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Dragnet, the documented drama of an actual crime.
For the next 30 minutes in cooperation with the Los Angeles Police Department, you will
travel step by step on the side of the law through an actual case transcribed from official
police files.
From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force
in action.
It was Wednesday, June 24th, it was sultry in Los Angeles.
We were working the day watch out on narcotics.
My partner is Ben Romero, the boss is Thad Brown, chief of detectives.
My name is Friday.
It was 9.27 a.m. when I got to the Charing Cross apartments on 12th Street.
The side entrance.
Hi.
Anything going?
Nothing.
How's the bug working?
Better.
One of the fellows in the crime lab came out and fixed it last night, went next door and
replaced the microphone.
I'm getting real sour on this detail, Joe.
Well, you know, let me take over for a while, huh?
Yeah, you betcha.
Here.
My ears feel like a couple of baked califlours.
Two solid weeks hold up in this place with a pair of earphones on.
What have we got to show for it?
That woman next door hasn't even mentioned narcotics in two weeks.
All she does is eat, sleep and play solitaire.
Goes out for groceries once in a while.
Hold it.
Somebody ringing the buzzer next door.
First visitor in a week.
Yeah.
Just a minute.
Yes?
Your name is May Washburn.
That's right.
What is it?
I talked to a friend of yours, George.
Thought it might be a good idea if I looked you in.
What do you want to see me about?
Well, it's business, Miss Washburn.
Could we, could we talk inside?
All right.
Come on in.
Let me plug in these earphones, Joe.
Yeah, go ahead.
I'd like to introduce myself, Miss Washburn.
My name's Howard Scully.
You and George were former associates, I understand.
We worked together a little.
What can I do for you?
Well, George and I are old friends.
We were in business in Hong Kong before the war.
That's a nice fellow, George.
You know, I have a date downtown in half an hour.
I don't have much time to talk.
Sorry, I didn't realize you were in such a hurry.
I'll get right to the point.
Yeah.
My business partners and I just came up from Mexicali a few days ago, and we have some merchandise
that's ready for the market, and it's good quality.
That's what I hear.
I contacted George thinking he might introduce me to some prospective buyers.
Said he didn't want to handle any merchandise at this time.
Why not?
Oh, it's something about the police.
They seem to be watching him.
He just didn't want to take any part in any business ventures.
Well, I'm just getting it.
And George gave you a bum steer sending you to me.
I can't help it.
Well, you haven't heard my proposition.
I don't have to hear it.
Count me out.
I don't fool around with junk, any of it.
It's a tough rap out here.
Well, if you'll just listen to my proposition, Miss Washington.
No.
I'm not, no, please.
I'm not asking you to be involved.
I'm perfectly safe and legitimate transaction in mind.
You'll be well paid for your time and effort with no risk whatsoever.
Yeah, I know.
All you big connections make it hard to get a job.
I'm not asking you to be involved.
George tells me you're acquainted with the right kind of people.
People with money hands.
The kind of people that my partners and I want to meet.
Now, all I'm asking you to do is introduce me to a few such persons for our mutual benefit,
and then you just leave the rest to me.
Yeah, it's still too much.
If I gave you an office to a buyer and you were caught, they'd get me for conspiracy
and I've seen too much of it, so it's no sale.
Well, you'll just have to believe me, Miss Washington.
No one's going to be caught.
Now, we work in an entirely different manner.
The police haven't any idea of our method of operation.
We've tested it in six big cities in the Orient, and not once did it fail us, and I tell
you, it's not going to fail us here.
It's your story.
Well, it's...
I'm not chanting a rap to prove you're wrong.
Well...
Here, do you want a cigarette?
Yes, thank you.
I'll have a cigarette.
for a week. That information was to be passed on any of her friends or business acquaintances who
might try to contact her. After that we took Mae Washburn back to the office. After being
questioned thoroughly she was detained for further investigation. At 2 p.m. Ben and I met with Captain
Kearney, Central Narcotics and Inspector Virgil Beckner, State Narcotics Bureau, Southern Division.
Hundred thousand dollar buy, is that what they have in mind? That's the word around town Skipper.
Washburn girl told us the same thing. Washburn woman was approached for an office huh? Yes that's
right Beck. She was ready to go when we picked her up. Pushers Howard Scully, you remember him?
About nine years ago wasn't it? The Tijuana deal? Eight or nine years yeah. That big heroin buy,
they tagged every one of the gang but Scully. Yeah he's no amateur. He's got every narcotic
law in the book memorized. He sets the deals, takes the gravy, but he never gets tagged. How
about the federal narcotics men Romero? They've been briefed on this deal? I called Harry Stonor
that this morning. They've been following it too. Said he'd be over this afternoon. The setup of
this McMillan guy. What do you think? Clear sailing there Beck as far as I can see. Scully set up to
meet with May Washburn. Ben and Joe grabbed her before she could contact McMillan. Unless Scully's
got a Ouija board, he still must figure everything's Jake. Then we could have a man meet with Scully
tonight and pass himself off as McMillan. Well shouldn't be too much trouble from the way he
talks. Scully's never seen McMillan. Has no idea what he looks like. It's just a guess. Neither one
of you are known to Scully are you? I never met him or his friends. I worked that case last February
when we grabbed Ray Mordick. He used to be a mule for Scully. That's as close as I've been.
I'm afraid that's too close. You know how many hype friends Murdock has in this town? If any of
them spot you and pass the word to Scully, the whole deal is choked off. Joe? You think you could
pass yourself off as McMillan for a couple of days? I'd like to give it a try. Beck what do you think?
Good with me. If we can help with the tailing. Only one possible hitch I can see. Yeah. But not
positive this guy McMillan's a total stranger to Scully. Sure sounded like it didn't it Joe? The way
Scully and the Washburn girl were talking. It's possible Scully might have seen a picture of
McMillan. Maybe he knows something on his background, his habits, how he does business.
Well it's possible yeah. Suppose Scully starts asking the questions Joe. How you gonna cover?
Well we could talk to the Washburn girl again. She might brief us. Now if we need the guy's
life history let's pick it up firsthand. How do you mean? Cat McMillan.
Late that afternoon Stanley McMillan was located at a small restaurant out in the valley and quietly
placed under arrest. He was booked at one of the outlying stations on suspicion of violating the
State Narcotics Act. We questioned him and got all the necessary information on his background that
we needed. He told us that he had never seen or had any dealings before with Howard Scully.
7 30 p.m. I went home changed my clothes put away my gun, ID card and the rest of my identification.
An hour later I checked in at a small hotel near 5th and Main Streets. 11 15 p.m. I left the hotel
and started for 7th and Alameda Street so the scheduled meet with Howard Scully was to take
place. As in most cases there was one all-important rule that I had to work by. If the suspects were
to be arrested and successfully prosecuted we had to get them with narcotics in their possession or
under their control. And one of the first things that the working detective learns is that dealers
such as Scully rarely do the actual handling of narcotics except at the actual moment of sale. If
the officer fails to make an arrest at that moment the odds are stacked heavily against the
conviction of the narcotics criminal. 11 30 p.m. I got to the corner of 7th and Alameda Streets. I
walked up to a man standing by a lamppost. He was short, heavily built, dark hair, dark eyes and a
small scar on his chin. He had on a gray coat and carried a book under one arm. He was wearing a
gray coat and carried a book under one arm. I put out my hand. Yes? My name is McMillan. Oh,
glad to know you Mr. McMillan. My name is Scully. Why? I understand we have mutual friends, is that
correct? That's what I'm told, yeah. You're from Louisiana originally, New Orleans? No. Oh,
that's so. I thought you were from Louisiana. Oh, Missouri, St. Louis. Oh, I see. I suppose we go
for a drive. My hotel is down on 5th. We can talk there. Oh, I think my car would be better. I
can't afford to waste time. I got customers waiting. You can believe me, this won't be a waste of time.
I'm prepared to do business. All right, let's go. All right.
No, go ahead, McMillan. All right, thanks.
Oh, will you raise that handle on the other side so I can get in? Yeah, sure. Fine, thank you.
You can't be too careful in L.A., I hear. That's right, there's a lot of heat. Oh, I hope none of
it's on you. Don't worry, I'm clean. No tumbles. Would I be here if there were? I got customers to
protect good customers. Fine. You know, maybe we can do business. How much can you handle?
How much you got? Oh, about 10,000 worth, standard rate, full measure. Hard to cut it off.
Sounds fair. We drove three more blocks and then Scully pulled the car to a stop underneath
a row of spreading palm trees on a deserted street. He pulled the emergency brake on,
then he turned to me, clamped my arms to my sides, and shook me down.
Oh, what's the pitch here? What's the idea? No offense, McMillan. Simple precaution in
case you had a gun. What do you take me for, mister? I'm not used to doing business this way.
That might go real great in the East, but it's nothing out here. I said no offense. This is a
hot town. You could be a fuzz. You can't be too careful, you know that. Yeah, well,
you don't have to pull that careful stuff with me. Who set up this meat anyway?
May wash. All right, if you can't trust her, you can't trust me.
Now, maybe I'm not in the mood for business. Come on, take it easy, Mac.
We worked this right and we both got a good deal. Let's get to the point. Where's this stuff?
You bring the money, we'll bring the merchandise. Wait a minute. The car that pulled up behind us,
let's get out of here. You're nervous, Mac. Relax, that's my partner. Come on, I'll introduce you.
All right.
Hi, Jim. Jim, this is McMillan.
My partner, Jim Road. Who are you? Yeah.
Do we do business, Howard? Yeah, he's all right, Jim. He's ready to score.
How much do you want? Whole bundle. We can start with 10 Gs worth.
Can you handle that, McMillan? I'd say so if I couldn't. I don't give it away.
You get the money, you get the stuff. When?
10 Gs worth tonight, rest next week.
Midnight now. What do you expect me to do? Bring the money with me?
Howard will pick you up at 3 a.m. Same quarter.
Sure. It doesn't give me much time, does it?
It's enough time if you're really looking. If you're just shopping, we'll forget about it right now.
A lot of my customers live out of town. That's interesting.
10 grand is no geezer. Suppose I can't get all the money together.
Then don't show up, all or nothing.
You are listening to Dragnet.
Authentic stories of your police force in action.
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[♪jazz music playing in background.
June 25th, Thursday, 1230 A.M. I had two and a half hours to raise $10,000.
The narcotics dealers, Howard Scully and his partner Jim Rhodes, had laid it out for me.
Either I had the money by 3 A.M. or there was no deal.
If it failed to come off, our plan to trap the narcotics gang would be worth nothing.
Rhodes and Scully could possibly find another buyer without our knowledge,
make a deal, and flood the market with their store of narcotics.
I knew it would be impossible to get the $10,000 together.
We had only one alternative. Fake our way as best we could.
I went back to the hotel, put a call through to Captain Kearney at the office,
and told him what had happened. He went to work on it.
From the Narcotic Details Emergency Fund set up for such purposes,
we got together $600. From Chief of Detectives Thad Brown, Deputy Chief White,
the State Narcotics Bureau, and anyone else available by phone,
we succeeded in rounding up another $350.
2.30 A.M. The money was tied in two small bundles with hundreds, fifties, and twenties on top.
One dollar bills were sandwiched in between.
The two bundles were placed in a briefcase and delivered to me at the hotel on Fifth Street.
The gun was also in the briefcase. I took it out, put it in my pocket, closed the briefcase.
2.45 A.M. I left the hotel with the money and started for the big meet.
3.00 A.M. Seventh and Alameda.
McMillan, how are you?
Scully.
We're down this way.
You have the money?
Well, your pal said all or nothing. I got it.
Let's have a look.
How about the merchandise?
We can check it in the car. It's right down here.
Rhodes?
All right. You got the money?
Yeah, that's right. I got the money.
Now, how about a look at this stuff? I'd like to know what I'm buying.
We can stop on the way for a sample.
Okay, Howard.
Here you go.
Care for something, McMillan?
What do you got?
Cashew nuts. Have some.
Thank you.
There's lots of heat in this town. The cops are thick as flies.
Yeah, that's right. Rough time. I gotta be careful.
What's the reason, anyway? When did it start?
Well, about six weeks ago. The Bulls tagged some high school kids.
Half dead now.
Huh?
Or four.
Well, they were regular hypes. Just punks, 18-year-olds. A couple of them were 17.
Young squirts.
Yeah, and the heat's gonna get worse. One of the punks cast in yesterday.
Read it in the paper. Overdose.
Not gonna help business.
Well, I'll tell you one thing. I'm playing close. I got good customers, and I'm not gonna risk my neck.
How much stuff you think you can handle a month, McMillan?
No thanks, no more.
Oh, I got about 30 main liners. They're regular and they're sure.
Eight, ten ounces a week, but they like good stuff. No alley hype junk.
Howard must have told you that's all we handle, good stuff.
If it goes right, we could make it a permanent connection with you.
I'd like to see what you're offering first.
I'll have a good look.
All right, Howard, you know where to pull up.
Yeah.
You stay in the car, McMillan.
All right.
All right, Mac, you can get out.
Yep.
There you go. Some of the best white stuff you've seen in a long time.
Satisfy yourself.
Okay.
All right.
Okay, standard.
It's all good, not just that sample.
Okay, I'll go.
Okay, now how about the money?
All right, have a look.
There you are.
One stack, two stacks, hundreds, twenties, tens, a few fives in there.
It's ten grand. Satisfied?
Okay. Jim?
Right.
Excuse me, Mac, just a minute.
I'm just checking.
What do you think you're doing? Get your lousy hands off of me.
Now, no offense, McMillan, these are simple precautions.
Precautions? Nothing, we're doing business, aren't we?
You shook me down once tonight. Now how many times are they going to take you?
No offense, Mac, you just check them, that's all.
All right, then, suppose I fan you two down.
I got the dough, how do I know this isn't a hijack deal?
Now, come on, this business works both ways.
Either we have a deal or we don't.
We play ball on both sides or not at all.
I'm getting sick and tired of taking second place.
Okay, Mac, okay, take it easy.
Forget it, Howard, let's all go back to the car.
Sure. I'm sorry, Mac, no offense.
Okay, let's close the deal.
Where are we going to go?
Don't worry, it's a safe place.
Okay, Howard.
3.35 a.m.
In another hour it'd start getting light.
I knew they'd planned to have the buy take place before then.
According to our plan, Ben and Sergeant Hunt,
along with the other team of men from the State Narcotics Bureau,
they were to tail us to the place of the meet
and move in on a signal from me when the buy was actually in progress.
3.45 a.m.
Scully drove out North Figaro onto Pasadena Avenue
and turned right onto Avenue 43.
We headed up Montecito Drive.
The area became more deserted.
There were no homes around, no buildings of any kind
to provide cover for anybody that might be following.
Somewhere below we could hear the rattle of a freight train
on its way to the Southern Pacific Yards.
Off in the distance I could see the lights of the city.
They looked pretty far away.
Scully finally pulled the car to a stop
on the crest of the highest hill in the area.
We got out.
What do you think, Mac?
Well, a nice view.
Yeah, I spent a long time finding this spot.
It's foolproof.
Yeah?
Bring him over here, Jim. Let's show him.
Come on.
See there?
Clear view of everything down below.
At least half a mile in every direction.
No chance of getting trapped up here.
Pretty smart.
That's the way I like to deal.
I'm glad you're here.
That's the way I like to deal.
If there's any cops following us,
we can see the lights before they get here.
Find any time to cover up any evidence.
Cops ask questions, why, we tell them
we're just looking at real estate up here.
It's pretty good, huh?
Well, I gotta hand it to you.
You can't be too careful.
What do you do for lookouts?
Let me show you.
Swede?
Oh, Swede!
Who's that?
My friend.
Yeah, Jim?
Well, what's the pitch? Who is this guy?
Business pal of Howard and me.
Swede, this is Mr. McMullen.
What do you say?
I do.
Look, how many people do you need
to make a buy of Rhodes, huh?
Swede, you'll look at it.
It's a big fella, I mean.
We got enough people here for a Sunday picnic.
We need a lookout.
You just got finished saying it.
We can't be too careful.
Well, come on, let's wrap it up.
Where's the stuff?
Swede, you want to go?
Okay, Howard.
How far does he have to go?
Close by.
The stuff was put away down in the tall grass.
Nobody ever found it.
That's a good idea.
I like the way you operate.
Swede will have the stuff for you in a minute.
How about the money? Should we count it?
Rather wait till Swede gets back.
Okay.
Let's wait by the car.
Can't beat this spot, can you, McMullen?
No, it's good.
You've got no idea how much time we spent looking for it.
You did real good.
Yeah.
Here you go.
Okay, thanks.
Now the money.
How about counting it out here?
I'd feel better keeping an eye on that road down below.
Okay, good idea.
Well, let's count it, Mac, huh?
Yeah, all right.
Here you go.
There's one bundle, and there's the other.
I'll count it, Jim.
Yeah, snap it up. We've been here long enough already.
Okay.
Well...
There's quite a few one dollar bills here.
Well, there's a few of them, but it's all there, Tim Gray.
Well, see how it could be with all these ones.
Don't bother, Rhodes.
Here, what are you trying to pull?
Get away from the car, Scully.
You too, Swede.
Put the gun down, Mac. You won't get away with it.
Get your hands behind your head. That means you too, Rhodes.
Nobody's hijacked us, McMullen. You're not going to be the first one.
It's no hijack, mister. This is a pinch.
He's a fuzz. He's a...
He's a lousy fuzz. I knew I should have found him again.
You know we can square this with you, Mac.
Five grand, cold cash, no questions.
You're talking to yourself, Rhodes.
I'll make it ten.
Ten grand cash. Now you can't afford to pass that up.
Come on, how about it, Mac? You're human just like we are.
You can use the dog.
You keep your hands behind your head, mister.
Use some sense, copper. Swede's as strong as a horse.
I could put him on you, he'd break every bone in your body.
You're going to have to get past this gun first.
You're not going to stop all three of us.
How do you think you're going to get back to town?
Don't worry, you won't have to walk.
If I break you in half, he'll kill you.
You just gave me an idea, Rhodes.
You're pretty tough. Shouldn't bother you.
I'll kill the Swede right now.
You and Scully can carry his body in front of me.
We'll start walking down that road until we get the nearest place with a phone.
I think that'll take care of it, won't it?
He hasn't got the guts, Jim.
Turn around, Swede.
Look, don't kill me, mister.
I'll go away, don't you?
Turn around. Stay where you are, Scully.
Don't kill him, copper. Don't kill Swede.
We'll do anything you say.
Look, Mac, we'll give you every dime we own, 50,000 bucks.
Tell him nothing's happened.
Ben, over here.
50 grand, Mac, you can't lose.
Right, Joe. Back.
Back over this way.
The three of them, Ben.
Okay. All right, behind you, back.
Come on.
Couldn't get here any sooner, Joe.
Had to park at the bottom of the hill, are they the same?
Stand still, mister.
We circled around on foot, climbed up through the grass.
I was beginning to think I lost you.
Get him behind you, back.
Back.
There's the junk right here.
These two packages.
That ought to sew it up.
Look, talk it over with your partners.
50,000 bucks, you do the right thing. It's all yours.
How about it, 50 grand, you can't lose.
What are they talking about, Joe?
They got a big deal. They'll give us 50,000 if we let them go.
How about it, Tex? You could use the dough, new car, new house.
Just forget you ever saw us.
He's here, he's there. 50,000 cash.
What do you say, Tex?
You're the wrong man. What?
My name ain't Tex.
The story you just heard was true.
Only the names were changed to protect the innocent.
In a moment, the results of their trial.
Now, here is our star, Jack Webb.
Thank you.
In his training, the working detective has taught the importance of thoroughness.
He has learned never to overlook even the smallest detail.
What may seem unimportant to the novice may well be the one thing to help the working detective successfully culminate his case.
So, with a cigarette.
The people who make Fatima are well trained and thorough in the manufacture of their cigarette.
Fatimas contain the finest Turkish and domestic tobacco superbly blended.
And pack after pack, Fatima is extra mild.
If you're a long cigarette smoker like I am, smoke Fatima.
They cost the same, but in Fatima, the difference is quality.
Smoke Fatima.
May Washburn, Howard Lewis Scully, James Henry Rhodes, and John Swede Nelson were tried and convicted.
They received their sentences as prescribed by law and are now serving their term in the state penitentiary.
You have just heard Dragnet, a series of authentic cases, portions transcribed from official files.
This is NBC, the national broadcasting company.