The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Episode: Dragnet – “The Big Cliff” (EP4799)
Air Date: September 11, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

Episode Overview

This episode spotlights a classic Dragnet radio drama, “The Big Cliff,” originally aired June 28, 1951. Detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate the mysterious death of Gertrude Agnes Turner, whose husband discovers her lifeless body at home. The case is filled with ambiguity: was it natural death, suicide, or murder? The episode explores the strain on those left behind, the burden of suspicion, and the painstaking search for truth by the police—emphasizing that real detective work isn’t about assumptions but about evidence and exoneration.

Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

1. Discovery of the Body & Initial Investigation ([04:33–12:17])

• Detectives arrive: Joe Friday and Ben Romero meet an elderly Mr. Turner at the scene (the Blackwell Hotel), who reports finding his wife dead beside their bed.
• Interview with Mr. Turner: He appears devastated and confused, with little information to offer. He insists they had no enemies and lived quietly, recently moved from Indiana.
• Contextual clues: There is a slight bruise on Gertrude’s forehead, but the detectives and coroner rule it out as cause of death.
• Friday reassures:

  "We'll let you know just as soon as we get the coroner's report, sir." – Joe Friday (06:03)

2. Suspicion and Red Flags Emerge ([12:58–16:09])

• Autopsy results: The coroner cannot sign a straightforward death certificate—cause listed as suffocation with unexplained bruises on the neck.
• Rumors from neighbors: Friends report the Turners fought violently at times, and Mr. Turner had previously struck his wife—a detail he initially omits but later admits:

  "I kind of slapped her. I felt like a no good bum. Never once happened again." – Mr. Turner (17:16)

• Motive explored: Police discover Mrs. Turner had multiple life insurance policies, the latest taken out just three weeks before her death, making Turner the beneficiary.

3. Building and Challenging the Case ([19:00–25:35])

• Turner’s interrogation: He’s confronted with evidence—the insurance, the bruises, and inconsistencies in his statements about arguments and friendships.
• Turner’s defense: He maintains innocence, expressing hurt at the insinuation:

  "I didn't kill her. Somebody has to believe that. Somebody." – Mr. Turner (25:00)

• Potential breakthrough: Turner’s sister-in-law, Mrs. Raymond, adamantly advocates for his innocence from Indiana, offering “proof” she will bring.

4. Resolution: The Truth Comes Out ([25:35–28:47])

• Crucial evidence: A neighbor’s son, studying to be a chiropractor, admits to having given Mrs. Turner neck and shoulder manipulations days before her death, which resulted in bruising similar to those noted by the coroner.

• Family revelations: Upon arrival, Mrs. Raymond and Dr. Grant (family doctor from Indiana) disclose that Gertrude Turner suffered from epilepsy, a lifelong secret she hid from her husband. Dr. Grant shows letters and confirms medication had been mailed to her.

  "Your wife was afraid to let you know. She told her sister she was afraid it might break up her marriage." – Joe Friday (27:10)

• Medical explanation: Gertrude likely suffered a fatal seizure alone at night, resulting in suffocation—explaining the observed convulsions and bruises.

5. Exoneration and Emotional Closure ([28:47–29:32])

• Turner released:

  "You're not gonna have a trial, Mr. Turner. We're releasing you." – Joe Friday (26:46)

• Despite an emotional question about the police’s belief in his innocence:

  "In your own heart, you knew that, didn’t you, officer?" – Mr. Turner (28:39) "Yes, sir, I know it." – Joe Friday (28:47)

• Official outcome: The LAPD classifies Gertrude’s death as natural causes; Mr. Turner is fully exonerated.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mr. Turner’s grief:

  "She was ice cold. There was a little bruise up here on her forehead. I thought I was dreaming she was dead." (09:09)

• On insurance as a motive:

  "Mrs. Turner had three different policies... total of $5,000. Mr. Turner’s a beneficiary on all three... the newest policy for $1,000, taken out three weeks ago." (20:04–20:16)

• Joe Friday’s objectivity:

  "They don’t pay us for what we believe, Turner. They pay us to get the facts, to run down evidence." (24:13)

• The reveal on epilepsy:

  "If you die of epilepsy, there’s just no way of telling. Not even by autopsy. Convulsion and suffocation. That’s the only way they can list it." (27:54)

Host Commentary: Adam Graham ([31:16–34:00])

• Graham emphasizes police diligence: The case highlights how proper procedure—investigating exhaustively—can both identify guilt and protect the innocent.
• Insurance comment: Small insurance policies sometimes reflect efforts to avoid medical exams—these were not large sums in today’s money, further diffusing suspicion.
• Purpose:

  "The purpose of the investigation is ultimately to get at the truth, not jump at first conclusions or impressions." – Adam Graham (31:44)

Timestamps for Important Segments

| Segment | Time | |-------------------------------------|----------| | Discovery & initial interview | 04:33–12:17 | | Suspicion mounts, autopsy results | 12:58–16:09 | | Interrogation—insurance & motives | 19:00–25:35 | | Revelations—epilepsy & exoneration | 25:35–29:32 | | Host commentary | 31:16–34:00 |

Conclusion

"The Big Cliff" is a classic Dragnet procedural highlighting the importance of thorough investigation in seeking justice. Despite initial suspicion, even upon the closest familial relationships, sometimes the truth is buried in overlooked medical history, not malicious intent. The episode concludes with heartfelt empathy for those affected and a reminder of the importance of due process over snap judgments.

For listeners: This episode is a masterclass in detective work, compassion, and the thin line between suspicion and truth. It’s not about quick answers but patient, respectful pursuit of facts—a lesson as relevant to policing as to storytelling.