21st Precinct 54-11-03 (069) The Glass

Summary

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Podcast Summary: 21st Precinct 54-11-03 (069) "The Glass"

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Episode Date: February 25, 2026
Original Broadcast Date: November 3, 1954

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Episode Overview

This episode recreates an authentic police procedural from the Golden Age of Radio, focusing on the daily challenges of the NYPD’s 21st Precinct. "The Glass" follows a tense, slice-of-life incident where a woman, Grace Nader, is accidentally locked inside a drugstore late at night. The story unfolds in real time as officers work methodically—and at times humorously—to extricate her, offering a fascinating window into mid-20th-century urban policing, the personalities involved, and the broader human drama.

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Key Discussion Points & Storyline

The Setting and Routine (01:05–03:37)

• Introduction to the 21st Precinct: Captain Frank Kennelly narrates daily operations, staffing, and responsibilities. Recent city elections have meant all men—himself included—are running on little sleep.
  • Quote: "The security of their homes, their persons and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct." — Announcer (01:48)
• Night Patrol: Patrolman Mercado, on duty, checks doors along Madison Avenue. A streetlight outage is quickly addressed by the officers, highlighting the methodical nature of precinct life.

The Incident: Locked in the Drugstore (04:05–06:42)

• Discovery: A strange knocking leads officers to a closed drugstore, where they discover Grace Nader locked inside after using the phone booth as the store closed.
  • Quote: “A woman’s locked in there.” — Officer (06:02)
  • Grace explains, “I was in the telephone booth when the store closed.” (06:24)
• Initial Calm and Dilemma: Grace is at first calm and collected but admits to panic as time drags on. She lacks coins to call for help and has only a half dollar to attract attention.

Search for a Solution (08:11–14:15)

• Attempts to Get a Key: Officers check if the store is under a burglar alarm service or if the building’s super has a key (neither does).
• Human Element: Grace reveals she used the payphone for a personal call, avoiding her roommate—a relatable and slightly comedic touch. The officers try to reassure her, but her anxiety grows.
  • Quote: “Well, the call I was making was rather of personal nature. I didn't care to have my roommate overhear it.” — Grace Nader (11:03)
• Public Interludes: A curious (and slightly inebriated) passerby offers “technical know-how” for rescuing the “damsel in distress” before being shooed off.
  • Quote: “All I had was one rock... son of scotch with a whisker peppermint wheel.” — Bystander (12:53)
• The police realize they must contact the drugstore owner, Eric Paul Eridge, but complications arise as he is separated from his wife and difficult to reach, with no one else (including the super) able to help.

Escalation and Human Frustration (17:48–27:34)

• Realism of Police Work: While they methodically try to avoid unnecessary damage (waiting for a key or the owner), the disconnect between the officers’ patience and Grace’s growing discomfort is striking.
• Grace’s Anxiety: She requests water, and an officer permits her to help herself as they try to keep her calm.
  • Quote: “I'm getting very nervous. I want to get out of here... There's no reason why I can't get out right now.” — Grace Nader (27:15–27:24)
• Humorous Observation: Captain Kennelly wryly notes they might have to smash the glass if alternatives fail, but they’re trying to spare the door.

Climax: Breaking the Glass (28:35–30:20)

• Resolution: As her distress peaks, Grace attempts to break the glass door with a chair, forcing the officers to act quickly.
  • Quote: “Well, I did it. I had to. Please help me.” — Grace Nader (29:24–29:28)
• Officers clear the remaining glass and safely escort her out, highlighting both the unpredictability and the humanity of their beat.
• Closing Quip: Captain Kennelly jokes, “From now on, I don't think she'll mind if her roommate overhears a phone conversation.” (30:04)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Opening, On the Precinct’s Mission:
  “21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. ...Whether they know it or not, the security of their homes, their persons and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct.” — Announcer (01:48)

• Bystander Comic Relief:
  "All I had was one rock. Son of scotch with a whisker peppermint wheel.” — Comic bystander, after being accused of drunkenness (12:53)

• Grace’s Wit Under Pressure:
  “I’d sure like to know when [I'll get out].” — Grace Nader, on officer reassurances (27:31)

• Grace Takes Action:
  "I'm getting out. You better get out of the way." — Grace, as she prepares to break the glass (28:59)

• Closing Irony:
  “From now on, I don't think she'll mind if a roommate overhears a phone conversation.” — Captain Kennelly (30:04)

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Important Timestamps

• 01:05–03:37 – Captain Kennelly introduces the precinct and night patrol routines.
• 04:05 – First detection of the mysterious knocking.
• 05:46–06:53 – Women discovered in the drugstore, situation explained.
• 08:11–14:15 – Officers check access options; Grace’s motives and character revealed.
• 17:48 – Captain Kennelly and Lieutenant discuss failing to make contact with the estranged druggist.
• 24:07 – Captain arrives in person at the drugstore.
• 27:00–28:12 – Grace drinks water, finds a chair, anxiety building.
• 28:35–30:04 – Grace breaks the glass, officers facilitate her escape.
• 30:20 – Episode winds down with characters returning to police business and comic afterthoughts.

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a politely direct, procedural tone, typical of 1950s network crime drama, with moments of dry wit and slice-of-life dialogue. The officers’ patience, professionalism, and dry humor contrast with Grace’s increasingly frantic but ultimately proactive tone, delivered with a sense of realism and period charm.

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Conclusion

"The Glass" exemplifies the 21st Precinct series’ approach: it finds drama and humor in routine police work and ordinary urban mishaps. In this episode, human frailty, methodical police response, and a dash of street life are woven together seamlessly. The officers’ careful consideration (and their repeated, sometimes comedic, attempts to find a key before breaking the glass) highlight the practical realities of urban policing—and the ways even small incidents can build tension and elicit memorable human moments.

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Transcript

[Lost Driver]

Or lost. I'm gonna pull over and ask that man for directions.

[Sergeant Waters]

Hi there.

[Lost Driver]

We're looking to get to the campground.

[T-Mobile Representative]

Well, you're gonna take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[Lost Driver]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[T-Mobile Representative]

T Mobile and US Cellular decided to merge, so the network out here is huge. We're getting the same great signal as the city and saving a boatload with all the benefits. Oh, and a five year price guarantee. Okay, here's those directions.

[Lost Driver]

Actually, can you point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out. Plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available in US Cellular stores. Best mobile network based on analysis by Ookle of Speedtest Intelligence data 2H2025. Bigger network. The combination of T Mobile's and US cellular network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage. Price guarantee on talk, text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. CT T mobile.com for details.

[Sergeant Waters]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Waters? Yeah, that's right. How's our policeman working over there? What do you want to know for? Well, how. Does what they're doing concern you? Yeah. Yeah.

[Officer]

Well, you'll just have to bail.

[Captain Kennelly]

You are in the muster room at the 21st Precinct. The nerve center. A call is coming through. You will follow the action taken pursuant to that call from this minute until the final report is written in the 124 room at the 21st Precinct.

[Narrator]

All right?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah, we'll be through there right away. As soon as possible. Yes, sir. You're welcome.

[Announcer]

21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the hundred and seventy three thousand people wedged into the nine tenths of the square mile between fifth Avenue and the east river wouldn't know if you asked them that they lived or worked in the 21st. Whether they know it or not, the security of their homes, their persons and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct.

[Captain Kennelly]

The 21st. 160 patrolmen, 11 sergeants and four lieutenants, of whom I'm the boss. My name is Kennelly. Frank Kennelly. I'm captain in command of the 21st. I was working my night tour, 4pm to 8am but in fact, I had been on the job for three consecutive days. The election had come on a day which, according to my duty Chart would normally have been time off, but as is required, I had been on the job since I signed the blotter at 7:38am on Monday for every man in the department. The regular duty chart went out at 8pm on Monday night. Then they were on the job, guarding the polls and the voting machines and then tabulating for 16 hours straight. Then they went on reserve for 8 hours more, then back on the job. After I turned out the platoon at midnight, I lay down on the couch in my office and slept for the first time in nearly 48 hours. Meanwhile, the men were taking over their posts, and one of them, Patrolman Daniel Mercado, walked over the prescribed route from the station house to Madison Avenue. After relieving Patrolman Edward Farrell on his assigned post, he began to try the doors to the shops along the avenue. As he was in the process of this operation, the car in which Sergeant William Waters was riding as recorder and Patrolman Joseph Ahern as operator pulled up to the curb.

[Sergeant Waters]

Okay, stay in the car while I talk to him.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

Mercado.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Waters]

There's a street light out down the next block. You report it?

[Patrolman Mercado]

File says it'd been out for about two hours. When I relieved him, he reported it.

[Sergeant Waters]

Okay.

[Patrolman Mercado]

He said they're on the way to fix it.

[Narrator]

All right.

[Sergeant Waters]

If it's still out at the end of the tour, make another report of it.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir. They've been having trouble in this whole circuit up here the last couple of days.

[Sergeant Waters]

What's that? What's what? Knocking.

[Patrolman Mercado]

I don't hear any knocking, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Stop now. There it is.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Sounds like somebody hitting a window.

[Sergeant Waters]

Where's it coming from?

[Captain Kennelly]

Everything's closed in the block.

[Sergeant Waters]

What about upstairs in one of the apartments?

[Captain Kennelly]

It could be so I could call us.

[Patrolman Mercado]

I don't think it's from upstairs. Oh, hi. Sounds like it's from way down that way. Sergeant. Yes, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Come here.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir. There it is, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah, I think it's from way down that way.

[Patrolman Mercado]

The next block. Yeah. Sergeant. Hello, Murray.

[Sergeant Waters]

John, somebody's knocking on some glass.

[Patrolman Mercado]

I don't hear it.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, wait just a second. You will.

[Patrolman Mercado]

There it is.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah, I'm down the next block.

[Patrolman Mercado]

What do you think, Joe? You got me. Could be coming from across the street.

[Sergeant Waters]

Hold it. All right.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

We'll walk down. You'll be in the car.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Okay, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Come on, McAto.

[Patrolman Mercado]

There it is. Still sounds from down that way.

[Sergeant Waters]

Come on. Keep your eyes on those apartment windows upstairs.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Okay.

[Sergeant Waters]

I'll look in the stores.

[Captain Kennelly]

It rings out like a bell.

[Sergeant Waters]

Sure does. There's nothing to stop at this time of night,

[Grace Nader]

Sergeant.

[Officer]

Yeah, it's down here.

[Grace Nader]

The drugstore.

[Captain Kennelly]

Okay. That drugstore's closed behind.

[Officer]

Who is it? Somebody inside.

[Sergeant Waters]

What?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Somebody inside the drugstore.

[Officer]

He said there's somebody inside.

[Sergeant Waters]

Burglars?

[Officer]

No, Sergeant. No burglars. A woman's locked in there. All right, lady, take it easy. Take it easy.

[Grace Nader]

Can you get me out?

[Officer]

How did you get in?

[Grace Nader]

I was locked in. I was using the lady.

[Officer]

You'll have to come closer to the door and talk a little bit louder. I can't hear what you're saying.

[Grace Nader]

I was in the telephone booth when the store closed.

[Officer]

In the telephone booth?

[Grace Nader]

Yes, that's right.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Wouldn't you know it?

[Sergeant Waters]

All right.

[Grace Nader]

I was in the telephone booth when all of a sudden the lights went out. I didn't know what happened. I hung up and the place was closed. It was locked tight.

[Officer]

How long ago was this?

[Grace Nader]

What?

[Officer]

How long ago was it?

[Grace Nader]

I don't know. I hadn't any idea. About 10 or 15 minutes ago.

[Patrolman Mercado]

He usually closes between 12 and 12:30. Sergeant. He was closed when I came on post. I think he was.

[Grace Nader]

What did he say?

[Officer]

He was talking to me.

[Grace Nader]

Oh, I've been trying to attract somebody's attention. I've been just standing here knocking on the door with half a dollar.

[Officer]

All right, lady.

[Grace Nader]

I would have called the police, but the dime I used in the phone was the last dime or quarter or nickel I had. All I had was the half dollar.

[Officer]

Now, look, don't get panicky. Just take it easy and we'll get you out.

[Grace Nader]

I'm not panicky. I'm just trying to tell you what happened. I know I'll get out.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Good.

[Grace Nader]

I was getting a little worried until somebody heard me, but I know I'll be all right now.

[Officer]

Yeah, you'll be fine. Now, what I want you to do is reach up on the inside of the door. See if you can find a latch to turn.

[Grace Nader]

You mean a knob?

[Officer]

That's right. See if you can find a knob.

[Grace Nader]

The only thing is this, and I've tried that before, that won't do it.

[Patrolman Mercado]

The key's the only thing that'll open that. Sergeant, listen, if the store has a burglar alarm service, they always have a key. At the office.

[Sergeant Waters]

There'd be a sign that says, protected by Holmes or Burns Patrol or whoever it is.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

Usually there's no back door, is there, McConnell?

[Patrolman Mercado]

No, sir. This is the only way in around. Let me put my light up on the transom.

[Captain Kennelly]

There's no transom.

[Grace Nader]

Joe, you think there's anything you can do?

[Officer]

We'll get you out. Don't worry about it.

[Grace Nader]

I'm not worried.

[Sergeant Waters]

What building is this in? Number 24.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yeah, sergeant, 24.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right, walk around the corner of the building entrance. Find what apartment the superintendent lives in. See if you see if he's got a key.

[Lost Driver]

We're lost. I'm going to pull over and ask that man for directions.

[Sergeant Waters]

Hi there.

[Lost Driver]

We're looking to get to the campground.

[T-Mobile Representative]

Well, you're going to take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[Lost Driver]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[T-Mobile Representative]

T Mobile and US Cellular decided to merge. So the network out here is huge. We're getting the same great signal as the city and saving a boatload with all the benefits. Oh, and a five year price guarantee. Okay, here's those directions.

[Lost Driver]

Actually, can you point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[T-Mobile Advertiser]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out. Plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available in US Cellular stores. Best mobile network based on analysis by Oogle of speed test intelligence data 2H 2025. Bigger network. The combination of T Mobile's and US Cellular's network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. See t mobile.com for details.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right, get going.

[Patrolman Mercado]

I'm on my way.

[Sergeant Waters]

Sergeant Maro.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

Go to the call box and ring in. Tell the lieutenant what we've got.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Okay, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

You might want to check Holmes protective anyway. And Burns. And what's the name of that juggern?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Urage. Paul Ur.

[Sergeant Waters]

All right, go on.

[Captain Kennelly]

Okay.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Sergeant?

[Officer]

Yes, lady?

[Grace Nader]

You're not going away and leave me?

[Officer]

No, we're not going anyplace.

[Grace Nader]

Oh, that's good. I saw them leave.

[Officer]

I sent them to see if they could find somebody with a key.

[Grace Nader]

Oh, thank you.

[Officer]

You're welcome.

[Sergeant Waters]

Listen.

[Grace Nader]

Yes?

[Officer]

Didn't the druggist know you were in the telephone booth?

[Grace Nader]

No, I guess he didn't. It's in a funny place. Way in the back in an alcove almost.

[Officer]

Was he alone in the store?

[Grace Nader]

I think so.

[Officer]

Didn't he see you come in?

[Grace Nader]

What?

[Officer]

Didn't he see you when you came in the store?

[Grace Nader]

Maybe he did, but I was in the booth so long I guess he forgot.

[Officer]

What's your name?

[Grace Nader]

Grace Nader.

[Officer]

How do you spell that?

[Grace Nader]

G, R, A, D, E. The last name. O, M A, D, D, E, r.

[Officer]

Is that Miss or Mrs. Where do you live?

[Grace Nader]

Around the corner there. Number 22.

[Officer]

Don't you have a phone in your apartment?

[Grace Nader]

Oh, yes.

[Officer]

Why don't you use that instead of coming down here?

[Grace Nader]

Well, the call I was making was a rather of personal nature. I didn't care to have my roommate overhear it.

[Officer]

Oh, I see.

[Grace Nader]

What did you say?

[Officer]

I said I see. I understand.

[Grace Nader]

Oh, thank you very much.

[Sergeant Waters]

You're welcome.

[Grace Nader]

How long do you think I'll have to stay in here?

[Officer]

Until we can find someone with a key.

[Grace Nader]

Do you know someone?

[Officer]

Well, it's in this apartment building. The super might have a key.

[Grace Nader]

Do you think so?

[Officer]

Maybe. And if the druggist subscribes to the burglar alarm service, they'll have a key for sure.

[Grace Nader]

It doesn't look to me like he subscribed to it. It's such a small store. And besides, there's none of that silvery tape on the windows.

[Officer]

There's all kinds of burglar alarms.

[Grace Nader]

Oh, supposing he doesn't subscribe?

[Officer]

Then we've got the owner's name and phone number on file at the station house. We'll get him down here to open up.

[Grace Nader]

I don't think he's going to like that very much.

[Officer]

Well, he should have looked around the store before he locked up.

[Grace Nader]

What did you say?

[Officer]

He should have looked around the store better.

[Captain Kennelly]

Hey, hey, hey. What's the tumult here? What's the tumult?

[Sergeant Waters]

All right, keep moving.

[Captain Kennelly]

Excuse me, officer. I didn't mean to usurp your prerogative.

[Sergeant Waters]

You're not usurping anything, mister. You just better go on home and get in bed.

[Captain Kennelly]

What do we got? A damsel in distress. Ah, you.

[Sergeant Waters]

Go on, go on. You better hit the ties.

[Captain Kennelly]

Who put her in there?

[Grace Nader]

Yoo hoo.

[Sergeant Waters]

Get moving, will you?

[Captain Kennelly]

Listen, listen, listen. I am not drunk. I am only offering you my technical know how for this damsel in distress. If you think I'm drunk.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah, I think so.

[Captain Kennelly]

You are perfectly mistaken. All I had was one rock. Son of scotch with a whisker peppermint wheel.

[Sergeant Waters]

Now look, will you get going? Go on home.

[Captain Kennelly]

All right, all right, all right. A word from the wise is sufficient. You. Good night. Good night, sweet damsel in distress.

[Sergeant Waters]

He was a big help.

[Grace Nader]

I was worried. I thought you were going to arrest him.

[Officer]

Him?

[Sergeant Waters]

No.

[Officer]

We've got bigger troubles.

[Grace Nader]

I say, we've got bigger troubles. You know, I'm beginning to get A little worried.

[Officer]

What?

[Grace Nader]

I'm beginning to get a little bit worried.

[Officer]

I said, are you in a hurry to get any place?

[Grace Nader]

No.

[Officer]

Will anyone be concerned about you?

[Grace Nader]

Just my roommate, but I don't care about her or whether she's concerned.

[Officer]

All right, then relax. Enjoy the fuss that's being made over you.

[Grace Nader]

I can't. I can't relax.

[Officer]

You were relaxed before. We'll get you out. Don't worry.

[Grace Nader]

I know you'll get me out. I have no doubt about that. I'll try to be calm and collected. I just feel that I'm going to lose control. I feel so ridiculous in here.

[Officer]

How do you think I feel out here?

[Patrolman Mercado]

I spoke to the desk officer, Sergeant. Yeah, he rang over to Holmes. This store isn't a subscriber. They got no key burns either.

[Sergeant Waters]

I didn't think they would be.

[Patrolman Mercado]

How's she doing?

[Sergeant Waters]

He's still in there.

[Grace Nader]

Is there any news? Did you find a key?

[Officer]

No, not yet.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Sergeant. Lieutenant got the owner's name from the business house file. And like I told you, it's Eric Paul Eridge. He lives up Washington Heights. The lieutenant said if the super didn't have a key to ring in again and he'd get hold of Mr. Eridge right away.

[Sergeant Waters]

Okay. Yes.

[Grace Nader]

What's going on? What are you plotting out there?

[Officer]

We're not plotting anything, lady, except how to get you out.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Here's a Hern, Sergeant. How'd you do, Joe? I woke up the super, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah?

[Patrolman Mercado]

He's got no key to any of these stores. All he handles is the residential apartments in the building. These stores here are handled direct by the office.

[Sergeant Waters]

Okay. Mikado, you better ring into the lieutenant again. Tell him we can't locate a key.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Okay?

[Captain Kennelly]

Right away, son.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Super said he'd come and see if he could give us a hand as soon as he gets dressed. But he doesn't know what there is that he can do.

[Sergeant Waters]

There's no other way out of the store, is there?

[Patrolman Mercado]

No, sir. He says there isn't. Just this door.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, lady.

[Grace Nader]

Did you get a key?

[Officer]

No, not yet.

[Grace Nader]

I thought that that policeman went to wake up the super of the building.

[Officer]

He did. The super's got no key to any of the stores.

[Grace Nader]

What are we going to do? How am I going to get out?

[Officer]

We'll get you out.

[Grace Nader]

You keep saying that, but you don't do anything.

[Officer]

Just don't worry.

[Grace Nader]

I ain't worry. I'm getting worried to death.

[Officer]

We've got the home telephone number of the druggist in the files at the station.

[Patrolman Mercado]

House.

[Officer]

The other officer went to call the box. He's going to ask the lieutenant to phone the druggist to come down here.

[Grace Nader]

Do you think he'll come?

[Officer]

He'll come.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Grace Nader]

He might not feel very good about it.

[Officer]

He might not feel very good about it, but he'll come.

[Grace Nader]

Oh, well, I hope so.

[Sergeant Waters]

What's that super's name? Ahan.

[Captain Kennelly]

Charlie.

[Sergeant Waters]

He said he'd come out as soon as he got dressed.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, Sergeant. He doesn't know what he can do, though.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, ma'.

[Officer]

Am.

[Grace Nader]

Where did this druggist live?

[Officer]

In Washington Heights.

[Grace Nader]

How long should it take him to get here?

[Officer]

About a half hour. A little more maybe.

[Grace Nader]

My goodness.

[Officer]

What?

[Grace Nader]

I said my goodness.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Oh, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

You ringing McConnell?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir. I rang in. Desk officer called up the druggist home.

[Sergeant Waters]

Is he coming down to open up?

[Patrolman Mercado]

No, sir. His wife said he wasn't there.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, maybe he didn't have time to get home yet.

[Patrolman Mercado]

He's not coming home. He doesn't live there. His wife told the lieutenant they were separated about a month ago.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, where does the wife say he's living now?

[Patrolman Mercado]

She told the lieutenant she doesn't know.

[Sergeant Waters]

She knows how to get in touch with him when she has to, doesn't she?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir, she knows that.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, where does she reach him?

[Captain Kennelly]

Right here. Right here at the store.

[Lost Driver]

We're lost. I'm gonna pull over and ask that man for directions.

[Sergeant Waters]

Hi there.

[Lost Driver]

We're looking to get to the campground.

[T-Mobile Representative]

Well, you're gonna take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[Lost Driver]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[T-Mobile Representative]

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[Lost Driver]

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[T-Mobile Advertiser]

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[Announcer]

You are listening to 21st Precinct. The factual account of the way police work in the world's largest city.

[Narrator]

You have a horrible feeling that something is wrong. When the radio goes dead, you turn on the television set. Nothing there either. You walk out on the street to look for your newspaper, but it isn't on your porch, your front lawn. No place. And then you notice the silence all around you. No voices. Not a one. The theater lights are off. The public auditorium is boarded up. You're frightened. You don't know what's wrong. I'll tell you what's wrong. You've just found out what it would be like to live under a system of government that controls the freedom of speech. There are such systems in the world today. But a group of men took care that it wouldn't happen to you. They did their work 165 years ago when they wrote the Constitution and the Bill of rights. In the first article of those 10 original amendments, they said, congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or of the press. Those men, men like Franklin and Jefferson, made it official, made it a law. Every time we have our say in public or in private, we're exercising that law. And exercise is good. If someone else doesn't like what we say, he's entitled to his own opinion. And he's entitled to voice it just as loudly and clearly as he wants. That's guaranteed by our Constitution, by our Bill of Rights. Freedom of speech. It's one of our freedoms.

[Announcer]

Now back to 21st Precinct and Captain Kennelly.

[Captain Kennelly]

Although I had been without rest for many hours, I was not able to fall asleep on the couch in my office. After 20 minutes or so, I had gotten up, washed my face and walk into the muster room, where I saw Lieutenant Matt King, Commander of the 21st Detective Squad, come into the station house. He'd been on the job the same number of hours as I. Detectives as well as members of the patrol force are assigned to election day duty, either at the polls or on patrol in uniform. Oh, Matt.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Hello, Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

I saw you coming in when you should be going out. Why don't you go home?

[Patrolman Mercado]

I thought about it, Captain. I've got to be back here at 7:30 in the morning. Just use one of the beds upstairs. Oh.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, how about a cup of coffee?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yeah, sure, Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

Red, is there any hot coffee?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Patrolman Mercado]

The sugar's in the drawer, Captain.

[Sergeant Waters]

Good.

[Patrolman Mercado]

That was a pretty quiet election, Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah, pretty quiet. Go ahead, man.

[Patrolman Mercado]

How do you think you'll like the new governor? Oh, I don't know.

[Captain Kennelly]

We'll see what he does after the

[Patrolman Mercado]

first of the Year

[Sergeant Waters]

young.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Thanks. That's enough, Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

Okay, Sugar man.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, thanks.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, how did your squad make out with its election duty? Any hitches?

[Patrolman Mercado]

No, no hitches. No, sir. But it set a time for himself.

[Sergeant Waters]

Did he?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir. Said everything was nice and quiet at the polling place he was assigned to until about 2:00', clock, that is. Yeah, and in walks this individual who says she's Mrs. So and so. Well, the husky voice didn't bother the election clerks too much, but that heavy beard made them a little suspicious, despite the beautiful fur coat and the high heeled shoes. So they called over Fitz.

[Captain Kennelly]

Who was it, a man?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir. Fitz says he was quite a guy. Said it took all three cops that were there to help get him quieted down.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, what was the idea?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Well, it seems he voted earlier in the day. Mrs. So and so was sick in bed and he'd be darned if she was going to lose her vote. He said she told him exactly how she wanted a vote and he was going to vote for her. The election clerks and Fitz and half dozen cops weren't going to stop him.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, what happened to him?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Well, they got him tagged for a psycho down at Bellevue. It's going to be a long time before Fitz lives down that closed eye he got from a lady.

[Captain Kennelly]

I guess it will.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Excuse me, Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, Lieutenant. All right.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Well, they've got a woman locked in a drugstore over in Madison Avenue.

[Captain Kennelly]

How'd she get in there?

[Patrolman Mercado]

She was in the phone booth when the druggist closed up. Yeah, super of the building said he's got no key. We got out the drugger's phone number from the business house file. His wife says she separated from him about a month and she doesn't know where he's living.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, have they got a burglar alarm service?

[Patrolman Mercado]

I checked homes, Captain. Store isn't a subscriber.

[Captain Kennelly]

Who's on the job over there?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Sergeant Waters, Captain, and Mikado and Ahern. Sergeant says the woman started off kind of cool and collected when they first got there, but she's getting a little panicky now.

[Captain Kennelly]

Are you making any further effort to locate the druggist?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir. He's got a mother who lives in the Bronx. According to the wife, the mother's got no phone. She doesn't think he's living with the mother, but the mother might know where he is. I got the 50th Precinct to send a man over there to talk to the mother. Any friends of the man or employees of the store? The wife says he's got a pharmacist working for him.

[Sergeant Waters]

A new one.

[Patrolman Mercado]

She doesn't know his name. Came to work after they got separated. She used to help him out in the store herself.

[Captain Kennelly]

She doesn't happen to have a key around the house there?

[Patrolman Mercado]

No, sir. Sergeant Waters wanted to know what I thought about sending for the emergency squad. To take the door off or cut the glass out or do whatever they could to get around.

[Captain Kennelly]

You better hold up on that for a while, Red.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

I'll take a ride over there and see what it looks like. Have a car come around for me.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Okay, Right away.

[Captain Kennelly]

You want to come take a look, man?

[Patrolman Mercado]

No, Captain. No, thanks. I spend too much of my time now seeing people who are locked up.

[Captain Kennelly]

In a few minutes, sector car number three came by the house for me. And drove me over to the drugstore on Madison Avenue. Where by this time a few people had gathered despite the lateness of the hour. As the car pulled to a stop behind the sergeant's car, I could see considerable activity in the doorway. All right.

[Patrolman Mercado]

What's the matter?

[Sergeant Waters]

You wait here.

[Patrolman Mercado]

What happened?

[Officer]

All right, folks, there's nothing to see.

[Captain Kennelly]

You might as well move on. Captain. Hello, A.R. where's Sergeant Waters?

[Patrolman Mercado]

In the doorway there talking to her. Okay. Yes, sir.

[Officer]

Just keep moving.

[Captain Kennelly]

Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Oh, hello, Captain.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, how you doing?

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, she's still in there.

[Officer]

Ms. Snader?

[Grace Nader]

Yes.

[Officer]

I sent one of the officers with the super of the building. They went to call somebody from the real estate company.

[Sergeant Waters]

We'll see if they've got a key.

[Grace Nader]

It's getting to be an awfully long time.

[Officer]

We'll know something in a few minutes.

[Grace Nader]

You've been saying that. You've been saying we'll know something in a few minutes. But an awful long time has gone by.

[Officer]

We're doing everything we can.

[Grace Nader]

I don't know about that. I don't know if you are. I'm still. Still locked in here.

[Officer]

I'm Captain Kelly.

[Captain Kennelly]

We'll get you out. We'll get you out soon.

[Grace Nader]

Cut.

[Sergeant Waters]

You've got to talk closer to the door, Captain.

[Officer]

I said we'll get you out very soon.

[Grace Nader]

I hope so. I only hope so.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, she's in there too much longer, Captain, she's gonna go to pieces.

[Captain Kennelly]

I don't know whether I'd blame her.

[Patrolman Mercado]

No, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

Neither would I. I was thinking about getting the emergency truck over here and taking that door off or the glass out or something.

[Captain Kennelly]

I don't think they could take the door off. They're butted hinges.

[Sergeant Waters]

They could jimmy it open.

[Captain Kennelly]

Well, that'd Cause a lot of damage. Best thing might be to cut the glass out.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

Mercado went with the super.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

Who are they calling?

[Sergeant Waters]

Some executive from the real estate company that manages this building.

[Captain Kennelly]

Oh, yeah?

[Sergeant Waters]

Super says he might know where there's a key to the store. And if he doesn't, he might know who to call. There she goes again.

[Grace Nader]

Officer.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes?

[Grace Nader]

Any news?

[Officer]

They haven't come back yet.

[Grace Nader]

Oh, I'm getting very thirsty.

[Officer]

Thirsty?

[Grace Nader]

Yes, very thirsty.

[Officer]

Well, why don't you go behind the soda fountain and get a glass of water?

[Grace Nader]

You think it would be all right?

[Officer]

It'd be all right, sure.

[Grace Nader]

Did you say so?

[Officer]

Yes. Go ahead.

[Grace Nader]

All right, I will.

[Sergeant Waters]

Well, that'll keep her busy for a minute anyway.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir. Did you call me, Sergeant?

[Sergeant Waters]

Captain did.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

Take a walk down to the call box. Ring into Lieutenant Gorman. See if he's had any luck in locating the druggist.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir.

[Captain Kennelly]

And tell him I'll be here until we get her out.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Okay, Captain. I'll kill him.

[Captain Kennelly]

Let me know what he says.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir. The 50th was gonna send a man around to his mother's place.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, I know.

[Officer]

All right, Ms. Nader, we're right here.

[Grace Nader]

I got my drink of water.

[Officer]

That's good.

[Grace Nader]

And I found this chair, too. There's no sense standing here when I can be sitting.

[Officer]

Yes, you'll be a lot more comfortable.

[Grace Nader]

It's not how comfortable I am that makes a difference, but I'm getting very nervous.

[Captain Kennelly]

What?

[Grace Nader]

I'm getting very nervous. I want to get out of here.

[Officer]

We'll get you out.

[Grace Nader]

I want you to get me out now. Right now. There's no reason why I can't get out right now.

[Officer]

Like I told you, lady, if we can't find somebody with a key, we'll get the emergency squad over here to take off the door.

[Grace Nader]

I'd sure like to know when.

[Officer]

Very soon.

[Grace Nader]

You've been saying that, Captain.

[Officer]

All right, Just relax.

[Patrolman Mercado]

You'll be all right.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, Mercado.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Captain, this is Charlie super at number 28.

[Captain Kennelly]

Glad to know you, Captain.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Hello.

[Captain Kennelly]

Some deal we got here, huh? Yeah. Do you have any luck? No luck at all. I went inside and I called up my boss, which is Mr. Doyle. Well, did he have a key? Well, Mr. Doyle has got charge of residential rentals only. So he told me to call up Mr. Matthews, which is in charge of business rentals. I said, Look, Mr. Doyle, Mr. Matthews don't know me from a hole in the ground. So Mr. Doyle called up Mr. Matthews and Mr. Doyle call me back. Well, did Mr. Matthews have the key?

[Patrolman Mercado]

I know, sir. They said they got no keys to any of these stores.

[Captain Kennelly]

At least that's what Mr. Doyle told me. Mr. Matthews told him.

[Patrolman Mercado]

I talked to Mr. Doyle, captain. He said that Matthews assured him there was no master key to these stores in their office. The only one who has a key is the tenant. I rang into the house cabin.

[Captain Kennelly]

Yes, Aharon?

[Patrolman Mercado]

Lieutenant Gorman says the 50th got back to him. They sent a man by the house of the man's mother. She doesn't know where he's living. She hasn't heard from him in over a month.

[Sergeant Waters]

Captain. Yes.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Okay.

[Officer]

Now, look, Ms. Nader, put that chair down. Put it down.

[Grace Nader]

No, I'm going to get out of here.

[Captain Kennelly]

Look, we.

[Officer]

We've got the emergency squad on the way. Ms. Nader, you've been saying that. Now, put that chair down.

[Sergeant Waters]

What's the trouble, Sergeant?

[Captain Kennelly]

You better get back.

[Sergeant Waters]

Mikado, keep the rest of them back. Yes, sir.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Come on, let's get them back.

[Grace Nader]

Ms. Nader, I'm getting out. You better get out of the way.

[Sergeant Waters]

I think she means it, Captain.

[Grace Nader]

Get back. Get back.

[Officer]

Now, put that chair down. We'll get you out.

[Grace Nader]

Get back. Get back.

[Sergeant Waters]

Come on, Captain.

[Officer]

Ms. Nader. Captain, come on.

[Narrator]

What?

[Sergeant Waters]

Are you all right, sir?

[Captain Kennelly]

Yeah, I'm all right.

[Sergeant Waters]

I'm sorry I. I pushed you, Captain, but I. I saw that chair coming down.

[Captain Kennelly]

Don't worry about it.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Thanks.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir.

[Grace Nader]

Well, I did it.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah, you did it.

[Grace Nader]

I had to. Please help me.

[Captain Kennelly]

Now, don't step through there yet. There's a lot of that jagged glass hanging there.

[Officer]

Mercado.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, Captain.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah, right.

[Narrator]

Here.

[Captain Kennelly]

Take your nightstick. Clean that glass off around there.

[Sergeant Waters]

Yes, sir. Stand a few feet back in there, Ms. Nader.

[Grace Nader]

I want to come out.

[Sergeant Waters]

You'll be able to step out in

[Officer]

a minute, all right.

[Grace Nader]

It's only going to be a minute.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Excuse me, Sergeant.

[Sergeant Waters]

Go ahead, Mercado. It's all yours.

[Patrolman Mercado]

Yes, sir.

[Sergeant Waters]

Okay, Mercado. That's good. Well, Captain, I. I guess she solved the problem for us.

[Captain Kennelly]

I guess she did. And from now on, I don't think she'll mind if a roommate overhears a phone conversation.

[Sergeant Waters]

21st Precinct. Sergeant Waters. Who are you? The watchman. What'd they break into? Did you see the thieves? Yeah. Yeah. Well, what's missing? Oh, yeah. Well, what was all that?

[Officer]

Doing in a tool shack?

[Sergeant Waters]

Yeah.

[Captain Kennelly]

And 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 21st Precinct.

[Announcer]

A factual account of the way the police work in the world's largest city is presented with the official cooperation of the Patrolmen's Benevolent association, an organization of more than 20,000 members of the Police Department, City of New York. Everett Sloan in the role of Captain Kennelly. Ken lynch as Lieutenant King. Harold Stone as Sergeant Waters. Featured in tonight's cast were Abby Lewis, John Sylvester, John Gibson, Santa Sartega and Bob Dryden. Written and directed by Stanley Nist. Produced for CBS Radio by John Ives. Ed Fleming speaking.

[Narrator]

This is the United States Armed Forces

[Captain Kennelly]

Radio and Television Service,

[Patrolman Mercado]

Sa.