1 00:00:28,679 --> 00:00:36,439 Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This 2 00:00:36,719 --> 00:00:40,359 is your host, Adam Graham. If you have a comment, email it 3 00:00:40,399 --> 00:00:46,960 to me Box thirteen at Greatdetectives dot net. Follow us on Twitter at Radio 4 00:00:47,039 --> 00:00:53,200 Detectives, and check us out on Instagram, Instagram, dot com, slash 5 00:00:53,280 --> 00:00:58,520 Great Detectives. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite 6 00:00:58,560 --> 00:01:03,560 podcast software. Today's program is brought you in part by the financial support of 7 00:01:03,640 --> 00:01:07,560 our listeners. You can support the show on a one time basis by meiling 8 00:01:07,599 --> 00:01:14,519 a donation to Adam Graham pillbox one five nine one three. That's pill box 9 00:01:14,680 --> 00:01:19,280 one five nine thirteen Boise idahol eight three seven one five. You can also 10 00:01:19,400 --> 00:01:25,480 become one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little last two dollars per month 11 00:01:25,560 --> 00:01:30,359 at Patreon dot Great Detectives dot net. Well, now it is time for 12 00:01:30,599 --> 00:01:36,920 this week's episode of Dragnet. The original air date April sixth, nineteen fifty 13 00:01:37,040 --> 00:01:49,959 and the title is The Big Book. The story you were about to hear 14 00:01:49,319 --> 00:01:56,239 is true, only the names have been changed to protect the innocent Dragnet. 15 00:02:06,120 --> 00:02:10,599 You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned the Juvenile Bureau. The high schools in 16 00:02:10,639 --> 00:02:15,520 your city have been flooded with obscene literature. You stamp out one source, 17 00:02:15,599 --> 00:02:30,879 and a dozen more spring up. Your job stop them. Dragnet the documented 18 00:02:30,960 --> 00:02:36,039 drama of an actual crime. All the next thirty minutes, in cooperation with 19 00:02:36,080 --> 00:02:39,159 the Los Angeles Police Department, you will travel step by step on the side 20 00:02:39,159 --> 00:02:44,719 of the law through an actual case, from official police files, from beginning 21 00:02:44,759 --> 00:02:49,639 to end, from crime to punishment. Dragnet is the story of your police 22 00:02:49,639 --> 00:02:55,199 force in action. It was Monday, October twenty first, was cool in 23 00:02:55,240 --> 00:02:59,319 Los Angeles. We were working the day watch out a juvenile bureau. My 24 00:02:59,400 --> 00:03:02,120 partner's been Romero. The boss is Inspector Lester, commander of the Juvenile Girl. 25 00:03:02,400 --> 00:03:07,000 My name's Fridy. Was ten am when we got to the auditorium of 26 00:03:07,039 --> 00:03:15,080 Canfield High School stage during guess we go right out onto the stay. You 27 00:03:15,120 --> 00:03:16,400 know a better way to work, called though you know the men from the 28 00:03:16,400 --> 00:03:20,439 police department. Yes, sir, this is Sergeant Romero. My name is 29 00:03:20,439 --> 00:03:23,479 Fridy. How do you do. I'm Paul Fisher, the principal here. 30 00:03:23,560 --> 00:03:25,280 Come right out onto the station and get the meeting started, all right? 31 00:03:25,479 --> 00:03:35,039 I see it. Just have a chair there. Thank you, is a 32 00:03:35,120 --> 00:03:40,240 microphone on, Ladies and gentlemen of the co Ordinating Council, members of the 33 00:03:40,280 --> 00:03:46,319 Parent Teachers Association. As you know, this meeting has been called for the 34 00:03:46,319 --> 00:03:50,400 purpose of discussing ways and means to bring about a name to the distribution of 35 00:03:50,439 --> 00:03:54,199 the filthy and obscene books and pamphlets who have been lisiting every high school campus 36 00:03:54,240 --> 00:03:59,039 in the city of Los Angeles. We've tried every meet at our disposal to 37 00:03:59,159 --> 00:04:02,680 clean this matter up, and they all seem to fail on the advice of 38 00:04:02,759 --> 00:04:06,439 the co Ordinating Council. And this is randall to the PTA. We've called 39 00:04:06,479 --> 00:04:11,680 in the Helidays here to discuss the matter with us this morning, our true 40 00:04:11,719 --> 00:04:17,240 officers connected with the Junior Bureau of our Police Department, Sergeant Romero and uh 41 00:04:17,319 --> 00:04:24,160 Sojeant Friday, And now may I turn the meeting over to Sargeant Friday, 42 00:04:24,360 --> 00:04:31,000 the Los Angeles Police Department. Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. The only 43 00:04:31,040 --> 00:04:33,600 way we're gonna get to the bottom of this thing and put a stop to 44 00:04:33,639 --> 00:04:38,360 it is to get all the information we can on where this lassivious material is 45 00:04:38,399 --> 00:04:42,439 coming from. You people, as parents and teachers of the children who are 46 00:04:42,439 --> 00:04:45,759 buying and reading this stuff might be able to give us some help. So, 47 00:04:45,959 --> 00:04:47,360 uh, it's all right with you, mister Fisher. I'd like to 48 00:04:47,399 --> 00:04:50,920 hear from some of the people sitting out there if I mean, thank you 49 00:04:51,600 --> 00:04:55,279 do. If any of you people have anything to say, or any information, 50 00:04:55,519 --> 00:04:58,120 any questions, why, we'd be glad to listen to you and do 51 00:04:58,120 --> 00:05:00,959 our best to answer your question. Yes, the lady out there, go 52 00:05:01,040 --> 00:05:06,279 right ahead. I'm in the sign. I know of a place in our 53 00:05:06,319 --> 00:05:12,519 neighborhood, a test dirty books. I feel sure that that's one of the 54 00:05:12,560 --> 00:05:16,560 places where the children are getting the stretch. The place have been pained to 55 00:05:16,680 --> 00:05:21,720 the police departure to the man who has the place. That's better than arrested. 56 00:05:23,480 --> 00:05:27,120 Can you tell me why? Well, ma'am, I think I better 57 00:05:27,160 --> 00:05:30,000 make it clear now that there's only one way a police officer can arrest anyone 58 00:05:30,079 --> 00:05:34,160 for possession of lude literature. The officer has to prove that the party who 59 00:05:34,199 --> 00:05:40,079 possesses this literature does so for the purpose of selling him. Sometimes it's difficult 60 00:05:40,079 --> 00:05:43,879 to prove. I told you I improve it. You mean you can go 61 00:05:43,959 --> 00:05:49,399 to this place and buy a book from him? Maybe? Yes, ma 62 00:05:49,600 --> 00:05:53,240 that's just the point. Now. I don't know offhand about the one in 63 00:05:53,279 --> 00:05:55,879 your neighborhood, but I can assure you that we've cracked down on hundreds of 64 00:05:55,920 --> 00:05:58,920 such peddlers in the past few months, and you can see for yourselves that 65 00:05:59,000 --> 00:06:00,879 this doesn't put a stop to We've got to get you the source. I 66 00:06:01,000 --> 00:06:04,079 have a question for you, Yes, sir, I ain't Fred Scott. 67 00:06:04,199 --> 00:06:09,160 I'm director of the Square Shooter's Boys Club. Yes, sir. Why I'm 68 00:06:09,240 --> 00:06:14,360 trying to make is I know the young boys pretty well. With the exception 69 00:06:14,480 --> 00:06:18,360 of my boys forty nine in number, I'm a wager just about every boy 70 00:06:18,399 --> 00:06:23,120 in this high school has one of those books, or at least he's seen 71 00:06:23,240 --> 00:06:26,600 one. Yes, sir, we're aware of that. Why not trying to 72 00:06:26,639 --> 00:06:30,360 make is somewhere to you listen for code. There's gotta be a law to 73 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:32,519 prevent such things. Yes, sure, there is such a law. Then 74 00:06:32,519 --> 00:06:36,759 why isn't a man it is? What does the law say? Well, 75 00:06:36,759 --> 00:06:41,079 how do you mean? Sure? Well, I mean what happens when somebody's 76 00:06:41,120 --> 00:06:43,959 bound ghetto? You're selling these books? Why inst the penalty? Oh? 77 00:06:44,000 --> 00:06:47,000 Well, the law states that an offender is liable to find a jail term 78 00:06:47,040 --> 00:06:50,519 of six months or both. That's not much of a law, is it. 79 00:06:50,839 --> 00:06:55,079 Why is he there a stronger law? Well, I wouldn't know that, 80 00:06:55,120 --> 00:06:59,240 sir. Why I'm trying to make is we need laws and some teeth 81 00:06:59,319 --> 00:07:01,319 in them. We have good laws in the state of California for the most 82 00:07:01,360 --> 00:07:04,000 part. It's true that we're weak in some cases, but you can say 83 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:08,720 that about most states. I think, well, you may satisfy the laws, 84 00:07:08,759 --> 00:07:13,279 but I'm not I'd say stronger laws, that's the answer. No, 85 00:07:13,360 --> 00:07:15,480 I don't think it is, mister Scott. Passing a set of new laws 86 00:07:15,519 --> 00:07:18,720 isn't gonna make this city a cleaner or a safer place for your boys to 87 00:07:18,759 --> 00:07:24,120 grow up in. Laws don't decide how moral a city's gonna be. People 88 00:07:24,160 --> 00:07:29,480 do. Laws don't mold character in young boys either for parents and teachers do 89 00:07:29,560 --> 00:07:31,079 that. I don't think I know what you're getting at. What do you 90 00:07:31,120 --> 00:07:34,560 mean, justice, mister Scott. It's our job on the police department to 91 00:07:34,639 --> 00:07:39,319 keep filthy junk like these books from falling into youngster's hands. Yes, Now, 92 00:07:39,360 --> 00:07:42,199 on the other side of the fence, the youngster has to be taught 93 00:07:42,240 --> 00:07:46,040 to recognize the obscene material for what it is filth and garbage, and the 94 00:07:46,079 --> 00:07:48,839 youngsters have to be taught that in the home, in the school, and 95 00:07:48,879 --> 00:07:53,319 the church. Now, if they can be made to understand if the kind 96 00:07:53,319 --> 00:07:57,199 of dirt and filter these books represent, well, that'd be worth more than 97 00:07:57,680 --> 00:08:01,600 any new set of laws, wouldn't it. But what about the shallow? 98 00:08:03,160 --> 00:08:07,439 How do you reach them through the youngsters? They seem to know the way. 99 00:08:09,319 --> 00:08:13,120 The next morning, at eight am, after a meeting with Inspector Lester 100 00:08:13,160 --> 00:08:16,680 of Juvenile Bureau, Ben and I went on stakeout at Canfield High School. 101 00:08:16,040 --> 00:08:18,959 From past experience, we knew there was little hope of a quick end of 102 00:08:20,000 --> 00:08:22,199 the case. It was going to be a long haul, chasing the source 103 00:08:22,240 --> 00:08:24,600 all the way up the line, from the high school kids who bought the 104 00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:28,480 filthy books, to the small fry pushers, the wholesalers, and finally we 105 00:08:28,560 --> 00:08:31,879 hoped to the top, the man who printed the books. We had no 106 00:08:31,960 --> 00:08:35,440 illusions on that score. Generally, with the arrest of his pushers and other 107 00:08:35,480 --> 00:08:39,240 small timers who worked for him, the top man gets the alarm and clears 108 00:08:39,240 --> 00:08:43,039 out before the police officer can apprehend them with evidence it'll stand up in court. 109 00:08:45,039 --> 00:08:46,600 During the first two days at Canfield, I Ben and I found out 110 00:08:46,639 --> 00:08:52,000 nothing. The obscene literature was being bartered in exchanged between students, but the 111 00:08:52,080 --> 00:08:54,919 main source of supply was still a mystery. We had one slim lead to 112 00:08:54,960 --> 00:08:58,320 go on. Mister Fisher, the high school principal, helped run it down. 113 00:09:00,080 --> 00:09:03,200 We've been watching that boy down in the yard since yesterday. Miss Fisher 114 00:09:03,679 --> 00:09:07,039 seems to have quite a bit of spending money, spensive clothes, car of 115 00:09:07,120 --> 00:09:09,200 his own. I don't know that boy's family. That could be well fished. 116 00:09:09,240 --> 00:09:11,679 But he saw him with a stack of those dirty books in his notebook. 117 00:09:11,720 --> 00:09:13,759 He must have had a dozen of'em. Were showing him around to 118 00:09:13,799 --> 00:09:18,480 his crowd. Travis, are you sure go take a look down there? 119 00:09:18,360 --> 00:09:22,960 Yeah? Yeah, Travers is showing him something. I can't see what it 120 00:09:22,000 --> 00:09:28,440 is. Come over this side and when Yeah, small books. He's giving 121 00:09:28,480 --> 00:09:31,200 him to one of the other fellas. They've got their wallets out. They're 122 00:09:31,200 --> 00:09:33,960 giving Travers money. Come on, Ben, you better come to mister Fisher. 123 00:09:33,240 --> 00:09:37,279 H this way out to the yard. No to the latter, that's 124 00:09:37,279 --> 00:09:46,440 it. Let's hurry, huh. This store side of the Travers Travis, 125 00:09:46,039 --> 00:09:50,600 mister Fisher, they like to talk to Yeah. Well, these men here 126 00:09:50,679 --> 00:09:54,200 are from the police department. They want to ask you some questioners, so 127 00:09:54,240 --> 00:09:58,159 we go inside. Here the money. Oh, what's the matter of mister 128 00:09:58,159 --> 00:10:05,960 Fisher? I haven't done anything, you see? What is it? What's 129 00:10:05,960 --> 00:10:09,759 it all about? Sergeant? It'll be a lot easier if we have the 130 00:10:09,799 --> 00:10:11,679 truth, now, son, Did you just sell those boys out there some 131 00:10:11,720 --> 00:10:16,279 dirty books? No? I well, I mean it's only a gag. 132 00:10:16,480 --> 00:10:20,039 They're funny books. Have you got any more of'em on you? Yes, 133 00:10:20,080 --> 00:10:24,240 sir, let me see him please. I didn't steal them, only 134 00:10:24,360 --> 00:10:31,639 books, funny books here? Thanks almost a dosnet. Do you think these 135 00:10:31,639 --> 00:10:35,320 are funny books, do you, Travis? Well, some of them are. 136 00:10:35,480 --> 00:10:39,600 I guess not. It's only a gag, sergeant. Where'd you get 137 00:10:39,639 --> 00:10:43,600 them? I didn't steal them. I bought them off a guy who why? 138 00:10:43,080 --> 00:10:46,600 I can't tell you. Do you have any more of these books? 139 00:10:46,600 --> 00:10:48,879 No, sir? Will do you show us your locker? I can't remember 140 00:10:48,879 --> 00:10:52,960 the combination. It's a new locker. Could you open the locker for mister 141 00:10:52,960 --> 00:10:56,799 Fisher? Yes, but I'll have to get the maintenance man. Ah right, 142 00:10:56,039 --> 00:11:07,000 I'll show you. Come on down here. This one four twelve I've 143 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:15,240 only got a couple. All right, we'll see my opening. I haven't 144 00:11:15,240 --> 00:11:22,399 done anything. Here's a sample. Joe Locker's loaded down the rotten self. 145 00:11:22,840 --> 00:11:26,519 You can't arrest me. I don't sell the books, only read them. 146 00:11:26,600 --> 00:11:30,960 Somebody's been briefing you who You're only making good hot on yourself. Boy, 147 00:11:31,159 --> 00:11:33,919 you can't prove anything. These are my books. I don't sell them. 148 00:11:33,039 --> 00:11:37,039 Where do you get them? Who sell them? Do you nobody? I 149 00:11:37,080 --> 00:11:39,399 got them? That's all all right. We'll have to talk to your folks. 150 00:11:41,440 --> 00:11:43,879 You can't their way, No, no, you can't, don't, 151 00:11:45,399 --> 00:11:48,080 will have to so oh please please don't tell them, Please don't let them 152 00:11:48,080 --> 00:11:50,840 know I'll do anything. All right, Let's have the truth. Then who 153 00:11:50,840 --> 00:11:54,399 are you selling your books for? Name's Barney, that's all I know. 154 00:11:54,039 --> 00:11:58,879 I meet him a cigar store downtown Fifth and Harrison. Does he sell you 155 00:11:58,919 --> 00:12:01,720 the books? Gives them to me? I sell him and then give him 156 00:12:01,720 --> 00:12:05,360 the money. I get ten cents for everyone I sell. How much you 157 00:12:05,440 --> 00:12:09,159 sell him for twenty five cents? Some are don't? I get thirty cents 158 00:12:09,159 --> 00:12:13,399 for those. The boys in this school have been paying that kind of money 159 00:12:13,440 --> 00:12:16,919 for this fill yes, sir, this man who gives you these books? 160 00:12:16,039 --> 00:12:18,879 You know where he lives? No, sirre I have any idea. When 161 00:12:18,879 --> 00:12:22,720 are you going to see him? Well? This is Wednesday. I was 162 00:12:22,840 --> 00:12:26,080 going to meet him downtown this half noon the cigar store. Yes, sir, 163 00:12:26,200 --> 00:12:28,679 but I don't want to get buy in trouble. He's been okay to 164 00:12:28,759 --> 00:12:35,919 me. Sure he's done a lot for you. Four pm Wednesday, Ben 165 00:12:35,960 --> 00:12:39,879 and I drove downtown with sixteen year old Eddie Travers. We parked the car 166 00:12:39,919 --> 00:12:43,919 near the corner of Fifth and Harrison and kept an eye on the cigar store. 167 00:12:43,360 --> 00:12:50,320 We waited no sign yet, No, sir, Barnie usually waits by 168 00:12:50,320 --> 00:12:52,960 the news stand there. I haven't seen him yet. How long you been 169 00:12:52,960 --> 00:12:58,200 selling for this man? Sin? About three months? Maybe four? And 170 00:12:58,320 --> 00:13:01,720 the idea where he gets the books? Well, I oh just a minute 171 00:13:01,759 --> 00:13:05,519 start Yeah, well I think, Yeah, that's Barney, the one going 172 00:13:05,600 --> 00:13:07,559 up to the cigar counter. The man in the gray suit there, Yeah, 173 00:13:07,559 --> 00:13:11,519 that's him. He's going into one eat his cafe. Is that where 174 00:13:11,519 --> 00:13:13,279 you usually go after you meet him? Yes, sir, you better take 175 00:13:13,279 --> 00:13:16,279 the boy back to the office. Ben, I'll tell this guy and see 176 00:13:16,279 --> 00:13:18,080 what I can find out. Okay, Well, I'm gonna pick you up 177 00:13:18,159 --> 00:13:20,159 later. I'll call you at the office. Oh you got any matches, 178 00:13:22,080 --> 00:13:26,840 mum u, I'll pick some up with the cigar stamp. Alright, say 179 00:13:26,840 --> 00:13:39,320 it later, yeah, box matches. Oh yeah, and uh pack of 180 00:13:39,399 --> 00:13:48,639 experiment too. Alright, sir much bliged. Uh got a special typical new 181 00:13:48,679 --> 00:14:03,639 bourbon today two sixty nine and fifth. No no things, Hi, Rosie 182 00:14:03,559 --> 00:14:18,240 wrote you another tomorrow when you get time on a U. Let me have 183 00:14:18,279 --> 00:14:22,000 a chicken tacos uh, side order of five beans and cup of coffee. 184 00:14:22,080 --> 00:14:30,320 Huh chicken tacos on one night of be another tomori? Anything else, bunny? 185 00:14:30,720 --> 00:14:37,200 Yeah, some more coffee road the money on one? Hey, go 186 00:14:39,440 --> 00:14:41,399 slide the cutchup? Done, will you? Yeah? Here you go. 187 00:14:43,679 --> 00:14:48,559 Thanks. I got good tacos. A go watch your men of it's freshed 188 00:14:48,600 --> 00:14:56,120 up. Yeah, there's the sugar. Oh thank you? Hey Rosie? 189 00:14:56,840 --> 00:15:03,639 Yeah there Rosie. Yeah. I got some new ones then yesterday or stack 190 00:15:03,679 --> 00:15:07,440 them? What are you talking about? You know the picture books? Good 191 00:15:07,440 --> 00:15:09,799 ones. You can make some money on the side. That's sound good right 192 00:15:09,840 --> 00:15:13,120 now money? I told you once no, come my head, let come 193 00:15:13,159 --> 00:15:16,919 over. I said, no, that loady junk. The next time you 194 00:15:18,000 --> 00:15:20,919 bring that stuff in here, I tell the boss understand, now eat it, 195 00:15:20,039 --> 00:15:26,200 get out. Well, it's a real funny day. Looks great, 196 00:15:26,200 --> 00:15:31,039 But what a cope? They don't. Yeah, come on, come on, 197 00:15:31,120 --> 00:15:35,799 eat and get out and take that junk. Leave it. I don't 198 00:15:35,840 --> 00:15:45,480 like to show anyway. Coffee is certainly cold. Yeah, yeah, you 199 00:15:45,600 --> 00:15:52,399 probably get a big boot out of here. M hmm. It's pretty good. 200 00:15:52,799 --> 00:15:54,799 Yeah, that's good quality stuff. Yeah, made that little book. 201 00:15:54,879 --> 00:16:02,639 Yah, let me show you on h Wait a minute, yeah, I'm 202 00:16:02,720 --> 00:16:08,720 gonna kill you man. How about saw me when of'em? Okay? 203 00:16:10,039 --> 00:16:11,480 Four bits for the small ones, buck for the big ones. Wait a 204 00:16:11,519 --> 00:16:15,679 minute, let's see I got tim, I got four kin of here, 205 00:16:15,759 --> 00:16:18,360 dah tree, what I'll do, I'll make you do. Then you have 206 00:16:18,399 --> 00:16:22,480 the whole works to ten bucks. Okay, you got any more? Were 207 00:16:22,600 --> 00:16:25,720 you going in business for yourself? You know? I got a news stand 208 00:16:25,759 --> 00:16:27,799 at the river sign books, and I guess I want to go fast. 209 00:16:27,840 --> 00:16:32,480 I think I can probably handle another twenty five bucks. An ah, I 210 00:16:32,559 --> 00:16:34,360 got the rest of'em back at the hotel. Someone right color? You 211 00:16:34,399 --> 00:16:38,240 know what I mean? Bee? That night around the seven? Where's a 212 00:16:38,279 --> 00:16:41,679 hotel? Why do you go straight up six three from me. It's just 213 00:16:41,720 --> 00:16:44,720 one block on your left called the Denver House. I've been room three three 214 00:16:44,720 --> 00:16:48,759 centing big going up there now, Well, I was supposed to meet some 215 00:16:48,840 --> 00:16:52,960 guy, but yeah, we can got up well, but a check was 216 00:16:52,000 --> 00:16:56,919 he h Yeah, hey, you you're probably wanting more of these. I 217 00:16:56,919 --> 00:16:59,919 can put you on my mailing list, O killing. The prices are right, 218 00:17:00,039 --> 00:17:02,200 I don't want to pay retail. How we work out a d one. 219 00:17:02,240 --> 00:17:07,839 Let's go okay, yeah, Rosie, she's really put together. Yeah 220 00:17:08,000 --> 00:17:11,920 too good, A real cold potato though, summer like that. Yeah, 221 00:17:12,039 --> 00:17:21,119 no sense of humor. We left one at his cafe and walked up Harrison 222 00:17:21,160 --> 00:17:22,880 Street to sixth. We turned left and went down one block. It was 223 00:17:22,920 --> 00:17:26,720 five minutes to five when we got to Barney's room in the Denver House, 224 00:17:26,799 --> 00:17:30,119 number three thirty seven. He dragged out a steamer trunk from under the bed 225 00:17:30,400 --> 00:17:33,880 and founted out a stack of books and pamphlets covering the general topic of degenerate 226 00:17:33,960 --> 00:17:38,960 filth and stories and photographs. Okay, macvi, Yeah, it's twenty five 227 00:17:38,960 --> 00:17:45,359 bucks worth the money in the bucks, aloys. Okay, there you go, 228 00:17:45,680 --> 00:17:52,240 it's ten fifteen eighteen. I'll have to give you a check for the 229 00:17:52,240 --> 00:17:55,920 rest. How do I know it's any good? You could take off, 230 00:17:55,960 --> 00:17:59,599 I'd never see you again. You'll see me. You're under arrest. Huh. 231 00:18:00,319 --> 00:18:02,000 Look all right, let's hold it right here. Hey, wait, 232 00:18:03,640 --> 00:18:06,279 look dinner. We can work this thing out. We'll work it out downtown. 233 00:18:06,319 --> 00:18:07,160 Wait a minute, I can set this thing right for it or you're 234 00:18:07,200 --> 00:18:11,559 getting this junk? Who's supplying you? Why not use your head? You 235 00:18:11,640 --> 00:18:14,680 never get the top man, not in ten years your walk. We got 236 00:18:14,680 --> 00:18:36,119 lots of time. Come on, you are listening to dragnets. The filthy 237 00:18:36,160 --> 00:18:41,200 literature racket feeds on the curiosity of youngsters and the stupidity and ignorance of adults. 238 00:18:41,400 --> 00:18:44,119 It's an all seasoned business, and in its own quiet way, it 239 00:18:44,160 --> 00:18:47,759 has reached a market which the other heavy rackets never hoped to reach. Your 240 00:18:47,839 --> 00:18:52,519 home and your children. Six pm, Wednesday, October twenty third, we 241 00:18:52,640 --> 00:18:55,839 checked the records, and the makesheet showed the book peddler's true name to be 242 00:18:55,880 --> 00:18:59,440 Barney W. Timpson, thirty eight years old. He had a past record 243 00:18:59,440 --> 00:19:03,160 at one previous conviction for pedaling lude literature and dodge to the Iowa in March 244 00:19:03,240 --> 00:19:10,440 nineteen forty eight we had and brought to the interrogation room. See down Thompson. 245 00:19:11,079 --> 00:19:14,000 Okay, well, I just make it against Barney. Where are you 246 00:19:14,039 --> 00:19:15,599 getting the books? I told you, serge, if they deliver them to 247 00:19:15,640 --> 00:19:18,279 me? Who the different guys? I don't remember them all? I send 248 00:19:18,279 --> 00:19:22,119 different guys every time. How often do they make the delivery studio? Why 249 00:19:22,160 --> 00:19:25,240 someone? When? Rather the first? Usually? Sometimes maybe the second and 250 00:19:25,319 --> 00:19:26,720 the third they bring the books to your hotel? Yeah, I'll leave a 251 00:19:26,759 --> 00:19:30,200 pack up in the lobby addressed to me. They ever use the mails? 252 00:19:30,319 --> 00:19:33,039 They never do. They're not. That's dumb. So you've never seen the 253 00:19:33,079 --> 00:19:34,680 men that you do business with? That so I no, no, you 254 00:19:34,680 --> 00:19:37,880 have no idea where they're operating. I don't know you expect as the squaller 255 00:19:37,920 --> 00:19:40,720 there. I'm telling you, I don't know. Don't push. It's that 256 00:19:40,799 --> 00:19:41,720 kind of a story, Barney. I'm giving it to you straight. Now. 257 00:19:41,759 --> 00:19:45,200 What else do you want? Who's the supply man? And look we 258 00:19:45,279 --> 00:19:48,039 found this notebook in your hotel room. Barney's a list of names in it. 259 00:19:48,119 --> 00:19:52,240 It's your customer book. Friends. Okay, okay, they're customers. 260 00:19:52,519 --> 00:19:55,720 It gives us enough to land on you. I know that I've told you 261 00:19:55,759 --> 00:19:59,000 everything and you still don't know who you work the call. Look, there's 262 00:19:59,000 --> 00:20:00,640 a phone number in this note book. No name to go with it. 263 00:20:00,759 --> 00:20:03,720 Yeah, no, look at it, this one right here. I don't 264 00:20:03,720 --> 00:20:07,279 know it must be an out of customer. Yeah, does it blown up 265 00:20:07,319 --> 00:20:08,119 the boss? I don't know the boss. You don't know me. And 266 00:20:08,160 --> 00:20:11,119 who do you buy the books from? Who says I buy him? You 267 00:20:11,200 --> 00:20:12,599 must know somebody a lot of money. Don't worry. I don't know him 268 00:20:12,640 --> 00:20:15,720 nothing. You don't know me nothing he does. Now you're going to jail 269 00:20:15,759 --> 00:20:23,640 for him. Barney Timpson was booked into Central Jail for violation of the Penal 270 00:20:23,640 --> 00:20:29,279 Code Section three eleven point three. We contacted the telephone company and they traced 271 00:20:29,279 --> 00:20:33,079 the extra phone number in Timpson's notebook to a private residence on Wonderview Drive in 272 00:20:33,160 --> 00:20:36,799 Laurel Canyon. A detail of men was assigned to stake out on the place 273 00:20:37,160 --> 00:20:41,880 during the next week, mainly from information obtained from Barney Timpson's customers. Seven 274 00:20:41,920 --> 00:20:45,200 other peddlers of obscene books and pamphlets were taken into custody in question. Five 275 00:20:45,240 --> 00:20:48,799 of the seven told us they picked up their supply of books from the Laurel 276 00:20:48,880 --> 00:20:52,720 Canyon address. We moved in on the place and found thousands of lute books 277 00:20:52,759 --> 00:20:56,240 and pamphlets stored in the garage. Three men on the premises were taken into 278 00:20:56,240 --> 00:21:00,519 custody. They identified themselves as John Alexander, George kellerher And and Kester. 279 00:21:00,960 --> 00:21:03,279 We brought them downtown and interrogated them for two hours. They refused to admit 280 00:21:03,319 --> 00:21:07,720 anything. They were booked in, but by noon their lawyers arrived and they 281 00:21:07,720 --> 00:21:11,160 were released on ritz of Habeas Corpus. Two pm. Men and I met 282 00:21:11,160 --> 00:21:15,720 with Inspector Lester of Juvenile Bureau. You just had a call from the minut 283 00:21:15,720 --> 00:21:18,359 of steak out of the Loyal Canyon place. I've just been over the garage 284 00:21:18,400 --> 00:21:19,559 with the books the store and they get anythings. Give them a couple of 285 00:21:19,599 --> 00:21:22,640 things might be fair leads. What's in three stacks of books? They found 286 00:21:22,640 --> 00:21:26,359 a wrapped and proof letter he has from the Hevenbrook Hotel. Yeah, we 287 00:21:26,480 --> 00:21:30,079 checked with a hotel. They get all their printing down at Rudolph Brothers placed 288 00:21:30,079 --> 00:21:33,359 out in West la Name's not familiar to me. It's a big layer out 289 00:21:33,359 --> 00:21:36,799 there, especially as religious books, Bible things like that. That doesn't it, 290 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:38,400 that's for sure. How do you mean be a perfect cover for the 291 00:21:38,480 --> 00:21:42,240 racket printing them Bible one day and a flock of filthy books the next could 292 00:21:42,240 --> 00:21:45,759 be the Senate. What kind of a name does this Rudolph's place have around 293 00:21:45,759 --> 00:21:48,400 town? They've been here long, fifty years, good reputation, Oh, 294 00:21:48,440 --> 00:21:52,559 you could give it a Word's the place on West Third, just below Athens 295 00:21:52,599 --> 00:21:55,440 Street. All right, check the place over, but don't make them suspicious. 296 00:21:55,640 --> 00:21:57,160 Is anything wrong or you're just tipping into al ready to move Rightki, 297 00:21:57,359 --> 00:22:00,200 They've got to reach the presses turning out this chug and choke off the supply 298 00:22:00,279 --> 00:22:03,599 where it starts. That one got a beat in just a minute. You 299 00:22:03,680 --> 00:22:08,160 won't go realistic. Yes happened. I don't where, Okay, they'll be 300 00:22:08,240 --> 00:22:12,599 right out roast and they spied one of the delivery cars where downtown they followed 301 00:22:12,680 --> 00:22:19,920 out to West La Yeah, Rudolph's sprinting shop. Four pm, Ben and 302 00:22:19,960 --> 00:22:23,200 I, together with two other men from Juvenile Bureau, drove out Beverly Boulevard 303 00:22:23,240 --> 00:22:26,359 du Athens Street, and then down one block to the corner of West Third, 304 00:22:26,400 --> 00:22:30,079 where we picked up Gross and Pacelli on Steakhout. The Rudolph brothers printing 305 00:22:30,119 --> 00:22:33,720 company covered almost half a square block on the corner of West third and Athens. 306 00:22:34,599 --> 00:22:38,839 The front of the plant had display windows featuring expensive leather bound Bibles and 307 00:22:38,880 --> 00:22:42,519 other religious literature. While the other men remained on steakhout, Ben and I 308 00:22:42,680 --> 00:22:45,640 crossed the street and entered the plant. We introduced ourselves to the clerk in 309 00:22:45,759 --> 00:22:49,519 charge as potential wholesale customers, and we asked to be shown around the shop. 310 00:22:49,920 --> 00:22:53,119 It was more than obliging. I'd be happy to show you our planned, 311 00:22:53,160 --> 00:22:56,839 gentlemen, the most modern religious publication company in the West. But that's 312 00:22:56,880 --> 00:23:07,960 our claim. Would you stuff this square please? On your left there those 313 00:23:08,000 --> 00:23:11,839 are three of our new levelde machines, excellent mechanisms. Needless to say, 314 00:23:12,839 --> 00:23:15,960 you must employ quite a few men in here, sixty five full time, 315 00:23:18,240 --> 00:23:22,160 enough to meet any emergency rest yards you might want done. Now. Over 316 00:23:22,279 --> 00:23:26,839 here are Bush Emerson hand presses. You handle lonely religious books. Then nothing 317 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:30,759 else that's right sent. We specialize exclusively in that you don't take in any 318 00:23:30,839 --> 00:23:36,240 small contract school journals things like that. Know, our steady customers take up 319 00:23:36,240 --> 00:23:40,039 all of our time. Here on this stone you see the pages of a 320 00:23:40,119 --> 00:23:45,000 new prayer book we're getting together very over an entirely different kind of type face. 321 00:23:45,319 --> 00:23:48,119 Is that so? Yes? And back there along the wall are new 322 00:23:48,240 --> 00:23:53,279 lineotypes, the very latest monotypes. Then the proof presses next to them are 323 00:23:53,440 --> 00:23:57,880 proof readers, and the flatbed truss load press. Beyond that, it seems 324 00:23:57,920 --> 00:24:00,240 like lots of activity. Bus This is pretty good, I guess. Huh. 325 00:24:00,359 --> 00:24:03,319 Oh, yes, we kept pretty busy. Quality printing is always in 326 00:24:03,400 --> 00:24:07,160 the man. Yeah, well, thanks very much for showing us around and 327 00:24:07,279 --> 00:24:11,279 out of the all gentlemen, anytime, Yeah, this way out, all 328 00:24:11,319 --> 00:24:18,200 right, I'll get to one of my cards here there you are, well, 329 00:24:18,279 --> 00:24:19,559 thank you. And when you're ready to do business where I just give 330 00:24:19,599 --> 00:24:22,440 me a call, i'd be glad to take care of you. All right, 331 00:24:22,519 --> 00:24:25,200 two, thanks, we'll do that. Good afternoon, gentlemen. All 332 00:24:25,279 --> 00:24:32,039 right, what do you think you got me? That's not a place. 333 00:24:32,279 --> 00:24:34,039 Yeah, whatever system they're using, they got it down. Passed bibles, 334 00:24:34,079 --> 00:24:37,559 bribe books, church announcement. That's all I say it. Ben looked h 335 00:24:38,039 --> 00:24:41,319 that man getting out of that cargoing into Rudolph, Sir Alexander, the guy 336 00:24:41,359 --> 00:24:44,279 we picked up this morning. I don't know, I can't. Yeah, 337 00:24:44,880 --> 00:24:47,079 what's the engine? I don't know, but it's gotta be somewhere in that 338 00:24:47,160 --> 00:24:52,759 print shop. Mmm. We went back to the car and waited. A 339 00:24:52,839 --> 00:24:56,279 stake out on Rudolph's printing plant continued. Six pm. The lights in the 340 00:24:56,319 --> 00:25:00,160 display windows when out, the shades were drawn. Watch the employees leave. 341 00:25:00,920 --> 00:25:06,079 Six thirty pm the lights in the plant were still burning. Gross went down 342 00:25:06,119 --> 00:25:07,920 to the corner and picked up some hot dogs and the coffee for our dinner. 343 00:25:08,160 --> 00:25:11,839 We eat in the car. Seven thirty pm, a black cat like 344 00:25:11,880 --> 00:25:15,839 invertible pulled up across the street. Two men got out and let themselves in 345 00:25:15,000 --> 00:25:18,720 through the front door. We waited between seven thirty and eight pm. We 346 00:25:18,839 --> 00:25:25,720 kind of twenty one men entering the planet at printing press and starting up. 347 00:25:25,799 --> 00:25:30,000 Okay, let's move, Yeah, Gross, but Shelley want to go through 348 00:25:30,000 --> 00:25:30,799 the back and then and I will take the front. Right, Let's go 349 00:25:30,880 --> 00:25:36,599 on, said Neat set up. I had it all figured. Yeah. 350 00:25:36,680 --> 00:25:38,759 He didn't spot any site entrances, did you? Oh here we are, 351 00:25:40,119 --> 00:25:51,039 didn't try the door. Snow gun all right or police officers open up. 352 00:25:52,640 --> 00:25:56,240 I'd come on, open up. The press is all right, let's hit 353 00:25:56,240 --> 00:26:03,319 it quick on again. There were there they are Joe we're tryna smak the 354 00:26:03,319 --> 00:26:07,279 plates. Come on, we shatty? What canny? Play both plates? 355 00:26:07,319 --> 00:26:12,279 Watch it? Ben? All right? Come on right you all right? 356 00:26:12,319 --> 00:26:15,480 Holding against the wall. He close, Get those flakes off the press with 357 00:26:15,599 --> 00:26:23,039 it all right? Hold it you too, Joe? Look all right that 358 00:26:23,200 --> 00:26:26,759 the light right round up, post menutes, the gorse covered. Get the 359 00:26:27,200 --> 00:26:30,960 most tables. Come on over for the wall. That's about most of them. 360 00:26:30,039 --> 00:26:32,799 Joe, come in going out the door. Come on, hit them 361 00:26:32,799 --> 00:26:36,559 off, whatever, Come on you come on back and wait, get your 362 00:26:36,640 --> 00:26:37,759 hands off. Hold it up, mister, come on over there with the 363 00:26:37,799 --> 00:26:42,000 rest. Pay for this. I'll sue you done your last night. Come 364 00:26:42,000 --> 00:26:45,759 on simmer day, Joe. We got Rudolph going out the back right, 365 00:26:45,359 --> 00:26:48,640 call the office. Where are we gonna need transportation? Ok? Take those 366 00:26:48,680 --> 00:26:56,319 two with you, huh? All right, come on, we got enough 367 00:26:56,400 --> 00:27:02,279 evidence against them, and we're gonna need it. Two old trades of the 368 00:27:02,359 --> 00:27:11,119 jump right here, Yeah, look right next to it. Yeah, page 369 00:27:11,119 --> 00:27:22,319 from the Bible. The story you have just heard was true, only the 370 00:27:22,440 --> 00:27:26,319 names were changed to protect the innocent. On January ninth, trial was held 371 00:27:26,359 --> 00:27:30,680 in Superior Court, Department ninety four, City and County of Los Angeles, 372 00:27:30,720 --> 00:27:40,480 State of California in a moment. The results of that trial. Frank Rudolph 373 00:27:40,519 --> 00:27:45,119 and sixteen of his accomplices were tried and convicted of possessing lewd and lassvious literature 374 00:27:45,240 --> 00:27:48,119 for the purpose of sale. They received sentences as prescribed by law and are 375 00:27:48,160 --> 00:27:55,799 now serving their terms in the county jail. Remember this Saturday, because that 376 00:27:56,000 --> 00:28:15,000 means demension X on NBC Welcome Back. Well, we got to hear Harry 377 00:28:15,119 --> 00:28:19,240 Morgan on Dragnet for the first time in nineteen fifty as the guy with the 378 00:28:19,319 --> 00:28:23,720 Boys Club, although he was a bit muffled, although not a fault to 379 00:28:23,920 --> 00:28:30,000 the audio. It was Jack Webb's dedication to realism. You know, you 380 00:28:30,079 --> 00:28:33,200 can just imagine Jack web saying I want him to sound like he's at the 381 00:28:33,319 --> 00:28:38,920 back of the auditorium. I want listeners to have that experience of hearing the 382 00:28:40,079 --> 00:28:45,279 tendiness of the echo and straining to hear him, and maybe somebody else on 383 00:28:45,400 --> 00:28:48,839 the production team says, couldn't we just pretend he was closer to the front, 384 00:28:48,920 --> 00:28:52,880 so there's no echo. No. Friday's comment on new Laws as a 385 00:28:52,960 --> 00:28:56,640 solution stood out to me in a way that I don't think it has before. 386 00:28:57,200 --> 00:29:03,119 The last time we played this was in early twenty fifteen, and it 387 00:29:03,400 --> 00:29:10,119 seems like today there's probably more demand for government to do things to fix our 388 00:29:10,279 --> 00:29:17,799 morality. And this is from across the political spectrum, so Friday's perspective is 389 00:29:18,279 --> 00:29:26,319 very different from what we're thinking in the twenty twenties. The team's pushers dodges 390 00:29:26,480 --> 00:29:33,119 on the books were classic and totally believable for a teenager being caught by the 391 00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:41,240 cops, including the I forgot my combination nonsense. Stacy Harris also got to 392 00:29:41,319 --> 00:29:47,839 play that one guy who should never be involved in selling illegal material. Friday 393 00:29:48,160 --> 00:29:51,799 brought him in, but this was not a tough caller, and really it 394 00:29:51,920 --> 00:29:56,599 was just a matter of time until he got caught. Compare him to how 395 00:29:56,680 --> 00:30:02,960 suspicious drug dealers get in the Undercover episodes, and this guy was just way 396 00:30:03,119 --> 00:30:07,519 too eager, way too obvious, way too pushing, way too public in 397 00:30:07,799 --> 00:30:15,720 flashing the material around, including to a woman who indicated she had no interest 398 00:30:15,119 --> 00:30:19,319 in selling it or in having it in the place she worked. This was 399 00:30:19,400 --> 00:30:25,839 a guy who was way too much of a fan of his own quote unquote 400 00:30:26,240 --> 00:30:33,559 product to actually be successful in selling it without getting caught by the Police. 401 00:30:33,960 --> 00:30:37,400 Well, now we turn to listener comments and feedback, and we've got a 402 00:30:37,559 --> 00:30:45,519 couple of comments from Julie on Instagram regarding The Big Gangster Part one. Julie 403 00:30:45,599 --> 00:30:49,680 rits, this episode was amazing. The whole scene where Friday and Ramaryll are 404 00:30:49,839 --> 00:30:56,319 questioning the guy playing pinball and the bar fight. Wow, the sound effects. 405 00:30:56,440 --> 00:31:00,319 Guys deserve an award. Also, I hope Rameri got his showix I 406 00:31:00,519 --> 00:31:04,720 was crafting up on his longing for that piece of pie. Oh. I 407 00:31:04,880 --> 00:31:11,400 also want to work Friday's insult into a conversation. Somehow you missed a step 408 00:31:11,519 --> 00:31:15,559 from the gutter to the sidewalk. Well, Julie, thanks so much for 409 00:31:15,640 --> 00:31:21,119 the comment. And I have to say that food is one of the ways 410 00:31:21,720 --> 00:31:27,920 that Dragnet brings home the challenges of being on the force and the sort of 411 00:31:29,680 --> 00:31:34,960 difficulties policemen have to go through. Probably the thing that gets my sympathy the 412 00:31:36,079 --> 00:31:42,680 most is when they are on a case and are you know, they're vocally 413 00:31:44,000 --> 00:31:48,319 indicating like how hungry they are, and they're at the restaurant they place the 414 00:31:48,519 --> 00:31:53,160 order and they're sitting there talking about the case, and then somebody comes in 415 00:31:53,279 --> 00:31:56,200 and says, oh, you need to go. There's a break in the 416 00:31:56,319 --> 00:32:01,480 case, and so they have to leave. The food is done, and 417 00:32:01,680 --> 00:32:06,480 you're just like, oh, these four guys. And of course sound effects 418 00:32:06,519 --> 00:32:09,599 on Dragonet are amazing. Even though I poked fun a little bit at the 419 00:32:09,839 --> 00:32:15,640 auditorium effect, you do have to appreciate the dedication that goes into that, 420 00:32:15,279 --> 00:32:21,519 and I hope you find the opportunity, Julie. I would recommend being finding 421 00:32:21,640 --> 00:32:25,599 a conversation partner that you don't much care for that might just be your last 422 00:32:25,720 --> 00:32:31,839 conversation with them. Oftentimes, folks who grew up on the nineteen sixties television 423 00:32:31,920 --> 00:32:39,039 show or have seam portrayals of that in the media will tend to associate Joe 424 00:32:39,240 --> 00:32:45,119 Friday with sort of long speeches or lectures. And while I have an appreciation 425 00:32:45,440 --> 00:32:52,799 for most of those later speeches, Joe Friday was the absolute master of these 426 00:32:52,880 --> 00:32:58,640 sort of one liner put downs. Now these might not translate to the Internet 427 00:32:59,319 --> 00:33:02,440 generation. Well, I wondered about, you know, could you put together 428 00:33:02,759 --> 00:33:08,319 like a clip real where these were used. But more often than not, 429 00:33:08,599 --> 00:33:15,640 to really appreciate the context, you have to hear what was said before that, 430 00:33:15,240 --> 00:33:22,440 and sometimes you'll have a criminal going on for a minute or two minutes, 431 00:33:22,160 --> 00:33:30,759 and then Friday either ask a brief question and then delivers his line after 432 00:33:30,880 --> 00:33:35,960 a brief answer, or he just delivers the line and it's five seconds and 433 00:33:36,119 --> 00:33:39,799 Friday wins, which I guess is proof that it's not always the person who 434 00:33:39,960 --> 00:33:45,480 talks the longest that wins the argument. Well, now it's time to thank 435 00:33:45,680 --> 00:33:47,480 our Patreon supporter of the day, and I want to go ahead and thank 436 00:33:47,599 --> 00:33:52,640 Ronnie. Ronnie's been one of our Patreon supporters since May of twenty twenty one, 437 00:33:52,400 --> 00:33:57,920 currently supporting the podcast at the shamous level of four dollars or more per 438 00:33:58,039 --> 00:34:00,480 month. Thank you so much for your support, and that will do it 439 00:34:00,599 --> 00:34:06,119 for today. If you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite 440 00:34:06,160 --> 00:34:09,360 podcast software. And if you're enjoying us on YouTube, be sure to lack 441 00:34:09,440 --> 00:34:14,519 the video, subscribe to the channel, and mark the notification bell, all 442 00:34:14,599 --> 00:34:19,760 those things that can help YouTube channels grow. We'll be back next Saturday with 443 00:34:20,000 --> 00:34:25,039 another episode of Dragnet. Be sure and listen next Tuesday for the start of 444 00:34:25,280 --> 00:34:30,559 Bulldog Drumming. The podcast will be back on Monday with an episode of The 445 00:34:30,679 --> 00:34:36,400 Falcon Wear I'm a Side Size and Carbet speaking. It's your lucky day, 446 00:34:36,480 --> 00:34:39,599 Corbett. This is Mike Wearing. Goodbye, Wearing, Hold it. I 447 00:34:39,719 --> 00:34:43,039 want to talk to you. I don't want to talk to you. I've 448 00:34:43,079 --> 00:34:46,039 already got a head at Travis killing. By a chance, you've been listening 449 00:34:46,079 --> 00:34:51,000 at key holes naturally in my profession. All right, Wearing, what do 450 00:34:51,079 --> 00:34:52,920 you want? I got no time for idle chit chat. I want you 451 00:34:53,000 --> 00:34:55,880 to do me a favorite. I told you I got no time. You 452 00:34:57,000 --> 00:35:00,199 have you love it? What makes you think so? Might get me killed? 453 00:35:02,320 --> 00:35:07,119 All of a sudden, I find myself strangely interacted. Tell me Ma, 454 00:35:07,679 --> 00:35:10,360 I hope you'll be with us then in the meantime, send your comments 455 00:35:10,519 --> 00:35:16,280 to Box thirteen at Great Detectives dot net, follow us on Twitter at Radio 456 00:35:16,400 --> 00:35:22,559 Detectives, and check us out on Instagram, Instagram, dot com, slash 457 00:35:22,679 --> 00:35:28,360 Great Detectives from Boise Idahol. This is your host, Adam Graham signing off.