Dragnet: The Big Quack (EP4562)

Summary

The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio): "Dragnet: The Big Quack" (EP4562)
Release Date: November 30, 2024
Host: Adam Graham

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio, host Adam Graham delves into the classic radio series Dragnet, specifically exploring the episode titled "Dragnet: The Big Quack." Graham provides an engaging and insightful analysis of the episode, highlighting its themes, narrative structure, and enduring relevance to contemporary issues.

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Episode Overview

"Dragnet: The Big Quack" presents a compelling narrative centered around Detective Sergeant Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, as they investigate a series of burglaries committed by a man impersonating Dr. Arthur Schulte. The story unfolds in Los Angeles, showcasing the meticulous procedural methods characteristic of the Dragnet series. The episode not only entertains but also offers a critique of fraudulent medical practices and diploma mills, issues that remain pertinent today.

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Detailed Summary

Investigating the Burglaries ([04:19] – [12:34])

The episode begins with Sergeant Friday and Ben Romero responding to a burglary report at Marla Hutchins' residence. Marla accuses Dr. Arthur Schulte of stealing her mink coats and jewelry after receiving hypnotherapy treatments for her headaches. The detectives note that there is no evidence of forced entry, suggesting that the perpetrator had access to the premises.

Unraveling the Identity of Dr. Schulte ([12:34] – [17:37])

As the investigation progresses, Friday and Romero delve into Dr. Schulte's background, discovering discrepancies in his credentials. They examine the Los Angeles College of Psychotherapeutics and Psychiatry, only to find the establishment suspiciously vacant and lacking legitimate accreditation. This leads them to suspect that Dr. Schulte is operating a diploma mill, issuing fraudulent degrees rapidly without proper medical training.

Confrontation and Arrest ([17:37] – [27:58])

The detectives trace Dr. Schulte to his association with Leo Donaldson, who has been issuing fake doctorates to unsuspecting individuals. During an undercover operation at a local theater, they apprehend Donaldson after he purchases a dubious doctorate in psychotherapy. A subsequent investigation reveals Schulte's criminal history, including convictions related to the interstate transportation of illicit materials. Ultimately, Dr. Schulte dies of natural causes before facing trial, and Donaldson is convicted of grand theft, highlighting the episode's focus on combating fraudulent practices within the medical field.

Recognition and Impact ([27:58] – [29:02])

The episode concludes with an accolade from Chief W.H. Parker of the Los Angeles Police Department, commending Dragnet for its authentic portrayal of police work and its positive impact on public perception of law enforcement.

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Notable Quotes

• Marla Hutchins ([04:54]):
  "Dr. Arthur Schulte was treating me for headaches. He took my mink coats and my jewelry."
  Timestamp: 04:54

• Sergeant Friday ([11:42]):
  "She's still got the headaches, hasn't she?"
  Timestamp: 11:42

• Chief W.H. Parker ([28:22]):
  "The Los Angeles Police Department awards this citation of merit to Dragnet for its authentic portrayal of cases from the files of this department."
  Timestamp: 28:22

• Host Adam Graham ([30:16]):
  "When people who use big words but are not actually qualified, ethical and don't know what they're doing start messing around with people's minds and bodies, it can really do great harm."
  Timestamp: 30:16

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Insights and Conclusions

Adam Graham uses this episode to shed light on the persistent issue of diploma mills and the dangers posed by unqualified practitioners. He draws parallels between the fictional investigation in Dragnet and real-world challenges, emphasizing the show's role in educating the public about fraud in the medical profession. Graham appreciates how Dragnet not only entertains but also serves as a public service by highlighting the importance of legitimacy and ethics in professional fields.

Furthermore, Graham reflects on the episode's depiction of the movie projectionist profession, noting its historical context and evolution over the past decades. This serves to illustrate the meticulous research and attention to detail that Dragnet invested in accurately portraying various aspects of urban life and law enforcement.

In summary, "Dragnet: The Big Quack" is lauded for its authentic storytelling, procedural accuracy, and its enduring message about the importance of integrity within professional practices. The episode's recognition by the Los Angeles Police Department underscores its significant cultural impact and reinforces Dragnet's legacy as a pioneer in crime drama.

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Conclusion

"Dragnet: The Big Quack" stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of classic radio dramas in addressing societal issues. Through vigilant storytelling and a focus on procedural accuracy, Dragnet not only entertained audiences but also played a crucial role in raising awareness about fraud and unethical practices. Adam Graham's thoughtful analysis invites listeners to appreciate the depth and foresight of Dragnet, ensuring its place in the annals of influential radio history.

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Transcript

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[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 before we get started, I want to encourage you, if you enjoy the podcast, to follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis by me mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. box 15913. That's P.O. box 15913, Boise, ID 83715. And you can also become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month by going to patreon.greatdetectives.net well now from October 12, 1950, here is the big Quack.

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[Dragnet Narrator]

In Colorado Springs, Colorado, a group of men are gathered together for their annual conference for their day in day out service to the public, Dragnet honors the 57th Annual Conference of the International association of Chiefs of Police.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

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

[Dragnet Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to burglary detail. A man posing as a doctor is burglarizing homes in your city.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

You have his description, your job. Find him.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Dragnet. The documented story 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, from official police files, from beginning to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

It was Sunday, November 22nd. It was chilly in Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out of burglary detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Thad Brown, Chief of detectives. My name's Friday. It was 9:35am when we got to 5918 Canyon Cove, the home of Marla Hutchins.

[Marla Hutchins]

Yes?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Ms. Marla Hutchins?

[Marla Hutchins]

I'm Ms. Marla Hutchins.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

We're police officers, ma'am. This is Sergeant Romero. I'm Sergeant Friday, Central Burglary.

[Marla Hutchins]

Come in.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Thank you.

[Marla Hutchins]

Betty told me she called you.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Your maid.

[Marla Hutchins]

Yes. I'm Betty Gregg.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

I called you and if you could tell us what happened, please.

[Marla Hutchins]

Dr. Arthur Schulte was treating me for headaches. I have. He took my mink coats and my jewelry.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Mm. Do you have a list of what's missing?

[Marla Hutchins]

Betty will have a list of what's missing here. I've written down everything I think's going.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Thank you.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, why do you say it was this Dr. Schulte? Is that right?

[Marla Hutchins]

Yes.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Why do you say it was him that took things, Ms. Hutchins?

[Marla Hutchins]

He didn't. I know he didn't. The doctor was the only other person in the apartment.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Officer, when was this?

[Marla Hutchins]

Last night.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

What time was the doctor here last night?

[Marla Hutchins]

It was about 8. I heard him leave later about 9:15.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Is that right, Ms. Hutchins?

[Marla Hutchins]

Yes, that's right.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, could the apartment have been entered without either one of you knowing it?

[Marla Hutchins]

No, sir. The back entrance is double latched and no one could have broken in the front way. My room's right beside the front door. And I would have heard.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

You told us on the phone that this Dr. Schulte was middle aged, dark, close to 5ft 11, stocky and wears a goatee.

[Marla Hutchins]

Yes.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

No other distinguishing features. Is that correct?

[Marla Hutchins]

Yes, sir.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

How about his clothes?

[Marla Hutchins]

The way he was dressed, he was about average. Had on a gray suit the last time we saw him.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Thank you.

[Marla Hutchins]

You know who he is?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

We'll find out.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

What kind of treatment were you taking from Dr. Schiltay, Ms. Hutchinson?

[Marla Hutchins]

You call it hypnotherapy? For my headaches.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Mm. Last night the same thing?

[Marla Hutchins]

Yes.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Or anything different from his previous visits?

[Marla Hutchins]

I was very nervous. He made me take three sleeping capsules and I went to sleep. She was still sleeping this morning when I went in and found everything in the dressing table, all over the floor.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

I see. Have you known this Dr. Schulte Long, Ms. Hutchins?

[Marla Hutchins]

About four months.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Did you meet him at a party, maybe?

[Marla Hutchins]

No, I was a student of his.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Where was this?

[Marla Hutchins]

A small college in Hollywood. He was the head of the school. He was a teacher, too.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Do you have the name and address for the college?

[Marla Hutchins]

Betty can give it to you. It's in my desk.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

You still a student there?

[Marla Hutchins]

No, I don't take the course. I stopped. College was closed. That's when he came here to treat me for my headaches.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

How did he start giving you these treatments, Ms. Hutchins?

[Marla Hutchins]

One day in his lecture, I fainted. He took me to his office and told me that pain was only a state of mind. State of mind?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Yes, ma'am.

[Marla Hutchins]

My headache didn't bother me anymore. He said that relief would only be temporary if I didn't take regular treatments.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, did you see him regularly?

[Marla Hutchins]

I saw him twice a week. Twice a week?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Always here at the college.

[Marla Hutchins]

Then it closed. I don't know why. He telephoned and said he would continue here.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, where did you get in touch with him when the college closed?

[Marla Hutchins]

I never did. He always called here.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

You have any idea where he is now?

[Marla Hutchins]

No. I just know that he's a thief.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Yes, ma'am.

[Marla Hutchins]

Why don't you lie down, Miss Hutchins? You look tired. All right.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Thank you, Miss Hutchins.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Yes, ma'am. Thank you very much.

[Marla Hutchins]

All right. Would your gentleman like some coffee?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Oh, Ben, I could show you some.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

It would be very nice, miss. Thank you, Officer. Yes, ma'am.

[Marla Hutchins]

If this man's just a common thief, treatments he's been giving Ms. Hutchins couldn't have been very good, could they?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

She's still got the headaches, hasn't she? 11:50am we checked the apartment for physical evidence. There was nothing to indicate that the place had been broken into. We put in a call to Latent Fingerprints to send a man out to check the closet and dresser. We completed the crime report, and Betty Gregg, the maid, gave us the name and address of Dr. Schulte's college, the Los Angeles College of Psychotherapeutics and Psychiatry at a Franklin Street Number in Hollywood. Ben and I got out of Teletype to Sacramento asking information on the chartering of the school that Dr. Schulte was supposed to have headed. We checked on Betty Gregg, the maid, and found that she was a Los Angeles girl, parents still living in the city. She had a good reputation. 2:35pm we went to the address where the college had been. It was a big brown clapboard house with several dormer windows facing the street. It was vacant. The front door was boarded up. A rental agency sign was stuck up on one of the pillars on the front porch.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Joe, Front room there must have been where they had classes. Rows of chairs nailed down.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

You see? Let me look. I don't see any papers inside. No mail.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Hi. Yeah, my name's Tom Thompson. You interested in the place?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

You're the agent?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

No, no, I just live next door. I'm a dry cleaner myself. But I sort of promised a real estate agent I'd keep an eye peeled, see if I could be of help. Anyone came around shopping?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Uh huh. Police officers were just checking.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Oh. Something wrong? Somebody break in?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Did you live next door when this was a school here?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Yeah, that psychology bunch here about, oh, 10 months, maybe less. I always thought it was kind of a shoestring operation. How do you mean? Oh, you know, not much though. They just make it into me. No class, you know, always just adults. Well, classes used to be mostly during the day. I was at work. The wife used to tell me, though, no kids that she ever saw.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Did you know the man that ran the school?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

No, but he was a middle aged guy with a kind of a pointed beard. Had a pal, younger guy, never stopped to talk. They're pretty tight mouthed guys, like I said. Why, what'd he do? Routine investigation. Mr. Thompson, do you have any idea.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Where they might be contacted now?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

No, no. Real estate agents said they skipped without paying last month's rent for him. He's been trying to find them.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Do you remember their names?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Well, let's see, the older guy, the guy with the beard was named Schultz or something like that. I can't remember the young fellow though, but. Hey, wait a minute, wait a minute. I got their door. How's that? I got their door. The agent let me have the front door. I'm building a patio porch in the back of my house and the glass that I took out of the door has got the names lettered on it.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Oh, it's fine.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Come on. I'll see if I still got it in the garage. It's right around here.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Okay.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Little Chilly today, huh?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Yeah, a little.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Want to stand back. They don't want to hit you. Want to open.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

That's the doorbell.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Here we go. I like to keep a nice, neat garage. Sure looks nice. Oh, thanks.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Say, do these men live in the house, Mr. Thompson, or do they just use it for the school?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

You know best on just for classes. Like I say, they're pretty tight leg guys. Not very friendly. Real quiet.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Mm.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Yeah, here it is.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

I got it. Just leave it right there. We'll come over there. You want us to move it? Let's see. Los Angeles College of Psychotherapeutics and Psychiatry. Dr. Arthur William Schulte.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Schulte, D. A.

[Dragnet Narrator]

A Ph.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

D. S.C.D.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Well, of course, the Schultz.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Dr. Leo George Donaldson, D.V. ph.D.S.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

C. D. I got it, Joe.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Okay, fine. We're much obliged, Mr. Thompson. Here's our card. If you hear anything regarding these men, we'd appreciate you calling us.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Oh, sure, sure. I'd be glad to wait me here. Here's my card. Uh, Ideal cleaners over an iVar. If you get around that way while drop some stuff off. I'll see how it gets special attention.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, thank you very much, Ms. Thompson.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

No, it's okay. Sure glad I didn't throw that glass away, brother. Look at all the letters after the names, eh? Wonder what it takes to get a lineup of degrees like that paint brush.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

In about 10 minutes. 5pm Ben and I drove back to the office. There was a report from Latent Fingerprints? Nothing but the prints of the two girls had been found in the Hutchins apartment. We checked what information we had on Schulte and Donaldson through to the FBI on the teletype. A check of doctors registered with the Los Angeles County Medical association and the American Psychiatric association failed to turn up anybody named Dr. Schulte. We had our I Bureau and stats office make runs on Leo, Donaldson and Schulte, and a rundown on the reports where the burglar had posed as a psychologist. The stats office turned up a couple of dozen new suspects. We pulled the mug shots and headed for the Hutchins apartments.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Looks like something doing at the Hutchins department, huh?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

A lot of cruiser cars, huh?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Let's have a look. Sorry, can't go in.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Sergeant. Friday, Romero, Central Burglary.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Oh, sure, Sergeant. What's the trouble?

[Dragnet Narrator]

Girl, name of Hutchins, shot herself. You are listening to Dragnet Authentic stories of your police force in action.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Monday, November 23rd. During the morning, the coroner's office signed off Marla Hutchins case. The verdict was that she had taken her own life. The police psychiatrist told us that probably the hypnotic treatments by Schulte had hastened her death. The information we'd received from the Medical association told us that they had had complaints against the operation of the Schulte School. They had pointed out to us that it takes over 12 years in recognized medical schools to become a member of the American Psychiatric Association. Schulte had been mass producing pseudo psychiatrists in eight weeks. 1:40pm we met with Captain Fulton.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

School was a phony. Degrees and diplomas sold anybody who had cash.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Yeah, they're not operating anymore.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

We checked that out. They're gone. Well, here's the answer to your teletype to Sacramento.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Thank you.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Gives details on the application for the School of Shulde. He's listed as founder and Dean.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Donaldson is listed as staff. There are no addresses other than the Franklin street number there. Mm. Anything else?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

A month ago, Leo Donaldson opened courses of instruction in Los Angeles under the.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Title of California Physicians College of Psychiatry.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

781 S. Hill St. Shulty associated with him? No.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Have any idea where Shuldy is? No, we don't, but we're looking. We've got the support of the medical people to push a bunco charge for the operation of the old school.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Donaldson should be able to give you.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

A lead on Schulte.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Figures he might be in contact. Looks like they actually ran the school together, even though Schulte was legally responsible.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Ben and I have an idea on how maybe we can find out.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

How's that?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

We thought one of us could make a pitch to Donaldson, see if he'd sell a degree from the new school, get evidence to support a bunco warrant and check at the same time to see if Donelson has contact with Schulte. Well, I'll let bunco detail know we're trying. You think you can do it? I can try. Know anything else about Donaldson's courses? No, but that doesn't bother me. How come? Neither does Donaldson. In trying to get Schulte through his former associate, Leo Donaldson, we again contacted the Medical Association. They furnished us with the name of Ralph Morse, a graduate of the Franklin Street School who had since been killed in an auto accident. Tuesday, 11:30am Ben and I get the 781 South Hill Street, a seven story office building in the heart of the Los Angeles business district. The directory in the lobby listed the California Physicians College of psychiatry for rooms 214 and 216. Ben waited outside in the car. I took the elevator up.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Yes, may I help you?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Dr. Donaldson.

[Dragnet Narrator]

I'm Dr. Leo Donaldson. May I be of assistance?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, my name is Frank Ditton. I wanted to ask about the curriculum here.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Well, we've just opened, Mr. Ditton. We're not quite ready to start classes. You understand, this is very advanced instruction. Most of our students will have had considerable background in psychiatry.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Oh, well, a friend of mine, Dr. Morse, said that he was sure I'd be a good student for you.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Dr. Morse?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Mm.

[Dragnet Narrator]

I'm not sure I place him.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, he was one of your students at the Franklin street school. Said that Dr. Schulte knew him quite well.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Oh.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Oh, yes, Yes, I remember. Brilliant man. How's he getting along?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

He was killed in a car collision.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Oh, that's too bad.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, frankly, what I was interested in was being able to take over his practice. Could I get the same deal he got?

[Dragnet Narrator]

I think so, Mr. Ditton. What'd you have in mind?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, take some courses and get a degree. I worked with Morse for a while. I can set up a clinic. He did okay. I figure maybe I can, too.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Well, here's a list of the courses we'll offer.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Thank you.

[Dragnet Narrator]

We'll go over it together, and you can indicate what sphere of study you'd like to undertake.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Does Dr. Schulte teach any of these courses?

[Dragnet Narrator]

No, he doesn't. Now, the first semester will include Painless and Drugless Childbirth, Practical and Applied Psychology, Autosuggestion, Prenatal Suggestion.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Yeah, well, look, Dr. Donaldson, straight, practical and Applied Psychology is the specialty that I want. What degree do I get, and how much will it cost?

[Dragnet Narrator]

Well, the least expensive is a doctorate of psychotherapy at $450. A doctorate of philosophy and psychology is $500 for all purposes. If you can afford it, Mr. Ditton has a doctorate of science. That's 800. That course was $1,000 at the Franklin Street School.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Yeah, well, I don't know. That's a lot of money. I guess I have to have it, though. I wonder if you'd take a check now.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Certainly. You understand what a tremendous advantage these degrees are to the professional man, who, for one reason or another, may never have had a chance to get a college diploma.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

The course is very hard.

[Dragnet Narrator]

You look like an intelligent man, Mr. Ditton. I'm sure you'd have no difficulty.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

All right.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, say, look, Doctor, I live out in Van Nuys now, and I'm working three days a week, the present time. It's going to be pretty tough to get downtown here. Do I have to be here every day?

[Dragnet Narrator]

Since it's the diplomas most of our students are interested in. We have, on occasion, made exceptions in cases like yours.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, I'd appreciate that.

[Dragnet Narrator]

We could possibly, in the case of a doctorate of science, present you with your diploma in advance of your taking the course, and you could launch into private practice at once and take the course whenever it suited you.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Couldn't ask for a better deal.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Everything's mentioned in this catalog. The forms are in the back. Why don't you sit down right there.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Oh, thank you very much. Rules and regulations. No books are required of students. Well, that's a break, huh?

[Dragnet Narrator]

We lecture a little differently from some colleges, and therefore, we've dispensed with text because we feel they tend to confuse the data.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

When I take the course, who will be my instructor?

[Dragnet Narrator]

I will.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, Morse talked a lot about Dr. Schulte. Does he teach any of the classes?

[Dragnet Narrator]

No. Dr. Schulte was associated with me in the operation of the Franklin Street School, but is not the staff member of the California Physicians College of Psychiatry.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, I was just wondering, if I paid extra, could I get some classes with him? Morse said that he picked up a lot of useful information from Schulte. He's a fellow with a goatee and he.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Yes, that's right.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Well, truthfully, I have no idea where.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Dr. Schulte is presently located.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Understand this one regulation here. No student will be admitted who cannot show documentary proof of the successful completion of secondary school work.

[Dragnet Narrator]

High school. You can understand that, can't you, Mr. Ditton?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

How do you mean?

[Dragnet Narrator]

Well, there are certain minimum academic standards we must observe.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Yeah.

[Dragnet Narrator]

In order to maintain the quality of our degree.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Dr. Donaldson accepted my check to the amount of $800. I asked for a receipt and he filled out a blanket doctorate of science degree which he carefully lettered with the name Frank Ditton and signed himself as dean. I arrested Donaldson, and Ben and I took him in for booking. 1pm we received a long teletype from Washington. Arthur Schulte had a record of arrests and convictions back East. It started with a conviction 16 years ago for the interstate transportation of pornographic motion pictures. The record gave us no known addresses, but important in the information was the fact that Schulte had originally been trained and had worked at being a projectionist in movie theaters. In the MO Was the notation that he'd been known to take up his old occupation when sought by authorities. 1:35pm we contacted the local office of the Motion Picture Projectionist Union, where they told us that they had placed an Arthur Schulte in the booth of one of The Main street newsreel houses on Sunday. That was the day before 2:30pm The Crescent Theater was buried between two bars and advertised an hour of newsreels and short subjects for 20 cents.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Where's the manager? I'm him.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Can we talk to you a minute? Police officers.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

What?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

I say we're police officers. We'd like to talk to you.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Nobody here to take over. Why don't you come in and I can open the booth door here and talk.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Okay. Right around the back, I guess. Here, Ben. Where is he? Hey, mister.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Okay. What's the trouble, officers?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

You have a man by the name of Schulte working here?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

That's right. Projectionist isn't working right this minute, though. Comes on duty at four an hour.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

All right. I wonder if you'd take a look at this description, please. There we are.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

5:11. Man working here is clean shaven, no goatee. That's how that sounds the same. Any idea where he lives?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

No, I don't. Well, we'll have to wait for him here.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

All right. Wait a minute. Just one.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Where?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

You want to wait inside?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, I think we'd rather stay up in the projection booth if it's all right.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Up the steel stairs there on the right. Tell Pete Eigen he's the man up there now. I said it was okay. All right.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Don't say anything to him when he gets here, will you, sir?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

I won't, Officer.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Come on, Ben. Gets this way. It's a long climb, huh?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Yeah, it is. It's right up there.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Oh, yeah. This must be it. Hey, mister.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Mister. Yeah?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Police officers.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Anything wrong?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

We're gonna have to wait here. The manager said it was okay.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Wait for what?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

We want to talk to your relief man.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

You mean the doc? You know him? Well, just since yesterday.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Why do you call him the doc?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Well, you know, speaks kind of fancy for a projectionist. What do you do?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Oh, he just likes to talk to him.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Okay. You know, the guy doesn't come on for about an hour.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Yeah, they told us.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

You want to look at the picture? You can both sit by the observation port on the film safes there. Yeah. Thanks.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Sit over here, Ben. Is this all right here?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Yeah, that's fun.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Well, what's the matter?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

I've seen this newsreel.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

5:45Pm Schulte was nearly two hours late. Ben and I were worrying about whether somehow he'd been tipped.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Usual for men to be this late for a shift. Not in a house like this. Bigger house would be different. Way it is with a doc being Late like this just costs the boss a couple of bucks.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

How do you mean?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

I got more dough. I'm over my maximum hours. The old guy'd stay away long enough, I'd be on golden.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Golden? What's that?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Yeah, Double and a half time. Boys in the business call it golden time. Oh. Most dough you can get is double golden. You get that working over maximum number of hours after midnight on a Sunday. Huh? That's double golden. Never happened to me, though. How do you stand? What do you mean? The money, the noise. Get used to it. Don't pay any attention after a while.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Don't you get tired of hearing the same soundtrack over and over?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

No. You just know it's there. It never registers what they're saying to me. Just if it stops when it shouldn't, get used to it. Over the years I've been doing this long 11.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

It's a long time.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Excuse me. I gotta make a switchover.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

What'd you say?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

I said I gotta make a switch over.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

I've been watching you do that all afternoon. How do you know when the Turn the other projector on?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Marks on the film up in the right corner on the screen. Usually a black dot. Look through the window.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Look, Ben, right here.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

The first dot tells me to start the other projector. When the second dot hits, I cut this one, turn on the other one. Now watch. Okay. See the first one?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Uh huh.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Now the second dot. See? Uh huh. Smooth. You never know the difference. Simple stuff. People never seem to notice the switches. Just a minute. Hi, Doc. Little late. Sorry, I overslept. Your name. Chilting?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

That's right. Police officers would like to talk to you.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

I have to go to work anyway.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

You want to go downstairs?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

All right.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

This way. All right. This will be fine. Right here. You say your name is Schulte? Arthur William Schulte?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

That's correct. Ever been known by any other name?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Why do you operate a school called the Los Angeles College of Psychotherapeutics and Psychiatry during the past year.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

I'm not saying anything. Where are you living, mister? I'm not saying anything.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Let me see your identification here.

[Dragnet Narrator]

My wallet.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

No, you hold it. See, open my part there. I take out the card. Union card, little ticket stubs, Social Security card.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

That second thing there. Behind the cash. Yeah. Let's try that folded piece of paper there.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

It's just a bill. What is it, Joe?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

It's a bill. Milliken Hotel. Let's go. We drove to the Milliken Hotel about six blocks from the theater in the same Skid Road District. We got the key from the room clerk and went up to Schulte's room. It looked like any dingy hotel room. A small foot locker sat at the end of the bed on the baggage stand. Two suitcases were over by the closet. And sitting on the floor alongside the bureau were two waist high stacks of books.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

You got the key to the small trunk? I don't have to submit to this.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Let's open it up.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Open it yourself. Here's the key. All right.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Two mink coats.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

I'll check the rest of the room, Joe.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

All right. This your property, Doctor?

[Dragnet Narrator]

I'm not saying anything.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Just clothes. Regular stuff. And girl.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

How about those suitcases over there? Got them. What do you got?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

How about this?

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

It's a cigar box. It's taped shut. What's inside, Doctor?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Nothing you'd be interested in. I'll open it. Jill.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Schulte. Bracelets, rings, matched, earrings fit our stolen property reports. These were gifts.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

People say you took them.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

They're sick.

[Dragnet Narrator]

I've done them a lot of good. They know. They thank me this way.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Yeah, people I get these things from. They know I've helped them.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

The way you helped Marla Hutchins?

[Dragnet Narrator]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent. Arthur Schulte, free on bail pending trial, died of natural causes on June 15th in Fresno, California. Leo O'Donnelson was tried and convicted of grand theft. And served a term prescribed by law in the state penitentiary.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

And now here is our star, Jack Webb. Thank you. When the rookie policeman becomes a full fledged member of the department, one of the first things he becomes aware of is the time worn tradition of the peace officer. He has pride in the many works with pride in his job.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Ladies and gentlemen, the Chief of Police.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Of the City of Los Angeles, WH Parker. The Los Angeles Police Department awards this citation of merit to Dragnet for its authentic portrayal of cases from the files of this department. Bringing great credit to the Los Angeles Police Department and its officers. And enhancing the prestige of law enforcement generally among its millions of listeners.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Thank you. Chief Parker.

[Dragnet Narrator]

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.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Next, we the People three chimes mean.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

Good times on NBC.

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[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

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[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Your sleep number setting and now during our Black Friday sale, save 50% on the Sleep Number Limited Edition Smart Bed plus free home delivery when you add a base and Cyber Monday.

[GEICO Ad Voice]

To find a store near you, visit sleepnumber.com.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. This is a solid episode that deals with a problem that we still have today with diploma mills churning out unqualified practitioners and offering fraudulent degrees. When people who use big words but are not actually qualified, ethical and don't know what they're doing start messing around with people's minds and bodies, it can really do great harm. As this episode brings home. And this is yet another example of Dragnet educating the public about a real problem and a lesser known threat to public safety. The whole bit about the movie projectors provide some interesting insight into that profession, which I'm sure has changed in the past 75 years, as have many others. But it's also probably an area of Jack Webb's particular interest. In Michael Hayd's book My Name Is Friday, he mentions that on set when Webb was just working as an actor, he spent time in between scenes really questioning the various people who were working on the film and getting a handle on every aspect of the movie making business to understand it. He certainly would have wanted to understand the projection part of the movie business, and it wouldn't surprise me if this came from his own research. The award provided at the end was definitely well earned and it illustrates that a year in to its production, Dragnet already had this special place in popular culture and certainly in its relationship with the Los Angeles Police Department. Well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day and I want to go ahead and thank Ron. Ron's been one of our Patreon supporters since March of 2022, currently supporting the podcast at the shamus level of $4 or more per month. Thank you so much for your support Ron, and that will actually 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. Join us on Tuesday for a previously uncirculated hearthstone of the death squad. And of course, tomorrow is our Sunday replay. But our whole regular lineup gets properly restarted on Monday, when we will bring you the Adventures of the Falcon. Where?

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

And you're Vicky Terrence, huh?

[Marla Hutchins]

Well, I heard you're a good detective, but that's kind of stretching it.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Why? I've just been looking at a picture of you and O'Hara nightclubbing together.

[Marla Hutchins]

I didn't know we'd been published.

[Grammarly Ad Voice]

You don't read the Police Gazette?

[Dragnet Narrator]

Come in.

[Marla Hutchins]

Thanks.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Hell, now, why do you want a detective?

[Marla Hutchins]

Well, Mr. Waring.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

Oh, call me Mike. I'll call you Vicky.

[Dragnet Narrator]

Unless O'Hara objects.

[Marla Hutchins]

Don't worry about Joey. He's a lion in the ring, but a lamb out of it.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

With you as Little Bo Peep, I can believe it.

[Dragnet Narrator]

But back to business.

[Marla Hutchins]

Well, Mike, there's a fellow I used to go with in Detroit, Ken Floyd. He's come to New York and wants to make trouble between me and Joey.

[Dragnet Narrator]

How?

[Marla Hutchins]

Well, he has some wacky yarn. He's threatened to tell Joey.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

What yarn?

[Marla Hutchins]

Well, it hasn't anything to do with what I want you for, Vicki.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

I found out when people who want to hire me start holding out on me.

[Marla Hutchins]

I'm not holding out. But I'm beginning to wonder if I didn't make a mistake coming here.

[Harvest Town Foods Ad Voice]

So am I, angel.

[Adam Graham]

I hope you'll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to Box [e-mail] 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.

[GEICO Ad Voice]

How do you feel when you switch to GEICO and save on your car insurance? It's like going to work on one Thursday morning and thinking to yourself, just one more day until Friday. 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. Yep. Switching and saving with Geico feels just like that. Get more with Geico.