Detailed Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Couple (EP4694)"

Podcast: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Dragnet: The Big Couple (EP4694)
Release Date: May 3, 2025

Overview

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into "Dragnet: The Big Couple," an authentic detective audio drama from the Golden Age of Radio. This episode spotlights a compelling case of fraud orchestrated by a husband and wife duo, showcasing the meticulous investigative techniques of Officer Friday and Sergeant Romero. Graham not only narrates the drama but also provides insightful commentary and engages with listener feedback, enriching the overall experience.

The Dragnet Drama: "The Big Couple"

Introduction to the Case ([02:34]-[04:07])

The episode opens with Officer Friday introducing the case during Crime Prevention Week:

Officer Friday ([02:34]): "Ladies and gentlemen, Crime Prevention Week... is designed for one purpose. To emphasize that crime is your personal enemy."

The narrative sets the stage for a real-life inspired story, emphasizing community cooperation with law enforcement.

Initial Investigation ([04:07]-[09:17])

Officer Friday describes the assignment to investigate a husband and wife confidence team, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Herbert, who have shifted their swindling operations to Los Angeles:

Officer Friday ([04:07]): "My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain McCauley. My name's Friday."

Reverend Olson, the pastor of Holy Gospel Tabernacle, becomes a key witness as he recounts how the Herberts deceived the church into funding a fraudulent history book:

Reverend Olson ([06:33]): "Mr. And Mrs. Tom Herbert... seemed very sincere. Both of them didn't drink, smoke."

Expanding the Investigation ([09:17]-[16:21])

The detectives uncover that the Herberts have a 17-year history of fraud, targeting churches and clergymen across various cities. They track the Herberts' movements, engage with associates like Clyde Harris, and identify patterns in their scams:

Officer Friday ([11:35]): "Mr. And Mrs. Tom Herbert were tried and convicted on several counts of grand theft."

Confrontation and Arrest ([24:25]-[27:35])

The climax of the drama occurs at the Greenwood Apartments and later at the airport, where Officer Friday and Sergeant Romero intercept the Herberts attempting to flee to Mexico City:

Doris Herbert ([24:50]): "I don't like it. It wasn't a clean game. Tom's idea. He made money."

The officers successfully apprehend the couple just before they can escape, leading to their conviction and imprisonment.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Officer Friday ([04:07]):
  "It was Monday, April 20th... when we got to the Holy Gospel Tabernacle."

• Reverend Olson ([06:33]):
  "Mr. And Mrs. Tom Herbert... seemed very sincere. Both of them didn't drink, smoke."

• Doris Herbert ([24:50]):
  "I don't like it. It wasn't a clean game. Tom's idea. He made money."

• Officer Friday ([27:09]):
  "Yes, sir, so have we. Come on, let's go."

Host Commentary and Insights ([29:07]-[39:45])

After the dramatization, Adam Graham provides a thorough analysis of the episode, drawing parallels between the 1950s fraud schemes and contemporary scams:

Analysis of Fraud Techniques

Graham highlights how the Herberts exploited societal fears, particularly the rampant fear of polio, to sell bogus health insurance policies. He notes the timeless nature of such scams, emphasizing their persistence in modern times:

Adam Graham ([29:07]):
"Today, the health insurance scam is particularly salient. The fear of polio in those days was huge for parents, and essentially they played into that as an opportunity to relieve that fear with false hope."

Realism and Authenticity

Graham commends the episode for its authentic portrayal of the 1950s, especially the realistic soundscapes like the exercise class environment:

Adam Graham ([29:07]):
"This series continues to capture so many elements of life in the 1950s due to realism, such as the sound of an exercise class."

Technical Reflections

He critically evaluates the production quality, comparing it to previous episodes and appreciating the nuanced creation of environments that enhance the storytelling.

Listener Feedback and Interaction ([39:45]-[39:45])

Adam Graham engages with listener feedback, showcasing the podcast's active community:

Gratitude and Appreciation

• Ron, Nancy, and Carolyn:
  "Thanks Adam. Keep these programs coming. Our daughter is an author so we understand and appreciate the time and effort you put in on research."

Positive Reception

• YouTube Listener:
  "I love the episodes with small cast like this one. Very intense."

In-Depth Analysis and Condolences

• Caleb from Pennsylvania:
  "My deepest condolences to you and your family... I was listening to the Dragnet episode with the serial killer and it was superb."

Graham thoughtfully responds to Caleb’s analysis, discussing the complexities of linking dramatized cases to real-life crimes and the concept of "corpus delicti":

Adam Graham ([29:07]):
"In essence, when we get to the point of asking, is there corpus delicti? We're asking, is there evidence that a crime actually happened?"

Acknowledgment of Support

Graham thanks his Patreon supporters, fostering a sense of community and appreciation:

Adam Graham ([39:45]):
"Gary's been one of our patreon supporters since August 2016... Thanks so much for your support, Gary."

Conclusion

This episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio not only transports listeners back to the riveting detective dramas of the past but also bridges the gap between historical and modern-day crime-solving techniques. Adam Graham's insightful commentary and active engagement with listeners enrich the experience, making classic mysteries accessible and relevant to today's audience. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to old-time radio fiction, "Dragnet: The Big Couple" offers a compelling blend of suspense, authenticity, and thoughtful reflection.

For more episodes and to subscribe, visit Great Detectives of Old Time Radio.