21st Precinct 54-02-10 (031) "Case of the Drive"

Harold's Old Time Radio
Date: Originally aired February 10, 1954
Podcast Release: February 22, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Length: ~28 minutes (excluding ads)

Episode Overview

This episode presents a classic radio drama from the Golden Age of Radio, “21st Precinct,” depicting the gritty, day-to-day police work in mid-century New York City. The episode, “Case of the Drive,” follows Captain Frank Kennelly and his squad as they pursue two dangerous Philadelphia fugitives implicated in robbery and homicide. The investigation pivots on statements from Grace Burgess, a beauty operator whose misplaced purse leads detectives through a meticulous trail of interviews, canvasses, and ultimately, a stakeout.

The episode stands as a riveting example of methodical police work and the often mundane reality behind headline criminal cases, capturing the atmosphere and procedures of the era.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. The Case Begins: Purse Theft, or Something More?

• [00:35–02:30] The episode opens with narration from Captain Kennelly, situating listeners in the "nerve center" of the 21st Precinct.
• Sergeant Collins takes a call from a woman (Grace Burgess) regarding a purse possibly stolen by a man named Carl.
• Grace's initial uncertainty—whether her purse was stolen or accidentally left—catches police attention due to her suspect's resemblance to wanted men from Philadelphia.
  • Quote: "She [Grace Burgess] didn't know whether the man intended to steal her purse or whether she left it in his car by mistake." — Captain Kennelly [01:15]
• Detectives recognize the description fits two homicide and robbery suspects.

2. Interview with Grace Burgess

• [03:38–08:46]
• Detectives Deluca and Scanlon locate Grace at her Brooklyn workplace, a beauty parlor.
• The salon boss is wary of police disturbing her "high class clientele," an amusing aside highlighting local color.
• Grace recounts the prior evening: meeting Carl at a Brooklyn bar, agreeing to a party in Manhattan, and then being pressured after the party to return, leading to her sudden ejection and purse loss.
  • Quote: "All I wanted was to have a good time. Gets to be a fine, how do you do—you make a date with a boy, you have to ask him for his fingerprint." — Grace Burgess [09:09]
• She identifies photographs of both Carl (Carl Brider) and the second party host, Rick Nayland, as the men at the party.

3. Pursuing Leads: Trying to Locate the Apartment

• [10:15–16:03]
• Grace is brought back to Manhattan by detectives, who shuttle her around various Upper East Side streets trying to locate the party’s apartment.
• Despite hours of searching, she cannot recall the address or precise location—a frustration for both parties, but Grace provides vivid details about the party and the luxury liquor served (notably the Scandinavian spirit, Aquavit).
  • Quote: "I could tell you all about the inside... all the bottles of champagne and the aquavit. What do you call it?" — Grace Burgess [15:18]
• Detectives remain patient, highlighting the ordinary difficulties of real investigations.
  • Quote: "The process of investigation is slow, painstaking and often fruitless." — Narrator/Captain Kennelly [13:31]

4. Detective Work: Liquor Stores and a Unique Clue

• [17:21–21:36]
• While trying to retrace steps with Grace, detectives pursue another angle: Aquavit is rare in New York, so they canvass liquor stores for recent bulk purchases.
• A store owner at 3rd Avenue reveals a recent order for a case of Aquavit, purchased by "Robert Newfield"—the name given by one of the suspects.
  • Quote: "Aquavit, that stuff's not too common... If somebody wants to order a case or more, they’d have to get it special." — Detective [18:39]
• The linked phone number leads them to a brownstone apartment on 74th Street.

5. Final Steps: Identification and the Raid

• [23:17–25:44]
• Grace confirms details of the building—the red front door, a neighbor's black French poodle—cementing the location of the party.
• Police stake out the apartment, confirm the suspects’ association, and organize a raid.
• [26:00–27:50] The early morning raid is launched: both suspects are found asleep, intoxicated, and are apprehended without incident.
  • Quote: “He’s full of this aquavit... That stuff gathers dust on the shelves. It’s a long time between aquavit customers. They're scarce. Are they? We're going to make them even scarcer.” — Dialogue between detective and storekeeper [21:07, 21:44]
• Captain Kennelly and Lt. King receive acknowledgment for their careful police work.

6. Epilogue: The Nature of Police Work

• Captain Kennelly closes with a reflection on the endless, carousel-like nature of precinct life:
  • Quote: “So it goes—around the clock, through the week, every day, every year. 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 [27:58]

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Grace’s rueful humor about dating and trust:
  “You make a date with a boy, you have to ask him for his fingerprint.” [09:14]

• Detective remarks on the pursuit:
  “The process of investigation is slow, painstaking and often fruitless.” [13:31]

• Storekeeper's take on Aquavit:
  “That stuff gathers dust on the shelves. It's a long time between aquavit customers. They're scarce. Are they? We're going to make them even scarcer.” [21:44–21:52]

• Final philosophical close:
  “Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone.” — Narrator/Captain Kennelly [27:58]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:35–02:30] – Introduction to the precinct and the purse theft call
• [03:38–08:46] – Grace Burgess’s interview with detectives
• [10:15–16:03] – Attempts to locate the party apartment
• [17:21–21:36] – Liquor store canvass for Aquavit leads
• [23:17–25:44] – Building identification, witness recall, and the stakeout
• [26:00–27:50] – The raid and arrest of the fugitives
• [27:58] – Captain Kennelly’s epilogue and wrap-up on police life

Summary Notes

• The story unfolds with cool, procedural realism—a hallmark of “21st Precinct.”
• Grace Burgess emerges as a relatable, slightly comical but crucial witness whose personal ordeal becomes the key to breaking a violent case.
• The role of small details (e.g., rare liquor, a red door, a neighbor’s dog) demonstrates the tedious but vital observations crucial in real law enforcement.
• The script’s rhythm transitions smoothly between investigation, dark humor, and understated drama—a testament to the enduring power of radio storytelling.

For listeners interested in police dramas, Golden Age radio, or New York City history, this episode strikes an engaging balance between suspense, character, and genuine police methodology.