Dragnet: The Big Break (EP4634)

Summary

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio: Episode Summary

Episode Title: Dragnet: The Big Break (EP4634)
Release Date: February 22, 2025
Host: Adam Graham
Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into one of his favorite Dragnet stories, "The Big Break." This detailed, long-form summary encapsulates the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from both the episode's narrative and Adam's insightful commentary.

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Main Content: Dragnet - "The Big Break"

Overview

The episode features a gripping Dragnet narrative centered around Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his relentless pursuit of the elusive criminal George R. Hoffman. Set against the backdrop of 1950 Los Angeles, the story unfolds with intricate police work, suspenseful encounters, and the eventual downfall of the cunning antagonist.

Key Characters

• Joe Friday: The steadfast Detective Sergeant leading the investigation.
• Ben Romero: Joe Friday's loyal partner.
• Slats Henry: Another member of the police detail assisting in the case.
• George R. Hoffman: The notorious criminal with a history of armed robberies.
• Captain Ed Walker: The commanding officer overseeing the operation.
• Roy Townsend & Mrs. Cox: Individuals providing crucial information during the investigation.

Plot Breakdown

1. Initial Investigation and Surveillance ([03:53] - [08:19])

   • Background: George R. Hoffman, with 18 robberies in three months, has been a significant target for the Los Angeles Police Department.
   • Intel Gathering: An informant tip leads Joe Friday and his team to suspect Hoffman's hideout at 2100 Buchanan Avenue.
   • Equipment and Tactics: The team prepares for a confrontation, aware of Hoffman's armed capabilities, including two revolvers and a hunting rifle.
   • Confrontation Attempt: Despite thorough planning, Hoffman manages to escape during an attempted arrest by exploiting a flaw in his vehicle's ignition system, as Joe notes, "Hoffman could have escaped if he'd turned the ignition" ([08:19]).

2. Hoffman's Escape and Subsequent Crimes ([08:19] - [16:23])

   • Escape Details: Hoffman executes a daring escape from jail by creating steam to obscure his movements and maneuvering down the building's exterior.
   • Continued Crimes: Post-escape, Hoffman commits additional robberies, including a dentist's office and a liquor store, maintaining a cat-and-mouse dynamic with the police.
   • Community Interaction: The narrative introduces Roy Townsend, a model train club member whose interaction with Joe and his team leads to renewed leads on Hoffman's whereabouts.

3. Investigation Challenges and Breakthroughs ([16:23] - [27:17])

   • Stakeouts and Monitoring: The detectives conduct intense stakeouts at various locations, including an auto court and the Union Station, employing meticulous surveillance techniques.
   • Hoffman's Capture: Through persistent effort and smart policing, Hoffman is eventually spotted and apprehended at an antique store on First Street.
   • Trial and Aftermath: Hoffman faces trial, receives a life sentence, attempts another escape, and ultimately takes his own life in prison, bringing closure to the case.

Notable Quotes

• Joe Friday on Hoffman's Criminal Record:
  "His criminal record dated back to high school days. Petty theft, grand theft auto, burglary, armed robbery." ([05:56])

• Narrator on Hoffman's Escape Tactics:
  "He climbed seven stories down the outside of the building. At the eighth floor, he found an open window and got inside." ([10:25])

• Joe Friday Reflecting on Hoffman's Capture:
  "That's what's important, that he'll keep pressing his luck until it runs out." ([25:51])

Themes and Insights

• Persistence in Law Enforcement: The episode underscores the dedication and unwavering commitment of police officers in pursuing justice.
• Human Fallibility: Despite Hoffman's cunning, small oversights lead to his eventual capture, highlighting that no criminal is infallible.
• Community Involvement: The role of informants and community members like Roy Townsend showcases the importance of collective effort in solving crimes.

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Host Commentary: Adam Graham's Analysis

After the main narrative, Adam Graham provides a thoughtful commentary on the episode, comparing the radio version with its television counterpart.

Comparative Insights

• Casting and Performance: Graham appreciates the TV version's casting, noting that actors like Frank Smith bring a unique flair absent in the radio rendition. He states, "...the quirky that they were able to get out of that actor in the TV version is really not in Herb Butterfield's wheelhouse." ([29:42])

• Storytelling Differences: While the radio episode is exciting in its own right, Graham acknowledges the visual storytelling strengths of the TV adaptation, making it more engaging for viewers who appreciate visual narratives.

Critical Reflections

• Police Portrayal Critique: Addressing IMDb reviews that criticized Dragnet for showcasing police incompetence, Graham defends the show's portrayal by emphasizing that it does not depict law enforcement as superhuman. Instead, it highlights their diligence and strategic approach. He remarks, "...the big break is actually a story about a very dangerous, very cunning criminal running up against the determined and steady of a professional police force ready to take him the moment he makes a mistake." ([29:42])

• Public Policy Debate: Graham touches on the broader debate surrounding parole processes, acknowledging the complexity without delving into policy specifics. He highlights that while some viewers perceive flaws in the system, the episode's focus remains on the cat-and-mouse dynamic between the detective and the criminal.

Historical Context

Graham provides historical context, suggesting that Hoffman's parole into the military likely occurred during World War II, adding depth to the narrative's setting and Hoffman's character motivations.

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Listener Feedback

The episode features heartfelt letters from loyal listeners, showcasing the podcast's impact and community engagement.

Jackie and Paul’s Letter

• Appreciation for Content:
  "Thank you so much for your Adams Old Time Radio podcast. My husband and I have been thoroughly enjoying yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And we also have Tales of the Texas Rangers, Nero Wolf, and a couple of others in our rotation." ([29:42])

• Podcast Navigation Tips: Jackie explains how she organizes her favorite Old Time Radio shows, providing tips for new listeners on accessing various episodes and series.

Pat’s Acknowledgment

• Gratitude for Effort:
  "Thanks for all the work you put in." ([29:42])

Patreon Supporter Highlight

• Jerry’s Support:
  Adam extends his gratitude to Jerry, a Patreon supporter since June 2024, highlighting the importance of listener contributions in sustaining the podcast.

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Conclusion

Adam Graham masterfully blends rich storytelling with insightful analysis, offering listeners not only an immersive Dragnet episode but also compelling commentary that enhances the overall experience. By addressing both the narrative intricacies and external critiques, Graham fosters a deeper appreciation for classic radio dramas while engaging with his dedicated audience through heartfelt feedback and community support.

For those new to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, this episode serves as a testament to the enduring allure of old-school radio fiction, combining suspenseful narratives with thoughtful discourse on crime and justice.

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Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Joe Friday on Hoffman's Criminal Record ([05:56]):
  "His criminal record dated back to high school days. Petty theft, grand theft auto, burglary, armed robbery."

• Narrator on Hoffman's Escape Tactics ([10:25]):
  "He climbed seven stories down the outside of the building. At the eighth floor, he found an open window and got inside."

• Joe Friday Reflecting on Hoffman's Capture ([25:51]):
  "That's what's important, that he'll keep pressing his luck until it runs out."

• Adam Graham on Police Portrayal ([29:42]):
  "The big break is actually a story about a very dangerous, very cunning criminal running up against the determined and steady of a professional police force ready to take him the moment he makes a mistake."

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Stay Connected

For more engaging episodes and to support the podcast, subscribe through your preferred podcast app or visit GreatDetectives.net. Connect with Adam Graham on Twitter (@radiodetectives) and Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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, but I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying this podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners and you can support the show with a one time donation by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. And I just visited our P.O. box and have some checks. So I want to thank some listeners for their support. Thank you to Jacqueline and Paul, to Patrick, to Frances and to Carolyn. Again, thank you so much for sending along a donation to the PO Box. You can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. And I want to welcome Kay at the shamus level of $4 or more per month and Melanie at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month for becoming our latest Patreon supporters. Now from December 14, 1950, here is the big break.

[Narrator]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to robbery detail. You've been tracking a hold of men for months. You finally get a line on where he's hiding. You know he's dangerous, well armed. Your job. Get him. Dragnet the documented drama of an actual crime. 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 transcribed 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 Wednesday, March 18. It was cold in Los Angeles. We were working the night watch out of robbery detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Ed Walker. My name's Friday. It was 9:48pm when I got to room 27. A robbery detail.

[Narrator]

Joe. Hi.

[Joe Friday]

You ready to go?

[Narrator]

Yeah. We better hustle. Here's your top coat, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, thank you, Ben. Where's Tom?

[Narrator]

We can pick him up down the hall. He's checking out some tear gas. Shelves might need him. How about the address?

[Joe Friday]

You confirm it? 2100 Buchanan Avenue. It's a corner house, Skipper.

[Narrator]

You know what to expect when you get out there. Don't take any chances. He's alone in the house. That right? Supposed to be, yeah. That won't give you much of a break.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean?

[Narrator]

He's heavy on guns. Two revolvers and a hunting rifle. Yeah, he's not shy about using them. Don't forget it.

[Joe Friday]

Right, Ed. Slats. Ben.

[Narrator]

Let's go.

[Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Narrator]

It's been a long haul. Yeah. I hope this washes it up. Hunting rifle, couple of revolvers. What do you think, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Well, 18 robberies in three months. You know the guy as well as I do.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

What's your guess? His name was Hoffman, George R. In our files, his criminal record dated back to high school days. Petty theft, grand theft auto, burglary, armed robbery. His record included two terms at Preston Reformatory and one at San Quentin. Hoffman's latest campaign was a three month run of armed robberies. We tried everything we knew to stop him, but it wasn't enough. We'd failed to get a line on him until one of Captain Walker's informants came up with a tip that Hoffman had been hiding out for the past month in a small bungalow on the corner of Buchanan Avenue and Selma Street. According to the information, the suspect had a good supply of food, ammunition and three guns. 10:15pm Together with Sergeants Tom Gaffney and Slats Henry, Ben and I parked our car down the street and started toward the house. It was foggy. The street was poorly lighted. As we approached the house, we could see a light burning in one of the rooms at the rear of the bungalow.

[Narrator]

The light in the back room.

[Joe Friday]

Joy just went out. Yeah. Slats, you and Tom want to cover the back. Right.

[Narrator]

Let's go.

[Joe Friday]

Tom, be careful.

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Ben. Easy, huh?

[Narrator]

Wait a minute. Joe. Curtains in that corner room. I thought I saw him move. Get out.

[Joe Friday]

Come on. Ben. The front door. Come on. Come on. Get it?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Come on. Hit it again. Come on. They got it blocked or something. Something piled against it. Come on. Once more.

[Narrator]

There we are. Watch the furniture. John.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah? That front room's clear.

[Narrator]

Go in the back.

[Joe Friday]

Come on.

[Narrator]

Went up the side window. Where'd he go? Across the street. Got him pinned down behind that car there. He's in the car.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's go for the tires. All right, Hoffman, give it up. Cover this end, Slats. Right, Ben. That hedge across the street, do you see it?

[Narrator]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, let's run for it. Come on.

[Narrator]

You okay, Joe? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Hoffman, you haven't got a chance. Throw out your guns. Okay, Ben, give it back to you. All right.

[Narrator]

All right, I'm coming out. Throw out your guns.

[Joe Friday]

Throw them in the street. Here they are. All right, get out of the car. Hands behind your head. Come on.

[Narrator]

All right. All right. Hands behind your back. Now. Slats. Yeah?

[Joe Friday]

You want to get our car, right, Joe?

[Narrator]

Who told you? Who gave you the tip? Does it matter? I made it easy enough for you. Lousy car wouldn't start. I'd be three miles away if it would have started. Better call a tow truck, Hun.

[Joe Friday]

Joe, let me give it a look, huh?

[Narrator]

Lousy luck, that's all it is. What was wrong with it, Joe? I tried it. It wouldn't start for me.

[Joe Friday]

You should have turned on the ignition, George Hoffman was taken downtown and booked on suspicion of robbery at a special show up. He was identified by more than a dozen of his robbery victims. Between his arraignments and his preliminary hearings, we worked together with the district attorney's office in lining up witnesses and preparing the evidence against the suspect. We figured we had an airtight case. Hoffman's trial in superior court was set for May 14th.

[Narrator]

Hi, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Hi, Slats. What's doing?

[Narrator]

It's still a raining, Hoffman.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. This trial's coming up. Hey, what happened to your eye?

[Narrator]

Yeah. How about that? I'll never live with that down. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Come here. Let's see.

[Narrator]

First real black guy I ever had. Had them bruised plenty. They hurt, you know. Yeah. How'd that happen? Well, every week Gaffney and I go up to neighborhood boys club after work to help coach the kids at sports, you know. Mm. Well, last week we had boxing lessons. I was coaching this one youngster. He turned out to be a lot quicker than I thought. You really connected?

[Joe Friday]

I guess everybody in the building's heard the story, huh?

[Narrator]

Yeah, just about. Gaffney took care of that. Captain called me in this morning, asked me if I wanted to file Assault charges against the kid. Some joke.

[Joe Friday]

Never fails. You still coaching the kids up there?

[Narrator]

No, not this week. Kids are supposed to get lessons in wrestling. I'm not taking any chances. Yeah, they've been watching television for months. I'll see you later, man. Yeah, okay. Oh, nice. Lance. Hi, Ben. How you doing? Pretty good. Put your coat on, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. What's the matter?

[Narrator]

George Hoffman.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Just broke jail.

[Joe Friday]

The morning of his escape, Hoffman was scheduled to appear in Superior Court for arraignment. According to routine, he was taken from his county jail cell on the 12th floor of the hall of justice and escorted to the jail shower room on the 14th floor. There he was to take a bath, change to his civilian clothes for his appearance in court. While he was in the shower room, he turned on the hot water faucets, filling the room with steam to hide his actions from the guard. He succeeded in forcing his way out through one of the windows, climbed up one story to the roof. Realizing that he couldn't escape down through the building, he lowered himself over the ledge of the roof and using the narrow crevices between the bricks to hold on, he climbed seven stories down the outside of the building. At the eighth floor, he found an open window and got inside. He slugged a bailiff who tried to stop him and then ran down the remaining flights of stairs into the street and disappeared in the crowd. Twenty minutes later, he robbed a dentist's office at 3rd and Los Angeles streets and got away. Police and sheriff's deputies covered the city for him. Ben and I were among them. 11:55pm we checked back in with Captain Ed Walker.

[Narrator]

You want to cut that speaker, Ben? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

11, 86 and spring 11 8.

[Narrator]

Nothing. Not a trace of them. He must have a good friend someplace in town. Everything's covered. His friends, relatives, his hideout, everyone he knows, every place he's ever been. We plugged every loophole we can think of. The depot's turbo, the airports. Still no trace of them? I don't know. It sure is a strange one. No stranger than climbing down the side of a building.

[Joe Friday]

Did you check that story out, Ed?

[Narrator]

It's the truth. Apparently, Hoffman planned the thing out pretty carefully.

[Joe Friday]

How do you mean?

[Narrator]

The sheriff's men talked to some of the prisoners in the jail. They said Hoffman was practicing for it since the day we put him in there. He'd work out five to six hours every night, building up his hands and fingers. How'd he do that? Use the upper bunk in his cell. Hang from the edge of it with the tips of his fingers. He'd do it for hours, pulling his body up and down. Made little grooves in the wall. Dug his fingertips into him. Prisoners say he got so he could hold himself up like that, 10 minutes at a stretch.

[Joe Friday]

That's pretty amazing. How about the bailiff?

[Narrator]

He slugged, he'll be all right. Couple of bad bumps on the head, that's all. Robbery Walker? Oh yeah. Little John. I sent him out about 10 minutes ago to relieve you. Yeah, they ought to be there pretty soon. Right.

[Joe Friday]

How about our schedule, Ed?

[Narrator]

As far as I know, we're going all night on this thing. Sheriff's office is the same. You two were relieved at 11:30. Better check back about 5:30am okay. Right.

[Joe Friday]

That's a hot shot.

[Narrator]

I got it. What is it? Drugstore holdup. They think it's Hoffman.

[Joe Friday]

The scene of the holdup was the Rex Lake Pharmacy on the corner of Pico Boulevard and Pine Lakes Street. The victim, a Mr. Clarence Gehringer, told us that the holdup man had entered through a rear door, slugged him and escaped on foot with his overcoat and about $150 in cash. We showed him a number of mug shots. He identified George Hoffman as the Bandit. A special detail of men were ordered on a thorough search of the general area around the drugstore. No sign of the suspect. The citywide dragnet continued all that night and into the next day. No developments. The search went on. A week passed. Two weeks. At 10pm on the day Hoffman was scheduled to be tried in Superior Court, he beat up and robbed a 40 year old liquor salesman in the Highland park area. Again, he made good his escape. Routine investigation failed to turn up a single lead. June 8th. The suspect was still at large. The legwork continued.

[Narrator]

8:17. Is that the address you got?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. He said it was near the corner.

[Narrator]

Oh yeah, yeah, there it is. The Townsend Hobby Shop.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Let's go in.

[Narrator]

Joe. Look at the electric trains. Look at that one. Beautiful layout, huh?

[Joe Friday]

I guess that's all they handle in here, electric trains, huh? Must be money in it.

[Narrator]

Look at those signals there. And switches. They're all automatic. Wonder if my boy's old enough for a train year.

[Joe Friday]

It must be the manager over there. Come on. Say excuse me, sir.

[Narrator]

Just a moment, please. Be right with you. Gotta check this transformer for her. Uhhuh. Automatic coupling on the tanker car looked out. It killed her. My mistake. Now, let's see. Yep. She's a dandy, isn't she? Sure. Yeah. I'm sorry, gentlemen. Have to keep up our maintenance on the Rolling stock. What can I do for you?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers. We're looking for Mr. Townsend.

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. I'm Roy Townsend. Are you the sergeant I talked with on the phone?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir, that's right. This is my partner, Sergeant Romero.

[Narrator]

Hi.

[Joe Friday]

Ms. Townsend, you mentioned that you might have some information for us.

[Narrator]

Yes, as a matter of fact, I may have. About that fellow who climbed out and escaped? No, it was in all the papers. George Hoffman. Hoffman. Hoffman, that's it. I'm a pretty good one for faces. I think I might have seen him last night. Where was that? On my way home from the meeting. I belong to a model train club. Don't get enough of it here every day.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, sir. We'd like to know about this man that you saw.

[Narrator]

As I say, I saw him going into the autocor just down the street from where mother and I live. It was pretty late, after midnight.

[Joe Friday]

Where do you live, Mr. Townsend?

[Narrator]

Over by Pasadena. Royal Oaks Avenue. I know Mrs. Cox at the auto court very well.

[Joe Friday]

I see. Well, this man that you saw last night, you sure it was Hoffman?

[Narrator]

I saw his picture in the paper when he climbed down and escaped. I don't say I'm positive it was him, but I'm good on facing it. Well, wonder if you'd mind checking through these pictures. Not at all. Mm, mm, mm, mm. Yeah, this one. He's the one I saw. Am I right?

[Joe Friday]

That's Hoffman. Do you happen to know if he's staying there at that auto court?

[Narrator]

Oh, yes. He's been there for a month. Say, Sergeant, if you find out it really is this hoffman, don't tell Mrs. Cox at the auto court at a. Just break her heart.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, is that so?

[Narrator]

She's sort of an amateur detective. She thinks she knows faces better than I do.

[Joe Friday]

After we left the train shop, we called the office and filled them in. Captain Walker called Pasadena and notified them. Then we drove out to the autocort where the suspect was reportedly seen.

[Narrator]

Yes? You want something? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Are you Mrs. Cox?

[Narrator]

Yes. I'm the manager here. If you want lodgings, we're filled up. You might try the Golden Eagle, straight down the street there. Police officers. Ms. Cox. Do you have a Mr. Hoffman? Sting you Hoffman? No, I don't got a Hoffmeier, though. You sure that's not it?

[Joe Friday]

No.

[Narrator]

Look. Would you look at this picture, ma'am? Recognize it? Yes, but his name's not Hoffman. It's Kane, number 23. He's not in, though. Left this morning.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, is that so?

[Narrator]

Yes. Won't be back for another hour. You are listening to Dragnet.

[Joe Friday]

Before going on stakeout at the auto court where George Hoffman was registered, Ben put in a call to the office. The owner of the court, Mrs. Cox, gave us a pass key to cottage number 23, where the suspect was staying. We advised her to say nothing to Hoffman when he returned. We went to cottage 23 and waited. An hour passed. Hoffman failed to show. Another hour went by. Still no sign of him.

[Narrator]

Well, what do you think?

[Joe Friday]

You got me. I don't know.

[Narrator]

Warning now are overdue. No chance he could have been taped.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I don't see how. Mrs. Cox is the only one who knows we're here.

[Narrator]

There's no reason for her to warn him. I don't know. His things are all here. His clothes.

[Joe Friday]

We've had longer waits than this. Relax, huh?

[Narrator]

Yeah. Hey, wait a minute.

[Joe Friday]

Can you see who it is?

[Narrator]

Man coming from next door. Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, I'll cover you. Open it.

[Narrator]

Oh, your new telephone directory. Oh, yeah. Thanks. Anything wrong? No, there's nothing wrong. Thanks. New phone book.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. We waited another hour. George Hoffman still had failed to appear at 4 that afternoon. We checked with the office. No word. At 5:30 we were still waiting.

[Narrator]

I was just thinking, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

That fella Townsend in the train shop. That sure must be a dandy Hobby electric train. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

It runs in the money, though, doesn't it?

[Narrator]

Well, I think I'll talk to the wife about it. Their education, you know. My boy'd sure get a kick out of having his own train.

[Joe Friday]

He's pretty young, isn't he? Three years old.

[Narrator]

Well, I could show him how to work it. Put things together for him again. Yeah. Oh, yeah. Lightner. When? Okay, thanks.

[Joe Friday]

What's doing?

[Narrator]

Skipper? Just got a call from Pasadena.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

They picked up Hoffman 10 minutes ago.

[Joe Friday]

The suspect, George Hoffman, was taken back to Los Angeles and lodged in county jail. This time there was no escape. At a superior court trial on August 16, he was convicted on several counts of armed robbery and sentenced to the state penitentiary. From August to January of the following year, the months went fast. We washed up a string of liquor store holdups just before Christmas. Got two days off. My Uncle George and Aunt Allen came down from Renton, Washington, to visit with my mother during the holidays. In January, Ben was off work for a week with a bad dose of flu. Another five months went by. Toward the end of June, we got word that George Hoffman was no longer at the state penitentiary. After serving 11 months. The former holdup man had been paroled into the army with a provision that he serve overseas. Another three weeks passed. July 12th.

[Narrator]

Tuesday.

[Joe Friday]

Ben and I had lunch at Coken's Cafe and checked back in at the office.

[Narrator]

I wish Cokan would change his menus a little oftener. Fried beans and pastrami sandwiches. Seems to have the same thing every time.

[Joe Friday]

You sure dug into them. I got the idea that you like them.

[Narrator]

Like them? All right. I just eat too much, that's all. Three sandwiches, two plates of beans. No wonder I never ate dinner. Dan, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

You two back from lunch? I want to grab a sandwich.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, go ahead, Slats. We can cover it.

[Narrator]

Okay, thanks. Sir, there's somebody waiting in the next room for you, wants to see you. Okay. See you later. Right. Wanna see who it is, Joe? I'll check the book.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, all right. Fine. Yes, sir. My name's Friday. You wanna see me?

[Narrator]

Yeah, that's right, sergeant. Remember me? George Hoffman.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah, Hoffman. The army uniform there. I didn't recognize you.

[Narrator]

Yeah, I thought I might fool you. I guess you heard about me. Good break, huh?

[Joe Friday]

I'm glad you feel that way. How you doing with the army, huh?

[Narrator]

Pretty good. I like it.

[Joe Friday]

That's fine.

[Narrator]

Just thought I'd drop up and see you fellas. You still that partner you had? What's his name? Rodriguez?

[Joe Friday]

Romero. Yeah. Yeah, we still work together.

[Narrator]

Yeah, Romero. I knew it was some kind of name like that. Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Well, come on in, Hoffman.

[Narrator]

Oh, thanks.

[Joe Friday]

Hey, Ben.

[Narrator]

George.

[Joe Friday]

Hoffman here? He stopped in to see us.

[Narrator]

Oh, yeah? Hi. Been a long time, Laughman. How are you? Pretty good, sergeant. Thanks. Just thought I'd stop by, you know. Sure there's no hard feelings. Oh, sure thing. You got any idea when you're going oversea? Boys in my outfit figure day after tomorrow. That's kind of one reason why I dropped in to see you.

[Joe Friday]

Well, how's that?

[Narrator]

Well, I know it's pretty nervy, but I got lots of that. You see, a bunch of us are on leave till tomorrow noon. Figured we'd go out tonight. And I'm little short. You know how the army pays.

[Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Narrator]

Well, how about a couple of bucks, George?

[Joe Friday]

Will that do you any good?

[Narrator]

Yeah, sure. As swell of you, sergeant. Believe me. I'll see you get it back. Here's a couple more. Hoffman might help out. Well, it's New Year's telling you how much I appreciate it. I give you my word I won't forget it. I'm gonna pay this money back to you.

[Joe Friday]

Don't forget it, George. We're glad to help you out.

[Narrator]

Well, thanks again for the touch, huh? Sure. Nice of you okay now? Drop a card if you get a chance. Like to hear how you're doing over there. Sure thing.

[Joe Friday]

See you later, huh?

[Narrator]

Right. Good luck to you. Boy.

[Joe Friday]

Looks like a turn for the better anyway, huh?

[Narrator]

Mm. But it was my last two bucks, doggone it. It never failed.

[Joe Friday]

Well, we had to give him something.

[Narrator]

Yeah, but what do I do for lunch money? Tomorrow.

[Joe Friday]

2Pm we drove out to the Wilshire district to interview a robbery victim. We brought him back downtown and took his statement. 4:30pm we checked back in with Captain Walker.

[Narrator]

Hi, Skipper. Henry says that ex con George Hoffman was in today. You talked to him?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right, Ed. Why?

[Narrator]

Have a Look.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks.

[Narrator]

The MPs left about 20 minutes ago.

[Joe Friday]

Swell. Your two bucks went for nothing. Ben. Hoffman's wanted, huh? Broke out of Army Prison 10 o'clock this morning. Together with the army authorities, local officers joined in the citywide search for George Hoffman. At 10 o'clock that night, a food market on Santa Fe in Reallo was robbed and the proprietor beaten. From our mug shots. The victim identified Hoffman as the hold up man. Shortly after midnight, a drugstore on Crenshaw was held up. Hoffman was again tabbed as the suspect. The next two days the search was intensified. No leads. Two more days went by. Late Saturday morning we got a hurry up call from the detail on duty at the Union Station. Hoffman had been reported in the vicinity. Ben and I drove down to the depot to check with the officer in charge. Slats, Henry.

[Narrator]

Spot him, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

No. Let's have a look back with the ticket counters, huh? Yeah. There he is. Over by the phone booth. Come on.

[Narrator]

Hi, Slash. Hi. Looks pretty good.

[Joe Friday]

What's the story?

[Narrator]

One of the newsboys up the street gave us a tip. About an hour ago, a guy gave him a dollar to come down here and buy a ticket for him. Ticket to Phoenix? Yeah. Kid came in, bought the ticket, went back up the street and gave it to the man. We showed the kid a bunch of mug shots. He picked out Hoffman.

[Joe Friday]

He's not wearing his army uniform, huh? No.

[Narrator]

Brown suit, dark blue overcoat, no hat. That's what the kid told us. Any idea which train he was taken for Phoenix? Not exactly. He asked when the first train for Phoenix was. Newsboy told him 3, 35, 10 minutes to 12.

[Joe Friday]

Now you got enough men to handle it? Slants.

[Narrator]

Everything's covered. Only one thing lacking.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Narrator]

Hoffman.

[Joe Friday]

While the stakeout continued on the Union Station, Ben and I, together with Gaffney and Henry from Robbery, covered the bars, restaurants and hotels in the immediate area for A sign of the suspect. 2:30pm.

[Narrator]

What do you think?

[Joe Friday]

We better head back down for the station, see what's doing, huh?

[Narrator]

Okay. I'd like to have a dime for every mile we have logged on this case.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Narrator]

Joe, have a look.

[Joe Friday]

Where?

[Narrator]

Across the street. Dark blue overcoat. Same build as Hoffman.

[Joe Friday]

I'll bet on him. Come on. He spotted us. Yeah, that's Hoffman. Come on, pick it up.

[Narrator]

I lost him, Joe. Where'd he go?

[Joe Friday]

Turn down First Street. Come on, hurry up. Across the street. Ben, watch the traffic. Where'd he go?

[Narrator]

I see him. That antique store on the corner.

[Joe Friday]

He ran in there. Come on.

[Narrator]

Yeah, there he is.

[Joe Friday]

All right, Hoffman.

[Narrator]

Out of the way, mister. All right.

[Joe Friday]

Hold it right there, Hoffman.

[Narrator]

I'm coming out.

[Joe Friday]

Move.

[Narrator]

Watch it, Joke. I said I'm coming on.

[Joe Friday]

You hear me? You're going the hard way, George. Come on, drop it. Drop it.

[Narrator]

All right, Hoffman. All right, on your feet. Come on, get up.

[Joe Friday]

I get your hands behind you?

[Narrator]

Sure. What good's it gonna do ya?

[Joe Friday]

All right, mister, let's go.

[Narrator]

What good's it gonna do? I already proved that I can break jail anytime. I proved it twice.

[Joe Friday]

You're going right back in again. What's that prove?

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. On October 8, trial was held in Superior Court Department 89, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. George R. Hoffman was tried and convicted on several counts of robbery and received a life sentence as a hardened criminal. After serving 10 months of his sentence, Hoffman attempted an escape and failed. A few weeks later, he took his own life in his prison cell by hanging. Ladies and gentlemen, next week, in answer to your requests, Dragnet will repeat A Gun for Christmas. The actual case history broadcast last year during the yuletide season. That's next Thursday, December 21st. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice for Dragnet comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department. We the People is next with more Good Times on NBC.

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[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This is one of my favorite Dragnet stories, although I'll be honest that this is one where I do prefer the TV version to the radio version as it's a really fun to watch visual story, particularly for early television. And also the casting is better with both Frank Smith as Friday's partner and also the railroad enthusiast is better cast. I don't think the type of quirky that they were able to get out of that actor in the TV version is really in Herb Butterfield's wheelhouse. Still, the radio version is plenty exciting and fun in its own right. One thing I hadn't noticed was the bit where Hoffman failed to start the car because he didn't turn the ignition over. This little detail did a good job of illustrating that despite all of his viciousness and cunning, he lacks the sort of cool headedness that you really need to have if you end up confronting the police. Now I will say because I love the TV version. I did look up the IMDb reviews of the TV version of the episode and was surprised by a few of the reviews, though I guess I probably shouldn't have been. A couple of reviewers noted that the episode showed law enforcement as pretty incompetent and it showed all the flaws in the system. And why was Dragnet doing this as it was supposed to be about glorifying the police? Now I don't think they really gave a concrete example of how our heroes failed, but they complained about things like him escaping from jail and also the parole into the military. Honestly, I think these reviewers, like George Hoffman, missed the point. Now there is a legitimate debate over parole processes and when we should have laws that lock a criminal up and throw away the key. That's a legitimate public policy debate I won't try to settle. But I do think that some key context is being missed in the criticism, and some of it is the confusing nature of Dragnet storytelling. Because I first watched this as the 1953 TV episode, I had an image in my mind that he was going overseas. Kind of like when my dad went into the military for the first time later on in the 50s over to somewhere like West Germany. But in the real incident that this was based upon, that's not likely the escape case, because by the time that this episode aired in 1950, Hoffman had been back to prison and tried to break out and committed suicide. And I would venture a guess that most likely the events occurred during World War II, and so he was likely being paroled into a war zone, either Western Europe or into the South Pacific. The second thing is that while Dragnet was on the police's sides, it didn't portray them as superhuman, nor did it portray others in law enforcement as completely infallible. And there are all kinds of evidences of police incompetence. I don't know that not planning for a guy teaching himself how to climb down the side of a building like Spider man is a huge failure of competence. But the big break is actually a story about a very dangerous, very cunning criminal running up against the determined and steady of a professional police force ready to take him the moment he makes a mistake. And that's why at the end of the day Friday asks him what it proved after they managed to recapture him every time he broke out. And ultimately, the thing with guys like Hoffman is that they'll continue to press their luck until it runs out. Now, you may not agree with the message of the episode, but that's what it's about. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and I have a letter from Jackie and Paul. And Jackie writes, thank you so much for your Adams Old Time Radio podcast. My husband and I have been thoroughly enjoying yours truly, Johnny Dollar. And we also have Tales of the Texas Rangers, Nero Wolf, and a couple of others in our rotation. Now, if you're wondering about the Adams Old Time Radio reference, I actually have all of the podcasts I've done with Old Time Radio over the years, including things like the Old Time Dragnet show, the War, the Old Time Radio, Snack Wagon, Amazing World of Radio, as well as Great Detectives and all of our podcast feed. And I put it in a channel on Apple Podcasts. Really delighted they were able to find me that way. And Jackie says they'd like to be kept abreast of any new shows that I add or even a lineup of all your current shows. The best way to stay abreast of any new shows is just our main feed for the great detectives of Old Time Radio, which is updated in the Apple Podcast Store as well as other podcast services and also can check out our [e-mail] but thanks so much for the lovely letter and also thank you for Pat who writes thanks for all the work you put in. Well, thank you so much, Pat. And now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Jerry patreon supporter since June 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the Shammas level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support and that will actually do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow 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'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Dragnet. Join us this weekend for a Dragnet public domain video theater [e-mail] on our video theater page, on Spotify or on our YouTube channel. But we will be back tomorrow as we kick off our listener support and appreciation campaign where I went there to.

[Narrator]

Tell him to stay away from my sister. We had a fight. The manager came and stopped us. I told Hanson I'd kill him if he didn't lay off. The manager heard this. Then I went home. What time was that? About 8:30. The police claimed I returned to Hanson's apartment and shot him. I couldn't prove I was at home all night. It was going rough for me until Patricia park testified she was with me at the time the crime was said to have been committed. Why didn't you tell the police in the first place that this Patricia park was with you? Well, that's the whole trouble. She wasn't. What? Her claim that she spent the hours from 9 till midnight with me was a lie. In fact, I never met the woman in my life. Have you contacted this Patricia since your release, Mr. Wilcox? Yes, but she refuses to see me. Archie, phone Mrs. Patricia park and tell her that you must see you at once for her own good.

[Adam Graham]

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