Dragnet: The Big Producer (EP4979)

Summary

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Podcast Summary:

The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio – "Dragnet: The Big Producer" (EP4979)
Date: May 21, 2026
Host: Adam Graham
Episode Aired: Originally on Dragnet, February 21, 1952

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Episode Overview

“Dragnet: The Big Producer” explores the LAPD’s Juvenile Division’s pursuit and takedown of a criminal enterprise distributing obscene literature and photographs in Los Angeles’ high schools. The episode meticulously follows Sergeants Friday and Jacobs as they uncover a racket leveraging teens to distribute illicit material and exploit young girls, drawing a stark line between legitimate Hollywood dreams and predatory manipulation. Adam Graham offers historical perspective and reflective commentary post-episode, emphasizing the significant shifts in law enforcement and societal responses over time.

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Key Discussion Points & Plot Developments

1. The Investigation Begins

• Setting: LA, November 8th, windy Wednesday (03:39)
• Detectives Friday and Jacobs are assigned to the Juvenile Division to investigate the source of obscene literature infiltrating several local high schools.
• Their lead: 17-year-old Stephen Banner, suspected of distributing the material.
• Locker Room Search (03:55-06:34):
  • Banner is defensive but finally opens his locker, revealing a stash of “joke books” — codes for illicit material.
  • He initially claims innocence, stating the books were traded or given to him, but the detectives’ persistence highlights their new condition and volume, suggesting sales.

“They're filthy, Steve, and you know it. Now, where'd you get them?” – Friday/Narrator (05:00)

• Banner continues to deflect, but is pressed on his supply chain, showing the police aren’t just looking for small fish.

2. The Link to Wider Distribution

• Home and Garage Search (06:34-08:20):
  • Detectives search Banner’s home with his cooperation and discover a far more substantial stash hidden in the garage.
  • Banner confesses, naming “Charlie Freiberg” as his supplier and another man, “Jack,” for photographs.

“Who's a contact, son? Where'd they come from?” – Detective Ed (08:20)
“Charlie. Charlie Freiberg. Only the books, though. Pictures came from another guy. It's a long story.” – Stephen Banner (08:22)

• Banner details how Freiberg recruited him and his friend Bud at a penny arcade to sell the books and describes motel parties where Freiberg attempted to lure teens and their girlfriends under the guise of show business opportunities.

3. The Girls’ Perspective

• Interviews with Victims (14:34-16:22):
  • The police interview Laura Osborne and Dorothy Ryan, 17-year-old girls Banner and Bud brought to Freiberg’s so-called “parties.”
  • Laura Osborne downplays any wrongdoing, expressing belief in Freiberg’s Hollywood connections and legitimacy.

“He just wanted to help us get some good modeling job. That's why he took our pictures. There was nothing wrong.” – Laura Osborne (15:00)

• The girls continued attending the parties even after the boys stopped, further manipulated by Freiberg’s promises.
• Police reveal the true intent behind the photographs, upsetting Laura and prompting her to help by revealing her next planned meeting with Freiberg.

4. The Takedown

• Sting Operation (18:09-23:04):
  • Police set up surveillance at the location where Laura is supposed to meet Freiberg; they apprehend him after verifying his identity.
  • In his car, they find more obscene literature and a key to "West Side Studios."
  • At his decrepit studio office, Freiberg initially denies everything, but faced with evidence and the visible stash, he breaks down.

“Not my fault, believe me. I had to make a living. I had to make money. How do you think it feels to get cheap like that?” – Charles Freiberg (25:49)

- Freiberg admits his Hollywood career has long faded and rationalizes his descent into criminal activity as a matter of survival.

5. Aftermath and Legal Proceedings

• Resolution (27:31):
  • The narrator summarizes that Freiberg and his accomplice, Jack L. Lavery, were convicted on four counts of contributing to the delinquency of minors, receiving the maximum sentence under then-current law: up to a $1,000 fine and a year in county jail.

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Notable Quotes and Moments

• On Freiberg’s Justification:

  “All I want to do is make pictures. There isn't a chance anymore, not like the old days. Had to eat. Had to put clothes on my back.” – Charles Freiberg (26:08)

• On Exploitation of Dreams:

  “Dumb girls never fails. The oldest line in the world. They still go for it.” – Stephen Banner (11:12) “Tell them you're going to get them in the movies.” – Narrator (11:17)

• Moral Reflection by Detectives:

  “Pair of young girls like that out at motel parties till 3am drinking... 17 year olds. No reason for it. No reason at all.” – Detective Ed (13:30)

• Modern Perspective (Adam Graham’s Commentary, 29:31):

  “There are some people who imagine that in the past we were tougher on crime… The truth is more complicated… This is a good example. A year in the county jail and a $1,000 fine. If you did what Mr. Freiberg did and you're caught today, you are looking at multiple felony counts, potential federal prosecution, and a lot more… This should not be a misdemeanor.”

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Important Timestamps

• 03:55 – Search of Stephen Banner’s locker, initial confrontation.
• 06:34 – Search of Banner’s home and garage; major evidence found.
• 08:22 – Banner gives up names: Charlie Freiberg and Jack.
• 14:34 – Interview with Laura Osborne, emotional turning point.
• 18:09 – Police stakeout and arrest of Freiberg.
• 21:11 – Freiberg reveals his faded Hollywood ambitions.
• 25:49 – Freiberg confesses his shame and desperation.
• 27:31 – Legal outcome and closing narration.
• 29:31 – Adam Graham’s reflective commentary and comparison to modern justice.

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Overall Tone and Style

• Original Language: The language is hard-boiled, clipped, and earnest—classic Dragnet, with sharp police dialogue, interrogative pressure, and a matter-of-fact recounting of events.
• Atmosphere: Tense, procedural, and ultimately sobering, especially in post-episode commentary reflecting on the historical context of the crime and its consequences.
• Reflection: Adam Graham uses a direct, candid, and thoughtful style, connecting the historical episode to contemporary issues and audience concerns.

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Summary for Non-Listeners

This episode of Dragnet delves into a disturbing but realistic case where teenagers are manipulated by an older figure using promises of glamour to lure them into illegal activity, showing the raw process of investigation and the tragic mix of naïveté and exploitation. The procedural rigor, combined with the personal stories of the teens and the rueful defeat of the perpetrator, provides both drama and insight into both the mechanics of justice and the persistent vulnerability of youth. Adam Graham’s post-show analysis brings the episode’s historical context into sharp relief, emphasizing societal progression and the enduring relevance of vigilance against exploitation.

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Transcript

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[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Narrator/Interviewer]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your league.

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Anyways, get a'@libertymutual.com or with your local agent.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty, Liberty.

[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 to please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And today's program is brought to you in part by financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis. App to box Thirteenreatetectives.net and I want to thank Christopher for sending along a donation. That way you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. Just go to patreon.greatdetectives.net now from February 21, 1952, here is the big producer.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned a juvenile division. A steady supply of obscene literature is finding its way into a half a dozen high schools in your city. You get a lead on one of the sources of supply, a 17 year old high school senior. Your job.

[Detective Ed]

Pick him up.

[Narrator/Announcer]

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, beginning to end. From crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

It was Wednesday, November 8th was windy in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of Juvenile division. My partner's Ed Jacobs. The boss is Captain Stein. My name's Friday. It was 11:05am when we got to the basement floor of Gorman High School. The locker room.

[Detective Ed]

Which way, Steve? Wanna show us which locker's yours?

[Stephen Banner]

You still haven't told me what this is all about.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Routine check, son.

[Stephen Banner]

Yeah, but why do you have to pick on me? Why do you have to see my locker?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

We're not picking on you, Steve. Now, how about it? Which locker's yours?

[Stephen Banner]

Right here. This is mine. 318. Here's the key.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No, you open it, Steve.

[Stephen Banner]

Just a couple of personal things of mine, that's all.

[Detective Ed]

Mm.

[Stephen Banner]

All right, I'll open it. Well, there you are. See for yourself.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Want to take your things out of the locker, son?

[Stephen Banner]

You can see what's in there, can't you? My gym stuff, couple of textbooks.

[Detective Ed]

How about digging back in the corner? Left hand side there. Where? You know where I mean. Come on, Steve.

[Stephen Banner]

Dig him out back here. You mean these joke books?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

That's right. Let's have a look, huh?

[Stephen Banner]

Why? Just a couple of joke books. A kid gave them to me.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Bring them out, Steve.

[Stephen Banner]

Okay. Just a couple of them. Kid gave them to me. There.

[Detective Ed]

Looks like more than a couple.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

That's what you call a joke book, Steve?

[Stephen Banner]

That's what the kids call them. Yeah. Some of them are a little dirty. Not so bad, though.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

They're filthy, Steve, and you know it. Now, where'd you get them?

[Stephen Banner]

I told you. Kid gave them to me.

[Detective Ed]

Who? What's his name?

[Stephen Banner]

Some kid around school, I don't remember right now.

[Detective Ed]

Gave you these books for nothing?

[Stephen Banner]

Sure. I had a couple he wanted. We traded off. A lot of the kids have them. They trade them around.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

That stack you got there. They look pretty new. Couldn't have been passed around much.

[Stephen Banner]

Maybe not. I don't know.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Matter of fact, they look brand new, don't they? Don't even look like they've been opened yet.

[Stephen Banner]

How come you're rousting me on this thing? What about the other kids? They got them too.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

They're buying them, Steve. They're not selling them.

[Stephen Banner]

I'm not selling them. Anybody says that's a liar?

[Detective Ed]

No good, son. We talk to the fellas here at the high school. Some kids over the junior high school too. They all say you're the one who's selling them.

[Stephen Banner]

They're liars.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Both the fellas in high school and the kids down the street in junior high. They say You've been selling this stuff for months now. How about it?

[Stephen Banner]

They're lying, that's all. They don't know what they're talking about.

[Detective Ed]

You've been selling these? 35 cents apiece. Three for a dollar. Last couple of weeks you've been peddling pictures, too. A dollar apiece. You got any of them in your locker, Steve?

[Stephen Banner]

A couple. I got them off another kid.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

What other kid? What's his name? What's his name?

[Stephen Banner]

Some kid. I don't remember.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

It's not much of an answer, son.

[Stephen Banner]

What do you want from me anyway? I told you, I'm not selling the books. I don't care what those other goofs say. It's my word against theirs.

[Detective Ed]

Maybe you ought to get this straight, son. We're not out to get you. You're way down the line. We want the people at the top, the men who print this junk. The wholesalers, the big distributors.

[Stephen Banner]

So why ask me? I don't know anything about it. Nothing.

[Detective Ed]

You don't want to cooperate, is that it?

[Stephen Banner]

What am I supposed to cooperate about? I'm not mixed up in anything.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

We think you are, son. We know you are. Who you selling this for? Where do you get your supply?

[Stephen Banner]

All you see is what's in my locker. I ain't selling. I don't have any supply. You gotta go far to prove I have.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Not very far, Steve.

[Stephen Banner]

What?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

From about here to your home. 11:38am after picking up his supply of obscene books and photographs to be booked later as evidence, Ed and I drove the subject, Stephen Banner, to his home approximately a mile from the high school. His apprehension and our theory that he probably kept the bulk of his supply of books and pictures at or near his home was no accident. For weeks we'd known that a steady stream of pornography was being fed into a half a dozen high schools and junior high schools throughout the city. Books, photographs, pictures and pamphlets of the worst kind. Because of embarrassment on the part of the curious teenage kids who bought this stuff, it wasn't easy to pick up a solid lead. After weeks of observation and questioning, we finally narrowed down the principal source of supply to a single teenage boy, Stephen Banner. Even then we knew he must be only one of a hundred small time distributors working for the persons directly responsible for manufacturing this sort of thing. Our only hope was that he'd be willing and able to supply us with the names of the persons responsible. When we got to Stephen Banner's home where he lived with his sister and brother in law, we searched it thoroughly. But we found Nothing. Both his sister and brother in law were at work. We went back and started checking through the garage at the rear of the house.

[Detective Ed]

Joe, back in the corners?

[Stephen Banner]

Yeah, Have a look.

[Detective Ed]

Steve, you want to tell us about this?

[Stephen Banner]

Yeah.

[Detective Ed]

These books here, these pictures. Case full of them.

[Stephen Banner]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

How about it, son? Your sister and brother in law know about this?

[Stephen Banner]

No, they don't know anything. I didn't think you'd find them.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Are you ready to tell us about it?

[Stephen Banner]

My sister? Gonna have to find out.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I don't know, Steve. It's gonna be pretty hard to keep it from her.

[Stephen Banner]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Detective Ed]

Who's a contact, son? Where'd they come from?

[Stephen Banner]

Charlie. Charlie Freiberg. Only the books, though. Pictures came from another guy. It's a long story.

[Detective Ed]

We got the time, son. Who is this Freiburg?

[Stephen Banner]

Met him downtown one Sunday. Penny arcade on Broadway. Me and this other kid were in there. Bud Spencer. Freiberg came up, started to talk to us.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

All right, go on.

[Stephen Banner]

He finally took a couple of these books out of his pocket, gave them to us. He wanted to know what we thought of them. Told us he had plenty of them. If we knew any other kids who wanted them.

[Detective Ed]

You knew? You and your friend Bud were in high school.

[Stephen Banner]

Yeah, that's right.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

What else, Steve?

[Stephen Banner]

That's about it. He asked me and Bud if we wanted to sell for him around school.

[Detective Ed]

This friend of yours, Bud Spencer, he's selling them, too?

[Stephen Banner]

Yeah. He goes to a different school, though. Both of us did pretty good with the books. Sold real fast. The pictures are even better.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

So you say you didn't get the pictures from Freiberg? There was somebody else.

[Stephen Banner]

A man by the name of Jack. Don't know his last name. Freiberg put us onto him. Gave us an introduction, set up the deal. We got the pictures for 75 cents. Most of the time they got us a dollar, dollar and a half apiece. Bud and I did pretty good.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You know any other fellows working for this Freiburg, Steve? Any other kids in school?

[Stephen Banner]

No, just Bud and me. That's all I know. It wouldn't be so bad if it was just the books. That lousy Charlie. You had to go and promote the party routine. Get everybody mixed up in that.

[Charles Freiberg]

What do you mean?

[Detective Ed]

What's that all about, Charlie?

[Stephen Banner]

He stays at this place out on Sepulveda. It's a motel. That's where we always contacted him.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yeah, after a couple of weeks, when

[Stephen Banner]

we got to know him, he asked me and Bud out to this place. Said he was gonna throw a party. Told us to Bring our girlfriends along. Turned out we were the only ones at the party. Me and Bud and the girls and Charlie Freiberg. Party lasted pretty late. I should have been smart enough to figure it out. I wasn't.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

What do you mean, Steve? Figure out what?

[Stephen Banner]

Why Charlie be throwing parties just for us. The first two times there wasn't anything wrong. We just talked. Danced with the girls, drank some beer. Charlie told us to have a good time. He threw a party every Friday night. Never broke up till after 3 o'. Clock.

[Detective Ed]

How old are your girlfriends? Yours and Bud's?

[Stephen Banner]

17. They're both 17. They've been around, though. No use kidding you. They weren't very smart, I can tell you that. None of us were, I guess. Next couple of parties, Charlie had whiskey there. Dumb girls drank right along with them. So did we.

[Detective Ed]

Freiberg served the whiskey, didn't he?

[Stephen Banner]

Yeah, that's right. He loaded the drinks, kept handing the girls a lot of stuff about how I used to be a director in pictures. He had a lot of connections in Hollywood. The last party I was at, he said he was gonna get the girl. Screen test. A lot of malarkey like that.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

What else, Steve?

[Stephen Banner]

I don't know. I had a beef with Charlie about it. I walked out. I haven't been back since.

[Detective Ed]

Does he still throw these Friday night parties, do you know?

[Stephen Banner]

Maybe. I don't know. There were three or four. After the last one, I walked out on dumb girls. Think Charlie's just great. God. So I can't stand the guy.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

How about the parties you didn't show up for, Steve? You get a rundown on them?

[Stephen Banner]

I heard a couple of things. Yeah, sure. Glad I wasn't there.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

How do you mean?

[Stephen Banner]

Dumb girls never fails. The oldest line in the world. They still go for it.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

What's that?

[Stephen Banner]

Tell them you're going to get them in the movies.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

We continued questioning the subject, 17 year old Stephen Banner. He gave us a full description of the man who'd been selling him the books, Charles Fryberg. And also a description of the man known as Jack. The one who had been supplying him with pictures and photographs. In addition, he gave us the addresses of the two men. A fair description of Freiberg's car, no license number. And the names and addresses of the two girls he and his friend had taken to Freiburg's parties. 1:20pm Ed and I took the case of obscene books from the garage, loaded it in the back seat of our car. And Stephen Banner directed us to the high school attended by his friend Bud Spencer. We picked up the Spencer boy and drove him and Banner downtown to Georgia Street Juvenile, where we booked them in on 700B. Welfare and institution code, lack of supervision. We drove to the motel out on Sepulveda. But the suspect, Charles Freiberg, had moved out five days before. No forwarding address. It wasn't a dead end, though. From his motel registration card, we got the description and license number of his car. On the way into the office, we checked out the address of his confederate, the man known as Jack. He'd moved the same day as Fryberg. No forwarding address. Back at the office, DMV got a make on the license number for us. The car registered in Freiberg's name. 239 West 92nd Street. We went down to R and I and pulled the package on the suspect. 3:40pm

[Detective Ed]

Last address on was 3 years old.

[Charles Freiberg]

How does this record read?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Well, he's been in the business before. A couple of AG charges, a 311 charge, two possession, obscene literature.

[Detective Ed]

Served eight months in county jail. Mug shot there?

[Charles Freiberg]

Yeah.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Here? Mm.

[Detective Ed]

Close enough to the way the boy described him?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I'd say so. There's MO too, huh? Same pitch the last time they got him working the high school trade. Passed himself off as a studio man, Movie director.

[Detective Ed]

How about the other man, Jack? You got anything there?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No, not yet. I gave the information on him to the stats office. They're gonna make a run for us. Well, I guess we better check on the kids. Girlfriends, huh? Get their stories?

[Detective Ed]

I suppose so. That sure gets me, Joe.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

What's that?

[Detective Ed]

Pair of young girls like that out at motel parties till 3am drinking.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Detective Ed]

17 year olds. No reason for it. No reason at all.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

I can think of one that might do their parents. We checked out the suspect's address furnished us by DMV and also the information from the R and I package. They went nowhere. We had a second interview with Stephen Banner and his friend Bud Spencer. We showed them Freiburg's mug shot and both of them identified it. We got out of broadcast and an APB on him. 4:12pm Together with policewoman Doreen Statesel, Ed and I drove out to interview. The two teenage girls involved, a Dorothy Ryan and a Laura Osborne. We stopped at the home of the Osborne girl first, but she wasn't there and neither were her parents. An older sister told us that both the mother and father were working and that Laura was at a neighborhood school for models taking her weekly lessons. We checked at the modeling school, a converted second floor social hall where we finally located the girl. A tall Brunette, dark eyes, fair complexion. The heavy makeup didn't do much to hide her age. While the modeling lesson went on, Policewoman Statesel Ed Nye talked to the girl off in one corner of the hall.

[Laura Osborne]

Your friend Steve Banner. He took you to Those buddies at Mr. Freiberg's place? Uh huh. That's right. Very nice man. He was always nice to Dorothy and me. Dorothy Ryan? She came to the parties with Bud. He's a friend of Steve Banner's.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You have no complaint to make about this Mr. Fryberg? He never caused you trouble of any kind, Charlie?

[Laura Osborne]

Well, no. I told you before. That business about Steve getting mad just because Charlie told us he'd get us in the movies.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

What?

[Laura Osborne]

Was silly, that's all. Plain silly. Charlie was just helping us.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

How do you mean, Laura?

[Laura Osborne]

Well, he's in Hollywood. You know Charlie Fryberg. He has lots of connections. He just wanted to help us get some good modeling job. That's why I took our pictures. There was nothing wrong. You continued going to these Friday night parties without the two boys, is that right? Yes, Dorothy and me. There wasn't anything wrong with it. We knew Charlie as well as they did by that time. A few bathing suit pictures, that's all. There was nothing wrong in that. Do you ever see prints of any of those pictures? Either you or Dorothy Ryan? No, but Charlie's gonna get us some. He promised he would.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You know where he is now?

[Laura Osborne]

No. He moved. I haven't any idea where he is.

[Detective Ed]

When's the last time you saw a Freiburg, miss?

[Laura Osborne]

About 10 days, two weeks ago. What's this all about, officer? You looking for Charlie?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

How does he usually contact you, Laura? By phone?

[Laura Osborne]

Yeah. Usually calls.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Has he called you lately?

[Laura Osborne]

Well, I don't know. Why are you looking for him? Can't you tell me?

[Detective Ed]

Routine investigation, miss.

[Laura Osborne]

Oh, I'm sorry. I don't know where Charlie is. Why can't you tell me why you want him?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

We want him.

[Laura Osborne]

Why can't you give me a reason? This is one of the reasons, Laura. Would you look at this picture? Charlie took this.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

It's his business, Laura. That's the way his police record reads.

[Laura Osborne]

I can't believe it.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

That's one reason we want Freiburg. There's lots of others. You willing to help us, Laura?

[Laura Osborne]

He said they'd be beautiful, glamorous. They're not.

[Detective Ed]

You know where he stays now?

[Laura Osborne]

No. I'll find out, though.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

How do you mean?

[Laura Osborne]

I've got a date with him. Supposed to meet him out on Wilshire. Wilshire and La Brea.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

When's that?

[Laura Osborne]

Eight o' clock tomorrow night.

[Narrator/Announcer]

You are listening to Dragnet authentic stories of your police force in action.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

November 8th, Wednesday, 5:30pm after our interview with 17 year old Laura Osborne, policewoman Doreen Staetzel, Ed and I drove to the home of Laura's girlfriend, Dorothy Ryan, who was also present at the motel parties given by the suspect, Charles Freiberg. Her story of what had happened was essentially the same as the one we got from the Osborne girl. That night we met with the parents of both girls. They were well meaning and cooperative. They admitted their mistake was the same old story of lack of supervision and very little home life. The parents told us that they had no idea of what had been going on or the late hours that their teenage girls had been keeping. Besides promising closer supervision of the girls, they told us they would notify us immediately if the suspect Freiberg, made any attempt to contact their daughters. 6:25pm we got back to the office, put in a call to Stephen Banner's home and notified his sister and brother in law that the boy was being held for further interrogation. We also notified the parents of Bud Spencer. The following morning, Ed and I went across the street to the district attorney's office, presented our case and a warrant was issued on Charles Freiberg for 702 WIC, contributing to the delinquency of a minority. At 7 o' clock that night, Ed and I staked out on a cocktail lounge near the intersection of Wilshire and La Brea. The place where the suspect had told Laura Osborne to meet him. 7:37:45. We waited.

[Detective Ed]

Think maybe we're in business, Joe? What kind of corner there. Waiting for the signal to change. Dark suit, dark hat?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Detective Ed]

Could be crossing over now. Heading for the bar.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

All right, let's go. Go.

[Detective Ed]

No mistake.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Hey, fella, hold it up on there, will you? How's that police officer? Is your name Freiberg?

[Charles Freiberg]

What? No, that's not my name.

[Detective Ed]

It's your identification please.

[Charles Freiberg]

Yes, I've got my identification.

[Stephen Banner]

Why?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Can we see it, please?

[Stephen Banner]

Why?

[Charles Freiberg]

What do you want?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Your identification.

[Charles Freiberg]

What for? I haven't done anything.

[Detective Ed]

Let's go, mister. Talk about a downtown.

[Charles Freiberg]

Now wait a minute. Just a minute. I don't want any trouble. I'll show you there. Driver's license, rest of my stuff.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Charles Freiberg. It's an old address, isn't it?

[Charles Freiberg]

Yeah, haven't had time to change it. Just got back in town. What's the matter anyway?

[Detective Ed]

Where you staying? Freiburg.

[Charles Freiberg]

No place. I just got back in town. I told you that. Not staying any place yet. No connections at all.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Where's your car?

[Charles Freiberg]

I don't have one. I haven't had one for a year. I sold it. Look, how about filling me in? What do you want with me?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You want to step over here, Fryberg?

[Stephen Banner]

Out of the way.

[Charles Freiberg]

All right. Just like to know what's going on, that's all.

[Detective Ed]

I'd like to see what you're carrying in your pockets. Take everything out, please. One pocket at a time.

[Charles Freiberg]

What is this, a shakedown?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You start with your coat pockets.

[Charles Freiberg]

All right.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

There.

[Charles Freiberg]

Okay.

[Stephen Banner]

All right.

[Detective Ed]

Now the other one. Okay.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You said you don't have a car, Fryberg?

[Charles Freiberg]

No, of course not. I told you that.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

What are you doing with that parking ticket? We walked the suspect, Freiburg, two blocks to the parking lot listed on the claim check that he had in his coat pocket. He had black hair streaked with gray. Looked to be in his mid-50s. We questioned him on the way, but he'd admit nothing. We located his car in the parking lot and searched it in the glove compartment. Besides a half a dozen photographs and small books. We found a key with a metal disc attached to it. Stamped on the disc were the words west side Studios, number 23. Freiberg refused to identify the key. He refused to admit a thing. We walked him back to our car and together the three of us headed out for the old west side Studios. Just off Jefferson Boulevard. On the way, we tried again to question the suspect. But we got nowhere. He refused to answer even the simplest questions. One look at the west side Studios and you knew right away the place had seen better days. It had been fairly prominent in the early days of motion picture making. But all that was left now was two square blocks of broken down scenery. One dilapidated sound stage and a row of weather beaten cottages. The tar paper peeling off the roofs. We got out of the car and started up the walk. The faded sign over the main gate read west side Studios. Founded 1920. And down in one corner, admission by Pat Pass only. The guard shack at the gate was boarded up. No sign of a night watchman. We kept walking.

[Detective Ed]

How come they don't keep a watchman at the gate, Fryberg? Don't they make pictures here anymore?

[Charles Freiberg]

You bet they do. Place been going downhill for a long time. It's coming back, though.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Then you do know the place. Is that right?

[Charles Freiberg]

Yeah, I know it. I should know it.

[Detective Ed]

What do you mean by that?

[Charles Freiberg]

Nothing.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You rent an office here, is that it,

[Stephen Banner]

Fryberg?

[Charles Freiberg]

Yeah, that's right. Straight down the way there. Cottage 23. What's your job?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You in some kind of movie work?

[Charles Freiberg]

Yeah, have been for 30 years. More than 30 years, that's so.

[Detective Ed]

You an actor, Freiburg?

[Charles Freiberg]

Haven't you ever heard the name? I'm a producer.

[Detective Ed]

Oh, I see.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Why don't you tell us that to start with?

[Charles Freiberg]

Oh, I don't know. Different reasons. I don't like to throw my weight around. I have a lot of connections in Hollywood, you know.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

That's so trade.

[Charles Freiberg]

30 years. I was one of the first. You can make a lot of friends in 30 years.

[Detective Ed]

Yeah, I guess so. How about those books we found in your car?

[Narrator/Announcer]

Those pictures?

[Detective Ed]

How do you explain them?

[Charles Freiberg]

This studio will be back on the street in a year. I'll bet a thousand dollars on it. This whole block here, sound stages. I got the plans for them in my desk.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Not so you have an interest in this lot?

[Charles Freiberg]

Not exactly. Not right now, anyway. I did have an interest, though. I will again. I was one of the original owners, you know.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Still haven't got an explanation. How about the books and pictures we found in your car?

[Charles Freiberg]

Oh, that's nothing to explain, is there? Just a few gimmicks I picked up.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

You know a boy by the name of Stephen Banner?

[Charles Freiberg]

Banner? No, I don't think so. Why?

[Detective Ed]

How about Bud Spencer? You know him?

[Charles Freiberg]

No. I knew a George Spencer once. Actor. That was back in the old days, though.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

How about Laura Osborne? Dorothy Ryan? You know them?

[Charles Freiberg]

No. It's pretty hard to say. You know, Sergeant, over the years in this business especially, you meet an awful lot of people.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

These are fairly recent. You ought to remember them. They're just kids. 17 year olds.

[Charles Freiberg]

No, afraid I don't recall the names. Soundstage, Bell. We got a company over there doing some shooting tonight. Television films. They make them too fast. Trade's not like it used to be. Quality. That's what we went after. Gone. Now it's all gone. West side will do it again, though. You can bet on that. We're coming back.

[Detective Ed]

Look, how about leveling Freiburg? You know why we picked you up? You know why we're out here?

[Charles Freiberg]

I just did. I don't know why. Jose, look across the road. That's set over there. The old greenhouse there. It's a Colonial mansion. Weather's faded the colors a little. Typical old Southern estate now, you know, we shot some beautiful footage there. Pictures are classic in its own right. Maybe you remember it. Moonlight Magnolias. They changed the title later. Love in the Moonlight. Beautiful thing. You ever see it?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

No, I don't think so.

[Charles Freiberg]

I couldn't tell You. How many beauties we turned out that year? I was a young fellow then. Song and strife. Moonlight magnolias. Little orphan girl. Sweetheart of the campus.

[Detective Ed]

That's your cottage there, Mr. Freiberg.

[Charles Freiberg]

What's that?

[Detective Ed]

Just on the way there. Number 23.

[Charles Freiberg]

Oh, yeah. Completely forgot about it. I hope you'll excuse the way it looks. I haven't been able to find good accommodations in town. I've been staying at the office. We have a little couch there. I sleep on that. We have a hot plate, too. Good enough to boil a coffee in the morning.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Mm. How come you couldn't find space in town? Hotels aren't that rushed, are they?

[Charles Freiberg]

Well, the ones I'm used to staying at, yes. I'd just soon camp here at the studio. Than stay at one of those places downtown. Say, wouldn't you like to see the rest of the lot? Pretty interesting if you've never seen a real movie lot. I mean, a high class one.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

We've seen them. Mr. Freiberg. We'd like to check your office.

[Charles Freiberg]

All right. This is it. Cottages need a good coat of paint. Of course. It'll all be done pretty soon. West side is going to come back strong. You can bet on that.

[Detective Ed]

Yeah, I guess so.

[Stephen Banner]

Uh.

[Charles Freiberg]

Oh, watch out on that first step there. It's loose. Have to call maintenance and get that fixed.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Yeah.

[Charles Freiberg]

Sorry. Here we

[Johnny Durango]

go.

[Charles Freiberg]

Well, as you can see, the office isn't very much. What is she wanted?

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Gentlemen. You want to check that cabinet there, Ed? We'll take a look through these cases over here.

[Charles Freiberg]

Okay. This picture here on the wall. That's the cast and the production staff of my first film. Here's the other one. Me and R Z. Bernard. He autographed the picture for me. Bernard himself. Those were the days, all right.

[Stephen Banner]

Quality.

[Charles Freiberg]

That's what we went after in pictures. Real quality. Not like today. Gone. The good days. Fine pictures. It's gone. All gone.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

How about it, Freiburg? These cases of books here and these photographs.

[Charles Freiberg]

Not my fault, believe me. I had to make a living. I had to make money. How do you think it feels to get cheap like that? I used to be young. I was big. I was talent. I made big pictures. How do you think it feels to get cheap all of a sudden? Cheap enough to do this kind of thing.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Nobody forced you. It was your choice, mister.

[Charles Freiberg]

It wasn't my choice. You're wrong. All I want to do is make pictures. There isn't a chance anymore, not like the old days. And eat hundreds of thousands, millions. It's gone. It's all Gone. Had to eat. Had to put clothes on my back.

[Detective Ed]

You admit you're responsible for this? Books, pictures. You're working in the high school trade. Kids like Steve Banner, bud Spencer.

[Charles Freiberg]

After 1935, I couldn't get a job. I didn't want this. I had to do it. I'm ashamed. Who wouldn't be? I had to eat. It was the only way. And I had to live.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

There's honest jobs to be had. How about this man named Jack?

[Charles Freiberg]

He was in with me. He was my cameraman back in the old days. You can't blame him either. He had to live, too.

[Detective Ed]

You willing to come downtown with us? Give us a statement?

[Charles Freiberg]

Yes. All right, all right. Anything.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

How about the parties? The two girls? Laura Osborne, Dorothy Ryan.

[Charles Freiberg]

I took some pictures, that's all. I didn't harm them. Nothing.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Anyway, you had it wrong for. You know that.

[Charles Freiberg]

Yeah, I know. But just to have the kids there. They made you remember the days in your life. Best days in anybody's life.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

That so?

[Charles Freiberg]

When he used to have money. When he used to be young.

[Narrator/Announcer]

The story you have just heard was true. The names were changed to protect the innocent. On January 29, 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. The suspects, Charles Zeman Freiberg and his accomplice Jack L. Lavery, were tried and convicted on four counts of contributing to the delinquency of miners. Both of them served full terms in the county jail. Contributing to the delinquency of minors is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or by imprisonment in the county jail for one year or by both fine and imprisonment. 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. Heard tonight were Barney Phillips, Virginia Gregg and Ralph Moody. Script by Jim Moser. Music by Walter Schumann. Hal Gibney speaking.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Now it's counterspy on NBC.

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Save on family essentials at Safeway and Albertsons. This week at Safeway and Albertsons, enjoy eight piece double breaded famous chicken, fried or baked, dark meat featuring four legs and four thighs for just $5.99 each. Member price available in the deli and sweet red cherries are $2.97 per pound limit, 6 pounds. Member price with digital coupon plus 24 ounce. Selected varieties of fresh cut fruit bowls are $5 each. Visit safewayoralbertsons.com for more deals and ways to save

[Adam Graham]

welcome back. You know, there are some people who imagine that in the past we were tougher on crime as a general rule, and we've gotten softer. The truth is usually quite a bit more complicated. As you will see that there are some crimes we have gotten more strict on enforcing and others we've let up on. And this is a good example. A year in the county jail and a thousand dollar fine. If you did what Mr. Freiberg did and you're caught today, you are looking at multiple felony counts, potential federal prosecution, and, and a lot more. And just listening to the accounts of what he did, and in particular the one girl they talked to, this is not. This should not be a misdemeanor. And the TV version of this has even more issues in that regard. But that was the state of affairs back then. Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback and we go to our listener survey. And Peter in Franklin, Massachusetts, comments. I've been listening more or less daily since I discovered this podcast in 2020. Few things have captured my attention as long as Old Time Radio has. I guess you could say that I'm hooked. Joe in Dixon, Missouri, writes. Great show. And now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to thank Jeffrey, Patreon supporter since July of 2023, currently supporting the podcast at the Psalmist level of $4 or more per month. Thanks so much for your support, Jeffrey. 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 will be back next Thursday with another episode of Dragnet. But join us back here tomorrow for yours truly, Johnny Doll. Or where George Reed here.

[Johnny Durango]

So what happened, George? The cops haul him off and throw him into the clink? Durango? Who else? Johnny, this man is unbelievable. It's fantastic, huh? I don't know how he worked it, how much it cost him. And of course, as always, he came here loaded with money. Thousands, Johnny. Yeah, well, but the police didn't even take those six guns away from him.

[Narrator/Interviewer]

Oh, brother.

[Johnny Durango]

All the more reason why I'm getting out of here. Yes, Durango still thinks he's living in the old days of the wild and woolly west when the only. What? You're leaving? Oh, you bet your life I am. And I'm putting all the costs of transportation on expense accounts. Well, now, listen, after all, it was you who got me into this whole thing. Listen to me. Where are you going? What do you think? I tell you, you're in cahoots with this wild old man that's trying to get me to marry his niece. But, Johnny, if you and Carol love each other. So what do you think? We want him to force us into it? Well, now, look, suppose we. Yeah. Oh, come on, George. I'm in a hurry. George. Are you in your apartment, Johnny? That's right. But not for any longer than. Why do you ask that? You stay right there, Johnny Durango. You just stay right there. I'm coming right over. I gotta talk to you, young feller. And that ain't all. You hear me, Johnny? Yeah.

[Adam Graham]

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

[Safeway/Albertsons Announcer]

Save on family essentials at Safeway and Albertsons. This week at Safeway and Albertsons, enjoy eight piece double breaded famous chicken fried or baked dark meat featuring four legs and four thighs for just $5.99 each. Member price available in the deli and sweet red cherries are $2.97 per pound limit, 6 pounds. Member price with digital coupon plus 24 ounce. Selected varieties of fresh cut fruit bowls are $5 each. Visit safeway or albertsons.com for more deals and ways to save

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