Dragnet: The Big Speech (EP4742)

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio) Episode: Dragnet: The Big Speech (EP4742) Host: Adam Graham Release Date: June 28, 2025

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Introduction

In this episode of The Great Detectives Present Dragnet, host Adam Graham delves into the classic old-time radio series Dragnet, specifically focusing on the episode titled "The Big Speech." Graham provides a comprehensive exploration of the episode, offering insights into its narrative structure, character development, and thematic elements. This summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key discussions and notable quotes to provide a rich understanding for both longtime fans and newcomers.

Plot Summary

The Case of Dr. Gannon's Robbery

The episode begins with Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Ben Romero, assigned to a critical robbery case. On Monday, August 7th at 1:15 PM (05:01), a 55-year-old doctor named Dr. Gannon is found severely beaten and robbed. Initial suspicions point towards a young narcotics addict, Rex Burley.

As Friday interacts with his mother at home (05:01), he receives a telegram inviting him to speak at his old high school about police work. This subplot introduces the "big speech" theme, setting the stage for character reflection and development.

Investigating Irving Adams

The investigation leads Friday and Romero to the residence of Mrs. Irving Adams on 239 W. 92nd St. (10:50). Mrs. Adams reports her husband's car stolen, but inconsistencies arise when it's revealed that Irving Adams has been in jail since July 30th (11:16), making it impossible for him to have stolen his own car. This discrepancy raises suspicions about Mrs. Adams' involvement.

Friday and Romero confront Mrs. Adams, who becomes increasingly evasive and confused about her initial report, especially after learning her husband is incarcerated (15:04). She eventually implicates Rex Burley, mentioning his involvement and hinting at his whereabouts. This revelation propels the detectives to trace Burley to a hotel on Washington Boulevard.

Arresting Rex Burley

After identifying Rex Burley's hotel room (20:08), Friday and Romero attempt to apprehend him. A tense confrontation ensues on the hotel roof, where Burley, realizing he's cornered, attempts to flee but is ultimately subdued by Friday (22:27). Burley admits to his crimes, detailing his descent into narcotics addiction and the resultant criminal activities (22:35).

Conclusion of the Case

The episode concludes with Burley's trial on November 9, where he's found guilty of three counts of first-degree robbery and sentenced to the state penitentiary (31:00). The narrative wraps up with reflections on the case, emphasizing the personal toll of addiction and crime.

Key Moments and Notable Quotes

• Sergeant Joe Friday's Introduction:

  • "It was Monday, August 7th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day." (04:41)

• Interaction with Mrs. Adams:

  • "I must say, I'm glad you could get home. Telegrams always make me nervous." – Joseph's Mother (05:01)
  • "Well, now, which is it, you or your husband?" – Joe Friday (15:19)

• Confrontation with Rex Burley:

  • "I didn't mean to do it. I was wrong. I know I was wrong." – Rex Burley (22:27)
  • "How old are you, Burley?" – Joe Friday (22:35)

• Joe Friday's Reflection on the Speech:

  • "It's just rough. I haven't." (27:40)
  • "Well, what do you think, Ma? That's just rough." – Joe Friday (27:05)

Analysis and Insights

Adam Graham offers a thoughtful analysis of the episode, particularly focusing on the segment where Joe Friday crafts his speech for high school students. This scene provides a deeper look into Friday's character, showcasing his introspection and desire to influence the younger generation positively.

Graham notes the contrast between this portrayal and the later 1960s Dragnet series, where Joe Friday is depicted as delivering impromptu, rehearsed speeches. He highlights how the original conception of Friday involved genuine contemplation and sincerity, rather than mere procedural brevity. This episode underscores Friday's commitment to community engagement and his understanding of personal responsibility in decision-making.

Key Points from Adam Graham:

• Character Depth: The episode illustrates Joe Friday's internal struggle and his efforts to connect with youth, reflecting his multifaceted role as both an enforcer and a mentor.

• Thematic Elements: Themes of addiction, redemption, and personal responsibility are prevalent, offering listeners a nuanced perspective on crime and its impacts.

• Historical Context: Graham emphasizes the episode's relevance to contemporary discussions about policing, community relations, and the importance of effective communication.

Conclusions

Dragnet: The Big Speech serves as a compelling narrative that intertwines procedural investigation with personal reflection. Through Sergeant Joe Friday's pursuit of Rex Burley, the story delves into the complexities of crime rooted in addiction and the broader societal implications. Adam Graham's analysis enriches the listening experience by highlighting the episode's timeless themes and character development, making it a standout installment in the Dragnet series.

For those unfamiliar with Dragnet, this episode offers a quintessential example of the series' blend of meticulous police work and human storytelling, ensuring its enduring legacy in the annals of radio drama.

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Notable Timestamped Quotes:

• "Well, now, which is it, you or your husband?" – Joe Friday (15:19)
• "I didn't mean to do it. I was wrong. I know I was wrong." – Rex Burley (22:27)
• "It's just rough. I haven't." – Joe Friday (27:40)

These moments encapsulate the tension and emotional depth of the episode, highlighting pivotal turning points in the narrative.

Transcript

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

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[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Sam.

[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 first, 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 at patreon.greatdetectives.net I want to thank RA for supporting the program. That way you can also become one of our Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. Go to patreon.greatdetives.net well now, from April 19, 1951, here is the big speech.

[Narrator]

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

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Fatima Cigarettes. Best of all, long cigarettes brings you Dragnet.

[Narrator]

You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to robbery detail. A doctor is severely beaten, robbed and left in critical condition. Suspicion points to a narcotics addict. Your job. Get him. You'll be amazed when you compare Fatima with other long cigarettes.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

You see, Fatima is the quality king size cigarette because it contains the finest domestic and Turkish tobaccos, superbly blended. And Fatima is extra mild with a much different, much better flavor and aroma than any other Long cigarette.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

So compare Fatima yourself. Fatimas now cost the same as other long cigarettes. But your first puff will tell you, ah, that's different.

[Narrator]

Yes, in Fatima, the difference is quality. Ask your dealer for Fatima, the quality king size cigarette. Best of all, long cigarettes. Start enjoying Fatima tomorrow.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Dragnet. The documented drama 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, 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]

It was Monday, August 7th. It was warm in Los Angeles. We were working the day. Watch out. A robbery detail. My partner's Ben Romero. The boss is Thad Brown, Chief of detectives. My name's Friday. It was 1:15pm when I got to 4656 Collis Avenue. The front door.

[Joseph's Mother]

Is that you, Joseph?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Ma, it's me.

[Joseph's Mother]

I didn't expect you so soon.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'm off for lunch and Ben and I were in the neighborhood, so.

[Joseph's Mother]

Oh, well, I'll get the telegram.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you.

[Joseph's Mother]

I must say, I'm glad you could get home. Telegrams always make me nervous. Nobody ever sends a telegram unless it's important. Here, son.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Thank you.

[Joe Friday]

Yes, they do, Ma. Some people send wires to invite you to lunch or to a reception or something like that.

[Joseph's Mother]

Is that so?

[Joe Friday]

Sure. You've just forgotten, haven't you? I've gotten them before like that.

[Joseph's Mother]

There's no way to do anyhow.

[Joe Friday]

Why not?

[Joseph's Mother]

People always associate frightening things with telegrams. Well, aren't you going to open it?

[Joe Friday]

Oh, yeah, sure. If you were worried, you could open it, Ma, I'd been all right.

[Joseph's Mother]

Well, you know I never open anything addressed to you, Joseph. Anything important.

[Joe Friday]

It's from Belmont, my old high school.

[Joseph's Mother]

Oh, yeah?

[Joe Friday]

They want me to come up next week. They're having some sort of assembly up there. Want me to talk to the student body.

[Joseph's Mother]

Oh, that's nice. You going to go?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I think I better. Don't you? I have to clear it through Captain Sheldon, though.

[Joseph's Mother]

I think it's awfully nice for them to remember you. What are you going to talk on, does it say?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Police work, it says here. I'll have to think of something to base it on, though, won't I?

[Joseph's Mother]

You'll have to memorize it, Joseph. Doesn't look well for a man to stand up on a platform, read a prepared talk.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, I know. Oh, that's Ben. I gotta go, Ma.

[Joseph's Mother]

Would you and Ben like some lunch? I can fix you something in about a minute.

[Joe Friday]

No, we haven't got time, dear. I'll see you later.

[Joseph's Mother]

I don't know why they couldn't have written a letter instead.

[Joe Friday]

What's that, Ma?

[Joseph's Mother]

I said they could have written you a letter. Besides, it's much cheaper than a telegram.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Ma, I'll see you later.

[Joseph's Mother]

Bye, Joseph.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Bye. Just got a call, Joe. They want us to call the office.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, Well, I might as well do it from the house, huh?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yeah, all right.

[Joe Friday]

I'll be right back.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

It's just me again, Ma. Came back to use the phone.

[Joseph's Mother]

You're all right.

[Joe Friday]

2511, please.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

2511?

[Joe Friday]

That's Friday. Glenn got one for you.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Joe. What?

[Joe Friday]

I can't hear you. Glenn, got one for you. Wait a minute. I can't hear you. Hey, Ma, would you hold that vacuum for a minute, please? I can't hear.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Thank you.

[Joe Friday]

I'm sorry, Glenn. What'd you say again?

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Sorry.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

That young kid hit again. Doctor's office. Yeah, it's that same kid, only this time he got a little rough. Victim's at Georgia Street. He's still carrying that gun.

[Joe Friday]

Did he use the gun to beat the man with?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Victim's a 55 year old doctor. No reason for it, Joe.

[Joe Friday]

All right, we'll get right on it.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Right. Bye.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, bye. Okay, Mom. All through.

[Joseph's Mother]

All right, son.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Anything? Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

That young high pit again. Doctor's office beat him up pretty bad. He's down at Georgia.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Great combination, isn't it, Joe?

[Joe Friday]

What's that?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Arm full of narcotics and a loaded gun.

[Joe Friday]

Monday, August 7th. Since June 27th, Ben and I had been assigned to a case involving a young narcotics thief. For seven weeks now, he'd been robbing every possible source available to him of narcotics. Since the inception of the investigation, we'd seen this young criminal develop from a small time sneak thief to a full fledged armed and vicious thug. The descriptions of the young thief taken from his various victims, tallied almost to the letter. Blonde like complexion, small stature, 5:7 to 5:10, nervous and unusually juvenile in appearance. Everything possible was being done for his quick apprehension. Hundreds of mug shots were screened and shown to victims. No identification. 3:30pm we checked back in at the office. Went to see Sergeant Ed Hall, Narcotics Division.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Chandler said you went over to Georgia street to see that doctor. Yeah, that's right, Ed. Short visit. Poor guy. Pretty bad, huh?

[Joe Friday]

Well, the guy's really a mess. Kid must have worked overtime on him.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

What's his condition? Still critical. When we left, they wouldn't let us stay Long. We got a description. It's the same kid. Doctor's name was Gannon. Huh. 55 years old. Yeah. Pistol whipped him, knocked out seven of his teeth, fractured his jaw. Doctor was wearing glasses. They don't know if he'll see out of his right eye anymore. Well, this puts Junior in the big leaves now.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, it sure does. We got out of supplementary all points on him. Here's a list of the junk that he got. It's quite a haul here.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yep. Morphine, quarter grain, 30 vials, five vials. Half grain. Codeine, dolphin, quarter grains, six vials. Yeah, you did all right. Long list here. We got that from the nurse. She was out to lunch when it happened. Just small office out there. And the doctor closes up at noon. Nurse goes out to lunch and he eats in the office. That's when the kid got to him. He knew when to hit, didn't he?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

My boys haven't been able to turn up a thing for you. Nobody seems to know the kid well.

[Joe Friday]

The amount of stuff he hauled out of that doctor's office, something ought to show, shouldn't it?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Should? Yeah. With a haul like that, you got anything at all to work on? Yeah. That car that was used on the job, still got it staked out.

[Joe Friday]

We just picked this up from the report. Counting it.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Uh huh.

[Joe Friday]

Car was reported stolen two hours after the robbery. It's a little bit of a break, huh?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

The report was taken out at the Wiltshire station. Mrs. Irving Adams states that her husband had notified her that the car was stolen from him while he was at work today. Said he always parks it out in front on the street.

[Joe Friday]

We haven't checked it out yet, but we figured it was a good place to start. Maybe.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Wait a minute. What'd you say that name was? Irving Adams. Let me see that report. Well, this Adams is a user. He's up in county now awaiting trial.

[Joe Friday]

Are you sure about that?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yeah, Walker and I picked him up. I just talked to Adams up in the county jail this morning. How long has he been in? Let's see, it was last Tuesday, July 30th.

[Joe Friday]

The car couldn't have been stolen from Adams today if he's been in jail for a week.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Well, there's one guy can figure it out for you. Adams.

[Joe Friday]

4:05Pm we went up to the 10th floor of the county jail, the interview room. We talked to Irving Adams for an hour. He said he wanted to cooperate, but he couldn't explain his wife's action in reporting the car stolen from him. He kept repeating that he knew his wife was not involved in anything, that she was innocent of any complicity in the case of the youthful gunman. He could give us no information on anyone fitting the gunman's description. He insisted that the entire matter was a mistake and that his wife could clear everything up if we just talked to him. 5:20pm Ben and I drove out to 239 W. 92nd St. The Adams residence was a small white bungalow, trimmed and red. The front lawn needed cutting and care. There were four bottles of soured milk on the front porch, along with several old newspapers. The front blinds were down. Although it was still early, the front porch light was burning. The other homes in the neighborhood appeared to be neat and well kept. The screen door was ajar and supported by one rusty hinge. 5:21pm.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Looks like nobody's home.

[Joe Friday]

Well, let's give it a try, huh?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Give me a minute. I'll cover the back.

[Joe Friday]

Right.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Yes?

[Joe Friday]

Police officer. My name's Friday. You're Mrs. Irving Adams?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Yes, that's right.

[Joe Friday]

I'd like to talk to you about your stolen car.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Have you found it?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, we have. Can I come in?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Place is in such a mess. Can't we talk here?

[Joe Friday]

Well, if you don't mind, I'd rather come inside.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

All right. Don't look at the house. I've been kind of sick. Haven't felt much like cleaning up.

[Joe Friday]

All right. You alone here? Are you?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Right now? My husband's at work.

[Joe Friday]

Mm. Mind if I go through the house?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

You mean searching? You got a warrant?

[Joe Friday]

No, I just want to go to the back door.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

What for?

[Joe Friday]

Well, my partner's around back there. This the way to the back door here?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

That's right.

[Joe Friday]

This it?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

It's locked. Key's in the door.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

All.

[Joe Friday]

Right. Hey, Ben?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yeah? Everything all right?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, fine.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Is he a police officer too?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, that's right. This all there is to the house here?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

What do you mean?

[Joe Friday]

Well, just these three rooms here?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Yes, that's all.

[Joe Friday]

I thought you said you were alone here.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I am.

[Joe Friday]

Who's that woman lying down in the other room?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

That's Catherine. I didn't want you bothering her. She's been sick too. She sleeps most of the time. I just forgot about her.

[Joe Friday]

Anybody else around?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

No, nobody.

[Joe Friday]

No, I mean anybody sick or otherwise. Anyone besides you and this girl in there?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Well, you've been in every room in the house except the bathroom.

[Joe Friday]

Miss it here?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Yes.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Okay.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I don't understand all this. I reported my car stolen, and you come out here and search my house? If I did steal my Car. I wouldn't hide it in here.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Ben, wanna come in?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yeah.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Could you tell me something?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Why are you here?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I told you. We found your car. This is Sergeant Romero.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

How do you do?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

What's the trouble? Anything wrong?

[Joe Friday]

Who'd you say your car was stolen from?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

For me, it was my car.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Is that the way you made the report, Mrs. Adams? It was stolen from you?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I think so, yes.

[Joe Friday]

Ms. Adams, according to the report that you made out this morning. You stated that the car was stolen from your husband. Isn't that right?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Is that what I said?

[Joe Friday]

Yes, ma' am, that's right.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I don't remember. We both used the car so much, I forgot.

[Joe Friday]

Well, now, which is it, you or your husband?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I'm not sure.

[Joe Friday]

You been drinking heavy?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

A little bit. Just ease my nerves. I haven't been feeling well.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

It's obvious you're not drunk, Mrs. Adams. Why don't you keep your story straight?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Well, officers, I am telling the truth.

[Joe Friday]

Your husband's in the county jail. He's been there for a week. The car couldn't have been stolen from him, now, could it?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I didn't say it was stolen from him.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Is this your signature, Mrs. Adams?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Yes, sir.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

This is a copy of the auto theft report that you made at the Wilshire Division.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Yes.

[Joe Friday]

Well, now, is this report a true one or a false one? There's a penalty for making a false report, Ms. Adams. I'm sure you're aware of that.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I only want my car back.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Who was it stolen from?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Whatever it says there. My husband.

[Joe Friday]

Now, we just told you that he's in jail. He's still in there. We just talked to him. The car couldn't have been stolen from him. Have you got anything to say to that?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

No.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I think we better go downtown where you can sit and straighten yourself out. And give us some right answers.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I don't want to go to jail.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

That's just where you're going if you don't snap out of it and come up with the truth.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I know who you want. It's Rex Burley, isn't it?

[Joe Friday]

Who's Rex Burley?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Young kid, blonde, small. He told me he was in some kind of trouble with the car. Said if I tell the police it was told and it'd be all right that that way.

[Joe Friday]

Do you know where he is now?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

No, I don't.

[Joe Friday]

You sure about that?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

That's the truth, man.

[Joe Friday]

Come on.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yeah.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Catherine's awful sick.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

She always sleep this heavy?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Only when she's sick.

[Joe Friday]

She's really out Isn't she?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yeah.

[Joe Friday]

Look at her leg.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yeah, she's a user.

[Joe Friday]

Say this girl's on narcotics. Mrs. Adams, are you a user?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

No, I'm not. I don't know where Catherine gets it.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

How about Rex Burley?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

He's on it too. Maybe she gets it from him.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Is there any stuff in the house now?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Not that I know of.

[Joe Friday]

You want to tell us where Rex Burley is?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

I don't know. He called here about an hour ago. Katherine talked to him.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Did he tell her where he was?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Yes, he did. She wrote it down on a piece of paper.

[Joe Friday]

Where's that paper?

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Under a pillow.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

You are listening to Dragnet from beginning to end. Dragnet is the authentic story of your police force in action.

[Narrator]

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[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

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[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

Because of its quality, its extra mildness, its better flavor and aroma, more long cigarette smokers are now insisting on Fatima than ever before.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

So if you smoke a long cigarette, compare Fatima, you'll find they now cost the same. But your first puff will tell you, ah, that's different.

[Narrator]

Yes, in Fatima, the difference is quality. Insist on Fatima. Start enjoying the quality king size cigarette Fatima. Best of all long cigarettes.

[Joe Friday]

Monday, August 7, 6:30pm the young girl who was identified as Catherine Dorrance was awakened and she produced Rex Burley's address. She stated that she'd known him for the past year. She had just graduated from high school and gave her age as 18. In talking further with both Iris Adams and Catherine Dorrance, we found that the description of Rex Burley checked out with that given us from the suspect's victims. They both stated that as far as they knew, it was his true name. That he had no friends or associates known to them. A check with R and I showed no record on the name rex Burley. At 6:37pm Sergeants hall and Walk from Narcotics Division arrived and continued the investigation of the two female suspects. A stakeout was placed on the house at 239 West 92nd Street. The address we got from Katherine Dorrance was a hotel on Washington Boulevard. We drove out and checked with A clerk. We asked if he had anyone registered under the name of Rex Burley. And he told us no. We gave him Burleigh's description. He said that a young man similar to that had registered and was in room 210. We got a pass key from the clerk. We walked up to the second floor.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

This is it.

[Joe Friday]

Lights on under the door?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yeah. Careful, huh? Where is it?

[Joe Friday]

Open up. We want to talk to you.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

What about?

[Joe Friday]

Is the key in the door?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yeah. Fast. Key's no good.

[Joe Friday]

All right, come on, open up. Police officers.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Isn't gonna open.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's hit it again. Once more.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Yep. Winder's. Open up the fire escape. Joe. Police officers.

[Irving Adams' Wife]

Hold it up.

[Joe Friday]

Watch it. You all right? Yeah. All right, come on, let's go. All right, hold it up there. He doesn't want to stop.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

He's over the side, under the roof.

[Joe Friday]

All right, come on. All right, easy.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

See him?

[Joe Friday]

No. It's pretty dark. All right, come on. Easy now. All right, easy.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Over there on that side. Can you see him?

[Joe Friday]

No, it's too dark.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Watch that skyline. He's over there in that corner. See him?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. Now he's gone.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Must have ducked back down. Well, he's in that corner.

[Joe Friday]

All right, let's take him. Now, keep down. You circle around from that side. I'll go around this way.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Right.

[Joe Friday]

Be careful. Keep down.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Please. Don't you.

[Joe Friday]

I throw that gun out. Get your hands in the air. Walk toward the middle of the roof.

[Joseph's Mother]

What?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

All right, here's the gun. I see him, Joe. I got him covered.

[Joe Friday]

You all right? Yeah.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

All right, keep those hands.

[Joe Friday]

All right, stand still.

[Adam Graham]

I'm sorry.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

I'm sorry.

[Joe Friday]

All right, get your hands behind you. Ben.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Let's go. Burley. I didn't mean to do it. I was wrong. I know I was wrong. Should have thought about that a long time ago.

[Joe Friday]

How old are you, Burley?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

20.

[Joe Friday]

You're living pretty high, aren't you?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

I had to have this stuff. I needed it. How else could I get it? I didn't have the money to buy it. You didn't have to get started on it. Come on, let's go. I didn't want to get started. All of a sudden, I was just on and I. I couldn't do anything about it. You don't understand. There was just somebody else to explain it to.

[Joe Friday]

There is, but they won't understand it either. Monday, August 7, 8:40pm Rex Burley was taken downtown to the Robbery Division for further interrogation. He told us that he was in his senior year in High school. When he got started on narcotics. He kept repeating that he didn't mean to get started. He readily admitted his participation in six narcotics robberies. He told us that he got Catherine Dorrance, his 18 year old girlfriend, started on dope. Gene Bechtel took his statement and a complete report was made. A partial recovery of the stolen narcotics was made from his hotel room. The remainder had been found at Irving Adams residence on 92nd Street. Both female suspects, Iris Adams and Catherine Dorrance, were filed on for violation of the state Narcotics act. A show up was scheduled for August 8th to allow a positive identification from Rex Burley's victims. We received word from Georgia street that Dr. Gannon's condition was improved. The suspect was transported to the main jail where he was booked. It was 10:38pm when I got to 1456 Collis Avenue. The front door.

[Joseph's Mother]

Joseph, is that you?

[Joe Friday]

Yeah, Ma.

[Joseph's Mother]

Have you had your dinner?

[Joe Friday]

No, I'm not hungry.

[Joseph's Mother]

You'll have to eat. I'll fix you something.

[Joe Friday]

Well, I'm kind of tired. I'd just like to sit down for a minute.

[Joseph's Mother]

All right. There's evening paper.

[Joe Friday]

Oh, thank you.

[Joseph's Mother]

What did you do to the sleeve of your coat?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Where?

[Joe Friday]

Oh. Guess I must have ripped it, huh?

[Joseph's Mother]

You slip it off. I'll mend it after I fix you some dinner.

[Joe Friday]

Why don't you sit down and work on it now, if you want to. I've got something I kind like to go over with you.

[Joseph's Mother]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

You remember that telegram from Belmont this morning?

[Joseph's Mother]

Yeah, your old high school.

[Joe Friday]

Mm. Well, I think I got an idea for a speech. Maybe. Just made a few notes here. Wrote down some of it. You think you feel like listening to it, see if it's okay.

[Joseph's Mother]

All right. Direct speech today?

[Joe Friday]

Well, just parts of it I hadn't written clear out yet. I just got a few notes. I want to see what you thought of it.

[Joseph's Mother]

All right, Let me have you come coat, son.

[Joe Friday]

Yeah. There you go. Thank you.

[Joseph's Mother]

Now let's hear you talk.

[Joe Friday]

Well, now remember, it's not written down yet. It's just kind of hit and miss as I go along. But I think I can get the thought across and then I'll put it all down on paper.

[Joseph's Mother]

All right.

[Joe Friday]

Mr. Fisher. That's the principal up there, you know. Yes, Mr. Fisher. Members of the faculty and students, I'd like to tell you about a young boy who started out in high school and ended up on the roof of a downtown hotel dodging police bullets. I'd like to tell you about his girlfriend 18 years old and a dope addict. This young fellow started out on narcotics in search of a new thrill. Something new that he hadn't experienced in his young life. He was still in high school when a group of the more high living youngsters used to congregate at the local malt shop. That's not so good, is it? Well, maybe it sound better this way. There was a malt shop on the corner where some of the youngsters used to get together after school. Kind of a place where if you had the right connections and our young boy and girl did, you could get a drink of liquor in the back room. Well, the high school faculty knows all about this local malt shop and they inform the authorities and pressure is brought to bear. But the man who operates the place is clever, if you can call the operations of a man like this clever. He knows how to cover up, how to keep the front room legitimate and the back room a spawning place for juvenile delinquency. And the students don't help much. There seems to be something during the formation of a juvenile mind that when his teachers or his parents catch him doing wrong or they try to tell him it's bad, he prides himself in seeing how long he can get away with it. Undercover seems to be the stylish thing to do to outwit your parents and teachers. As the youngsters grow older, they invariably find out how infantile and stupid this is. But sometimes it's too late. That sound kind of stuffy, Ma. What do you think?

[Joseph's Mother]

Sounds like the truth. Let me hear the rest of it.

[Joe Friday]

Well, you know how kids are sometimes. They resent it if they think you're lecturing them. Maybe they could have been with Ben and I tonight. Might make a difference. I don't want to make this too long, Ma. I think maybe I ought to finish up something like this from this malt shop on the corner in that back room. Our young boy gets a good shove down the road of self degradation. He has the right connections and isn't too long before he graduates the liquor in the back room for something he thinks it's far better narcotics. He's heard that unlike liquor, you can't smell it on his breath. And he's a real veteran now. He has hangovers. He's heard that narcotics doesn't leave you with a hangover. So it doesn't take too long before in our. Well, in police parlance, he's hooked. Living in this day and age, he thought that they taught him well in his economics and civics classes. He thought he knew what post war inflation was all about. He didn't have the vaguest notion of the cost of his daily supply of narcotics. Once he was hooked on it, he found that before long he had to have his daily dosage. In no time at all. He found that it was all he could do to get by on $30 a day. That's what it cost, Mark. $30 each and every day. Or he became violently ill. So sick that he couldn't seem to function properly. Well, in order to maintain his daily needs, he got a gun and he robbed and he beat people and he stole. He shared with his girlfriend and he dragged her down with him. He ended up on the roof of a hotel trying to shoot his way out. Well, the boy was 20 years old. His girlfriend was 18. Two years ago they both sat out there in a high school auditorium during an assembly. He went a long way, didn't he, in his two years out of high school? He was taken into custody on the night of August 7th. He was crying when we put the handcuffs on him. He was crying when we left him in his cell at the county jail. I guess he's still crying now. What do you think, Ma? That's just rough. I haven't.

[Joseph's Mother]

Well, they believe it. You think it'll do any good?

[Joe Friday]

Well, I don't know, Ma. It's up to them.

[Narrator]

The story you have just heard was true. Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

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[Narrator]

And now here is our star, Jack Webb.

[Joe Friday]

Thank you, friends. There are many cases on record of two people not related looking so much alike. It's hard to tell them apart. A quick check of fingerprints, however, easily proves who's who. Now, at first sight, you could just as easily be fooled by king size cigarettes. If you were to place a Fatima and any other king size cigarette side by side, you'd find they look identical. But believe me, there's a real difference. In Fatima, that difference is quality. Quality that gives you extra mildness, a much better flavor and aroma. Compare Fatima with any king size cigarette. The size is the same. Now, the price is the same. But in Fatima, the difference is quality. Buy a pack tomorrow.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

Rex Martin Burley was found guilty of three counts of robbery in the first degree. And was sentenced to the state penitentiary where he is now serving his term. First degree robbery is punishable by imprisonment from five years to life.

[Narrator]

The Federal Civil Defense Administration will send you an air raid instruction sheet, if you will write the Superintendent of documents, Washington, D.C. enclosing 5 cents in coin or stamps.

[Fatima Cigarettes Advertiser]

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.

[Narrator]

Fatima cigarettes. Best of all, long cigarettes has brought you Dragnet Portions transcribed from Los Angeles. Stay tuned for counterspy next over many NBC stations.

[Adam Graham]

Welcome back. A solid narcotics episode in terms of life decisions. Taking legal advice from a 20 year old narcotics addict about how to file a police report might be one of the most foolish decisions you can make without even getting details as to what he advised. Also, we have another use of the last name Gannon. It just stands out how much they reused that name along with Carver throughout the run of Dragnet. I did really like the ending segment where Joe Friday was crafting this speech. It's interesting in many ways because so many people are familiar with the 1960s series where Joe Friday is associated with having a thorough three point lecture ready to deliver at an instant. I mean, some of the Joe Friday speeches from the 60s were so impressive that they were put into the Congressional Record. And essentially it's assumed that, yeah, he's just got that on the top of his head. So having this scene where he's thinking through what he wants to say and how it's going to be received by his audience reflects the way the character was originally conceived. And he's having to put some real thought into how he's going to speak to these high schoolers. And it's a realistic kind of first outline of how the speech might worked out rather than a finished product. And certainly there's some thought as to how he's going to craft the message. But there is actually, with that closing line, an important idea that reflects something different than the way we often view things in the 21st century. Friday said whether the speech would do any good would be up to the kids. And I think in our information age, in so many contexts, you'll hear people emphasize the role of the speaker, the role of the presentation, and suggest that if you have the right speakers and the most effective methods and the right influencers, then that will work. And if people make bad decisions, the speaker has failed in their function. Now certainly speakers should try to be engaging. They shouldn't be overtly offensive to their audience unnecessarily. They should do the best job to present the information in the best way possible. And certainly if you're using new technology and social media, you should do all the fundamentals of presenting in that format. But at the end of the day, we're all fundamentally responsible for our own lives and the decisions we make, whether the decisions moral, legal, financial, spiritual health, or anything else. We always say that the idea is that people need to communicate ideas better. We can ignore that responsibility element. And I think that's an interesting point from this episode. All right, well, now it's time to thank our Patreon supporter of the day. And I want to go ahead and thank Robert, currently supporting the podcast at the Detective Sergeant level of $7.14 or more per month. He's been one of our patreon supporters since July 2020. Thanks so much for your support, Robert. And that will do it for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. And if you are enjoying the show, be sure to rate and review the program wherever you're downloading it from. We'll be back next Saturday with another episode of Dragnet, but join us back here on Monday for the Adventures of the Falcon.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Where have I the honor talking to that distinguished gentleman known far and wide as the Falcon. Oh, hey, Dixie. How in the world did you know it was me?

[Narrator]

I recognize you by a white suit. How we doing?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Not so hot, Mike. Maria spotted me.

[Joe Friday]

When?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

This morning in Alfama. Tough. I'm sorry, pal, but it couldn't be helped. Though I managed to tailor to the Cafe Europa where she hoisted a couple with Steve Butler.

[Narrator]

Always Steve Butler, isn't it?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Uh huh. You learn anything else? No. Not a single blessed thing. If you ask me, friend, we got a bum steer. That gal's no spy.

[Narrator]

And what about those confidential reports from the embassy we found in her apartment?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

I'm beginning to think they were planted. By whom? By the same little lady who gave us the original tip.

[Narrator]

Are you able to latch onto her again?

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Nope. That name she used was a phony.

[Narrator]

Now I don't get it.

[Riverbend Motel Announcer]

Me neither. But a lady's 6:2, and even somebody's trying to frame Maria. What gets me is why I hope.

[Adam Graham]

You'Ll be with us then. In the meantime, send your comments to box Thirteenreatdetectives.net Follow us on Twitter at radiodetectives and check us out on Instagram. Instagram.com from Boise, Idaho, this is your host, Adam Graham, signing off.