21st Precinct 55-04-13 (092) The Communication

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio – 21st Precinct 55-04-13 (092) "The Communication"
Host: Harolds Old Time Radio
Air Date: February 27, 2026
Episode Original Broadcast: April 13, 1955

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Overview

This episode of 21st Precinct recounts a routine police matter that spirals into a more complex situation. The drama follows the arrest of a couple stopped for a traffic violation, leading to a tense investigation as authorities unravel whether their story about borrowing a brother's car is legitimate—and discover far more beneath the surface. The show authentically captures the daily rhythms, bureaucracy, and human drama inside a mid-century New York City police precinct.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

Setting the Scene: Life in the 21st Precinct

• Captain Frank Kennelly gives a summary of his daily responsibilities and describes the morning roll call and deployment of patrolmen ([00:33]).
  • Quote: "21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York...the security of their homes, their persons, and their property is the job of the men of the 21st Precinct." (Captain Frank Kennelly, [00:45])

The Incident: A Traffic Stop Turns Suspicious

• Patrolman Joseph Ahern observes a car driving the wrong way down a one-way street at 81st Street and Second Avenue ([01:48]).

• The driver, Edward Holt, claims unfamiliarity with the neighborhood and pleads for leniency, but Ahern remains firm ([03:31]).

  • Quote: "Look, officer, what do you say? How about a break?" (Edward Holt, [03:44])

• Tension escalates as a hidden gun and evasive behavior emerge; Edward and his wife Myra display nervousness about the car's ownership and contents ([04:09]).

At the Station: Bureaucracy and Growing Tension

• The Holts are brought to the station for a routine ownership verification. Frustration mounts as processes move slowly:

  • Difficulties verifying the car's registration through the Connecticut State Police ([09:19])
  • Bureaucratic tensions are echoed by both police and civilians.
  • Quote: "Well, how long will it take?" (Edward Holt, [12:26])
  • Quote: "It's a Connecticut car, Captain." (Desk Sergeant, [14:23])

• Myra asks to use the ladies’ room but learns the precinct has none for visitors, adding to her and her husband’s agitation ([14:27]).

Subplot: Hidden Dangers and Paranoia

• Intercut discussions between Edward and Myra reveal growing anxiety about a gun in Myra's purse. They're uneasy under police scrutiny, worried that officers will search them thoroughly ([13:18], [13:41]).

  • Quote: "I think you ought to get rid of the gun." (Captain Frank Kennelly, [13:24])

• Casual bickering grows more hostile as they realize escape is impossible. Myra refuses to part with her purse. The officers ask for further identification, but Myra insists she carries only "a little bit of money and a lipstick and a handkerchief." ([23:52])

The Waiting Game: Frustration Boils Over

• The Holts grow angrier and more anxious as time drags on ([17:59]-[19:01]).

  • Quote: "I'd sure like to know what kind of runaround I'm getting here." (Edward Holt, [14:58])

• The officers try to remain professional despite the couple's restlessness and subtle antagonism.

Resolution and Twist: Truth Comes Out

• Finally, word comes from the Connecticut State Police confirming Edward’s story—the car is not stolen, but the delay has frayed everyone's patience ([26:05]).
  • Quote: "Okay, folks, we got the word. Everything's all right. You got the word?" (Captain Frank Kennelly, [26:12])
• Suddenly, a domestic spat erupts; Myra hits Edward with her pocketbook, exposing the hidden gun ([27:09]-[27:18]).
• The officers immediately challenge the couple, leading to a confession linked to a stickup the previous week:
  • Quote:
    • Captain Frank Kennelly: "Myra. Where'd you get that?" ([27:56])
    • Edward Holt: "What do you mean, where did I get it? You passed it to me." ([28:00])
    • "Not even last week when you stuck up that roan society with it." ([28:06])
  • The truth: They are connected to a robbery, and the traffic stop unwittingly solved a bigger case.

Classic 21st Precinct Reflection

• The episode concludes with a signature, reflective narration about the unpredictability of police work ([29:04]).
  • Quote: "Anyone can catch the brass ring or the brass ring can catch anyone." (Announcer, [29:10])

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Notable Quotes & Moments with Timestamps

• "Much safer. Yeah, yeah, sure, I know...Pull around the corner and trap. You’re blocking traffic here." (Captain Frank Kennelly, [03:31])
• "Take the ticket and shut up. Matter I'm carrying. You're kidding. It's in my top coat pocket." (Captain Frank Kennelly, [04:09])
• “This is a fine thing, holding yourself like this. I never heard of such a thing.” (Edward Holt, [12:33])
• "There isn't any ladies room in the station house...All our female prisoners go to the 19th precinct." (Captain Frank Kennelly, [14:33])
• “Nothing is personal. There’s nothing personal in a police station, lady.” (Captain Frank Kennelly, [22:52])
• “What a way to run a railroad.” (Captain Frank Kennelly, [22:01])
• “I want to see what’s in that purse. Come on, walk over to the table.” (Captain Frank Kennelly, [27:36])
• "Oh, baby. Well, looks like you made yourself a good collar, huh? Dumb luck, that's what it was." (Captain Frank Kennelly, [28:13])

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Important Segment Timestamps

• [00:33–03:29]: Introduction to the precinct, patrol briefing, and Ahern's encounter with the Holts.
• [04:09–05:47]: Gun is mentioned in the car; tension escalates.
• [09:19–12:40]: Desk work, communication with Connecticut, and lengthening delays.
• [13:41–14:46]: The couple considers disposing of the gun, but have no opportunity.
• [17:59–19:35]: Wait becomes exasperating; transfer to detective squad.
• [26:12–28:13]: Ownership confirmed, but the real crime is revealed as the gun surfaces during a scuffle.
• [29:04]: Show's closing reflection on police work.

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Tone and Style

The episode balances procedural formality with the human quirks and foibles of its characters. Dialogue is laced with sharp exchanges, understated humor, and mounting anxiety, culminating in an ironic twist that uncovering a major crime started with a simple traffic stop. The police remain cool, methodical, and a bit sardonic throughout, while the Holts alternate between defensive, nervous, and fractious.

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Conclusion

“The Communication” is a masterful slice of radio noir, showing how routine police work can inadvertently ensnare unsuspecting criminals. The episode deftly captures the slow burn of bureaucratic procedure and the unpredictability of human nature—a staple of the 21st Precinct series that keeps listeners engrossed until the final revelation.

Transcript

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

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[Captain Frank Kennelly]

21st Precinct, Sergeant Waters? Yeah, that's right. A verification of the ownership is what we want. Connecticut registration 3T for Thomas, 152. Well, what do you have? You are, by transcription 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. We're holding the car and the occupants. Well, let me know as soon as you're here, all right? Okay. 21st Precinct. It's just lines on a map of the city of New York. Most of the 173,000 people wedged into the 9/10 of a 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. 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 day tour, 8am to 6pm it was a bright, sunny morning. I arrived at the station house at 7:35, signed the blotter and went into my office to change the uniform. Then I read over reports and communications that had accumulated since I was last on duty 24 hours earlier. Just before 8, I walked out into the muster room and around behind the desk sharply on the hour. Lieutenant Gorman, the desk officer for the oncoming tour, sounded the Bell and the 66 men who had patrolled the precinct on foot and in sector cars marched out of the back room on command of the patrol sergeant. The platoon halted, faced the desk and the sergeant reported the men inspected. Then I called the roll, gave them special instructions and orders and on the command post your platoon. They marched out the front door. Among the men who turned out was patrolman Joseph Ahern, 27 years old. In the job four years and assigned until 9am to School Crossing Beauty at 81st street and Second Avenue. There he directed traffic and assisted school children in crossing the street for nearly an hour. He was just about to leave for his regular post when he saw a car approaching the intersection. Driving east on 81st street from 3rd Avenue the wrong way in a one way street. He stepped out into the street, waited for the car to approach and signaled it to a stop. A man was driving. A woman sat alongside of him. I'm sorry, officer. Don't you look at the sign. I live in Brooklyn. I got a little bit mixed up.

[Edward Holt]

Didn't notice it was one way to actually turn in.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, I saw the traffic going the other way and I said, oh. Then I figured rather than back out into 3rd Avenue, it'd be safer to come all the way through to Second. You know what I mean, officer? Much safer. Yeah, yeah, sure, I know. I'm sorry. I'm not familiar with the neighborhood. I'll be careful. Pull around the corner and trap. You're blocking traffic here. Look, officer, what do you say? How about a break? Just pull around the corner. I'll walk over there. That bum.

[Edward Holt]

What's this force? If you look where you're going, these things wouldn't happen. Wait a minute. Wait for the light. Wanna make it worse?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I could shoot down the avenue and lose them in a minute.

[Edward Holt]

You out of your mind? Send your ticket. You run, they get you good.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Take the ticket and shut up. Matter I'm carrying. You're kidding. It's in my top coat pocket. Take the gun and put it in your twist.

[Edward Holt]

What do I want with it?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Take it. It won't bother you.

[Edward Holt]

All right, go ahead, Screen.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You got it?

[Edward Holt]

I got it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Good. Good, baby. All right, let me see your operator's license and registration. Yeah, yeah, sure. Myra, look in the glove compartment there for the registry.

[Edward Holt]

Yeah.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You could be a good guy. Couldn't tell, officer. It's not like I did something. Yeah, here's the license. Yeah. Myra, where's the registration? Tomorrow, huh?

[Edward Holt]

I can't find it in here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, you said it was in there. Does this car belong to you? As a matter of fact, it don't belong to my brother. What's your brother's name? Arthur Hoax. Where does he live? In Ellison, Connecticut. Where's that? It's up near Bridgeport. You Deliver this address? 736 Patrick Street, Brooklyn. Yep, that's right. When did your brother lend you the car? Sunday. Sunday? When we were up there to his house. Am I right, Ma? Sunday?

[Edward Holt]

Yeah. My husband needed a card this week for business, and his brother on him.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

His. He told me the registration was in the glove compartment. Weren't you there when he said that, Ma?

[Edward Holt]

Yeah, sir, that's what he said it was.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Did you look good?

[Edward Holt]

It's not in there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, give me the ignition keys a minute. What for? I want to check the license plate in the back. Don't need the keys for that, do you? Just give them here. Not just this one. We should have run for it. I told you. Now, look it. Hand me back the gun.

[Edward Holt]

What do you want with it?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Give it here.

[Edward Holt]

He's coming. He's coming.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, I'm sorry, folks, but we're gonna have to go down to the station house. Oh, now, look, officer, why? We have to get straightened out on the ownership of this car. It's my brothers. I told you that. Oh, yeah. So we'll just have to make sure. Oh, pull the seat up. I'll get him back. What'd you say? Pull the seat back. Oh, okay. I wish we could get this straightened out. We will. You're the key. Yeah. Now close the door. Head to where you're going. I'll tell you when it's time. Can't you just give me a ticket and let it go at that? I'd like to save the time. You've already lost it, mister, so just get this thing going before you lose any more. Again, For most traffic offenses, the law specifies that a police officer in the city of New York shall issue a summons answerable in traffic court on a specific day for the offense of operating a motor vehicle without possession of proof of ownership. However, the driver is requested to accompany the officer to the station house where a check is made to verify ownership of the automobile. Officers confronted with such a situation are under instructions to be extremely cautious because the car may turn out to be stolen or the occupants armed and dangerous. The ride to the station house was without incident until they turned into the block on Pacolmane Hearn's instructions. All right, you see the station house up there? Yeah. Pull up in front of her. Okay. Yeah. Park in that space says reserved for police.

[Edward Holt]

He won't get a ticket for parking there too, will he?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Pull in. Okay. How am I close enough?

[Edward Holt]

You're right on the curb.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, Let me get out first. Scoot up a little bit. My.

[Edward Holt]

How much you want me to scoot?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, I can make it. Guess I better lock it up, huh? Yeah. Yeah, you better okay, this way. How long will we be here? I couldn't tell you, lady. Come on, A.D. lock it up. Yeah, all right. It's locked. All right.

[Edward Holt]

Next time you'll know to get the registration.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

So I'll know. All right. I'll get the dough. Go ahead. Okay. Walk up to the desk then.

[Edward Holt]

This is gonna kill the whole morning. I know it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Why place sleeping, Sergeant?

[Edward Holt]

Walking.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right. This is good right here. No. What have you got then, huh, Lieutenant? I told him going down. CWSG on the line. All right, Sergeant. Okay, go ahead. Hello, this is Lieutenant Gorman. Desk officers, the 21st. Listen, the patrolman on post reports a leaking fire hydrant at 93rd street and Madison Avenue. Yeah, that's what he said. All right. Okay. Yeah. He says he thinks there's something wrong with the shut off now. Okay. Yeah. When Meister rings in Helm. DWSG is on the way up to repair that. Okay. Aaron? I stopped him for driving the wrong way. An East 81st Street. Lieutenant. He had no registration for the car. It's my brother's car. He let me borrow it. Did he have an operator's license? Yes, sir. His name is Edward Holt, 736 Patrick Street, Brooklyn.

[Edward Holt]

His brother line him the car. I'll box for that. All right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Are you Mrs. Holt?

[Edward Holt]

That's right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What is your brother's name? Arthur Arthur Holt. And what is his address? Rural Route 2, Ellison, Connecticut. Connecticut. Registration?

[Edward Holt]

They heard?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir. 1952 Chevrolet, two door, painted, tan.

[Edward Holt]

Days it is.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Registration number is 3T. 152T for Thomas. Yes, sir. All right, sergeant. Yes, sir. Communications bureau on here. Yes. Hello, CB Lieutenant Gorman at the 21st. Yeah. Now look, we've got a man operating a motor vehicle with no registration certificate. His name is Edward Holtz, 736 Parkrick Street, Brooklyn. That's H O U L T S. Yeah. He claims his brother is the owner of the automobile. And he is using it with the brother's permission. The brother's name is Arthur Holt. Railroad 2, Elliston, Connecticut. Ellison. Yeah, that's right. The car is a 1952 Chevy, two door, painted tan, Connecticut. Registration 3T for Thomas, 152.

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[Captain Frank Kennelly]

all right? Yeah. All right, Mr. Holt. They're checking it out.

[Edward Holt]

Well, how long will it take?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, they have to telepath to the Connecticut State Police and wait for an answer. We might be here a couple of hours. I don't think it'll take that long.

[Edward Holt]

This is a fine thing, holding yourself like this. I never heard of such a thing.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, I heard the detectives are going to book a prisoner now. Would you take these people over there, please? Come on, girl, let's go. You haven't got all day. I have money. Let's go. Right over there, Mr. Holt, right up to the railway. Joe.

[Edward Holt]

He gets service.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

We gotta wait. He's going to jail. Listen, officer, how long do you think this will take? Really now? I mean, don't kid me. As soon as they hear back from Connecticut, I don't see what they got to do up there to verify ownership of the car. It's my brothers, I'm telling you. We'll get so worried soon. Then what do I have to do? They'll have to appear in court later. I've got to write a summons. Driving without a registration for you and going the wrong way in a one way street. Street. I forgot about that one already. All right. Yeah. Sergeant, can I see you over Here a minute. Yes, sir. You two stay right here.

[Edward Holt]

You got no place to go.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Be back in a second. What do you want?

[Edward Holt]

Is this some mess?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Listen, never mind the mess. I'm getting worried. Why should you be worried? I'm the one has it in my pocketbook. I'm getting worried because of all these cops around here looking at us. They're liable to start asking questions about other things in that car, huh? I think you ought to get rid of the gun. Get rid of it when?

[Edward Holt]

We're gonna get rid of it?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Go to the ladies room. Put it in the wastebasket in the bottom. You out of your mind? You gotta get rid of it.

[Edward Holt]

You gave it to me.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, all right. Oh, you people being taken care of all right? Oh, yeah, thanks. We're waiting until they check on something. Oh, I see. I brought them in chapters. Mr. Mitchell called. Captain Kennelli. Hi. How do you do? We got no complaint against this policeman, Captain. He was only doing what he was supposed to do. But I told him it was my brother's car, and we gotta wait around. We gotta wait around for who knows how long. He was driving the wrong way in 81st street, and he had no ownership certificate.

[Edward Holt]

His brother said he left it in the glove compartment when he let him. The car.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, what's taking so long, huh? It's a Connecticut car, Captain.

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[Edward Holt]

Listen, where's the ladies room here?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, there isn't any ladies room in the station house.

[Edward Holt]

There isn't?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

No, not in this station house. Come on. You're kidding. All our female prisoners go to the 19th Precinct where the policewomen are. We have no facilities here.

[Edward Holt]

Harry.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir? Bring those people back over here now. Yes, sir. Okay, folks. Hey, here we go again. Oh, what's going red? Oh, it's pretty quiet, Captain. Hope it stays that way.

[Edward Holt]

I'd sure like to know what kind of a runaround I'm getting here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What do you mean?

[Edward Holt]

I asked him if I could go outside to get a cup of coffee, and he said, no, I couldn't.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I was the one that was driving the car. She didn't have anything to do with it. Why can't she go out? Because if that car turns out to be stolen, the law says that not only the driver is involved, every occupant is. The car is not stolen. It belongs to my brothers. Mr. Holtz, right now, we don't know that your brother owns a car. In fact, we don't even know that you have a brother. Spectre car number three came by the house. For me, and I went out on patrol of the precinct at 9:25am 20 minutes later, however, the communications bureau instructed the desk Officer of the 21st to assign temporarily to the 15th Precinct 1 radio motor patrol car and its crew to assist in an unusual occurrence, the breaking of a water main and the flooding of the street and the subway station. In order that we not be left on demand on patrol, I returned to the station house and instructed Patrolman Farrell, the operator of sector car number three, to pick up his recorder, Patrolman Meister, who had been assigned to a fixed post, and resume patrol of his regular sector. I got out of the car in front of the station house, crossed the sidewalk, walked up the stone steps and into the muster room. 21st brief in charge of waters. Captain. Yes? This is to you, Lieutenant King. Oh, I tell him to hold on as soon as I sign the blotter. Yes, sir. He just came in the station house, Lieutenant. He'll be with you as soon as he signs the plotter. No, he's got nobody with him. Okay, Sergeant. Now take it in my office. Yes, sir. He's gonna take it as office, sir. I want to talk to the captain. That's what's the trouble. The captain can't help you, Mr. Holt. Well, I can ask him. All right. I'll be with you in a minute. I've got a phone call waiting. I'm waiting. On the first place name. Captain Kennelly. Lieutenant King. Captain. Yes, ma'. Am. Captain, do you remember that boy who tried to cut his wrist on the bar in the cell last December? Yes, Matt. What about him? Well, he's going to bat on that murder charge next week. The district attorney thinks his lawyer might call you as a defense witness. Oh, what do they want me for? Well, you made the investigation at the time. They think they can establish insanity by reason of the fact that he attempted suicide. Oh, I'm going downtown for a conference with a trial assistant this afternoon. Wants to know if you can come along. All right, Matt. What time? Well, I'm due down there at 1. I'll leave here about 12:30. Okay, you meet me in my office. Yes, ma'. Am. Thanks. That's okay. There he comes. All right. Now, what's the trouble? We're just waiting for words, Captain.

[Edward Holt]

That's right. We're getting awful tired of standing around here.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right. I'll see what I can do. We'd certainly appreciate it. You know, it's one thing if I did something really out of the ordinary, but it's my brother's car. And my wife is willing to vouch for that. Yes, we know all about that, Mr. Horse, but it takes time to check these things out. We've been here for time. We've been here for plenty of time. All right, I'll see what I can do. Well, we'd certainly appreciate it, Captain. 25 placing size and water. Hey, Red, how come you haven't heard on that Connecticut car yet? Come on. We're waiting, Captain. Well, we're shorthanded on patrol this tour. I'd like to get Ahern back on the job. So would I, Captain. I just rang down to see Bee. They haven't had any word from the Connecticut State Police yet. Why don't you send them upstairs and let the detectives worry about it? Okay.

[Edward Holt]

Heron.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yes, sir? Would you come over here with Mr. And Mrs. Holt? Yes, sir. Oh, how are they doing on that break in the water main downtown? You think we'll get our car back soon? Well, they've got the trouble located. It's a problem of traffic now. Oh, good.

[Edward Holt]

Are we gonna be able to go now?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

We haven't had any word yet, Mrs. Holt. Listen, you know how long it's been. You know how long we've been waiting around here trying to get you out as fast as we can? It certainly doesn't look like it. That's all I can say. Well, we're going to send you up to the detectives and let them get it straightened out. The detectives? What have they got to do with it? Listen, Captain, I'm a guy with a lot of patience. But after all, we've been hanging around here almost an hour, and now with the detectives. All I ask you to do is be reasonable. Yeah, well, all we ask you to do is comply with the law and have a registration certificate with you when you operate an automobile. Who's catching upstairs, Sergeant? The loco cops.

[Edward Holt]

Sure is a fine way to do things.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I'll be in my office for answer. Yes, sir.

[Edward Holt]

Can't go out to get a cup of coffee that part of my nose, Sergeant.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Give me the look on here. Yes, sir. Think we did something all right, Myra. All right. Hello, Ladder? It's Lieutenant Garment. Yeah, look, I'm sending a Hearne up with a couple. Well, we're waiting for verification of ownership of the car he was driving. Hmm?

[Edward Holt]

Oh, all right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, hold on. Ahern. Yes, sir? Go on upstairs with him and see DeLuca. Okay, Lieutenant. Come on. Sell at a post, you know what I mean?

[Edward Holt]

Okay.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Right through there. Oh, the name is H. Well, look at this.

[Edward Holt]

Why couldn't we sit in here? They're standing out there.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

This is the back room. It's the police officers. Are they better than people up the stairs?

[Edward Holt]

Wait a minute.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's the matter?

[Edward Holt]

I don't have enough. Now I got to get a run in my dog.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's my fault, too.

[Edward Holt]

Yes. Hold my pocketbook.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What do I want it.

[Edward Holt]

Hold it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right.

[Edward Holt]

I thought I felt it real.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You're always feeling things. You got a wife like that? No, I'm not married. My ass.

[Edward Holt]

What kind of crack is that?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Let's. Let's go upstairs. Yes. Take back your purses.

[Edward Holt]

Will it kill you to hold it a minute?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It might. You never can tell. Here.

[Edward Holt]

All right.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

In there.

[Edward Holt]

I don't think this will take very long.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

It all depends when we hear about the car. Okay. Walk right over there.

[Edward Holt]

Over here with me?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah, that's right. Oh, Lud, this is Mr. And Mrs. Holt. Oh, yeah, Lieutenant Gorman told me about them. Now, look, folks, I'm going to make another call down to the communications bureau and see if they heard from Connecticut yet. Wouldn't the best thing be to call Connecticut? Well, everything has to be cleared through CB Now, I want to finish this thing up and I'll get right on it. Now, why don't you go over and sit down on that bench for a minute over there. Yeah. Make yourself comfortable. Oh, you want to get some coffee? He'll call luncheon. It's for you. He'll send it over.

[Edward Holt]

No, that's all right. I don't feel like it now.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Fact of the matter is, she does feel like it. Only she doesn't like coffee out of a paper cup. Look, why don't you be a good guy and let her go out to the luncheonette once? I told you about that. We can't let either of you go out until we get an answer on the car.

[Edward Holt]

There's no sense standing up anymore.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Yeah. What a way to run a railroad. All right. Can I see you a minute? Yeah. Be right back. We're not going anyplace. We'll be here. Now, give me what you got on these people. I'll get right on here. Yeah.

[Edward Holt]

So why didn't you take it when you had that purge?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Take what? What do you think? Do you think I'm crazy? Gonna start anything in here that couldn't take two steps?

[Edward Holt]

Well, I'm stuck with it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

You're not stuck with it.

[Edward Holt]

What do you mean, I'm not stuck with it? I got it. I'm the one that got the beef again.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

There won't be no beef because they ain't gonna find it. They won't.

[Edward Holt]

Look, we can leave their mind.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

What's all the conversation over there? Look, we're married to each other. Aren't we allowed to talk even? Well, as long as I can hear what you're saying. Can you?

[Edward Holt]

Nothing is personal.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Concentration camp. There's nothing personal in a police station, lady. Can I see your operator's license, Mr. Holt? They looked at it downstairs. Well, I'd like to look at it up here. Here. Here you are. Would you take it out of the wallet? I must sit there. This way. You reside at the present time, 736 Patrick Street, Brooklyn? Yes. You ever been arrested, Mr. Holtz? Yeah, I went through a red light about a year ago out in Forest Hills. Says that in the license there, don't it? I mean, for a crime. No. What do you think I am? Do you have any other identification besides this? How about this? My Social Security card. Want me to take that out, too? No, I can see it fine. Do you have any identification on you, Mrs. Holt? Look, she's my wife. I identify her. I'd like to identify. I'd like her to identify herself. You have anything in your purse? Like what? Like a driver's license.

[Edward Holt]

I don't drive.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Social Security card, anything?

[Edward Holt]

No, I got nothing.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Couldn't you look and see?

[Edward Holt]

I know I got nothing. I know what I carry in my purse. I carry a little bit of money and a lipstick and a handkerchief. Also a comb and a compact, and that's all.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, why don't you take a look? Maybe you've got a letter or something in there.

[Edward Holt]

I know what I've got. I've got nothing.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

But she told you she's got no identification. Why don't you leave her alone? She's got nothing to do with it. Anyway, I was driving the car. That doesn't make any difference. Want to get that? L take it. Okay. 21st Squad. Detective Delucas. No, no, he's not here. Yeah, he's working, but he's out on an investigation. Yeah. Yeah, sure. Who? Yeah. Yeah. All right, I'll tell him. Yeah, I'll tell him. Are you sure you've got no identification?

[Edward Holt]

I told you I didn't.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Well, look at. Yeah, Lieutenant. Where's Goldman? Down at the grand jury, Lieutenant. Ring in yet? No, it's not yet. First one that rings in or comes in, let me know, will you? I got a little job to be done. Well, scan when they vitality are out on patrol till I Put a call out to them. No, it's not that important. How many do? Oh, this is miss and Mrs. Hunter. Lieutenant king, commanding officer, 21st detective squad. Ah, hearn stopped them for driving the wrong way in a one way street, Lieutenant. They had no registration for the car. Is it your car? No, it's my brother's. He lent it to me. We're getting some run around here, Lieutenant. They're taking forever to find out about it. We've just been sitting around. Well, it'll get straightened out. I know it will. But when? That's the point. Look, Mr. Holtz, why don't you stop complaining, huh? You were the one who was at fault. We're doing the best we can. I'll bet you are. I'm stuck sitting here like an idiot. Nobody does anything.

[Edward Holt]

I'll cut it out.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I won't cut it out. I got a right to talk. Mister, you better take your wife's rights and just calm down. Lord, get straightened out. Listen, what's the use? Okay, Lloyd. Let me know when you hear from somebody. Yes, sir. You ought to take it easy, mister. That's not going to get you anywhere. That's what I sound nuts. Everybody tells me to take it easy. I'll get it, Aaron. Okay. I'll be right back. Yeah.

[Edward Holt]

What's the matter with you?

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Nothing. 21st flat.

[Edward Holt]

You're making big trouble for yourself, that's all you're doing. It's all your own fault anyway.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Don't lecture me, will you?

[Edward Holt]

My aunt don't lecture you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's what I said.

[Edward Holt]

You get yourself in the jam and give me a hard time.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay, folks, we got the word. Everything's all right. You got the word? Yeah. The Communications Bureau got a teletype. The Connecticut State Police spoke to your brother at his job. He confirms he lent you the car. There, you see? What did I tell you? Well, we can go on downstairs now. What you mean? We got something else?

[Edward Holt]

Oh, come on, Ed. For crying out loud.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Crying out loud me, will you? You for cried out loud me enough today.

[Edward Holt]

I didn't. But you had it coming.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Okay?

[Edward Holt]

You have brain coming. You got a brain like a peanut. Talk to me like a peanut.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Let's cut it out.

[Edward Holt]

I'm warning you.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

That's what I mean.

[Edward Holt]

You still got a brain like a peanut.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Peanut, huh?

[Edward Holt]

Yes.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, cut it out. All right, we'll hold her. What's this all about? Everything under control? Yeah, Sergeant, it's okay. They started slugging away at each other. Kevin, y' all get her home. I'll kill her.

[Edward Holt]

Yeah, that's what you say.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

All right, all right. Once she hit him with. Look at the welts on his face. A pocketbook.

[Edward Holt]

I think I hammered my pits.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Let's see that pocketbook. Look, Captain, it's all over. The whole thing's over. Just. What do you say we forget it happens all the time and we still love each other. That right? Myra, step over here and empty that purse on the table. Look, let's just forget it. I can't. I want to see what's in that purse. Come on, walk over to the table.

[Edward Holt]

I told you. Like a peanut.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Captain, will you listen a minute? Open the purse and dump out the concrete. Look, Captain, it's just a little family fun. Open it up.

[Edward Holt]

All right,

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Myra. Where'd you get that?

[Edward Holt]

What do you mean, where did I get it? You passed it to me.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

I never seen it before in my life. All right, just step back and.

[Edward Holt]

You never seen it before in your life? Not even last week when you stuck up that roan society with it.

[Captain Frank Kennelly]

Oh, baby. Well, looks like you made yourself a good cholera, huh? Dumb luck, that's what it was. Dumb luck. Yeah, well, whatever it was, here you are, and that's what counts. 21st preaching, Sergeant Waters. Where's this? Yeah. Yeah. Well, who is it? That's right. Oh, you don't, huh? Where's the man with the knife? Where? 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 transcribed this actual 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 Kelly. Ken lynch as Lieutenant King. Harold Stone as Sergeant Waters. Featured in tonight's cast were Frank Mars, Elspeth Eric, John Lockin, Mandel Kramer and John Sylvester. Written and directed by Stanley Nip. George Bryan speaking.