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← All Dragnet episodes

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 a juvenile detail. A woman reports that a teenage boy has been stealing food from her home. She says she's seen him several times. Your job, check it out. 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…

Transcript

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Synopsis

In The Big Genius, part of the iconic Dragnet series, the story begins with a report of a teenage boy stealing food from a woman's home. Detectives Joe Friday and Frank Smith are assigned to the juvenile detail, where they quickly learn that the boy, Peter Siler, has been living in a cave in the Hollywood Hills. The case takes a serious turn as they uncover the boy's background, revealing a young man who has been abandoned and is struggling to survive.

Cast›

Ben Alexander

Jack Webb

Network›

NBC

Network

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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_55-07-12_308_The_Big_Genius.mp3

Dragnet, Episode 308

The Big Genius

Tuesday, July 12, 1955 · 25:00

Dragnet, Episode 308

The Big Genius

Tuesday, July 12, 1955 · 25:00

Summary

A teenage boy is caught stealing food and books, prompting detectives to investigate his troubled background and motivations. The case reveals deeper issues of homelessness and the desire for education.

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That night in history

On the air that night›

  1. DragnetThe Big GeniusCurrently listeningEpisode 308
  2. SuspenseKaleidoscopeEpisode 606