# Dragnet: The Big Almost No Show (EP4964)

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Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279/dragnet-the-big-almost-no-show-ep4964.md
Podcast: [The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279)
Published: 2026-04-30T07:00:03+00:00
Episode link: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/dragnet-the-big-almost-no-show-ep4964--71701513
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdcn.co/e/pdrl.fm/997ffb/api.spreaker.com/download/episode/71701513/gd4964.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-great-detectives-of-old-time-radio-daily-mystery-dramas-162279/episodes/dragnet-the-big-almost-no-show-ep4964
Duration seconds: 1957

## Resource

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.

## 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

## Topics

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

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

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## Transcript

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