Podcast Summary: "21st Precinct 53-09-29 (013) The Shooting Gallery"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode Date: October 22, 2025
Original Air Date: September 29, 1953

Brief Overview

This episode dramatizes a harrowing case at the 21st Precinct in New York City, illuminating both the human toll and procedural challenges of midcentury police work. The central story follows a young man, Hal Brider, who intentionally sets off a false fire alarm to get himself arrested—hoping jail will help him break free from his heroin addiction. Through realistic dialogue between Hal, his family, and police officers, the episode explores addiction, despair, and the tragic limitations of the era’s criminal justice and healthcare systems.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Beginning of the Tour & The False Alarm ([00:37 – 04:30])

• Captain Kennelly describes the workings and responsibilities of the precinct, introducing the setting and his patrol.
• Hal Brider is caught in the act of pulling a false fire alarm, and when questioned, immediately confesses he wants to go to jail.
• The context of false alarms is provided: New York City had nearly 14,000 false alarms the previous year, each requiring substantial emergency response.

2. Hal's Interrogation and Struggle with Addiction ([04:31 – 10:04])

• Hal is brought to the station; he is withdrawn, evasive, and physically ill.

• Captain Kennelly suspects and confirms Hal is a heroin addict ("user").

• Hal reveals his descent into addiction: once intelligent and successful, his addiction destroyed his job, finances, and dignity.

• He details how he tried "cold turkey" withdrawal, failed, and ultimately relapsed.

  "I thought I could kick the habit anytime... First it was just once in a while and maybe two or three times a week. And then it got to be a regular fix. Every day."
  — Hal Brider (08:08)

• Hal admits he pulled the false alarm because he wanted forced detox in jail, believing it to be his only chance.

  "So you pulled the hook on the fire alarm? ...To get in jail?"
  "Yes, sir. To get in jail. That's the only thing you were right about."
  — Captain Kennelly & Hal (09:57 – 10:00)

3. Narcotics Squad Investigation & Legal Dilemmas ([13:47 – 16:00])

• Detective Lt. King and his squad search for Hal’s drug supplier but come up short; Hal refuses to cooperate.

• The only legal charge against Hal is the false alarm, which might earn him six months in jail—a dubious "solution."

• Systemic limitations are highlighted: authorities cannot force an addict into treatment without voluntary application.

  "There's no narcotics case against him, Captain. I thought the best thing to do is go ahead and charge him with a false alarm. Might get six months out of that."
  — Lt. King (15:33)

4. Family Interview: Powerlessness and Caring ([16:02 – 19:25])

• Hal's sister, Mrs. Reigate, arrives at the precinct. She is shocked and struggling to understand her brother's predicament.

• The familial backstory: Hal has no other direct support; his own mother is emotionally distant.

• Captain Kennelly explains voluntary treatment options, but Hal refuses.

  "He wouldn't do that. I know he wouldn't. He told me that the people who sold him the dope were helping him out... when he was in trouble."
  — Mrs. Reigate (17:17)

5. Court Proceedings & Institutional Constraints ([19:26 – 21:50])

• In court, Captain Kennelly advocates for Hal’s commitment to treatment; the judge clarifies it must be voluntary.

• Hal, determined to go "cold turkey" in jail, refuses treatment.

  "Now, look, boy, get some sense, will you? Look, there's only one place to kick it. That's jail. That's where."
  — Captain Kennelly (20:12)

6. Tragedy & Aftermath ([22:30 – 25:53])

• The next day, Captain Kennelly responds to a call at Hal’s apartment; Hal has died of an overdose.

• It's revealed that, against his wishes, Hal’s sister bailed him out—hoping to help, inadvertently enabling his final relapse.

• The episode closes on a sobering exchange between Mrs. Reigate and Captain Kennelly:

  "He said he'd be fine. He told me he was going to kick the habit. He said he'd never touch this stuff again."
  — Mrs. Reigate (25:46)

  "He won't. He's kicked the habit. He's kicked it for good."
  — Captain Kennelly (25:53)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Hal’s Desperation & The Trap of Addiction

  • "Hal, if you're in jail, it's cold turkey and there's no questions there." — Hal Brider (09:37)
  • "He wanted to get in jail where he'd be away from it, where he couldn't possibly get it." — Mrs. Reigate (18:51)

• Systemic Helplessness

  • "I can't commit him, Captain. Not unless he makes a voluntary application." — Judge (20:34)
  • "The answer was to sweat it out in jail. Cold turkey, as he called it." — Captain Kennelly (21:48)

• Aftermath

  • "He wanted to stay in jail. He wanted to sweat it out. ... He didn't want to come out. He didn't want to leave." — Mrs. Reigate (25:13)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:37] – The call and introduction to the 21st Precinct
• [02:45] – Hal Brider caught turning in a false alarm
• [04:53] – Hal’s initial questioning and confirmation of addiction
• [08:03] – Hal describes his slide into addiction
• [09:57] – Hal reveals his motive for the false alarm
• [13:47] – Narcotics squad update
• [16:02] – Mrs. Reigate arrives and family discussion
• [19:26] – Courtroom; debate about treatment vs. jail
• [22:30] – Discovery of Hal’s overdose/death
• [25:07] – Mrs. Reigate and Captain Kennelly: guilt and resignation

Episode Tone and Style

Faithful to the "golden age" radio procedural, the episode combines brisk, realistic dialogue with gritty, human drama. The atmosphere is one of weary compassion, stoic professionalism, and quiet tragedy, capturing both the limits of the criminal justice system and the devastating cycles of addiction without melodrama—only the plain, hard facts of city life and law enforcement.

Conclusion

This episode of the 21st Precinct dramatizes the deeply human, often hopeless struggles facing both New York’s citizens and its police. The case of Hal Brider encapsulates the pain of addiction, the inadequacy of 1950s institutions to respond, and the bitterness of family members powerless to help. With natural performances and a documentary realism, the show stands as both drama and social commentary—still resonant today in its depiction of addiction and despair.