Summary of "Dragnet: The Big .38" (EP4556) – The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the classic police procedural drama, Dragnet: The Big .38. Originally released on November 23, 2024, this episode showcases the meticulous investigative work of Sergeant Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, as they unravel a string of armed robberies culminating in a murder spree. Through authentic storytelling and insightful commentary, Graham brings to life the intricacies of old-time radio detective fiction, highlighting the procedural methods that defined the genre.

Episode Overview

"Dragnet: The Big .38" presents a gripping narrative set in Los Angeles, where Sergeant Friday and Detective Romero are tasked with apprehending a tall, well-dressed armed robber responsible for seven recent holdups. The episode meticulously follows the detectives' step-by-step investigation, emphasizing the importance of procedure, evidence, and collaboration with the community.

Plot Synopsis

The Crime Scene and Initial Investigation

The episode opens on August 17th, a hot Friday evening in Los Angeles. Sergeant Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, respond to a robbery at the Church of St. Damian. Upon arrival, they speak with Mrs. Ernestine Matthews, the organist, whose husband, Burt Matthews, has been fatally shot during the holdup.

Sergeant Friday (05:27): "Dear God, tell me the truth. Which hospital is he in?"

As they process the scene, Morris Copley, portraying Sergeant Friday, delivers a detailed report of the incident. Burt Matthews was shot three times through the chest when he hesitated to comply with the holdup man's demands. The suspect fled in a taxi cab, leaving behind a critical witness, Jess Tallman.

Gathering Evidence and Identifying the Suspect

Friday and Romero interview Tallman, who provides a description of the robber: a tall, heavy-built man with dark-colored eyes, nervous demeanor, and armed with a large .38 caliber Colt revolver. The detectives compile this information, cross-referencing it with existing reports of previous armed robberies.

Morris Copley as Friday (06:48): "It was like a big hurricane. One minute I was talking to Burt, the next minute he was dead. It's kind of hard to take, you know."

The team utilizes latent fingerprint analysis, ballistics comparison, and vehicle tracking to narrow down the suspect list. They discover a possible link to a past case involving Harry Solomon, another victim who was killed with the same caliber weapon.

Sergeant Friday (10:20): "Harry Solomon was a taxicab driver the night of February 26th. Somebody saw him pick up a fare at Sunset in Highland about 10:30 PM—that's the last time he was seen alive."

Connecting the Dots: Linking Cases

The detectives identify that both Solomon and Matthews were victims of the same modus operandi, suggesting a serial offender. Through persistence, they obtain photographs of cab drivers over six feet tall employed by local taxi companies, hoping to find a match.

Sergeant Friday (15:35): "What do you think? ... Alright, Copley, get him up. Come on up, Joe."

After extensive canvassing and cross-referencing, they focus on Ralph Edward Tobin, a cab driver whose profile matches the suspect. Ballistics confirm that the .38 revolver found in Tobin's possession was used in Solomon's murder.

The Confrontation and Capture

Further investigation reveals Tobin's connection to Morris Copley, leading to a tense confrontation at Copley's residence. Tobin admits his involvement and implicates Copley as the mastermind behind the robberies and murders.

Sergeant Friday (21:43): "We have identified you as the one responsible for the killings of Harry Solomon and Burt Matthews."

In a climactic showdown, the detectives apprehend both Tobin and Copley, securing the case through diligent police work and community cooperation.

Sergeant Friday (28:26): "Morris John Copley and Ralph Edward Tobin were tried and convicted of murder in the first degree, two counts. They were both sentenced to be executed in the lethal gas chamber of the State Penitentiary, San Quentin, California."

Key Characters

• Sergeant Friday (Morris Copley): The methodical and dedicated lead detective orchestrating the investigation.

• Detective Ben Romero: Friday's loyal partner, assisting in evidence gathering and suspect interrogation.

• Ralph Edward Tobin: The identified cab driver and primary suspect, whose actions drive the narrative toward the investigation’s resolution.

• Mrs. Ernestine Matthews: The grieving widow of Burt Matthews, providing crucial information about the crime.

• Jess Tallman: The sole witness to the robbery, whose testimony aids in constructing the suspect's profile.

Investigative Techniques Highlighted

The episode underscores several investigative methods fundamental to police work:

1. Evidence Collection: Careful gathering of physical evidence such as fingerprints and ballistics.

2. Witness Testimony: Leveraging statements from eyewitnesses to build a suspect profile.

3. Community Collaboration: Engaging with the public and utilizing local resources, such as taxi company records, to track the suspect.

4. Cross-Referencing Cases: Identifying patterns across multiple incidents to link crimes and suspect behavior.

5. Undercover Operations: Conducting stakeouts and surveillance to monitor suspect activities.

Host Commentary and Insights

Adam Graham interjects thoughtful analysis throughout the episode, offering listeners a deeper understanding of the themes and narrative techniques employed in old-time radio detective dramas.

Adam Graham (28:05): "Men will have this expectation of themselves that they should take some heroic measures when dealing with someone with a gun. And doubtless, on top of that general expectation, this guy was probably dealing with what we call survivor's guilt."

Graham highlights the realistic portrayal of law enforcement’s cautious approach to handling armed suspects, emphasizing that not all individuals would react heroically in life-threatening situations.

Adam Graham (29:03): "I like the line where Friday reassured the surviving clerk who was concerned he should have been braver. ... this reflects the preference of law enforcement in general on unarmed citizens dealing with dangerous individuals."

Additionally, he contrasts this episode with others in the lineup, noting the role of community and neighbors in aiding law enforcement, portraying them as both a "blessing to the law-abiding" and a "curse to the criminals."

Adam Graham (29:23): "... a criminal is captured in part because the police had a neighbor who knew all of his business. This forms the idea that neighbors and community are a blessing to the law-abiding, but a curse to the criminals."

Themes and Reflections

"Dragnet: The Big .38" explores themes of justice, community involvement, and the procedural tenacity required to solve complex cases. The episode illustrates the balance between empathetic leadership and the uncompromising pursuit of criminals, a hallmark of the Dragnet series.

The host's commentary sheds light on the psychological aspects of law enforcement, particularly the internal struggles detectives face when confronted with tragedy and the expectations placed upon them to act decisively.

Conclusion

Dragnet: The Big .38 serves as a quintessential example of old-time radio's dedication to realistic and methodical detective stories. Through Sergeant Friday's relentless investigation, listeners are immersed in a world where every clue is pivotal, and every decision can lead to justice. Adam Graham’s insightful commentary enhances the listening experience, bridging the gap between past and present detective narratives.

This episode not only entertains but also educates listeners on the foundational practices of police work, emphasizing the enduring relevance of procedural accuracy and community cooperation in solving crimes. As part of the fifteenth season, it continues The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio's mission to preserve and celebrate the rich legacy of radio detective fiction.

Notable Quotes:

• Sergeant Friday (05:27): "Dear God, tell me the truth. Which hospital is he in?"

• Morris Copley as Friday (06:48): "It was like a big hurricane. One minute I was talking to Burt, the next minute he was dead. It's kind of hard to take, you know."

• Sergeant Friday (10:20): "Harry Solomon was a taxicab driver the night of February 26th. Somebody saw him pick up a fare at Sunset in Highland about 10:30 PM—that's the last time he was seen alive."

• Sergeant Friday (15:35): "What do you think? ... Alright, Copley, get him up. Come on up, Joe."

• Sergeant Friday (21:43): "We have identified you as the one responsible for the killings of Harry Solomon and Burt Matthews."

• Sergeant Friday (28:26): "Morris John Copley and Ralph Edward Tobin were tried and convicted of murder in the first degree, two counts. They were both sentenced to be executed in the lethal gas chamber of the State Penitentiary, San Quentin, California."

This detailed summary encapsulates the essence of Dragnet: The Big .38, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the episode's plot, characters, investigative methods, and thematic significance, enriched by Adam Graham's insightful commentary.