03x23 - The Case of the Slandered Submarine

[bunniefuu]

( noirish jazz theme playing )

( triumphant theme playing )

MAN:
Hello, Jim.

How's Naval Research?

What're you doing back
on the old submarine?

I'm the project officer.

We're moving out on the Alpha
Electronic test tomorrow.

What is it, Jerry?

One of my boys in trouble
with Naval Intelligence?

Still your "boys"
after three months.

You heard about the m*rder
of the café entertainer?

Well, the police
want our cooperation.

Sergeant Cole will be aboard
at to talk to the crew.

What makes them think one
of my boys might be involved?

None of them wear glasses.

Well, the crushed lens
found in the m*rder room

was a plain-colored sunglass.

No corrective
values whatsoever.

The police believe the glasses

may have been used
as a disguise.

The sailor seen leaving
the premises after the mu

could have been a civilian using
a uniform as a disguise too.

According to the police, there
was a Navy man in her life.

This is a pretty big Navy.

And I understand that girl
knew a sailor or two.

I'm sorry, Jim,
but there's reason to believe

that this sailor may be a member
of the Moray's crew.

Hey, Chapman,
meet Johnny Larkin.

Brown's replacement.
Hi.

Hi.

Well, now.
What have we here?

"To Brownie. Always, Dolores."

Not that I wanna hitch
in sick bay,

but I sure wouldn't mind
replacing Brown

in this department.

It would've been
no sweat.

What do you mean,
"would've been"?

Is she out of circulation,
chief?

Permanently.

Someone tied a knot
around her neck...

with a nylon stocking.

Well, uh, any of you fellas
ever make any time with her?

Not me.

I was outmanned
before I came on deck.

Well,
nobody's admitting it now,

you know,
what with her m*rder and all,

but, uh, you could say

I was a close friend.

Come on, Larkin,
I'll show you around.

I'll see you later,
fellas.

( mysterious theme playing )

( dramatic theme playing )

( mysterious theme playing )

Page can smell an inferior
piece of equipment

without setting a foot
in the plant.

I know.
I served with him for six years.

Hansford,

I intend to get that contract.

Oh, let's face it, Gordon,

our system can't compete
with Devco's.

It simply will not stand a
temperature rise of degrees.

And Page won't let up
long enough to let it cool off.

I'm only interested
in the end result.

You know that Page and I
barely tolerate each other

since he married Vivian.

Nevertheless, you'll be
aboard the Moray with us

when she leaves
tomorrow morning.

( intercom buzzes )

Yes?

MAN:
Commander Page to see you,
Mr. Russell.

Have him come in.
Yes, sir.

RUSSELL:
How are you, commander?

Hello, Mr. Russell.
You know Hansford.

Hello, Lou.

Won't you sit down?

What did you think
of the gadget, commander?

I'd rather reserve my opinion
until I've had an opportunity

of seeing the entire
unit in action.

Hm. I'm sure you won't mind
answering a few questions.

After all, I do know the Devco
test showed great promise.

Mr. Russell,
I'd like to know

how you found out
that information.

Come, come, Page.

If Alpha Electronics
is going to remain in business,

I must know what
the competition's doing.

Now, look, commander,

I've spent a lot of money in
the development of this device,

and I'm prepared
to spend more.

Russell,

you know better than to try
to buy a favorable report.

Commander.

I suggest you speak
to your wife.

( dramatic theme playing )

Darling.

Vivian,
what connection is there

between you
and Alpha Electronics?

MAN:
I own it.

It's one of several plants
that I recently acquired.

Well,
why didn't you tell me?

You know I'm testing
their equipment.

The Navy could take a dim view
of a contract awarded,

on my recommendation,
to my father-in-law.

Oh, Jim.
Alpha Electronics

wasn't purchased
with the intention

of trading
on our relationship.

It happens to be the hub

of a projected $ million
enterprise.

And I suppose you only
learned about it this morning.

Dad did tell me about it
three weeks ago.

That was just after the
conclusion of the Devco tests.

So Russell had no difficulty
in obtaining his information.

The reason I didn't mention
Alpha Electronics

was to avoid influencing
any of your decisions.

Oh, Jim,
you must believe me.

If you have any doubts, I
suggest you disqualify yourself.

Yes,

it would be easier with me
out of the way, wouldn't it?

The test will take place
as scheduled,

but I'm gonna request
an investigation.

( dramatic theme playing )

( muttering )

Whom are we impressing?

Uh, Mr. Anthony M. Beldon.

The, uh,
M stands for "money."

Anyway the office needed
tidying up.

Well, we certainly
mustn't keep him waiting.

No, no.

Mr. Beldon, will you come in?
Thank you.

Mason.
How do you do?

Mr. Beldon, won't you sit down?
Thank you.

Mr. Mason, I understand that you
are the only man in California

with the necessary
qualifications

for the legal action
that I have in mind.

What legal action,
Mr. Beldon?

To institute a suit against
the United States Navy.

Can I do it?

Common law holds
that a government body

is immune to suit,
providing its activities remain

within the strict purviews
of governmental affairs.

However, if you have
valid justification,

you may seek redress.

Will $, be sufficient
as a retainer?

I assume you do have
such, eh, justification?

Mr. Mason, I didn't come here
to be cross-examined.

I came here
to retain an attorney.

You haven't answered
my question.

Aren't you interested
in my fee?

Mr. Beldon,
I suppose you're accustomed

to owning what you pay for,

but this entitles you only
to my services as counsel.

And your attitude
has virtually eliminated

my inclination
and availability.

Well,
I'll get a run for my money,

if you're half as tough
with the Navy.

The Navy has never knowingly
refused to rectify an injustice.

Mr. Mason,

a device manufactured
by Alpha Electronics,

one of my subsidiaries,

will be tested aboard
the submarine U.S.S. Moray

at Terminal Island.

I have reason
to believe those tests

will not be judged
with impartiality.

Why won't they?

Commander Page,
who's in charge of the tests,

happens to be
my son-in-law.

Now, he's convinced
that Vivian,

my daughter, and I are engaged
in some sort of a conspiracy.

And you want Page relieved
of this particular command?

Yes.

Will you accept
my retainer?

Oh, we'll hold it,
Mr. Beldon.

However, I would like to talk
to Commander Page first.

All right. The Moray
will be making a test run

with our device
at : in the morning.

She should be back
in the harbor by .

I'll be there.
Good.

Anthony M. Beldon?
Well, is he a client?

I won't know that until
I get to Terminal Island

tomorrow morning
at :.

I'll pick you up
at :.

( military theme playing )

Sir.

Oh, come in,
chief.

I, uh-- I didn't know

you were using
the captain's quarters, sir.

Oh, Commander Stewart thought
I might be more at home here.

So you will, sir.
Just like old times.

Can I help?

Oh, I cut it on a sliver
of glass

when we started
to inventory Brown's gear.

You know if Brown was acquainted
with that m*rder*d girl?

Well, sir, they--
They were friends.

But those shoes
belong to Chapman.

His locker is right next
to Brown's,

and I opened it by mistake.

Well, let's not convict him
on suspicion.

These slivers of glass
don't prove that Chapman

put that nylon stocking
around that dead girl's neck.

Sir, it's only that the police
were questioning us yesterday

about that crushed lens
they found next to her body.

I'll check it, chief.

In the meantime, I don't want
any idle speculations.

Aye, aye, sir.

Oh, welcome aboard,
gentlemen.

I'm sure you can use the
captain's quarters to change.

Thanks.
Where's Mr. Beldon?

In the control room.

They're uncrating
the basic unit.

Beldon?
What's Beldon doing aboard?

He's an official
of Alpha Electronics.

As a matter of fact,
he owns it.

Or did Vivian
forget to tell you?

Lou, there was a time
when we were very good friends.

How could you have stolen Vivian
from me

if you hadn't have been
my best friend?

Please see
that these gentlemen

get every assistance
they need.

Still carrying the torch,
hm?

Can't you forget Page
is the man who married her?

Matt, please call me when
they're ready for the test.

Hansford said it would be
at least an hour.

That means two.

Hey, is it chilly in here,
or is it me?

Probably due to your
lack of sleep.

Why don't you get
some shuteye?

Thanks, Matt, but there's
still that little matter

of Chapman's shoes,
remember?

I'll talk it over
with you later, Jim.

You've known these boys
longer than I have.

All right, Matt.

( mysterious theme playing )

( sighs )

( triumphant theme playing )

MAN:
Commander. We're all ready, sir.

Sir?

Commander Pa--?

( dramatic theme playing )

( mysterious theme playing )

I object to this indignity.

The Navy has no
jurisdiction over us.

Your protest
and lack of cooperation

will be duly noted,
Mr. Beldon.

Chapman's shoes are not
in this bag, sir.

And there's no sign
of Commander Page's letter.

Well, if there's no further
reason for detaining us...

You may leave.

However, you will hold
yourselves available

for the inquest.

Matt, are you sure that Jim
didn't mail that letter

asking for an investigation
into Beldon's activities?

He told me he'd
deliver it personally

right after the test run.

That's when he gave me
the carbon copy for my files.

We've checked everything,
including the torpedo tubes.

There's no trace
of Chapman's shoes.

They might have been
disposed of at sea.

Matt, I want all personnel
restricted to the ship.

No liberty for anyone
until I've questioned Chapman.

Yes, sir.
Wait right here, sir.

The Moray, huh?

That sub made the headlines
three weeks ago.

Her crew was questioned
about the strangling

of a girl here in Long Beach.
The case is still open.

A Mr. Perry Mason and Mr. Drake
to see Commander Page, sir.

Perry Mason,
the attorney?

His office called Jim
last night for the appointment.

Take Chapman to my office as
soon as the ambulance moves out.

You'd better go along with 'em,
chief.

Aye, aye, sir.

Mr. Mason. Mr. Drake.
I'm Commander Burke

of Naval Intelligence.
Commander.

Would you mind
telling me the purpose

of your appointment
with Commander Page?

I'm sorry, but I can't divulge
that information at the moment.

Perhaps Commander Page might be
willing to enlighten you.

I'm afraid the answer will have
to come from you, Mr. Mason.

Commander Page is dead.

Some question about his death?

No question.

It was m*rder.

( dramatic theme playing )

It wasn't necessary
to return this check, Mr. Mason.

The manner in which
your son-in-law died,

and the fact that you
withheld certain information,

would have made your retainer
unacceptable in any event.

Mr. Mason, are you suggesting
that my father

may have had something to do
with my husband's death?

No. But your husband died
believing you'd betrayed him.

He'd accused you
of revealing

certain information
to Mr. Russell.

And I don't think you
would have enjoyed the spotlight

of a Naval investigation.

I won't even bother
denying such nonsense.

Commander Burke
was under the impression

that I'd been retained to defend
you against that nonsense.

( phone rings )

Excuse me.

Hello.

Yes, just a minute.

It's your secretary.

Yes, Della.

Perry, I've been trying to
reach you for over an hour.

Well, there was a man
that called from San Pedro

who refused to identify himself.

He seemed very insistent
about seeing you.

So when he mentioned the Moray

I told him you might be
at Page's home.

Thanks.
I haven't heard from him.

I'll talk to you later.

Mr. Mason, you seem to have
the impression

that my father...

The Navy is holding
Robert Chapman

for the m*rder
of my husband.

A man we don't
even know.

Your husband was m*rder*d at
a time he was about to test

the Alpha Electronic
device.

Your father was aboard
at that time.

( door opens )

( door closes )

Perry, I can't understand why
you got so involved in there.

I thought all you wanted to do
was return his check.

I wonder on what evidence

the Navy's holding
this man Chapman.

MASON:
What's this?

"Would you be interested in
representing Robert Chapman?"

Any signature?

No.

Could be Della's
unidentified caller.

Oh. These bills are new

and numbered consecutively.

Mr. Anonymous may have left
his name in some bank.

Mm-hm. And someone might be
able to identify

the handwriting
on that note.

I'll start
with Robert Chapman.

( dramatic theme playing )

The handwriting
looks familiar,

but I just can't
seem to place it.

Mr. Mason, I'm going to be tried
by a Navy court-martial.

Even though the Navy
has appointed

a qualified officer
to defend you,

you're also allowed
to retain individual counsel.

What's the use?
I can't pay you anyway.

Someone else
is willing to do that.

There was $,
enclosed with that note.

Five thousand...

I must be crazy. She couldn't
have written this, she's dead.

You mean Dolores
couldn't have written it?

According to Commander Burke,
you denied knowing Dolores,

but the glass particles
in your missing shoes

indicated you were there
the night she was m*rder*d.

Oh, I knew her.

Maybe not as well
as some of the others did,

but then,
I was only her husband.

When the police uncover that
fact, if they haven't already,

they may assume you
concealed your marriage

to avoid implicating yourself.

Dolores asked me not to tell.

Besides,
who was I going to tell anyway?

The guys she was
running around with?

You just don't brag about
that kind of wife.

How long were you married?

Less than six months.

I thought it would work out
after she promised

to quit the Aloha,
that's the bar where she worked,

and go to live with my parents
in Kansas City.

I bought her a whole new outfit.

Dresses, lingerie, shoes...

Stockings?

Three pair.

She was strangled
with one of them.

It all adds up,
doesn't it, Mr. Mason?

I had to k*ll Commander Page
to prevent him

from discovering
I'd m*rder*d Dolores.

Did you?

No, sir, I didn't.

What made Dolores
change her mind

about going to live
with your parents?

Five thousand dollars.

She showed it to me
later on that same night

before she was...
m*rder*d.

I went back to the house
hoping I could

talk her into returning
the money.

Why didn't you
report the m*rder?

Well, I didn't know
she was dead that night.

I didn't go in the house.

The door was locked. I knocked--
Knocked?

You certainly must have had
a key to your own house.

I'd thrown my key away.

( mysterious theme playing )

Well, if you decide you want it,
just call Ernest Pritchard, huh?

Having trouble?

Yeah, everybody wants to know
where her body was found.

I-it's like trying
to lease the morgue.

My name is Mason.
I'm Robert Chapman's attorney.

Oh. He's a--
He's a nice kid.

I'm glad he got a lawyer.

Were you here when they
discovered Delores Chapman?

Yeah. I was the one
that found her body.

You know, the minute
I got here the next morning,

I knew something
was wrong.

That-- That sign was trampled
down into the lawn.

You know, Chapman must have
run from the house

like a drunk
or a blind man that night.

He said he didn't
enter the house.

Well, then how did his shoes
pick up that glass?

That's-- That's what you
were looking for, wasn't it?

The only glass I saw

was that crushed lens

near her body.

Uh, that mat.
Yeah?

Was that here
the night of the m*rder?

Oh, yeah,
that's where it always is.

I-I was just using it
to prop the door back.

But the police examined it,
and they didn't find anything.

MASON:
That mat is smaller
than the outline.

Hm?

It's that Hazelton woman
next door.

She's always trading things.
This is her mat.

She's got Chapman's here.

Eh.

There you are.

So Chapman
was telling the truth.

He didn't go
inside the house.

How come you're so interested
in this crime, Mason?

The theory is that both crimes

were committed
by the same person.

This may tell us
who that person is.

Thank you, Mr. Pritchard.

( mysterious theme playing )

( Hawaiian music playing )

( door opens )

Hi, Perry.

How long have you
been here?

Long enough to learn
that the bartender's name

is Julio Remarto,
and that he's Dolores' uncle.

That's why her picture's
still hanging there.

He refuses to take it down

until the man who m*rder*d
Dolores is dead.

How about the money?

Pick up anything on it?

This $, was withdrawn
from the Long Beach State Bank

three weeks ago
by Alpha Electronics.

Dolores had $,
the day she was m*rder*d.

And that was three weeks ago.

Yeah. And that's about the time
Beldon, Hansford, and Russell,

the brass at Alpha Electronics,

tried to pick up
the Devco test results.

They get that information
from Dolores?

Well, they bought something
with that ,,

and I don't think
it was entertainment.

And Russell. He's the guy
who invented angles.

He never misses.

What about Hansford?

He's their chief engineer.

And if you're thinking in terms
of a suspect for Page's m*rder,

he fits. He was formerly
Vivian Page's boyfriend.

He's hated Page ever since
the day they were married.

And, uh, Beldon?

Well, his activities are spread
all over the country.

Oil, chemicals, electronics.

He bought into Alpha Electronics
only when he couldn't buy Devco.

Quite an assortment.

Paul, I want them covered
from now on.

All right.

We also need
a detailed breakdown

on the chemical composition

and optical properties
of this glass.

This piece should be
big enough for the purpose.

Mr. Mason,

we spend hundreds of thousands
of dollars each year.

I don't see how you expect us
to remember

a $, expenditure.

I'm sure Alpha Electronics keeps
at least one set of books.

I resent
your insinuation.

If Commander Page had accepted
Mr. Russell's offer,

what sort of entry would
have been made for bribery?

I don't believe
this involves me.

I had nothing to do
with bribing Page.

MASON:
m*rder is more important
than bribery.

You were present on the Moray.
I suggest you remain.

I would still like to know
how Alpha Electronics

spent this $,.

I fail to see how that money
affects your client's case.

His wife, Dolores, had $,
just before she was m*rder*d.

That doesn't prove
it was the same money

we drew from our bank.

Just what are you
alluding to now?

The matter of how you obtained
the Devco test results.

( dramatic theme playing )

Della, may I have
the manual for courts-martial?

DELLA:
I'll get it.
I'll bring it right in.

( knock on door )

Hi, Perry.
Paul.

Here's the report on Messrs.
Beldon, Hansford and Russell.

It's not very much.

What about the glass found
at the Chapman place?

Uh, the lab's still working
on the optical properties,

however, an analysis
of the chemical composition

proved that those particles
are not plain glass.

( rings )

Yes, Gertie.
Oh, put him on.

It's Commander Reynolds,
the appointed defense counsel.

Hello, Commander.

( man speaking indistinctly )

June st.

Thank you.

Right.

Thanks again.

( receiver clicks )

Well, they've just referred the
charge against Robert Chapman

to trial
by general court-martial.

They must have the evidence.

Well, that doesn't necessarily
mean he's guilty.

What Paul means
is they don't try a man

by general court-martial
unless they have

substantial evidence
against him.

Well, maybe there are some facts
that the Navy doesn't know.

Della, the only thing the Navy
might not know about

is what the Army's doing.

Oh.
( phone rings )

Yes, Gertie. Put him on.

( Hawaiian music playing )

Just a moment, please.

It's the man from San Pedro.
I recognize his voice.

Hello.

( man speaking indistinctly )

No, there are no
additional funds required

for Chapman's defense.
But who are you?

( clicks )

Mr. Anonymous?

Perry, I don't know
if it would help or not,

but each time
that man called

there was Hawaiian music
being played.

The jukebox at the Aloha Café.

Paul,
there were quite a number

of the Moray's crew
at that place, weren't there?

Sure. It's their hangout.
But don't forget,

when the money
was put in your car,

the entire crew was restricted.

Except for Chief Scott.

He was in Burke's office
when we arrived.

He left right after
making his statement.

Della--

Call the Aloha Café at San Pedro
and ask for Chief Scott.

Right.

( phone rings )

Hello. Aloha Café.

Just a minute, miss.

Chief.

It's for you.
Who is it?

I don't know,
but she sounds nice.

Oh, these dames.
They just won't let me alone.

Hello.

Oh, I'm sorry,
I don't recognize your voice,

but if you wanna come down
here to the Aloha,

I'll buy you a drink.

Chief Scott is the man
who called here.

I'll be on my way.
Call Commander Reynolds,

tell him to meet me
at the Aloha Café.

See you later, Paul.

All right, sir, I put that money
in Mr. Mason's car.

Is that a crime,
to help someone?

Possession of that money
could be a crime.

That money came
from Alpha Electronics,

and we have reason to believe
that it was used

to buy the results
of the Devco test.

I didn't sell them anything.

That $, was a down payment

for a half interest
in the Aloha.

We were gonna buy it
from Julio.

Who's the "we"?

Who was buying
the other half interest?

Dolores Chapman.

She was the main attraction
in the place.

Having her as a partner
would have been good business.

When did she, uh,
give you that down payment?

A few hours
before she was k*lled.

I've kept the money in
a safe deposit box ever since.

I-- I didn't know
what to do with it.

Until Chapman
was arrested.

Why did you use

this, uh, anonymous method
of helping him?

I just didn't wanna
get involved, that's all.

Then when I heard that Chapman
was married to Dolores, I--

I wanted to return the money.

I thought he'd need it.

MAN:
Violation of the Uniform Code of
Military Justice, Article .

Specification:
In that Robert Samuel Chapman,

Machinist Mate Second Class,
United States Navy,

did onboard the U.S.S. Moray
on May th,

with premeditation,

m*rder James Edward Page,
Commander, United States Navy,

by means of stabbing him
with a screwdriver.

The charge was served on
the accused by me on May th.

Before making your plea
you are advised that any motion

to dismiss any charge
or to grant any relief

should be made at this time.

Robert Chapman,
how do you plead?

The defense has no motions
to be made.

The accused,
Robert Chapman, pleads,

to the specifications
and charge:

not guilty.

Trial counsel may proceed.

The prosecution
has no opening statement.

We call as a witness
Commander Jerome Burke.

State your full name,
rank, organization,

station and armed force.

Jerome Burke, Commander,

Naval Intelligence,
th Naval District,

United States Navy.

Do you know the accused?

I do.

Commander Burke,
on the afternoon of May th

you took the accused
into custody?

Yes, sir. He was arrested

for the theft
of a pair of his own shoes,

which had been in the possession
of Commander Page.

Go on, commander.

The heels of the shoes
contained glass particles.

A crushed glass lens had been
found at the scene of a m*rder.

What m*rder was that?

The m*rder of Dolores Chapman,

the defendant's wife.

Now, it seems the trial counsel
is inquiring into matters

not specifically connected
with the matter at hand.

Mr. Mason,
do you have an objection?

Defense has no objection.

MAN:
You may proceed, sir.

I will now go to the morning
of May th.

What transpired on that morning,
commander?

I received a message
from the U.S.S. Moray

informing me
of Commander Page's death.

I found his body
on his back,

the plastic handle
of a screwdriver

protruding from his chest.

I show you this screwdriver,

prosecution exhibit
number two,

the m*rder w*apon,
and ask if you can identify it.

Yes. It's one of a set
belonging to Chapman.

His initials are on it.

And was this tested
for fingerprints?

It was.

Most of the prints
were smudged,

however, there was one
identifiable thumbprint.

The defendant's,
Robert Chapman.

Thank you.

The prosecution has no further
questions of this witness.

Commander Burke,
you stated that a glass lens,

which had been crushed,
was found at the scene

of Dolores Chapman's m*rder.

That's right.

Was that, uh, lens examined
for optical qualities?

It was.
According to the police,

it was not a prescription lens.

It was simply the smoke-colored
lens of a sunglass.

Now, commander, you testified
that the screwdriver in question

belonged to Robert Chapman.

Isn't it true that tools,
when in use,

were available to other
members of the crew?

As a matter of fact,
to anybody present?

Well, yes. Yes.

Now, along with
Robert Chapman's shoes,

a letter,
written by Commander Page,

disappeared from
his compartment.

Did that letter make any
reference to the defendant?

No.

Then there were two thefts,

one of which had no bearing
on the accused?

That is correct.

To whom
did the letter refer?

It referred
to the people connected

with Alpha Electronics.

In what way?

It contained a request for
a Naval Board of Investigation.

The court has a question
to ask trial counsel.

Does the prosecution intend
to introduce

the letter in question
at a later time?

No. Defense has stipulated
as to the letter,

after being made aware
of its contents.

Since the letter
will serve no purpose

in the prosecution's case,

it has been forwarded
to Admiral Lansing

for such measures
as he may deem necessary.

Defense counsel may continue.

Commander Burke,
have you been able to establish

that Chapman took that letter?
No.

Now, you placed the defendant
under arrest

for the theft of his own shoes.

What has happened
to that charge of theft?

That charge has been dropped
due to the lack of evidence.

Thank you, commander.
That'll be all.

Are there any questions
by the court?

No questions.

MAN:
Before excusing the witness,
it's my duty to instr

not to discuss your testimony
in this case with anyone

except the counsel
or the accused.

You'll not allow any witness
in this case to talk to you

about the evidence he has given
or intends to give.

Now, Mr. Russell, you've stated
that you were aboard the Moray

at the time
of Commander Page's death.

During that time did you have
occasion to meet the accused?

He was assigned by
Commander Stewart to assist us.

And did the accused
remain with you

during the entire period
of preparation?

No. No, he disappeared
about a half hour

before the test
was scheduled to start.

MAN:
Now, just how did the accused
assist you before he left?

RUSSELL:
He helped uncrate the basic unit

and bolted together
some of the interlocking parts.

Did he use
a particular tool?

He used two tools.

A wrench
and a screwdriver.

I show you exhibit
and ask if you can identify it.

Not positively.

As I have said before,

it appears to be
the same screwdriver

he used in my presence, but I
can identify it only generally,

uh, just as to shape and size.

I ask you to examine the length
of the screwdriver blade.

RUSSELL:
I can say it was
approximately this long.

MAN:
That's inches long.

Yes, sir. The screwdriver
the defendant used

was at least this long.

Thank you.
No further questions.

Mr. Russell, who was with you
in the control room

at the time
of the uncrating?

Well, there was Chapman,
Chief Scott,

Mr. Beldon and Hansford.

At the time the accused
left the control room,

did he leave
the screwdriver?

I don't know.

MASON:
Did you see the screwdriver at
any time after the accused left?

I don't recall.

If he did leave
the screwdriver there,

it would've been
accessible

to anybody in the control room,
however?

Yes. I imagine so.

Now,
who else left the control room

about the time
of the start of the test?

I don't know.
I didn't take note.

But you did note
the departure of the accused?

Yes.

Yes.

Thank you,
that'll be all.

Yes, sir. It's Chapman's.

He bought a set
of that kind.

None of the crew
had a screwdriver

with a long thin blade
like that.

None of the crew?
No, sir.

They all had the shorter
machine-shop issue.

But every man on the crew
knew his was different

and identifiable too, sir.

MAN:
Mr. Beldon,
when the Moray surfaced

and you went up
on the bridge for a smoke,

besides an officer
and the watch,

was anyone else there?

Yes. Robert Chapman.

What was the accused doing?

He was in the act of discarding
a box of trash overboard,

on Commander Stewart's orders.

A large amount?

Well, I wouldn't know
what would be large or small.

It seemed like a large amount.

Large enough to have contained
a pair of shoes?

Oh, yes.

No further questions.

Mr. Beldon,

could you have thrown
something overboard

without being observed?

Well, as far as I know.

Then you could've torn
a letter to bits

and, uh, thrown the pieces
overboard, could you not?

Yes.

Thank you. That's all.

Now, Mr. Hansford,
please relate what transpired

as you passed Commander
Stewart's compartment?

Well,
the curtain wasn't quite closed,

I had come to tell
Commander Page

that the equipment
would be ready in minutes.

Not later,
as we had first thought.

Go on.

I was about to go in when I saw
someone bending over his bunk.

The person's arm was extended,

touching or holding something.

Then he straightened up,
turned around and started out.

I ducked around
the corridor, and I--

I saw Robert Chapman
come out of the compartment,

look around and exit
in the opposite direction.

Then what did you do?

I went
into the compartment.

I stood inside
and looked at Page.

His back was to me,
and I thought he was sleeping.

Then I turned away and went back
to the engine room.

Then?

Well, when the Alpha
device was ready,

I told Commander Stewart,

and he sent someone
to wake Page.

Now, could you be mistaken
in your identification

of the man you saw
bending over Commander Page?

No, sir.

It was Robert Chapman,
the accused.

He was dead.
I was frightened.

I didn't know what to do.

Your witness.

Mr. Hansford, you say you went
to inform Commander Page

that the equipment would be
ready sooner than expected.

Yes. That's right.

Why didn't you send
someone to do this?

I just thought
I'd go myself.

You did know,
as a former service man,

that there is an intercom
between the engine room

and the captain's quarters?

Yes.

Why didn't you use it?

I didn't.

Isn't it true
that you and Commander Page

were not on the best of terms?

Not to the point of threatening
each other with screwdrivers.

As a matter of fact, it could
have gone further than threats.

Didn't you hate Commander Page
because you were in love

with the woman he married?

Why do you keep trying
to drag her into this?

Maybe she belongs here.

Her husband accused her
of turning over

the Devco test results
to Mr. Russell, did he not?

That accusation was untrue.

Russell got
that information from--

From Dolores Chapman?

I didn't say that.

No, but that $, says it.

And it puts you,
Beldon and Russell

right in the middle
of two murders.

( ominous theme playing )

( Hawaiian music playing )

PAUL:
Perry.

How's the Navy
treating you?

The Navy's fine.

Tough but honest.

It's the civilians who
are making me look like this.

What happened
to Dolores' picture?

Her, uh,
Uncle Julio took it with him

when he got out of town
in a hurry this morning.

He, uh, left this for you.

This supplies a motive
for her m*rder.

Why did Julio leave?

Well, the Devco engineer

from whom Dolores
got that information

was picked up last night.

He accused Julio
of arranging things

between him and Dolores.

What things?

An introduction.
He's and she was .

Oh. I'm sorry it took so long,

but here's the lab report
on the optical properties

of that glass you found
on the mat.

Corrective?
Mm-hm.

It, uh, might give you
some ideas.

Now, the prescription called

for a particular
type of colored glass

designed for the left eye
where the right eye

needs no correction.

Of course, I'm still checking,
but as yet,

I found no record in the city
of any such unique prescription.

Susceptible to glare.

Yes, Paul,

it does give me an idea.

All parties to the trial
who were present

when the court closed
are now present.

The defense requests that
Mr. Gordon Russell be recalled.

Master at arms,
call Mr. Gordon Russell.

Uh, Mr. Russell.

Two months ago,

in the company of Mr. Beldon
and Mr. Hansford,

you drove
to Dolores Chapman's home.

What was the purpose
of that visit?

Business.

The sole purpose of
that business was to obtain

classified information on
a device that was just tested

for the Devco Company,
was it not?

RUSSELL:
Since that information
has been declassified,

and I believe the law is not
retroactive in that respect,

maintaining my business
is no crime.

In the manner in which
you've been conducting it,

I'd say it was.

However,
our interest here is in crime

of a much more serious nature:
m*rder.

MAN:
Objection.

Prosecution asks that
this irrelevant testimony

be stricken from the record. The
witness is not on trial here.

How does defense counsel justify
this line of questioning?

Defense intends to establish
that the testimony

not only is relevant,

but that a conspiracy
between Anthony Beldon

and the witness to obtain
certain information

led to the death
of two people,

namely Dolores Chapman
and Commander Page.

MAN:
The court will withhold its
ruling on the admissibility

of the witness' testimony

until we've determined
its relevancy.

How well did you know
Dolores Chapman?

I met her in a bar,
the Aloha Café.

She was just another girl.

According to her uncle,
Julio Remarto,

she threatened to expose you
unless you paid her

an additional $,.

He's lying.
I never saw her again.

Didn't you return to her home
on the night she was m*rder*d?

Certainly not.

I was involved
in an automobile accident

and was in the hospital
that night.

Wasn't that accident
due to the fact

that you were driving
without your glasses?

Glasses?

I don't wear glasses.

Defense requests permission
to bring a slide projector

and screen into the courtroom.

The court would like to know
the purpose of this request.

It will be self-evident.

However,
due to its experimental nature,

defense asks the indulgence
of the court and the prosecution

until the experiment
is concluded.

Has the prosecution
any objection?

As this appears to be part

of defense counsel's
previous line of questioning,

prosecution will withhold
its objections

pending the court's ruling
as to the admissibility

of the testimony
and the presentation.

Defense may proceed.

MASON:
Now, Mr. Russell,
we're going to show you

some scenes on the projector.

Scenes with which
you are familiar.

Can you see the screen?

Why, yes. Certainly.

As you will note,
Mr. Russell,

this is a picture
of your office.

Would you describe the objects
on your desk?

There are two telephones.

A desk pad in the center.

A pen set.

And a carafe and two glasses
on a tray near the bookcase.

Thank you, Mr. Russell.

May we have slide number two,
commander?

Now, Mr. Russell,

would you please describe the
contents of your living room?

RUSSELL:
The floor is carpeted,
of course.

There are two
full-length couches

facing each other
in front of the fireplace.

Three easy chairs.

Two lamps, a coffee table

and three paintings.

Shall I describe them?

That won't be necessary,
Mr. Russell.

May we have the third slide,
please?

Now, Mr. Russell,

this picture of Commander Page's
compartment.

Will you describe
its furnishings?

Well, there's the bunk,
of course. And--

( coughing )

As I said, there's the--

Why, that's the picture
of an automobile accident.

That's right, Mr. Russell.

The accident
in which you were involved

the night you k*lled
Dolores Chapman.

Your glasses were broken
by her frantic effort

to avoid being strangled by you.

When you left her house
that night,

you were driving blind,
Mr. Russell, glare blind.

About as blind as you were
a few minutes ago

when you couldn't see
the picture of that accident.

The lens found in her room
was made of plain glass.

If what you say is true,

how would that have
helped my driving?

It wouldn't.

There are only two reasons
for wearing a lens

made of plain glass.

If your eye is perfect
and requires no correction,

or if it is blind and
a correction is unnecessary.

That particular lens
was merely decorative.

It concealed the fact
that you are blind in one eye.

( door opens )

I would like permission
to speak with Mr. Drake.

Permission granted.

Perry. Here's the information
you wanted.

Thank you, Paul.
Stand by, will you?

Uh, Mr. Russell,

do you still insist
that you did not return

to Dolores Chapman's house
on the night she was m*rder*d?

I certainly do.

There's no proof
that lens was mine.

There are plenty of blind people
who use that kind of lens.

But very few blind in one eye

and super-sensitive to glare
in the other.

I've just received
a report that gives us

the name of the optometrist

who prescribed these
very unusual glasses for you.

You couldn't.

Dr. Amos Waddell of Chicago.

His place of business
on Michigan Boulevard.

That doesn't prove anything.

The prescription matches
in every detail

the optical qualities of
the glass particles in the mat.

What mat?
What do you mean?

The mat outside
Dolores Chapman's home.

The mat where
the corrective lens was found.

It is the corrective lens
which traps you, Mr. Russell.

I don't understand.
You're trying to confuse me.

Trying to confuse you?

Only the m*rder*r could've known
that investigation

of the glass particles embedded
in Robert Chapman's shoes

would reveal
who k*lled Dolores Chapman.

To prevent exposure when you
discovered those shoes

in the captain's compartment,

you also had to k*ll
Commander Page.

Now, Mr. Russell,
are you still confused?

( dramatic theme playing )

No.

No.

( triumphant theme playing )

That was quite
a party.

They were ready to change the
sub's name from Moray to Mason.

That party was just their way
of saying thanks

for clearing Chapman
and the Navy.

You know, Perry, there's
something I don't understand.

What made you think
it was Russell?

MASON:
Oh, the letter.

It had to be a civilian
who took it.

And obviously
it must've been taken

after Commander Page
was k*lled.

How could you be
so sure of that?

Well, the removal of the letter,
while he was still alive,

wouldn't have served
its purpose,

which was to prevent
an investigation.

He would merely
have written another one

as soon as he discovered
its disappearance.

Why Russell?
Why not Beldon or Hansford?

Well, Hansford had
served time in the Navy

and knew what the procedure
as to carbon copies.

Beldon hadn't been
in the compartment.

He couldn't have
known about the letter.

It had to be Russell.

Why did Russell
take the letter?

Was it his loyalty
to Beldon?

Oh, no.
His loyalty to Russell.

The investigation would
certainly have revealed

his relationship
with Dolores Chapman.

You know, one of these days

I'm gonna take a nice,
long sea voyage.

Any particular place?

No, just anywhere.
I haven't made up my mind yet.

The, uh, commander knows
a slogan that might help you.

Oh. What's that?

Join the Navy
and see the world.

( triumphant theme playing )

( noirish jazz theme playing )