roth eventually cooperates, revealing the mastermind behind the ring:

• Frank Smith: "You think you got it a little wrong here?" [19:37]

Roth discloses the name Zern Pollard, the top man orchestrating the drug trade, and explains his methods of smuggling and distribution. This breakthrough is crucial in dismantling the narcotics network.

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Climactic Conclusion and Recovery

The authorities successfully convict Pollard and his associates, bringing a semblance of closure to the case. Simultaneously, Colter undergoes treatment, showcasing the dual effort of law enforcement and rehabilitation in addressing drug addiction:

• Frank Smith: "Best thing I've heard for a week. Don't think I could go through any more of it." [18:26]

After enduring intense withdrawal symptoms, Colter shows signs of recovery, symbolizing hope and the possibility of redemption. The episode concludes with Friday and Smith reflecting on their roles in aiding both the afflicted and solving the case, embodying the ethos of the Dragnet series.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joe Friday: "You're a detective sergeant... Your job. Find them." [00:53]
• John Colter: "I want you to put me in jail... I'll stop." [03:12]
• Nora Coulter: "I have been a mother and a father, both to Johnny." [12:38]
• Nora Coulter: "He's mine, all right." [14:16]
• Nora Coulter: "You just wouldn't listen. You thought you knew better than me." [16:46]
• Frank Smith: "You think you got it a little wrong here?" [19:37]
• Frank Smith: "Best thing I've heard for a week..." [18:26]

---

Insights and Conclusions

"The Big Wish" masterfully intertwines the procedural aspects of narcotics investigation with the deeply personal struggles of addiction and familial responsibility. Through Joe Friday and Frank Smith, listeners gain insight into the compassionate yet determined nature of law enforcement, committed not just to catching criminals but also to aiding those in need.

The episode underscores the complexities of addiction, portraying it not merely as a criminal issue but as a profound personal battle. John Colter's journey from desperation to recovery highlights the critical role of support systems, both institutional and familial, in overcoming substance abuse.

Moreover, the narrative emphasizes the pervasive impact of narcotics on youth, reflecting societal concerns of the 1950s that remain relevant today. The resolution of the case, combining arrests and rehabilitation, presents a balanced approach to justice and mercy, reinforcing the Dragnet ethos of serving and protecting the community with integrity and empathy.

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Final Thoughts

"The Big Wish" stands as a testament to the timeless storytelling of Dragnet, blending investigative rigor with humanistic undertones. Through its rich dialogue and poignant character developments, the episode remains a compelling exploration of the challenges faced by individuals and families grappling with addiction, all while navigating the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated detectives.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

Your message amplified.

[Frank Smith]

Ready to share your message with the world? Start your podcast journey with Podbean. Podbean. Podbean. Podbean. Podbean.

[Joe Friday]

The AI powered all in one podcast platform.

[Frank Smith]

Thousands of businesses and enterprises trust Podbean to launch their podcasts. Launch your podcast on podbean today. My school uses Podbean. My church too. I love it.

[Nora Coulter]

I really do.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Frank Smith]

Dragnet.

[Joe Friday]

You'Re a detective sergeant. You're assigned a juvenile detail. A narcotic ring has been supplying drugs to the teenagers in your city. There's no lead to the identity of the key people in the operation. Your job. Find them. It was Monday, February 9th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of juvenile detail. My partner's Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Powers. My name's Friday. I was on my way into the office and it was 8:01am when I got to Georgia Street. Juvenile Squadron? That's right. Hi, old buddy. Been in long? Since about 7:30. How come? No, I couldn't sleep. What's the matter? Anything wrong? Fanny had a beef. One of the kids was sick. We were up with him most of the night. What's the matter? I took him over the rides yesterday. Rides? Rides. You know the place over there where they have the Merry Go Round Ferris whale. Got a little carried away, I guess. They sure had a good time, though. Took in everything. Roller coaster, airplanes, whole works. She can't expect us to do it on an empty stomach. We had a little something to eat, I guess. Maybe we overdid it. Anyway, the youngster got sick last night. Faye says I'm to blame. One thing led to something else and the beef was on. So you just got up and came into work, huh? Yeah. Stopped and had some breakfast. Read the paper. Come on in. How's the kid now? Okay. It was nothing serious. A little too much cotton candy's off. Faye's got a tendency to make too much of those things. But you know, she always does. Yeah. Something we can do for you, young fella?

[Frank Smith]

I'd like to talk to somebody.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Come on in. Hey, we can help you.

[Frank Smith]

You're a cop?

[Joe Friday]

That's right. Frank Smith. My name's Friday.

[Frank Smith]

Hi.

[Joe Friday]

Hello, son. What do you Want to see us? About?

[Frank Smith]

Kind of private. Is there someplace else we can go to talk?

[Joe Friday]

We can? Yeah, there's a room down the hall.

[Frank Smith]

Well, that might be better.

[Joe Friday]

All right, we can go down there. Come on down this way.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Just a minute. This is right here. Go ahead.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

All right. You want to take a chair right there, son?

[Frank Smith]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Now, what can we do for you?

[Frank Smith]

I want you to put me in jail.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Frank Smith]

Because it's the only way I'll stop. I know it. I gotta be in a cell or I'll do it again.

[Joe Friday]

What do you mean, son?

[Frank Smith]

I'm hooked bad. I wanna stop.

[Joe Friday]

He was a nice looking boy, well dressed and clean. He looked like he was in his late teens. He asked us to put him in a cell. There was an intenseness in his eyes that showed that he was serious. Frank and I questioned him further. What's your name, son?

[Frank Smith]

John Colter.

[Joe Friday]

Spell the last name for me.

[Frank Smith]

C, O, L, T, E, R. How old are you? 17.

[Joe Friday]

Where do you live, son?

[Frank Smith]

You have to have that. Hasn't got anything to do with why I'm here.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, we'll have to have it, son.

[Frank Smith]

1896 Dillon Street.

[Joe Friday]

Is that Mel A?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

How big a habit do you have, son?

[Frank Smith]

I'm using.4 a day.

[Joe Friday]

How long you been hooked?

[Frank Smith]

A year. A day before yesterday.

[Joe Friday]

Wanna let us see your arms?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

You got a lot of marks here, haven't you?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Joe Friday]

A couple of them there. We better have the doctor look at.

[Frank Smith]

All right. I don't care anymore. How long since you had a fix last night.

[Joe Friday]

You must be feeling a little rough by now then, aren't you?

[Frank Smith]

Not easy.

[Joe Friday]

I don't guess it is.

[Frank Smith]

Hey, you mind pulling those blinds? It's awful bright in here.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, okay. You live with your folks?

[Frank Smith]

My mother. My father died when I was five.

[Joe Friday]

Your mother know about this?

[Frank Smith]

No.

[Joe Friday]

She's gonna have to, you know.

[Frank Smith]

Then you're gonna tell her I'm not.

[Joe Friday]

All right. We'll take care of that. Is the life better now, son?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, thanks.

[Joe Friday]

When'd you eat last?

[Frank Smith]

Yesterday.

[Joe Friday]

You hungry now?

[Frank Smith]

No.

[Joe Friday]

How about a cup of coffee?

[Frank Smith]

No, thanks.

[Joe Friday]

How'd you get started on this stuff?

[Frank Smith]

It probably runs like all the rest of the stories you've heard.

[Joe Friday]

Well, why don't you tell us yours anyway?

[Nora Coulter]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

You sure we can't get you some?

[Frank Smith]

Only one thing would do any good, and you can't give that to me.

[Joe Friday]

All right, go ahead. How'd you get started?

[Frank Smith]

A couple of years ago it was Halloween. Kids had a party. We all went to this house. Kid that owned it had the rooms all decorated up. You know, paper, streamers and those cardboard skeletons. Had the whole place done up like that. We got there and found out that we were figuring to play games. We went the game route for a while and a bunch of us decided to leave. Things were dull, so we left.

[Joe Friday]

Where'd you go?

[Frank Smith]

Well, just drove around for a while. Tried to figure something to do.

[Joe Friday]

Whose car did you have?

[Frank Smith]

One of the kids had his father's.

[Joe Friday]

All right, go ahead.

[Frank Smith]

Well, we drove around for a while and one of the kids said for us to go up to Mulholland. Go up and scare the lovers up there.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Wasn't anything else to do, so we drove up. When we got there, one of the guys, fella I didn't know too good, said he had some tea. Said we should have a blast party.

[Joe Friday]

This boy was at the other party, wasn't he?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, but I didn't know him. Didn't meet him until we were out on the ride.

[Joe Friday]

You go to your school?

[Frank Smith]

No.

[Joe Friday]

All right, son. Go ahead.

[Frank Smith]

Well, we parked and he took out these cigarettes. He had them in a tobacco can, you know, like you buy pipe tobacco, and had him in one of them. Then we lit up and started to smoke. At first it made me sick. I didn't like it much. Come right down to it, I. I didn't think the whole thing was such a good idea.

[Joe Friday]

Why'd you do it then?

[Frank Smith]

All the kids there had to, or they'd have said I was chicken.

[Joe Friday]

All right. How'd you get started on the hard stuff?

[Frank Smith]

Oh, I just got to the point where there wasn't much kick in tea, you know, Same thing all the time. Wanted to go up a step.

[Joe Friday]

Who set you up?

[Frank Smith]

One of the kids I met.

[Joe Friday]

Wasn't the same boy who had the marijuana, was it?

[Frank Smith]

No. You see, once in a while, we'd go to a big blast party at somebody's house. The other kids there, new ones. I met Jerry there.

[Joe Friday]

Jerry? That's the boy's name? Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Jerry Rolfe.

[Joe Friday]

How old is he?

[Frank Smith]

19.

[Joe Friday]

See? Huh? Yeah. Was he when you met him?

[Frank Smith]

I guess so.

[Joe Friday]

How do you spell his last name, son? R, O, A, T, H. How'd he turn you on?

[Frank Smith]

We were talking about T. How the kick wore off. He said there was something else. Something that had a real jolt.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Boy, it's rough. I'm starting to get cramps.

[Joe Friday]

You better have that cup of coffee now. I'll get it, Jill. All right. Feel Pretty rough, don't you, son?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. It's a good thing I'm here. I'd start looking for a connection.

[Joe Friday]

Did you take your first shot of heroin the night you met this Roath kid?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. We went outside to his car. He had a fit there and he cooked up a fix. He took one. Then I tried it.

[Joe Friday]

What happened?

[Frank Smith]

Never got so sick in my life. Thought I was gonna die. Figure what's happened since then might have been a good thing.

[Joe Friday]

How you been supporting your habit?

[Frank Smith]

Only a couple of ways. You steal or you start pushing yourself.

[Joe Friday]

Which way do you go? Both. What'd you steal?

[Frank Smith]

Anything I could sell. Never took anything from anybody else, though. All from my own house. Most of the stuff was given to me. Rings, my watch, whatever I could raise a buck on. What'd you get rid of it around the school? Couldn't go near a pawn shop. But the kids didn't care as long as they got a bargain. Sold my old man's watch for three bucks. Seventeen jewels. Solid gold. Three bucks.

[Joe Friday]

What were you pushing? T H?

[Frank Smith]

Anything. I'd buy the H and then cut it myself. You don't have to do that many times until you got a couple of extra caps. That took care of me for a while.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Frank Smith]

Pretty soon there was never enough. Got so as I was always looking forward to the next fix.

[Joe Friday]

When did you start mainlining him?

[Frank Smith]

I chippied with the stuff for a couple of months. Skin pops. Then that wasn't enough. Started in the arm.

[Joe Friday]

When did you find out that you were hooked, son? Do you remember?

[Frank Smith]

About a year.

[Joe Friday]

Took a while, huh?

[Frank Smith]

I figured it would never happen. Thought I could beat it, turn it off when I wanted to. Didn't work out that way.

[Joe Friday]

Didn't you know you had it bad when the charge went up?

[Frank Smith]

Not really. I still thought I could quit when I wanted to. Just never seemed to get that far. Kept putting it off. Guess if I figured I could start the next day, it didn't matter much time. I decided to quit. I couldn't.

[Joe Friday]

It's your coffee, John. Brought one for you too, Joe. Thanks. God. Try to get it down. It'll make you feel a little better.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. Cramp's getting worse. You got a doctor here?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, there's one upstairs.

[Frank Smith]

I better see him. Might be something he can do.

[Joe Friday]

Your mother at home?

[Frank Smith]

No, she works.

[Joe Friday]

She there now?

[Frank Smith]

What time is it?

[Joe Friday]

Quarter nine.

[Frank Smith]

Be about 10 minutes.

[Joe Friday]

Better give us the number, huh?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. You're gonna call her, huh?

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Frank Smith]

Gonna tell her about it?

[Joe Friday]

Yep.

[Frank Smith]

I'll Take it pretty hard. I don't think she knows anything about it.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we have to do it, I guess.

[Frank Smith]

So tell her how there's a cure though, huh? She's going to be pretty scared.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean?

[Frank Smith]

She read where only 2% come out of it.

[Joe Friday]

Well, there's less than that who want to be helped. There's a lot less. Yeah, Maybe you got a piece of that 2%. 8:57am the boy was taken up to see the doctor on duty at the Receiving Hospital. At a couple of minutes after nine, we put in a call to the firm where his mother was employed. We talked to the personnel manager and he said he'd have Mrs. Colder call us. Few minutes later the phone rang and we talked to the woman. We told her briefly what had happened and asked her to come right over to the office. At 9:25am the door to the squadron opened and a tired looking woman who looked to be in her late 40s or early 50s entered. She identified herself as Nora Colder and asked us what had happened to her son. He's upstairs right now, Ms. Cohler. The doctor's looking at him.

[Nora Coulter]

He told me he's been using narcotics.

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Frank Smith]

Is that what he says?

[Joe Friday]

Well, he's admitted it to us.

[Nora Coulter]

Be all right?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we think so. He's got an infection on his arm caused by a bad needle.

[Nora Coulter]

But it's gonna be all right.

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Nora Coulter]

You have a cigarette, Sergeant?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, thanks. Help yourself. Here's the light.

[Nora Coulter]

I guess I should have known it'd be something like this.

[Joe Friday]

Beg your pardon?

[Nora Coulter]

I should have known. Had to show up someplace.

[Joe Friday]

I don't think I understand, Ms. Coulter.

[Nora Coulter]

There's a trouble spotting them all, Sergeant.

[Joe Friday]

All of them.

[Nora Coulter]

This is Johnny's. You don't think I'm saying this personal to you? Just what I've seen in the years have gone around. Trouble spot in all men.

[Joe Friday]

Did you know your son was using heroin?

[Nora Coulter]

No, I didn't have any idea.

[Joe Friday]

According to what he told us, he's been hooked for over a year. You must have noticed something, didn't you?

[Nora Coulter]

You used the word hooked. I'm afraid I don't understand that kind of talk.

[Joe Friday]

I'm sorry. I mean, he's been an addict for that long.

[Nora Coulter]

Sergeant, I've been working for a long time. Ever since Johnny's father died. I worked before then. When I get home after standing on my feet all day, I got a few more important things to do than wonder what he's doing. All I can do to just drag Myself down to the factory every morning?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Nora Coulter]

Always something. Bills to go over, decide who's gonna have to wait this month. Clothes to wash and iron time. I just get the things done that have to be taken care of. That's all I can do to climb into bed before I pass out.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ms. Coulter. We understand.

[Nora Coulter]

I wonder if you do.

[Joe Friday]

How's that?

[Nora Coulter]

I said, I wonder if you do understand. Have you ever raised a boy by yourself?

[Joe Friday]

No, ma', am.

[Nora Coulter]

I have. Believe me. It isn't easy. Since 11 years ago, I've been a mother and a father, both to Johnny. I always knew there'd be something that'd blow up. Knew it because he's just like his father. Exactly like him. I'm 35 years old. 35. And for the past 17 years, I haven't had a minute of happiness.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'.

[Nora Coulter]

Am.

[Joe Friday]

Anything we can get for you, Mrs. Colder?

[Nora Coulter]

No. Only thing I want is a little happiness. It seems like there just isn't gonna be any of that while I'm on this earth. I'm sick, Sergeant. I'm old and I'm sick. And I can't go through any more of this.

[Joe Friday]

Your boy's pretty sick, too.

[Nora Coulter]

Yes, I know all about that, too. I read how none of them cures work. What they say, 2%. There's something else I gotta carry.

[Joe Friday]

Might be a little different with John.

[Nora Coulter]

I don't see why. No reason for him to be something special. No reason for him to be cured.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, there is. He wants it.

[Nora Coulter]

Ms. Calder, what's gonna happen to him?

[Joe Friday]

We'll file a petition on him. After that, well, they'll have to make an appearance in juvenile court. They'll decide what treatment's gonna be best for him.

[Nora Coulter]

Can I see him?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Nora Coulter]

We can take care of that now.

[Joe Friday]

Frank, you wanna see if the doctor's through them. Yeah.

[Nora Coulter]

Grab another cigarette. Sorry.

[Joe Friday]

Yes. There you are. Here's a match.

[Nora Coulter]

Thanks, Sergeant.

[Joe Friday]

Fine. I'll tell you something, Ms. Kohler. Your son's pretty sick. He's not gonna look too good when you see him.

[Nora Coulter]

You been hurt?

[Joe Friday]

Not so it shows. But he's going through a great deal of pain. There's gonna be a lot more for.

[Nora Coulter]

Both of us, Sergeant.

[Joe Friday]

I guess you're right at that. Might be better if you remember that. He's just a youngster. He's only 17.

[Nora Coulter]

I won't forget. He's mine, all right.

[Joe Friday]

He's made a mistake, but he knows it. And he's taken it on himself to try and do something about it.

[Nora Coulter]

Tell you something, Sergeant.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Nora Coulter]

I've had a lot of trouble with Johnny. He was little, he was always running away from home. Time he got to school, he played hooky a couple of times a week. High school, it was the same thing. But that's not the worst of it, ma'.

[Joe Friday]

Am.

[Nora Coulter]

He's been stealing from his own mother. He's been stealing?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am. He told us.

[Nora Coulter]

He admitted it.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, he did.

[Nora Coulter]

Well, there you are. Not bad enough he's a dope fiend. He's a thief too. I wasn't sure about the stealing. I just thought so. A few things had been missing around the house and I'd asked Johnny about him. He'd offered some half baked story. And now I know. Thief. I haven't got enough.

[Joe Friday]

Try to take it easy with the boy.

[Nora Coulter]

Take it easy? That's a laugh. All I've done for him. Nice home. Not real big or fancy, but it's clean. Got a kind of closet, sort of nice and big with a window. Got that all fixed up for Johnny. Airplane pictures on the wall. It's the best I could do. Weed good. Never gone hungry. Lord knows I have. But he hasn't. No reason for him to do a thing like this. No reason at all.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'. Am.

[Frank Smith]

Hello, Mother.

[Joe Friday]

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[Frank Smith]

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[Joe Friday]

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[Frank Smith]

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[Joe Friday]

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[Frank Smith]

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[Joe Friday]

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[Nora Coulter]

I know all about it, Johnny. These men told me. All the time I've been telling you, it end up like this. You in trouble with the police. You just wouldn't listen. You thought you knew better than me. Well, you found out how much you know.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, I'm sorry about it.

[Nora Coulter]

A little late for that. How am I gonna go home with all the neighbors knowing about what's happened?

[Frank Smith]

I'm sorry.

[Nora Coulter]

Well, a fat lot of good that's gonna do. I had you home right now, I'd show you. And don't think you're too big for me to do it.

[Frank Smith]

You want to take me upstairs, Mr. Smith?

[Nora Coulter]

Yeah, just a minute. I got some more things to say to you. Don't you go walking out on me like that.

[Frank Smith]

I don't feel so good. I'd like to be by myself. I'll talk to you later.

[Nora Coulter]

You talk to me now. I got a lot of things I want to tell you. All the trouble you've caused.

[Frank Smith]

I'm sorry. Please, Mr. Smith. It's tough enough.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's go.

[Nora Coulter]

You bring him back here. You bring him back. Well, that's it. Now they're both gone. Now there isn't anybody.

[Joe Friday]

Anything we can get for you, Ms. Coder?

[Nora Coulter]

Yeah. Get me a reason why this had to happen. Give me one. Do you know one?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I can't be sure.

[Nora Coulter]

What do you mean by that?

[Joe Friday]

Just like you said before.

[Nora Coulter]

What?

[Joe Friday]

He's your son. We made arrangements for Mrs. Colder to be taken to her home that night. John Calder was kept at Georgia Street Jail. The next morning, we filed a petition on him. We had one of the doctors at the county hospital Talk to Mrs. Calder. And he finally convinced her that her son would get proper treatment at one of the state hospitals. And she signed the necessary papers. For the next three days, the boy had it pretty rough. If the novice drug user had the opportunity to witness a patient going through withdrawal pains, the majority of drug traffic would be brought to a halt. Because of the sincerity of the Colder boy, Frank and I spent as much time as we could spare with him. While he was going through the symptoms. He complained of violent headaches and stomach cramps. The usual things. He was unable to keep any food down. His eyes watered constantly. And for 72 hours, he was in a state of constant violent pain. On the fourth day, began to recover. He was able to take some warm beef broth and apparently was on his way to being physically well. On Saturday, February 15th, we talked to him at the hospital.

[Frank Smith]

Rough go?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. You got the worst of it behind you now.

[Frank Smith]

Best thing I've heard for a week. Don't think I could go through any more of it.

[Joe Friday]

Well, now you got it made now, John. From here on in, you'll get all the help we can give you.

[Frank Smith]

Well, you guys have done a lot already. A couple of times there. I think I would have gone off my rocker if I hadn't been able to talk to you.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that's what we're here for.

[Frank Smith]

Hey, either one of you got any gum?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure.

[Frank Smith]

Here's something jumpy. I gotta do something to calm down. You seen my mother?

[Joe Friday]

She called us yesterday. Yeah?

[Frank Smith]

How's she getting along?

[Joe Friday]

A lot better. One of the doctors here at the hospital talked to her. Said she wants to see you.

[Frank Smith]

What's that gonna prove? Be the same thing, her telling me how tired she is, how I'm a goofball.

[Joe Friday]

I don't think so this time. It hasn't been easy for her either, you know.

[Frank Smith]

Maybe not. I don't know.

[Joe Friday]

I wonder if you give her a chance to make it up. She wants to.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. I guess there isn't much more I can do.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Now, there are a couple things we want to ask you. What? We want the men who kept you, supplied names. That's right.

[Frank Smith]

You figure I'll tell you, don't you?

[Joe Friday]

Figure you will.

[Frank Smith]

Wrong base. I'm a bum in a lot of ways, but I ain't gonna get anybody else in trouble.

[Joe Friday]

You told us about this Jerry Rolfe, didn't you?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

We got a want out on him now. Only be a matter of time before we pick him up.

[Frank Smith]

Then let him tell you.

[Joe Friday]

Do you think you got it a little wrong here?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

What'd these people do for you?

[Frank Smith]

They're friends.

[Joe Friday]

Check the books. Go over what they've done for you against what you've done for them.

[Frank Smith]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

You're a big boy. Figure it out for yourself. You know, they tell us there's an estimated 25,000 narcotic users right here in Los Angeles. And a big part of them are kids.

[Frank Smith]

Reed's good. Figures always help.

[Joe Friday]

I know you remember something else, youngster? You came to us and you asked for help, didn't you? You walked into the office, he said you were in trouble. We're not trying to steal a plea or sound like big men. But when you said you wanted help, we didn't ask you if you could afford it. We didn't care. Now, these people are such good friends, why didn't you go to them? I'll tell you why you didn't. Because you were scared. You know what'd happen if you walked up to them with empty pockets. You knew they'd spit right in your face. Your buddy. As long as you can pay for it as soon as you're broke. They never met you, did they? Loyalty's fine. It's a good thing. People could use a lot more of it. But turn it around, son. You've stolen things from your own family to support this habit. Now, how loyal have your friends been when you haven't had the price of a cap? How quick did they come through for you then? You know what it's like in here. You've had it bad. Any of your friends been around to see you? Any of them been willing to hold your head while your insides fell out. Now we ask you a question. We don't really need the answer from you. We'll pick up the people who did this. We'll reach every one of them. From the mule that sold you that first cap. To the guy who's been bringing the stuff right into the country. We just figured you'd like the chance to help out the other 25,000. I guess we had it wrong, didn't we? There's the phone. Put in a call to one of your high powered friends. See how fast they come through for you. Now, you don't need us and we don't need you. Let's go, Frank.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah, Wait a minute. Yeah, I'll give you the names.

[Joe Friday]

We talked to the boy for another hour and a half. During that time, he gave us as much information as he could. On the operation of the narcotics ring. He supplied us with the names, dates, times and places. However, he could only go so high in the organization. Frank and I went back to the office and we called Narcotics Details. We talked to Sergeant Roxy Lucarelli and his partner, Steve Broadhurst. We filled them in on what had happened and gave them a list of the names we had. The roundup of narcotic salesmen started inside the next 24 hour period. 14 men and women had been taken into custody. Each one of them was interrogated. But they either didn't know the name of the key man on the operation. Or they refused to tell it. They were all booked on various sections of the State narcotics code. On Wednesday, February 18, we received word that Jerry Roath had been picked up in a washroom in Pershing Square. Frank and I went over the main jail to talk to him.

[Frank Smith]

All right, get it over with.

[Joe Friday]

We want one thing from you, Roeth.

[Frank Smith]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

The name of the wheel.

[Frank Smith]

I don't know what you're talking about.

[Joe Friday]

Roll up your sleeves, boy. What for? Roll them up. Let's see the other one.

[Frank Smith]

They're both the same.

[Joe Friday]

Let's see it. Marks. John. What's that? Proof that you're left handed. When'd you have your last fix?

[Frank Smith]

Who says I use the stuff at all?

[Joe Friday]

I'll come off at Roth. We got you and you know it.

[Frank Smith]

I don't see where it says that.

[Joe Friday]

How old are you? You got the record. Look it up. You're a big talker, aren't you, son? I live that way, too. Well, you're just taking a little drop, kid.

[Frank Smith]

You won't keep me here for more than 12 hours.

[Joe Friday]

Don't make book on me?

[Frank Smith]

Well, I got a lot of friends in this town.

[Joe Friday]

They'll get me out. You keep believing that. We put a hold on you when we came in.

[Frank Smith]

What's that mean?

[Joe Friday]

Means you'll be dropped into an ISO cell. There's gonna be anybody who can talk to you without us knowing about it. Everybody comes near you is gonna be checked back to the time they were born. And what's that gonna prove? We'll get to the wheel. You talk loud, cop, but I got.

[Frank Smith]

Trouble with my ears.

[Joe Friday]

All right. You sit right with it, kid. You'll be screaming for us to talk with you. Yeah, sure. Keep believing it, because I'll give you one thing free. Yeah? Next time we're here, it'll be to listen. Jerry Roth was returned to his cell and Frank and I went back to the investigation. For the next two days, we kept a constant check on the suspect. During that time, nobody had attempted to see him or talk to him. Saturday, February 21st. We got back to the office from lunch. Want to check the book? Yeah. Anything? Yeah. We're supposed to call the main jail. Ro probably wants to talk, huh? Well, he might have tried to spring him. Yeah. This Friday, Juvenile. When? We'll be right over. Ro. Yeah? Want to talk? Well, maybe we can ask him, huh? They just cut him down. He tried to hang himself. Frank and I left the office and drove over to the jail. The boy had torn his trousers into strips and braided them into a rope. He'd attempted to take his own life. He'd been found on a routine check and had been cut down. The accident had been discovered almost immediately, and by the time we got there, he was almost fully recovered. We talked to him in the interrogation room. Kind of lousy way out, isn't it, kid?

[Frank Smith]

That looked good at the time.

[Joe Friday]

How's it seem to you now? I made a mistake. How do you feel? Pretty lousy. You want to give us the name?

[Frank Smith]

What kind of protection do I get?

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean? Well, if I tell you, I gotta know he ain't gonna get me. I will try to build some kind of a wall for you.

[Frank Smith]

He won't know it's me.

[Joe Friday]

No, not from us. All right.

[Frank Smith]

His name is Pollard.

[Joe Friday]

Zern. Wanna spell that? Yeah. Z, E, R, N, E. He the top man? Yeah. I built the whole thing. Did he bring this stuff into the country? Yeah. Sergeant, he's got a boat.

[Frank Smith]

He tells people he's going fishing for albacore.

[Joe Friday]

Was he bringing in from Mexico?

[Frank Smith]

Yeah. I've been with him a couple of times. He Lands the boat at a beach down there, makes the contact and then.

[Joe Friday]

Comes home, hides his stuff.

[Frank Smith]

And Fish got the idea from an old movie.

[Joe Friday]

That way if they look the boat.

[Frank Smith]

Over, chances are they won't find it.

[Joe Friday]

Nice setup, huh? Yeah, it sure worked good for him. Yeah, he made a mint.

[Frank Smith]

Got a big house, drives a new car. Got everything he wants. Just sits back and pulls a handle.

[Joe Friday]

Jackpot. Every time. No, not this time. Huh? He just turned a lemon.

[Frank Smith]

Pollard, Harris, Zern and the other members of the narcotics gang were tried and convicted of violation of the State Narcotic Act, a felony, and received sentence as prescribed by law. A petition was filed on John Keith Coulter and he was made award of the juvenile court.

[Joe Friday]

After treatment, he was pronounced cured and.

[Frank Smith]

Returned to the custody of his mother. You have just heard Dragnet, the authentic.

[Joe Friday]

Story of your police force in action.

[Frank Smith]

And starring Jack Webb, a presentation of the United States Armed Forces Radio Service. Riley Herbs from 2311. Racing here. And you know what grinds my gears? Waiting for coffee. But instead of counting frappes and lattes, I fire up Chumba Casino. No apps, no fuss, just fun social casino games to pass the time. By the time my coffee's ready, I've already taken a few victory laps. Next time you're stuck waiting, make it entertaining. Play for [e-mail] let's Chumba. Sponsored by Chumba Casino.

[Joe Friday]

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[Frank Smith]

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