Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Dragnet 54-06-15: “The Big Cat”

Date: January 2, 2026
Length: ~26 minutes
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio
Classic Radio Drama Featured: Dragnet (original airdate: June 15, 1954)

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights a classic of radio drama: Dragnet’s “The Big Cat.” The story follows Detective Sergeant Friday and his partner Frank Smith as they investigate the reported escape of circus animals—including a dangerous black panther named Dandy—after a carnival truck is allegedly broken into in Los Angeles. What begins as a procedural search gradually unravels into something more poignant, touching on themes of fantasy, loss, and the blurry line between reality and wishful thinking.

Key Discussion Points & Storyline Breakdown

1. The Case Begins: Reporting a Strange Theft

[00:38 – 03:29]

• Detective Friday returns to the office after court ([00:48]) and is quickly approached by Clarence Havill, who wants to report a theft—but not of a car or the usual cargo.
• Havill explains the truck belonged to his carnival and contained several animals: two monkeys (Cody and Mundy), two raccoons, and, ominously, a “black panther.”
• Memorable moment:

  “Yeah, here comes the bad part. This is what I was afraid of… A black panther.”
  — Clarence Havill ([03:13–03:24])

• Police issue a local broadcast searching for the animals.

2. Clarence Havill’s Story: Details and Doubts

[03:37 – 09:14]

• Havill narrates how he was notified by the driver, Bert, that the truck had broken down. Havill delayed helping because he wanted to finish watching the fights on TV ([03:41]).
• Found monkeys atop a pole; lured them down with lettuce. The raccoons’ tracks (“spoor”) found, but the panther (Dandy) was nowhere to be seen ([06:12]).
• The panther’s description:

  “He’s black. Jet black. Even blacker than that ink they’re talking about… about seven feet long… That’s counting the tail.”
  — Clarence Havill ([08:08])

• Despite reassurances of Dandy’s gentle nature (“as gentle as a kitten when you get to know him”), Havill admits the animal once nearly mauled his own brother, Clyde ([09:04–09:15]).

3. Citywide Panic and Community Reaction

[09:35 – 12:40]

• Authorities search the neighborhood and consult the Griffith Park Zoo on panther behavior.
• Media coverage causes a flood of calls from citizens worried about safety ([09:35]).
• A concerned resident, Sidney Norton, storms into the office demanding Havill's address so he can “punch him right in the nose” for endangering the city.

  “You protect him, but you don't care about me and my family, is that it?”
  — Sidney Norton ([12:15])

4. The Investigation Unravels

[13:24 – 15:21]

• Friday and Frank visit Havill’s home (San Fernando Valley), where he’s nonchalantly entertained by a monkey.
• Havill has “good news” from his brother; supposedly, the circus animals are being found scattered on the way to Nevada. Details become increasingly murky (no specific address for winter quarters, evasive answers) ([14:21]).
• Under pressure, Havill admits the carnival is not what it seems:

  “We haven't got no regular winter quarters… The Havill Amalgamated Combined Shows is really a gypsy carnival.”
  — Clarence Havill ([14:47–15:00])

5. Dead Ends and a Revealing Family Visit

[16:00 – 21:07]

• Multiple false alarms: “They said they found the panther”—but it turns out to be a black tomcat ([16:00]).
• All official records (truck, telegrams, sightings) turn up nothing. The police realize Havill’s trail is fabricated.
• Friday and Frank visit Havill’s sister, Lillian. She reveals:

  “Same place it’s always been… in Clarence’s head.”
  — Lillian Havill ([21:00])

6. The Truth About Clarence Havill

[21:07 – 26:25]

• Lillian explains Clarence had been a press agent for real carnivals but was fired years ago. Since then, he’s lived in fantasy, trapping small animals and pretending he owns a grand show.

• The police confront Havill, methodically dismantling his story with the evidence they’ve gathered ([22:04–23:39]).

• In a deeply moving moment, Havill confesses his yearning for his dream to be real:

  “Ever wanted something so bad you'd almost taste it? Get to a point where you think about it so much, pretty soon it don't come over like a dream anymore. It's real... You ever want anything like that?”
  — Clarence Havill ([23:50–24:08])

• Havill is quietly taken in for a sanity hearing, the case closed as a hoax born of longing and lost hope.

• Closing narrator:

  “Clarence Neil Havill was held over for a sanity hearing in Superior Court. On recommendation of the court, appropriate action was taken.”
  ([25:58])

Notable Quotes

• “It’s the reason I waited so long to report it… A black panther.” — Clarence Havill ([03:16–03:24])
• “He’s black… Jet black. Even blacker than that ink they’re talking about… about seven feet long…” — Clarence Havill ([08:08])
• “You protect him, but you don’t care about me and my family, is that it?” — Sidney Norton ([12:15])
• “The Havil Amalgamated Combined Shows is really a gypsy carnival.” — Clarence Havill ([14:47])
• “Same place it’s always been… in Clarence’s head.” — Lillian Havill ([21:00])
• “Ever wanted something so bad you'd almost taste it?... Pretty soon it don't come over like a dream anymore. It's real.” — Clarence Havill ([23:50–24:08])

Key Timestamps

• [00:38] – Initial stolen circus animal report
• [03:24] – Panther revealed missing
• [06:38] – Havill’s tale of recapturing monkeys
• [08:08] – Panther “Dandy” described
• [09:35] – City search and panic begins
• [12:15] – Heated confrontation with Sidney Norton
• [14:47] – Havill admits the carnival isn’t real
• [16:00] – False lead: The black tomcat
• [21:00] – Lillian reveals Clarence’s delusions
• [23:50–24:08] – Havill’s emotional confession
• [25:58] – Case resolution and court action

Tone & Style

Dragnet’s story is told with trademark matter-of-fact narration—detached, procedural, with dialogue that’s direct and tinged with dry humor and melancholy. Clarence Havill’s dialogue, in particular, exudes both comic eccentricity and aching poignancy.

For New Listeners

You don’t need a background in Dragnet or old time radio to find this episode gripping. More than a police story, “The Big Cat” is a study in loneliness, nostalgia, and self-delusion, told through the prism of a procedural investigation. By its conclusion, the drama deftly pivots from suspense to empathy—making for an unexpectedly moving hour of radio.