Dragnet (TV Series) The Big Present (1954) User Reviews

Rather sad.

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 30 December 2013]

In "The Big Present", Dennis Weaver makes an appearance as a Lieutenant in the Juvenile Division.

"The Big Present" finds Friday and Smith investigating a string of robberies. The robber is very good at what they do and has managed 19 successful robberies. However, they steal nothing of any great value--leaving money and much bigger pickings behind. In each case, they steal some milk, candy and cigarettes. The officers are stumped as the m.o. is unique and the criminal or criminals sure know what they are doing. So, they are left with the only option they have--to keep canvasing the neighborhoods and hope they'll catch a break.

I could say a lot about the robber but don't want to spoil the show. Suffice to say that he is a real smart aleck and his reasons for the crimes are very unique--and rather sad. Well worth seeing and one that is quite sad when you think about it.

Growing Up Little, Not Small

[biorngm · 7/10 · 1 May 2018]

Season 4 Episode 9 Review - The Big Present 10-21-54 A slightly sad, a somewhat promising ending, to what could have been a pathetic tale. The episode is believable but belonged with officers working juvenile after the robbery was caught. Nineteen break-ins before he was nabbed doesn't make the department look good. Friday, Smith are working the day-watch out of Burglary Division, after eighteen robberies, a rolling stake out is ordered, and with good results, Friday, Smith catch a suspect in the act. He is a juvenile seeking some of the wrong credit from his peers, burglaries.

The suspect confesses to his crimes, stating the reason to officers willing to listen. He is tired of the ridicule he has to endure being in his mid-teens, only four-feet-seven, eighty pounds. He gets a talk from his parents he says straightens him out toward a different path, offering the officers candy bars he purchased. They cannot accept the present, they explain to the youth, just the same the intent of the gift goes noticed.

A juvenile hearing places the teen under his parents' custody. A psychiatrist is appointed to the youth.