Dragnet: The Big Plant (EP4984)
episode
The Great Detectives of Old Time Radio| Daily Mystery Dramas
34 min
7 speakers
8 chapters
transcribed 3 months ago
Transcript
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Transcript generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.
What mystery unfolds with the disappearance of the housewife?
THE END
Welcome to the Great Detectives of Old Time Radio from Boise, Idaho. This is your host, Adam Graham. In a moment, we're going to bring you this week's episode of Dragnet. But first, I do want to encourage you, if you're enjoying the podcast, please follow us using your favorite podcast software. Today's program is brought to you in part by the financial support of our listeners. You can support the show by mailing a donation to Adam Graham, P.O. Box 15913. That's P.O. Box 15913, Boise, Idaho 83715. Or by becoming one of our ongoing Patreon supporters for as little as $2 per month. patreon.greatdetectives.net. And I want to welcome our latest Patreon supporter. Thank you to Ben, a Patreon supporter supporting us at the showmast level of $4 or more per month.
Thanks so much for your support, Ben.
What clues does the teenage son provide in the investigation?
But now, from February 28th, 1952, here is The Big Plant.
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 homicide detail. A 39-year-old housewife disappears suddenly. There's no explanation for it. Five days later, evidence of possible foul play is uncovered. Your job? Investigate.
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 step on the side of the law through an actual case transcribed from official police files. From beginning to end, from crime to punishment, Dragnet is the story of your police force in action.
It was Wednesday, September 15th. It was hot in Los Angeles.
How do the detectives suspect the husband in the case?
We were working the day watch out a homicide. My partner's Ed Jacobs. The boss is Thad Brown, chief of detectives. My name's Friday. I was on the way back from lunch, and it was 12.56 p.m. when I got to room 42. Homicide.
Hi, Joe.
Waiting for you. Hi, Ed. Al, here you got something for us, huh? Mm-hmm. Here's the report right here. Gardner, by the name of Abbott, called in day before yesterday. Chester Abbott said his wife disappeared from their home out in the valley Thursday night.
What evidence is uncovered at the Abbott nursery?
He says he thinks she left him. Happens every day. Not this way, it doesn't. Walsh and I went out to talk to the man yesterday.
His story doesn't make too much sense. How do you mean, Al? None of his wife's clothes are missing, none of her luggage. She even left her pocketbook behind, full of money. We found out from the neighbors the missing woman has a 17-year-old boy by a former marriage.
Does that mean anything? He's an only child. Mother dotes on the kid. She didn't even say goodbye to him. Well, how'd this Chester Abbott impression? Pretty grouchy with Walsh and me.
How do the detectives plan to interrogate Chester Abbott?
No cooperation. Wants to find his wife, doesn't he? I don't know. I'm not sure. He's no help, I can tell you that much. Could I see that report out? Yeah, here you are. Thank you. Lawrence Trumbull Abbott, age 39. Abbott's her second husband. First one died a little after the boy was born. Mm-hmm. Disappeared Thursday night from the home, 546 Belasco Road, between 7 and 8 o'clock. Well, when did Abbott call in to notify you? Monday afternoon.
What significant developments occur during the stakeout?
Told us he thought his wife might have been spending the weekend with her sister. When he found out she wasn't, he called us. You meet the boy when you were out there?
Yeah, that's another thing. How do you mean? The kid came riding up on a bike when we were talking to one of the neighbors. We tried to talk to him, but the old man came out and hustled the boy into the house. Then he started showing us out. Well, what's his trouble?
Told us it was our job to find his wife, not to go prying into his stepson's affairs. That's a new slant. Well, how about the woman's friends and relatives? They been checked out yet, Al? Well, she's on it now. Don't think he's had much luck contacting him so far.
What shocking discovery is made in the rosebed?
I'll tell you the truth, I don't like the looks of it. Hmm. Mrs. Abbott have any other relatives here? I mean, besides a sister and two aunts? Yeah, I got the list right over here.
Sure wish we had a chance to talk to that boy.
Notice anything else out of the way about Mr. Abbott, Al?
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Chapters
8 chapters
1
What mystery unfolds with the disappearance of the housewife?
0:05–1:34
2
What clues does the teenage son provide in the investigation?
1:34–2:56
3
How do the detectives suspect the husband in the case?
2:56–3:21
4
What evidence is uncovered at the Abbott nursery?
3:21–3:45
5
How do the detectives plan to interrogate Chester Abbott?
3:45–4:09
6
What significant developments occur during the stakeout?
4:09–4:37
7
What shocking discovery is made in the rosebed?
4:37–5:04
8
What is the outcome of the investigation and the trial?
5:04–34:52