Barton Yarborough
Barton Yarborough (1900-1951) was a pioneering American radio actor whose distinctive voice and natural delivery made him one of the medium's most recognizable talents during its golden age. Born in Goldthwaite, Texas on October 4, 1900, Yarborough created some of radio's most memorable characters through his authentic performances and remarkable versatility.
Yarborough is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Sergeant Ben Romero, the loyal partner to Jack Webb's Joe Friday on the groundbreaking police procedural "Dragnet." His natural chemistry with Webb helped establish the program as a template for realistic crime dramas. Equally significant was his long-running role as Doc Long on the adventure series "I Love a Mystery," where his authentic Texas drawl and impeccable timing endeared him to listeners nationwide.
Another career highlight was Yarborough's portrayal of Clifford Barbour on "One Man's Family," one of radio's longest-running and most beloved serial dramas. He remained with the show from its 1932 premiere until his death, creating a character that audiences followed through nearly two decades of storylines.
Tragically, Yarborough's television career was cut short when he suffered a fatal heart attack on December 19, 1951, just after filming the second episode of the television adaptation of "Dragnet." His passing marked the end of a remarkable career that helped define radio's unique ability to create vivid characters through voice alone.
Episodes Featuring Barton Yarborough
The Big Mink: A Coat, a Lie, and a Murder
When a furrier is found dead in his shop, Friday and Romero begin piecing together a web of lies, leading them to a mysterious blonde with a mink coat and a bottle of cheap wine. With only a few scattered clues — a missing mink, a muscatel-stained pair of slacks, and a suspicious telegram — the detectives must track down a cold-blooded killer before she disappears into the night. Tags:Dragnet, homicide, detectives, LAPD, truecrime, noir, thriller, justice, lawenforcement, drama, investigation, mink, robbery, muscatel, 1950s, furcoat, betrayal, murder
The Big Press: A Trail of Fear
A wave of brutal purse snatchings has left women across Los Angeles living in fear. Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero take on the case, setting a trap to lure the violent thieves out into the open. As they close in, the investigation reveals a pair of young criminals who have taken their crime spree too far. Tags:Dragnet, robbery, LAPD, truecrime, noir, thriller, justice, lawenforcement, investigation, crimewave, policework, LosAngeles, 1950s, detective, suspense, pursuit
The Big Smart Guy: Murder in the Bartlett Hotel
When a woman is found murdered in the Bartlett Hotel, Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero are called in to investigate a supposed robbery gone wrong. The husband’s story doesn’t quite add up, and a witness points police to a suspicious man staying in a nearby hotel. As the pieces fall into place, Friday and Romero uncover a web of deception that turns this case into something much more sinister. Tags: Dragnet, homicide, detectives, LAPD, truecrime, noir, thriller, justice, lawenforcement, drama, investigation, deception, robbery, murder, crime, 1950s
The Big Fake: Betrayal in Blue
A shocking accusation rocks the LAPD when rookie officer Russell Clark is charged with robbery and assault. Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero must unravel the truth behind the claims of a beaten and robbed civilian—who insists the officer is to blame. With the reputation of the department on the line, Friday and Romero dig deep into the case, searching for witnesses and evidence that could clear Clark's name—or confirm his guilt. Originally aired: June 1, 1950. Tags:Dragnet, police, LAPD, truecrime, investigation, justice, noir, betrayal, rookiecop, crime, deception, lawenforcement, 1950s, robbery, interrogation
The Werewolf: A City in Terror
The streets of Los Angeles are gripped by fear as a man dubbed "The Werewolf" terrorizes women in the dead of night. Eighteen victims have already faced his wrath, and the city’s finest detectives, Sergeant Joe Friday and Ben Romero, must work tirelessly to stop the carnage. As they set intricate traps and pursue every clue, the chase culminates in a dramatic confrontation. Join us for this harrowing case that showcases the relentless determination of the LAPD to bring a monster to justice. Originally aired: June 17, 1949.
The Nickel-Plated Gun: A Tale of Justice
Step into the cold March night of Los Angeles as Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner Ben Romero unravel a harrowing case of police shootings, robberies, and murder. When two officers are ambushed outside the notorious Trap Door Café, a relentless investigation unfolds, leading to a trail of deadly crimes connected by a shiny nickel-plated gun. With tensions rising and time running out, the detectives face a tangle of conflicting descriptions, a gang of cold-blooded criminals, and a web of deceit. This gripping tale showcases the unwavering determination of the LAPD to bring the perpetrators to justice.