Dragnet: The Big Meet (EP4574)

Summary

Summary of "Dragnet: The Big Meet (EP4574)" from The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)

Release Date: December 14, 2024
Host/Author: Adam Graham

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1. Episode Introduction

Adam Graham kicks off this episode of The Great Detectives Present Dragnet by expressing his enthusiasm for the featured episode, "The Big Meet." He highlights his appreciation for the subgenre of Dragnet episodes where Detective Sergeant Joe Friday goes undercover in high-risk narcotics operations. Graham sets the stage for an engaging deep dive into one of his all-time favorite episodes, promising listeners a blend of classic radio drama and insightful commentary.

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2. Overview of "Dragnet: The Big Meet"

Plot Summary:

"The Big Meet" centers on Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, assigned to the narcotics detail of the Los Angeles Police Department. The duo is tasked with dismantling a sophisticated heroin distribution gang led by Howard Scully and his partner, Jim Rhodes. The episode meticulously traces their strategic plan to infiltrate the gang by orchestrating an undercover buy.

Key Events:

• Initial Investigation (00:03:05 - 00:04:08): Joe Friday and Ben Romero monitor the Charing Cross Apartments, observing May Washburn, a potential associate of the gang. Their surveillance hints at illicit activities, prompting them to engage May in a conversation.

• Setting the Trap (00:17:33 - 00:22:31): Learning of a planned narcotics deal involving $100,000 worth of heroin, Friday devises a plan to pose as a buyer with a limited budget to lure the dealers into a controlled environment. This risky operation demands meticulous preparation, including securing funds and coordinating with the State Narcotics Bureau.

• Undercover Operation (00:25:02 - 00:27:25): Friday, disguised as "McMillan," meets Scully and Rhodes in a secluded location. Tensions escalate as the detectives maintain their cover while subtly maneuvering to apprehend the criminals without blowing their identity.

• Climactic Arrest (00:27:32 - 00:28:21): Through quick thinking and strategic positioning, Friday and his team successfully apprehend Scully, Rhodes, and McMillan during the transaction. The episode concludes with the criminals' conviction, underscoring the effectiveness of thorough police work.

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3. Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• On Operating Undercover:

  • Joe Friday (00:16:53): "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."

• On the Importance of Detail:

  • Adam Graham (00:30:16): "Friday is operating in a very high-risk situation and is able to manipulate the criminals and overcome their carefully well-thought-out precautions."

• On Police Strategy:

  • Joe Friday (00:22:31): "If the officer fails to make an arrest at that moment, the odds are stacked heavily against the conviction of the narcotics crime."

• On Risk Management:

  • Adam Graham (00:30:18): "There's 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."

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4. Host's Analysis and Insights

After presenting the Dragnet episode, Adam Graham delves into an analysis, praising the episode's depiction of undercover police work. He emphasizes Joe Friday’s unwavering commitment to maintaining his cover, even in precarious situations. Graham notes the episode's intricate plotting, where Friday skillfully navigates the dangers of the narcotics underworld with limited resources:

"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." (00:30:16)

Graham commends the realistic portrayal of police procedures and the psychological resilience required for undercover operations. He highlights how the episode showcases the balance between strategic planning and on-the-spot decision-making essential for successful law enforcement.

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5. Listener Questions & Host's Response

The episode concludes with Adam Graham addressing a listener's question sourced from YouTube regarding the missing episodes of the original Dragnet TV series:

Listener Question:
"Do you have any idea why so many episodes of the original Dragnet TV series are lost or missing? It doesn't make sense, considering the show's popularity in syndication."

Adam Graham's Response:

Graham explains that the disappearance of numerous Dragnet episodes from the 1950s era is primarily due to syndication practices and copyright issues. Unlike Superman, which retained its commercial viability and archival preservation, the original Dragnet series became overshadowed by its 1960s revival. This shift led NBC Universal to neglect renewing copyrights for the early seasons, resulting in many episodes becoming inaccessible. Additionally, the lack of commercial incentive for collectors and institutions meant that only a fraction of the original 270 episodes remain publicly available, with many episodes residing in private collections or archives like the Paley Center and the Library of Congress.

Graham summarizes:

"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." (00:30:16)

He assures listeners that while some episodes exist in various archives and private hands, their limited commercial appeal has hindered efforts to preserve and disseminate the entire series.

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6. Conclusion

Adam Graham wraps up the episode by thanking Patreon supporters and encouraging listeners to continue following the podcast for more Dragnet analyses and old-time radio detective stories. He teases future content, including upcoming episodes of The Adventures of series, ensuring that fans of classic detective narratives have much to look forward to.

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Notable Takeaways

• Authentic Police Work: The episode epitomizes Dragnet's commitment to depicting realistic law enforcement, emphasizing procedural accuracy and detective ingenuity.

• Undercover Challenges: It highlights the inherent risks and psychological demands placed on undercover officers, showcasing Joe Friday's exemplary dedication.

• Media Preservation Issues: The discussion on missing Dragnet episodes sheds light on broader challenges in media archiving, especially for older television series.

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Final Thoughts

"The Big Meet" stands out as a quintessential Dragnet episode, blending suspenseful storytelling with an accurate portrayal of police methodology. Adam Graham's insightful commentary enriches the listening experience, providing historical context and addressing pertinent questions about the legacy of Dragnet. This episode serves both as a nostalgic journey for long-time fans and an informative introduction for new listeners interested in classic detective dramas.

Transcript

[Narrator]

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[Host]

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[Narrator]

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[Joe Friday]

All episodes of season three are available now.

[Host]

Listen to Amazing Wildlife on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Narrator]

Why get all your holiday decorations delivered through Instacart? Because maybe you only bought two wreaths, but you have 12 windows. Or maybe your toddler got very eager with the Advent calendar. Or maybe the inflatable snowman didn't make it through the snowstorm. Or maybe the twinkle lights aren't twinkling. Whatever the reason, this season Instacart's here for hosts and their whole holiday haul. Get decorations from the Home Depot, CVS and more through Instacart and enjoy free delivery on your first three orders, service fees and term supply.

[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 meat the holidays are all.

[Narrator]

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[Detective]

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

[Host]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to narcotics detail.

[Detective]

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

[Host]

Your job. Stop them. Dragnet. The documented drama of an actual crime. For the next 30 minutes in Cooper with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Joe Friday]

Was Wednesday, June 24. 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.

[Host]

Hi.

[Joe Friday]

Hi. Anything doing?

[Host]

Nothing.

[Joe Friday]

How's the bug working?

[Host]

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?

[Host]

Yeah, you bet. You here My ears feel like a couple of baked cattle. Flowers. 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.

[Host]

First visit, General Wood?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Just a minute.

[May Washburn]

Yes?

[Detective]

Your name is May Washington?

[May Washburn]

That's right. What is it?

[Detective]

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

[May Washburn]

What do you want to see me about?

[Detective]

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

[May Washburn]

All right, come on in.

[Host]

Let me plug in these earphones. You?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, go ahead.

[Detective]

I'd like to introduce myself. Ms. Washburn. 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?

[Detective]

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

[May Washburn]

Now, I have a date downtown in half an hour. I don't have much time to talk.

[Detective]

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

[Adam Graham]

Yeah.

[Detective]

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.

[Detective]

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?

[Detective]

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. I'm just getting.

[May Washburn]

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

[Detective]

Well, you haven't heard my proposition.

[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.

[Detective]

Well, if you'll just listen to my proposition, Ms. Walter, I'm not. No, please. I'm not asking you to be involved. I'm a 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.

[Detective]

Judge tells me you're acquainted with the right kind of people. People with money. That's the kind of people that 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.

[Detective]

No, there's nothing.

[May Washburn]

I've seen too much of it. Slowly. Snow sale.

[Detective]

Well, you'll just have to believe me. 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 Orient and not once did it fail us. And I tell you, it's not going to fail us here.

[May Washburn]

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

[Detective]

Yes, thank you. All right.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[May Washburn]

Thanks.

[Detective]

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 you. What? 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. How am I I guaranteed for my payoffs?

[Detective]

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.

[Detective]

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.

[Detective]

I'll be fine, Josie.

[May Washburn]

I'm not going to introduce you.

[Detective]

No, that won't.

[May Washburn]

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

[Detective]

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

[May Washburn]

McMillan.

[Detective]

You have him EP tonight?

[May Washburn]

I think so.

[Detective]

Yeah. It's fine. Now, tonight at 11:30, I'll be at the corner of 7th and Alameda. Now, remember this, now?

[May Washburn]

Yeah.

[Detective]

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.

[Detective]

Fine. 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 buy three miles away.

[Detective]

Well, take care of the police, Ms. 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.

[Detective]

Second.

[Joe Friday]

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

[May Washburn]

Just a minute.

[Joe Friday]

Try the door.

[Host]

It's locked.

[May Washburn]

What do you want?

[Joe Friday]

Police officers.

[May Washburn]

All right, what's the pitch?

[Joe Friday]

Like to talk to you downtown.

[May Washburn]

About what?

[Joe Friday]

Howard Scully.

[May Washburn]

What about him?

[Host]

We know why he was here. Get your code, 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. Let inform 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 Bureau, Southern Division.

[Host]

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. Becky. She was ready to go when we picked her up. Pusher's Howard Scully. You remember him?

[Host]

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.

[Host]

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?

[Host]

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 for 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.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

I never met him or his friends.

[Host]

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's choked off. Joe?

[Joe Friday]

Hmm?

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to give it a try. Beck, what do you think?

[Host]

Good. With me, we can help with the tailing. Only one possible hitch I can see. Yeah, we're not positive this guy McMillan's a total stranger to Scully. It 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]

It's possible, yeah.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

Well, we could talk to the Washburn girl again. She might brief Us.

[Host]

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 Fifth and Main streets. 11:15pm I left the hotel and started for Seventh and Alameda street, 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 crime. 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. Yes, and my name's McMillan.

[Detective]

Oh, glad to know you, Mr. McMillan. My name is Scully. Why are you Understand we have mutual friends. Is that correct?

[Joe Friday]

That's what I'm told, yeah.

[Detective]

You're from Louisiana originally? New Orleans.

[Joe Friday]

No.

[Detective]

Oh. So? I thought you were from Louisiana.

[Joe Friday]

Missouri. St. Louis.

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Detective]

Oh, I think my car would be better.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Detective]

You can believe me, this won't be a waste of time. I'm prepared to do business.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's go.

[Detective]

Fine. No, go ahead, mister.

[Host]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Thanks.

[Detective]

Now, will you raise that handle on the other side so I can get in?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, sure.

[Detective]

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.

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

Don't worry, I'm clean now.

[Detective]

It tumbles, but I'd be Here, if.

[Joe Friday]

There were, I got customers to protect. Good customers.

[Host]

Fine.

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

How much you got?

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

Sounds fair. We drove three more blocks and Lynn 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?

[Detective]

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.

[Detective]

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?

[Host]

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. Oh, come on.

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Detective]

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.

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

Roy.

[Host]

Yeah. Do we do business, Howard? Yeah.

[Detective]

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

[Host]

How much do you want?

[Detective]

Whole bundle. You can start with 10 G's worth.

[Host]

Can you handle that, McMillan?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Host]

You get the money, you get the stuff.

[Joe Friday]

When?

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Host]

Howard will pick you up at 3am Same corner?

[Detective]

Sure.

[Joe Friday]

That doesn't give me much time, does it?

[Host]

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.

[Host]

That's interesting.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

June 25, 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 would 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 Detective Stad 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. 3am 7th and Alameda.

[Detective]

McMillan, how are you? Scully, we're down this way. You have the money?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Detective]

Let's have a look.

[Joe Friday]

How about the merchandise?

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

Roads.

[Host]

All right. 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.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Host]

There's lots of heat on this town. Cops are thick as flies.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right.

[Host]

Rough time.

[Joe Friday]

I gotta be careful.

[Host]

What's the reason anyway? When did it start?

[Joe Friday]

Well, about six weeks ago. Bulls tags. Some high school kids half done them.

[Host]

Huh.

[Detective]

How far?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Host]

Young squirts.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Detective]

Not gonna help business.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Host]

How much stuff you think you can handle a month, McMillan?

[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.

[Host]

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.

[Host]

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

[Detective]

Yeah.

[Host]

You stand a comic mode.

[Joe Friday]

All right.

[Host]

All right, Mac, you can get out.

[Joe Friday]

Yep.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

Okay. It's standard.

[Detective]

It's all good. Not just that sample.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, I'll go.

[Detective]

Okay. Now, how about the money?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Detective]

Okay, Jim.

[Host]

Right.

[Detective]

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.

[Detective]

Now, no offense, McMillan. These are simple precaution.

[Joe Friday]

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

[Host]

No offense, Mac. Here's a checking. That's all right, then.

[Joe Friday]

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.

[Host]

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

[Detective]

June. I'm sorry, Mac.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

Where are we gonna go?

[Host]

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 Modestina 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 yards. 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.

[Host]

What do you think, Bank?

[Joe Friday]

A nice view.

[Host]

Yeah. Spent a long time finding this spot foolproof.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Detective]

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

[Host]

Come on. 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. This is the way I like to deal.

[Detective]

There's any cops following us, we can see the lights before they get here. Plenty of time. 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?

[Host]

Let me show you. Sweet. Sweet.

[Joe Friday]

Who's that friend you done, Jim? What's the pitch? Who is this guy?

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

What do you say?

[Host]

How you do?

[Joe Friday]

Look, how many people do you need to make a buy? Roads, huh?

[Detective]

Swedes out. Look at. He's a big fella, isn't he?

[Joe Friday]

We got enough people here for a Sunday picnic.

[Host]

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 this stuff?

[Detective]

Let's read. You want to go?

[Host]

Okay. Hart.

[Joe Friday]

How far does he have to go?

[Host]

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.

[Host]

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.

[Detective]

Okay. Let's wait for the car.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

No, it's good.

[Detective]

Got no idea how much time we spent looking for it.

[Joe Friday]

You did real good.

[Host]

Yeah. There you go.

[Joe Friday]

Okay, thanks.

[Host]

Now the money, huh?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Host]

Okay. Good idea.

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. All right. There you go. There's one bundle. There's the other.

[Detective]

Arcana.

[Host]

Jim. Yeah? Snap it up. We've been here long enough already.

[Detective]

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.

[Detective]

That's how it could be with all these ones.

[Host]

Let me see.

[Joe Friday]

Don't bother. Rhodes. Here.

[Host]

What are you trying to pull?

[Joe Friday]

Get away from the car, Scully.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

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

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

No hijack, mister. This is a pinch.

[Detective]

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

[Host]

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.

[Host]

I'll make a ten. Ten grand cash. Now, you can't afford to pass that up.

[Joe Friday]

Come on.

[Detective]

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

[Joe Friday]

You keep your hands behind your head, mister.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

Gonna have to get past this gun first.

[Detective]

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

[Host]

Don't worry.

[Joe Friday]

You won't have to walk.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

You just gave me an idea.

[Host]

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?

[Detective]

He hasn't got the guts, Jim.

[Joe Friday]

Turn around, Swede.

[Host]

Look. Don't kill me, Mr. Ott.

[Joe Friday]

I'll go with you.

[Host]

Don't shoot.

[Joe Friday]

Turn around. Stay where you are. Scully.

[Detective]

Don't.

[Joe Friday]

Don't.

[Detective]

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

[Host]

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.

[Host]

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

[Joe Friday]

Three of them, Ben. Okay.

[Detective]

All right.

[Host]

Behind your back. Come on. Couldn't get here any sooner. Joe. Had to park at the bottom of the hill of the descendants.

[Joe Friday]

Stand still, mister.

[Host]

We circled around on foot. Climbed up through the grass.

[Joe Friday]

I was beginning to think I lost you.

[Host]

All right, you two.

[Joe Friday]

Get him.

[Host]

Behind your back. Back. Hi, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

Here's the junk right here.

[Host]

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.

[Detective]

How about at 50 grand, you can't lose?

[Host]

What they talking about, Jill?

[Joe Friday]

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

[Host]

How about it, Tex? You could use the dough. New car, new house. Just forget you ever saw it's easy as that. 50,000 cash. What do you say, Tex? Huh? Sorry, you got the wrong man. What? My name ain't Tex.

[Detective]

The story you have just heard was true. 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.

[Host]

May Washburn, Howard Lewis Scully, 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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[Host]

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[Adam Graham]

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[Host]

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[Detective]

24.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. 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 and 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 appeals of Dragnet originally was that it dealt with the way police actually worked. And so in that regard, 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. 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 270 that were produced during the series 8 year run. There are a number of episodes that are not publicly available, that are available or 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 a 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 support supporter of the 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.

[Joe Friday]

The Falcon, where I wouldn't bother you.

[May Washburn]

But there's nobody else I can turn to. Oh, well, now, look, I'll be forever in your debt.

[Host]

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

[May Washburn]

Try me.

[Host]

Hey, now, wait.

[May Washburn]

What do you think?

[Host]

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?

[Adam Graham]

I'm sorry.

[May Washburn]

I lost my head.

[Host]

It's a very pretty one. What's the problem?

[May Washburn]

Then you will help?

[Host]

Mm.

[May Washburn]

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

[Host]

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

[May Washburn]

I don't know. Did he?

[Host]

Yes, he did. Seems suspense 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.

[Host]

What for?

[May Washburn]

Well, how else can you kill him?

[Host]

How else can I what?

[Joe Friday]

It shouldn't be difficult.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box13reited.net follow us on Twitter, Twitter at radiodetactives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com Great. Detectives from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.

[Joe Friday]

Buenos DS World.

[Narrator]

From the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. On season three of our show, Amazing Wildlife, we have spotlighted captivating animals from.

[Host]

Around the world, like the capybara.

[Narrator]

Capybaras are actually the world's largest rodent. And they have short little ears that they wiggle very much. Like hippos. It's one of the cutest things. They're one of the most adorable animals.

[Joe Friday]

All episodes of season three are available now.

[Host]

Listen to Amazing Wildlife on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Adam Graham]

How do you feel when you switch to Geico and save on your car insurance?

[Narrator]

It's like going to work on one.

[Joe Friday]

Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just.

[Narrator]

One more day until Friday.

[Adam Graham]

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.

[Narrator]

Yep, switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.