Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: 21st Precinct 54-02-03 (030) The Baker

Date: February 22, 2026

Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

Overview

This episode features a classic police procedural drama from the "21st Precinct," originally aired on February 3, 1954. Titled "The Baker," the episode immerses listeners in a murder investigation at a New York City restaurant. The narrative follows Captain Kennelly and his team as they work to solve the murder of a pastry chef, tracking every lead, interviewing witnesses, and unraveling both personal and professional motives.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Setting the Scene

• The episode opens on a rainy night in the precinct, establishing the somber mood and providing an authentic feel for the era and daily operations of New York City police work.
• Captain Kennelly describes his routine and the calmness that rain brings, keeping "troublemakers off the street."
  • Notable Quote:

    "The rain helps policemen as well as farmers."
    — Captain Kennelly (01:39)

2. Discovery of the Crime

• At 5:25 am, the body of Eugene Francis Tarpon, a pastry chef, is found by a fry cook at 3422 Lexington Avenue. The restaurant is in disarray, and the cash drawer has been forced open.

• The kitchen staff routinely leaves about $100 in a drawer overnight, which becomes a focal point for investigating robbery as a motive.

  • Notable Quotes:

    "The first one there went in the kitchen door, found the baker on the floor. The place was wrecked."
    — Captain Kennelly (03:28)

    "Must have taken a good 10 minutes to get it open."
    — Captain Kennelly, about the forced cash drawer (06:10)

3. Initial Investigation at the Scene

• The police gather at the restaurant, inspecting for evidence (e.g., murder weapon, signs of forced entry).

• Interviews with kitchen staff confirm the victim worked alone after hours and rarely let anyone in except those he knew well.

  • Notable Moment (06:59-07:42):
    The fry cook, Emil, explains the baker’s cautious habits and mentions that a woman, Edna, sometimes visited, hinting at a possible love triangle.

4. The Personal Angle: Edna Hepple

• Detectives trace a connection to Edna Hepple, whom the victim was rumored to be involved with, even though she's married.

• Edna is interviewed, revealing her tumultuous marriage and her involvement with the victim, but she is unsure of her husband's whereabouts.

  • Notable Quotes (13:10):

    "Married? You don't call this married, do you? Works out of town all the time. He never sends me any money."
    — Edna Hepple

    "Guess what always happens to nice guys, huh?"
    — Edna Hepple (14:19)

5. The Husband, Phil Hepple, Emerges as a Suspect

• As the investigation focuses on Edna’s husband, detectives set up surveillance at her apartment, anticipating Phil Hepple’s return (18:53-21:21).

• Upon arrival, Phil is confronted by both Edna and the detectives in an emotionally charged scene, rife with mutual accusations and tension.

  • Memorable Exchange:

    "If I was gonna kill somebody, you don't think I'd kill them over you, do you?"
    — Phil Hepple (20:26)

    "You told him to stay away from me or you'd kill him..."
    — Edna Hepple (20:32)

    "You didn't say anything to the cops to—"
    "What if I did?"
    "If you did, I'll break every bone in your body."
    — Phil and Edna (20:37–20:39)

6. The Twist: Shifting Focus and Resolution

• At the precinct, Phil’s alibi unravels when detectives confirm he lied about his whereabouts; however, new information surfaces that another suspect—a recently fired kitchen helper named Julio Fernando Organza—has been located with the murder weapon and money.

• Organza confesses to the crime, exonerating Phil.

  • Notable Quotes:

    "You were in New York. Went to that restaurant, knocked on the door. Tarpon let you in. When you got in there, you shot him. Broke open that drawer to make it look good."
    — Detective to Phil Hepple (25:19)

    "No, you didn't kill him. That was one of my detectives on the phone. I got the man who did."
    — Lieutenant King (26:05)

    "Well, I guess we were trying to chase Luxembourg when I should have been chasing the dishwasher."
    — Captain Kennelly, referring to misdirection in the case's early focus (27:55)

7. Insights into Police Work

• The episode highlights procedural techniques: canvassing witnesses, checking alibis, surveillance, and following up on all possible motives.
• Emphasizes the complexities and workload of real detectives, often working long tours, dealing with paperwork and public pressures.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• "The rain helps policemen as well as farmers."
  — Captain Kennelly (01:39)
• "The first one there went in the kitchen door, found the baker on the floor. The place was wrecked."
  — Captain Kennelly (03:28)
• "You know her name? Look, she's a married woman. She's got a husband. I don't like to get her involved."
  — Emil (08:06)
• "Guess what always happens to nice guys, huh?"
  — Edna Hepple (14:19)
• "If I was gonna kill somebody, you don't think I'd kill them over you, do you?"
  — Phil Hepple (20:26)
• "Well, I guess we were trying to chase Luxembourg when I should have been chasing the dishwasher."
  — Captain Kennelly (27:55)
• "A police precinct in the city of New York is a flesh and blood merry go round. Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone."
  — Captain Kennelly (28:26)

Timeline of Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment Description | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 00:36 | Precinct duty, introduction of Captain Kennelly and setup of the night's events | | 02:46-03:28| Discovery and initial report of the homicide at the bakery | | 04:34-08:18| On-scene investigation, interviews with staff, emergence of possible romantic involvement | | 11:15-14:33| Detectives visit Edna Hepple, learning about her troubled marriage and relationship | | 18:53-21:21| Detectives stake out and confront Phil Hepple at the apartment | | 24:06-26:09| The truth emerges: Phil’s alibi deception and the real killer’s confession | | 27:55 | Reflection on the investigation and police work |

Tone & Language

The episode maintains the straightforward, direct, and slightly world-weary tone characteristic of 1950s police dramas. Dialogue is sharp and colloquial, occasionally laced with noir-style cynicism, particularly in exchanges involving Edna and Phil Hepple and in Captain Kennelly’s reflections on police work.

Final Thoughts

"The Baker" offers a tense, methodical glimpse into the workings of a mid-century NYPD precinct, merging personal drama with procedural detective work. Through a series of interviews and investigative turns, the episode leads listeners through the many possible motives and suspects, ultimately illustrating both the challenges and satisfactions of dedicated police work.