Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"In places like Chicago, the gangsters paid off the police, but the gangsters committed the crimes. In Los Angeles, the police were the gangsters." — Host
"What if instead we pause it like, this is very harsh language, right? And we love the LAPD. We were not trying to remotely criticize the LAPD anyway, right? Eddie, no. This is a very long time ago." — Host
"The tone of the mouth or the police. A dental dam is the constitution. Get it between them and the crime. We have to remove the constitution, and then they get right up inside of the pussy hole of America and at the clit of criminality." — Co-host
This episode of Last Podcast on the Left meticulously examines the historical context surrounding the Black Dahlia murder, focusing on the deeply entrenched corruption within the Los Angeles Police Department during the 1930s through the 1950s. The hosts highlight how the LAPD was not merely cooperating with organized crime but, in many instances, operated as criminal entities themselves. This environment is presented as a significant factor enabling severe crimes to occur and remain unsolved. The narrative details how the police force was compromised by bribes, favoritism, and a general disregard for the law, with officials often prioritizing personal gain and protection rackets over genuine law enforcement.
The discussion introduces key figures and events that illustrate this corruption, such as Mayor Frank Shaw and his brother "Sailor Joe" Shaw, who allegedly facilitated bribery and the sale of civil service exams. The formation of the "Gangster Squad," a group of officers tasked with combating organized crime, is also explored, noting that even this unit operated outside conventional legal boundaries. The episode scrutinizes the initial investigation into the Black Dahlia murder, suggesting that key homicide detectives, Finis Brown and Harry "the Hat" Hanson, were themselves corrupt and potentially compromised, thus hindering any thorough or objective inquiry. Their nicknames and perceived incompetence are detailed, underscoring the low standards and ethical breaches within the department.
Furthermore, the podcast explores the theories surrounding the murder and the potential involvement of organized crime figures and Hollywood businessmen, including Mark Hanson. The complex relationships and the atmosphere of secrecy and deceit are emphasized, suggesting that the murder may have been a result of personal entanglements within this corrupt ecosystem. The episode also touches upon the various suspects and individuals who emerged during the investigation, such as Leslie Dillon, and the difficulties in separating fact from fiction due to the inherent dishonesty of many involved. The narrative emphasizes that the pervasive corruption created a breeding ground for further criminal activity and made the pursuit of justice exceptionally challenging.