by Hal Erickson
synopsis
The title character in this pivotal Dragnet episode is "Gentleman" Wallard (Jay Jostyn), a veteran con artist. Friday (Jack Webb) and Smith (Ben Alexander) take a dim view of the public's habit of casting criminals like Wallard in a sentimental or sympathetic light--especially since Wallard's M.O. involves fleecing the grieving relatives of the recently departed. This episode is based on the Dragnet radio broadcast of February 23, 1950--except for the final scene, in which both Friday and Smith receive promotions.
