Dragnet: The Big Late Script (EP4819)

Summary

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The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Dragnet: "The Big Late Script" (EP4819)

Air Date: July 26, 1951 (original); Podcast released October 9, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

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Episode Overview

This episode of Dragnet, "The Big Late Script," dramatizes a tense and procedural case of kidnapping and ransom in 1950s Los Angeles. Detectives Sergeant Joe Friday and Officer Ben Romero investigate the disappearance of businessman Tony Richmond, who is taken from his home by two unidentified men. The episode meticulously follows the detectives' efforts to ensure Richmond's safe return, uncovering clues through interviews, stakeouts, and methodical police work, culminating in the rescue of the victim and the capture of his kidnappers.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Breakdown

The Abduction and Initial Investigation

• Opening Scene (03:33):

  • Joe Friday returns to the homicide office after receiving a call about Tony Richmond's disappearance.
  • Richmond, a garage owner and sports promoter, went missing after answering his door at 9 P.M.
  • Witnesses: His family at home; a neighbor saw him leave with two men, seemingly under duress.
  • Scarce evidence: No clear vehicle description or motive.

• First Ransom Call (06:31):

  • Mrs. Richmond receives a phone call: $20,000 ransom demanded for Tony's safe return.
  • Police explain the priority is Richmond’s safety over immediately catching the criminals.

At the Richmond House – Family Tensions & Police Procedure

• Interview with Mrs. Richmond (08:07):

  • Mrs. Richmond is anxious and distrustful of police involvement, fearing publicity or harm.
  • Detectives insist on cooperation, outline strategy: answer the phone, stall for time, have a male 'relative' (actually Friday) deliver the ransom (12:00).

• Second Ransom Call (12:43):

  • Call comes in; abductor refuses discussion, insists on small bills and threatens to kill Richmond if police are involved.
    • Quote:
      "Don't try stalling, lady. Just listen. Here are the instructions. I'm only going to say them once. $20,000 small bills by tomorrow… Bring the cops in on this or we'll kill your husband tonight." — Kidnapper (13:08)
  • Mrs. Richmond collapses from stress after the call; police doctor helps.

The Waiting Game – No Contact and Frayed Nerves

• Staking Out and Surveillance (14:03–17:00):

  • Detectives maintain stakeouts at home, Richmond’s work, and his banks.

  • Multiple days pass with no further contact, increasing dread among the family and officers.

  • Mr. Wellman (Richmond’s father-in-law) provides a somber reflection on ambition and fate (16:07).

    • Quote:
      "You work hard…get your big checkbook and everything you want. Just look what happens. Poor Tony works night and day for the money. Right now, he's no better off than the guy who’s only worth a dime. They don’t hold beggars for ransom, do they?" — Fred Wellman (17:22)

Twist: The Victim Escapes

• Tony Richmond’s Call Home (18:12):
  • Unexpectedly, a call comes from Tony himself. He escaped his captors at a dairy ranch near Sepulveda after freeing himself.
    • Quote:
      "This is Tony Richmond. Where’s my wife?... I got away... a dairy ranch near Sepulveda... You’re cops? You drive out with a red light on and honk the horn." — Tony Richmond (18:41)
  • Officers follow directions and safely retrieve Tony, confirming his identity.

The Capture of the Abductors

• Stakeout and Arrest (22:30):

  • Tony helps police locate the shack where he was held.
  • Detectives stake out the location. Early next morning, a suspect (Gerald Adams) returns and is apprehended after a brief confrontation.
  • His accomplice later is also arrested.

• Interrogation and Case Closure (25:15):

  • Adams denies involvement, but his partner confesses and implicates him.
  • Forensic evidence links Adams to the crime scene.
    • Quote:
      "There's one thing you didn't show him. Yeah? How to tie a knot." — Sergeant Friday (26:39)
      (on how Richmond’s escape foiled the plan)

• Epilogue (26:51):

  • Both Adams and his partner are tried and sentenced to life in prison for kidnapping for ransom.

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Ransom Risks:
  "You give them $20,000, they'll want $40,000. Give them just one opening, they're gonna run it into the ground. They'll take everything they can get. And you still won't have your husband back."
  — Sergeant Friday, cautioning Mrs. Richmond (08:37)

• On Police Priorities:
  "Our first problem is to get your husband home safe. When we've got that done, we can worry about the abductors."
  — Sergeant Friday (12:04)

• On the Nature of Crime and Fate:
  (Fred Wellman's reflection)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:33 – Detectives introduced to the case, discussion of Richmond's disappearance
• 06:31 – First ransom call
• 08:07 – Interview with Mrs. Richmond and procedural briefing
• 12:43 – Second ransom call, threats escalated
• 14:03 – Police arrange neighborhood and financial stakeouts
• 17:00 – Fred Wellman's philosophical monologue
• 18:12 – Tony Richmond’s call; escape and meeting location arranged
• 22:30 – Richmond’s story; shack location; stakeout begins
• 23:42 – Arrest of Gerald Adams at the shack
• 25:15 – Interrogation and confession of accomplice
• 26:51 – Sentencing and epilogue

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Host Commentary (Adam Graham)

• Reflections on the Case (29:31):
  • Adam notes the mystery was solved not through intricate deduction, but due to the criminal’s incompetence and the victim’s resourcefulness.
  • Discusses the likely origin of the episode title, "The Big Late Script," amusingly speculating it might be a placeholder for a script completed last-minute.
    • Quote:
      "Sometimes you have to work to solve the mystery. Sometimes it kind of solves itself as the kidnapping plan fell apart due to an incompetent accomplice and a resourceful victim." — Adam Graham (29:31)
  • Explains the rigors of radio scriptwriting, especially for a demanding weekly show like Dragnet.

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Listener Feedback

• On a Previous Episode ("The Big Setup"):
  • Commenter Harrison muses about criminals’ lack of professionalism when robbing places with live-in staff.
• YouTube Comments:
  • Sarge714 and Alfred thank Adam for his work and for appropriate content warnings, affirming the importance of context in classic radio dramas.

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Summary and Takeaway

This episode exemplifies Dragnet’s hallmark: a measured, realistic depiction of police work, emphasizing teamwork, procedure, and diligence over flashes of inspiration. The resolution is brought about by both expected police methods and the unexpected survival instincts of the victim, while also offering a stark, down-to-earth reflection on crime and the unpredictable hand of fate.

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Next Dragnet episode airs next Thursday. Tomorrow: Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar.

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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 first, I do want to encourage you. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software and today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You you can support the show on a one time basis by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. And you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month at patreon.greatdetectives.net now from July 26, 1951, here is the Big Light script.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

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 a homicide detail. A well known businessman in your city disappears suddenly from his home. He's seen driving away from the house in the company of two unidentified men. There's no explanation for it. Your job. Find 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.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Was Wednesday, October 10th. It was mild in Los Angeles. We were working the night. Watch out Of Homicide detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Captain Lorman. My name's Friday. I was on the way back from the Record Bureau and it was 10:38pm when I got to room 42, homicide. Hey, Ben Romero.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Back here, Joe.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Captain's office.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Oh, yeah.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Captain Joe. Sit down. Thank you. I got your call. What's it all about?

[Officer Ben Romero]

You're closer to it than I am, Skipper. You want to brief him? It's a man by the name of Tony Richmond. He disappeared from his house tonight, Joe. Looks like it might be foul play.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Tony Richmond. Name sounds a little familiar, doesn't it? Runs a couple of garages around town. Promotes sports events on the side. When you want. Sure. What's the story on him?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Here's the way we got it from Richmond's wife. He was at home tonight. Whole family was sitting in a back room looking at television. Richmond, his wife, two children, his father in law.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Officer Ben Romero]

About 9:00 the doorbell rang. Richmond went to answer it. He hasn't been seen since.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Mrs. Richmond said she thought she heard a little loud talking at the front door and didn't pay any attention to it. When her husband didn't come back, she went to have a look. Front door was wide open. Her husband was gone.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No explanation for it at all.

[Officer Ben Romero]

One of the Richmond's neighbors was sitting.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

By a front window at the time. A Mrs. Sanford. She said she saw Mr. Richmond come down the front steps about that time. One man on either side of him. He got the idea Richmond didn't want to go with him. Was there any description on the two men?

[Officer Ben Romero]

It's incomplete. The neighbor said she wasn't sure. But it looked to her like the two men pushed Richmond in a dark colored sedan and drove off. Not much description on the car either. Joe.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where does that leave us?

[Officer Ben Romero]

We're not positive there's anything wrong yet. There's a possibility it's nothing more than a misunderstanding.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How do you figure?

[Officer Ben Romero]

We got a couple of men out at the Richmond's house. Now, the wife told them that Mr. Richmond had a business appointment at 10 o' clock tonight. She didn't know where or with whom. Could have been with those two men.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

It doesn't sound quite right though, does it? I mean, walking out without even telling his wife? No.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Something else to consider. Wife said that when Richmond went to answer the front door, he was in his shirt sleeves.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Officer Ben Romero]

When the neighbor saw him come down the stairs with the two men, she said he had his coat on. If those Two guys were gonna grab him off. They wouldn't wait for him to get his coat.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah. How's it stand now? Got out a broadcast on it. Description of the two men in the car.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Not an awful lot to go on.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No license number. Anybody in particular who might have had it in for Richmond? Is there anything like that?

[Officer Ben Romero]

No, not that we know of so far. He dressed pretty well. Obviously had money. Wore quite a bit of jewelry.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, what have you got lined up for skipper?

[Officer Ben Romero]

I got Barrett and Tommy Bryant standing by at the Richmond's house now. Still checking around with Richmond's friends, some of his business associates. Nothing so far. Excuse me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Sure.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Homicide. Lorman. Yeah, Tom.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How's that? Uh huh.

[Officer Ben Romero]

When? Yeah, right away. You know what to do. Keep in touch. Right now it takes it out of the guessing stage. That was Brian out at the Richmond house. Mrs. Richmond just got a phone call a few minutes ago.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Man's voice. He told her they were holding her husband.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, what's your pitch?

[Officer Ben Romero]

She wants him back Alive. It'll cost $20,000.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

As in all cases involving abduction, to extort ransom. The investigating police officer is faced immediately with a dozen problems. But first and foremost is the safe return of the victim. When that's accomplished and the danger of death or bodily harm to the victim is removed, the officers then have the freedom to openly hunt down the abductors. But until the time the victim is safely returned, apprehending the criminal suspects remains a secondary consideration. 10:45pm Together with Captain Lorman, Ben and I left the office and drove out to the Richmond's home out in North Hollywood, the scene of the abduction. We parked our car several blocks away and entered the house. From a back street was a large sprawling ranch style home, richly landscape. We went inside and checked with the two men from homicide on duty, Barrett and Brian. They told us that there'd been no more phone calls, anonymous or otherwise. They also told us that so far the victim's wife, Adele Richmond, had been hostile and uncooperative. The abductors had warned her on the telephone about calling in the police. Now she was all for paying a $20,000 ransom and handling the case without the police. While Ben, Tommy, Bryan and Barrett recheck the neighborhood for other possible witnesses to the abduction. Captain Lorman and I went inside and met the victim's wife and the victim's father in law, Fred Wellman. The wife was an attractive brunette in her early 30s.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Don't you understand? I just don't want the policemen here. They can be watching the house right now. They'll kill Tony if they know you're here.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Now, honey, there's no use getting upset like this. It isn't going to do any good.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Your father's right, ma'. Am, I know it's hard on you, but getting all worked up isn't going to help one.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Well, I wish I'd never called you in the first place. I can handle this. I'll pay them the money. I'll pay many things. As long as they bring my husband back safe.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yes, ma', am, that's possible. What makes you think you can trust those men? How do you know you'll get your husband back after you pay the 20,000?

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

That's what they told me. I talked to them on the phone. That's what they promised me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, they promised other people, too, ma'. Am. You give them 20,000, they'll want 40. Give them just one opening, they're gonna run it into the ground. They'll take everything they can get. And you still won't have your husband back.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Well, there's no other way. I have to take the chance. I have to.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

There is another way, Ms. Richmond. That's why we're here.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

What if it gets in the papers? Publicity. Those men are bound to hear about it.

[Officer Ben Romero]

There won't be a line in the newspapers. I promise you that. As far as we're concerned, the only men who'll know about it'll be the officers working the case.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

We'll do everything we can, ma', am, but we're gonna have to have your cooperation.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

I don't know. If anything happens to Tomb, I've got to sit down. I can't even think. I'm so worried.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

That's it, honey.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Here.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

You sit here. I'll get you some coffee. Good, hot cup coffee.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Would you see how the children are, dad? See if they're covered?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Yeah, sure, honey. You just rest. You care for some coffee, officers?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, sir.

[Officer Ben Romero]

No, thank you.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right. Now, about that phone call that you got, Ms. Richmond.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

They told me $20,000. They get it, they'll let Tony go.

[Officer Ben Romero]

What else did they tell you?

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

That's all they had. Tony. And that if I wanted to see him again alive, we'd have to pay $20,000.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What about the arrangements for delivering the money? Did you discuss that at all?

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

No. All he said was get $20,000 in small bills. Said that, too. He said he'd contact me later about delivering the money. Officer, I can't get that much money together tonight.

[Officer Ben Romero]

I don't think you'll have to, ma'.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Am.

[Officer Ben Romero]

I'm pretty sure the abductors know that, too.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Now, how about the voice on the phone, Ms. Richmond? Is there any chance that you might have recognized it?

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

No, I haven't any idea who it was.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Did he give you any hint at all as to about how much time that you'd be allowed to get the money together?

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Well, he said he'd call later on. I got the idea he met later on tonight. He told me he'd have more instructions for me then.

[Officer Ben Romero]

I'd like to ask you once more, Mrs. Richmond. Can you think of anyone who might try something like this on your husband? Maybe somebody who needed money? Who carried a grudge against Mr. Richmond?

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

No one at all. Tony always got along very well in business. He works hard. He works awfully hard. I'm sorry, Officer. I can't help thinking the whole thing would be better all around if I just pay the money and make them let my husband go.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, no, it's just the point, ma', am, like we said. How do you know they're gonna let him go? If they can make $20,000 overnight, it's a good bet they're not gonna let them go that easy. You can't make those kind of deals with them. They'll believe us.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

What can I do if anything.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I brought your coffee, Del.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Good, hot coffee.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I looked in on the children. They were covered. Now, you try some of this coffee now.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Thank you, dad. Well, what are we going to do, officers? We can't just sit here and wait.

[Officer Ben Romero]

There's a few things I'd like to brief you on. To start with, yes, there'll be a couple of our men stationed here at all times. Another thing. Do you have more than one telephone in the house?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Yes, sir, we do. There's one here in the den, one in the kitchen. And we have a plug in extension for the living room.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Fine. The next time the phone rings, you answer it. Mrs. Richmond, one of us will be listening in on the extension.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

The one in the kitchen that'd be closest.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Now, if it's one of your husband's abductors calling you, tell him it's going to take you time to raise the money. Tell him at least two days.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

I suppose they insist, but they say they want it sooner. They could kill my husband tonight.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, they could, ma', am, but I don't think they will. It's a pretty good bet that they've planned on some waiting. Most people don't keep $20,000 around the house. And they know as well, as you do that the banks don't open until 10 o' clock tomorrow morning.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Something else, Mrs. Richmond. Make it clear to them that you won't have any direct hand in the transaction paying the ransom. Tell him you're too sick, you're too upset, and that your brother will take care of everything.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

You mean one of your officers?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yes, ma'.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Am.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Sergeant Friday here can take care of that.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

In Will they believe me? Don't you think they'll get suspicious?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, maybe. But you have to remember, ma', am, suspicious or not, their only interest is in getting the money and then getting away. Our first problem is to get your husband home safe. When we've got that done, we can worry about the abductors.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

I see. All right, Officer. I'll do all I can to help.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Fine, Mrs. Richmond. I think you'll find it's the best way. Joe, you and Romero will be on duty here for the night.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Right.

[Officer Ben Romero]

You'll monitor all the incoming calls. We'll try and get a tracer on him. If you can keep the guy talking on the line long enough, I'll make arrangements for another phone line in here and the use of the neighbor's phone next door.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Okay, Fine. Do you know if the people next door are home now, sir?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Yes, sir, I think they are. Name's Thompson. Almost positive they're home?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, fine.

[Officer Ben Romero]

All right, Mrs. Richmond, you want to take that? Don't pick it up till I tell you. Joe, over here at this extension. Right. Both of you pick up your receivers at the same time. You ready, Joe? Right, Mrs. Richmond. Now. Hello? Is this Mrs. Richmond?

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Yes, this is she.

[Officer Ben Romero]

This call's about your husband, Mrs. Richmond. Here's your instructions about the money. If you want your husband back alive, follow him.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

I want to tell you something. I can't handle this alone.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Don't try stalling, lady. Just listen. Here are the instructions. I'm only going to say them once. 20,000 small bills by tomorrow. Fives, tens and twenties. Bring the cops in on this or we'll kill your husband tonight.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Now remember it.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Get the rest of the instructions tomorrow.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Please listen. Can't my brother help? Hello?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

It's a fast one. Wouldn't even give her a chance to talk.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

What'd you say, Sergeant? What was it?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Let's go back in there, huh?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Did you hear him, Officer? He wouldn't let me talk. Just like the last time. I couldn't even tell him.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes, ma', am, we heard. Now, why don't you sit down right here.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Said not to call the Police said they'd kill him tonight. They'd kill Tony.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Grab her chair.

[Officer Ben Romero]

I got her.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Poor Dell.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right. You want to clear the sofa off?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Yes. Poor Dell's too much for her.

[Officer Ben Romero]

All right. There we go.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah. I think you ought to call your family doctor, sir. Said that it might help her quite a bit. Get her a little rest anyway.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I already did, Sergeant. I could see this coming. I'll get a blanket.

[Officer Ben Romero]

What do you think?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I only want 20,000 by tomorrow. Fives, tens, twenties. Said more instructions coming. Threatened to kill Richmond if we moved in. How'd he sound? Like he meant it. 12:35am Captain Larman and I remained by the phone. The family doctor arrived, gave Mrs. Richmond a sedative and she lay down for a rest in her room. Barrett, Tom, Brian and Ben came back to the house just before 1am they had a few more details on the description of the car used by the abductors which they'd gotten from residents in the neighborhood. The information was relayed to communications and a supplementary broadcast and an APB were gotten out. Ben and I stood watch at the house for the rest of the night. But there were no more calls. In the early morning, stakeouts were set up at the victim's place of business and also at the banks where he maintained his accounts and safety deposit boxes. That night, Ben and I still were at the Richmond place, standing by at the phone. There'd been no contact from the abductors during the day. We waited. Midnight, 3am 6am no word. Another day passed. And then another. Still no contact. No trace of Mr. Richmond or his abductors. Saturday, October 13th. Hope for the victim began to fade. Ben and I stayed on at the Richmond house.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Say, could I get you off, sir? Something to eat, maybe? Nice piece of cold beef in the icebox. Couldn't make you a sandwich?

[Officer Ben Romero]

No.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

No, thank you.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Thank you just the same. How's Mrs. Richmond tonight, sir?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

She feeling any better? My daughter? No, no better. She took a couple of pills the doctor gave her. Trying to get a few winks of sleep. Poor girl.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

There's no use you sitting up with us, sir. If you'd like to get a little sleep yourself.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

No, I'd just as soon sit up. Couldn't sleep anyway. Yeah. Don't suppose either of you would care for a little nip?

[Officer Ben Romero]

No, no.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, thanks.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Guess you wouldn't mind if I had one myself. Seems lately that's the only thing that relaxes.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Then go right ahead.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

You get to be my age, a little bit. Helps now and then. There's some new magazines on the table there. Might help pass the time for you.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Thank you, sir.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Three days now. Not even a word about Tony. What do you really think, officers?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, it's pretty hard to tell, Mr. Wellman. We're doing everything possible to find your son in law. There's not much to go on so far.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Funny thing about Tony, young fella. Ambitious. Look what happens.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yes.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Wouldn't mind if I turn on the radio here, wouldn't you? I'll keep it low.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, she'll go right ahead, sir.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Yeah, It's a funny thing about Tony. Day he married my daughter. I knew he was gonna make it. Bright fella, Tony. Sure been good to me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

That so?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Sure thing. Took me in right after the wife died. I was out of work at the time. Been with him ever since. Attend the garden, kind of clean up things. Tony's always been real good to me. No in law, trouble, nothing like that. Look what happens, young fella. Starts with almost nothing. Builds a good business, family, nice home. Just look what happens.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, there's no need to give up yet, sir. There's a good chance he's still all right.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I don't know. I guess I just got a feeling about it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How do you mean?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

About Tony. He's a fine young man. Things like this, they always happen to the fine young man. You take me, for instance. I wouldn't make money the way Tony does. Build a big business the way he has. I guess that's why I'd never be in the trouble he's in.

[Officer Ben Romero]

I don't think I follow you.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Guess I never wanted it, Sergeant. Couldn't get interested in making money. You break your back like Tony does, you work. You work. You get a big bank account. Get the home, the big car and the swimming pool. You work for it, like Tony did. You work hard, you get your big checkbook and everything you want. Just look what happens. Poor Tony works night and day for the money. Right now, he's no better off than the guy who's only worth a dime. They don't hold beggars for ransom, do they?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Excuse me, sir. I wonder if you have an extra book of matches around. I believe I'm out.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I sure think, Sergeant. I got some in the kitchen. Sure you wouldn't care for little nip?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, sir. No, thanks.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Think I might. Little bit helps now and then, Ben.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah. Wonder what he means by every now and then. You want to grab the extension out in the kitchen.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Right.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What'll I say, huh? Now.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Hello, sunset 1 804-6.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Was Mrs. Richmond there?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

No, not right now. This is her brother talking. Is there any message?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I want to talk to Mrs. Richmond.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, she's not here. You got a message for her?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

What did you say this is?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, this is her brother talking. If you'd like to leave a message for Ms. Richmond, I'll see.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

This isn't her brother talking. I know his voice. Who is this?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, maybe you can tell me who you are.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

This is Tony Richmond. Where's my wife?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Richmond, where are you?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Who is this?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where are you?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I got away from way out in the valley. A dairy ranch near Sepulveda. Are you a cop?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Where can we find you?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

About a mile from Telegraph Avenue. Zippo. A road in the middle of a dairy farm. You're cops. You drive out with a red light on and honk the horn.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

How soon can we meet you?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Half hour. You get out of your car and.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Stand right in front of the headlights.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I'll be watching you. I want to get a good look at you.

[Officer Ben Romero]

All right.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Half an hour.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Something else? I got hold of a gun. Yeah, and if you're not cops, I'll know what to do. You are listening to Dragnet Authentic cases from official police files.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

1:30Am after we got the call from the man who identified himself as the victim of the abduction, Tony Richmond, we put in a call for Captain. We told him about the phone call from the victim, his request for us to pick him up, and also about the conditions he stipulated that we follow. The captain ordered three cruiser cars and a car to pick up Ben and me and take us to the location specified in the phone conversation. 2am with the red light turned on, we pulled up at the approximate location. Indicated was a lonely spot on a lonely road a little more than a mile off the nearest highway. We waited. We didn't know what to expect. It could be that the phone call, supposedly from Tony Richmond, had actually been made by one of the abductors. Could be that it was nothing more than a diversionary action intended to distract our attention while the abductors carried out their plans to obtain the ransom money from the victim's wife and make good their escape. We kept waiting. Ben sounded the horn at frequent intervals. Captain Lorman and myself stood up in front of the car in the glare of the headlights. 10 minutes went by. 15 minutes. Finally, a half a dozen yards down the road, we spotted a man climbing up the side of the drainage ditch and onto the road. He walked slowly toward us into the glare of the headlights. In his right hand he held a gun.

[Officer Ben Romero]

You can put the gun down, mister.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Go to the police. Show me.

[Officer Ben Romero]

There's our car. Here's our identification.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Here you are. Badge ID card.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Thank God. Thank God. Thank God.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

The first thing we did was to notify the victim's wife and family that he'd been found and that he was unharmed. Then we called the office and told them what had happened. We offered to drive Richmond to his home immediately, but he told us that he was all right and in insisted that he show us where the abductors had held him captive. We got in the car and started driving north along a dirt road that led off Sepulveda. On the way, Richmond briefed us on what had happened. He said that he'd been taken at gunpoint at the front door of his home four nights before, forced into a car by two men that he'd failed to recognize, and then driven to an abandoned shack in a deserted area in the San Fernando Valley. The two men had tied him hand and foot, partially stripped him, gagged him and placed him under a floor of the shack and left him there. One of the men returned each day to give him something to eat. That night, Richmond told us that his captor failed to retie his hand securely when the man left. Richmond succeeded in freeing himself from the ropes, made his way to a phone and called his house. Outside of shock and exposure, he seemed to be all right. After pointing out the shack he'd been held captive in and after we'd checked through it, Richmond was taken home in one of the cruiser cars. Ben and I remained on stake out at the shack.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Pretty dark. Can you see the shack all right from here?

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Just about, yeah. Keep an eye peeled on the road, huh?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Want to smoke? Thanks. We waited. Nothing happened. 3am 3:30. No sign of the suspects. 4:35am 5:12am Ben spotted the headlights of a car at least a mile down the road. We watched them come toward us. When it got close enough, we saw it was a dark colored late model sedan. It fitted the description of the abductor's car perfectly. It swung off the dirt road and pulled to a stop near the shack. One man got out. All right, let's go. All right, Mr. Police Officers. Hold it right there. Down, Joe. See him, Ben?

[Officer Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I ducked behind his car. All right, throw out your gun.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Not giving back.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

You got some good cover, Joe.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Now, let's go. Come on. Move in. Easy.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

All right.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

All right. Here's my gun. Out from behind the car. Hands behind your head.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Cover me.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Joe, I'll shake him down. Right. Hold it right there.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Okay, Joe.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

He's clean. All right. Hands behind you.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Sure like to play it safe, don't you? Handcuffs. They work pretty good, mister.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Much better than rope. We called the office. A relief team came out to replace us on stakeout. And we took the suspect downtown to the interrogation room. He was checked through R and I and identified as Gerald Adams, a one time loser. Together with Barrett and Brian. We questioned the suspect for three hours. He refused to admit that he had any part in the abduction of Tony Richmond. We gave up for the time being, took him to the main jail, where he was booked on suspicion of kidnapping. A little after 11am, Gerald Adams partner, showed up out at the shack in the Valley. He was taken into custody, was brought downtown, confronted with the evidence against him, and he gave us a full statement admitting his guilt. Late that afternoon, we went back to the main jail, signed out Adams for investigation and brought him back to the interrogation room. Have a seat, Adams.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

What is it this time? Same as before, Adams. What do you say? You gonna tell us about it?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I told you my story this morning, mister.

[Officer Ben Romero]

You got it all.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Thought maybe you'd like to know. We picked up your partner. He gave us a signed statement. Here's a copy of it.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Have a look down in black and white. Your partner says you were in it.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

With him all the way. What'd you say, Adam? Doesn't mean anything to me. He probably forced it out of him. Well, that's not what he says. He blames the whole thing on you. Says you set up the deal. You gave the orders. You made the phone calls for the ransom money. Says that's the way he's gonna tell it in court.

[Officer Ben Romero]

He's gonna need a lot of proof. He gave it to us. He showed us your apartment. Couple of ransom notes you'd written.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Showed us the typewriter you wrote them on.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Showed us.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Showed us the clothes you wore the.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Night you grabbed Mr. Richmond.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

He's a liar. Not according to our crime lab, he's not. They checked over the clothes. Found particles of dirt and pollen in the trouser cuffs. They match up with samples we took from that field out by the shack.

[Officer Ben Romero]

It ain't true. None of it's true.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

You guy's a liar. Well, there's his statement, Adam. It's all there. If you got any corrections in the story, now's the time to make them. Adams.

[Officer Ben Romero]

There's only one thing I want to know.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Yeah?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

How'd it happen?

[Officer Ben Romero]

How'd you get a line on us.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Richmond got away from the shack. We staked out on it till you came along. Doesn't figure.

[Officer Ben Romero]

He couldn't have gotten away.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I had it all worked out.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Your partner didn't.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

I showed him just what to do.

[Officer Ben Romero]

How to handle a thing.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

I showed him where to hide.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Richmond couldn't have goofed up. I showed him the whole routine.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, there's one thing you didn't show him. Yeah? How to tie a knot.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. On December 18, trial was held in Superior Court Department 87, City and County of Los Angeles, State of California. In a moment, the results of that trial. Gerald Adams and his accomplice in the abduction of Tony Richmond were tried and convicted in Superior Court of kidnapping. The state penal code stipulates that kidnapping for the purpose of extorting money is punishable either by death or by imprisonment in the state penitentiary from 25 years to life. Both Adams and his partner are now serving life terms in the state penitentiary, Folsom, California. Ladies and gentlemen, one of the first contributions to the special $5 million Red Cross flood relief appeal was $2.07 in pennies and nickels from two 9 year old playmates in Kansas City, Missouri. Stepping up to the reception desk in the Kansas City Red Cross chapter, the pair proudly offered their earnings gained from touring neighborhood streets, reciting and singing nursery rhymes. The money the Red Cross provides for rebuilding a house or refurnishing it or for helping a family find the means to help itself will be given outright, not lent. These were the words of President Truman in asking the American public to contribute at least $5 million to the Red Cross to aid the disaster stricken people of Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and Illinois. Won't you help through your local Red Cross chap? You have just heard Dragnet. A series of authentic cases from official files. Technical advice comes from the office of Chief of Police W.H. parker, Los Angeles Police Department. Stay tuned for counterspy next over NBC.

[Commercial Announcer]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. Sometimes you have to work to solve the mystery. Sometimes it kind of solves itself as the kidney napping plan fell apart due to an incompetent accomplice and a resourceful victim. I will admit to some ignorance about the origin of this title, whether it was a fan title or whether it was something official. If it's not a fan title, it does suggest the script may have come in behind schedule, leaving no time to think of an actual title. And there's another episode with a similar title, the Big Almost no script and no script would be a problem for a detective program, particularly Dragnet. One doesn't improv Dragnet, but I think we may never appreciate how hard it was for radio writers to turn out scripts week after week on programs that didn't take breaks, and then to have those scripts be of as high quality as what we enjoy on most of these programs. It's an incredible amount of writing and rewriting, usually down to one one or two writers alright, well, listener comments and feedback now Harrison writes. I feel, and this is regarding the big setup. I feel if you're going to go through the trouble of staking out places to rob, then you should probably skip the ones with Live In Maids. But who am I to critique criminals supposedly at the top of their profession? I hear you, Harrison, and I would tend to think so as well, though I do hate to tell anyone their business and I think it is fair to say based on the number of burglaries that they pulled off with very high value items being stolen, they were probably at the top of their profession. But sometimes there are holes in your processes and sometimes you have success and that makes you cocky and you make mistakes as a result of that. We can't really say for sure what happened here, but I suspect one of those two. And then we have a couple of comments on YouTube regarding the big love. Sarge714 writes, hello Adam, thank you for bringing us this episode of Dragnet. And Alfred writes thanks for the PSA at the beginning. Thanks Alfred. As I said at the beginning, I don't want to overuse trigger warnings or things of that sort, but when the series itself when it was originally broadcast had a warning that probably a good idea to pass that along and affirm that. All right, well now it is time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to thank Real Udon Noodle patreon Supporter since December 2024, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support and that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using 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. We will be back next Thursday with another episode of Dragnet. But join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Dollar. Where?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Johnny Dollar, this is Barry Winters at Masters Insurance and Trust.

[Officer Ben Romero]

Oh, hi, Barry. It's been years.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Sure, Johnny. Because we don't usually have trouble with our accounts.

[Officer Ben Romero]

You mean you didn't, huh?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

Until now? Well, yeah, I'm afraid that's about the size of it. And this time it's bad trouble. Tell me all. Simplex Tackle Company, Johnny, over in Danbury.

[Mrs. Adele Richmond]

Fishing tackle?

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

That's right. Oh, how come I never heard of them? Well, they're a small outfit, a kind of glorified partnership. What's that mean? It's owned by nine men. One of them, Hanley Thomas, is president. The others are secretary, treasurer and a flock of vice presidents. So what's happened? The nine of them plus the 20 or 30 workers at the plant are all covered by a group life insurance deal. And listen. Yeah, We've just had to pay off on three policies in a row.

[Sergeant Joe Friday]

Well, that's too bad.

[Narrator / Captain Lorman]

But why call on me? Because, Johnny, why? Those three deaths were all murders.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13reatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter @radio2tactus and Twitter. Check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Commercial Announcer]

Time is precious and so are our pets. So time with our pets is extra precious. That's why we started Dutch. Dutch provides 24. 7 access to licensed vets with unlimited virtual visits and follow ups for up to five pets. You can message a vet at any time time and schedule a video visit the same day. Our vets can even prescribe medication for many ailments and shipping is always free. With Dutch, you'll get more time with your pets and year round peace of mind when it comes to their vet care.