Dragnet: The Big Meet (EP4574)

Summary

Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Meet (EP4574)"

Podcast Title: The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Dragnet: The Big Meet (EP4574)
Release Date: December 14, 2024

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Introduction

In this gripping episode of Dragnet, brought to life by The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, listeners are thrust into the high-stakes world of narcotics detection in 1950s Los Angeles. Hosted by Adam Graham, the episode meticulously transcribes an authentic case, showcasing the relentless pursuit of justice by dedicated police officers Joe Friday and Ben Romero.

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Plot Summary

Setting the Scene

The story begins on a sultry June day in Los Angeles, where Sergeant Joe Friday and Detective Ben Romero are assigned to monitor a known narcotics hotspot—the Charing Cross Apartments on 12th Street. Their mission is to intercept a significant heroin deal orchestrated by the seasoned trafficker, Howard Scully.

The Approach

As days pass with little activity, frustration mounts for the detectives until a break arrives when May Washburn, an acquaintance linked to Scully, approaches them. Recognizing her as a potential conduit to Scully, Friday and Romero seize the opportunity to set a trap.

Undercover Operation

To outmaneuver Scully, Joe Friday devises an undercover plan where he adopts the persona of "McMillan." With limited funds, Friday creatively gathers the necessary money by rallying support from his superiors and colleagues, showcasing the resourcefulness required in covert operations.

The Big Meet

Undercover as McMillan, Friday meets Scully and his partner, Jim Rhodes, at a secluded location. The tension escalates as Scully and Rhodes attempt to hijack the deal, suspecting Joe's true identity. A dramatic standoff ensues, culminating in the arrest of Scully, Rhodes, and their accomplices after a strategic intervention by the narcotics team.

Aftermath and Conviction

The episode concludes with the successful prosecution of the criminals, emphasizing the meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment of the police force in combating narcotics crime.

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Key Characters

• Joe Friday (Ben Romero): A disciplined and methodical detective, Friday embodies integrity and perseverance in his pursuit of criminals.

• Ben Romero (Ben Romero): Friday's dependable partner, offering support and strategic insights throughout the investigation.

• Howard Scully (Howard Scully): A cunning narcotics dealer with extensive knowledge of the trade, presenting significant challenges to the detectives.

• May Washburn (May Washburn): An associate of Scully, whose interactions with the detectives provide crucial leads in the case.

• Jim Rhodes (Jim Rhodes): Scully's partner, involved in the attempted hijack during the deal.

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Notable Quotes

• Joe Friday: "Was Wednesday, June 24th was sultry in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out on narcotics." ([03:35])

• Howard Scully: "You bring the money, we'll bring the merchandise." ([16:05])

• Joe Friday: "You're a fuzz. You're a. You're a lousy fuzzy. I know. I should have fanned him again." ([25:37])

• Adam Graham (Host): "This one in particular is just brilliant because Friday is operating in a very high-risk situation and is able to manipulate the criminals and overcome their carefully well-thought-out precautions." ([28:46])

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Insights and Themes

Undercover Tactics and Risk

The episode highlights the intricate strategies employed by law enforcement to infiltrate and dismantle narcotics operations. Joe Friday's undercover role as McMillan underscores the personal risks detectives take to ensure public safety.

Resourcefulness in Law Enforcement

Facing financial constraints, Friday's ability to marshal funds from his team demonstrates the collective effort and ingenuity often required in police work, especially during the Golden Age of Radio.

Psychological Manipulation and Deception

Scully's attempts to unmask Friday reveal the psychological chess game between criminals and law enforcement. The delicate balance of maintaining cover while gathering evidence is a recurring theme.

Justice and Consequences

The successful arrest and conviction of Scully and his cohorts reinforce the podcast's dedication to portraying law enforcement triumphs, emphasizing the rule of law and the consequences of criminal activities.

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Host Commentary

Adam Graham provides a thoughtful analysis of the episode, expressing admiration for the nuanced portrayal of undercover operations:

"The whole subgenre of Dragnet episodes where Joe Friday goes undercover to make narcotics buy is one I really enjoy. But this one in particular is just brilliant because Friday is operating in a very high-risk situation and is able to manipulate the criminals and overcome their carefully well thought out precautions." ([28:16])

He further commends Friday’s ability to handle nerve-wracking situations with finesse:

"It's such a ticklish operation. But he manages to make it work out by never breaking character and always making subtle moves in a way that the bad guys weren't going to get suspicious about." ([28:40])

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Listener Engagement and Q&A

The episode concludes with Adam Graham addressing a listener's query regarding the missing episodes of the original Dragnet TV series. He explains the reasons behind the loss, attributing it to syndication practices and the overshadowing success of the 1960s series, which led to the neglect of the earlier episodes. Graham emphasizes the challenges in preserving such content, highlighting issues like copyright renewals and the lack of commercial viability that hinder comprehensive archival efforts.

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Conclusion

"The Big Meet" serves as a quintessential Dragnet episode, skillfully blending suspense, meticulous detective work, and authentic character interactions. Through the detailed narrative and insightful commentary, Adam Graham not only entertains but also educates listeners about the complexities of narcotics investigations during the Golden Age of Radio. This episode stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of classic radio detective dramas and their relevance in today’s storytelling landscape.

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Stay Tuned: Join us next Saturday for another riveting episode of Dragnet, and be sure to subscribe to The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio on your favorite podcast platform. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

Transcript

[Joe Friday]

Lights are going up.

[Ben Romero]

Snow is falling down.

[Joe Friday]

There's a feeling of goodwill around town. It could only mean one thing. McRib is here. People throwing parties, ugly sweaters everywhere, stockings.

[Ben Romero]

Hung up by the chimney with care.

[Joe Friday]

It could only mean one thing. McRib is here at participatingmcd for a limited time.

[Narrator]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. But then somebody in the elevator says, happy Friday. Then you check your phone quickly and discover today is actually Friday. So yes, Happy Friday. Random stranger in the elevator. Happy Friday indeed. Yep, switching and saving with GEICO feels just like that. Get more with geico.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Kalispell, Montana. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. But before we get started, I do want to let you know that today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. And you can become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month by going to patreon.greatdetives.net but now, from October 26, 1950, here's the big mate.

[Howard Scully]

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.

[Ben Romero]

You're a detective sergeant.

[Howard Scully]

You're assigned to narcotics detail. A gang of veteran dope peddlers moves into your they offer $100,000 worth of heroin for sale. They make their contacts. They're ready to do business.

[Ben Romero]

Your job Stop them. 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 from beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

Was Wednesday, June 24th was sultry in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out on narcotics. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Thad Brown, Chief of detectives. My Name's Friday was 9:27am When I got to the Charing Cross Apartments on 12th Street, a side entrance.

[Ben Romero]

Hi.

[Joe Friday]

Hi. Anything doing?

[Ben Romero]

Nothing.

[Joe Friday]

How's the bug working?

[Ben Romero]

Better. One of the fellows in the crime lab came out and fixed it last night. Went next door and replaced the microphone. I'm getting real sour on this detail, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Well, here, let me take over for a while, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, you bet you. Here. My ears feel like a couple of baked cauliflowers. Two solid weeks hold up in this place with a pair of earphones on. Yeah, what do we got to show for it? That woman next door hasn't even mentioned narcotics in two weeks. All she does is eat, sleep and play solitaire. Goes out for groceries once in a while.

[Joe Friday]

Hold it. Somebody ringing the buzzer next door.

[Ben Romero]

First visitor in a week.

[Joe Friday]

Y. Just a minute.

[May Washburn]

Yes?

[Howard Scully]

Your name is May Wash?

[May Washburn]

That's right. What is it?

[Howard Scully]

I talked to a friend of yours. George. Thought it might be a good idea if I looked you up.

[May Washburn]

What do you want to see me about?

[Howard Scully]

Well, it's business. Ms. Washburn, could we. Could we talk inside?

[May Washburn]

All right. Come on in.

[Ben Romero]

Let me plug in these earphones. You?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, go ahead.

[Howard Scully]

I'd like to introduce myself, Ms. Washman. My name's Howard Scully. You and George were former associates, I understand.

[May Washburn]

We worked together a little. What can I do for you?

[Howard Scully]

Well, George and I are old friends. We were in business in Hong Kong before the war. He's a nice fellow, George.

[May Washburn]

No, I have a date downtown in half an hour. I don't have much time to talk.

[Howard Scully]

Sorry. I didn't realize you're in such a hurry. I'll get right to point.

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[Howard Scully]

My business partners and I just came up from Mexicali a few days ago, and we have some merchandise that's ready for the market. It's good quality.

[May Washburn]

That's what I hear.

[Howard Scully]

I contacted George, thinking he might introduce me to some prospective buyers. Said he didn't want to handle any merchandise at this time.

[May Washburn]

Why not?

[Howard Scully]

Oh, it's something about the police seem to be watching him. He just didn't want to take any part in any business venture.

[May Washburn]

George gave you a bum steer sending it to me. I can't help it.

[Howard Scully]

Well, you haven't heard my proposal.

[May Washburn]

I don't have to hear it. Count me out. I don't fool around with junk, any of it. It's a tough rap out here.

[Howard Scully]

Well, if you'll just listen to my proposition, Ms. Fortner, I'm not. Please. I'm not asking you to be involved. Perfectly safe and legitimate transaction in mind. You'll be well paid for your time and effort with no risk whatsoever.

[May Washburn]

Yeah, I know. All you big connections make it sound good.

[Howard Scully]

Judge tells me you're acquainted with the right kind of people. People with money hands. The kind of people my partners and I want to meet. Now, all I'm asking you to do is introduce me to a few such persons for our mutual benefit. And then you just leave the rest to me.

[May Washburn]

It's still too much. If I gave you an office to a buyer and you were caught, they'd get me for conspiracy.

[Howard Scully]

No, there's nothing.

[May Washburn]

I've seen too much of it. So it's no sale.

[Howard Scully]

Well, you just have to believe me, Ms. Washman, no one's going to be caught. Now, we work in an entirely different manner. The police haven't any idea of our method of operation. We've tested it in six big cities in the orientation, and not once did it fail us. And I tell you, it's not gonna fail us here.

[May Washburn]

It's your story.

[Howard Scully]

Well, it's both.

[May Washburn]

I'm not chancing a rap to prove you're wrong. Well, here, do you want a cigarette?

[Howard Scully]

Yes, thank you. All right. That's right.

[May Washburn]

Thanks.

[Howard Scully]

Now, I'm only asking one thing, Ms. Warston. An introduction to the right party, and that's all. Now, you know my reputation. I'll make it well with your wife. If the connection is right, you can live on your take for the rest of the year.

[May Washburn]

I don't have many friends, just a few. It's not guaranteed for my payoff.

[Howard Scully]

Well, I can deposit the money with George. He'll hold it until the deal is made. Be real rich. Ms. Washburn. Come on, what do you say?

[May Washburn]

An introduction, that's all.

[Howard Scully]

That's all we'll need. Our product speaks for itself.

[May Washburn]

I know a fellow out in Hollywood. His name's McMillan. I can call him, tell him to meet you.

[Howard Scully]

I'll be fine.

[May Washburn]

Josie, I'm not going to introduce you.

[Howard Scully]

No, that won't.

[May Washburn]

I'll set up a meet for you, that's all.

[Howard Scully]

All right. That's all we ask. Do you have this Mr. McMillan?

[May Washburn]

McMillan.

[Howard Scully]

You have him meet me tonight?

[May Washburn]

I think so.

[Howard Scully]

Yeah, that's fine. Now, tonight at 11:30, I'll be at the corner of 7th and Alameda. Now, remember this. Yeah. Corner of 7th and Alameda at 11:30 exactly. I'll have on a gray coat and I'll be carrying a book. Now, McMillan shouldn't have any trouble recognizing me. Just tell him to walk right up to me, put out his hand and say, my name's McMillan. That's all. I'll know if he's the right party. My name's McMillan. That's all he has to say.

[May Washburn]

All right, I've got it. I'll pass it on.

[Ben Romero]

Fine.

[Howard Scully]

Well, I'll make arrangements with George as soon as possible to take care of your fee. Thank you very much, Ms. Washburn.

[May Washburn]

Not at all. Just don't be too sure of yourself. The fuzz in this town could smell a by three miles away.

[Howard Scully]

You'll take care of the police, Miss Washburn? Her system should teach them a few lessons. Well, goodbye, Ms. Washburn. Thanks very much.

[May Washburn]

Yeah. Don't. Don't come here after this. Call me on the phone.

[Ben Romero]

Jill.

[Joe Friday]

Wait a minute. She's going for the phone. Come on.

[May Washburn]

Just a minute.

[Joe Friday]

Try the door.

[Ben Romero]

It's locked.

[May Washburn]

What do you want?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers.

[Ben Romero]

All right.

[May Washburn]

What's the pitch?

[Joe Friday]

Like to talk to you downtown.

[Ben Romero]

About what?

[Joe Friday]

Howard Scully.

[May Washburn]

What about him?

[Ben Romero]

We know why he was here. Get your coat, please.

[May Washburn]

I haven't done anything.

[Joe Friday]

Come on, lady. Let's go.

[May Washburn]

I told Scully I didn't want in. He made the proposition. But I didn't buy it. You know that. I didn't buy a word of it.

[Joe Friday]

We did. Before the suspect was taken downtown, we informed her landlady to tell anyone that she'd be out of town for a week. That information was to be passed on to any of her friends or business acquaintances who might try to contact her. After that, we took May Washburn back to the office. After being questioned thoroughly, she was detained for further investigation. At 2pm Ben and I met with Captain Kearney, Central Narcotics, and Inspector Virgil Beckner, State Narcotics, Southern Division.

[Ben Romero]

Hundred thousand dollar buy. Is that what they have in mind? That's the word around town, skipper. Washburn girl told us the same thing. The Washburn woman was approached for an office, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, that's right, Beck. She was ready to go when we picked her up. Pusher's Howard Scully. You remember him?

[Ben Romero]

About nine years ago, wasn't it? The Tijuana deal?

[Joe Friday]

Eight or nine years. Yeah. That big heroin by. They tagged everyone in the gang but Scully.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, he's no amateur. He's got every narcotic law in the book memorized. He sets the deals, takes the gravy, but he never gets tagged. How about the federal narcotics men?

[Joe Friday]

Romero?

[Ben Romero]

They've been briefed on this deal. I called Harry Stone over there this morning. They've been following it, too. Said he'd be over this afternoon. The setup of this macmillan guy. What do you think, Captain? Clear sailing there, Beck. As far as I can see. Scully set up to meet with May Washburn. Ben and Joe grabbed her before she could contact McMillan. Unless Scully's got a Ouija board, he still must figure everything's jake. Then we could have a man meet with Scully tonight and pass himself off as McMillan.

[Joe Friday]

There shouldn't be too much trouble. From the way he talks, Scully's never seen McMillan, has no idea what he looks like. It's just a guess.

[Ben Romero]

Neither one of you are known to Scully, are you?

[Joe Friday]

I never met him or his friends.

[Ben Romero]

I worked that case last February when we grabbed Ray Marduk. He used to be a mule for Scully. That's as close as I've been. I'm afraid that's too close. You know how many hype friends Murdoch has in this town? If any of them spot you and pass the word, the Scully, the whole deal is choked off. Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Hmm?

[Ben Romero]

You think you could pass yourself off as McMullen for a couple of days?

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to give it a try back. What do you think? Good.

[Ben Romero]

With me, we can help with the tailing. Only one possible hitch I can see.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

We're not positive this guy McMillan's a total stranger to Scully. Sure sounded like it, didn't it, Joe? The way Scully and the watchman girl were talking, it's possible Scully might have seen a picture of McMillan. Maybe he knows something about his background, his habits, how he does business.

[Joe Friday]

That's possible, yeah.

[Ben Romero]

Suppose Scully starts asking you questions, Joe. How are you going to cover?

[Joe Friday]

Well, we can talk to the Washburn girl again. She might brief us.

[Ben Romero]

Now, if we needed the guy's life history, let's pick it up firsthand. How do you mean, Cap? McMillan.

[Joe Friday]

Late that afternoon, Stanley McMillan was located at a small restaurant out in the valley and quietly placed under arrest. He was booked at one of the outlying stations on suspicion of violating the State Narcotics Act. We questioned him and got all the necessary information on his background that we needed. He told us that he had never seen or had any dealings before with Howard Scully. 7:30pm, I went home, changed my clothes, put away my gun, ID card and the rest of my identification. An hour later, I checked in at a small hotel near 5th and Main streets. 11:15pm, I left the hotel and started for 7th and Alameda streets, where the scheduled meet with Howard Scully was to take place. As in most cases, there was one all important rule that I had to work by if the suspects were to be arrested and successfully prosecuted. We had to get them with narcotics in their possession or under their control. And one of the first things that the working detective learns is that dealers such as Scully rarely do the Actual handling of narcotics except at the actual moment of sale. If the officer fails to make an arrest at that moment, the odds are stacked heavily against the conviction of the narcotics criminal. 11:30pm I got to the corner of 7th and Alameda streets. I walked up to a man standing by a lamppost with short, heavily built, dark hair, dark eyes and a small scar on his chin. He had on a gray coat, and he carried a book under one arm. I put out my hand.

[Howard Scully]

Yes?

[Joe Friday]

My name's McMillan.

[Howard Scully]

Oh, glad to know you, Mr. McMillan. My name is Scully.

[Joe Friday]

Why?

[Howard Scully]

I understand we have mutual friends. Is that correct?

[Joe Friday]

That's what I'm told.

[Howard Scully]

You're from Louisiana originally? New Orleans.

[Joe Friday]

No.

[Howard Scully]

Oh. So I thought you were from Louisiana.

[Joe Friday]

Missouri. St. Louis.

[Howard Scully]

Oh, I see. I suppose we go for a drive.

[Joe Friday]

My hotel is down on Fifth. We could talk there.

[Howard Scully]

Oh, I think my car would be better.

[Ben Romero]

When?

[Joe Friday]

I can't afford to waste time. I got customers waiting.

[Howard Scully]

You can believe me, this won't be a waste of time. Prepared to do business?

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's go.

[Ben Romero]

Fine.

[Howard Scully]

No, go ahead, M. Thanks. Now, will you raise that handle on the other side so I can get in?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure.

[Howard Scully]

Fine. Thank you. You can't be too careful in L I hear.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right. There's a lot of heat.

[Howard Scully]

Oh, I hope none of it's on you.

[Joe Friday]

Don't worry, I'm clean.

[Howard Scully]

No tumbles.

[Joe Friday]

But I'd be here if there were. I got customers to protect. Good customers.

[Ben Romero]

Fine.

[Howard Scully]

You know, maybe we can do business. How much can you handle?

[Joe Friday]

How much you got?

[Howard Scully]

How about 10,000 worth? Standard rate, Full measure. Hardly cut it off.

[Joe Friday]

Sounds fair. We drove three more blocks, and then Scully pulled the car to a stop underneath a row of spreading palm trees on a deserted street. He pulled the emergency brake on. Then he turned to me, clamped my arms to my sides and shook me down. What's the pitch here? What's the idea?

[Howard Scully]

No offense, McMillan. Simple precaution in case you had a gun.

[Joe Friday]

What do you take me for, mister? I'm not used to doing business this way. That might go real great in east, but it's nothing out here.

[Howard Scully]

I said no offense. This is a hot town. You could be a fuzz. You can't be too careful. You know that.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, well, you don't have to pull that careful stuff with me. Who set up this meet, anyway?

[Ben Romero]

May Wash. All right.

[Joe Friday]

If you can't trust her, you can't trust me. Now, maybe I'm not in the mood for business.

[Howard Scully]

Come on. Take it easy, Mac. They work this right and we both got a good deal.

[Joe Friday]

Let's get to the point. Where's this stuff?

[Howard Scully]

You bring the money, we'll bring the merchandise.

[Joe Friday]

Wait a minute. The car that pulled up behind us. Let's get out of here.

[Howard Scully]

You're nervous, Mac. Relax. That's my partner. Come on, I'll introduce you.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Howard Scully]

Hi, Jim. Jim, this is McMillan. Mac, this is my partner, Jim Rhodes.

[Joe Friday]

Ray.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Do we do business, Howard? Yeah.

[Howard Scully]

He's all right, Jim. He's ready to score.

[Ben Romero]

How much does he want?

[Howard Scully]

Whole bundle. Start with 10 G's with.

[Ben Romero]

Can you handle that, McMillan?

[Joe Friday]

I'd say so. If I couldn't, I don't give it away.

[Ben Romero]

You get the money. You get the stuff.

[Joe Friday]

When?

[Ben Romero]

10 G's worth. Tonight. Rest next week, midnight.

[Joe Friday]

Now what do you expect me to do? Bring the money with me.

[Ben Romero]

Howard will pick you up at 3am Same corner?

[Howard Scully]

Sure.

[Joe Friday]

Well, that doesn't give me much time, does it?

[Ben Romero]

It's enough time if you're really looking. If you're just shopping, we'll forget about it right now.

[Joe Friday]

A lot of my customers live out of town.

[Ben Romero]

That's interesting.

[Joe Friday]

Ten grand is no geezer. Suppose I can't get all the money together?

[Ben Romero]

Then don't show up. All or nothing. You are listening to Dragnet authentic stories of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

June 25th. Thursday, 12:30am I had two and a half hours to raise $10,000. The narcotics dealers, Howard Scully and his partner, Jim Rhodes, had laid it out for me. Either I had the money by 3am or there was no deal. If it failed to come off, our plan to trap the narcotics gang would be worth nothing. Rhodes and Scully could possibly find another buyer without our knowledge, make a deal and flood the market with their store of narcotics. I knew it'd be impossible to get the $10,000 together. We had only one alternative. Fake our way as best we could. I went back to the hotel, put a call through to Captain Kearney at the office and told him what had happened. He went to work on it. From the Narcotic Details emergency fund set up for such purposes, we got together $600 from Chief of Detectives Thad Brown, Deputy Chief, White, State Narcotics Bureau and anyone else available by phone. We succeeded in rounding up another $350. 2:30am the money was tied in two small bundles with hundreds, 50s and 20s on top. One dollar bills were sandwiched in between. The two bundles were placed in a briefcase and delivered to me at the hotel on Fifth Street. A gun was also in the briefcase. I took it out, put it in my pocket, closed the briefcase. 2:45am I left the hotel with the money and started for the big meet. 3:00am 7th and Alameda.

[Howard Scully]

Macmillan. Scully, we're down this way. You have the money?

[Joe Friday]

Well, your pal said all or nothing. I got it.

[Howard Scully]

Let's have a look.

[Joe Friday]

How about the merchandise?

[Howard Scully]

We can check in the car. It's right down here.

[Joe Friday]

Roads.

[Ben Romero]

Hi. Got the money?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right. I got the money. Now, how about a look at this stuff? I'd like to know what I'm buying.

[Ben Romero]

We can stop on the way for a sample. Okay. Howard. Care for some? McMullen, what do you got? Cashew nuts. Have some.

[Joe Friday]

Mm. Thank you.

[Ben Romero]

There's lots of heat in this town. Crops as thick as flies.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right.

[Ben Romero]

Rough time.

[Joe Friday]

I gotta be careful.

[Ben Romero]

What's the reason anyway? When to start?

[Joe Friday]

About six weeks ago. Bulls tagged some high school kids. Half done them, huh?

[Howard Scully]

How far?

[Joe Friday]

Well, they were regular hypes. Just punks. 18 year olds. A couple of them were 17.

[Ben Romero]

Young squirts.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, and the heat's gonna get worse. One of the punks cashed in yesterday. Read it in the paper. Overdose.

[Howard Scully]

Not gonna help business.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'll tell you one thing. I'm playing close. I got good, and I'm not going to risk my neck.

[Ben Romero]

How much stuff you think you can handle a month? Macmillan.

[Joe Friday]

No, thanks. No more. Oh, I got about 30 mainliners. They're regular and they're sure, eight, ten ounces a week. But they like good stuff. No alley hype. Junk.

[Ben Romero]

Howard must have told you. It's all we handle. Good stuff. If it goes right, we could make it a permanent connection with you.

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to see what you're offering first.

[Ben Romero]

We'll have a good look. All right, Howard, you know where to pull up?

[Howard Scully]

Yeah.

[Ben Romero]

You stand a karmic mountain.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. All right, Mac, you can go.

[Joe Friday]

Yep.

[Ben Romero]

There you go. Some of the best white stuff you've seen in a long time. Satisfy yourself.

[Joe Friday]

Okay.

[Howard Scully]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Okay. It's standard.

[Howard Scully]

It's all good. Not just that sample.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, I'll go.

[Howard Scully]

Okay. Now, how about the money?

[Joe Friday]

All right. Have a look. There you are. One stack, two stacks. Hundreds, twenties, tens, a few fives in there. It's ten grand. Satisfied?

[Howard Scully]

Okay, Jim.

[Ben Romero]

Right.

[Howard Scully]

Oh, excuse me, Mac. Just a minute. I'm just checking.

[Joe Friday]

What do you think you're doing? Get your lousy hands off of me.

[Ben Romero]

Now.

[Howard Scully]

No offense. McMillan needs a simple precaution.

[Joe Friday]

Precaution's nothing. We're doing business, aren't we? You shook me down once tonight. Now how many times it gonna take you?

[Ben Romero]

No offense, Mackie. It's a checking, that's all.

[Joe Friday]

All right, then. Suppose I fan you two down. I got the dough. How do I know this isn't a hijack deal? Now, come on. This business works both ways. Either we have a deal or we don't. We play ball on both sides or not at all. I'm getting sick and tired of taking second place.

[Ben Romero]

Okay, Mac, okay. Take it easy. Forget it, Howard. Let's all go back to the car.

[Howard Scully]

Sure. I'm sorry, Mac.

[Ben Romero]

No offense. Okay, let's close the deal.

[Joe Friday]

Where are we going to go?

[Ben Romero]

Don't worry. It's a safe place. Okay, Howard.

[Joe Friday]

3:35Am in another hour it'd start getting light. I knew they'd planned to have the buy take place before then. According to our plan, Ben and sergeant Hunt, along with the other team of men from the State Narcotics Bureau. They were to tail us to the place of the meet and move in on a signal from me when the buy was actually in progress. 3:45am Scully drove out North Figueroa onto Pasadena Avenue and turned right onto Avenue 43. We headed up Montecito Drive. The area became more deserted. There were no homes around, no buildings of any kind to provide cover for anybody that might be following. Somewhere below, we could hear the rattle of a freight train on its way to the Southern Pacific. Off in the distance, I could see the lights of the city. I looked pretty far away. Scully finally pulled the car to a stop on the crest of the highest hill in the area. We got out.

[Ben Romero]

What do you think, Bank?

[Joe Friday]

A nice view.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Spent a long time finding this spot foolproof.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Howard Scully]

Bring him over here, Jim. Let's show him.

[Ben Romero]

See there? Clear view of everything down below. At least half a mile in every direction. No chance of getting trapped up here.

[Joe Friday]

Pretty smart. That's the way I like to deal.

[Howard Scully]

There's any cops following us, we can see the lights before they get here. Plenty of time to cover up any evidence. Cops ask questions. Why? We tell them we're just looking at real estate up here. It's pretty good, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I gotta hand it to you. You can't be too careful. What do you do for lookouts?

[Ben Romero]

Let me show you. Sweet. Sweet.

[Joe Friday]

Who's that?

[Howard Scully]

Friend?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. Jim.

[Joe Friday]

Well, what's the pitch? Who is this guy?

[Ben Romero]

Business. Power. Howard and me. Swede is Mr. McMillan.

[Joe Friday]

What do you say?

[Ben Romero]

How you do?

[Joe Friday]

Look, how many people do you need? To make a by roads, huh?

[Howard Scully]

Sweets, I Look at. That's a big fella.

[Joe Friday]

We got enough people here for a Sunday picnic.

[Ben Romero]

We need a lookout. You just got finished saying it. We can't be too careful.

[Joe Friday]

Well, come on, let's wrap it up. Where's the stuff?

[Howard Scully]

Sweden. You want to get it?

[Ben Romero]

Okay.

[Joe Friday]

How far does he have to go?

[Ben Romero]

Close by. Stuff was put away down the tall grass. Nobody ever found it.

[Joe Friday]

It's a good idea. I like the way you operate.

[Ben Romero]

Swede will have the stuff for you in a minute. How about the money? Should we count it?

[Joe Friday]

Rather wait till Swede gets back.

[Howard Scully]

Okay. Let's wait for the car.

[Ben Romero]

Can't beat this spot, can you, McMillan?

[Joe Friday]

No, it's good.

[Howard Scully]

You had no idea how much time we spent looking for it.

[Joe Friday]

You did real good.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah. There you go.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, thanks.

[Ben Romero]

Now the money.

[Joe Friday]

Well, how about counting it out here? I'd feel better keeping an eye on that road down below.

[Ben Romero]

Okay. Good idea.

[Howard Scully]

Well, let's count it, Mac, huh?

[Ben Romero]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

All right. Here you go. There's one bundle. And there's the other.

[Howard Scully]

How kind of Jim.

[Ben Romero]

Yeah, snap it up. We've been here long enough already.

[Howard Scully]

Well, there's quite a few $1 bills here, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Well, there's a few of them, but it's all there. 10 grand.

[Howard Scully]

How it could be with all these ones?

[Ben Romero]

Let me see.

[Joe Friday]

Don't bother. Rhodes here.

[Ben Romero]

What are you trying to pull?

[Joe Friday]

Get away from the car, Scully. You, too, Swede.

[Ben Romero]

Put the gun down, Mac. You won't get away with it.

[Joe Friday]

Put your hands behind your head. That means you, too, Rhodes.

[Howard Scully]

Nobody's hijacked us, McMillan. You're not going to be the first one.

[Joe Friday]

There's no hijack, mister. This is a pinch.

[Howard Scully]

He's a fuzz. He's a. He's a lousy fuzzy. I know. I should have fanned him again.

[Ben Romero]

Shut up, Howard. You know we can square this with you, Mac. Five grand, cold cash. No questions.

[Joe Friday]

You're talking to yourself, Rhodes.

[Ben Romero]

I'll make a ten. Ten grand cash. Now. You can't afford to pass that up. Come on.

[Howard Scully]

How about it, Mac? You're human, just like we are. You can use the tone.

[Joe Friday]

You keep your hands behind your head, mister.

[Ben Romero]

Use some sense, copper. Swede's as strong as a horse. I could put him on you, he'd break every bone in your body.

[Joe Friday]

You'll have to get past this gun first.

[Howard Scully]

You're not going to stop all three of us. How do you think you're going to get back to town?

[Ben Romero]

Don't Worry?

[Joe Friday]

You won't have to walk.

[Ben Romero]

You'll never get us downtown. Swede will break you in half. You'll kill you.

[Joe Friday]

You just gave me an idea.

[Ben Romero]

Rhodes, huh?

[Joe Friday]

You're pretty tough. Shouldn't bother you. I'll kill the Swede right now. You and Scully can carry his body in front of me. We'll start walking down that road. When we hit the nearest place with a phone. I think that'll take care of it, won't it?

[Howard Scully]

He hasn't got the guts, Jim.

[Joe Friday]

Turn around, Swede.

[Ben Romero]

Look. Don't kill me, Mr. Ott. I'll go where you don't shoot.

[Joe Friday]

Turn around. Stay where you are. Scully.

[Howard Scully]

Don't.

[Joe Friday]

Don't.

[Howard Scully]

Don't kill him, copper. Don't kill Swede. We'll do anything you say.

[Ben Romero]

Somebody coming? Look, Mac, we'll give you every dime we own. 50,000 bucks. And tell him nothing's happened.

[Joe Friday]

Ben, over here.

[Ben Romero]

50 grand, Mac. You can't lose. Right. Joe. Beck's over this way.

[Joe Friday]

The three of them, Ben.

[Ben Romero]

Okay. All right, behind your back. Come on. Couldn't get here any sooner, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Had to park at the bottom of the hill.

[Ben Romero]

If they'd have seen us.

[Joe Friday]

Stand still, mister.

[Ben Romero]

We circled around on foot, climbed up through the grass.

[Joe Friday]

I was beginning to think I lost you.

[Ben Romero]

All right, you two, get him. Behind you. Back. Back. Hi, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

There's the junk right here.

[Ben Romero]

These two packages. Good. That ought to sew it up. Look, talk it over with your partners, huh? 50,000 bucks. You do the right thing, it's all yours.

[Howard Scully]

How about it? 50 grand. You can't lose.

[Ben Romero]

What they talking about, Jill?

[Joe Friday]

They got a big deal. They'll give us 50,000 if we let them go.

[Ben Romero]

How about it, Tex? You could use the dough. New car, new house. Just forget you ever saw as easy as that. 50,000. Cash. What do you say, Tex, huh? Sorry, you got the wrong man. What? My name ain't Dex. The story you have just heard was true.

[Howard Scully]

Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Joe Friday]

In a moment, the results of their trial. Now here is our star, Jack Webb. Thank you. In his training, the working detective is taught the importance of thoroughness. He has learned never to overlook even the smallest detail. What may seem unimportant to the novice may well be the one thing to help the working detective successfully culminate his case.

[Ben Romero]

May Washburn, Howard Lewis Gulley, James Henry Rhodes and John Swede Nelson were tried and convicted. They received their sentences as prescribed by law and are now serving their term in the state penitentiary. You have just heard Dragnet a series of authentic cases, portions transcribed from official files. This is NBC, the national broadcasting Company.

[Narrator]

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[Adam Graham]

This is one of my all time favorite Dragnet episodes. The whole subgenre of Dragnet episodes where Joe Friday goes undercover to make narcotics buy is one I really enjoy. But this one in particular is just brilliant because Friday is operating in a very high risk situation and is able to manipulate the criminals and overcome their carefully well thought out precautions. There's also a lot of nerve with going into the drug buy with so little of the money that's required. It's such a ticklish operation. But he manages to make it work out by never breaking character and always making subtle moves in a way that the bad guys weren't going to get suspicious about. It's just such a great story and such a great undercover operation. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we have a really good question from YouTube and the listener writes Adam, do you have any idea why so many episodes of the original Dragnet TV series are lost or missing? For me, it doesn't make sense. The show was popular in syndication well into the 70s. I might understand if the original films would go missing and you're left with bad copies, or if only shortened syndicated edits are the only available ones, which would irk me to no end but to have perhaps half the series vanish. What happened? By comparison, Superman had a similar run and all but one episode from the first season had their original masters accounted for. So for that one episode, the names escapes me. At the moment we're left with a less than desirable copy, but at least we have it in some form. Well, thanks so much. Now, the answer, and this is the best information I've been able to find, comes back to syndication. And in many ways, the 1950s Dragnet TV series was a victim of the success of the 1960s TV series, because according to hate in the 70s, after Dragnet 1967 through 70 went off the air, it began to replace the 1950s TV series in syndication, which makes sense that viewers would want to see the newer series. And there's a reason for that as well, given that one of the appearances heels of Dragnet originally was that it dealt with the way police actually worked. And so in that regards, it would be more interesting to see programs that were recorded three or four years ago, as opposed to programs that were recorded 15 or 20 years ago. And I think to a lot of people, the 1960s dragnet became dragnet. It became the product that was really sold and the 1950s series wasn't. And it was so neglected that NBC Universal neglected to renew the copyrights on the entirety of the first three seasons of Dragnet, as well as about a third of the fourth season. The copyrights to most of season four and all of seasons five and six would be renewed, but season seven wouldn't be renewed, nor would most of season eight. And so today it's safe to say that Dragnet as a property is not particularly commercially viable. And that's an important distinction with a Superman. The Adventures of Superman TV series was often being resyndicated. There was no real later series that took its place until arguably the 90s with Lois and the New Adventures of Superman. With Dragnet, the 1950s, you're dealing with something that essentially became obsolete to what the copyright owners were doing and which is not particularly commercially profitable. Now, of course, there are all kinds of stories out there about what happened to Dragnet tapes and transfers. As far as I know, there's not a large official archive of all the episodes, and there's no incentive for NBC to maintain those. And when we talk about episodes of the 1950s Dragnet TV series that are out there, we're talking about those which are known to be easily available to collectors, which numbers at around 60 odd episodes. Of the 276 that were produced during the series eight year run, there are a number of episodes that are not publicly available, that are available in existence elsewhere. If you go to the Paley center at ucla, the Museum of Broadcasting in Chicago, or the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. or a wide variety of different other places that hold individual episodes, you'll find more than is circulating. And then of course, you have private collectors who may have an episode or two or three and could be spread throughout the entire country. And I think in all those cases, the programs exist, but it doesn't actually get to all the people out there. In the case of those that are held by institutions, they're not in the business of publishing publicly old television programs. And of course, there are liability issues if they're dealing with the non public domain episodes. And for private collectors, there's really not a potential for profit. And they did not get into collecting these episodes, the most of them with the goal of publishing them. And there's rarely money in selling the episodes they have in their collections. There are exceptions. For example, when the 1960s Dragnet episodes were being released on DVD, a gentleman who was making the DVD extras actually got a collector who owned a copy of the Dragnet episode the Big Smoke to sell them a copy to include as DVD extras. Now, of course, there aren't any new Dragnet 1960s DVD releases being made, so there's really not a commercial opportunity for most collectors. So we're left with a situation where if nude Dragnet episodes come into circulation, it's going to be in drips and drops. For example, there's a company that has a YouTube channel that came across three rare season seven episodes, I think, about a year ago. And so there will be those little random additions, but I think the status of the whole series makes it very commercially difficult to assemble a complete set, and there's just not the incentive to do that. All right, well, thank you so much. Now it is time to thank our Patreon Supporter day. And I want to thank Vincent. Vincent's been one of our patreon supporters since June 2019, currently supporting the podcast at the rookie level of $2 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Vincent. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And be sure to rate and review the podcast wherever you download it from. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Dragnet. And next Tuesday, we'll be bringing you Martin Cain. But join us back here on Monday as we begin our whole lineup again with an episode of the Adventures of.

[May Washburn]

The Falcon, where I wouldn't bother you, but there's nobody else I can turn to. Oh, well, now, look, I'll be forever in your debt.

[Ben Romero]

Well, I. I don't think you can afford my prices.

[May Washburn]

Don't try me.

[Ben Romero]

Hey, now, wait.

[May Washburn]

What do you think?

[Ben Romero]

I think you've been seeing too many B movies. Where'd you get the idea you could bribe a private detective with a kiss?

[Joe Friday]

I'm sorry.

[May Washburn]

I lost my head.

[Ben Romero]

Well, it's a very pretty one. What's the problem?

[May Washburn]

And you will help?

[Ben Romero]

Mm.

[May Washburn]

Well, actually, it's really very simple. There's a man registered here at the hotel named Raymond Spence.

[Ben Romero]

Raymond Spencer? Didn't the room clerk mention something about him?

[May Washburn]

I don't know. Did he?

[Ben Romero]

Yes, he did. Seems that Spence's character was cleaning a gun this PM and accidentally shot himself in the shoulder.

[May Washburn]

Oh, well, Ray works for a man named Rafael Hernandos. Hernandos is due here tonight. I want you to meet him at the airport.

[Ben Romero]

What for?

[May Washburn]

Well, how else can you kill him?

[Ben Romero]

How else can I What?

[May Washburn]

It shouldn't be difficult.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box13REAT detectives.net follow us on Twitter at radiodetactives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Narrator]

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