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← All Dragnet episodes

The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent. Fatima cigarettes, best of all long cigarettes, brings you dragnet. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to robbery detail. Four young hoodlums wanted for a series of robberies are headed for your city. They're armed, reckless, cold-blooded. Your job, get them. If you want a long cigarette, smoke the best of all long cigarettes. Smoke king-size Fatima. Fatima is the lon…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In the gripping episode titled The Big Boys from Dragnet, detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero are assigned to robbery detail in Los Angeles. They receive alarming news about a gang of four young robbers who have traveled from San Francisco, armed and dangerous. The urgency of the situation escalates as the detectives learn that these criminals have already committed serious offenses, including shootings and robberies. With the clock ticking, Friday and Romero prepare to track down the gang before they can execute their next heist.

Cast›

Barton Yarborough

Jack Webb

Network›

NBC

Network

Featured in playlists›

Goldie Originals that include this night

Drive-Time Dial

Open road, closed case — half-hour windows.

24 episodes

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Let George Do It

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Ep 132 · Monday, March 21, 1949 · 29:37

The Lone Ranger

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The Lone Ranger and Tonto prepare to defend Cold Spring against a band of outlaws led by Red Eagle, who are intent on stealing a chest of gold. Tensions rise as the outlaws launch their attack on the stagecoach station.

Ep 3377 · Friday, September 3, 1954 · 23:25

Broadway Is My Beat

The Ted Lawrence Murder Case

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of wealthy Theodore Lawrence, who has been shot in his home. As he delves deeper, he uncovers connections to Lawrence's girlfriend, Grace Austin, who is also found dead.

Ep 174 · Saturday, July 18, 1953 · 29:48

The Black Museum

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Ep 40 · Tuesday, September 30, 1952 · 25:17

More from Dragnet

Same series — shared cast and standout nights

Dragnet

The Roseland Roof Murders

Detectives Friday and Romero investigate a gang responsible for a series of violent robberies, culminating in the murder of a dance hall manager. They prepare for a stake-out to catch the criminals in the act.

Ep 31 · Thursday, December 29, 1949 · 30:44

Dragnet

Brick-Bat Slayer

A mad killer is on the loose in Los Angeles, using a brick-bat as his weapon. Detectives Friday and Romero work tirelessly to catch him before he strikes again.

Ep 17 · Saturday, September 24, 1949 · 29:13

Dragnet

The Big Gangster Part 1

Detectives Friday and Romero investigate an assassination attempt on notorious gangster Gus Valentine, whose death could spark a gang war. They must navigate the dangerous underworld while trying to protect innocent lives.

Ep 41 · Thursday, March 23, 1950 · 29:13

Dragnet

The Big Badge

Detectives Friday and Romero pursue the Badge Bandit, a criminal who has been violently robbing victims while posing as a policeman. The stakes rise as the bandit continues his spree, leaving the detectives racing against time to stop him.

Ep 47 · Thursday, May 4, 1950 · 29:18

Dragnet

The Big Girl

Detectives Friday and Romero investigate a series of brutal robberies committed by a tall, blonde woman who shoots her victims. They must stop her before she strikes again.

Ep 36 · Thursday, February 9, 1950 · 29:20

Dragnet

The Big Grab

A woman is kidnapped from her home by a man posing as a police officer, and detectives must find her before it's too late. The case becomes urgent as the victim's husband, Professor Kessel, is left in despair.

Ep 55 · Thursday, June 29, 1950 · 29:06

Tense›

Same mood, other nights on the dial

Suspense

Sorry, Wrong Number

An invalid woman overhears a chilling conversation about a planned murder while struggling with a malfunctioning telephone. As she fights to alert the authorities, the stakes rise with each passing moment.

Ep 43 · Tuesday, May 25, 1943 · 29:38

The Lone Ranger

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Ep 3377 · Friday, September 3, 1954 · 23:25

Dangerously Yours

The Highwayman

In The Highwayman, a daring outlaw confronts a wealthy coachman while seeking romance with the landlord's daughter, Bess. The stakes rise as love and danger intertwine under the moonlit sky.

Ep 1 · Sunday, July 2, 1944 · 29:39

X Minus One

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A race track tout struggles to save his wife, who has fallen into a catatonic state, believing she is being controlled by aliens. He uses his knowledge of horse racing to uncover the truth behind her condition and the impending doom of mankind.

Ep 94 · Wednesday, March 27, 1957 · 22:03

The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe

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Ep 1 · Friday, October 20, 1950 · 29:48

Crime›

More stories in this vein

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The Six Shooter

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Ep 1 · Sunday, September 20, 1953 · 28:24

An Evening With Groucho

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← PreviousThe Big Thank YouNext →The Big Gangster Part 1

Credits

  • Audio from Internet Archive (OTRR_Dragnet_Singles). Curated by OTRR. Goldie does not claim ownership of this broadcast.
  • Cast and sponsor data from RadioGold Index (J. David Goldin / UMKC Libraries).

Dragnet_50-03-16_040_The_Big_Boys.mp3

Dragnet, Episode 40

The Big Boys

Thursday, March 16, 1950 · 29:13

Dragnet, Episode 40

The Big Boys

Thursday, March 16, 1950 · 29:13

Summary

Detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero investigate a gang of four young robbers who have come to Los Angeles from San Francisco, armed and dangerous. They must track down the criminals before they can execute their next heist.

  • Tense
  • Crime
  • Murder
  • Psychological
  • Noir
  • Mystery
  • Thriller

Chapters

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24 episodes

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Edge-of-seat radio.

24 episodes

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Don’t peek. The last minute is the point.

24 episodes

Psychological Thrillers

The danger is inside the room.

24 episodes

Morning Coffee Mystery

Puzzles that pair with caffeine.

24 episodes

Essential Thrillers

Pulse-up nights across the golden age.

24 episodes

Hardboiled Classics

Noir voices and cigarette-smoke cases.

24 episodes

Secrets of Scotland Yard

Root of All Evil Money

Cecil Cameron, a decorated war hero, faces a dramatic downfall when he and his wife devise a scheme to defraud an insurance company using a fake pearl necklace. Their actions lead to a trial that reveals the complexities of morality and desperation.

Ep 48 · Sunday, February 17, 1957 · 26:07

21st Precinct

The Neighbor

A woman reports a burglar in her apartment, prompting the 21st Precinct officers to respond quickly. They discover a complex situation involving a polite but deceptive suspect.

Ep 139 · Thursday, May 31, 1956 · 26:37

Gunsmoke

Brush at Elkader

Matt Dillon investigates the murder of Ben Williams in the rough town of Elkader, seeking justice against the killer, Lou Shippen. The stakes rise as Matt navigates the dangers of the town and its inhabitants.

Ep 345 · Sunday, November 16, 1958 · 20:11

Dragnet

The Big Bungalow

Sgt. Friday and his partner investigate a series of burglaries after an informant reveals the identity of a skilled thief named Jeff Allen. The stakes rise as they uncover the extent of Allen's criminal activities.

Ep 127 · Thursday, November 15, 1951 · 29:35

Dragnet

The Big September Man

Detectives investigate the brutal murder of secretary Adele Pryor, found beaten to death in her office. They have a lead on a drunken man who claims to know her and may be connected to the crime.

Ep 120 · Thursday, September 27, 1951 · 26:28

Dragnet

The Big Youngster

A young boy confesses to a murder, but when no body is found, the investigation leads to a case of vandalism in a lawyer's office. Detectives Friday and Romero must uncover the truth behind the boy's confession and the destruction.

Ep 62 · Thursday, August 17, 1950 · 29:20

Dragnet

The Big Make

Sgt. Friday investigates a brutal robbery at Stendahl's Bakery Shop where the owners are shot by a crazed gunman. The stakes rise as he races against time to catch the assailant before he strikes again.

Ep 66 · Thursday, September 14, 1950 · 29:22

The Adventures of Superman

Superman Vs. Kryptonite - Pt 09

Batman and Robin race against time to find Superman, who is in danger after being captured by the corrupt George Latimer, who possesses kryptonite. The stakes are high as they attempt to outsmart Latimer and rescue their friend.

Ep 1557 · Monday, May 26, 1947 · 14:23

Dimension X

The Outer Limit

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Ep 1 · Saturday, April 8, 1950 · 30:11

Dragnet

Red Light Bandit

A ruthless robber impersonates a police officer, preying on unsuspecting citizens at red traffic lights. Detectives Friday and Romero must track him down before he strikes again.

Ep 6 · Thursday, July 14, 1949 · 29:37

That night in history

On the air that night›

  1. DragnetThe Big BoysCurrently listeningEpisode 40
  2. Mr. Keen, Tracer of Lost PersonsThe Innocent Flirtation Murder CaseEpisode 1282
  3. SuspenseMotive for MurderEpisode 376