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

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, capturing the era before television when families gathered around the radio to enjoy popular shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, Dragnet, and many more.
• Episode: 21st Precinct 53-07-07 (001) The Nolen Brothers
• Release Date: February 11, 2025

1. Setting the Scene: Captain Kennelly's Off-Duty Evening

The episode opens with Captain Frank Kennelly reminiscing about quintessential road trip experiences intertwined with humor about McDonald's stops:

• [00:00] Captain Frank Kennelly: "If you went on a road trip and you didn't stop for a Big Mac or drop a crispy fry between the car seats or use your McDonald's bag as a placemat, then that wasn't a road trip."
• [00:09] Lieutenant King: "It was just a really long drive at participating McDonald's."

Captain Kennelly introduces himself as the commanding officer of the 21st Precinct in New York City, emphasizing the precinct's responsibility for the safety of 173,000 residents within a densely packed area. Despite being off duty, he highlights the unwavering duty that accompanies his role:

• [01:06] Captain Frank Kennelly: "According to the Manual of Procedure, a precinct commander, although off duty, is never relieved of the responsibility of his commands."

Captain Kennelly shares a glimpse into his personal life, detailing an evening out with his wife, Ellen Kennelly, attending the hit musical Guys and Dolls. Their interaction showcases the balance he attempts to maintain between his demanding job and family life:

• [02:21] Ellen Kennelly: "Oh, it's wonderful, Frank. That's wonderful."
• [05:05] Ellen Kennelly: "What happened?"

2. The Call: An Urgent Police Matter Arises

While enjoying their evening, Captain Kennelly receives an urgent call that disrupts his off-duty status. The call pertains to three escaped convicts involved in a recent bank robbery:

• [03:40] Detective DeFeo: "There are three bank robbers, escaped convicts."
• [04:08] Captain Frank Kennelly: "I want you to notify Division on it."

The call details indicate that the fugitives, referred to as the Nolen Brothers, were last spotted at 611 East 67th Street, with reliable information coming from patrolman Johnny Farrell. The urgency of the situation is palpable as Captain Kennelly gears up to lead the response:

• [04:27] Detective DeFeo: "Captain Kelly on two. He's coming, Captain."
• [05:15] Ellen Kennelly: "It'll be over at 11 o'clock. Can't you stop by on your way home?"

Despite Ellen’s request, Captain Kennelly prioritizes his duty, underscoring the relentless nature of police work:

• [05:15] Captain Frank Kennelly: "No, this is important."

3. Assembling the Team: Strategic Planning at the Precinct

Upon arriving at the 21st Precinct, Captain Kennelly assesses the situation. He interacts with Sergeant Klein, who briefs him on the presence of officers from other precincts (19th and 23rd) assembled for the raid:

• [06:23] Captain Frank Kennelly: "Who are those men, Sergeant or them?"
• [06:30] Captain Frank Kennelly: "Excuse me, Captain. Yep. 21st Precinct. Sergeant."

The team conducts a thorough review of the escapees’ whereabouts and previous activities. Lieutenant King provides critical information about a young associate, Wano, who has connections to the fugitives:

• [09:05] Lieutenant King: "It's kind of hard... this kid, he's kind of little for his age. 13 or 14."
• [10:50] Lieutenant King: "Well, after Lieutenant King talked to Wano for a while, he sent one of his men over and got the super, the building and somebody else, another neighbor in here."

The planning intensifies as the team discusses the operational details required for the successful capture of the fugitives. They deliberate on the best time to execute the raid to minimize civilian presence and maximize effectiveness:

• [14:38] Captain Frank Kennelly: "What time?"
• [14:39] Sergeant Klein: "I figure 4:00am. There’ll be less people on the street and less people up and around in the building."

4. Personal Struggles: Ellen's Unawareness and Captain’s Conflict

Amid the mounting tensions at the precinct, Captain Kennelly faces personal sacrifices. His wife, Ellen, remains unaware of the full extent of his duties, believing he might join her later:

• [05:12] Ellen Kennelly: "It'll be over at 11 o'clock. Can't you stop by on your way home?"
• [05:15] Captain Frank Kennelly: "No, this is important."

Ellen’s understanding and patience highlight the emotional toll that police work takes on family life:

• [20:27] Ellen Kennelly: "I've been telling you the truth."

5. The Raid: Confrontation with the Nolen Brothers

The meticulously planned raid begins under the cover of early morning darkness. Captain Kennelly leads a contingent of officers into the targeted building at 611 East 67th Street. The operation unfolds with intense action, showcasing the bravery and chaos inherent in such police work:

• [23:15] Captain Frank Kennelly: "There they are. Nail him, Johnny. Here we are."
• [24:40] Captain Frank Kennelly: "What do you say, Ross? What do you say?"

During the confrontation, two of the three fugitives are killed, and several officers are wounded, including Detective Carmine DeFeo and Patrolman Ezra Davis. The scene is a blend of strategic maneuvers and raw emotion as officers engage with heavily armed adversaries:

• [25:16] Captain Frank Kennelly: "The toll was heavy. Two of the three fugitives were dead on the floor of the living room."

6. Aftermath: Reporting and Returning Home

Following the raid, Captain Kennelly oversees the immediate aftermath, ensuring proper reporting and notifying the families of the injured officers. The press arrives seeking details, adding another layer of complexity to the situation:

• [26:15] Sergeant Klein: "A press."
• [26:16] Captain Frank Kennelly: "350. I signed the blotter and left the precinct house."

Exhausted but duty-bound, Captain Kennelly finally returns home, entering his household quietly to avoid disturbing Ellen:

• [26:30] Captain Frank Kennelly: "I walked through the living room into the bedroom."
• [26:48] Ellen Kennelly: "Friend."
• [26:50] Captain Frank Kennelly: "Yeah, honey?"

Ellen, unaware of the night's events, gently confronts him about missing the show, adding a poignant moment of normalcy amidst the chaos:

• [27:05] Ellen Kennelly: "You missed a very exciting show."
• [27:05] Captain Frank Kennelly: "Yeah, honey, I bet I did."

7. Conclusion: The Weight of Duty

The episode concludes with a reflection on the relentless nature of police work and the personal sacrifices officers like Captain Kennelly make. Ellen's presence serves as a grounding force, juxtaposing the high-stakes environment of the precinct:

• [27:38] Sergeant Klein: "Was he stabbed?"
• [27:39] Lieutenant King: "Incidents portrayed tonight on 21st Precinct occurred last year. Names were changed to protect the interests of persons involved."

The narrative underscores the balance between personal life and professional duty, encapsulating the essence of Harold's Old Time Radio's commitment to bringing back the golden age of radio drama with compelling storytelling and authentic character development.

Notable Quotes:

• [01:06] Captain Frank Kennelly: "According to the Manual of Procedure, a precinct commander, although off duty, is never relieved of the responsibility of his commands."
• [16:19] Captain Frank Kennelly: "Glad to know you. How are you?"
• [20:44] Ellen Kennelly: "Yeah, by himself."
• [25:04] Captain Frank Kennelly: "Okay, let's go."

Credits:

• Cast:
  • Everett Sloan as Captain Kennelly
  • Ken Lynch as Lieutenant King
  • Joan Loring and Barbara Weeks among others
• Crew:
  • Written and directed by Stanley Nist
  • Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives
  • Art by Hannah
• Affiliation: Presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolman's Benevolent Association of the City of New York
• Broadcast: This is the CBS Radio Network

This episode of "21st Precinct" masterfully blends suspense, character development, and the intricate dynamics of police operations, offering listeners a riveting experience reminiscent of the timeless radio dramas of the past.