02x16 - The Case of the Fraudulent Foto

[bunniefuu]

( noirish jazz theme playing )

Waring House Hotel.

Hold on, please.

Waring House Hotel.

Room ?

Yes, I'll connect you.

Yes?

Just a moment, please.

Yes, may I help you?

Room service?
Just a moment, please.

Leora Mathews?

And you're
Brander Harris.

Just so I'm not making
a mistake, Miss Mathews,

you are the county auditor's
secretary.

And you're district attorney
of Waring County.

Where do we go
from there?

Well, on the phone,

you told me
you had some information

on the Northport
Hospital graft.

What's in it for me?

Well, I have no money
to pay you.

It's a matter
of civic duty.

( laughs )

Civic duty, my eye.

You could make a career
out of this.

I could make enemies.

It will cost you $ .

Well, I'll have to pay you
out of my own pocket.

As long
as it's negotiable.

First I want to see
this evidence.

Will you excuse me
for a moment?

Oh, yes. Yes, of course.

Make yourself comfortable.

Oh, thank you.

I don't see any names
mentioned here, Miss Mathews.

Not even Jimmy Castleton.

I thought--

Try the miscellaneous
envelope.

I'm sure
it's in there somewhere.

Well, I...
I still don't see--

( camera shutter clicks )

( suspenseful theme playing )

MAN:
Mm-hm.

( chuckles )

Yeah, I'm lookin' at him
right now.

That Walker's a real pro
with a camera.

Of course, he had wonderful
material to work with.

I never realized
you were so photogenic.

Well, it's your own fault,
Marshall.

Maybe you need glasses.

( chuckles )

They didn't seem to help
Harris much.

Did he mention any names
to you?

Only Jimmy Castleton.

He didn't mention yours.

Maybe he didn't have time.

Oh, when am I going to see you,
honey?

I don't know.

I think I'd better drop
out of sight for a while.

Harris may be gunning
for me.

But don't you worry.
I'll keep in touch.

Yeah.

Who was that, Marshall?

Haven't you got
anything better to do

than to eavesdrop?

I'm sorry.

Ready, Mother?

Yes, darling.

Does that fancy school of yours
keep bankers' hours?

Stop picking on Helen.

She was up late studying.
I'm driving her to school.

Oh, Mother. Don't bother
to explain it to him.

I'd handle her
a lot differently

if she were
my daughter.

Well, thank goodness
I'm not.

Come on, Helen.

( chuckles )

( slow classical music playing )

( indistinct conversation )

Imagine my surprise,
Harris,

when I got this
by special messenger.

That's why I asked you
to lunch.

Who sent it to you?

I haven't
the slightest idea.

Perhaps somebody figures

I'm keeper
of the public morals.

How about a cocktail?

No, thanks.

I understand you're making
an investigation

of the Northport
Hospital project.

That's right, for the Waring
County Grand Jury.

You know, I'm tremendously
flattered, Mr. Blake.

You're a very busy man--

Behind-the-scenes power
in politics

and industry in the state,

principle stockholder in
the Century Newspaper Alliance.

And here you come to me.

I think I know why.

Why, Mr. Harris?

I'm getting
uncomfortably close

to the man you're grooming
to step into your shoes.

Jimmy Castleton,

political editor
of the Waring Sun Ledger.

I don't deny that I've had
an eye on Jimmy Castleton.

I'm proud
to have him working for me.

He makes
most other men his age

look like Lilliputians.

You sound as though
he were your son.

I can't say
that hasn't occurred to me.

What connection
are you trying to make

between Jimmy
and the hospital project?

I think he engineered
the graft.

What about this picture?

It's a fake.

It doesn't look
like a fake.

Appearances can be
so deceiving, Mr. Harris.

Where are you sending it?

To Jimmy Castleton.

Despite what you think,

his paper has been behind you
percent.

I think they have the right
to this picture.

What do you want,
Mr. Blake?

Now you've hit the nail
on the head, Mr. Harris.

I'm interested
in Jimmy Castleton.

I don't want him injured.

What if he's guilty?

He isn't.
Take my word for it.

But he can be hurt
by your accusations

just as you can be hurt
by this picture.

No, I'm sorry.

I'm not going
to whitewash him.

I've got to do my job.

Take this to Mr. Castleton
right away.

Will you excuse me,
Mr. Blake?

Brander. Brander Harris.

Mason. You're just the man
I want to see.

My secretary, Miss Street.

Oh, how do you do?

I've heard so many nice things
about you, Mr. Harris.

Thank you. Perry,
I've got to talk to you.

How about my office
in an hour?

I'll be there.

What have you got
against Jimmy Castleton?

That's just it. Nothing
but suspicions up to now.

But apparently,
that young man

knows how
to anticipate trouble.

He must have arranged this--

This blackmail
with Leora Mathews.

Who is she?

Works for
the Waring County auditor.

I thought
I could get some proof

on where the padding was
on this hospital construction.

You understand what
publication of this photograph

can do to your personal
and political life?

Oh, it's just a smear tactic.

Smear tactics
can be very effective at times,

especially against young,

career-minded
district attorneys.

Yes, and they
can boomerang, too.

Perry, I just haven't
got time

to get involved in this mess
right now.

The grand jury meets
on Monday,

and I've got to finish my
investigation before then.

What do you want me
to do?

Take this thing
off my back.

Represent me.

All right.
I'll do my best.

Thanks.

Oh, uh, I'll send you
a retainer.

Five hundred all right?

Oh, sure.

Della, get ahold of Paul,

then call Waring City

and see if this
Leora Mathews

is still
at that same hotel.

Waring House Hotel.

I'm sorry,
the line is still busy.

Hi, honey.
I'm Paul Drake.

We're, uh, checking out
room .

Would you like
to help us?

Sure, why not?

What do you have to do
to that switchboard

to make it look like
is out of order?

Oh, that's easy.
I just ignore the signal.

The line stays dead.

Fine. I'll be sitting
right over here.

Waring House Hotel.

Hold on, please.

Miss Mathews?

Yes.

My name is Perry Mason.

Well, I'm busy.
What do you want?

I'd like to discuss
this photograph with you.

What is this,
a badger game?

Are you trying to tell me

that you and Brander Harris
know each other?

What does the photograph
look like, mister?

Who are you, anyway?

I'm an attorney
representing Mr. Harris.

Representing him?
Against who?

You and whoever
employed you.

Why that dirty
double-crosser!

Would you care
to tell me your side of it?

I'll tell it
to the newspapers.

I'll tell it in court.

If I were in any kind of game
against him,

do you think
I'd use my own room?

Check around.

There's a dozen places
we've been together.

You know, your reputation
will be in shreds.

It must have been
quite some inducement

to make you do this.

What was it, Miss Mathews,

Money, love... Or both?

Operator. Operator!

( sighs )

( suspenseful theme playing )

I'm in .
What's wrong with my phone?

Oh, uh, we've been having
a little trouble.

The repairman
is due any time.

Waring House Hotel.

Room ?

Yes, I'll connect you.

One moment, please.

Waring House Hotel.

Go ahead, please.

Well, I got D.A.

That would be
the Dakota exchange

Six, seven, oh, blank, blank.

Bad luck, Paul.

Maybe it will ring a bell
with Brander Harris.

Anyway,
I put a man on it.

He's going to check the business
office of the phone company.

All right.

Where are you going,
Perry?

About three quarters
of an hour drive. Waring City.

( suspenseful music playing )

( indistinct conversation )

Yes, sir. Can I help you?

I'm looking for Mr. Castleton.

He's right back there.

Thank you.

( phone ringing loudly )

The first I saw
of this picture

was when Mr. Blake's
messenger arrived with it.

Harris says it's a frame

to get him to call off
his hospital probe.

Well, that makes sense.

Knowing Brander Harris,
he's the idealist.

Always tilting at windmills.

Who does he think
engineered it?

You.

Me?

Why?

He apparently
found some link

between you
and the hospital graft.

Well, that's impossible.

He couldn't have.

Then you have no demands
to make on Harris,

no trades,
no barter for indemnities?

Oh, of course not.

Then you'll hold up publication
on this photograph?

Well, I don't know.

Despite the fact that Harris
seems to be out after my scalp,

I'm not out after his.

I'm going to try to find
the truth.

I would like to speak to him
face to face.

I'll, um, relay your message.

Good day, Mr. Castleton.

Mr. Mason.

Get me Dakota - .

Dakota - , blank, blank.

Unfortunately,
Paul didn't catch

those missing numbers.

Leora Mathews
made the phone call.

I'm sorry, Perry. I have no idea
whose number it could be.

All right, Brander.
We're going ahead.

Castleton said he wanted
to speak to you face to face.

That's on my agenda
when the time comes.

So long, Perry.
I'll keep in touch.

Good.

Dakota - .

MASON:
"Offer of proof
that some of defendants

"acted on advice of counsel
was objectionable

"where offer did not state

"that defendants had made
a full disclosure to counsel.

"US code annotated,
section .

US against Thomas,
DC Washington, ."

( ringing )

Hello?

Yes, Paul?

Wait a minute.

Dakota - .

What's the name?

Got it.
Thank you, Paul.

See you in the morning.

Well, now we know

who Leora Mathews
was trying to reach.

Who?

A gentleman by the name
of Marshall Scott.

I don't think it's too late
to go calling.

( suspenseful theme playing )

( doorbell rings )

Get the door.

Oh, good evening, counselor.

Well, lieutenant,
I didn't see your car outside.

I came over
in a prowl car.

Uh, what brings you here?

I wanted to have a little talk
with Marshall Scott.

m*rder?

That's right.

What was the little, uh,
talk about?

That's, um, confidential,
lieutenant.

That bookend
the m*rder w*apon?

That's, um, confidential,
counselor.

( mysterious theme playing )

This puts me in a very curious
situation, Perry.

After all, Brander Harris
is the district attorney too.

Did you check
his background?

Of course I did.

He's the youngest
district attorney

ever elected
in Waring County.

He's got
a brilliant record.

But what can I do?

He k*lled Marshall Scott
in this county,

and I've got to prosecute.

He didn't k*ll him.

Don't bet on it.

Harris' fingerprints
on the m*rder w*apon.

Nice and big
and fat and clear.

How'd you find out
about the m*rder?

Phone tip.

Man or woman?

Couldn't tell. The voice
was obviously disguised.

What else
have you got on Harris?

Just take my word for it.
There's lots more.

Thoroughly damning.

Look, I've known Brander Harris
for several years.

He's a dedicated man.

Well, that doesn't
alter the fact

that he k*lled Marshall Scott.

I'll tell you
one thing.

Marshall Scott was implicated
in the Northport Hospital graft,

and so is your friend
Brander Harris.

In what way?

That's all I'm gonna tell you.
Now, you take my advice.

Tell Harris
to give himself up.

I don't know where he is.

Perry, I've got enough problems
of my own

without you adding any.

The newspapers are gonna have
a field day with this thing.

"District attorney
charged with m*rder."

Can't you just see it?

Kind of smirches the name of
"district attorney", doesn't it?

Yes, it does!

Embarrasses me.

Puts me in a position of having
to pull your chestnuts

out of the fire.

( mysterious theme playing )

And then I drove my daughter
to a friend's house.

She was going to spend
the weekend there.

Julie Stewart's house.
the Blackmore-Stewarts.

The investment banker.
You know.

Miss Scott.

Miss Preston.

My mother's husband
was not my father.

Thank goodness.

Helen.

Mrs. Scott, what was
your husband's connection

with the Northport General
Hospital building fund?

He was chairman
of the bids committee.

I understand
there's some evidence

linking his death
to the graft.

Well, tell him, mother.

Tell him how big-hearted you
gave away $ , .

And for what?

I turned the money over
to Mr. Burger,

the district attorney.

I found it in a hatbox
in Marshall's closet.

Did your husband tell you
with whom he was dealing?

No...

But he may have mentioned
the inspector's name, though.

I heard him talking
on the telephone once.

Do you remember
the name he mentioned?

It was an odd one,
like...Leclaire...

Leclerc... Le--

I'm sorry.

I see.

Mr. Mason.

You said that you represent
Brander Harris.

Yes.

Then you know
about the photograph

of Mr. Harris
and that woman.

Yes, I do.

I feel that--
That my husband

may have been responsible
for that.

Lieutenant Tragg found
several copies in his desk.

Thank you.

Goodbye, Mrs. Scott.

Goodbye, Mr. Mason.

Miss Preston.

Almost : , Della.
Hungry?

I can't leave the office.
What if Brander Harris calls?

I'm about ready
to call it a night.

Brander must have some reason
for his silence,

otherwise I don't quite
understand why--

( phone ringing )

Hello.

Oh, yes, Paul.

Oh?

He was the inspector
in the Northport Hospital job?

What's the name?

D-U-C-L-E-R-C.
Duclerc.

Fine, Paul.

I'll wanna see him
in the morning.

Right.

All right, let's go, Della.
We can't wait all night.

But--

It's about time
you called it a day.

We were waiting to hear
from you.

I couldn't very well
go up in the building.

The police
might be around.

Then you know you're wanted
for Marshall Scott's m*rder?

Yes, the evening papers
say I'm being sought.

Official language
is a little stronger.

There's a felony warrant
out for you.

Well, I'm sorry
about that,

but I didn't k*ll
Marshall Scott.

Where are you going?

Better to be driving
than just staying here.

( engine starting )

Perry, the grand jury meets
in three days.

After the hearing,
I'll turn myself in.

They found your fingerprints
in the m*rder room.

I was there.

I'm sorry, Perry,

but when you told me
that partial phone number,

well, it wasn't till
after you left my office

that I remembered
it was Marshall Scott's.

So you went to him?

Yes, I figured
I'd have it out with him.

I got there around : .

I accused him of engineering
the blackmail photo,

of taking graft
from the hospital deal.

What did he say?

He got ugly.

He made a threatening move
toward me.

I grabbed one of the glass
bookends to protect myself.

It slipped out of my hand

and broke
on a marble-top table.

Then what?

Nothing.

Breaking that bookend
cooled us off, I guess.

I left.

What time?

Oh, I was only there
a little while,

not more than minutes.

What are you stopping here for?
That's the police station.

You're going to
turn yourself in.

But-- But I told you.
I can't afford to.

You can't afford not to.

I don't have to tell you
the law.

Evading arrest,
resorting to flight.

But my investigation,
the grand-jury hearing.

No, the whole thing
goes down the drain

if this hearing
is passed up on Monday.

Brander, is there anything
in the Waring County charter

that would prohibit you
from appointing me

deputy district attorney?

You-- Well, no.

And as your deputy,

I could conduct that hearing,
couldn't I?

Well, yes, you can.
You-- You could.

All right, then.

When you get in there,
ask for Lieutenant Tragg.

Good luck, Perry.

You know, I don't know how I was
going to conduct that hearing.

I haven't the slightest idea
how you will.

( engine starting )

( suspenseful theme playing )

I understand you do hold
a contractor's license.

Yes.

And that you performed
for Waring County

on Public Projects
as an inspector.

Yes.
Uh, you've made inquiries?

Naturally.

Well, what is this job you
wanted to talk to me about?

Mr. Drake said that--

What is this all about?

Pretty grim, isn't it?

That was once
the Heywood School.

Fortunately,
it happened on a weekend,

so no one was hurt.

They weren't so lucky
there.

That was
the Lake City Library.

Eight people were k*lled
when the building collapsed.

What's this got to do
with me?

Well, suppose it happened

to a building
you'd inspected, Duclerc.

What building?

The Northport
General Hospital.

I don't know
what you're talking about.

You know the material
didn't meet specifications.

That's a lie!

What about the core samples
you took?

Where did you get
your information?

Never mind.

Why is it you guys

always pick on
the little fellow?

Because we can't get
the big fellow

unless the little one
cooperates.

Graft couldn't exist
without men like you.

That's a hot one!

I didn't make cents
on that deal.

I didn't say you made
any money on the deal,

but when people are k*lled,
as they were there,

are you going to feel
any better

because you closed your eyes
just to protect your job?

You expect me to get up there
and tell the truth?

Yes.

You know what would happen
to me if I did?

The police
will protect you.

Ah! Are you kidding?

Harris will see to it.

From where, San Quentin?

I notice he's doing
pretty fine for himself.

Listen to me, Mr. Mason.
I've got a wife and three kids.

I'm not taking any chances.

You get me up
before that grand jury,

I'll tell them
I don't know from nothin'.

Suppose it was your wife
or one of your kids.

What?

Suppose you had to leave one
of them at Northport Hospital.

( suspenseful theme playing )

Hello, counselor.

Mr. Blake.

I know how busy you're going to
be in there today, Mr. Mason.

The incapacitated Mr. Harris

has come up
with a formidable substitute.

Yeah, thank you.

I understand
you talked to Duclerc.

Oh, how so?

Oh, one hears rumors.

I presume
he'll be here today?

Oh, I'm a little surprised to
find you taking such an interest

in this rather, um,
local affair, Mr. Blake.

You know why.

Jimmy Castleton?

Yes. He assures me
he's innocent.

I have big plans for him, Mason.

Will you do me a favor?

If I can.

Perhaps I don't even
have to ask you.

If Jimmy Castleton is guilty
of graft or corruption,

then let him pay for it.

But if he isn't--

You don't have to ask.

There'll be no guilt
by association.

No innuendo.

But I do intend to follow
through on this, Mr. Blake,

no matter
who gets hurt.

That's all I ask.

Then we understand
each other.

Perfectly.

Will the sergeant at arms
call Mr. Theophile Duclerc?

I was told
to take my core samples

at certain
designated places.

They checked
to specifications there.

Throughout the whole
hospital structure, however,

I knew the specifications
would not stand inspection.

Who gave you instructions

as to where you were to get
your core samples?

Mr. Fairbanks.

There's an item
of and one half tons

of special steel cable.

Only one truckload
of steel cable

was delivered to the job,
Mr. Mason.

Their truck couldn't possibly
carry and a half tons.

It's a relief.

It's a relief
to get it off my chest.

Thank you, Mr. Duclerc.

I'd like to call
Mr. Eugene Milton.

Now, Mr. Milton,
you are the county auditor?

Yes, sir.

What is
your secretary's name?

Leora Mathews.

I have here some figures

broken down by the CPA firm
of Wyett and King,

which indicate--
I will take just this one item

which Mr. Duclerc mentioned.

Six and one half tons
of steel cable.

Duclerc mentioned
the steel cable?

That's right. He did.

What about it, Mr. Milton?

What about grade B
concrete blocks

at grade A prices

and second-quality plumbing
supplies at premium cost?

I still can't believe

that Duclerc mentioned
the steel cable.

Well, he did.

If I tell you
what I know, will--?

Will I get some sort
of protection?

Then you were connected
with the cover-up?

Who gave you orders?

The contractor,
Mr. George Fairbanks.

Who else was in the deal,
Marshall Scott?

I understand he was.

I didn't have
anything to do with him.

Mr. Foreman, we'll want

this man's
complete statement, of course.

May I suggest
that we expedite this hearing

and get on
with our next witness?

Thank you.

I'd like to call
Mr. George Fairbanks.

Now, Mr. Fairbanks,

you were the prime contractor on
the Northport Hospital project?

Yes.

When you submitted
your bid,

you were worried
about it being the low bid,

were you not?

Well, yes. We, uh--
We wanted the contract.

And so you went
to someone

to find out how you could
be assured of getting it?

I--

No.

No?

Didn't you give instructions
to Eugene Milton

to falsify his books?

And how about
Duclerc's core samples?

Am I imagining where he
was told to take them from?

And the $ , Marshall Scott's
wife turned over

to the district attorney?

How much, in all,
did you pay out, Mr. Fairbanks?

A hundred and fifty
thousand dollars.

And you watered
the construction

to make up for it?

Yes, I padded all costs.

It was the only thing
I could do.

No, sir,
it was not the only thing

you could have done.

Now, to whom did you pay
this $ , bribe?

I gave it
to Marshall Scott.

What was he supposed
to have done with it?

Keep $ , and take care
of the higher-ups.

Did he ever tell you who any
of these higher-ups were?

He only mentioned
one name.

What name, Mr. Fairbanks?

Brander Harris.

( spectators murmuring )

it's the truth,
I swear.

Why would I lie?

I'm in enough trouble now.

Marshall told me
Harris' cut was $ , .

( suspenseful theme playing )

I show you these broken pieces
of glass bookend, doctor,

marked people's exhibit A.

Now, I ask you if death
could have been caused by them.

Yes, sir. The wound on the skull
fits the shape of this bookend.

And what was
the time of death, doctor?

Sometime between and : p.m.
Thursday, December th.

Thank you, sir.
That'll be all.

Cross-examine.

No questions.

we arrived
at the Scott house at : ,

went in and found
Marshall Scott dead.

I see. Lieutenant,
I call your attention

to this glass bookend
marked people's exhibit A

and ask
if you had it examined.

Yes, sir.

We found
the decedent's blood

and the fingerprints of the
defendant, Brander Harris.

MASON:
I'll show you
these photographs

and ask
if you can identify them.

Yes, sir. I found the negative
and several prints

in the decedent's desk.

If it please the court,

I should like these marked
for identification

and entered in evidence.

JUDGE:
Mr. Mason?

MASON:
No objection, Your Honor.

Your witness.

Lieutenant,
I'm trying to recall

if there were two
glass bookends.

Yes, sir. They, um--
They come in pairs.

Were there any prints
on the unbroken one?

No, no prints,
Mr. Mason.

Thank you, lieutenant.
That's all.

JUDGE:
You may stand down,
lieutenant.

BURGER:
Miss Leora Mathews
to the stand please.

Miss Mathews,
would you tell the court

what transpired
in your hotel room

on the night
of December th?

Well, Brander--
That is, Mr. Harris

and I were having
a quiet time

when this guy busts
into the room

and takes our picture.

What guy, Miss Mathews?

I never
saw him before.

Go on, please.

Well, they started to fight,
and Brander got knocked out,

and the man went away.

Would you tell the court
what you and the defendant

were talking about
before this happened?

Well, Brander
was very upset.

He told me
that the grand jury

had got its bit
between its teeth

and was running away.

They wanted him
to investigate

the Northport Hospital
business.

So I asked him what he
was going to do about it.

And what was his response
to that?

Well, he said,
"Every man for himself."

He was going to put the spurs
to Marshall Scott.

Did he mention
any other names?

No, sir, he just said
that the only one

that could cut his throat
was Mr. Scott.

Thank you, Miss Mathews.
Cross-examine.

Miss Mathews,
did you know Marshall Scott?

No, I never met him.

Now, on the day of the m*rder,

do you recall my visit
to your hotel room?

Yes.

Just after I left,

you tried to make
a telephone call, did you not?

Phone call?

MASON:
Not being able to reach
the hotel operator,

you went downstairs to the lobby
and used the pay phone?

Well, yes.

What number did you dial,
Miss Mathews?

I don't remember.

Could the number have been
Dakota - ?

It could have been, yes.

That's Marshall Scott's
home telephone number.

Now, you did know him,
did you not?

Well, I didn't
admit it because, well,

you might misunderstand
our relationship.

And you have known him
for a long time, haven't you?

Just a couple of years.

Wasn't it because
of your love and affection

for Marshall Scott
that you conspired with him

to entrap Brander Harris?

I didn't conspire
with anybody for anything.

Then it was just
pure coincidence

that the pictures taken
of you and Brander Harris

were delivered
to Marshall Scott?

Thank you, Miss Mathews.

BURGER:
Now, Mrs. Scott,
did your husband

make any phone calls
from your home

during the day
of December th?

MRS. SCOTT:
Yes, he did.
He made two of them.

The first one was made
about : in the morning.

BURGER:
Do you know to whom your husband
was talking at that time?

No, I don't.

But you did hear
what Mr. Scott said.

He said something
to the effect

that he might have to drop
out of sight for a while

because Mr. Harris
would be gunning for him.

I see.

Now, Mrs. Scott, what time did
you return home that evening?

About after .

Marshall was dead.

I left later on
to go to your office.

Why did you do that?

To tell you
about the $ ,

I found
in Marshall's hatbox.

Of course.

Thank you, Mrs. Scott.
Cross-examine.

Now, Mrs. Scott,
you testified

that your husband made
two phone calls that day.

What time
was the second call made?

At exactly : .

Would you happen to know
whom he was calling?

I heard him ask
for Mr. James Castleton.

You said the call was made
to Mr. Castleton

at exactly : .

MRS. SCOTT:
Yes.

What makes you so positive
about the time?

Because I left the house
five minutes later, : ,

to pick up my daughter
at college.

MASON:
And you brought her home?

MRS. SCOTT:
No, I drove her
to a friend's house,

Julie Stewart's, and then
I returned home alone.

And when did you arrive?

At about after .

Now, in checking,

we find that you
left the Stewart home at : .

They live only minutes
from the campus.

What took you so long?

We were delayed.

We had a flat tire.

Did you go to a garage?

No, it was way out
on Valley Boulevard.

A gentleman stopped

and was kind enough
to change it for us.

Did you get the name
of the gentleman?

No.

What kind of a car
was he driving?

A blue one.

What make?

I don't know! I don't know!

Mr. Mason,
I lied about the flat tire.

Mother, don't!

JUDGE:
Order.

Order in the courtroom.

Now, I'll tolerate
no more outbursts.

Proceed,
Mr. Mason.

Your Honor.

Now, I want the truth,
Mrs. Scott.

What time
did you really arrive home?

At a quarter to .

My husband was dead.

And being frightened,

you decided to phone
the police anonymously

and drive Helen
to her friend's house?

Yes, that's right.

Now, we've heard evidence

that your husband d*ed
between and : .

And you say you arrived
at a quarter to .

Then that proves that
I didn't k*ll my husband,

if that's what you mean.

But can you prove

that you arrived
at a quarter to : ?

Yes. I didn't dare mention this
to the police before,

but when I turned our corner,
I almost hit a car

that was going
in the opposite direction.

Driven by the same gentleman
who fixed your flat tire?

I tell you,
I'm speaking the truth now.

It was a white convertible.

I just barely scraped
his fender.

Did the driver
stop the car?

No, but if you look
at my fender,

you can see traces
of white paint.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Scott,

that won't tell us
when it happened.

Now, you testified
that you lied

about the time
of your arrival

because you were afraid.

Yes.

What were you afraid of?

People knew
that Marshall and I

didn't get along too well.

Is that the only reason?

Yes, that's right.

We have, in the course
of our investigation,

uncovered $ , bribe.

You turned in , of it
to Mr. Burger.

How much didn't you
turn in?

Did you hold out
a share, Mrs. Scott?

No, I turned in
every penny I found!

Then what happened
to that other $ , ?

Your Honor, I protest.
Mrs. Scott is not on trial here.

If counselor will consent
to my calling my next witness,

I believe we can clear up
the whereabouts

of the missing money.

Mr. Mason, have you finished
your examination of the witness?

No, your honor,
but I will defer

if I'm allowed the privilege
of recalling her later.

Granted.
Call your witness, Mr. Burger.

I call Mr. James Castleton.

JUDGE:
You may step down,
Mrs. Scott.

Raise your right hand.

Do you solemnly swear
to tell the truth,

the whole truth,
and nothing but the truth?

CASTLETON:
I do.

State your name.

James Castleton.

Be seated, please.

And now, about these
photographs, Mr. Castleton.

Could you tell us
who sent them to you?

Yes. Marshall Scott sent them
after a phone call to me.

Did you have a conversation
with the defendant

about that phone call?

CASTLETON:
Yes.

I believe
that if I question you

about that conversation,
that Mr. Mason will object.

Therefore,
I can only question you

about the duration
of the conversation.

On the contrary, Your Honor.

Mr. Mason
has no objection whatever.

The witness can testify

to the entire conversation
if he wishes.

That would be hearsay,
Mr. Mason.

The defense considers it
part of the res gestae.

If it isn't brought out
on direct,

we'll ask for the conversation
on cross.

JUDGE:
Very well.
Continue, Mr. Burger.

All right, Mr. Castleton.

Tell us about the conversation.

I asked the defendant
to confirm or deny

certain statements
by Marshall Scott

that he had paid Harris
$ ,

to keep his nose out
of the hospital investigation.

What did Mr. Harris say
to that?

He said he considered
my question insulting.

Did you tell him

about any other statements
by Mr. Scott?

Yes, I told him
that Scott said

he knew Harris
had the goods on him,

but that he'd bring Harris
down with him when he fell.

And what was Mr. Harris'
reaction to that?

He hung up on me.

I see.
Thank you, Mr. Castleton.

Cross-examine.

Mr. Castleton, do you recall
my visit to your office

to discuss
those photographs?

Yes, I do.

Do you recall saying

the first time
you saw the photographs

was when Mr. Blake's
messenger arrived with them?

Yes, while I'd spoken
to Marshall Scott

about the photographs,
I hadn't actually seen them

until Mr. Blake's
messenger arrived.

Now, where did Mr. Blake say
he got the photographs?

What?

Mr. Blake had the photographs
at Marchands.

He must have assured you
that his source was reliable.

Where'd he get them?

I, uh, I guess
I've confused my chronology.

Actually, uh, I remember
Mr. Scott mentioned

that he had sent copies
to Mr. Blake and myself

at the same time.

I suggest that we unravel
the confusion by admitting

that Mr. Scott didn't send
Mr. Blake a copy at all.

You were the one
who gave it to him.

Yes, I guess I did.

I-- I always take Mr. Blake
into my confidence.

Thank you.

Now, at any time, did you act
as a go-between

for the purpose of insuring

that Fairbanks
got that hospital contract?

Certainly not.

Did you arrange for Marshall
Scott to receive $ , ?

You're a little confused,
Mr. Mason.

I believe Mrs. Scott testified

that she had found $ ,
in their home.

But you testified
on direct examination

that Scott told you

he was to pay the defendant
$ , as a bribe.

Yes.

Yet when you spoke
to the defendant,

didn't he deny that?

No.

He did say he considered
the question insulting.

Yes.

So wouldn't you say there was
a strong possibility

that the deceased lied
and withheld the $ ,

he claimed was Harris' cut?

I object, Your Honor.

That calls for a conclusion
not based on the facts.

JUDGE:
Sustained.

Now, isn't it a fact
that when the grand jury

started to investigate
the hospital,

you got in touch with Scott

and demanded
he stop Harris?

Absolutely not.

Would you describe
your activities

on the night
of the m*rder?

( sighs )

Well, there's very little
to describe.

I went to work at :
and remained in the office

till a little
after : .

And I suppose the members
of the Sun Ledger staff

can vouch for that?

They certainly can.

Your Honor,
I would like to interrupt

my cross-examination
of this witness

to recall
a previous witness.

Does Mr. Burger
have an objection?

Which witness?

MASON:
Lieutenant Tragg.

No objection.

You may step down.

Lieutenant Tragg, please.

Now, lieutenant,
did the police laboratory

perform any of the very
delicate chemical tests

such as the benzidine test
on the other bookend?

That is,
the unbroken one?

No, sir.
Why should we?

It wasn't
the m*rder w*apon.

How can you be positive
it wasn't, lieutenant?

Well, because there was blood
and fingerprints

on the broken bookend.

And none on the other.

You, therefore,
jumped to a conclusion.

But couldn't it have been the
unbroken bookend, lieutenant?

They were twins,
weren't they?

If the depression
in the skull accommodated one,

wouldn't it accommodate
the other as well?

Yes, it would. But then it would
have to be wiped off

to make the broken bookend
seem to be the m*rder w*apon.

And while it was being
wiped off,

all prints would be erased,
wouldn't they?

Yes, yes, yeah.

Now, lieutenant, despite
the wiping, a benzidine test

would show traces of blood,
wouldn't it?

You could wipe it
several times,

and it would still
show up.

Thank you, lieutenant.

I now request
Mr. James Castleton

to return to the stand.

Step down, lieutenant.

You understand, Mr. Castleton,
you're still under oath.

Now, Mr. Castleton,
I'll ask you once again.

What were your activities
on the night of the m*rder?

I was in my office.

I believe you own a convertible.
Is that correct?

Yes.

What color?

White.

We've heard Mrs. Scott testify

that on her way home that night,

her car was scraped
by a white convertible.

By any chance,
was it your car?

Remember, Mr. Castleton,
you're under oath.

Also remember
that Mrs. Scott testified

there were traces
of white paint

from the car in question
on her fender.

It would be a simple matter
to see if that sample

matches the paint
on your car.

So I ask you once again,
Mr. Castleton,

what were your activities
on the night of the m*rder?

I wish to make a statement,
Your Honor.

I confess
to being the principle party

in the payoff
of the Northport graft.

And the m*rder
of Marshall Scott?

No, I told you.
I was in my office that night.

Someone borrowed my car.

For years now,
I've done his dirty work.

He taught me
to lie and steal.

"This is how a manipulator
works," he said.

"You've got to learn
every facet

"if you want to step
into my shoes.

We pull strings and control
votes and representatives."

So I failed, Mr. Blake.

( mysterious theme playing )

I've taken all the risks
for you, all the blame,

all the chances,
all these years.

But I didn't go to Marshall
Scott's house for you.

I wasn't that enraged
at Scott's double-cross.

Do you want me to take
the blame for that, too?

No. No, Jimmy.

I guess nobody
can fill my shoes this time.

( light classical music
playing )

And that's when Mr. Blake

took a hand
in the proceedings.

He was the one who went
to see Marshall Scott

on the night
of the m*rder.

I thought
that was Castleton.

No, that was Mr. Blake
himself.

When he found out that Scott
had double-crossed him

and couldn't control you,
why, he--

He exploded
and k*lled Scott.

That's the part
I find difficult to believe.

I mean, a man like Blake
deliberately committing m*rder.

Well, in all fairness to him,

I don't think there was
any premeditation involved.

If there had been,

he would have sent
a professional k*ller

or at least
taken a g*n along.

He certainly wouldn't have
relied on that bookend.

Well, premeditation or no,

I don't know
how I can every repay you.

Uh--

( laughing )

( noirish jazz theme playing )