21st Precinct 53-07-07 (001) "The Nolen Brothers"

Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: February 22, 2026
Episode Runtime: ~29 minutes

Episode Overview

This episode of "21st Precinct," a radio drama series from the Golden Age of Radio, delivers a gripping, dramatized account of police work in New York City. The focus is on Captain Frank Kennelly and his officers as they attempt to apprehend three escaped bank robbers—Carl Ross and his accomplices—believed to be holed up in an apartment in the 21st precinct. The story deftly mixes tension, procedural detail, and the toll of the job on the officers' personal lives.

Key Discussion Points & Story Progression

1. Captain Kennelly’s Interrupted Night

• Timestamp: 00:24–05:51
  • Captain Kennelly narrates a rare evening out with his wife, Ellen, at the musical "Guys and Dolls."
  • Kennelly’s sense of duty is evident—despite being off-duty, he checks in with the precinct and learns about the fugitive bank robbers.
  • Quote (Kenelly, 04:54): “According to the manual of Procedure, a precinct commander, although off duty, is never relieved of the responsibility of his command.”

2. The Fugitive Sighting & Rapid Mobilization

• Timestamp: 05:51–08:25
  • Sgt. Klein and Patrolman Johnny Farrell provide info about suspicious men possibly matching the escaped bank robbers.
  • The precinct rapidly organizes a response: officers are assembled, divisions notified, and plans are made for a potential raid.
  • Notable Moment: The personal cost of police work is underscored as Kennelly apologizes to Ellen for cutting their night short.
    • Lois Kennelly (05:42): “Why can’t it ever happen when we’re not having a good time?”

3. Inside the Precinct—Building the Case

• Timestamp: 08:25–12:49
  • Kennelly returns to the station, polices communication and coordination are depicted as he checks in with officers and receives updates.
  • Johnny Farrell, a patrolman who recently got in trouble for smoking on post, receives credit for the tip due to his relationship with a local boy, Juano, who reported the suspicious behavior.
  • Quote (Johnny Farrell, 11:04): “Well, this kid, he’s kind of little for his age... So I’ve been his best friend on the block since.”

4. Planning the Raid

• Timestamp: 12:49–16:56
  • Detailed walkthrough of the suspect building is given by the super, Mr. Acosta, highlighting the tactical challenge: interconnected rooftops, fire escapes, and bolted doors.
  • Lt. King and Kennelly discuss the likelihood of a violent encounter, highlighting the fugitive’s dangerous history.
  • The plan is to raid at 4am for minimal risk to bystanders, but a last-minute complication requires moving faster.
  • Quote (Lt. King, 15:35): “These boys are tough, there’s no question about that... They’re not gonna sit still for a collar.”

5. A Sudden Change—Time is Running Short

• Timestamp: 16:57–17:51
  • Officers apprehend Lois Dunny, whose apartment is being used by the fugitives; she is questioned and reveals details of their presence and habits.
  • The urgency ramps up as the robbers are expecting Lois home by 11pm, forcing officers to act immediately rather than wait for early morning.

6. Interrogating Lois Dunny

• Timestamp: 18:10–21:52
  • Lois admits knowing one fugitive, Carl, from Pittsburgh, but claims she was unaware of their full criminal background.
  • She confesses they paid her $275 for the stay and promised $500 more, underscoring her financial desperation.
  • Officers use both stern and sympathetic tactics to coax out information about the guns, layout, and the fugitives’ plans.
  • Quote (Lt. King, 18:12): “You’re in a big jam. You know that, don’t you, miss?”
  • Quote (Lois Dunny, 21:28): “Yes. I’ve got guns... I was too scared to get near them. I don’t like guns.”

7. The Raid on 611 E. 67th Street

• Timestamp: 21:53–25:43
  • Upwards of 50 officers coordinate: rooftop teams, front and rear posts, floodlights, and emergency service units with axes and submachine guns.
  • The apartment door is forced with axes after the robbers refuse entry—an intense armed standoff and chase follow.
  • Two fugitives are killed, Ross is wounded and apprehended, but not before a detective (Carmine DeFeo) is killed and two officers, including Johnny Farrell, are wounded.
  • Memorable moment: “Use those axes. Come on. The lock. Hit the lock.” (Kennelly, 23:43)

8. Aftermath & Cost

• Timestamp: 25:43–27:48
  • The toll: 2 fugitives dead, Ross wounded, Detective DeFeo dead, and two officers wounded.
  • Kennelly completes the required reports, attends meetings, and finally returns home at 4:40am.
  • The story returns to his family, underlying the quiet burden of police life.
  • Lois Kennelly (27:48): “You missed a very exciting show.”
    Captain Kennelly (27:51): “Yeah, honey, I bet I did.”

Notable Quotes and Moments

• On the relentless nature of police work:

  • “Why can’t it ever happen when we’re not having a good time?” — Ellen Kennelly (05:42)

• On the challenge of leadership:

  • “According to the manual of Procedure, a precinct commander, although off duty, is never relieved of the responsibility of his command.” — Captain Kennelly (04:54)

• Bringing in a crucial tip:

  • “This kid... gave me $2 to hold for him, said he got it running errands for some men in the building. I started asking questions.” — Johnny Farrell (11:04)

• Police resolve in the face of threat:

  • “There’s no question about it. They had two guns apiece when they hit that bank... They’re not gonna sit still for a collar.” — Lt. King (15:35)

• The cost of the job:

  • “Maybe. But now at least there’s three less like you.” — Captain Kennelly to Ross (25:40)

• Personal closure:

  • “You missed a very exciting show.” — Ellen Kennelly
    “Yeah, honey, I bet I did.” — Captain Kennelly (27:48–27:51)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment | |-----------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:24 | Captain Kennelly’s narration, family atmosphere, and call to duty. | | 04:54 | The sense of duty—even off shift. | | 11:04 | Johnny Farrell explains the tip that cracked the case. | | 15:35 | Planning the raid, discussing risks and tactics. | | 18:12 | Lois Dunny’s interrogation—truths and desperation emerge. | | 21:53 | The tactical deployment and coordinated raid. | | 23:43 | High-tension forced entry with officers' shouts and gunfire. | | 25:40 | Aftermath, casualties, and resolution. | | 27:48 | The personal epilogue—Kennelly's return home. |

Summary & Tone

The episode blends gritty police procedural realism with human drama. Narration is brisk, factual, and reflective. Dialogue is authentic—gruff, sometimes weary, with flashes of gallows humor and empathy. The stakes feel real, not only in terms of public safety but also in the sacrifices made by the officers and their families.

“21st Precinct” shines a light on both the mechanics and the emotional weight of police work—making this episode a classic example of Golden Age radio storytelling.

For those who haven’t listened:
You’ll get a suspenseful, richly detailed police drama that captures both the tension of a criminal manhunt and the quieter moments that shape officers’ lives. The story’s focus on teamwork, risk, and the intersection of duty and personal sacrifice keeps it riveting throughout.