The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio

Episode: Dragnet: The Big Story Man (EP4889)
Air Date: January 15, 2026
Host: Adam Graham

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, Adam Graham presents a classic episode of Dragnet from October 18, 1951: "The Big Story Man." The drama follows Sergeants Joe Friday and Ben Romero as they attempt to solve a string of safe burglaries targeting Los Angeles churches. The detectives apprehend three suspects, but struggle to secure convictions—particularly with Charles Bryson, a career criminal who proves slippery in court. This episode illustrates the painstaking work involved in both gathering and presenting scientific evidence, as well as the challenges law enforcement face when the legal system protects defendants’ rights.

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Opening the Case: The Church Burglaries

[03:01–05:15]

• Joe Friday and Ben Romero are assigned to investigate a series of safe burglaries at city churches.
• The detectives apprehend three men—Charles Bryson, Tony Miller, and Henderson—all with criminal records.
• Initial interrogations reveal Bryson is evasive, denying involvement and spinning a story about trying to reform Miller, his sister’s fiancé.

Quote:

“You lied to us once already tonight.” —Joe Friday to Charles Bryson [05:15]

Bryson insists:

“I haven’t got anything to hide. I just don’t want to involve a lot of innocent people, that’s all.” —Bryson [05:55]

2. The “Story Man” Defense

[06:03–08:21]

• Bryson tells a rehearsed tale, claiming he was at the church to stop Miller and Henderson, not participate.
• Detectives doubt his account, noting inconsistencies and Bryson’s criminal past.

Quote:

“I think you’re a liar.” —Joe Friday [08:21]

3. Building the Case with Forensics

[09:24–12:55]

• Crime Lab Technician Lee Jones reviews the physical evidence: burglary tools, paint transfer, and shoe prints.
• Detailed tool marks and paint samples conclusively match the tools to six church burglaries.
• Footprints and shoe pattern analysis further strengthen the case.

Quote:

“There aren’t two identical pinch bars in the world that could leave the same exact markings…” —Lee Jones [10:09]

Lee emphasizes the uniqueness of physical evidence:

“If you can place an object at the scene of a crime beyond a reasonable doubt, then don’t go thrashing around looking for an object that’s an exact duplicate…there are no two things in this world exactly and identically alike.” —Lee Jones [11:43]

4. Trial and Legal Obstacles

[12:17–13:51]

• Despite strong evidence, the prosecution cannot reveal Bryson’s criminal record in court.
• Miller and Henderson are convicted; Bryson’s plausible demeanor and rehearsed story persuade the jury to acquit.
• The detectives are frustrated to see “the worst of the three criminals go free.”

Quote:

“The biggest obstacle…was that the prosecution…could not call to the attention of the jury Bryson’s previous criminal record…To them…he was presented as a private citizen with as much integrity…and as clean of any previous guilt as you or your neighbor.” —Narrator [13:46]

5. A New Crime Spree

[15:19–17:26]

• Months later, similar burglaries plague chain stores in LA; the M.O. matches Bryson.
• Suspicion grows, but there’s no proof Bryson is back in town.

Quote:

“The only known burglars in our records who operate like Bryson are either in jail or out of town or they’re dead…Bryson’s the only strong lead we got.” —Ben Romero [17:16]

6. Mail Watch and a Break in the Case

[18:01–19:57]

• Detectives request a mail watch at the post office, catching a letter from Bryson (using an alias) addressed to his imprisoned former accomplice.
• Bryson is eventually spotted collecting mail, confirming his return to LA.

7. Surveillance and Innovative Forensics

[20:45–23:16]

• Bryson is placed under 24/7 surveillance but commits no crimes for a week.
• Lee Jones introduces anthracene powder—a colorless substance that only glows under ultraviolet light—to invisibly mark Bryson’s tools and clothing.

Quote:

“Crooks and chorus girls have one thing in common. Yeah, they show up better when you put them under the right kind of lights.” —Lee Jones [23:01]

8. Sting Operation and Arrest

[23:53–28:31]

• Bryson is briefly arrested for speeding; detectives use the opportunity to locate and treat his burglary tools with anthracene.
• When a drugstore is hit, evidence at the scene glows under UV light, matching Bryson’s tools and footprints.
• Detectives catch Bryson red-handed; the powder reveals incriminating traces all over him.

Quote:

“Lit up like a Christmas tree, Joe—it’s all over him, head to foot.” —Ben Romero [27:26]

Bryson, defeated:

“What am I gonna say happened this time?” —Bryson [28:09]

Friday, unsympathetic:

“What are you gonna say to the jury this time?” —Joe Friday [28:21]

9. Case Resolution

[28:31–END]

• Bryson is convicted as a habitual criminal, sentenced to life in the state penitentiary.

Quote:

“He was sentenced to spend the rest of his natural life in the state penitentiary.” —Narrator [29:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Lee Jones on the power of physical evidence:
  “Any microscope will tell you there are no two things in this world exactly and identically alike. I don’t care if it’s a pair of shoes, a gun, a crowbar, or your two front teeth.” [11:43]
• Bryson’s slippery persona convincing the jury:
  “Bryson had a good personality and a fast line of talk. It wasn’t hard to see how he could convince a jury that he was only an innocent bystander.” —Joe Friday [13:46]
• Dramatic forensic reveal:
  “Lit up like a Christmas tree, Joe—it’s all over him, head to foot.” —Ben Romero [27:26]

Host Adam Graham’s Commentary

[30:48–40:49]

• Adam draws parallels between this story and other Dragnet episodes—recurring narrative devices and real-life similarities among cases.
• Discusses Jack Webb’s creative frustrations in the 1950s with finding fresh plots after hundreds of episodes.
• Explains the use of a repertory cast in old radio, highlighting the talents of actors like Virginia Gregg, not as a cost-saving measure, but for reliability and excellence.
• Fields listener comments, noting audience appreciation for both the stories and cast performances in radio/TV detective drama.

Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Time | |-------------------------------------------|------------| | Dragnet episode begins | 03:01 | | Interrogating Bryson | 04:22–08:21| | At the Crime Lab: Building the Case | 09:24–12:55| | The Trial and Bryson’s Acquittal | 13:32–13:51| | New Burglaries and Mail Watch | 15:19–19:57| | Surveillance and Use of Anthracene | 20:45–23:16| | Burglary, Arrest, and Forensic Reveal | 25:07–28:31| | Case Outcome and Sentencing | 28:31–29:40| | Adam Graham’s Commentary | 30:48–40:49|

Conclusion

This classic Dragnet episode dramatically demonstrates both the doggedness of police work and the frustrating realities of the legal system, where a “story man” criminal can exploit jury sympathies and procedural rules to escape justice—at least temporarily. Ultimately, careful surveillance and innovative forensic techniques restore equilibrium. Adam Graham’s thoughtful commentary connects the episode’s themes to the broader history of radio drama and audience expectations, while also recognizing the routine similarities in real criminal investigations depicted over Dragnet’s many years.