Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Children" (EP4670) – Released April 5, 2025

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, hosted by Adam Graham, presents episode EP4670 titled "Dragnet: The Big Children." This episode delves into a poignant and unsettling case from the Golden Age of Radio, showcasing the meticulous investigation led by Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Ben Romero.

Introduction

In this episode, listeners are transported back to February 1, 1951, with Joe Friday setting the scene in an overcast Los Angeles. Assigned to the juvenile bureau, Friday and Romero are tasked with investigating a disturbing complaint about two children—an 8-year-old boy and his 5-year-old sister—begging for food in a wealthy Bel Air neighborhood.

The Case Unfolds

Initial Investigation

• Location and Context: Friday and Romero arrive at a lavish two-story colonial mansion on Sunset Boulevard, incongruent with the reported presence of malnourished children. They meet Ms. Jeanette Bajan, the laundress and cook, who provides crucial information about the children, revealing that the parents have been absent for several days.

• Interview with Richard Kessler: The detectives speak with Richard, the older Kessler child, who appears polite but evasive. He mentions his mother's frequent absences and alludes to her relationship with a man named Larry. Richard's demeanor raises suspicions about the true state of his household.

Discovery of Johnny Kessler's Condition

• Johnny's Critical State: The youngest child, Johnny, a 22-month-old, is found severely malnourished and suffering from a basal skull fracture, leading to his hospitalization and subsequent death. This tragic revelation intensifies the investigation, shifting focus onto potential negligence or foul play within the household.

• Interrogation Insights: Under questioning, Richard admits his mother's alcoholism and the instability caused by her boyfriends. This confession hints at possible motives behind Johnny's death, whether accidental or deliberate.

Breakthroughs in the Investigation

Identifying Larry Bartel

• Tracing Bartel's Whereabouts: Through diligent efforts, Friday and Romero locate Larry Bartel, the mother's boyfriend, at a local club. Bartel admits to disciplinary actions against Johnny, explaining that a harsh scolding may have led to the boy's fatal injury.

• Confrontation and Confession: Bartel's interactions reveal a dismissive attitude towards the children's welfare. His reluctance to take responsibility and inconsistent alibis raise further doubts about his involvement in Johnny's death.

Final Evidence and Arrest

• Hotel Room Evidence: A blood-stained coat linked to the Kessler family is traced to a downtown hotel, connecting Bartel to the scene. This evidence solidifies the suspicion surrounding Bartel's role in the tragedy.

• Confronting Ms. Jean Kessler: The detectives locate Ms. Kessler, who is visibly distressed and intoxicated. Her emotional state and admission of over-dependence on Bartel provide a humanizing yet tragic perspective on the case.

Conclusion of the Case

Mrs. Jean Kessler is ultimately charged and convicted of manslaughter, receiving a one-year jail sentence and losing custody of her children. The episode underscores the devastating impact of neglect and substance abuse on a family.

Key Quote:

Joe Friday: "We were still without a lead as to the whereabouts of the missing mother... On Saturday morning, the body was posted to the county morgue." [15:29]

Host Commentary

After the episode, Adam Graham offers insightful reflections:

• Emotional Impact: Graham highlights the heartbreaking nature of the case, emphasizing that such tragedies are not confined to impoverished areas but can occur in affluent neighborhoods as well.

• Character Naming Controversy: He notes an unusual aspect of the episode—the character Larry Bartel shares a name closely resembling real actor Harry Bartel. Graham speculates on potential objections from the actual Harry Bartel, especially given the negative portrayal, contrasting it with the TV version where the character was renamed Larry Carpenter.

• Cultural Significance: Graham discusses the cultural impact of Dragnet, mentioning its success in winning awards and elevating Jack Webb's career. He underscores how listener feedback was pivotal in shaping the show's direction, with Webb valuing each listener's input as if it represented a hundred voices.

Notable Quotes from Commentary:

Adam Graham: "Dragnet and Jack Webb were part of that [parity with CBS], as not only did Dragnet win the award for Best mystery program, but Jack Webb was given the award for Most Promising Star of Tomorrow." [25:55]

Adam Graham: "He took it very seriously. And there is a degree to which the way that listeners and later viewers responded helped to shape the way that he made the show." [26:00]

Conclusion

This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio masterfully blends authentic radio drama with thoughtful analysis. "Dragnet: The Big Children" not only presents a compelling mystery but also invites listeners to reflect on broader societal issues and the enduring legacy of classic radio programs.

Listener Engagement: Adam Graham encourages listeners to engage by sending comments to Box 13@GreatDetectives.net, following on Twitter @RadioDetectives, and checking out their Instagram page. He also thanks Patreon supporters, highlighting the community's role in sustaining the podcast.

Closing Remarks: Graham signs off by teasing the next episode of Dragnet and upcoming shows like The Adventures of the Falcon, maintaining the engaging and informative tone that characterizes The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio.

For more episodes and detective dramas from the Golden Age of Radio, subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform.