02x10 - The Case of the Fancy Figures

[bunniefuu]

( noirish jazz theme playing )

Well, Richard?

It all adds up, Dad.
Oh, it adds up beautifully.

Miss Kirby,
I want to see Mr. Brewster

the moment
he comes in.

Oh, what a brain I am.
I never suspected a thing.

Don't feel too badly
about it, Richard.

Neither did I.

There are a good many things
I thought Charles capable of,

but not this.

How in heaven's name did he
expect to get away with it?

The answer is, he did,
for more than a year.

( knock on door )

Good morning,
gentlemen.

You rotten thief.

Really, Richard,
is that a way to greet

the vice president
of this organization?

I always knew
you were a louse, Brewster,

but I never really knew
how big a one until today!

That'll do.

I want you to look
at these, Charles.

It may explain
a great deal.

( sighs ):
Very interesting.

Is that
your only comment?

Do you realize
that an innocent man

was sentenced
to five years in jail

for a crime
you committed?

The jury found
Mr. Ellis guilty.

The jury was not in possession
of the facts.

These facts!

Miss Kirby, get me the district
attorney's office, please.

I'd like to talk--

Never mind,
Miss Kirby.

How dare you?

Aren't you forgetting
something, Jonathan?

We are not the only ones
concerned in this.

You have a daughter.

Suppose you leave Valerie
out of this.

You're asking the impossible,
Jonathan.

It just so happens that
the lady in question is my wife.

You wouldn't want anyone
to unlock the skeleton

in your own closet,
would you?

Miss Kirby--

You can't do it,
Dad.

You can't.

Never mind,
Miss Kirby.

I'd get rid
of these,

if I were you,
Jonathan.

It might prove
embarrassing

if they fell
into the wrong hands.

If you'll excuse me.

( door opens )

( door closes )

( suspenseful theme playing )

Aren't you starting a little
early these days, my pet?

Oh, Charles,
I'm sorry.

I wasn't feeling very well,
and I thought maybe--

There's no need
to apologize, Valerie.

Everyone knows
you're an alcoholic.

Oh, no, Charles.
That's not true.

Why, honestly,
I haven't had a drink in--

I could stop anytime...

if you really
wanted me to.

Don't be silly,
my dear.

I wouldn't dream of interfering
with your pleasures.

Charles, please...
help me.

That's all I need,
just a little help.

I know I'm
a disappointment to you.

I'm not pretty
or someone to be proud of--

And you're not
very bright, either.

What did you hope to accomplish
with that maneuver?

What maneuver?

Sending your father
those photostats.

I have absolutely
no intention

of exchanging places
with Mr. Ellis.

Martin Ellis?

Well, naturally,
I assumed that--

Charles, why do you
t*rture me like this?

I think you need
another drink.

Go on, dear.

If you drink enough
of this,

it may solve
all of our problems.

Charles...

( playful theme plays )

( knock on door )

I'm sorry to bother you,
Mrs. Ellis,

but there is eight cents
due on this package.

Oh, all right,
I'll get my purse.

Why don't you just
put it in your mailbox,

I'll get it
tomorrow.

Thank you.

"Enclosed is positive proof

of the innocence
of your husband. A friend."

( sighs )

And you have no idea
who this so-called friend is?

Do you know anything
about the operation

at Hyett, Brewster,
and Hyett?

Sorry I'm late,
but my regular man was sick.

I had to go
clear down to Broadway

to find somebody
who can handle microfilm.

Let's see
what we've got.

Manning Bishop?

Oh, that's one
of Charles Brewster's clients.

He's a director
at Acme Studios.

"Manning Bishop...

"Desmond Jewelers,
account of Manning Bishop,

one diamond solitaire,
$ , ."

But that's one of the bills
that disappeared.

"Ellis, please
take care of this. C.B."

Now, that proves that Martin
was telling the truth.

But look at that,
there must be bills there.

Della...

Mm-hmm?

Put in a call to
the district attorney's office.

Better still, make the call
to Mr. Burger personally.

Of course,
you understand, Perry,

these will all
have to be checked out.

Well, that shouldn't be
too difficult.

No, it won't be.

I'll give them to
a handwriting expert tonight.

I wish I could make
an adequate apology

for what seems to be a terrible
miscarriage of justice.

When your husband couldn't
produce these bills

and authorizations,
the jury had no choice

but to believe that they existed
only in his mind.

I know this will seem
a small consolation to you,

but if Brewster's
responsible for this,

I assure you
he'll pay for it.

It's nice seeing you,
Hamilton.

Thank you, Perry.

Good night,
Mrs. Ellis.

Goodbye.
And thank you.

Oh, Hamilton...what about
this alleged friend?

Friend?

The one who mailed the microfilm
and the note to Mrs. Ellis.

Ever wonder
how he got it,

or why he waited for over a year
to declare his friendship?

You might give it
some thought.

( suspenseful theme playing )

So it was a miscarriage
of justice

and the district attorney
is terribly sorry?

Well,
that's just dandy.

But I sat here
for a year and a half,

and who cared?
Nobody.

Nobody but my wife.

And I'm supposed
to be happy

because everybody says,
"Tough luck, old man."

Meanwhile, Brewster was out
having the time of his life.

He'll pay for it.

You bet he will,
if it's the last thing I do.

Listen to me,
Mr. Ellis,

that attitude usually buys
nothing but trouble.

The law will take care
of Brewster.

Will it?

Yes,
as a matter of fact,

he was arrested
at : this afternoon.

He'll be out
by tonight.

Don't forget his father-in-law
is Jonathan Hyett.

Oh, that won't bother
Mr. Burger.

We've had
our differences,

but you can't accuse him
of playing politics.

( footsteps )

Don't you want to see
your wife?

Carolyn!
Marty!

( laughing ):
oh, Marty, stop!

What's Mr. Mason
going to think?

Mr. Mason thinks
he's in the way.

I'll call you
in a day or so.

I can't tell you,
Mr. Squires,

how flattered I am
by your concern.

I was beginning to think
nobody cared.

And all the time,

the great Southwest Bonding
and Surety Company

hadn't forgotten me.

Believe me, Mr. Squires,
I am touched.

Actually,
Mr. Brewster...

Yes?

We would like to recover
the money.

Oh. Well, that presents
somewhat of a problem.

You see,
I've always been

sort of addicted
to playing the stock market.

Unfortunately, I made
some rather bad investments,

and that's
where the money went.

I happen to know

that you opened a new account
with Lockmill and Company

under the name
of "Charles Brown"

eight months ago.

Do tell.

You closed the account
last week.

There was close to
$ , in it.

Obviously,
my luck changed.

We also know that you converted
your profits into cash.

But you don't know
where that cash is hidden.

Well, now,
if you would cooperate...

Why,
of course.

Now, let's consider
the proposition.

You want your money back,
and I want my freedom.

That is substantially it,
isn't it?

( sighing ):
Well...

First, I'd like you
to arrange bail immediately.

I couldn't possibly spend
another night here.

Really,
Mr. Brewster.

In return, I'm prepared
to hand over to your firm

the sum of $ , .

But you stole--

I know, Mr. Squires,
I stole $ , .

But you must consider
the humiliation I've suffered.

Well, you realize
that what you're suggesting

is highly illegal.

All right, Mr. Squires,
have it your own way.

But what do you think
your firm would do

if you showed up with $ ,
that they'd written off?

It'd make you
a pretty big man.

How soon
would I get the money?

Three hours
after bail is posted.

Hello, Elsie?
This is Mr. Squires.

I want you to call
the Heller Detective Agency.

Talk to
Mr. Heller himself.

Tell him I want bail posted
for Charles Brewster,

but he's to keep us
out of it.

Yes.

And I want Brewster kept
under close surveillance.

I have a hunch
he'll try to skip out.

The minute he tries it,

I want the bondsman
to surrender him.

Yes.

Yes, I think we have
the very clever Mr. Brewster

right where we want him.

( chuckles )

What's the matter?

It's just like
I told Mason.

I knew he'd be out
in five minutes.

Well,
that doesn't mean anything.

I tell you,
Carolyn.

He'll never serve a day,
and I sat for a year and a half

for something I
didn't do.

Is there a drink
in the house?

Here's to
justice.

No wonder they say
she's blind.

Is there
any more?

No.

Where are you
going?

I can use
another drink.

And I might even drop off
to congratulate Mr. Brewster.

Darling, please,
for my sake--

Marty?

Hello?
This is Jonathan Hyett.

No, Hyett.
H, y, e, double t.

I'm at apartment
at South Auburn.

I would like to
report a su1c1de.

Yes. Of course.

I'll wait, Sergeant.

Really, Lieutenant,
I do wish to cooperate,

but there's nothing more
to tell you.

The door was unlocked,
and I came in...

And found him
lying there.

Yes. And when I saw the g*n
in his hand,

I couldn't help thinking
this was the one decent thing

that Charles had done
in his life.

You think he was
overcome by remorse?

It's quite evident,
sir.

It's all right,
Mr. Hyett, you can go.

Lieutenant.

Oh, Sergeant?

Suppose you drive
Mr. Hyett home.

Oh, no, no.
It's quite all right.

Thank you.
I'll take a taxi.

Lieutenant, this is Walter Vico,
the doorman.

How do you do, Mr. Vico?
I'm Lieutenant Tragg.

You were on duty
between : and midnight,

is that right?

( telephone ringing )

Boys, let me have
those sh*ts there.

I'm going to show you
several pictures, Mr. Vico.

You tell me if you ever saw
any of these people before.

Now, take your time.
Nobody's rushing you.

Lieutenant,
the Crime Lab.

I'll talk to him.

Here he is,
Davis.

Yes, Sergeant?
What did it show?

Yeah, that's what I thought.
Thanks a lot.

The g*n was put in Brewster's
hand after he was k*lled.

Lieutenant...
I seen this fella before.

When?

Tonight,
a few minutes after : .

I asked who he wanted to see,
but he pushed right by me.

He said he had an appointment
with Mr. Brewster.

Sergeant,
you know where he lives.

Pick him up.

It's a funny thing,
Mr. Mason.

I've met you
twice.

Each time,
I've been behind bars.

You suppose
that's an omen?

I hope so.

You were innocent
the first time.

And I'm innocent
now.

How do you account
for the doorman

at Brewster's apartment house
identifying you?

Well,
he saw me.

How'd you know about the place?
It was a hideaway.

Everybody knew.

Brewster had it
for years,

even before he married
Jonathan Hyett's daughter.

All right.

Go on.

Well, I pushed by the doorman
and went up to the apartment,

which wasn't very smart because
he must've alerted Brewster.

He was waiting for me
with a g*n in his hand.

I gave him a judo cut,

and the g*n went flying
across the room.

I went after it,
and he tried to stop me.

Is that when
you got those?

Yeah, he did it
with his ring.

Of course,
I didn't feel it at the time.

I was concentrating
on that g*n.

And after
you got the g*n?

I just hit him.

That's the truth.

I couldn't k*ll a man,
no matter what he did to me.

The man is a--

Well, no matter what he is,
he's still a human being.

Go on.

I tossed the g*n on the sofa
and told him to get up.

And he pleaded with me
to leave him alone,

said he'd make everything
up to me,

even give me half the money
he stole.

That's when
I slugged him again.

I hit him
with everything I had.

Then a funny thing happened.
You won't believe this.

I might.

Suddenly,
I wasn't mad anymore.

I put out my hand
to help him up.

I guess he didn't
trust me.

How'd it happen

the doorman didn't see you
as you left?

I rode the elevator
down to the basement,

went out
the service entrance.

How'd you get home?

I walked.

I didn't even have enough money
to ride the bus.

Do you believe me?

Yes,
I believe you.

Have you any idea who sent
that microfilm to your wife?

I figured whoever did it
was a friend of mine.

He got me out of jail.

But now
you're back in...

and charged with
m*rder.

Della...

I'm in here,
Paul.

Hi, beautiful.

My men have been checking
on this box.

No dice. You can buy it
in any five-and-dime.

What about the
writing?

Done with a
cheap ballpoint.

Perry's going to be
disappointed.

Oh?
About what?

I didn't expect you
back tonight.

It's only : ,
we have half the day ahead.

Now, how am I
going to be disappointed?

Because I couldn't find out
anything about this box.

Well, I didn't think
you would.

What about the
microfilm itself?

I've got Faulkner and Harris
working on it.

Anything else?

No,
I guess not.

Well,
I'll shove off.

Wait a minute,
Paul.

I've been trying
to reach you.

This came special delivery
at : .

( whistles )

That would
make it $ , .

Right.

"Please use this for
the Martin Ellis Defense Fund."

No name,
no return address.

Evidently, Mr. Ellis has
nothing but anonymous friends.

So does Charles Brewster.
Who went bail for him, Paul?

According to the records,
it was a man named Fred Wheeler.

Actually, he was a dummy
for the bonding company.

Then Brewster must've promised
to return the embezzled money.

Or part of it.

When Ellis
threatened him, he--

What?

I'll tell you
about it later,

but Ellis was
in Brewster's apartment,

and Brewster offered to give him
part of the embezzled money.

I wonder what happened
to that money.

If it had been
in the apartment,

the police
would've found it.

Where is it now?

Della,
make an appointment

with the representative
of the bonding company

who talked to
Brewster.

Paul, see if you can find out
who typed this note.

That is going to be
about as tough

as trying to find out
who sent this microfilm.

Maybe not.
I think I have a lead.

I'd like you to get specimens
of every typewriter

in the offices of Hyett,
Brewster, and Hyett.

Can you handle it?

See you tomorrow.

Della...

See if you can get
Mrs. Brewster on the phone.

I'll, uh,
I'll take it in my office.

Yes?

Who's calling?

This is her brother,
Richard Hyett.

Mrs. Brewster can't possibly
come to the phone,

she's very ill.

I'm sorry to hear that,
Mr. Hyett.

When do you think
I might see your sister?

I have no idea,
she's under medical care.

May I have the name
of her doctor?

Of course I believe you,
Mr. Hyett.

But I would like to ask
her doctor

about the prognosis.

I resent this,
Mr. Mason.

My brother-in-law
has just been m*rder*d.

If you have no consideration
for my sister's feelings,

I can have none
for yours.

Who was that,
Richie?

Valerie...

You should
be in bed.

Why, Richie?

Because,
you're sick.

I've been sick
for years.

And this is just what
the doctor ordered.

Now I know why
I came down.

It's empty.

Honey...

Come on,
you've had enough.

I'll never have
enough.

You don't know
how I miss Charles.

I wish I could
figure out why.

I guess I'm just
a masochist at heart.

Oh, we made such a
wonderful team.

He was such a
terrible sadist.

Tell me,
Richie...

Aren't you glad
Charles is dead?

I'm embarrassing you,
I shouldn't do that.

I'm sorry.

You let me
keep this,

and I won't ask
any more questions.

Really, Mr. Mason,
I'd be delighted to help,

but frankly, there's nothing
I can tell you.

Oh, I'm sure
there must be something.

You posted bail
for Charles Brewster.

I beg your pardon.

You worked through a dummy
named Fred Wheeler.

No,
that's not true.

You never heard
of Fred Wheeler?

No.

Or the Heller
Detective Agency?

Uh, well, they've done
some work for us in the past.

They're also very active for you
in the present.

Mr. Squires, are you
in the habit of posting bail

for everyone
who defrauds your company?

There were unusual
circumstances in this case.

Brewster agreed
to cooperate?

What was the extent
of his cooperation?

Frankly, Mr. Mason,
that is none of your business.

Mr. Squires,
are you familiar

with section
of the penal code?

What?

It provides that
after a felony is committed,

anyone who harbors, conceals,
or aids the principal

to avoid punishment
is an accessory.

I don't see
how that affects me.

The district attorney
might see a connection.

Brewster was guilty
of embezzlement,

yet you posted bail
for him,

knowing he had every intention
of skipping the country.

( chuckles ):
Uh, look, Mr. Mason,

I, uh, I wouldn't want you
to get the wrong impression.

Naturally, any information
I have is at your disposal.

Please sit down,
Mr. Squires.

What was your deal
with Brewster?

He was to return
half the stolen money.

My agreement was to give him
a couple of hours

after we posted bail.

To get
the stolen money back?

Yes. I felt he intended
to double-cross us

and try to leave
the jurisdiction of the court.

But I assure you,
the minute he tried it,

he would have been surrendered
to the authorities.

I only wanted him to lead us
to the money.

Did he?

When I arrived at his apartment
at : that night,

he had an envelope
ready for me.

In it was $ , ,
in $ , bills.

What happened to the rest
of the money?

I have no idea.

Did Brewster
stop anywhere

between the jail
and his apartment?

Well, he, uh, he stopped
at the Wayne Travel Agency.

He bought two tickets
for Mexico City

in the name
of "George Kendall."

Did he make
any other stop?

No.

Then that money was hidden
in his apartment all along.

Are you sure
that's all the money

you received from him?

I told you,
Mr. Mason--

Della,
call Mr. Squires' office.

I have a hunch
they may want to talk to him.

The number
is WEbster- - .

Thank you.

Hello, I'm calling
for Mr. Squires.

Will you hold on a minute,
please?

Hello, Elsie,
this is Mr. Squires.

Has anybody been--

What?

Well, w-when
did this happen?

Well, thank you.
I'll be there in minutes.

This is incredible.

You mean the other
$ , showed up?

Thank you.

It-- it was in a plain,
manila envelope.

No note?

No note.

Your secretary must
still have that envelope.

Probably.

Thank you, Mr. Squires.
You've been very helpful.

Very interesting,
Mr. Mason,

but I fail to see
where it concerns me.

This envelope contained
$ , in $ , bills.

Most impressive.

Yesterday,
I received this in the mail.

It contained $ , and a note
asking that it be used

as a defense fund
for Martin Ellis.

Both the note and the envelope
were typed in your office.

Do you know
I could sue you for libel?

No, you're thinking
of slander.

And in any action for slander,
truth is a valid defense.

According to the doorman,

you were alone
in Brewster's apartment

until you called
the police.

But you didn't call
the police

until minutes
after you'd arrived.

Are you suggesting--

I'm suggesting
that you searched the apartment,

found the balance
of that money,

and returned it
to the bonding company

in this envelope.

Now, look here,
Mason--

I'm also suggesting

that you placed that g*n
in Brewster's hand

to make it look
like su1c1de.

You are very much mistaken.

I don't think so.

One thing does
puzzle me--

Why did you send that microfilm
to Mrs. Ellis?

I didn't.

All right,
Mr. Hyett.

We go to court
next Monday.

I'd hoped before that,
you'd tell me the truth.

Good day, sir.

( sighs )

( clears throat )

Miss Kirby...

get me the district attorney's
office, please.

I'd like to speak
with Mr. Burger personally.

And where was the m*rder w*apon
found, Lieutenant?

TRAGG:
We found this g*n

in the right hand
of the deceased.

It was owned by and registered
to Charles Brewster.

I don't see my wife.

She'll be here.

Were there any fingerprints
on the w*apon?

Only those
of the deceased.

What made you
decide

that Mr. Brewster's death
was not a su1c1de?

Well, there was no tattooing
near the wound.

Even smokeless powder
will produce tattooing

if the w*apon is fired
within inches of the victim.

Anything else?

Yes, sir, we performed
a paraffin test

on the right hand
of the deceased,

but there was no deposit
of powder or smoke.

The result of these two tests
prove that the deceased

could not have fired
the fatal sh*t?

That's correct.

I see.

Now,
Lieutenant...

I wonder if you'd identify
these articles for me.

Yes, this is the wallet
we found on the deceased.

There was $ in it,

and two airline tickets
to Mexico City.

The flight was scheduled
to leave International Airport

at midnight.

What about this ring?

We found that ring
in Mr. Brewster's coat pocket.

And what about
this ring here?

The deceased
was wearing that

on the fourth finger
of his right hand.

If it please
the court,

I would like all these items
marked for identification.

Now, Lieutenant,
with regard to the signet ring

that the deceased was wearing
on his right hand,

did you have it subjected
to microscopic analysis?

Yes. We found minute traces
of blood and skin

embedded in the initials
of the ring.

I see.

When did you first see
the defendant?

Oh, about five minutes
after :

on the morning
of September th,

when he was brought to
my office by Sergeant Brice.

And would you describe for us
his appearance at that time?

Yes,
he'd been drinking.

He had several cuts
on his face,

two of them
still bleeding slightly.

Did you ask him how he happened
to get these wounds?

Yes, and he told me
it was none of my business.

I see.

Thank you, Lieutenant.
That'll be all.

Cross-examine.

I couldn't help noticing
the district attorney

failed to ask you
who reported the m*rder.

The m*rder was reported
by Mr. Jonathan Hyett.

And you personally
interrogated Mr. Hyett

when you arrived
at the scene?

I did.

Naturally, you asked him
if he touched anything.

He claimed he hadn't handled
anything near the body.

Including the
g*n?

Including the
g*n.

Now, how long was Mr. Hyett
alone in that apartment

after he called
the police?

About, uh,
five minutes.

Didn't
your investigation show

that he was alone
in the apartment

for minutes
before he called?

Yes.

So Mr. Hyett was alone
with the body

for a sum total
of minutes?

Yes, sir.

Did you search Mr. Hyett
before he left the premises?

No,
I didn't.

I had no authority
to make such a search.

Thank you, Lieutenant.
That will be all.

You may step down.

And when I saw Charles' body
lying there,

I knew that I should call
the police immediately.

And did you,
Mr. Hyett?

I didn't.

I waited until
I had searched the premises.

What were you
searching for?

I thought that my son-in-law
might've hidden

the money
that he had stolen there.

Did you find
the money?

I did.
It was in a suitcase.

What did you do
with the money?

I put it inside my shirt,
around my waist.

It was too bulky
for my pockets.

I subsequently mailed it
to Mr. Squires

of the
bonding company.

I felt that it was
rightfully theirs.

I see.

Now, Mr. Hyett,
did you do anything else

before the arrival
of the police?

Yes,
I picked up the g*n.

It was lying on the floor
near his feet.

I wiped off the fingerprints
and placed it in Charles' hand.

Didn't you realize

you were tampering
with evidence?

Yes, I did.

Then why did you
do it?

I object,
your honor.

If it please
the court,

I believe I should be
allowed to inquire

into the motivation
of this witness.

Tampering with evidence
is a serious crime.

He's testified that he knew
what he was doing.

I think I should be allowed
to find out why he did it.

Mm-hmm.
Objection overruled.

Thank you,
your honor.

Now, Mr. Hyett,
why did you wipe that g*n clean

and put it in the hand
of your dead son-in-law?

I felt that my son-in-law
had caused enough trouble.

Thank you, Mr. Hyett.
That's all.

Your witness.

Mr. Hyett, you testified
that you stole money

from your son-in-law's
apartment.

I beg your pardon.
I did not steal it.

Hadn't you been reimbursed
by the bonding company

for your loss?

Well, yes.

Then that money
didn't belong to you.

Perhaps I wasn't thinking
clearly.

And you weren't thinking
clearly

when you thought
you could protect the defendant

by placing that g*n
in Brewster's hand?

Now, tell me,
Mr. Hyett,

did you see one thing
in that apartment,

one, single thing,
that would indicate

that the defendant
had even been there?

No.

Then who did you think
you were protecting,

the defendant
or someone else?

Now, what were your feelings
about the deceased?

I was not
very fond of him.

And why did you pick
this particular night

to visit him?

I wanted to talk to him
about my daughter.

I knew my son-in-law
quite well.

I knew that he was just
the type to jump his bail.

I knew that
he did not have the nerve

to take his medicine
and face trial,

and I did not want my daughter
to be a fugitive from justice.

And you felt Brewster
would ask your daughter

to leave the country
with him?

Oh, I knew he would.
It was quite in character.

It seems to me the person
you should have talked to

was your daughter.

You don't know my daughter,
Mr. Mason.

She loved
Charles Brewster.

Even though he was guilty
of framing an innocent man?

Even though
he was guilty.

When did you learn
he had framed Martin Ellis?

When Charles was arrested.

You had no idea
before that?

Do you think
that I'd want to see

an innocent man
remain in jail?

That doesn't answer
my question.

Did you know
your son-in-law was guilty

before he was
arrested?

Yes.

And yet
you did nothing?

I tried to make amends
as best I could.

By mailing a roll of microfilm
to my client's wife?

I did not do that.

That'll be all,
Mr. Hyett.

You may stand down.

I call
Mrs. Martin Ellis.

Your honor,
this is outrageous.

Surely Mr. Burger knows
the rules of evidence.

I assume Mr. Mason
is referring to

the inadmissibility of testimony
of a defendant's wife.

If your honor
would care to examine these.

Mrs. Ellis is not legally
the wife of the defendant.

I have here a certified copy
of her marriage license

to Mr. Ellis.

You will note they were married
on July th, three years ago.

However,
prior to that,

she was married
to a certain Victor H. Pulasky.

Fourteen months
before he d*ed,

she instituted proceedings
for a divorce against him,

and this is a copy
of her interlocutory decree.

Now,
under our statutes,

the decree of divorce
does not become final

until a year
has passed.

But Pulasky was
dead.

Nevertheless, she married
Mr. Ellis in Nevada

months after
the decree was granted,

and while Pulasky
was still alive.

Therefore,

her marriage to Mr. Ellis
was entered into illegally.

It looks that we have

a very interesting situation
here, gentlemen.

Of course, if the lady
is not legally married

to the defendant,
she can testify against him.

I don't want to,
your honor.

I'm afraid you have no choice
in the matter, madam.

Were you served
with a subpoena?

Yes, sir,
two days ago.

If your honor please,
you can appreciate

that the defense could not
anticipate this development.

I would like to confer
with my client.

Since it's almost
: ...

Court will be adjourned
till : tomorrow morning.

Mrs. Ellis, would you come
with me, please?

I don't understand
this.

Neither do I.

How long has your wife been
in her present apartment?

What?

I mean,
is the lease in her name?

Yes, she took the place
eight months ago,

while I was still
in jail.

Do you own
any stocks or bonds?

Yes, but what's that
got to do with it?

Are they
in the apartment?

I bought them after
Carolyn and I were married.

Because if you're not
legally married,

then they're not
community property

and you have a right
to claim them.

As your attorney
and duly authorized agent,

I can do it for you.

I'll have an authorization
drawn up.

You go along.

Uh,
what am I looking for?

My client's
stocks and bonds.

Legally, that's all
we can look for.

Here they are.

Wait a minute.
Here's something funny.

Funny?

A check for $ , made out
to the Barton Stationers.

And?

They're in San Francisco.
I know the store.

Here.

What do you think?

Yeah, I think
it's funny, too.

The check before that is
made out to Far West Airlines

for a round trip
to San Francisco.

It's dated
September th.

So's the check
to the stationers,

but the next check is made out
to a shop here in Los Angeles

and dated
September th.

Obviously, she only spent
one day in San Francisco.

What's that prove?

It might prove
why Mrs. Ellis didn't tell me

that Burger had subpoenaed her
to testify against her husband.

Here,
let's find out.

( suspenseful theme playing )

Counselor.

Now,
Mrs. Ellis,

what was the defendant's
reaction to the news

that Charles Brewster
was out on bail?

I don't think
I understand you.

Oh, I think
you understand me completely.

Didn't he make a thr*at
of some kind?

I object,
your honor.

The question
is definitely leading.

Your honor, Mr. Mason
knows perfectly well

that this is
a hostile witness.

The objection is overruled.
You may proceed, Mr. Burger.

Thank you,
your honor.

Now, Mrs. Ellis,
I'll repeat my question,

and I remind you
that you're under oath.

Didn't the defendant
make a thr*at of some kind

that you could connect up
with Charles Brewster?

Well, he did say
there was no justice,

if that's what you mean.

And did he then leave
your apartment

in spite of your efforts
to restrain him?

Yes.

What time did he return
that night?

About :
the next morning.

With cuts and bruises
on his face?

Yes.

And how did he explain
these wounds to you?

Well, he said...

he'd had a little trouble
with Mr. Brewster.

Really?
That's how he described it?

"A little trouble"?

Yes.

That's all, Mrs. Ellis.
Thank you.

Cross-examine,
counselor.

She couldn't help herself.
He made her say those things.

Mrs. Ellis, you're still
legally Mrs. Pulasky,

is that correct?

That's what
Mr. Burger told me.

But you do want to help
the defendant?

Of course.

You've testified the defendant
left your apartment

at approximately :
that night?

That's right.

And what did you do?

I stayed home
and waited for him.

The ever-faithful wife?

Now, look, I can do without
the sarcasm.

If it wasn't for me,

Martin would still be in jail
for embezzlement.

And this was responsible
for his release.

Where did you get
this microfilm, Mrs. Pulasky?

I told you,
it came in the mail.

Are you familiar with
a company in San Francisco

called
Barton Stationers?

Well,
I've heard of them.

I show you now
what purports to be

an order
to Barton Stationers.

Is that
your signature?

Yes.

Would you read the order
for us, please?

Forty-two photostats
of bills

to be reduced and placed
on one roll of microfilm.

Rush.

And when
is the order dated?

September th.

And when did you send
that microfilm to yourself?

I didn't send it
to myself!

Don't tell us there were
two rolls of microfilm.

No, you had the original bills
all along.

Where did you get them,
Mrs. Pulasky?

Isn't it true
that you got them

while helping Charles Brewster
embezzle $ ,

from a firm
where you both worked?

No, I had nothing to do
with Charles Brewster.

Suppose we ask the doorman
at the Shane Apartment

if you weren't
a constant visitor?

You were in love
with Charles Brewster.

He must've promised
to get a divorce and marry you,

but you didn't
trust him.

That's why you kept those bills
instead of destroying them.

No!

Your lover behaved
just as you expected,

and you wanted
revenge.

Why don't you stop?

That's why you sent
a copy of this microfilm

to his
father-in-law.

When Mr. Hyett
did nothing,

you brought
the microfilm to me,

not to free the defendant,
but to put your lover in jail.

You don't understand.

When Brewster
was released on bail,

you were afraid
he'd never be tried,

so you went
to his apartment.

No.

You didn’t go
to Brewster's apartment?

Yes,
but I didn't go in!

I waited in a bar
across the street

to see if my husband
would come out.

When did you leave?

When I saw
the police arrive.

Look, I can even describe
the place to you.

It's called
"Frankie's,"

and they've got
about / dozen booths--

You could've been there
many times.

But is there anyone
who can prove you were there

at the time
of the m*rder?

I can.

Valerie.

JUDGE:
Bailiff, will you bring
that woman forward?

We'll have order
in the courtroom

or I'll have it
cleared.

Excuse me,
your honor.

This is Mrs. Charles Brewster,
the widow of the deceased.

Under the
circumstances...

I'll overlook
your misconduct,

but I do think
you should leave the courtroom.

If the court please,

Mrs. Brewster
is my next witness.

Have you any further questions
to ask this witness, Mr. Mason?

No,
your honor.

Will you stand down,
please?

The clerk will swear in
Mrs. Brewster.

And as I walked
into this little bar,

I believe
it was called Frankie's,

I saw Mrs. Ellis,
I mean, Mrs. Pulasky.

And what time did you
arrive at this bar?

Oh, it must've been
around : .

You see, my husband had promised
to pick me up at :

so we could drive
to the airport.

When he didn't show up,
I thought he'd forgotten me.

Yes, but didn't you notice
when the police arrived?

Oh, yes.

But by that time,
I...

I was past caring.

I understand.

Mrs. Brewster,
how did you get home?

I telephoned my brother.
He came by around midnight.

I really don't know
why he puts up with me.

But from the moment
you got to Frankie's

till the time
the police arrived,

you're sure that Mrs. Pulasky
was in the bar?

Yes, sir. She was never
out of my sight.

Thank you, Mrs. Brewster.
That's all.

Cross-examine.

Mrs. Brewster,
whose decision was it

for you to wait
at Frankie's?

Mine.

If you have to wait,
there's nothing like a bar.

After a few drinks,
it becomes a fairy land.

People are so kind
and considerate.

Why didn't you go directly
to your husband's apartment?

I have no pride,
Mr. Mason,

but I can t*rture myself
enough

without setting foot
in the place where Charles...

did all his
entertaining.

But you did set foot
in that apartment once?

On the night
your husband d*ed.

But that's ridiculous.

I told you,
I was in Frankie's bar.

I testified
I saw Mrs. Pulasky there.

Didn't you testify
you saw Mrs. Pulasky there

because you had no alibi
of your own?

You thought
by supporting hers,

you'd give yourself one?

Why would I need
an alibi?

We've heard your father testify
that the deceased

was planning to take you
to Mexico with him?

I'd have gone anywhere
with Charles.

I can believe that,
Mrs. Brewster.

But with his position
in your father's firm gone,

would he still have wanted to
take you to Mexico?

I don't think so.

Well, you can't escape
the facts, Mr. Mason.

Don't you remember

they found two tickets
to Mexico City?

Yes, I do.

I also remember
the wedding ring.

Well...

That, that was for me.
I'm always losing mine.

May I see your wedding ring,
Mrs. Brewster?

Mrs. Brewster?

May I help?

Leave her alone!

You've baited her
enough!

I beg the court's pardon,
but I cannot sit by any longer.

Go on, sir.

It's obvious, Mr. Mason,
that your genius

is attacking a chain
at its weakest link.

You know
as well as I, sir,

that Charles Brewster
had no intention

of taking my daughter
with him.

She only said that
to substantiate my story

that I'd been to see him
for her sake.

She was not
at the bar.

Your honor,
I k*lled Charles Brewster.

My one regret is that Mr. Mason
should have discovered it,

that I did not
come forward myself.

I'm sorry,
Ellis.

( voice breaking ):
I'm truly...

( dramatic theme playing )

Okay,
I can understand

why you went after
Valerie Brewster.

You knew that her father
wouldn't sit idly by

while you put her
through a wringer.

But what on earth told you
that old man Hyett was guilty?

Well, first we know Mr. Hyett
considered himself

above the law.

You mean returning the money
to the bonding company?

That's right.

Now, who admitted being
in the apartment

after Ellis left?

Mr. Hyett.

Who admitted placing the g*n
in Brewster's hand?

Ditto.

And who admitted
that he hated Brewster?

( sighing ):
Also ditto.

Well?

I completely shied away
from old man Hyett

because he was
the most likely suspect.

That's your trouble, Paul.
You're a cynic.

You keep looking for things
that just aren't there.

Is that what you call
a cynic?

Mm-hmm.

Of course, when a man looks
for things that aren't there

and finds them...

then we call him
a detective.

( laughs )

( noirish jazz theme playing )