Podcast Summary

Podcast: Harold's Old Time Radio
Episode: Dragnet 1953-11-17 Big Flight
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Original Air Date: November 17, 1953
Recap Date: September 12, 2025

Overview

This episode features a classic radio broadcast of “Dragnet,” titled "Big Flight." The episode immerses listeners in a realistic 1950s police procedural, following Detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith as they investigate a violent supermarket robbery in Los Angeles. Their pursuit for justice weaves through witness interviews, procedural dead ends, and breakthrough moments, capturing the methodical, no-nonsense Dragnet tone. The story dramatizes the intricacies of detective work in the golden age of radio, complete with memorable dialogue and authentic period atmosphere.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Introduction to the Case (00:27 - 01:59)

• Joe Friday sets the scene: a cold Tuesday morning in LA, Day Watch on the Robbery detail.
• A supermarket robbery has occurred—three suspects beat and robbed two clerks.
  • Quote (Joe Friday, 00:27):
    “Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.”

2. At the Crime Scene: Victim Interviews (01:29 - 05:58)

• Detectives Friday and Smith arrive at the Lockton Market.
• They meet officer Jackson and tend to Cliff Hall (victim), whose partner, Andy, suffered a fractured jaw.
• Cliff Hall explains the robbery in detail, including:
  • Robbers’ use of signals, drawn guns, and commands.
  • Andy's resistance leads to violence.
  • Estimated stolen amount: around $8,000.
  • Detailed descriptions of the suspects and their weapons.
  • Quote (Cliff Hall, 04:09):
    “Andy’s like that. He gets an idea in his head and there isn’t anything that’ll shake it loose.”
  • One suspect especially violent; described as looking "tough...a real fighter."

3. Eyewitness Account & Evidence Collection (05:58 - 08:23)

• A woman in the neighborhood saw three men go to and leave the market, entering a car. One appeared upset and argued with the others.
• Lab crew recovers partial fingerprints. No immediate identification, but possibility for future matching if suspects are apprehended.
• Victim and eyewitness review mug books; no identification found.
• The investigation expands with a list of possible suspects based on method of operation.

4. Checking Suspect Alibis and Gathering Leads (08:23 - 11:12)

• Interview with suspect Jerry Evanston:
  • He asserts he’s innocent, supported by work receipts.
  • Provides a confidential tip: parolee Alex Finley mentioned a four-man gang targeting markets.
  • Detectives instructed not to expose Evanston as an informant for his safety.
  • Quote (Jerry Evanston, 11:04):
    “Like I told you, though, I don’t want any credit for it. I’m in real trouble if it gets around that I’m playing footsie with you.”

5. Getaway Car Found & Further Investigation (11:12 - 14:53)

• Detectives recover the getaway car, finding a brown paper bag from the Lockton Market and a matching fingerprint.
• The car is confirmed stolen.
• A neighbor saw three men leave in another vehicle after the crime; brief physical descriptions are provided.

6. Suspect Identification: Harold Bishop (14:53 - 17:36)

• Mug shots are sent from Sacramento following connection of the MO.
• Victims positively identify Harold Bishop as one of the robbers.
• However, records show Bishop is supposedly living and reporting regularly in Phoenix, AZ, making it seemingly impossible for him to be the culprit.

7. Pattern Recognition & New Crimes (17:36 - 20:37)

• String of similar robberies occurs; victims consistently identify Bishop, leading detectives to suspect he may be flying in to commit crimes and then returning to Phoenix.
  • Quote (Joe Friday, 20:33):
    “If Bishop caught the last flight leaving Phoenix, he could arrive in Los Angeles at 11:20 pm... after the holdup, he could catch a plane... and be back in Phoenix by 8:25 pm.”

8. Stakeout & Pursuit (20:37 - 24:45)

• Detectives set up surveillance at the airport and on known associates.
• Eventually spot Bishop’s arrival, tail him in a cab, but lose him after their car is hit in an intersection accident.
• Citywide alerts are issued for Bishop and his associates.

9. Final Confrontation & Arrest (24:45 - 25:58)

• Dragnet team corners Bishop at Tom Leahy’s apartment after a lengthy night stakeout.
• Bishop attempts to escape to the roof, armed and desperate.
  • Quote (Harold Bishop, 25:19):
    “I got nothing to lose... They’d help me again. I’ll be up at the joints for life. Don’t cost no more to kill you.”
• Dramatic standoff; Bishop is disarmed and arrested. On him, detectives find an unused plane ticket to Phoenix.
  • Quote (Joe Friday, 25:53):
    “Something he’ll never use. Yeah. Airplane ticket to Phoenix.”

10. Case Aftermath & Sentencing (25:58 - 26:27)

• All four men (Krueger, Bishop, Leahy, Lee) are convicted of first-degree robbery.
• Leahy, due to his prior record, receives life imprisonment at Folsom Penitentiary.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Joe Friday signature intro:
  “Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent.” (00:27)
• Cliff Hall, on Andy’s resistance:
  “Andy’s like that. He gets an idea in his head and there isn’t anything that’ll shake it loose.” (04:09)
• Jerry Evanston, on not wanting credit for his tip:
  “I’m in real trouble if it gets around that I’m playing footsie with you.” (11:04)
• Joe Friday, suspect travel theory:
  “If Bishop caught the last flight leaving Phoenix...he could arrive in Los Angeles at 11:20 pm...after the holdup, he could catch a plane...and be back in Phoenix by 8:25 pm.” (20:33)
• Harold Bishop, cornered:
  “I got nothing to lose...Don’t cost no more to kill you.” (25:19)
• Arrest reveal:
  “Something he’ll never use. Yeah. Airplane ticket to Phoenix.” (25:53)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Case Introduction & Crime Scene: 00:27 – 05:58
• Eyewitness & Evidence Gathering: 05:58 – 08:23
• Interview with Suspect Evanston: 08:23 – 11:12
• Getaway Car Discovery: 11:12 – 14:53
• Identification of Harold Bishop: 14:53 – 17:36
• Pattern Emerges—Air Travel Theory: 17:36 – 20:37
• Airport Stakeout & Pursuit: 20:37 – 24:45
• Rooftop Confrontation: 24:45 – 25:58
• Trial & Sentencing: 25:58 – 26:27

Episode Tone & Style

The episode maintains Dragnet's signature dry, precise, matter-of-fact dialogue, with authentic 1950s policing methods and period slang. The pace is deliberate, focusing on process, observation, and understated tension—giving listeners both a realistic and dramatic depiction of police work in the golden age of radio.

This summary provides a comprehensive stepwise guide through the episode's dramatic investigation for new listeners and offers a resource for appreciating the classic Dragnet procedural style.