Summary of "The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)"

Episode: Dragnet: The Big Cast (EP4676)
Release Date: April 12, 2025
Host: Adam Graham

Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives Present Dragnet, host Adam Graham delves into the gripping Old Time Radio series "Dragnet," presenting the episode titled "The Big Cast." Released on April 12, 2025, this episode offers listeners a detailed journey through a classic Dragnet case, supplemented by Graham's insightful commentary and listener interactions.

Plot Summary

[03:39] The episode begins with Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, working the homicide detail in Los Angeles. They are assigned to investigate the disappearance of Paul Davis, a man who vanished under suspicious circumstances four months prior.

[04:56] The investigation leads them to Henry Ellsworth Ross, a longshoreman with a history of heavy drinking and a violent temper. Upon questioning, Ross appears cooperative but evasive, claiming he knows someone named Paul Davis but denies any involvement in his disappearance.

Throughout the interrogation, Friday and Romero uncover troubling evidence:

• [10:11] A forged pink slip transfers ownership of Paul Davis's Ford Coupe to Henry Carter, whose signatures match Ross's handwriting.
• [14:35] Witnesses place Ross with Davis at various stops, including Bakersfield, where Davis was last seen alive.
• [19:31] Ross eventually confesses to murdering Davis and admits to killing a dozen other men over the past two years for trivial reasons, such as theft or no apparent motive.

Ross's casual demeanor and lack of remorse starkly contrast typical fictional portrayals of deranged killers, highlighting a disturbing level of nonchalance in his actions.

[28:41] The case concludes with Ross being tried, found guilty of multiple first-degree murders, and ultimately executed in the gas chamber at San Quentin State Penitentiary.

Key Moments and Notable Quotes

• [10:25] Joe Friday: "According to his wife, Paul Davis left Los Angeles by auto a little over four months ago. Was driving up to Oakdale, California to take a job with a dairy company up there. He never got there. He's been missing ever since."

• [12:02] Ben Romero: "Everybody builds up. Murder. It's supposed to be a big thing. Somebody's always killing somebody else for a million dollars. Or maybe over some woman. Some beautiful woman. Same way with the movies. That's where they get it all mixed up."

• [19:37] Joe Friday: "You lied, Henry. 16 times that, right."

• [25:30] Ben Romero: "I was full of faces. Like I. I guess I was really still asleep."

• [28:27] Joe Friday: "No, you got it wrong, Henry."

• [28:35] Ben Romero: "The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent."

Host Insights

After the dramatic conclusion of the Dragnet case, Adam Graham offers a profound analysis:

• [29:33] Graham remarks on the chilling nature of Ross's character: "a chilling look into the mind of a serial killer... utterly nonchalant... just a guy talking about what he does."

• He contrasts fictional portrayals with reality: "Lots of crimes happen for small reasons or seemingly no reason at all... They just do it, that's all."

• Graham highlights the unsettling reality of unsolved crimes and the lack of grand motives often depicted in detective fiction.

• Reflecting on character development, he notes the absence of suspects' interviews in radio formats compared to visual media, emphasizing the unique storytelling methods of Old Time Radio.

Listener Feedback

The episode also features listener comments, enhancing the community engagement:

1. Jonathan's Feedback:

   • Comment: Praises the accuracy of the Passover Seder episode and production quality. Questions why certain criminal actions, like shooting at a cop, weren't fully addressed in the synopsis.
   • Graham's Response: Suggests possible reasons, such as prosecutorial focus or time constraints, acknowledging the complexity of real-life legal proceedings versus their portrayal.

2. jhugs6024's Comment:

   • Comment: Expresses disappointment over the lack of aired interviews with culprits, affecting character development and engagement.
   • Graham's Response: Explains the limitations of radio in depicting visual interviews and addresses the balance between storytelling and format constraints.

3. Patreon Acknowledgment:

   • Jeremy's Support: Recognized as a long-term supporter, highlighting the community's role in sustaining the podcast.

Conclusion

"Dragnet: The Big Cast" offers a compelling portrayal of a serial killer case, emphasizing the simplicity and randomness that can underlie heinous crimes. Adam Graham's expert narration and analysis provide depth, contrasting fictional detective stories with the often more mundane and terrifying realities of real-world investigations. Listener interactions further enrich the episode, fostering a sense of community and shared enthusiasm for Old Time Radio classics.

For those new to The Great Detectives or "Dragnet," this episode serves as an excellent entry point, showcasing the timeless appeal of methodical police work and the enduring fascination with true crime storytelling.