The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith investigate the robbery of an elderly diamond dealer who was lured to a hotel room and assaulted by a seemingly respectable businessman. With more than $150,000 in diamonds missing, the detectives struggle to locate the thief until a suspect is caught attempting to sell some of the stolen stones. However, the suspect's unusual appetite for fine dining complicates their efforts to uncover the truth.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: August 7, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

• Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday

• Vic Perrin as Sergeant Frank Smith

• Herb Ellis

• Vic Rodman

• John Robinson — writer

• Walter Schumann — music

• Hal Gibney — announcer

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day:Daniel, Patreon supporter since August 2024.

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Two armed bandits rob a Los Angeles café, leaving the elderly owner brutally beaten and one suspect wounded. Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Frank Smith, pursue the fugitive, but a promising lead falls apart when the victims fail to identify their suspect. Then a treasured diamond signet ring offers a new clue—and the robber’s own mistakes may be the key to bringing him to justice.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 31, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

• Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday
• Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero — Note: the transcript identifies Frank Smith as Friday’s partner in this episode.
• Vic Perrin
• Virginia Gregg
• Harry Bartell
• Ralph Moody

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Cheryl, a Patreon supporter since May 2022

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith investigate the death of a 52-year-old music teacher whose body is discovered in an abandoned freight car, cradled in the arms of a young man who refuses to explain what happened. When the young man finally confesses to killing her, the detectives struggle to understand why he would murder a woman he claims to have loved deeply and who had devoted years to nurturing his musical ambitions.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 10, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

• Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday

• Herb Ellis as Sgt. Frank Smith

• Vic Perrin

• Harry Bartell

• Joyce McCluskey

• Jim Moser, writer

• Walter Schumann, music

• Technical advice from the office of Chief W.H. Parker

• Captain Jack Donahoe, Sgt. Marty Wynn, and Sgt. Vance Brasher, technical advisors

• George Fenneman, announcer

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day:Dolly, Patreon supporter since November 2025.

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: On the eve of the Fourth of July weekend, Joe Friday and Frank Smith are assigned to Accident Investigation and confront the devastating consequences of reckless driving when a 16-year-old takes his father’s car on a high-speed ride through Los Angeles. As the holiday begins, a succession of traffic calls illustrates how quickly carelessness, alcohol, and poor judgment can turn an ordinary drive into tragedy.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: July 3, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

• Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday
• Herb Ellis as Frank Smith
• Vic Perrin
• Stacy Harris
• Vic Rodman
• Jim Moser, writer
• Walter Schumann, music
• Technical advice from the office of Chief W.H. Parker
• Captain Jack Donahoe, Sgt. Marty Wynn, and Sgt. Vance Brasher, technical advisors
• Hal Gibney, announcer

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Splinator, Patreon supporter since August 2024.

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith investigate the abduction of an unidentified man from a downtown Los Angeles street. Bloodstains at the scene and an abandoned gray sedan suggest that the victim may have been seriously injured, but there are few clues to his identity or whereabouts. The investigation leads Friday and Smith through a missing car, conflicting stories, and two suspects with criminal records. As the detectives piece together the evidence, they must determine what happened to the missing man and whether he is still alive.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 26, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Starring:

• Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday
• Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Frank Smith

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rebecca — Patreon supporter since August 2024

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Detective Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith are assigned to narcotics detail when a drug addict is arrested carrying a supply of high-grade heroin. The man refuses to reveal where he got the narcotics until the effects of withdrawal force him to talk. His information leads Friday and Smith to a bartender, a beer garden owner, and a larger narcotics operation that may be bringing European heroin into Los Angeles.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 19, 1952.

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

• Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday
• Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Mirth, Patreon supporter since February 2021

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Bill Lockwood investigate a group of confidence men posing as authorized solicitors for legitimate charities and pocketing the donations they collect. An early arrest appears promising until the suspect proves he merely copied the scheme, leaving Friday and Lockwood searching for the experienced bunco artists whose fraud is depriving charitable causes of badly needed funds.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: June 12, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

• Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday
• Ken Peters as Bill Lockwood
• Virginia Gregg
• Vic Rodman
• Jim Moser, writer
• Walter Schumann, music
• Technical advice from the office of Chief W.H. Parker
• Captain Jack Donahoe, Sgt. Marty Wynn, and Sgt. Vance Brasher, technical advisors
• Hal Gibney, announcer

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Sergey, Patreon Supporter since May 2020

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and Frank Smith investigate the death of an unidentified woman found in a vacant lot, apparently the victim of chloroform poisoning. With no identification and little evidence beyond a chloroform-soaked handkerchief, the case takes an unusual turn when a stranger walks into police headquarters and insists that he murdered her.

Original Radio Broadcast Date:June 5, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

• Jack Webb as Sgt. Joe Friday
• Herb Ellis as Frank Smith
• Vic Perrin
• Gil Stratton
• Jack Kruschen
• Script by Jim Moser
• Music by Walter Schumann
• Technical advice from the office of LAPD Chief W. H. Parker
• Technical advisors: Captain Jack Donahoe, Sgt. Marty Wynn, and Sgt. Vance Brasher
• Hal Gibney, announcer

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Tony, Patreon Supporter since March 2023

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and Frank Smith investigate a disturbing series of infant abductions in which babies disappear from the same general neighborhood, only to be found unharmed within a day. With no clear motive and few useful clues, the detectives devise a decoy operation while searching for the person responsible before another child disappears.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 29, 1952.

Originating from Hollywood

Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, Martin Milner as Detective Bill Lockwood

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day:

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith investigate a bookmaker’s claim that a police officer has been demanding weekly payments in exchange for allowing him to operate. But when no one matching the man’s name or description can be found in law-enforcement records, Friday and Smith begin searching for an extortionist who may not be a policeman at all.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 22, 1952

Originating from HollywoodCast:

• Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday
• Herb Ellis as Frank Smith
• Also featuring Vic Rodman and June Whitley
• Script by Jim Moser
• Music by Walter Schumann
• Technical advisors: Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, and Sergeant Vance Brasher

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day:

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Today's Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his new partner, Frank Smith, investigate the armed robbery of a U.S. mail truck carrying registered mail. The three-man gang escapes with 28 sacks, leaving police with little to work with beyond a stolen getaway car, a first name, and one robber’s distinctive voice.

.Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 24, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

• Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday
• Herb Ellis as Frank Smith
• Also featuring Vic Perrin and Inga Hollis
• Script by Jim Moser
• Music by Walter Schumann
• Technical advisors: Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, and Sergeant Vance Brasher

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day:Alan, Patreon supporter since February 2024.

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of ourfriends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Bill Lockwood investigate a professional gambling ring that keeps its games moving from place to place. A tip finally gives police the opportunity they've been waiting for, but what begins as a vice investigation suddenly becomes a far more serious case.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 8, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

• Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday
• Martin Milner as Officer Bill Lockwood
• Also featuring Eddie Firestone and Whit Connor
• Script by Jim Moser
• Music by Walter Schumann
• Technical advisors: Captain Jack Donahoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, and Sergeant Vance Brasher

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Lovingly, Patreon supporter since November 2024.

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Todays Mystery: Sergeant Joe Friday and his temporary partner investigate a string of expertly planned safe burglaries that has baffled the Los Angeles Police Department for months. After eliminating one suspect after another, a seemingly minor lead from a neighborhood repair shop finally gives the detectives the break they've been waiting for.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: May 1, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Cast:

Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday
Harry Bartell
Stacey Harris
Jack Kruschen

Script by Jim Moser

Music by Walter Schumann

Technical advice from the Office of Chief of Police, W. H. Parker, Los Angeles Police Department

Technical advisors: Captain Jack Donohoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, and Sergeant Vance Brasher

Support the show monthly at http://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Jeffrey, Patreon Supporter since October2023

Support the show on a one-time basis at http://support.greatdetectives.net./

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey…http://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook.

Follow us on Instagram at http://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter@radiodetectives

Today's Mystery:Joe Friday and Bill Lockwood investigate the body of an unidentified woman which has been found abandoned in a hospital elevator. With no obvious cause of death and only a mysterious phone call to point them in the right direction, the detectives race to determine whether they're dealing with murder—or something entirely different.

Original Radio Broadcast: April 24, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Starring Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday and Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero's successor, Bill Lockwood

Also featuring Martin Milner, Vic Perrin, and Gwen DelanoScript by Jim MoserMusic by Walter Schumann

Technical advice from the Office of Chief of Police, W. H. Parker, Los Angeles Police Department, with technical advisors Captain Jack Donohoe, Sergeant Marty Wynn, and Sergeant Vance Brasher

Support the podcast monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Damien, Patreon supporter since March 2024

Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net

Mail a donation to:Adam Graham
PO Box 15913
Boise, ID 83715

Take our listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call: 208-991-4783

Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter/X at https://twitter.com/radiodetectives

Join us again next time for another case from the files of Dragnet.

Today's Mystery: An experienced confidence man returns to Los Angeles with the same polished investment scam, cheating trusting victims out of thousands of dollars. As Sergeant Joe Friday begins breaking in a new partner, the detectives race to stop the swindler before he can disappear with another fortune.

Original Radio Broadcast: April 17, 1952

Originating in Hollywood

Starring Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday.Also featuring Martin Milner as Officer Bill Lockwood, Marian Richman, and Vic Rodman.

Script by Jim Moser. Music by Walter Schumann.

Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Pam, Patreon supporter since February 2024.

Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call: 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/radiodetectives

Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter/X at https://twitter.com/radiodetectives

Today's Mystery: When a seven-week-old baby is abandoned in a downtown bus depot, Joe Friday and Ed Jacobs begin searching for the missing mother. But as they retrace her journey to Los Angeles, small inconsistencies in a witness's story lead the detectives to suspect the truth is far more complicated than anyone first believed.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 10, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Starring: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday and Barney Phillips as Sergeant Ed JacobsAlso featuring Virginia Gregg, Harry Bartell, and Helen Kleeb

Script by Jim Moser

Music by Walter Schumann

Announcer: Hal Gibney

Technical advice from the Los Angeles Police Department

Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Brenda, Patreon supporter since September 2025

Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call at 208-991-4783

Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter/X at https://twitter.com/radiodetectives

Today's Mystery: After a man is gunned down outside his home following a bitter domestic argument, Joe Friday and Ed Jacobs launch a search for the shooter's wife, who has vanished after warning that she'll kill anyone who tries to capture her. With the suspect making taunting phone calls while remaining one step ahead of police, the detectives race against time to track her down before violence erupts again.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: April 3, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday and Barney Phillips as Sergeant Ed Jacobs. Also featuring Herb Ellis, Jack Kruschen, and Helen Kleeb.

Script by Jim Moser.

Music by Walter Schumann.

Announcer: Hal Gibney. Technical advice from the Los Angeles Police Department.

Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Rochelle, Patreon supporter since April 2025.

Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/radiodetectives

Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter/X at https://twitter.com/radiodetectives

Today's Mystery: A woman with a history of trouble suddenly disappears, leaving behind four children and a trail of conflicting stories. As Joe Friday and Ed Jacobs dig deeper into the case, a missing person's investigation turns into a homicide hunt where the truth may lie closer to home than anyone suspects.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 27, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday and Barney Phillips as Sergeant Ed Jacobs.Also featuring Virginia Gregg, Vic Perrin, and Herb Ellis.

Script by Jim Moser. Music by Walter Schumann.

Announcer: Hal Gibney.

Technical advice from the Los Angeles Police Department.

Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Nancy, Patreon supporter since March 2016.

Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/radiodetectives

Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter/X at https://twitter.com/radiodetectives

Today's Mystery: Two armed convicts escape from San Quentin and head for Los Angeles, where they launch a desperate crime spree while police race to track them down. As Joe Friday and Ed Jacobs follow a trail of robberies, stolen weapons, and frightened witnesses, the fugitives make a bold dash for freedom across the Mexican border.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 20, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday and Barney Phillips as Sergeant Ed Jacobs.Also featuring Whit Connor and Herb Ellis. Script by Jim Moser. Music by Walter Schumann.

Announcer: Hal Gibney.

Technical advice from the Los Angeles Police Department.

Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net

Special thanks to Sandy for becoming a Patreon supporter at the Master Detective level.

Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/radiodetectives

Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter/X at https://twitter.com/radiodetectives

Todays Mystery:A landlord suddenly refuses to honor signed leases on a newly renovated apartment building and threatens prospective tenants with a loaded gun when they try to move in. As Friday and Jacobs investigate the bizarre incident, they begin to suspect the stubborn property owner may be hiding a far more dangerous scheme.

Original Radio Broadcast Date: March 13, 1952

Originating from Hollywood

Starred: Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday, Barney Phillips as Sergeant Ed Jacobs.Also featuring Vic Perrin. Script by Jim Moser. Music by Walter Schumann. Announcer: Hal Gibney.

Support the show monthly at https://patreon.greatdetectives.net/

Patreon Supporter of the Day: Roger, Patreon supporter since July 2024

.Support the show on a one-time basis at https://support.greatdetectives.net/

Mail a donation to: Adam Graham, PO Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715

Take the listener survey at https://survey.greatdetectives.net/

Give us a call 208-991-4783

Become one of our friends on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/radiodetectives

Follow us on Instagram at https://instagram.com/greatdetectives

Follow us on Twitter/X at https://twitter.com/radiodetectives

Join us again tomorrow for another detective drama from the Golden Age of Radio.