The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)

Episode: Dragnet – The Big Overtime (EP4929)

Host: Adam Graham
Date: March 12, 2026
Original Dragnet Airdate: December 13, 1951

Episode Overview

This episode features a classic Dragnet radio drama titled "The Big Overtime," where Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate the abduction and murder of a bank official’s daughter. After playing the episode, host Adam Graham offers insightful commentary comparing this version to an earlier Dragnet adaptation of the same case, and shares listener feedback and podcast updates.

Key Episode Breakdown

The Crime and Investigation

[03:14-07:18] - The Case Opens & First Ransom Note

• Victim: Judith Sullivan, 22, abducted after a stranger claims her father is ill, taking her from her business school.
• First Ransom Note: Family receives an anonymous letter demanding $30,000, threatening Judith's life if the police are involved. The signer calls themselves “The Wolf.”
  • Quote: “I have your daughter, Judy. Get $30,000 quick. If you want her back alive, don't call police or I'll kill her. Contact you later. Sign the Wolf.” – Read by Ben Romero ([07:05])
• Suspect: Described as male, 5'9", 160lbs, brown suit, dark hair, seen driving a blue sedan.

[08:27-13:04] - Second Ransom Note & Police Ruse

• A second note arrives, instructing a meeting at 5am with the ransom. Police prepare a sting, hiding in the car trunk.
• The abductor calls off the meeting at the last moment, revealing he knows the police are involved and now demands $50,000.

[13:04-14:58] - Forensic & Investigative Breakthroughs

• Prints from a ransom note identify suspect as Donald Alfred Kiefer, former bank clerk with a forgery conviction linked to Mr. Sullivan.
• Handwriting analysis confirms Kiefer wrote the notes.

[15:48-16:44] - Kiefer's Background & Further Developments

• Kiefer wanted for a recent robbery in Omaha, Nebraska; used a stolen blue sedan.

[16:56-18:57] - The Father’s Desperation

• Mr. Sullivan vanishes after tricking police surveillance, intent on delivering another ransom payment.

[18:57-20:24] - Tragic Outcome

• Police find Sullivan after the ransom exchange—his daughter, Judy, is found dead.
• Sullivan, devastated, had tried to comply with the abductor’s instructions in hopes of saving his daughter.
  • Quote: “He said Judy was all right. I believed him. I wanted her back. Judy. I tricked the officer, the one watching me...I waited...he took the money and then...he came up to me. He had a gun...I wanted Judy back. He had a gun.” – Martin Sullivan ([18:57])

[21:14-22:10] - The Forensic Trail

• Crime lab finds towels wrapping Judy’s body, all identifying marks clipped off except one: Greenway Apartments, LA.
• Blood evidence found in Kiefer's abandoned apartment and a matching blue sedan in the garage.

[22:10-24:53] - The Dragnet Tightens

• Citywide manhunt launched; ransom money starts appearing in local businesses.
• Police focus search on Hollywood area after repeated Kiefer sightings and ransom bill usage.

[24:53-27:23] - Climax: Apprehension at the Theater

• Police surround a crowded theater after a tip.
• The search is explained to the audience; Kiefer attempts to flee but is captured after a brief chase and confrontation backstage.
  • Quote: “Hey, right there. There he goes. There. Outside exit." – Sergeant Ben Romero ([26:33])
  • Quote: "All right, Kiefer, hold it. Not good idea. All right, throw your gun over here...” – Joe Friday ([27:04])

[28:04-29:18] - Epilogue / Justice Served

• Kiefer is tried and convicted of first-degree murder and executed at San Quentin State Prison.

Adam Graham’s Commentary & Listener Feedback

Episode Analysis & Dragnet History

[30:29-33:00]

• Adam notes this episode is a revised retelling of an early Dragnet story from 1949, the "Sullivan kidnapping."
• Differences from the original include less melodrama and moralizing in the 1951 script, more focus on straightforward police procedural.
• Adams observes:
  • “You get a lot less melodrama and a lot more just straightforward, documented case of how the crime was solved. This is kind of a testament to how Dragnet had refined itself since the beginning with these little adjustments in tone and style.” ([32:15])

Dragnet TV & Podcast Community Updates

[33:00-36:00]

• Announcement: Dragnet’s TV series was launching, with the first episodes already filmed, to air every other week alternating with Gangbusters.

Listener Comments

[36:00-41:25]

• On Police Interrogation: Mechanic66 suggests always requesting a lawyer before talking to police; Adam agrees it's wise.
• On Cast Credits: Listener appreciates partial credits.
• On Character Dynamics: Discussion of Friday and Romero’s partnership, and why in-universe condescending speeches wouldn’t fit their relationship.

Podcast & Old-Time Radio Fandom Q&A

[41:25-42:25]

• Adam answers a question about creating an ideal 1950s detective radio show, name-dropping cast, writers, and even a “Martian Manhunter” concept.

Patreon Acknowledgement & Sign-off

[42:25- end]

• Patreon supporter Richard thanked at the Showmas level.
• Info on how to follow, review, or support the show.
• Teases next Dragnet and upcoming "Yours Truly, Johnny Dollar" episode.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Host Adam Graham, on Dragnet’s evolution:
  “There’s a sense in which you get a lot less melodrama and a lot more just straightforward, documented case of how the crime was solved. This is kind of a testament to how Dragnet had refined itself since the beginning with these little adjustments in tone and style.” ([32:12])

• Sergeant Joe Friday, on the suspect’s arrogance:
  “Claims he doesn’t care. We’ll never get him anyway.” ([10:52])

• Martin Sullivan’s heartbreak:
  “Lord, let me find him. Oh, Lord, let me kill him.” ([20:27])

• Theater Announcement (climactic moment):
  “We think we’ve traced the man who murdered her to this theater. We believe he’s in this theater. Now, we're going to search…” – Chief Thad Brown ([25:43])

• Closing note on justice:
  Narrator: “Donald Alfred Kiefer was tried and convicted of murder in the first degree. And on the recommendation of the jury, he received the death penalty. He was executed in the lethal gas chamber at the State Penitentiary, San Quentin, California.” ([29:18])

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------|-----------| | Dragnet episode begins (after ads) | 03:14 | | Crime & initial ransom note | 03:14–07:18 | | Second ransom note & meeting planned | 08:27–13:04 | | Identification of suspect Kiefer | 13:04–14:58 | | Father goes missing, pays ransom | 16:56–18:57 | | Tragic discovery of Judy's body | 18:57–20:24 | | Crime scene forensic work | 21:14–22:10 | | Dragnet operation, ransom money appears | 22:10–24:53 | | Theater stakeout & Kiefer’s capture | 24:53–27:23 | | Epilogue/verdict | 28:04–29:18 | | Adam Graham’s commentary | 30:29–42:25 | | Listener comments & feedback | 36:00–41:25 | | Podcast sign-off, credits | 42:25–end |

Tone and Style

The episode exemplifies Dragnet’s hallmark no-nonsense, methodical storytelling—minimal emotion, precise dialogue, and a focus on procedure. Adam Graham’s commentary is friendly, knowledgeable, and conversational, connecting Dragnet’s history with old-time radio fandom and modern listening.

Summary

“The Big Overtime” is a gripping retelling of a real-life-inspired kidnapping case, spotlighting Detective Friday and Romero’s relentless, evidence-driven pursuit of justice. Adam Graham’s post-episode commentary adds historical context, highlights Dragnet’s stylistic evolution, and forges connections with listeners through feedback and Q&A, making this a compelling and comprehensive episode for fans of detective radio drama and podcasting alike.