Dragnet: Production 8 (aka the Big Missing/Juanita Lasky) (EP4580)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: Dragnet – Production 8 (The Big Missing/Juanita Lasky)
Episode: EP4580
Release Date: December 21, 2024
Host: Adam Graham

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the 1949 Dragnet episode titled "Production 8," also known as "The Big Missing" or "Juanita Lasky." As part of the podcast's fifteenth season, Graham not only presents the classic radio drama but also provides insightful commentary and engages with listener feedback, enriching the overall experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Summary of the Dragnet Episode

Setting the Scene

The episode begins with Sergeant Joe Friday (voiced by Jack Webb) working the missing persons detail in Los Angeles on a chilly December day. The case centers around Juanita Lasky, a 26-year-old woman last seen over a month ago at the Chelsea Hotel for Women. Her worried mother from Fountain Green, Utah, has reported her missing after not receiving any communications since November.

Initial Investigation

Upon receiving the call from Mrs. Hannah Lasky ([07:20]), Joe Friday initiates a preliminary report with Juanita's description:

• Full Name: Juanita Marie Lasky
• Age: 26
• Height and Weight: 5'7", 128 pounds
• Appearance: Auburn hair (later corrected to blonde), green eyes

Joe and his partner, Ben Romero, commence their investigation by checking records, morgues, hospitals, and jails, but initial leads prove unfruitful. They visit the Chelsea Hotel, where the manager, Ms. Waters, directs them to Juanita's room. Oddly, the room appears untouched except for ongoing activities like a running shower and an active radio, raising suspicions about Juanita's sudden disappearance ([10:45]).

Deeper into the Case

As Joe and Ben scrutinize the details, inconsistencies emerge:

• Juanita's hair color discrepancy: Mrs. Lasky describes her as having auburn hair, but Ms. Edgerton, a fellow elevator operator at the Kajit Building, asserts Juanita has blonde hair ([14:21]).
• Juanita's workplace at the Clagett Building reveals financial struggles, adding another layer to her possible motives or state of mind ([16:00]).

Despite extensive efforts, including outreach to coworkers and checking fingerprints with War Department records, Juanita remains elusive. A breakthrough occurs when a handbag containing Juanita's driver's license is found at the Mission Trail Bar in Pomona, suggesting she’s still alive ([25:03]). However, further verification shows the woman in the purse doesn't match Juanita’s description, only sparking more questions about her whereabouts and well-being ([23:08]).

Conclusion of the Investigation

After days of relentless searching and no satisfactory leads, Sergeant Friday receives information pointing them back to the Chelsea Hotel. Upon revisiting, they finally locate Juanita Lasky, who reveals she suffered from temporary amnesia and needed medical treatment. Her disappearance was not a willful act but rather a result of her struggling mental health, a fact confirmed by Ms. Waters and Dr. Rudner ([30:16]).

Notable Quote:

Joe Friday ([07:36]): "We'll do our best to locate her as fast as we can."

Host's Analysis and Insights

After the Dragnet episode concludes, Adam Graham offers a thoughtful analysis of the case:

"Dragnet is still dedicated to realism, and so it shows us all the details of the missing person's investigation and that the investigation didn't achieve anything which would have been the case in the story this episode was based on."

Graham highlights the episode’s commitment to portraying realistic police work, emphasizing the challenges of locating someone in a sprawling city like Los Angeles. He also notes the use of then-novel tools like television broadcasts to aid in the investigation, illustrating early integrations of new media in law enforcement efforts.

"Ultimately, she had a mental health issue and disappeared for reasons that we don't fully understand, with the only explanation being temporary amnesia and a shrug..."

Graham reflects on the episode's resolution, acknowledging that modern perspectives on mental health might offer deeper insights but appreciating the narrative's simplicity and effectiveness for its time.

Listener Feedback and Comments

Adam Graham engages with listener feedback, showcasing a variety of perspectives:

• Lion's Eye on Spotify:
  "I occasionally see various mugshots online and there are some people who just look very obviously memorable and I've thought that that is another good reason other than all the moral reasons not to become a criminal because I would be too easily recognized."

• Benton on Instagram:
  "I used to work in a movie theater and the projectionists did tend to be big thinkers and big drinkers... Thanks for the insight."

• Betsy on YouTube:
  "Good episode and educational too."

• Brooke on YouTube:
  "Great episode and based on a true story... even though it's a true story from 1949 or 1950, you know, change a couple details and the whole scenario of the Big Quack could happen today."

Graham appreciates the comments, noting the timeless nature of certain investigative challenges and the nostalgic value of old-time radio dramas.

Adam Graham: “I aim to please and I hope this was a little bit of a reprieve for those who are eagerly awaiting Mr. Chameleons return to our lineup.”

Conclusion

Adam Graham wraps up the episode by thanking patron Russell for his ongoing support and encouraging listeners to subscribe, follow on social media, and engage with the podcast community. He teases upcoming episodes, including a Yours Truly Johnny Dollar Omnibus Ware, ensuring listeners have something to look forward to.

Final Thoughts:

This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio not only transports listeners back to the Golden Age of Radio with a compelling Dragnet story but also enriches the experience with host insights and community engagement. Whether you're a seasoned detective aficionado or new to old-time radio mysteries, Adam Graham's meticulous presentation makes for an engaging and informative listen.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Adam Graham ([06:17]):
  "What kind?"

• Joe Friday ([07:20]):
  "I'll take her description over the phone and make out a preliminary report."

• Juanita Lasky ([09:43]):
  "You're very kind. Goodbye."

• Adam Graham ([34:41]):
  "Dragnet is still dedicated to realism..."

• Listener Betsy ([29:36]):
  "Good episode and educational too."

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Thank you for tuning in to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio. Subscribe to never miss an episode and join our community of mystery enthusiasts!

Transcript

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. I do want to encourage you if you are enjoying the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. Support the show on a one time basis using the Zelle app and sending to box13reatetectives.net and I want to thank Randy for supporting the program. That way you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. And I want to welcome Brooke as our latest Patreon supporter at the psalmist level of $4 or more per. Thank you so much for your support, Brooke. Now, today's episode is probably a bit of an unusual pick for a Christmas episode, and traditionally you can look at Dragnet Christmas episodes in kind of as two options. You've got the Big Little Jesus, which I have frequently replayed throughout the years. And then you have the.22 rifle for Christmas, which was the Christmas story on Dragnet for many years. We actually won't be playing either of those. Now. There was a class of episodes that happened at Christmas, but the Christmas setting was really coincidental. And there's not a whole lot festive about those particular episodes. And for years I put one of Dragnet's earliest episodes into that category. It was part of the original summer run where Dragnet was a sustained feature over NBC during the summer of 1949. And the situation to me appeared to be that they had a story to tell that happened to be a very Christmassy story. And as the series was a summer replacement, there was no guarantee that they would be brought back for the fall and have a chance to do do it at Christmas time. So they just did it in July. Nevertheless, I think this story fits with many others that are on our Christmas feed. And so we're going to go ahead and play it. So here now from July 28, 1949 is production 8 aka Juanita Laski or the Big Missy.

[Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. NBC brings you Dragnet. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to missing persons detail. You've never heard of Fountain Green, Utah. You've never heard of Juanita Lasky. Los Angeles is a big city. 452 square miles. 3,356,969 people. Your job. Find her, Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime investigated and solved by the WHO unrelentingly stand watch on the security of your home, your family and your life. For the next 30 minutes, in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case, from official police files, from beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

It was Monday, December 12th. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch on a missing persons detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Ed Backstrand, Chief of detectives. My name's Friday. I was on my way back from lunch and it was 12:47pm when I got to room 67AMissing persons detail. 4G battle cafe. Good soup today.

[Narrator]

What kind?

[Joe Friday]

Corn chowder. It was real good. Place is jammed with Christmas shoppers. I had to wait.

[Narrator]

Haven't even started much often yet. You?

[Joe Friday]

I gotta pick up something for my mother. Prices are high. I'll send a lot of cards.

[Narrator]

Wait till you get married, Joe. Ever try to sell a Christmas card to a kid? They got to have something with wheels on it.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I guess you're right. Missing persons Friday.

[Juanita Lasky]

Fountain Green, Utah calling the Los Angeles Police Department. Bureau of Missing Persons. My party will speak with anyone in charge.

[Joe Friday]

This is Missing Persons. Sergeant Friday.

[Juanita Lasky]

Just a moment, please. Mrs. Lasky, ready with your call to Los Angeles. Hello?

[Narrator]

Hello?

[Juanita Lasky]

Hello? Here's your party. Go ahead, please. Operator. Yes, madam? Could you please give me the charges for this call? I'm using my neighbor's phone. All right, madam. Please signal when your call is completed. Oh, yes, yes, I'll do that. Go ahead, please.

[Joe Friday]

Hello?

[Juanita Lasky]

Hello. Are you Missing Persons?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am. Sergeant Friday, this is Mrs. Hannah Lasky.

[Juanita Lasky]

I'm calling you from Fountain Green, Utah.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Juanita Lasky]

This is in regard to my daughter, Juanita Laski. I haven't heard from her in well over a month, and I'm terribly worried.

[Joe Friday]

Where was she staying in Los Angeles, Ms. Lasky?

[Juanita Lasky]

At the Chelsea Hotel for Women. I have the address. 941 S. Melrose St. I can't understand it. Ever since Juanita's been away from home, she. She's written twice a week, regularly.

[Joe Friday]

When's the last time you heard from her?

[Juanita Lasky]

The last letter I have is postmarked November 2nd. You know how it is, Sergeant. We have no relatives in Los Angeles, and she's trying to find work down there. Living all alone. I just don't know what to do.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ms. Lasky. I'll take her description over the phone and make out a preliminary report. You'll have to send us a photograph of your daugh and a letter to the effect that you want us to trace her.

[Juanita Lasky]

I'll get the letter and the snapshot off today.

[Joe Friday]

Now, what's your daughter look like? What's her full name?

[Juanita Lasky]

Juanita Marie Lasky.

[Joe Friday]

L, A, S, K E Y.

[Juanita Lasky]

No, no, no, no, no, no E.

[Joe Friday]

All right, her age, weight and height.

[Juanita Lasky]

She was 26 last July 10th. 128 pounds and about my height.

[Joe Friday]

How tall are you, Ms. Lasky?

[Juanita Lasky]

Oh. Oh, yes. Five feet, seven inches. She has auburn hair. It's quite long, and her eyes are green.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, I got it. Any outstanding scars, birthmarks, anything that might help us identify her?

[Juanita Lasky]

What's that?

[Joe Friday]

I say, any outstanding scars, birthmarks, anything that might help us identify her?

[Juanita Lasky]

No. Juanita's a pretty girl. Nice disposition. Oh, that's about all, Sergeant.

[Joe Friday]

Where can we contact you, Ms. Lasky?

[Juanita Lasky]

122 Brigham Young Street, Fountain Green, Utah. When you find Juanita, I wish you'd have her call me right away. I'll pay for the call.

[Joe Friday]

We'll do that, Ms. Lasky. What's your number up there?

[Juanita Lasky]

This is a neighbor's phone, but they'll call me. It's fountain green 14R2.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Juanita Lasky]

You will try to find her as fast as you can.

[Joe Friday]

We'll go to work on it.

[Juanita Lasky]

Well, Juanita always comes home for the Christmas holidays. Do you think she's all right?

[Joe Friday]

I wouldn't Worry about it, Ms. Lasky. We'll call you just as soon as we get any kind of a lead on her.

[Juanita Lasky]

Thank you so much, Sergeant. And if there's any charge, I'll be glad to pay it.

[Joe Friday]

No charge. If your daughter's in Los Angeles, I think we can find her.

[Juanita Lasky]

Oh, if there's anything wrong, you'll let me know right away?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma'am.

[Juanita Lasky]

You're very kind. Goodbye.

[Joe Friday]

Bye.

[Narrator]

What you got, Jill?

[Joe Friday]

Some girl owes her mother a letter. Come on, Ben. Just a routine call. We made the usual check. The morgue, all the hospitals, the county jail. And then we went through the repeater file. We found Juanita Lasky in the files, but the age and description didn't match. We put that lead in the discard after the usual paperwork. The next step was to check our last known residence, the Chelsea Hotel for women.

[Narrator]

Here it is, Joe. Chelsea Hotel?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, 55 rooms, all outside. You're home away from home now. Let's go in.

[Juanita Lasky]

Chelsea Hotel. Thank you.

[Narrator]

Here's a bell.

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, sir, may I help you?

[Joe Friday]

We're looking for a Ms. Juanita Laski.

[Juanita Lasky]

I'll ring her room. Whom shall I say is calling?

[Joe Friday]

Is she in?

[Juanita Lasky]

I believe so. I just saw her about an hour ago.

[Joe Friday]

Okay. Would you ring her room, please?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, sir. And whom shall I say is calling?

[Joe Friday]

My name's Friday.

[Juanita Lasky]

All right, Mr. Friday. Just a moment. Do you wish to speak with her on the phone, or shall I have her come down?

[Joe Friday]

Ask her to come down, if she doesn't mind.

[Juanita Lasky]

She doesn't seem to answer. That's funny. I'll ring again. No, sir, she doesn't seem to be in. Would you like to leave a message?

[Narrator]

Didn't you say you saw her about an hour ago?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, I did. She must have gone out again.

[Joe Friday]

I wonder if we could check her room.

[Juanita Lasky]

Oh, no. Gentlemen are not allowed above the main lobby.

[Joe Friday]

I'm sorry, ma'am. We're from the police department, Missing Persons. I'm Sergeant Friday. This is Sergeant Romero.

[Juanita Lasky]

Oh, you men are from Missing Persons, did you say?

[Narrator]

Yes, ma'am.

[Juanita Lasky]

Well, I'm sure Juanita just stepped out for a moment. If you'd care to wait here in the lobby.

[Narrator]

We haven't got much time. Ma'am, we'd appreciate it if you'd show us a room?

[Juanita Lasky]

Certainly. I'll get the passkey. That's 215. The elevator's right this way.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Juanita Lasky]

What seems to be the trouble? Some friend of Juanita's missing?

[Narrator]

No, ma'am. Juanita.

[Juanita Lasky]

Juanita. I don't understand.

[Joe Friday]

Her mother's a little worried about her.

[Juanita Lasky]

Down this way. Here we are. No wonder she didn't hear the phone. She's in the shower.

[Narrator]

Yes, ma'am. Would you rap on the bathroom door and tell her we'd like to talk to her as soon as she's through?

[Joe Friday]

We'll wait out here in the hall.

[Juanita Lasky]

Certainly. Juanita. Juanita, there are two gentlemen here to see you. Juanita. Juanita. I'm coming in. It's Ms. Waters. Sergeant.

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Juanita Lasky]

There's no one in the shower.

[Joe Friday]

It's running, isn't it?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, and I see a roll and towel all laid out.

[Narrator]

We better take a look around.

[Joe Friday]

Turn off the shower.

[Narrator]

Weaving? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

She must have left in a hurry.

[Juanita Lasky]

Say, here's a fresh change of clothing on the bed.

[Narrator]

Where's the closet, ma'am? Ms. Dore?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, that's right.

[Narrator]

Closet's full Clone.

[Joe Friday]

There's a couple of pieces of luggage in there.

[Juanita Lasky]

This isn't like Juanita. Funny, isn't it?

[Narrator]

You say you saw her about an hour ago?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, I did.

[Narrator]

Coming in or going out?

[Juanita Lasky]

Oh, coming in.

[Joe Friday]

I thought you have room service here.

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, we have a coffee shop downstairs.

[Joe Friday]

The tray of food here on the table hasn't been touched. Coffee's still warm. Shut that radio off, will you? Ben?

[Narrator]

Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

Could she have gotten out of the building without you seeing her?

[Juanita Lasky]

No, we don't have a rear entrance.

[Narrator]

I'm sure you didn't see her go out the front door just before we got here.

[Juanita Lasky]

No, no, I did not.

[Joe Friday]

How about her mail? She been picking it up lately?

[Juanita Lasky]

I think so. We can check that down at the desk.

[Narrator]

Yeah. Here's some letters. Postmark, Utah, return address, Mrs. H. Lasky. Mother.

[Joe Friday]

Let me see another one, Ben. This is one of your telephone message forms.

[Juanita Lasky]

Let me see.

[Joe Friday]

Yes.

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

Says long distance call, operator 2. Font and Green, Utah. According to this slip, this call was received at 1:25 today.

[Juanita Lasky]

May I see that chart? Yes. That said Ms. Writing. Mrs. Tollefson took that call. She relieves me for lunch.

[Narrator]

Well, do you know whether she returned this call?

[Juanita Lasky]

Well, if she did, there'll be a record down at the desk.

[Narrator]

Uh huh.

[Joe Friday]

Now, you're positive that you saw Juanita Laski an hour ago?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, How? I'm sure. Just about an hour ago.

[Joe Friday]

5Ft 7, 128 pounds, green eyes, red hair.

[Juanita Lasky]

Red hair? Oh, no. Juanita's a blonde.

[Joe Friday]

Her mother told us that Juanita Laski had red hair. Now, we weren't too surprised. A lot of women changed the color of their hair. It would make identification a little more difficult. But not impossible. We checked down at the desk. Juanita Lasky had picked up all our mail. But she had not answered that long distance phone call to Fountain Green. The next step was to question some of the people in the Chelsea Hotel who knew Juanita. We tried room 217.

[Juanita Lasky]

Yeah? Oh, Gloria, these men are police officers. They want to ask you some questions. Why? Yes, Is it all right for them to.

[Ritual Sponsor]

Yes.

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, of course. This is an exception. Won't you come in?

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

What's your name, Miss?

[Juanita Lasky]

Gloria Edgerton.

[Joe Friday]

You know Weny Laski?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, I know her. She has the room right next door to me.

[Joe Friday]

Have you seen her today?

[Juanita Lasky]

No, I haven't. I've been out doing my Christmas shopping. Why?

[Narrator]

We were trying to locate her. Ms. Edgington.

[Juanita Lasky]

Wasn't she in her room? I thought I heard her shower going.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, you did, but she wasn't in there. When was the last time you saw her?

[Juanita Lasky]

Last night at dinner. We always eat dinner together.

[Narrator]

Did she say anything that might lead you to believe that she was going anywhere today?

[Juanita Lasky]

No. She said she might do some Christmas shopping today, so I suggested she go with me. And she agreed? She said she let me know this morning.

[Joe Friday]

Did she?

[Juanita Lasky]

No, she didn't. I just assumed that maybe she was sleeping in, so I went on alone. Are you sure she hasn't just stepped out? We don't know.

[Narrator]

You're just going down to the corner? It's a little unusual to leave the shower running, the radio on and let your lunch get cold.

[Juanita Lasky]

Did she do that?

[Joe Friday]

How long has Juanita had blonde hair?

[Juanita Lasky]

Well, ever since I've known. About six months. We moved in here together. We work at the same place.

[Narrator]

Where's that?

[Juanita Lasky]

Ms. Edgerton at the Kajit Building. We're elevator operators.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Who's your immediate superior down there?

[Juanita Lasky]

Darlene Camp. She's cheap starter.

[Joe Friday]

You got that, Ben? She have many dates?

[Juanita Lasky]

No, not too many. Juanita likes to go steady.

[Narrator]

Who was her steady boyfriend?

[Juanita Lasky]

Paul Matthews. He works in the Kite Building, too. He's in the dental lab for Dr. Welty. Sixth floor.

[Joe Friday]

Is there anything else that you'd like to add that might help us find her?

[Juanita Lasky]

Well, are you sure she's Lost?

[Joe Friday]

The Clagett Building is in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. It's a business and professional building. The Cornerstone says, Erected 1924 and it stands 12 stories high. The main entrance is on Hill Street.

[Juanita Lasky]

All right, Marion. Going up. Get back in the car, please.

[Joe Friday]

Are you Darlene Camp?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes. Just a moment, please. Going up. All right, Dora. Can I help you?

[Joe Friday]

I'm Sergeant Friday, Police Department. This is Sergeant Romero.

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Wanna Lasky work for you?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, she does. She's one of my operators.

[Joe Friday]

When's the last time you saw her?

[Juanita Lasky]

Anything wrong?

[Joe Friday]

No, no. We're just trying to locate her.

[Juanita Lasky]

You just missed her by 45 minutes. All right, Sylvia. She was in to pick up a check.

[Narrator]

You know where she cashes her check?

[Juanita Lasky]

Most of the girls cash them down at the bank on the corner. There's only one around here over an.

[Joe Friday]

Eighth, you say, about 45 minutes ago?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks very much, Ms. Camp. Come on, Ben.

[Juanita Lasky]

Going up. All right, Marion.

[Narrator]

Bank's not far from here.

[Joe Friday]

It is kind of funny, isn't it?

[Narrator]

What's that?

[Joe Friday]

Her room, the shower, the radio. That.

[Narrator]

Lunch sure pulled out in a hurry. What do you think?

[Joe Friday]

I don't know what to figure. It's a new one on me.

[Narrator]

She's alive. We know that.

[Joe Friday]

She was 45 minutes ago. Anyway.

[Narrator]

Christmas is here. Planted floors in his chimney.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

No.

[Joe Friday]

I beg your pardon, sir.

[Narrator]

That's all right. Merry Christmas.

[Joe Friday]

Same to you.

[Narrator]

Here we are, Jim.

[Joe Friday]

Guess we better check with the manager, huh? You the manager?

[Narrator]

I'm the assistant manager. Can I help you? Police Department.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. Like to find out if a check has been cashed here within the hour.

[Narrator]

Yes, sir. And what's the party's name?

[Joe Friday]

Lasky. Juanita. Payroll check, Clagett Building.

[Narrator]

Yes, I know. Ms. Lasky. If you'll step behind the counter, I'll get with.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Narrator]

If you'll just wait right here.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, thanks.

[Narrator]

Wonder why she stopped writing to her mother.

[Joe Friday]

It's a good question. When we find her, we'll ask her.

[Narrator]

Wonder if anything was wrong where she worked.

[Joe Friday]

No, it didn't seem to be. We'll check back there when we finish here.

[Narrator]

Yeah. That boyfriend, Paul Matthews too?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Oh, here's our man.

[Narrator]

Yes. Here's the canceled check.

[Joe Friday]

I okayed it. You sure it's the same girl?

[Narrator]

Blonde girl? Elevator operator in the Claggett Building.

[Joe Friday]

Was she alone? I think so. Did she appear normal?

[Adam Graham]

No.

[Narrator]

No, she didn't seem to be as friendly as she usually is. Does she have an account here? She did have a small savings account here, but she closed it out about a month ago.

[Joe Friday]

I see.

[Narrator]

And here's our card. If you should happen to see her again, give us a call. I'll do that. Thank you very much. Entirely welcome. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

[Joe Friday]

We went back to the Clagett Building. Ben called the Chelsea Hotel from the phone booth in the lobby of the building. Ms. Waters, the manager, was keeping a sharp lookout, but Juanita Lasky had not been heard from. Paul Matthews worked in a dental lab for a Dr. Weldy. His office was number 637.

[Narrator]

Yes, gentlemen, may help you. We'd like to see Paul Matthews. I'm Paul Matthews. We're from Missing Persons Police Department. Sergeant Friday. I'm Sergeant Merrill. Yes, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Do you know a Juanita Laski?

[Narrator]

Yes, sir.

[Joe Friday]

When's the last time you saw her?

[Narrator]

Saturday night. We went to a show. Is there something wrong?

[Joe Friday]

We're trying to locate her. Do you see a lot of each other?

[Narrator]

Yes, we do. I don't understand. Lasky disappeared from hotel a couple hours ago. Thought maybe you might know where she is. No, I don't. Today's her day off. Maybe she's out shopping. Has Juanita done anything wrong?

[Joe Friday]

No. It's just that her mother hasn't heard from her for quite some time.

[Narrator]

I can explain that. Juanita is an elevator operator here in the building. That's how I met her. They don't make much money, you know. Yeah, she was having a hard time making ends meet. She sends money home to a mother every month or so. And besides that, she's got to pay rent and buy clothes and eat is pretty rough. She seemed despondent over all this. No, I wouldn't say that. But she was kind of unhappy about not getting a raise. Do you have any outside job? No, sir, she didn't.

[Joe Friday]

What kind of a girl is she?

[Narrator]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

Cheerful, Good natured?

[Narrator]

Oh, sure. Fine girl. We get along swell. I, I, I still don't get it. Well, maybe there's nothing to it. Just a routine check. I hope she's all right. When did all this come up?

[Joe Friday]

A couple of hours ago. We might have to check back with you.

[Narrator]

If I can help. Okay.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks for the information.

[Narrator]

Here's our card. If you hear from her, give us a ring. You don't suppose anything's happened to us? That's what we're trying to find out. Goodbye, Mr. Matthew.

[Joe Friday]

When we got back to Central Division, we had a Full description of 18 O'Lasky. Teletype to all Outlying stations in the metropolitan area of Los Angeles. We also put out an apb. We double checked the repeater file and the Wanderer file. We made out a full report on our findings to date. During the next eight days, we located a missing husband for a wife in Memphis, Tennessee. We picked up a runaway boy missing from his home in Reno, Nevada, and a 79 year old veteran of the Spanish American War who left his home in Bakersfield, California because he didn't like his daughter in law's cooking. But Juanita Lasky was still a mystery. For eight days we checked and rechecked all our known friends and habits. We went back over the course a dozen times, but no trace. It was almost as if she had ceased to exist. That day in the Chelsea Hotel, the letter and photograph from her mother had arrived and we circulated it to cities all over the country. Her mother wrote that during the war, Juanita was a whack corporal. We put a tracer through to the War Department. That way we'd have another photo and a full set of fingerprints.

[Narrator]

Well, where do you want to start today?

[Joe Friday]

I'll get it. Missing Persons Friday.

[Narrator]

Joe, this is Spencer over in the morgue. Yeah, Archie, you still looking for that girl? What's her name? Ramona Lasky.

[Joe Friday]

Juanita?

[Narrator]

Yeah, just had one brought in. Looks like you're a girl to me.

[Joe Friday]

The city morgue is located in the basement of the hall of justice on West Temple street, across the street from the City Hall. A lot of missing persons cases end right here. Archie, Spencer met us at the door.

[Narrator]

Hi, Joe. How's the wife been? Oh, fine, Archie. Over here, Joe. Cooler 23. Give me a hand, huh? You bet. That's her, isn't it? When's she gonna be posted? Soon as your fingerprint man gets here. That's Ramona Lasky, isn't it?

[Joe Friday]

Juanita.

[Narrator]

Juanita, I mean.

[Joe Friday]

No, no, that's not her, Archie.

[Narrator]

You sure? Yeah, I was almost positive. Sure looks like this picture in your bulletin.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Yeah, she looks a lot like the picture, but it's not. Juanita Laski.

[Narrator]

Five foot seven, green eyes, blond hair, about 130. How close can you get? Look at the face. You sure that's not her?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I'm sure. Look at her hair, the roots. Yeah, they're blonde. All the way down. They ought to be dark. Our girl's a bleached blonde.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I see what you mean.

[Joe Friday]

Look at her right hand, index and middle fingers. Heavy nicotine stains. Our girl didn't smoke, Archie.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I see what you mean. Yeah. Guess I was wrong. That's not Ramona.

[Joe Friday]

Juanita. Come on, Ben. That afternoon, we got another phone call from Fountain Green, Utah. Juanita Lasky's mother. We told her we hadn't found any trace of her daughter. It was a hard job. We had to answer calls like this before. But maybe it was just the season of the year. Somehow we felt that we had to find Juanita Laski by Christmas. We covered every angle we could think of. We kept close watch on all incoming reports. We stayed in close contact with her friends and Ms. Waters at the Chelsea Hotel. Regardless of the name on the incoming reports, we checked every set of fingerprints against those we had received on Juanita Laski from the War Department. Still no trace. December 23rd, we checked in for work at 8:30am Chief Ed Backstrand wanted to see us.

[Narrator]

Got a little something on the Laska girl. Might help you. What is it, Gavin? Man by the name of Willard Harris owns a bar out in Pomona. Phoned in this morning.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

Found a woman's handbag left in the bar. Driver's license made out to Juanita Lasky. Why'd you think to call her? He's got a television set in his bar. Saw the Lasky girl's picture on Sergeant Rosenquist's broadcast last night.

[Joe Friday]

How about the girl?

[Narrator]

Says he can't place her. You better hop out and pick up that purse.

[Joe Friday]

Willard Harris owned the Mission Trail Bar. It was in the bus terminal in the heart of Pomona. The Christmas traffic was heavy all the way out Garvey boulevard. It was 10:45 when we pulled up in front of the bar. Willard Harris was inside taking a liquor inventory when we walked in.

[Narrator]

How'd you do? You Mr. Harris? Yes, that's right. You fellas with General Liquors?

[Joe Friday]

Los Angeles Police Department. My name's Friday. This is Sergeant Romero.

[Narrator]

Oh, say. Glad to know you boys. Yeah, I called Los Angeles this morning.

[Joe Friday]

We came right out.

[Narrator]

Say, how about a little eye opener? Got some fine Irish Whiskey.

[Joe Friday]

No, thanks, Mr. Harris.

[Narrator]

How about your partner there? No, thank you. All right, boys. Guess you want that purse, huh? Yes, please. Yeah. Here you are, just as I found it. I opened it up to get the owner's name, but that's all. Didn't touch a thing.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, thanks. Mr. Harris, you said that you didn't remember seeing the woman who left this.

[Narrator]

No, I don't. Herb works with me here. He might have seen her, but he didn't. I asked him the night we found it. How long ago did you find this purse? Oh, Better part of two weeks? No, a little closer to a week. Yeah, about eight days ago. I usually hold something like this for 30 days. That's a law, you know. Yeah, but I saw that fella on the television on that Missing Persons program. That's how come I called you boys.

[Joe Friday]

Well, thanks very much, Mr. Harris, and all.

[Narrator]

Boys, cold out this morning. Sure you don't want a little nip?

[Joe Friday]

No, thanks, Mr. Harris. Goodbye. We checked the personnel at the bus terminal, but none of them seemed to recognize Juanita Lasky's photograph. We checked the contents of her purse, but we found nothing unusual. Four $1 bills and some change. And the normal things women carry. Since it was money in the bag, we felt sure that Juanita Laski had lost the purse herself. That meant that she was alive eight days ago. Two days after she walked out of the Chelsea Hotel. Thumbprint. That's the only print carried on a California driver's license. It matched the same print on the War Department record. It didn't prove anything except that all the evidence tied in and belonged to the girl we were looking for, Juanita Lass. The next morning, December 24th, we checked in for work at 8:30. Morning, Ben.

[Narrator]

All right, Joe. Here's a daily report. You want to check them?

[Joe Friday]

There's a mess of them. Let's get at them. You look through any of them yet?

[Narrator]

No, not yet. I figured it'd wait for you.

[Joe Friday]

All right, I'll take half, huh?

[Narrator]

Got any shopping done? No. You? Some. Lunch hour.

[Ritual Sponsor]

Mother.

[Joe Friday]

Mm. Found some nice cards.

[Narrator]

Be sure to send me one.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I'll hand it to you in the morning.

[Narrator]

Let's trade shaving lotions like we did last year.

[Joe Friday]

If I get any, we'll get some.

[Narrator]

My kid's got a bottle all picked out for you. It's called South Pole for that. Cool thing.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, just like the feeling, wasn't it?

[Narrator]

He's only a kid. Better when he gets older. Oh, he'll do tattletap Friday on the Lasky case.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks, Holmes. Oh, Ben, listen to this. Bureau of Criminal Investigations, Sacramento. Here's a kickback on our APB.

[Narrator]

Yeah, what you say?

[Joe Friday]

Reading your APB number 43 on 1212 48. Our records disclose that Juanita Lasky applied for a position of civilian clerk at Marchfield, California U.S. army Air Base, using alias Gene Davis.

[Narrator]

How about the fingerprint classification?

[Joe Friday]

Let me find it. Yeah. FPC key 19, primary 32 over. 32 inner, over outer final 15 over 17.

[Narrator]

French check out. That's her girl, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

The Sacramento report stated that Gene Davis had applied for government work and Marchfield, California. Well, a couple of things dropped into place. Her purse had been found in Pomona. That's right. On the main highway from Los Angeles to Riverside. And the application for a job at the Army Air base a few miles beyond Riverside. We put through a long distance phone call and they told us that Gene Davis was employed there as a civilian clerk, but failed to show up for work that morning.

[Narrator]

It seems like we run fresh out of luck every trip, doesn't it?

[Juanita Lasky]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

We get so close and then she's gone again.

[Narrator]

What you think she's on the go for?

[Joe Friday]

If I could figure that, I could find her. I'll get it. Missing Persons Friday. Yeah, we'll be right over. We didn't find her, but she's been found. Juanita Laski just walked into the Chelsea Hotel. We went over to the Chelsea Hotel. Technically. Luckily, our job was completed. Now Juanita Lasky had been found. We went over to make out a routine report. The streets were pretty jammed with last minute Christmas shoppers, so we walked the last block to the hotel.

[Narrator]

What's your guess, Jill?

[Joe Friday]

Let's ask her. Come on, let's go in.

[Narrator]

That looks like her over by the desk there.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Pretty well memorized, that face.

[Juanita Lasky]

Sergeant, this is Juan. Little asky, Sergeant Friday and Sergeant Romero. Juanita.

[Joe Friday]

How do you do, Ms. Lasky?

[Juanita Lasky]

How do you do? I'm sorry. I'm terribly sorry.

[Narrator]

Ms.

[Juanita Lasky]

Waters told me.

[Narrator]

Do you mind telling us where have you been, Sergeant?

[Juanita Lasky]

I don't know. These last 12 days have been a complete loss to me. As Waters told me what happened. I went over to see my doctor. He said I had temporary amnesia. I have to have treatment.

[Joe Friday]

I see. What's your doctor's name, Ms. Lasky?

[Juanita Lasky]

Dr. Rudner, over on Crenshaw.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we're glad you're okay. Kind of had us going there for a while.

[Juanita Lasky]

I'm sorry.

[Joe Friday]

Can I use your phone, Ms. Waters?

[Juanita Lasky]

Oh, certainly. Help yourself.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Juanita Lasky]

Long distance.

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to place a person to person call to Mrs. Hannah Lasky, Fountain Green, Utah. That number is 14R2.

[Juanita Lasky]

Fountain Green, Utah. 14R2.

[Joe Friday]

That's right.

[Juanita Lasky]

Your name and number, please?

[Joe Friday]

Joe Friday. And this is Hempstead. 8594.

[Juanita Lasky]

Thank you. Rate operator. Fountain Green, Utah. Route and night person. Rate. From Los Angeles, T.C. mount Pleasant, Salt Lake. Night person 140 through Salt Lake. Salt Lake. Mount Pleasant. Mount Pleasant. Fountain Green. Fountain Green. Fountain Green, 14R2. Mrs. Hannah Lasky, Los Angeles, California calling. Thank you. Ringing operator. Hello, Mrs. Hannah Lasky, please. Los Angeles, California, calling.

[Adam Graham]

Oh.

[Juanita Lasky]

Oh, yes, yes.

[Narrator]

Hang on. I'll get her.

[Juanita Lasky]

Waiting on your party, sir.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

Getting through all right, Joe? Yeah. Lucky Christmas Eve.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Juanita Lasky]

Hello?

[Joe Friday]

Hello?

[Ritual Sponsor]

Hello?

[Joe Friday]

Hello, Miss Lasky? Yes, Just a minute, Miss Lasky. Juanita.

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes.

[Joe Friday]

You want it on the phone?

[Juanita Lasky]

Oh. Who is it?

[Joe Friday]

Just say hello. She'll take it from there. Let's go, Ben.

[Juanita Lasky]

Hello? Yes. Hello, Mother.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, Ben.

[Juanita Lasky]

Yes, I'm all right, Mother. It's so good to hear your Corey.

[Narrator]

See you tomorrow, Joe. Merry Christmas.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, it is, isn't it?

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard is true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. Upon further examination by competent medical authorities, Juanita Laski was found to be suffering from periodic spells of amnesia. She was given treatment and a complete cure was effected. You have just heard the eighth in a new series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet is furnished by the Los Angeles Police Department. Tonight's program is dedicated to Corporal Grady A. Beacham of the 9th Precinct Metropolitan Police Force, Washington, D.C. who on the night of December 2, 1948, gave his life so that yours might be more secure. Dragnet came to you from Los Angeles. This is NBC, the National Broadcasting Company.

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[Adam Graham]

As I said at the top of the show, it's a Christmas episode. Even if it was released in July. It's not quite the Christmas classic of something like the Big Little Jesus. But it certainly has as much atmosphere as many other specials on our Christmas feed and Friday. And Romero's determination to solve the case is driven by the holiday, and the ending to the episode is pure Christmas, with Friday delivering a Christmas miracle to Mrs. Lasky and exiting the scene. Dragnet is still dedicated to realism, and so it shows us all the details of the missing person's investigation and that the investigation didn't achieve anything which would have been the case in the story this episode was based on. Finding someone who doesn't want to be found in an area as large both in population and land area as the greater Los Angeles area is a huge challenge, although the episode does reference a new tool in the policeman's toolkit for the time television, which helped them find the purse. But those sort of tips are always shots in the dark that depend on people watching the right TV shows and being able to provide the information that you need. Ultimately, she had a mental health issue and disappeared for reasons that we don't fully understand, with the only explanation being temporary amnesia and a shrug, which works well enough for that time and would probably be as good as you could get 75 years ago today, using the resources and psychological research we have available, they would probably reach some other conclusion as to what caused this sort of mental break if given the opportunity to interview. Though I don't think a professional just listening to this episode and hearing about her behavior and her brief on airtime could really reach any conclusions about it. Now, if you do want to hear the Big Little Jesus, I want to encourage you. You can check that out. It is on our Christmas feed and you can find that Christmas feed.greatdetectives.net It's not terribly too far down and of course we'll be return to playing that next year, but I thought that this was worth playing and including in our Christmas feed. All right, well listener comments and feedback now and we have some comments on the Big Grandma or one I should say. This comes from the Lion's Eye on Spotify who writes the Big Grandma? That's why I don't commit a crime. They would call it the middle aged balding man. Not only would I be locked up, but my feelings would also be hurt. As long as it keeps you from a life of crime, I guess that's all that matters. I will say that I occasionally see various mugshots online and there are some people who just look very obviously memorable and I've thought that that is another good reason other than all the moral reasons not to become a criminal because I would be too easily recognized because I'm just not nondescript enough. And then we have some comments on the Big Quack Brains Benton wrote over on Instagram, this was a fun episode. I used to work in a movie theater and the projectionists did tend to be big thinkers and big drinkers. I think it was because they sat up in the booth by themselves for hours and it was noisy in the booths just like Dragnet portrayed. I think new theaters are digital now, so not as noisy anymore. Thanks for the insight. And then also a couple of quick comments over on YouTube regarding that same episode, the Big Quack. Betsy wrote, good episode and educational too. Brooke wrote, great episode and based on a true story. And I would add that even though it's a true story from 1949 or 1950, there, you know, change a couple details and the whole scenario of the Big Quack could happen today. And in some form or another probably does. Then we have a couple of comments regarding the mystery theater episode with Hearthstone of the Death Squad. Frankie writes, finding the murderer through a typewriter reminds me of an episode of Murder She Wrote. And Betsy writes, what a series I haven't heard with some of my favorite voices. I was lamenting the lack of new Mr. Chameleons and I found this. Thank you. Well, thanks so much. I aim to please and I hope this was a little bit of a reprieve for those who are eagerly awaiting Mr. Chameleons return to our lineup. Well, now it is time for us to go ahead and thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Russell, patreon Supporter since October 2016, currently supporting the podcast at the Showmas level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support, Russell. And that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you're enjoying the podcast on YouTube, be sure to like the video, subscribe to the channel and mark the notification bell. All those great things that help YouTube channels to grow. We will be back next Saturday with another episode of Dragnet, but join us back here tomorrow for a yours truly, Johnny Dollar Omnibus Ware.

[Narrator]

How's it going this year, Sonny? Oh, it's better than usual, but it just seems there's never enough to go around, no matter how well. Bless you, son. Thank you kindly. No mentioning. Good luck, Pop. Thank you, son. Well, the city ought to clean the streets better. I've been waiting for you. Sorry, Benny, it's not my day for punks. Get some friends want to talk to you. Start walking, Johnny down the alley. Uh, it's dark down there. Start walking this ain't just my hand in my pocket. It better be Benny with two cops standing up there on the porch watching. What are you talking about? There ain't no cops.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatives.net follow us on Twitter radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram instagram.com greatdetectives From Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

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[Joe Friday]

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Those cute little strawberries on them. You matched each and every one of those tiny socks. I mean, has this ever happened in the history of laundry and a penguin.

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[Joe Friday]

Socks done. Enjoy the moment, dad.

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