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← All Dragnet episodes

The story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Fatima cigarettes. Best of all, king-sized cigarettes brings you dragnet on both radio and television. You're a detective sergeant, you're assigned to Wilshire Division, vice detail. An informant sends you word about an extortion racket going on in your area. The victim, a bookmaker. The suspect, a police officer. Your job, check it out. Compare Fatima with any other king-sized ciga…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In The Big Shakedown, detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith are called to investigate a troubling case of extortion in Los Angeles. The episode opens with an informant revealing that a man named Ray Williams is impersonating a police officer to extort money from local bookmakers. The detectives are tasked with uncovering the truth behind this crime, which puts them on the trail of a suspect who is not only breaking the law but also exploiting the trust placed in law enforcement.

Host

G

George Fenneman

Cast›

Harry Bartell

Herb Ellis

Jack Webb

J

June Whitley

V

Victor Rodman

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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_52-05-22_154_The_Big_Shakedown.mp3

Dragnet, Episode 154

The Big Shakedown

Thursday, May 22, 1952 · 29:21

Dragnet, Episode 154

The Big Shakedown

Thursday, May 22, 1952 · 29:21

Summary

Detectives Friday and Smith investigate an extortion racket involving a man impersonating a police officer. The stakes rise as they uncover the suspect's connection to local gamblers.

  • Tense
  • Crime
  • Blackmail
  • Psychological
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  • Drama

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