goldie

Free old time radio — transcripts, sponsor breaks intact, open catalog for listeners and builders.

Listen

  • Shows
  • Calendar
  • Search
  • Halloween
  • Genres
  • Moods
  • Themes
  • People
  • Sponsors
  • Upcoming series

Builders

  • Developers
  • Goldie for AI (MCP)
  • api.goldie.fm
  • mcp.goldie.fm
  • llms.txt

Company

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Terms
  • Goldie Pro

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

Privacy · Terms · Contact · Developers · Catalog API api.goldie.fm · MCP mcp.goldie.fm · AI / MCP docs

goldie
ShowsCalendarAIPro
  1. Home
  2. /Shows
  3. /Dragnet
  4. /The Big Eavesdrop
← All Dragnet episodes

Sound off for Chesterfield. Chesterfield, the only cigarette in America to give you premium quality in both regular and king size, brings you dragnet. Ladies and gentlemen, the story you are about to hear is true. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. You're a detective sergeant. You're assigned to narcotics detail. You receive information that a big buy of heroin is going to be made in your city. You know the location and the man who's going to sell it. Your…

Transcript

Loading transcript…

Synopsis

In the episode titled The Big Eavesdrop from Dragnet, Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Frank Smith are on the night watch for the narcotics detail in Los Angeles. They are waiting for a significant heroin buy to take place, fully aware of the location and the dealer involved. As they sit in a bar, they overhear a conversation that piques their interest: a man named Sam Allison is tearfully confessing to a murder. The detectives are immediately drawn into a moral dilemma as they realize they have a potential confession in front of them.

Cast›

Ben Alexander

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

You might also like

Shared stars, moods, and themes across the catalog

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

Return of Cavendish

The Lone Ranger and his nephew, Dan Reed, embark on a journey to Bryant's Gap, where they confront the legacy of the Cavendish gang. As they reflect on the past, they prepare for a confrontation that could change their lives forever.

Ep 3128 · Friday, January 30, 1953 · 24:55

21st Precinct

The Suit

A shooting occurs in a bar in the 21st Precinct, prompting an urgent police response. As officers investigate, they uncover conflicting witness accounts and the motive behind the crime.

Ep 63 · Wednesday, September 22, 1954 · 28:03

Broadway Is My Beat

The Hilda Bruce Murder Case

Detective Danny Clover investigates the murder of Hilda Bruce, found dead with her young son, Jimmy, in shock beside her. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of family turmoil and secrets.

Ep 177 · Saturday, August 8, 1953 · 29:18

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

The Black Museum

A Trunk

In this episode of The Black Museum, a seemingly ordinary trunk leads to a chilling murder investigation. The trunk's contents reveal a dark story of blackmail and death that Inspector Walsh must unravel.

Ep 47 · Tuesday, December 2, 1952 · 25:53

More from Dragnet

Same series — shared cast and standout nights

Dragnet

The Big Small

A cunning little old lady check forger is evading capture, and detectives must unravel her deceptive facade. As they dig deeper, they discover her motivations and the lengths she'll go to escape the law.

Ep 186 · Sunday, January 11, 1953 · 29:28

Dragnet

The Big Chet

Detectives Friday and Smith investigate a series of jewelry store robberies committed by a pair of armed thieves. With the help of an ex-convict, they aim to track down the criminals before they strike again.

Ep 198 · Sunday, April 5, 1953 · 28:55

Dragnet

The Big Pill

Detectives investigate the poisoning of two Marines in a cheap hotel, suspecting foul play. The case leads them to a troubled individual with a vendetta against the military.

Ep 174 · Sunday, October 19, 1952 · 29:35

Dragnet

The Big Dive

Detectives investigate the murder of a woman found in a closet, leading them to a freighter in San Francisco. The search for her identity and the killer intensifies as they uncover clues.

Ep 177 · Sunday, November 9, 1952 · 29:27

Dragnet

The Big Press

Sgt. Friday and his partner investigate a pair of check forgers operating in Los Angeles. They go undercover to track down the criminals responsible for a significant financial loss.

Ep 190 · Sunday, February 8, 1953 · 29:32

Dragnet

The Big Laugh

A con man exploits lonely women by promising marriage, leading to heartbreak and theft. Detectives work to track him down and bring him to justice.

Ep 194 · Sunday, March 8, 1953 · 29:32

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

Cold Spring Showdown (Last Original 'Live' Broadcast)

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

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

At the Post

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

Stamped for Murder

Nero Wolfe faces a pressing dilemma when a young woman seeks his help to recover her inheritance, which her father has squandered on a dubious treasure map. As Wolfe reluctantly takes on the case, the stakes rise with the revelation of swindlers and hidden value.

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

Murder›

More stories in this vein

The Devil and Mr O

Rocket from Manhattan

In Rocket from Manhattan, a group of astronauts returns from the moon, but their journey takes a dark turn as they face a dire situation in space. Tensions rise as they confront the consequences of their mission and the implications of their discoveries.

Ep 22 · Friday, February 11, 1972 · 28:36

Gunsmoke

Old Faces

Tom Cook confronts Ed Ivers after Ivers insults his wife, Tilda, leading to escalating tensions in Dodge City. The stakes rise as Tom's honor and safety are put on the line in a potential gunfight.

Ep 457 · Sunday, January 8, 1961 · 24:34

Escape

Sire De Maletroit's Door

In 1429 Paris, a young cavalier finds himself lost and pursued by soldiers, leading him to a mysterious house where he encounters the enigmatic Sire de Maltois and a beautiful woman named Blanche. The stakes rise as he navigates the dangers of love and honor amidst the chaos of war.

Ep 5 · Monday, August 4, 1947 · 29:33

The Six Shooter

Audition Show

Britt Ponset, known as the sixth shooter, finds himself in Clay City with a horse in need of a shoe. As he navigates the town, he uncovers a recent robbery and the mystery surrounding it.

Ep 0 · Wednesday, July 15, 1953 · 23:28

← PreviousThe Big MoleNext →22 Rifle for Christmas

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_52-12-14_182_The_Big_Eavesdrop.mp3

Dragnet, Episode 182

The Big Eavesdrop

Sunday, December 14, 1952 · 28:59

Dragnet, Episode 182

The Big Eavesdrop

Sunday, December 14, 1952 · 28:59

Summary

Sergeant Friday and Frank Smith overhear a man confessing to murder while waiting for a narcotics deal. They devise a plan to use an impersonator to extract a confession from the killer.

  • Tense
  • Murder
  • Crime
  • Psychological
  • Noir
  • Mystery
  • Drama

Chapters

Detective Desk

Private eyes, hardboiled and soft.

24 episodes

Tense Nights

Edge-of-seat radio.

24 episodes

Twist Ending Club

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

Hardboiled Classics

Noir voices and cigarette-smoke cases.

24 episodes

Must-Hear Mysteries

Whodunits that still hold the room.

24 episodes

Gunsmoke

Father and Son

In Gunsmoke: Father and Son, a father and son commit heinous acts against an Indian woman, leading to dire consequences when the son is found scalped. U.S. Marshal Matt Dillon must navigate the aftermath of their violence and seek justice.

Ep 472 · Sunday, April 23, 1961 · 20:14

The Six Shooter

Silver Threads

Britt Ponset, the sick shooter, discovers a neighbor shot and in need of help, prompting him to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack. As he delves deeper, he uncovers troubling connections that hint at a larger mystery.

Ep 36 · Thursday, June 3, 1954 · 29:33

Dragnet

The Big Close

Detectives Friday and Smith investigate a homicide after a body is discovered in a motel room. As they delve into the victim's life, they uncover a web of deceit and betrayal.

Ep 318 · Tuesday, September 20, 1955 · 25:23

Dragnet

The Big Beer

Detectives Friday and Smith investigate the stabbing death of a night watchman at an appliance store, uncovering a web of relationships and motives as they search for the killer.

Ep 313 · Tuesday, August 16, 1955 · 26:26

Dragnet

The Big Brain

Detectives investigate a series of armed robberies where victims are locked in car trunks. They must act quickly to catch the criminals before they strike again.

Ep 171 · Sunday, September 28, 1952 · 25:17

Dragnet

The Big Carney

Sergeant Friday investigates a series of jewelry store robberies, focusing on a recent heist of an $8000 necklace by a couple known as 'Red' and his wife. The detectives must act quickly to catch the clever thieves before they strike again.

Ep 202 · Sunday, May 3, 1953 · 29:25

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

In The Outer Limit, a test pilot prepares for a groundbreaking space mission while grappling with personal anxieties about impending fatherhood. As he launches into the unknown, the stakes rise with the potential for disaster looming over the mission.

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 EavesdropCurrently listeningEpisode 182
  2. EscapeFour Went HomeEpisode 161
  3. The Jack Benny ProgramJack Buys a Gopher Trap for DonEpisode 825