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Get this and get it straight. Crime is a sucker's road, and those who travel it wind up in the gut of the prison of the grave. The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. The adventures of Sam Spade Detective. The Adventures of the Saint, starring Vincent Price. Bob Bailey in the exciting adventures of the man with the action packed expense account, America's fabulous freelance insurance investigator. Yours truly, Johnny Doll. Hello, and welcome to a bonus episode of down these Mean Streets, the last in our series of holiday mysteries leading up to Christmas Eve. And we're signing off with two of my favorites just in time for the big day tomorrow. First, we have my favorite radio Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. John Stanley and Alfred Shirley. We'll hear them in an original Holmes holiday mystery from the pen of Edith Miser. It's the adventure of the Christmas Bride, and it originally aired on Mutual on December 21, 1947. Then we'll hear the Big Little Jesus, a heartwarming Christmas story from Dragnet that originally aired on NBC on December 22, 1953. This one was repeated a few times on Dragnet over the years, alternating with another Christmas episode about the dangers of giving kids guns as Christmas presents. Let's just say that one isn't nearly as uplifting. So we're going with this story where Sergeant Friday and Officer Smith try to figure out who stole the baby Jesus from a church's nativity. I hope you've enjoyed these weekly bonus shows and I hope you have the happiest of holidays. Now sit back and enjoy a Christmas Eve presentation of Sherlock Holmes and Dragnet. From New York, the makers of clipper craft clothes for men and 924 leading retail stores from coast to coast coast present the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Our stories are based upon the character of Sherlock Holmes, created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Sherlock Holmes is portrayed by John Stanley, Dr. Watson by Alfred Shirley, and the dramatizations are by Edith Miser. Well, here we are, about to enter Dr. Watson's familiar study. Hello. What's this? We find the good doctor hanging up his Christmas holly, not forgetting a sprig of mistletoe. Mr. Harris. Hope springs eternal, as they say. But here, help me down from this chair. My old legs aren't as agile as they were in the days when I followed Holmes through the dungeons and up the tower stairs of old Pensdagen Castle. Here we are. Oh, thanks. That sounds suspiciously like the beginning of a Sherlock Holmes yarn, Dr. Watson. It is, Mr. Harris. It is Holmes always called it the adventure of the Christmas Bride. It concerns a ghostly lady in white who was supposed to have disappeared centuries ago, the honor of a noble family and a certain Father Christmas who suddenly sang bass. And now, while I fix us both of you tired, Tolly? Suppose you'll tell our friends and listeners about a gift every man in our audience would welcome from Father Christmas, or as you Americans call him, Santa claus. With pleasure, Dr. Watson. And not only from Santa Claus. A thrifty man can give himself a worthwhile gift anytime if he insists on Clippercraft. For Clippercraft clothes keep on giving for a long, long time. First of all, you've never seen such truly fine clothes at such really low prices. That means you pocket the savings. That's the first gift to yourself. And they also give you superb styling, perfect fit and long wear. Clippercraft clothes give you so very much because of the unique Clipper Craft plan concentrating the buying power of 924 of the nation's leading stores from coast to coast. That means tremendous savings in manufacturing and distribution costs. And yours are the savings this brilliant plan makes possible. Clippercraft suits are only $40 and $45. ClipperCraft topcoats and overcoats only $40. And sport jackets only 2650. Clipper craft values are so amazing we urge you to compare them with clothes selling for many $. And now, how about that Christmas bride, Dr. Watson? Her name was Ginevra and she was the heir and only child of Lord Robert Neville, 10th Earl and 54th Baron Pensdragon of Pensdragon Castle. Yes, I shall never forget my first glimpse of that ancient and somewhat forbidding edifice. The walls grey and bleak without their summer covering of ivy. The tall, square and defiant with the red or rouge dragon pennant angrily defying the winter gales. Well, as I was saying, a rather urgent message from Lord Neville on elegant embossed stationery had arrived at 221B Baker Street. Would Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson do him the honor of a visit to Penn's Dragon over the Christmas holidays? The visit to include the wedding of his daughter Lady Ginevra to the immensely wealthy but slightly middle aged Wentworth Trimmingham, which was due to occur on the second day of the new year. Now don't tell me the eminent Mr. Sherlock Holmes was called in to guard the wedding presents, Dr. Watson. Hardly, Mr. Harris. At any rate, the day before Christmas found us alighting from our train at a small station in the Cumberland Hills, which as you know are situated in the north of England. There had been a slight fall of snow. An ancient carriage with red wheels and the Neville Arms on the door was drawn up to the station platform while the anxious face of the Lord of the manor himself in top hat and ear muffs peered through one of the steamy windows. Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson. That's right. This way, gentlemen. His Lordship's expecting you in carriage. Quite a fall of snow you've had here. Aye, sir. More a coming. By rights we should have brought the sleigh, only his Lordship loaned it to the vicar for tomorrow night. Vicar always plays fire to Christmas at the all on Christmas Eve. Nanos. Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson, sir. Good afternoon, gentlemen. Good afternoon. I'll hop in before you freeze to death. Thank you. Are you here, Mr. Holmes? Your friend opposite. And now then, Dennis, back to Pen's Dragon as fast as you can. Aye, my Lord. Mr. Holmes, you are doubtless curious as to why I've invited you and Dr. Watson to share our yuletide celebrations with Penn's Dragon. To be quite honest, Lord Neville, I didn't think it was entirely for the pleasure of our society. Although Watson is quite an asset when it comes to carol singing. Oh, tenor? No, certainly not. Baritone. That's good. The vicar who leads the Christmas singing is rather proud of his tenor voice and I may say he's not too fond of competition. Mr. Holmes, I have invited you to Pen's Dragon to make sure that nothing, nothing occurs to prevent the marriage of my daughter to Mr. Wentworth Trimmingham. Why is that marriage so imperative, Lord Neville? To be brutally frank, Mr. Holmes, the Neville estates are mortgaged up to the ears. If the marriage does not go through on the 2nd of next month, I shall be bankrupt, totally bankrupt. I see. Has anything occurred, Lord Neville, to make you fear that this marriage may not take place? Well, no, that is nothing definite. Perhaps the Lady Ginevra hasn't been able to hide her distaste for the match. Oh, no, no, no, nothing like that. Well, I wouldn't say it was passionate attachment on either side, but they, they like the same things. She laughs at all his jokes. What better foundation could one ask for a marriage, eh, Watson? That's what I should have said. Well, everything was as smooth as silk until the Dowager Duchess of Terse gave the engagement dinner last month. It was at her suggestion that I sent you the invitation to Pen's Dragon. She's been decidedly edgy ever since Percy returned in the midst of the betrothal dinner two weeks ago. Percy? Yes, Percy is my cousin, although he's only Seven years older than Ginevra. He's our next of kin. As a matter of fact, he's an orphan and lived with us at Pen's Dragon until he went off to Canada to seek his fortune two years ago. If anything should happen to your daughter before she produced an heir, would Percy Neville inherit? Yes, Dr. Watson, both the title and the estates. Percy Neville's return was unexpected. I gather it was unexpected and melodramatic, to say the least. The betrothal dinner was being held in the great hall of Pen's Dragon Castle. My daughter had just risen to return the bridegroom's toast. As she lifted her glass, a casement window was thrown violently open and Percy walked in out of the night. And now I should like to make a toast to my future bridegroom. Percy. Good servants. Percy, Is it really you? I'm sorry to make such an abrupt entrance, Lady Terse, but I came as soon as I received news of the engagement. Percy, why didn't you let us know you were coming? Let you know? Let you know when you never bothered to answer my letters. But Percy, we never received any letters. We. We thought you'd forgotten us. I have forgotten. As if that would have mattered. Percy, that's not true. You know how fond I. We are of you. How touching. Percy, this is Wentworth. Wentworth Trimmingham, My future bridegroom. So this is the little man they've sold you to. Stop that. Stop it at once. I'm very fond of Wentworth. Are you, my dear Ginevra? Percy, why do you look at me like that? To think you should so soon forget our family motto. Neville Velis. The name Neville means that you know. Neville Velis. Ne. Vile Velis. Latitude, I take it, eh, Holmes? Quite. It means stoop to nothing. Base. In case you've forgotten your Ovid Watson. Oh, teach your grandmother to suck eggs. Tell me, Lord Neville, what happened after Percy quoted the family motto to your daughter? He stamped off to his old rooms in the tower and hasn't been out of them since. How does the Lady Ginevra react to this unfriendly behavior? Oh, she says, let him sulk. It's no concern of hers. Lady Terce, on the other hand, is thoroughly unnerved by Percy's return as she feels sure he'll do something outrageous the day of the wedding. Poor Wentworth is as edgy as a hen on a hot griddle. Of course, that may be due to his encounter with a white lady. White lady? Who's she? The ghost of the first Ginevra. You know the bride who played hide and seek on her wedding night and was never seen alive again. Years later her skeleton was found in her great dower chest, still dressed in her wedding gown. She'd hidden in there and somehow the hass must have fallen down and she was locked in and smothered to death. See, Mr. Mere, I remember a rather famous poem on the subject. Oh yes. So all the Ginevras in the Neville family have been named after her. She's supposed to walk through the halls of the castle whenever a misfortune is due to occur. Cheerful damsel, eh, Holmes, when and how did Wentworth Trimmingham meet the lady? Well, Mr. Holmes, it seems it's his habit to knock on my daughter's door on his way to bed to wish her good night. Last night the wind was rather high and he couldn't seem to make my daughter hear. Suddenly he heard a strange creaking noise down the corridor behind him. Looking round, he saw the lid of the dower chest rise slow. Ginevra? Ginevra, my dear, it's I, Wentworth. I've come to bid you good night. Ginevra, Are you there? Ginevra? Who calls me? What was that? Good Lord. The lid of the chest is rising. There's something. A woman in white. She's rising out of the chest. Who? Who are you? The first Genevra you called to me, so I have come to warn you. Go away. Go away before it is too late. Then what happened, Lord Neville? Nothing, Mr. Holmes. Apparently the white figure glided past my daughter's fiance and disappeared up the tower stairs. What did the lady look like? Blonde, brunette? Wentworth says her features were hidden by the bridal veil. Yes, interesting. I suppose anyone in the house would have access to that tower chest. On the contrary, Mr. Holmes, too many people are possessed of insatiable curiosity. I keep the silly things safely padlocked, I promise you. How many keys are there to that padlock? One, which I keep by me here on my key ring. A very wise precaution. I say, Holmes, your bed is even larger than the one in my room. The butler tells me Queen Victoria slept there when she paid a visit in 1846. Look so superior, Watson. Queen Elizabeth, I'm told. Slept here quite a few years before that. Come in. Oh, Lady Terce. Beautiful and charming as ever. Stuff and nonsense. Glad to see you, both of you. Something's going on here. Don't like it. What sort of something are you referring to, Lady Turse? Don't know if I did. Shouldn't have sent for you, Ginevra. Looks as if butter wouldn't melt in her mouth. Bad sign. Percy looks like a thundercloud. That's worse. I thought Percy had locked himself in his rooms and refused to see anyone. I'd like to see anyone. Refuse to see me. But I'm Gavin. You'll want to view the premises. Yes. First of all, I'd like to inspect that dour chest. It might be interesting to investigate how a lady in white can emerge from a carefully padlocked coffer. Then you don't think it was a ghost? Neither do I. Well, what was she up to? You should be able to answer those questions better, Lady Terce. After we've had a look inside that box, I wonder if you could persuade Lord Neville to lend us the key. Here's the key, Mr. Holmes. Lord Neville insists I bring it back the moment you've finished with it. Suspicious old boy, eh, Holmes? Not suspicious, Dr. Watson. Fussy. Well, Mr. Holmes, why the delay? Open the silly chest. Let's see what's inside. So fast, Lady Terce. Not so fast. First let's have a look at the lock. Heavy old bit of machinery. Yes, almost impossible to pick it without showing signs. There are no signs. Then whoever opened it used that key. Not necessarily, Watson. But there's only one key. Lord Neville told us so. And if Robert says a thing, it's gospel. Yes. Interesting carving around the lock. The wood's very old, naturally. Open it up. I'm dying of curiosity. Very well. Lock means oiling. Hasn't been unlocked for some time. I'll remove the padlock. Here, Watson, hold it. Now, Lady Terse, if you'll help me raise the lid. Right. Good Lord. What's that? Oh, it's Thor. Ginevra. Spaniel goes everywhere with her regular shadow. Oh yes. Here she comes. Hello there. I'm Ginevra. Why, you must be Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Delighted. Don't let me stop you, Mr. Holmes. You won't. Father told me what you're up to. I'm dying to see what's in the chest too. Go ahead, open it up. Down. Sword down, boy. You see, it's a biggish box, isn't it? Yes, a woman could easily hide in there. Something white and satin lying on the bottom. Wonderful. It must be her wedding dress. I've always heard it was still in there. Remarkable to find it in such good condition after all these years. The remarkable thing about it, Lady Ginevra, is this. Dust and dirt on the hem. Watson, give me an envelope. I shall want to take a sample but that's fascinating. I've heard simply fabulous things about you, Mr. Holmes. And now I believe them. Everyone. Do you? Yes. I think we've seen everything that is to be seen here. Watson. You may close the lid and lock it. Right. Uh huh. So this is Mr. Sherlock Holmes and his famous deductions. They told me you were coming. They? Who's they? I understood you've let no one in here. Not even the maid. You've overlooked Lady Tercel. Try to keep her out of anything. I didn't mention Mr. Holmes, Percy. Or did I? Don't look so suspicious, Lady Terce. I decided to be a good boy. I've even decided to come downstairs tonight and join in the Christmas Eve festivities. Percy, that gleam in your eye. I've known you too long. You're up to something. If you want to know what satisfying people really means, ask any man who wears Clipper Craft clothes. He'll sing their praises. With good reason too. For values like Clipper Craft amaze even clothing experts. Until you see Clipper Craft clothes and try them on, you won't believe such really superb suits are possible at only 40 and 45 dollars. And such rich, long wearing topcoats and overcoats at only $40. Such very smart sport jackets at only $26.50 for just a fraction of what you'd expect to pay. You get correct styling, perfect fit and long wearing materials. An ingenious plan makes this all possible. The Clippercraft Plan, which concentrates the buying power of 924 of the nation's leading stores from coast to coast. You get the savings that result from this group buying at your own local independent store. The store you can trust. Selling inexpensive clothes at inexpensive low prices at the nation's finest independent stores is the great big idea behind the Clipper Craft Plan. That's why men who know insist on Clipper Craft clothes. So be sure to visit the Clipper Craft store in your city. These leading stores in the metropolitan area are proud to add their names to Clippercraft. In your suit, top coat and overcoat. In Manhattan, John Wanamaker Men's stores Broadway at 8th and 67 Liberty Street Sax, 34th Broadway at 34th in Brooklyn, Abraham & Strauss in New York, New Jersey Boulevard Men's Shop, Kresge, Newark. And in Jamaica, the B and b clothes shop. 16408 Jamaica Avenue. Oh dear, the vicar's late. Darn Thor. Now calm yourself, Ginevra. He'll be here. But Percy, the snow's so deep. What if he can't get through. Now don't worry, the sleigh is light and he has Vixen, the best horse in the county. Nothing can pass her, you know. Oh dear, I hope so. No thought down what ails the dog. He may prove to be a bit of a problem, don't you think? Goodness, I hope not. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I didn't say I see you behind that chair. An ancient wing chair often provides a good listening post, my dear. Now look here, you meddling busybody. Mercy, please. You promised. Suppose you allow me to solve the problem of the dog. Lady Ginebra, would you. I mean, listen. Sleigh bells. The vicar's driving up. He's here. Forward. Christmas has arrived. Open the door, Paddleford. Now then, everyone, Good King Wences must look down. All the beasts of Stephen will not Slowly roundabout Stephen maybe. I declare, I've never been so cold. My right ear's half frozen. Come along, Father Christmas. Percy will take you into the dining room. You can have a hot toddy while you get out of your wrath. That's a good idea. Good idea. And better disguise your voice, sir, or all the children will guess who you are. That's a good idea too. Gather round all. Bring in the Yule log. Father Christmas will be with you in a moment to give out the presents to all the good boys and girls. There. How is that vicar? You're wonderful. Now go along. Take good care of him, Percy. Never fear, my dear. Mr. Holmes, they're bringing in the Yule log. Come and help me set fire to it. Oh look. Dr. Watson has caught Lady Tails under the mistletoe. I declare, I've never had such a Christmas. Come along, Genevra, they're ready for you to light the fire. Dear, where did I put the matches? Oh, thank you, Dr. Watson. Oh, look at that. I say, I say, how she burns. Oh, lovely. I do like to toast my feet in front of a yule. Now. I beg your pardon, Lady Ginevra, but haven't you raised your skirts a bit too high? Oh my goodness, I forgot. Ginevra, my dear, your fiancee is making quite an ass of himself. Who runs into the library every other minute to see no one's lifted one of the wedding presents? Well, all that silver in your present, Lady Terce, the diamond tiara. I'll admit that tiara is a temptation. You shouldn't have given it to me, Lady Terse. It's wonderful. Not at all. A confounded nuisance. Given me a headache for years. Glad to be rid of it. Oh here. Here comes Father Christmas. Gather around the punch bowl, everyone, and we'll have a drink or so before we give out the present. I say, what? No, we should. That's the ticket. I stay there, Vicar. For the Christmas, I mean. Start us off on a carol. Can't drink your eggnog without a song. Right you are, fair lady. God rest you merry gentlemen Let nothing you dismay Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day. Jolly, eh, Holmes? Nothing like a good old fashioned English Christmas. Straight out of Dickens, don't you know? Gone astray. All tidings of comfort and joy Comfort and joy all tidings of comfort and joy. Hello there, Father Christmas. Not leaving us so soon? Well, that is a long ride home. Must get going. Don't tell the others. Wouldn't want to disturb the party. Quite. How about a hot toddy before you leave? Stirrup cup, you know. No, I haven't time. Haven't time? I thought you might say that. So I prepared this jug full of grog. Keep it well wrapped, it'll keep you warm. It's a long cold drive to Gretna green. But what, Mr. Holmes? No time to waste. On your way, Father Christmas. Think of me when you drink the grog. We will. Wassail. Wassail. Merry Christmas. And a happy New Year. Hello. What's this? Vicar. Off so soon? Yes. Lord Neville. He seemed in a hurry to get home. Can't blame him. It's a cold night. Let us get inside before we freeze to death. Good idea. Oh, I say. They're ready to start the dancing. Wentworth's trying to find Ginevra so they can lead the Lancers. Help. Sir. Who's that calling? Good heavens, what's that? Get me out. I'm locked. Why? Someone's got himself locked in the dungeon. This way. The entrance is through the dining room. I was hoping for more of a head start. What's that? Nothing. Nothing at all. Ah. This is the door to the dungeon. Let me out. Let me out, I say. The other door is bolted. Just a moment. Get me out of here. Good Lord, it's the vicar. Down there in his underwear and trussed up like a New Year's goose. This is an outrage. Get me out of here. But if the vicar is here, who drove off in the sleigh? Presumably an imposter who stole the vicar's clothes. I thought it might be. You know, when I heard Father Christmas sing bass. Hey, Holmes. Holmes, where are you? Lady Ginevra, her fiance can't find her anywhere. She's disappeared. Vanished into thin air. Great Scott. Someone get the vicar out of the dungeon. I've got to find my daughter. Oh Mr. Holmes, come quickly. Ginevra's disappeared. Her dog is crouched in front of the dower chest, howling. Oh hurry gentlemen. The same scoundrel that locked the vicar in the dungeon has undoubtedly put Ginevra in the dower chest. I only hope we're not too late, eh Holmes? Wentworth's tried to break the chest open but the dog won't let him near. There, you see? Easy, easy, easy. Talk big boy. Yes, yes, yes, I know. I know what you're trying to say. We'll get her out. You confounded the key, Lady Tess. What did you do with the key? But I gave it back to you. No you didn't. Oh yes, you did too. Quite all right, you know, no key needed. The wood's so old and the staples so loose it's quite possible to lift the lock right out like this. That's it. I'll raise the lid. Great Scott. There's nothing in there but a roasted of beef. Yes, Thor's made off with it I'm afraid. That explains his interest in the chest. But if Ginevra isn't here, where is she? With Father Christmas, I imagine. They're heading for the Scottish border in the sleigh. You'll never catch them I'm afraid. Of course she's eloped with Percy. So she did talk him round. Good for her. So that's why she trailed off up the tower steps in that old bridal gown. I suspected as much when I discovered some of Percy's ashes on its hem. Ah, but this is dreadful. I should be ruined. We'll have to return all the wedding presents. Fiddle de dee. Personally, I'll make mine a much handsomer contribution. Ginevra shall have the tiara and my emeralds as well. They're worth the King's ransom. Lady Tur, you are an astounding female. All women are. But we're keeping the dancers waiting. You shall lead the Lancers with me. Robert, come along. Say Holmes, you old fraud, I believe you knew what was going on all the time. I suspected, Watson. I suspected that when I saw the Lady Ginevra raise her ball gown and display a pair of traveling boots. I was sure. But come along Watson. We shall have to go down to the kitchen and make peace with the cook. Why that? We're making off with Sunday's roast of beef. Something had to be done to keep the dog interested or he'd have given the show away. Well, that certainly was a Christmas Story with all the trimmings, Dr. Watson. Glad you like it, Mr. Harris. And now, while I fill up our glasses so we can drink a Christmas toast to our listeners and our sponsors. Nothing would give me greater pleasure, Dr. Watson. Here's your glass, Mr. Harris. Thank you. And here's to our radio friends, young and old. Merry, merry Christmas and happiness, prosperity and peace in the new year. Indeed, Dr. Watson. And warm greetings to all the makers of clipper craft. And now, Dr. Watson, how about just a small hint about next week's story? Next week, I think I shall tell you how Holmes and I spent New Year's Eve off the Silly isles. New Year's Eve off the silly Isles. That sounds amusing, Doctor. Hair raising is the word, Mr. Harris. We were aboard the luxury liner Gigantic, expecting that any minute she would burst into flames. There's nothing more terrifying, we know, than a fire at sea. The makers of clipper craft clothes and 924 leading stores from coast to coast have brought you another in the new series of broadcasts featuring the world's most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes is produced and directed by Basil Ochran, with special music by Albert Berman. If you don't know your clipper craft dealer, write ClipperCraft, 200 Fifth Avenue, New York City. Christmas seals support the fight to prevent the spread of tuberculosis in this community. Buy and use Christmas seals on all your holiday mail and be sure to mail your packages now. Be sure to listen next week to Sherlock Holmes in New Year's Eve off the Scilly Isles. If you'd like to attend the Sherlock Holmes broadcast in New York, see your local clipper craft dealer and he'll tell you how to obtain your tickets. This is Cy Harris speaking for Quicker Craft Clothes. This is the world's largest network serving more than 450 radio stations, the Mutual Broadcasting System. Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Dragnet is brought to you by Chesterfield, made by Liggett and Myers, first major tobacco company to give you a complete line of quality cigarettes. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to burglary division. You get a call that an important piece of religious art has been stolen from the oldest church in Los Angeles. There's no lead to its whereabouts. Your job, find it. To sell a product, you have to make it good and keep it good. What do the latest reports show about Chesterfield? Well, our research laboratory has compared it with the leading cigarettes in the country. Chesterfield is highest in quality, low in nicotine. Another good reason why thousands of people are changing To Chesterfield every day, smoke America's most popular two way cigarette, regular or king size. You'll find Chesterfield really mild, really satisfying. Best for you, 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 side of the law through an actual case. From official police files, from beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action. It was Wednesday, December 24th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of Burglary Division. My partner is Frank Smith. The boss is Captain Bernard. My name's Friday. I'd gone across the street to buy stamps for some Christmas cards I was sending out. It was 9:15am when I got back to room 45, burglary. I sat down at a table in the squadroom and I started to address the cards when Frank walked in carrying a stack of Christmas boxes. Hi, Joe. Hi. Christmas cards, huh? Little late, aren't you? Well, I was gonna send him out Monday, but we had that stake out. You ought to get married, Joe. Yeah, it's the only system. Faye does all this stuff for me. Laundry, mails, cards. Only system might help. You got a big stack there. Ought to cut down the list. Look at this here. Upholstery shop. Yeah, they send me a card every year. I never get anything upholstered. Faye and I ought to go over our list, cut off a few names. Brought in your present. Want to open it now? No, I'll wait. I always opened a couple the day before. Why? Well, put you in the spirit ahead of time. I opened Phil's this morning. Who's he? Frey's brother in Denver. Gave me a magazine. One of those funny ones. What do you mean, a comic book? No, one of those funny ones. You know. No, I don't, Frank. Well, some of the pages have holes in them. You look through and there's a picture on the next page. Oh, yeah, I've seen those on the newsstand. They have cloth pasted in cloth in the ads. If you want to buy a suit, they have a sample right there. You mean you can feel it? Reach right out and feel it. There was one for $200. A suit? Sure. Cloth comes from Scotland. What's it made out of, solid gold? No, they got a special kind of gold over there. It's real smooth. Not a goat, Frank. A sheep. Well, it's a special kind of sheep then. Because a suit costs $200. You gonna get one? I told Faye she Said where the sample. Anything doing? Fanning and Pryor were in on that market. Hold up. They come up with anything? Pound of air. Nothing else. I hope it stays quiet. I got more shopping to do. I finished. What'd you get, Ann? Stationary set. Some paper and envelopes. Leather binding. Joe, you'll never learn. What's the matter? No woman wants a stationary set. Get her something personal. Well, it's got her initials on it. No, no. You want something more sentimental, romantic. What'd you get, Faye? It's different in her case. What'd you get, Faye? Sewing machine. That's romantic. Well, there's in the way. Why don't you buy her a catcher's mitt? Burglary Friday. Yes, that's right. You have the right department. All right, Father, we'll be right down. No, you can tell us about it there. Goodbye. The old mission church. They've had a theft collection money. Statue of the child Jesus. Frank and I checked out of the office and rode over to the church at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Main. The old Mission Plaza Church, founded 1781, the year Los Angeles became a pueblo. The outside was typical early Spanish design, complete with mission arches. Was made of adobe and painted white. They called it the Queen of the Angels. The padres from down in Mexico built it. The devout Mexicans in town still attended services there. 10:05am Frank and I crossed through the courtyard. Used to be the old stable, but the Spanish priest changed all that. When it became a mission, stone masons paved the stable floor and made it a courtyard. They planted grapevines, trees and flowers. A young priest the courtyard to meet us. He'd been sitting on a stone bench reading his morning prayers as priests had done here for 172 years. We asked for Father Xavier Rojas, who communicated with us. We were told he was inside. We entered a side door. The church seemed to glow with the hundreds of votive candles flickering on both sides of the altar and at the shrines throughout. The church was empty except for a few people praying. Surrounding the main altar were several old oil paintings and gold frames. The air was heavy with the scent of Advent flowers. We found Father Rojas up near the sanctuary looking at the Nativity scene. He told us about the crib. It was a $70 duplication of the scene at Bethlehem. The parishioners had taken up a collection for it 31 years ago. It was put up every year on December 22 and taken down after the holy season. It was beautiful, except that one of the shepherds had lost another. The sheep Was old and cracked and the infant Jesus was missing. Father Rojas led us back into the sacristy. I'm sorry to bother you, man. It's all right, Father. Especially now, the holiday season. We cash our checks, Father. You want to tell us what happened or what you think happened? I discovered the statue was missing. Right after the six o' clock mass. You say for six? Yes. I started over to the rectory and stopped by the crib. Was the statue there before Mass? I don't know, but it was there last night. How late is the church open? All night. You leave it wide open so any thief can walk in. Particularly thief, Sergeant. You say it was there last night, father? How late? 10 or 11 o'. Clock. We had confessions. No one saw it after that. One of the altar boys, he says it may have been there. He thinks it was. Did he see it? He's not sure. What's his name? Pardon me. Here's the schedule. You'll find the names for every Mass there. Was there a big crowd at the six o' clock Mass, Father? Not too many. Seven's the big one. People on their way to work. Did anyone stay after Mass? Did you notice? Not especially. I came back here, took off the vestments, I suppose. It was 10 or 15 minutes before I went back in the church. It was empty then. No people were coming in for the seven o'. Clock. Are these the Alder boys? James Corneen and Joseph Heffernan? That's right. Joe's the one who mentioned it might have been there. Did you check with the other priests, Father, before I called you? None of them knows anything about it. Just for a check on the pawn shops. How much is the statue worth in money? What's the point in pawn shops, Father, only a few dollars. We could get a new one, but it wouldn't be the same. We've had children in the parish. They've grown up and married. It's the only Jesus they know we understand. And we've had children who died. Was the only Jesus they knew. So many of the people who come here are simple people. They wouldn't understand, Sergeant. It would be like changing the evening star. We'll do our best, Father. That's why it would mean so much to have it back for the first Mass on Christmas. It's not very long, father. Less than 24 hours. If anything turns up here, you know where to get in touch with us. Yes. Sad, isn't it? How's that? In so short a time, men learned to steal. Yes, but consider us, Father. Us. If Some of them didn't. You and I'd be out of work. 10:50am we notified pawn shop detail. Frank and I checked out the two, all our boys. The first one, James Cornine, said he knew nothing about the missing statue. The second one, Joseph Heffernan, was not at home. His father said he had a part time job, but he'd have him get in touch with us right after lunch. By 11:30am we'd run out of book. Procedure. We had a man to find. Our only clue, he'd been to church. 11:33am we checked the phone books for the names of religious stores in the area. Two of them were closed. We tried the third. When we got there, the only person in the store was an elderly man sitting by a table. In front of him was a large, beautifully carved chess set. We're police officers. My name's Friday. This is my partner, Frank Smith. Great to see you. Caught me in the middle of a big chess match. Where's your partner? Up in San Jose. We've been playing for years. Same match? No, just two or three months on this one. What I meant was we've been playing different matches for years. I see. You know, we do it through the mail. I send him a move, he sends me one. Must keep you on your toes. Except during the holidays, the mail gets all fiddled up. That's no good. Guess not. Slows things down. That's no good. I like to catch him off guard. You, Mr. Flavin? How do you know? We never met. Your name's on the window out front, Mr. Flavin. We checked the other two religious stores in this neighborhood. They're closed. It's the best one anyway. 50% European items. We're checking the stores around the mission church. For what? Statue of the child Jesus. Do you have one we could look at? Sure. No, sir. A larger one. You don't want a larger one unless it's for a church. That's why you want a larger one. Could we see it, please? It's not my due to butt in, but unless you live in a big place, this will make your living room all the kilter. Yes, sir. Do most of the people who go to the mission church trade here? Good. Many of them special to kids. Why? Kids more religious. Check on yourself. See if kids aren't more religious than you might be. So that's what's wrong with the world. Oh, I don't mean you're wrong with it. Everybody? Yes, sir. What if we could stick to the point, Mr. Flavin? Sure. A lot of people from the mission church come in here. Do people ever come in and sell back a religious article like a prayer book or rosaries? Yes, sir. Secondhand, you mean? Yes, sir. Not since I ever been around. It's silly. Why? People don't have religious articles so they can get rid of them. They have them so they can happen. But if a man had a statue and wanted to sell it, he'd come to a place like this. Sure, but he wouldn't want to sell it. He would if it was stolen. No, sir. If a man was to steal a statue, he'd be crazy or something like that. The only place he'd want to go is where crazy people are. You may be right, Mr. Flavin. I don't know what you fellows are looking for, but if it's somebody who stole a statue, he's crazy and you won't find him. You won't find him as long as you live, or in a million years. That should cover it. We checked religious stores out as far as Van Ness. We asked the same questions. The owners gave us the same answers. But none of them were as encouraging as Mr. Flavin. Frank and I had lunch and reported back to the office. It was 1:30pm and we started into the squadroom. The captain was just coming out. I just checked for you in the lunchroom. We've been down on that theft at the mission. May get some action on the Patterson case. They locate him? They think he's on the bus from Sacramento. Well, that means the Bakersfield Police. We'll wait and see. Are one of you fellow Sergeant Friday? He is. I'm Drew Hefner. My father said you wanted to see me. Sit down, son. You didn't have to come in. A phone call would have worked. My father said to get on over. He says that any kid that uses phones is lazy. We want to ask you about this morning. You serve six o' clock Mass? Yes, sir. I'm senior boy, so I get the six. You're a senior and you take the early trick? Yes, sir. That way if you receive Communion, you get to have breakfast sooner. Father Rojas says you think the statue was there before Mass. I didn't look, but I have a feeling it was there. A feeling? You know how you have a feeling about something but you're not sure. Did you stay around long after Mass? I put out the candles and hung up my surplus. How long would that take? About five minutes, maybe. Did any of the people at Mass stay on? Some moms do, especially ladies. Oh, Maybe they don't finish in time. Or else they start new prayers. I don't know. So when you left, there were still some women there? No, sir. That was that first. After I went back to the sacristy, there was only this one man. What man? He comes at six o' clock all the time. Do you know his name? No, sir. But he works down in Olive. You know, paint shop where they paint signs. Could you describe him? Sort of medium. He was wearing a suit that didn't match. Didn't match? You know, different pants than coat. How about his age? Oh, he's pretty old. Take a guess. About 40, maybe. There's nothing particular about him. Then why'd you notice him? I seen him before. And the bundle, I guess. The bundle out in front. I saw him when he was coming out. He had this bundle and he almost dropped it. How large a bundle? It's hard to say. Come on, son. Was it large or small? The size of the statue. About that big. Yes, sir. We located the sign shop. The suspect didn't work there anymore. But we discovered his name was Claude Stroup. We found out where he lived. 2:25pm we arrived. There was a hotel for men. Mostly old men. Mostly down and outers. Was called the Golden Dream. Police officers. We're looking for Claude Stroop. Hope Claude didn't get in any trouble. So do we. Is he in? No. He's got room 307. You can check if you like. We'll take your word. Were you on this morning? Huh? Yeah. The early shift. Well, we don't have shifts. My uncle owns the place. I'm the shift. Did Stroop spend last night here? Came in about 11. When did he leave this morning? Around 6, maybe. Before. They come back after 8 o' clock or so, then left. Supposed to be back at 10, then pulls this trick. What trick? Our program. He knows the other fellas need him. Program? Here at the hotel? Every Christmas we have a program. Put up a tree and sing. They're mostly old fellas. Singing like that makes them remember back when they were kids. Then Jimmy Finn comes on. Jimmy Finn? He shares number 409. His family once had a lot of money, so he tells the fellas about it. Stories about Christmas. How they had this big log and his grandfather used to start it up. And after dinner, everybody turned over his plate. And there underneath was a $20 gold piece, brand new one. When Stroup came in this morning, did he have a bundle? I didn't see him come in. You said you saw him. I Saw him go out after, but not come in. When was that? 8. If you want to look for a bundle, I could give you his key. We don't have a warrant. It's all right. I know about police. It's all right with me. It's not with us. I didn't mean that. I just meant it was all right with me. Good King Wensell slew down on the feast of Stephen Wen. They were three old men. You couldn't tell how much better they would have been with Stroop singing the fourth part. But somehow you didn't care. This was Christmas at the Golden Dream and it sounded fine that night Though the frost was cruel when the poor man came in sight Gathering winter fuel. This is the last rehearsal. They got most of the songs down pat. Sounds pretty good. That's why it's a shame Claude isn't here. He's tenor and they need him to make it sound just right. Does Stroop have a job? No, sir. He used to have jobs. Not much lately, though. Did he say where he was going? No. He should have. The fellas need him. When he comes in, will you call us? Sure. And not say anything to him? That's right. I hope it's nothing serious. For Claude fellas, troubles ought to be over. Troubles? Way back it wouldn't count now. Tell us anyway. I don't know much about it. As much as you know. Now, come on. Well? Something back where he used to live. He robbed somebody or something. What else? That's all. Was a long time ago, way far back. But he forgot it all. The robin and everything? No, not quite. Hm. He remembered it this morning. God rest ye Mary, gentleman let nothing you dismay For Jesus Christ our Savior was born upon this day to save us. We went back to the office and ran Stroop's name through R and I. If he'd been booked anywhere, we had no record of it. At least not under that name. 4:15pm Pawn shop detail reported back. No object resembling the statue of the child Jesus had been turned in. 4:18pm I hung up the phone. Patterson's on that Sacramento bus. I thought Bakersfield had it. They were supposed to confirm. They did. Upward Station. What about Fanning and Pryor? They're still out. Well, they'll be back soon. When's the bus arrive? 6 o'. Clock. There's plenty of time for him to make it. There's more time for you. We're still on that theft. Can it wait? No. What is it? 10. $15 statue. When's the price? Determine a case. I realize it's a church statue, but that doesn't give it priority. It's important to them, Captain. Joe and I promise to get it back. What do you got on it? Nothing much. And why are you so big hearted? Burglary. Friday. When? No, don't say anything. No. Right. It's Claude Stroop. He just walked into the hotel. He's our suspect. Nobody's leaked to him? No, you keep. You can run him down tomorrow. It'll be too late then. They need it for the first mass in the morning, Skipper. It's kind of a big thing for them. I'm sorry. I can't juggle details around so you can get a statue back if there's time later on. We'll do our best. Yes, sir. You better get over to the station. Yes, sir. Will you call Father Rojas over at the mission? Why? Tell him we're too busy to work on that statue. But we'll do it later. Tomorrow or when we get a chance. Why can't you call her? Well, we better get over the station. If Patterson's on that bus, we don't want to miss him. All right, I'll call him Friday. Get out. I can send Fanning and Priority. Might as well stay on that other thing. Whatever you say, Captain. You are listening to Dragnet. The authentic story of your police force in action. There are good reasons why thousands of people are changing to Chesterfield every day. Why Chesterfield is the largest selling two way cigarette in America. Why Chesterfield is best for me and best for you. People these days want facts. When you want people to use your product, you have to tell them what effect it has on people who do use it regularly. That's why a doctor has examined for almost two years a large group of Chesterfield smokers. 45% of them have, on the average, been smoking Chesterfields for well over 10 years. What is the effect on these people from smoking Chesterfield? No adverse effects to the nose, throat and sinuses, says the doctor. Consider Chesterfield's record with these smokers with millions of other smokers throughout America. Another good reason for you to change to Chesterfield. Regular or King size? Chesterfield is best for me. Best for you. 4:43pm we arrived at the Golden Dream Hotel. The desk clerk was right. Claude Stroop looked like a man who'd had his troubles at bargain rates. Your name Claude Stroop? Yes, sir. Police officers. We'd like to talk to you. I didn't do anything against the law. Honest, I didn't do anything against it. You haven't been accused. Want to take you downtown. We'd like to talk to you. No, sir. I'm not going. I'm not going anywhere. I'm not going to talk to anybody. You're half wrong already. 5:15pm we returned stroop for interrogation. He kept his word. He refused to talk. 6:05pm Frank called Faye, told her he'd be a little late. Stroop didn't move for a whole hour. He sat and stared, but he didn't talk. 6:40pm we got a final report from pawn shop to you. The shops were closed. There was no statue. Stroop still hadn't talked. Don't you ever want to go home, Stroop? If I was to talk, he wouldn't let me go. Depends on what you'd say. I'd say it wrong and I wouldn't get home. You won't this way either. I'd like to go. You can bet on that. This is the seventh year we had the program and I never missed a one. Not a single one. Why don't you tell us what happened, Stroop? How would I know you'd let me go? You wouldn't. I might as well, anyway. All right. What happened from Mass on? Well, there was Mass. I came out and started down toward the hotel. Back up. I left my stuff at the hotel and then I picked up George's car. I didn't steal it. He said I could have it anytime I wanted. Only this time I didn't ask him. I took it and started out. Well, I should have asked, but I just didn't. I went over to Grant Avenue for the Christmas pulps for this fellow sells them secondhand. It was coming out of the lot that I did it. Yeah, the bumper must have caught. The other car didn't leave too big a dent. But there was this long scratch. I got out and tried to wipe it off with my handkerchief. You know, spit on it, like. Only didn't do no good. I didn't think anybody saw. I don't know how you fellas found out about it. I'll check auto records. Right. Stroop? We didn't bring you down here to talk about that. You didn't? No. There's a statue missing from the church. The statue of the child Jesus, you mean? I took it. You took a bundle out of church? Yes, sir. That was my other pants for the program tonight. I had a place sewed up and there was a button off. You can check. But I wouldn't take a statue. I don't think you would either. He's clear at Auto Records. One hope for the program. You mean it's all right? Good night, Stroop. Good night. Merry christmas. Where to? Well, I don't know. We could stay and work on it tonight. Wouldn't do any good. We won't find it. I don't think so. No use kidding. The priest build his hopes up. Might as well go tell him now. Merry christmas. 7:27pm we found Father Rojas. Frank told him how it was that we couldn't get the statue back by morning. But that we'd keep trying during the week. He said he understood. We told him we had to get on. As Frank and I started to leave, the doors at the main entrance to the church opened. It was a good 200ft away. It was hard to be sure, but it looked like a small boy drawing a bright red wagon behind him. When he got closer, you could see he was no bigger than a pint of milk. It was a luminous eyed little Mexican boy with a face as young as yesterday. The priest seemed to know him. Aquito. In the back of the wagon was the missing statue of the child Jesus. He picked it up gently and walked up to the priest. Father Rojas. He just stood there looking up at Father Rojas. It's Paco Mendoza, the boy from the parish. Ask him where he found it. He didn't find it. He took it. Why? He says all through the years he's prayed for a red wagon. This year he prayed to the child Jesus. He promised that if he got the wagon, the child Jesus would have the first ride in it. He wants to know if the devil will come and take him to hell. That's your department, Father. No. El Diablo, Jesus, Ama. Paquito mucho. We crossed over to the sanctuary. With the help of Father Rojas, the young boy replaced the infant Jesus in its rightful place. The crib in the nativity scene. Frank and I could have been wrong, but the small plaster statues seemed to approve. Mary, Joseph, the wise men, Gaspar, Melchior, Balthazar, the old shepherd, the young shepherd, the peasant. They all seem to approve. Priest told the boy to go home. He took hold of his wagon, started the long way, walk out of the church. There wasn't much we could say. There wasn't much to say. We just stood there and watched him go. Halfway up he turned to look back and he went on out. I don't understand how he got that wagon today. Don't kids wait for Santa Claus anymore? It isn't from Santa Claus. The firemen fix old toys and give them to new children. Paquito's family, they're poor, Are they? Father. Sam, The story you have just heard is true. The names and locations were changed. Ladies and gentlemen, here is our star, Jack Webb. Thank you, George Feniman. Friends, remember your cigarette dealer will be open right up to Christmas Eve. And he can take care of your last minute shopping problems with Chesterfields. Chesterfield's in the special Christmas carton featuring the covered bridge. And now, on behalf of the makers of Chesterfield, Liggett and Myers Tobacco Company. There are over 6,000 wholesale distributors and 1,300,000 retail dealers. And of course all of us on Dragnet. We'd like to wish you a very Merry Christmas. Now here is our star, Vincent Price. Ladies and gentlemen, in a prejudice filled America, no one would be secure in his job, his business, his church or his home. Yet racial and religious antagonisms are exploited daily by quacks and adventurers whose followers make up the irresponsible lunatic fringe of American life. Refuse to listen to or spread rumors against any race or religion. Help to stamp out prejudice in our country. Let's judge our neighbors by the character of their lives alone and not on the basis of their religion or.