The Great Detectives Present Dragnet (Old Time Radio)

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.

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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 patreon.greatdetectives.net

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

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

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

Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call at 208-991-4783

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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 patreon.greatdetectives.net

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

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

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

Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call 208-991-4783

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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 patreon.greatdetectives.net

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

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

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

Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call 208-991-4783

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

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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 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 support.greatdetectives.net

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

Take the listener survey at survey.greatdetectives.net

Give us a call 208-991-4783

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

Follow us on Instagram at instagram.com/greatdetectives

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