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Episode

Dragnet: The Big Almost No Show (EP4964)

Podcast
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
Published
Apr 30, 2026
Duration seconds
1957
Processing state
processed
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https://www.spreaker.com/episode/dragnet-the-big-almost-no-show-ep4964--71701513
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Summary

Sergeant Joe Friday and partner Ed Jacobs investigate the sudden disappearance of Ralph Tabor, which leads to the discovery of a violent crime. The investigation tracks a stolen television set and a trail of fingerprints to a primary suspect.

Topics

  • Old Time Radio
  • Police Procedural
  • True Crime Drama
  • Jack Webb
  • Dragnet
  • Detective Fiction
  • Golden Age of Radio
  • Crime Investigation

Highlights

  • Main idea: A missing person report for Ralph Tabor evolves into a homicide investigation involving blunt force trauma
  • Clue discovery: Investigators use latent fingerprints found on a suspicious television set to link the crime to a suspect
  • Failure mode: The suspect, Andy Howard, attempts to flee using the victim's car and identification, nearly evading capture
  • Practical takeaway: Detailed interviews with associates and tracking physical evidence like tattoos and uniforms are critical to closing the case
  • Historical note: This 1952 broadcast features Jack Webb and highlights the procedural realism of the original radio era

Chapters

  1. 1:00 Introduction: Host Adam Graham introduces the classic 1952 Dragnet episode.
  2. 3:30 The Missing Person: Sergeants Friday and Jacobs meet with Edith Tabor regarding her brother's disappearance.
  3. 6:00 Investigating the Apartment: Detectives interview neighbors and examine the victim's living conditions.
  4. 8:20 The Missing Television: The investigation shifts focus to a missing television set and suspicious activity in the apartment.
  5. 10:40 Tracing the Evidence: Detectives follow leads regarding the movement of property and potential suspects.
  6. 15:40 The All Points Bulletin: Interviews with associates lead to the identification of Andy Howard as a person of interest.
  7. 18:00 The Highway Pursuit: A tip from San Diego leads detectives to an abandoned car and a fleeing suspect.
  8. 25:20 The Confrontation: The investigation culminates in the apprehension of Andy Howard and his confession.