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Audio from Internet Archive · Logs from the Old Time Radio Researchers. Goldie does not own the recordings.

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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 forgery detail. An accomplished Czech forger is at work in your city. His victims, small businessmen. You know his M.O. You don't know his identity. Your job. Get him. If you want a long cigarette, smoke the best of all long cigarettes. Smoke extra mild Fatima. Ye…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In The Big Check, detectives Joe Friday and Ben Romero are assigned to the forgery detail of the Los Angeles Police Department. They are on the lookout for Harry Johanson, a notorious check forger who has been passing numerous bad checks to unsuspecting small business owners. The episode opens with Friday visiting his mother, who reminisces about his past and expresses concern for his well-being, setting a personal tone that contrasts with the grim nature of their investigation.

Cast›

Barton Yarborough

Jack Webb

Sponsors & network›

Fatima Cigarettes

Sponsor

NBC

Network

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← PreviousThe Big ChanceNext →The Big Poison

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).
  • Historical context from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA).

Dragnet_50-08-31_064_The_Big_Check.mp3

Dragnet, Episode 64

The Big Check

Thursday, August 31, 1950 · 29:19

Dragnet, Episode 64

The Big Check

Thursday, August 31, 1950 · 29:19

Summary

Friday and Romero investigate Harry Johanson, a check forger who has been deceiving small business owners with bad checks. As they delve deeper, they uncover the tragic outcome of Johanson's life of crime.

  • Ominous
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That night in history

Headlines

  • 1950 — TWA Flight 903 crashes near Itay El Barud, Egypt, killing all 55 aboard.
  • 1950 — Korean War: British Commonwealth Forces Korea arrives to bolster the US presence.

On the air that night›

  1. DragnetThe Big CheckCurrently listeningEpisode 64
  2. I Love a MysteryMurder In Turquoise Pass Pt 9 of 15Episode 1950083109
  3. SuspenseTrue ReportEpisode 392
  4. Yours Truly, Johnny DollarThe Virginia Beach MatterEpisode 64