Podcast Title: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)
Host: Adam Graham
Episode: Dragnet: The Big Saint (EP4748)
Release Date: July 5, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives Present Dragnet, host Adam Graham takes listeners on an engaging journey through the classic old-time radio episode titled "The Big Saint." Adam not only revisits the intricate plot of the episode but also offers insightful commentary, bridging the gap between the 1950s setting and today's audience.

Adam Graham [01:13]: "Welcome to the Great detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham."

Episode Overview: "The Big Saint"

Set against the backdrop of Los Angeles in 1951, "The Big Saint" revolves around Joe Friday, a dedicated detective sergeant, and his partner Ben Romero. Assigned to the auto theft detail, they confront a perplexing case: a significant drop in auto theft recoveries, particularly involving late-model General Motors (GM) cars.

Joe Friday [00:00]: "Have you ever spotted McDonald's hot crispy fries right as they're being scooped into the carton? And time just stands still?"

Investigative Process

Identifying the Anomaly

Captain Stilson briefs Friday and Romero about the declining recovery rates, pointing out that GM cars—Cadillacs, Pontiacs, Chevys, and Oldsmobiles—are predominantly targeted. The detectives delve into salvage reports and identify Herman Salvage, located at 2716 West San Pedro, as a significant player dealing heavily in GM vehicles.

Captain Stilson [04:37]: "In general, it appears that all the outstanding thefts are GM cars... Low mileage cars."

Interrogation and Surveillance

Upon visiting Herman Salvage, Friday and Romero engage Herman Lester, the owner, noting inconsistencies in his dealings. They inspect the salvage yard, meticulously checking the listed stolen GM cars. Despite Lester's cooperative demeanor, subtle discrepancies begin to surface.

Herman Lester [08:08]: "We kind of built up a reputation specializing in GM used parts."

Uncovering Deception

The detectives discover that Lester has been selling rebuilt GM cars without proper documentation. A pivotal moment occurs when they inspect a 1949 Cadillac engine at Jake's Used Car Lot, revealing mismatched serial numbers between the engine and the body—indicating that Lester was substituting stolen engines into different car bodies.

Ben Romero [19:10]: "Body serial doesn't match. Doesn't correspond with the engine model."

Resolution: Arrest and Conviction

The culmination of Friday and Romero's investigation leads them to Lester's residence in the secluded Laurel Canyon district. In a dramatic confrontation, they arrest him, presenting evidence of his elaborate scheme to profit from stolen GM vehicles by manipulating salvage processes.

Joe Friday [27:04]: "That was a stolen car, Lester, and you know it."

Herman Lester is subsequently tried and convicted on multiple counts of grand theft auto and grand theft money, underscoring the effectiveness and meticulousness of the Los Angeles Police Department's approach to combating organized auto theft rings.

Narrator [27:50]: "Herman W. Lester was tried and convicted on three counts of grand theft auto and two counts of grand theft money."

Host’s Commentary

Adam Graham reflects on the episode's unique elements, highlighting its departure from the more typical violent confrontations often portrayed in the series. He appreciates the technical sound effects, particularly the realistic engine sounds that enhance the immersive experience.

Adam Graham [29:00]: "From a technical standpoint, I love the sound effects work on that engine at the junkyard."

Graham also delves into the real-life locations featured in the episode, such as Laurel Canyon, drawing parallels between the 1951 setting and its contemporary state. He muses on the neighborhood's enduring charm and historical significance within the entertainment industry.

Adam Graham [29:10]: "It's still a very nice and quiet neighborhood, but with a lot of history in the entertainment industry."

Conclusion

"The Big Saint" stands out as a compelling installment in the Dragnet series, blending authentic policing procedures with a gripping narrative. Adam Graham's insightful analysis not only honors the original material but also makes it accessible and relevant to modern listeners. For aficionados of classic radio dramas and aspiring detectives alike, this episode offers both entertainment and valuable lessons in investigative techniques.

Adam Graham [29:00]: "Dragnet will return a week from next Thursday. Coming in two weeks... the Great Adventurers of Old Time Radio one week from Sunday."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Joe Friday [00:00]: "Have you ever spotted McDonald's hot crispy fries right as they're being scooped into the carton? And time just stands still?"

• Captain Stilson [04:37]: "In general, it appears that all the outstanding thefts are GM cars... Low mileage cars."

• Herman Lester [08:08]: "We kind of built up a reputation specializing in GM used parts."

• Ben Romero [19:10]: "Body serial doesn't match. Doesn't correspond with the engine model."

• Joe Friday [27:04]: "That was a stolen car, Lester, and you know it."

• Adam Graham [29:00]: "From a technical standpoint, I love the sound effects work on that engine at the junkyard."

Final Thoughts by Adam Graham

Adam concludes by expressing appreciation for the episode's depth and the cleverness of its narrative structure. He encourages listeners to explore the rich history of Dragnet and stay tuned for upcoming episodes, promising more detective stories and classic radio adventures.

Adam Graham [29:00]: "For me, it's probably as close as I'll get to living in LA. Now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day..."

This detailed summary aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the "The Big Saint" episode, capturing its essence and the investigative prowess of its characters, while also reflecting on the host's personal insights and appreciations.