Podcast Summary: “21st Precinct 54-06-16 (049) The Sprinter”

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harold’s Old Time Radio
Episode Date: February 24, 2026
Original Air Date: June 16, 1954
Golden Age Radio Series: 21st Precinct

Episode Overview

This episode of “Harold’s Old Time Radio” features an installment of the classic police procedural radio drama, 21st Precinct, entitled “The Sprinter.” The story follows Captain Frank Kennelly and his officers as they respond to a burglary in progress, chase down a suspect, and navigate the legal and investigative complications that follow. It’s a behind-the-scenes, semi-documentary style look at real police work in 1950s New York, emphasizing dogged investigation, routine procedure, and the uncertainties of witness testimony.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Burglary in Progress: The Call and Response

• [01:12] A burglary is reported at 372 East 82nd Street. Captain Kennelly and colleague Patrolman Coley respond swiftly, heading towards the scene, discussing strategies for possibly encountering the culprits.
• Quote:
  • “You're in the muster room at the 21st Precinct...A call is coming through. You will follow the action…” – Narrator (D), [01:12]

2. Pursuing the Suspect at the Bar and Grill

• [03:23 - 07:13] Arriving at the scene, Kennelly spots a man running into a nearby bar and grill. Inside, he interrogates Jack Bogner (later identified as Jack Wagner), who claims innocence but is found with suspicious items—six .32 caliber cartridges and, ultimately, a revolver hidden under his booth.
• Quotes:
  • “You just happen to have six .32 caliber cartridges?” – Captain Kennelly (C), [05:44]
  • “What would a gun be doing under there?” – Jack Bogner (B), [06:40]

3. Witnesses and the Flawed Lineup

• [09:51 - 13:45] Mrs. Truro, who saw men fleeing the crime scene, expresses doubt about her ability to positively identify any suspects. She attends a suspect lineup but fails to recognize anyone with certainty, which weakens the case.
• Quotes:
  • “As far as recognizing any of them is concerned, I don't know whether I could. I don't think I could.” – Mrs. Truro (G), [10:31]
  • “It's too bad I didn't get a better look.” – Mrs. Truro (G), [13:43]

4. Legal Rights and Procedures

• [14:22 - 15:49] A segment pauses the drama to explain the constitutional protection against unreasonable search and seizure—a brief public service announcement highlighting American legal values.

5. Arrest, Booking, and Bail Hearing

• [15:53 - 21:21] Jack Wagner is processed and brought to court. Without legal counsel present, the district attorney requests an adjournment; Wagner protests, wishing to post bond. Ultimately, bail is set and a preliminary hearing scheduled.
• Quotes:
  • “It wasn't mine, your honor. I don't know anything about the gun.” – Jack Wagner (B), [18:57]
  • “You know it and I know it. You were ripping that safe last night when the bug hit.” – Captain Kennelly (C), [19:45]

6. The Conflicted Suspect and Police Bargaining

• [21:21 - 24:02] Detectives try to pressure Wagner to reveal his accomplices and confess, offering suggestions that cooperation might yield a lesser charge, but Wagner withholds information, apparently fearing his partners.
• Quotes:
  • “You get tapped for the gun law with a previous conviction, that's plenty.” – Captain Kennelly (C), [21:23]
  • “If I made a statement, that'd put me into the burglary.” – Jack Wagner (B), [21:48]
  • “I think he's afraid of those two guys he was with.” – Lt. King (E), [23:26]

7. Surveillance and the Final Sting

• [24:19 - 28:35] Detectives maintain surveillance on Wagner. He eventually reconnects with his suspected partners, and police stake out their next target—a plumbing supply house. The suspects are caught red-handed during another burglary, leading to a dramatic raid and arrest.
• Quotes:
  • “You're lucky you're not, Jack.” – Captain Kennelly (C), [28:14]
  • “Did you have to go into this thing again?” – Captain Kennelly (C), [28:20]
  • “I needed money. Needed to pay the bondsman, needed to get a lawyer.” – Jack Wagner (B), [28:23]
  • “You're a little bit late, Jack. Just happens that right now we don't need any help.” – Captain Kennelly (C), [28:35]

8. Reflection on Police Work

• [29:06 - End] The episode closes with routine investigative follow-ups and the philosophical narration about the endless, grinding work of urban police life, where everyone has a chance to “catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone.”

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Well, there goes your Father's Day present.” – Recounted quip during routine patrol, showing the human moments in police work [02:56]
• “All we want is your assistance, best of your ability.” – Lt. King (E), expressing the humane approach to witness cooperation [11:03]
• “Layoff, will you?” – Jack Wagner (B), resisting pressure to turn informant [20:38]
• “I think he's afraid of those two guys he was with.” – Lt. King (E), hinting at the dangers of the criminal underworld [23:26]
• “Anyone can catch the brass ring, or the brass ring can catch anyone.” – Narrator (D), poetic closing reflection on fate and fortune [29:25]

Key Timestamps

• [01:04] Opening of the dramatic action: burglary call comes through
• [03:23] Arrival at crime scene; chase of suspect begins
• [06:39] Discovery of the revolver in the booth
• [09:51] Mrs. Truro is interviewed as a witness
• [13:45] Witness lineup fails to produce a positive ID
• [15:53] Booking, jail, preparation for court
• [17:15] Hearing: Wagner pleads not guilty, legal wrangling over representation
• [18:57] Prosecution details evidence against Wagner in court
• [24:19] Surveillance on Wagner resumes; setup for next burglary
• [25:38] Police coordinate to raid new burglary in progress
• [27:16] Final raid; suspects captured at the safe
• [28:20] Wagner’s half-hearted attempt to cooperate comes too late

Overall Tone and Style

The tone is methodical, matter-of-fact, and occasionally wry, in keeping with both the police procedural genre and mid-century radio drama style. Dialogue is realistic and pragmatic, with occasional flashes of dry humor or resigned wisdom, reflecting the weary professionalism of veteran police officers.

Conclusion

This episode offers an immersive look into police operations: the pursuit, investigation, and procedural hurdles faced by law enforcement. The drama underscores the uncertainties of justice—how cases can be stymied by a single detail (like a witness’s uncertainty), and how perseverance, surveillance, and the daily grind sometimes win the case. The episode captures not only the tensions of police work but also its routine frustrations and fleeting victories—true to life, and true to the spirit of 21st Precinct.