Dragnet: The Big Rod on AllMovie

A hit and run driver has struck and killed a pregnant woman and her unborn child. The only clue Friday (Jack Webb) and Smith (Ben Alexander) have to go on is that the death car bore a hot rodder's license plate with the word "WHEELS." With the cooperation of several responsible hot-rod enthusiasts--who waste no time assuring everyone that the members of their club must not only drive carefully, but also pass monthly safety checks--the two detectives track down the perpetrator and his stolen vehicle. Michael Ansara delivers a powerful performance as the victim's grieving husband. Adapted from the Dragnet radio broadcast of March 16, 1954, this episode received a special commendation from the National Hot Rod Association.