Summary
Two young criminals, dubbed the Kid Bandits, wreak havoc across Los Angeles with a series of robberies and violent assaults, prompting an intensive investigation by the LAPD's robbery detail. Detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero follow leads from the latest attack, which left a couple, John and Madeline Wilden, severely injured. The couple runs a small newspaper and soft drink stand, and their description of the assailants helps the detectives narrow down their search.
As the investigation unfolds, the detectives uncover a matchbook from a nearby cafe at the crime scene, which leads them to suspect Fred Gunther and Harold Reimers, both with prior criminal records. Despite a lengthy search and multiple interviews with victims, the detectives struggle to locate the suspects. After weeks of legwork, they finally catch a break when a shoeshine stand proprietor tips them off about Reimers' whereabouts, leading to a stakeout.
The detectives eventually apprehend Reimers after a robbery, while Gunther remains elusive. However, they receive a tip from Gunther's former fiancée, which helps them track him down. Both suspects are ultimately arrested, tried, and convicted on multiple counts of robbery and assault, receiving sentences in the state penitentiary. The case highlights the relentless efforts of the LAPD to bring violent criminals to justice.
Show Notes
Dragnet presents “Big Dance,” episode 84 of the classic radio series, originally broadcast on January 18, 1951. This NBC episode stars Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday and Barton Yarborough as Sergeant Ben Romero.
On a rainy Sunday night, Friday and Romero work the LAPD Robbery detail as they investigate a pair of young holdup men linked to a string of robberies and violent assaults. With only limited evidence from the latest attack, including a small pack of matches, the detectives follow the trail through Los Angeles.
Dragnet presents the original broadcast with a newly produced contextual introduction, a short closing announcement, and gently cleaned/mastered audio for a more consistent listening experience.
Chapters: 00:00 Victor Sterling Introduction 00:53 Original Broadcast 29:57 Closing
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