The Big Search

Originally Aired: July 6, 1954

Dragnet #255, "The Big Search," Sergeant Joe Friday and Officer Frank Smith are working the night watch out of juvenile detail when they receive an urgent call just before midnight. Gilbert Moran reports that his 13-year-old daughter Bunny has vanished from their Hollywood home while he and his wife Gladys were at a movie. When the Morans returned around 11:40 p.m., they found Bunny's room in disarray, homework papers scattered everywhere, and both the girl and her golden cocker spaniel Skippy missing. The distraught father insists his daughter was taken against her will.

Friday and Smith carefully examine the scene, noting the unlocked door leading to an outside walk and signs of what appears to be a struggle. As they gather details about the missing girl—dark blonde hair, honey-colored eyes, wearing blue clam diggers and a white blouse—the case takes on an increasingly urgent tone. With Mrs. Moran sedated by a doctor and Mr. Moran adamant that something terrible has happened, Friday begins his methodical investigation into whether this is a runaway, an abduction, or something else entirely.