01x36 - The Case of the Prodigal Parent

[bunniefuu]

Lorraine,

I know it's after 6:00,

but would you mind staying
a few more minutes

and filing this London
correspondence for me?

Oh, of course not,
Mr. Durell.

Thank you.

I'll be in Larkin's office
if you want me.

Be right with you,
Durell.

All finished for the day,
Lorraine?

Yes, sir.

Oh, my, my, my, my, my.
We're so formal.

You used to call me
Philip, remember?

What would you say I come over
to your place tonight?

Hmm?

No, thanks.

Why not?

Your new boyfriend's
in Europe, isn't he?

Suppose I come over
to your place at about 7:30.

I told you, Philip,
I'm not going out
with you anymore.

Oh, come on,
you don't really mean that.

What's the matter with me,
huh?

Will you please let me pass?

I asked you a question.

And I gave you the answer
several months ago.
Oh.

You know, it takes
time to really get
to know you, Philip.

At first you're kind
and considerate.

A girl could think
that you really cared.

Oh, I cared.

Oh, no.
Oh, yes.

If you really cared,
you could never have
made those cruel accusations.

Why not, hmm? Why not?

They were true.
Why shouldn't
I make them, hmm?

Did you suppose I wouldn't
follow up on it, huh?

It took me a long time,
but I've got the complete
report right here.

What would your precious
Charles Patton the Third
say, huh?

And some other people
that we know?

[SCREAMING]
Why don't you
leave me alone?

Why do you keep
after me like this?

Because...

Because I want you
and if I can't have you,

nobody else will.
Do you understand?

Mr. Larkin?

Mr. Durell is waiting
for you in your office.

All right.

Just remember, Lorraine,
I meant every word of it.

Well, thank you very much
and do call again.

Good evening.

Oh, may I help you?

Yes. I'm here to
pick up a package

for the Larkin
Import-Export Company.

Larkin Import?
Mmm-hmm.

Now, are you sure
you have the right place?

Positive.

Well, it might be under
the name of George Durell.

Durell, Durell...

Uh, what was the merchandise?

I don't know.
My instructions were
to just pick up the package.

Well, I'm terribly sorry.

It's almost 9:00
and I must close.

Uh, would you like
to use the telephone?

Maybe you can contact
this party

who gave you
your instructions.

Well, that's just it.
I don't exactly know
who it was.

Well, I mean, I assume
that it was Mr. Durell.

Well, why don't you
call him and find out?

[PHONE RINGING]

Hello?

LORRAINE: May I please
speak to Mr. Durell?

Who is this?

This is Lorraine Stevens,
his secretary.

Is that what they
call them nowadays?

What?

You're not fooling me.

I know what you
and my husband are up to.

What's the matter?

Isn't it enough
that you see him
all day at the office

without hounding him
at home?

Really, Mrs. Durell,
I...

You're all alike.

Cheap little trollops
that can't let a man...

[DOOR CLOSING]

George.

I didn't mean it.

Honest.

Well, is anything wrong,
Miss?

Bring a glass of water.
Hurry!

I don't know why
I say things like that.

I just can't seem
to help it.

George,
I didn't mean it.

You know I didn't
mean it, George.

I know.

George, you have...

I know.

Thank you very much.
I'm all right now.

Good.

Is there anyone else
you'd like to call?

Well, I suppose
I could call Mr. Larkin.

Well, then
why don't you do that?

[PHONE RINGING]

[RINGING CONTINUES]

I can't understand it.

Someone picked up the phone
but there's no one there.

Oh, you've been very kind.

I'm sorry to have
kept you this late.

Oh, that's quite all right.

Good night.
Good night.

By any chance,
did you take an order

for the Larkin
Import-Export Company?

Well, that's very strange.

Very strange indeed.

[DOORBELL RINGING]

Hold your horses,
I'm coming.

Officer Norton, ma'am.
We're investigating a call.

What are you
babbling about?

Did you telephone
police headquarters?

No, I didn't telephone
police headquarters

or anywhere else
for that matter.

I don't know
what you want here.

Just a minute!
Where are you going?

He's dead.
Better call Homicide, Tom.

Yes, sir?
What's going on here?

Who are you?

My name is Joseph Harrison.
What's the trouble?

Are you Philip Larkin's
stepfather?

I was.
His mother and I are divorced.

Then what are you
doing here?

I came to see Mrs. Harrison.

Is there anything
wrong with that?

Come on in.

Lieutenant,
this is Mr. Harrison.

Hello, Ethel.

What's happened?

Your stepson Philip
has just been m*rder*d.

I'm terribly sorry,
Ethel.

Who did it?
That's what we're here
to find out.

Excuse me, Lieutenant,

but can I take
Mrs. Harrison to her room?

TRAGG: Yes, of course.

Come along, Mrs. Harrison.

Ethel...

When was the last time
you visited here?

About six months ago.

Do you, uh,
recognize this g*n?

Yes. It's mine.

Well, anyone in the house
could have used it.

Your wife said that you...

I beg your pardon,
your ex-wife said

that you were
out of the state.

Yes, I was.

I've been under
a doctor's care.

I spent the last six months
at the Double Jay Ranch
outside Salt Lake City.

But you left there
two weeks ago.

You seem to have been
doing some checking.

Well, that's my job,
Mr. Harrison.

Just what have you been
doing these last two weeks?

Uh, I've been at Lake Tahoe.

Just drove in tonight?

That's right.

I, uh, wonder
if you'd let us

take an impression
of your fingerprints.

Sanchez, get that
to the crime lab
as fast as you can.

TRAGG: There's no doubt
about it, Mr. Burger.

They all match.

Those are Harrison's
fingerprints on that g*n case.

And he claimed
he hadn't been in
the house for six months.

Were there any other
fingerprints on the g*n case?
Not a one.

The maid,
Sarah Winslow is her name,

claimed that
she polished that
yesterday afternoon.

How about the g*n?
Were there any prints on it?

No, nothing identifiable.

How did Harrison
get along

with his stepson
Philip Larkin?

He didn't.

I understand the boy was
the reason for the divorce.

Where do you
understand that from?

I talked to the maid.
She's a well of information.

She claimed that Philip
kept after his mother
until she finally gave in.

And if that isn't enough,

the kid practically
booted his stepfather
out of the family business.

The business was originally
built by Philip Larkin Sr.

The boy's father?
Yes.

When old Larkin d*ed,
he left the business
to his widow Ethel.

And about four years later,
she met Harrison.

When they were married,
she let him take over
the management.

Over young Larkin's protest,
I presume.

The strenuous protests.

Harrison had an exporting
outfit of his own.

He closed it,
brought his staff over

and they apparently
ran things pretty much
to suit themselves.

And then when
Mrs. Harrison divorced him,

the party was over.

That's how it looks to me.

And then the first night
he gets back

after being
away for six months,
the boy is m*rder*d.

Well, it, uh, could
just be a coincidence.

Oh, sure, it could
be a coincidence.

How does Harrison explain
his prints on this case?

Well, I thought maybe
you'd like to ask him that.

I think you're right,
Lieutenant.

Pick him up.

Then when I heard
they had arrested Joseph
and charged him with m*rder,

I thought I should
consult an attorney.

Does Mr. Harrison know
you have come to me?

No.

I just don't understand
your concern, Mrs. Harrison.

After all,
the victim was your son.

It does sound illogical,
doesn't it?

Highly.

Do you think
your husband k*lled Philip?

He said he didn't.

Do you believe him?

I have finished with
not believing him, Mr. Mason.

What does that mean?

I believe now that Joseph
was tolerant and patient,

much beyond what
I could have expected.

Will you represent him?

Well, I'll have to
talk with him first.

I understand.

In the meantime, whether
I represent him or not,

your testimony
can be most damaging.

But Joseph and I were married.

They couldn't make me
testify against him.

That rule doesn't apply
to a divorced wife.

Then you think that I...

Mrs. Harrison,
I can't advise you.

If I do undertake this case,

I'll be representing
Mr. Harrison.

I see.

Thank you.
Thank you for coming in.

Will you tell Joseph
I believe in him?

Yes, I will.

Thank you.

Goodbye, Miss Street.

Goodbye.

[DOOR OPENS]

[DOOR CLOSES]

Della,
get hold of Paul Drake.

I'll need everything
possible on Philip Larkin.

All his background,
girlfriends, gambling,
everything.

I'd also like to know
a little more
about his mother.

Mrs. Harrison? Why?

Oh.

I don't know how much
of her story to believe

or how much she's left out.

She's still in love
with a man she's divorced.

I tell you, I have no idea
how my fingerprints got on
that g*n case, Mr. Mason.

I have.

You were in that room
earlier that night.
No.

Look, Harrison,
we'll get nowhere
if you lie to me.

It's bad enough that
you've lied to the police
and the district attorney.

Now, there's no other
explanation for those
fingerprints.

And you had
a key to the house.

Well, I didn't k*ll Philip.

But you were in that room.

And you did see the body.

Yes, when I went into
the drawing room,

I saw Philip
lying on the floor.

I felt his pulse
and I knew he was dead.

The phone rang
and I started
to answer it,

but then I realized
I'd better get out of there.

Then?

Then I wiped my fingerprints
off the phone

and that's when
I saw the g*n.

I was so frightened,

I must have left
my fingerprints
on the g*n case.

Anyway, I got out
of the French door
as fast as I could.

And you returned
a couple of hours later?

Who do think
k*lled your stepson?

Does that mean
you think I didn't do it?

His mother believes
you're innocent.

I think she's right.

Thank you.

This, uh, authorization
to go through our books

wasn't at all necessary,
Mr. Mason.

We'll do everything we can
to help Joe.
Thank you.

Of course Mr. Harrison
didn't k*ll Philip.

As I understand it,
Mr. Durell,

you've been handling
the business
since Philip d*ed.

Yes, that's right.

Tell me,

is everything all right?

Well, I can't be sure
until I audit the books.

Miss Collaro,

you were Joseph Harrison's
secretary?

Yes, for 23 years.

When he left, I stayed on
as Philip's secretary.

I thought that
Mr. Harrison would want...

CLAIRE: How long do you think
you could pull the wool
over my eyes?

Excuse me.
You're not fooling me
with that innocent look.

Not when you have
the unmitigated gall
to telephone him at my home.

Claire.

I'm sorry, Lorraine.

Can't tell you
how sorry I am.

George, I'm sorry.
Please don't be angry.

Excuse me, Mr. Mason.
I didn't mean it.

I didn't mean it.

It's too bad
that had to happen.

But why does he put up
with it?

Guilt.

It keeps him chained to her.

Twenty-five years ago

he drove his car into a truck.

And that's when she was hurt?

He'll pay for that
the rest of his life.

Why don't you go home?

Thanks, Miss Collaro,
I think I will.

May I volunteer my services?

Lorraine,
this is Mr. Mason.

Mr. Harrison's lawyer.

Miss, uh...

Stevens.

Miss Stevens,
I thought perhaps
I could give you a lift.

Well,

I live on Madera Drive.

Fine,
that's right on my way.

All right,
I'll just get my things.

I give you my word,
Mr. Mason,

there's never been
anything between
Mr. Durell and myself.

Then where did Mrs. Durell
get those ideas?

Maybe because I called him
at his home the other night.

Well,
I couldn't help it.

You see, somebody left
this note on my desk

asking me to pick up
this package at
the Alcorn Jewelers.

That was on
the night of the m*rder?

That's right.

And when you got there,
I assume no one knew
what you were talking about.

Well, yes.
Go on.

Well, the manager
was very cooperative,

and he suggested
that I phone someone
to get more information.

So you called Mr. Durell?

Mmm-hmm.

What time was that?

Well, I guess
somewhere around 9:00.

Have you got the note?

I threw it away.

I see.

Well, it's true.

Why should I
want to make up such a
ridiculous story as that?

Someone must
have been playing
a practical joke on me.

Well, this practical joker
certainly did you a favor.

If you were at the Alcorn
jewelry shop at 9:00,

you're virtually the only one
in the case who has an alibi.

Good night, Miss Stevens.

Here's a copy
of the 16-millimeter film

we found in
Philip Larkin's
bedroom closet.

How does it look?
Oh, pretty as a picture.

Well...

Well, I'll be
most anxious to hear

what Mrs. Harrison
has to say about this.

You've got to find her,
Lieutenant.
I'm working on it.

Then I checked
at the Alcorn jewelers.

Lorraine Stevens was there,
all right.

Mr. Alcorn remembered her.

She apologized
half a dozen times
for keeping him past 9:00.

The point is,
was she deliberately
doing that to set up an alibi?

She can stand one.

She was seeing
a lot of Philip Larkin

up to a month ago.
It was a pretty steady thing.

What made them break up?
I don't know.

Find out, will you, Paul?
Sure.

Perry,

you'd better talk
to your client again.

Why?

I understand
Burger's uncovered
a hunk of evidence

that's guaranteed
to put Harrison
in the gas chamber.

Where'd you hear that?

Well, take my word for it.

It comes from
an unimpeachable source.

Any idea what
this evidence is?
Nope.

Well, I'll get right
to work on this stuff.

I wonder what Burger
has up his sleeve.

[DOOR CLOSING]

According to Paul,

it's a lot more than his arm.

Good afternoon, ma'am.
I'm from the gas company.

Yes?

I'm sorry to bother you
but I'd like to...

Excuse me, please.
Are you from the police?

Police? Lady,
I'm from the gas company.

Believe me,
if you are looking
for Ethel Harrison,

you will not find her here.

I don't know what
you are talking about.

This is 4B?

Oh, yes.

And you are, uh,

Irene Collaro?

I am.

All I want to do
is check the meter.

Oh, sir,
you are very convincing.

It is not your fault
that the man
from the gas company

was here just two days ago.

Excuse me.

[INTERCOM BUZZES]

MAN: Mr. Burger,
Mrs. Winslow's
on her way in.

I thought that nice
Lieutenant Tragg
would be here.

Well, I'm sorry.
He had to leave.
Won't you sit down?

You know, Sarah,
we're relying on you,
Lieutenant Tragg and myself.

Well, I wouldn't want to say
anything to hurt Mr. Harrison.

Do you believe Mr. Harrison
k*lled his stepson Philip?

Of course not.

Well, then, the truth can't
possibly hurt him, can it?

No.

Well, there you are.

Now,

Sarah,
where is Mrs. Harrison?

I told Lieutenant Tragg
I didn't know.

Don't you think it's strange
she disappears
at this particular time?

She knew what she was doing.
She had good advice.

Good advice?
I'm not so sure.

Didn't you also tell
Lieutenant Tragg

that she consulted
Perry Mason?

Yes.

And did Mr. Mason
tell her to disappear?

All I know is
she went to see him.

When she came back, she said,
"Sarah, pack my things."

She said she didn't
want anybody to know
where she was going.

That means Mr. Mason
told her to resort to flight.

Is that wrong?

That depends on
your point of view.

From where I sit,
it means Mr. Mason

is guilty
of unethical conduct.

Excuse me.

Yes.

Yes, Mr. Burger,

I'll be sure
and tell Mr. Mason
the minute he gets in.

Tell Mr. Mason what?

That was Mr. Burger again.
He's very insistent.

He wants to know
where Mrs. Harrison is.

So do I.

She may know about
that piece of evidence

guaranteed to put
Harrison in the gas chamber.

Has Paul had any luck
in running her down?

Nope.

Preliminary hearing
starts tomorrow.

And if Mrs. Harrison
isn't there?

Then the preliminary hearing
still starts tomorrow.

Well,

can't say you're
batting a thousand, Paul.

I'm sorry, Perry.
I just can't seem
to connect.

But I'll bet
my bottom dollar

that Mrs. Harrison
is in Los Angeles
somewhere.

You know, this whole case
just doesn't make sense.

Why was Lorraine Stevens
sent to the jewelry store

and who wrote the note
that caused her to go there?

How do we know
there even was a note?

That story of hers
was a lulu.

Who'd send her on
a wild-goose chase
like that?

The k*ller.

What would be his reason?
I wish I knew.

What else did you find out
about Lorraine, Paul?

Well, only that she got
her job at Larkin Imports
through Irene Collaro.

At least, uh, Miss Collaro

recommended her
to George Durell.

How long has Lorraine
been working there?

Since November.

That would be about,
uh, 10 months.

And before that?
Still checking it out.

Then you still
don't know

what Mr. Burger
has up his sleeve.

There's one consolation.

Tomorrow night at this time,
we'll all know.

Gentleman,

in this case of the People
of the State of California
versus Joseph Harrison,

the defendant
has been advised as to
his constitutional rights.

This is the time
heretofore fixed
pursuant to stipulation

for the preliminary hearing.

Are you ready?

Ready on behalf of the People,
Your Honor.

Ready for the Defense,
Your Honor.

All right, Mr. Burger,
you may call
your first witness.

BURGER: I call Dr. Hocksey.

Death was practically
instantaneous,

caused by the passage
of a b*llet

through the rib cage,
the peritoneum

and left ventricle
of the heart.

And were you able to establish
the time of death, Doctor?

Somewhere between
on Monday night, August 3rd.

Thank you, Doctor.
Your witness.

No questions.

BURGER: Call Sarah Winslow
to the stand.

Then you were with
Mrs. Harrison eight years

before her marriage
to the defendant?

Yes, sir. I remember
the first time
he came to dinner.

That was before
he and the missus
decided to get married.

Was Philip Larkin
present at that time?

He certainly was.

And what was his reaction
to the announcement

of his mother's approaching
marriage to Joseph Harrison?

Well, I can't say
he exactly liked the idea.

He said
Mr. Harrison was
after his mother's money.

He called him a con man,
whatever that means.

Well, after the marriage,
did the relationship

between the victim
and the defendant improve?

If you mean
did Philip try to make
friends with Mr. Harrison,

the answer is no.

Towards the end,
it got so as they weren't
even talking to one another.

It was terrible
for Mrs. Harrison.
I felt awful sorry for her.

Yes, I understand that.

Now, Sarah, I want
to show you something.

And I ask you
if you recognize this.

Yes, sir,
it's Mr. Harrison's.

Do you remember
when the last time
you polished this was?

Yes, sir, it was on
the day it happened.

So this g*n case
was actually freshly polished

the day of the m*rder?

Yes, sir.

Thank you, Sarah.
Your witness.

Mrs. Winslow,
do you consider yourself

a good friend
of the defendant?

Mr. Burger said the truth
couldn't hurt anybody
if they were innocent.

Mr. Burger
is absolutely right.

Now, you heard
the doctor testify

that Philip Larkin was sh*t
between 8:40 and 9:00.

Do you mind telling us
where you were at that time?

No, sir, I was
in the kitchen,
cleaning up.

And you did not
hear a g*nsh*t?

No, sir. You see, that house
is really built right.

The kitchen's
in the west wing.

You can't hear anything
that goes on

at the other end
of the house.

But there is a telephone
in the kitchen.

Didn't you hear it
ringing around 9:00?

No, sir,
that's not the same phone
as the one in the living room.

Philip had
his own private number.

I see.

Now, there's a pair of
French doors in that room?

Yes, sir,
they lead out to the patio.

Do you know who opened them
on the night of the m*rder?

Sir,
I guess Philip did himself.

But the police found
your fingerprints
on the doorknob.

Well, I...

I guess I just tried
to air out the room.

You know
how it is in hot weather,

you do these things
automatically.

Have you any idea
at what time

you automatically
aired out this room?

No, sir.

Thank you, Mrs. Winslow.

That's all.

JUDGE:
The witness may step down.

The g*n is registered
to Joseph Harrison.

We found the defendant's
fingerprints on the g*n case.

Did you ask the defendant
to explain the fingerprints
on the g*n case?

He said he couldn't
explain them,

that he hadn't been
in the house for six months.

Well, we heard testimony here

that this case was polished
the day of the m*rder.

Yes, sir.

Well, if Mr. Harrison's
fingerprints

were on there
from six months ago,

wouldn't the polishing
have removed them?

I'm sure it would.

Thank you, Lieutenant.
Your witness.

Um, may I?

Of course.
Thank you.

Lieutenant, uh,

did you say that, uh,
this was a German Mauser?

Yes, I did.

How old a g*n is it?

Well, it dates back
to the First World w*r.

Something puzzles me,
Lieutenant.

I noted that the prosecution

carefully refrained
from asking you

about any fingerprints
on this g*n.

Now, what fingerprints
did you find on it?

Well, nothing identifiable.

But you did say
that Mr. Harrison

left his fingerprints
on the g*n case?

Yes, sir.

Were there any other
fingerprints on the g*n case?

No, there weren't.

Now, you heard
Sarah Winslow testify

that she'd polished
this case that very day,

yet you didn't find
her fingerprints on it?

No, we didn't.

That's rather strange,
Lieutenant.

How do you account for that?

I object, Your Honor.
Calls for a conclusion
of the witness.

I withdraw the question,
Your Honor.

Thank you, Lieutenant.
That's all.

BURGER: Now, Miss Stevens,
you've been employed

by the Larkin Import-Export
Corporation for how long?

Approximately 10 months.

And how long had you known
the deceased, Philip Larkin?

Since I started
working there.

Were you ever invited
to his home?

Yes, sir.

How often?

Well,
I used to visit there

on an average of two
or three times a week.

That was before Mr. and
Mrs. Harrison were divorced.

As a matter of fact,
the defendant was fond
of you himself, wasn't he?

I mean in a fatherly
sort of way?

Well, I think so.

He tried to break up
your relationship

with Philip Larkin,
didn't he?

Yes.

Did he tell you why?

Well, he didn't think that
it would be a good marriage.

Isn't it true
that the defendant had
heated arguments with Philip

about your going together?

Isn't it also true
that the defendant

even threatened
Philip Larkin

in his efforts to
stop him from seeing you?

Well, Miss Stevens,
isn't that true?

Well, I know
they had arguments.

Thank you.
Cross-examine.

I have no questions
of this witness.

JUDGE: You may step down.

Now, Your Honor, I would
like the courtroom darkened

and a screen set up so that
I might introduce this film
into evidence.

What film?
The defense knows
nothing about a film.

What is the film, Mr. Burger?

It's a segment of home movies,
Your Honor,

taken on the lawn
of the Harrison home
approximately six months ago.

Three days before
Mrs. Harrison instituted
divorce proceedings in Nevada.

Your Honor,
I object on the ground

that no proper foundation
has been laid

for the presentation
of this film.

Your Honor, the prosecution
would be most happy

to lay the proper foundation.

By a curious coincidence,
we've been unable to subpoena

the only witness
able to do so.

I refer to
Mrs. Ethel Harrison,
former wife of the defendant,

who has been missing since
the day after the m*rder.

Under the circumstances,
I think we will run
these films.

Then I will rule whether
to admit them in evidence.

Thank you, Your Honor.

If it please the court,
I would like to reserve

the privilege
of voir dire examination

for the purpose of determining

whether these films
are relevant.

The privilege is granted.

We will now proceed
with the showing of the film,

and I will
direct the clerk to assist
in preparing the courtroom.

[PROJECTOR WHIRRING]

[PEOPLE MURMURING]

[GAVEL BANGING]

Since the hour is late,

we will adjourn court
until 10:00 tomorrow morning.

At which time defense counsel

can produce witnesses
on his voir dire examination.

After which I will rule
on the admissibility
of this evidence.

The court stands adjourned.

[PEOPLE MURMURING]

Mr. Harrison, sit down.

They certainly put
the spurs to us this morning

with those home movies.
Why didn't you tell me
about them?

They were made
over six months ago.

I forgot they even existed.

How could you forget
a thing like that?

Well, I had several
other things on my mind.

My wife asked me
for a divorce
that same night.

Was the fight
between you and Philip
the principal reason?

It didn't help.
What was the fight about?

That had nothing to do
with Philip's m*rder.

Suppose you let me
be the judge.

I give you my word,
Mr. Mason.

You've done that before.

Now, why did you
hit your stepson?

Because he had a dirty mind
and a mouth to match.

You're still
telling me nothing.

I swear it had
nothing to do with this.

The whole thing
was ridiculous.

Well, he accused me
of marrying his mother
for her money.

He must have
accused you of that
a hundred times before

and you never hit him.

No, this had to be
something else.

Any idea where
your wife is hiding?

She won't tell you
about this either.
I know Ethel.

You know, there was
a fourth party at that scene.

What?

The person who
took the pictures.
Who was it?

You're a mighty stubborn man.

Yes, I guess you're right.

Who are you protecting?

This little bit of gallantry
may cost you your life.

Think it over.

[INTERCOM BUZZES]

Yes, Gertie?

Just a minute.
Perry, it's a tipster.

Get on the extension
in your office.

All right, Gertie,
put him on.

Hello?

Mr. Mason?

Never mind who this is.

Why don't you investigate
Ethel Harrison?

She's the one
who's responsible

for all of Joe Harrison's
troubles.

Of course I know
what I'm saying.

Ask her why she keeps
writing to George Durell.

Obviously you must have
some ideas on the subject.

Because she's in love
with him, that's why.

Can't you understand?

This poses a problem.

I can't very well
investigate her

if I don't know where she is.

Hold on a second.

The address on the letter is
"142 North Delgado,

"Los Angeles 29,
Apartment 4B."

[THUDDING]

Good evening.

Why, Mr. Mason,
good evening.

Could you spare me
a few minutes?

Oh, well, it's rather late.
This won't take long.

Thank you.

And what can I do for you,
Mr. Mason?

I'd like to see
Ethel Harrison.

What made you think
she is here?

An anonymous
phone call tonight,

I suspect
from Mrs. Durell.

It seems that Mrs. Harrison
wrote a letter to Mr. Durell,

gave this as her
return address.

I'm sure the letter
was perfectly innocent.

It was, Mr. Mason.

I just wanted Mr. Durell
to relay some information
to Joseph.

I'll need you
in court tomorrow.

Oh, no, Ethel,
you mustn't go.

Can't you see
what he's after?

All I'm after is
Joseph Harrison's acquittal.

I told you before,
Mr. Mason,

my testimony
would only harm him.

He'd be no worse off
than he is now.

Did you hear about
the home movies
the state introduced?

And what was
that argument about?

Ethel, do not tell him.

It wouldn't help Joseph

and it would only
hurt an innocent person.

How would you know?

Of course.

You were the one
who took those pictures.

Oh, well, no...
You're right, Mr. Mason.

Then what was
that argument about?

It has no bearing
on the death of my son.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]
Who is it?

TRAGG: It's the police.
Open up.

Mrs. Harrison,

you can't stay
in hiding forever.

Good evening, Mrs. Harrison.

Good evening, Lieutenant.

Well, it's obvious
my informant knew

what she was talking about.

And it's obvious she didn't
think she could depend on me.

I'm afraid you'll
have to come with me.

I will not testify
against Joseph.

Well, you'll have
to discuss that with
the district attorney.

Excuse me.

[DOOR CLOSES]

You won't change your mind?

Will you at least
tell me what happened

after Philip Larkin
fell against that hedge?

I'm afraid you're making
a great mistake, Miss Collaro.

Good night.

Good night, Tragg.

Good night, Counselor.

Do you mind
if I use your telephone?

[DOOR CLOSES]

If it please the court,

the prosecution is now
prepared to put on the stand

a witness who will lay
a proper foundation

to the matter
of the home movies

and who will further clarify
certain other matters
in evidence.

Mr. Mason, have you
any objection to make?

No, Your Honor,
no objection.

BURGER: I call Irene Collaro
to the stand, please.

Miss Collaro,
you were formerly
employed by the defendant,

Joseph Harrison,
as private secretary?

I was.

For how long?



During that long period,

did you have many occasions
to visit at his home?

Oh, yes.

Coming out of that occasion,
about six months ago,

when on a certain afternoon
home movies were made.

Do you know anything
about that?

Yes, sir.

I took those pictures.

You were interrupted
by Philip Larkin who burst in

and engaged
in a heated argument
with Joseph Harrison?

Yes.

What was that argument about?

Well, uh, Philip said...

Go on, Miss Collaro.
Tell us what Philip said.

He...

He accused Mr. Harrison
of being Lorraine's father.

Whereupon Mr. Harrison
struck Philip?

Yes.

And how long after that
did Mrs. Harrison sue him
for divorce?

Oh, I believe
in one or two days.

Thank you, Miss Collaro.
Thank you very much.
Your witness.

[PEOPLE MURMURING]

[GAVEL BANGS]

Miss Collaro, I'm sure
the court has noticed
your charming accent.

Now, you testified that
you worked for Mr. Harrison
for 23 years.

Was this your first job
in the United States?

Yes, you see, Mr. Harrison
was in the process

of setting up offices
in various foreign cities,

London, Paris, Rome.

And, um,
they came to the firm
I was working for in Paris

and a business arrangement
was established.

In all those years,
did you at any time

get the slightest hint
that Mr. Harrison

was indeed the father
of Lorraine Stevens?

No.

No hint at all?
No letter, no telephone call,

no slip of the tongue?

No, no.

But it the past 10 months
he had become fond
of Lorraine

and he deplored her attachment
to Philip Larkin?

Yes.

Did you approve
of the relationship
between Philip and Lorraine?

I was in no position
to say anything.

Miss Collaro,
I've no desire to entrap you.

I feel it only fair
to tell you

that I have here
notarized reports

from some of the best
detective agencies
in New York and Paris.

Now I'm going to
ask you certain questions.

I have reason to believe
you know the answers

of your own
personal knowledge.

I object, Your Honor.
I think this is improper
cross-examination.

Mr. Mason?

Defense claims its privilege
of voir dire examination,
Your Honor.

Also, on its own merits,
defense is, at this moment,

trying to show
a mental attitude
in bias of the witness.

Objection overruled.
You may continue, Mr. Mason.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Now, Miss Collaro,
we know that as a child,

Lorraine Stevens was boarded
with an elderly couple

in Brookline, Massachusetts.

We know that for 19 years,

they received a check
of $70 a month.

The signature on all those
checks was Irene Collaro.

We know that Lorraine Stevens
came to the West Coast,

that she went to work.

Went to work,
just by coincidence,

where Irene Collaro
was working.

Now, Miss Collaro,

on the afternoon you
took those home movies,

Philip Larkin kept
pointing at the camera.

Pointing at you,
Miss Collaro.

Why?

Why was he pointing at you,
Miss Collaro?

We know Philip had
accused Mr. Harrison
of being Lorraine's father.

Was he accusing you
of being her mother?

Yes.

Irene Collaro,
I ask you now,

are you the mother
of Lorraine Stevens?

Yes. I am Lorraine's mother.

All of her life
I have denied her

and then she came here.

But she is a fine young lady.

She is courageous
and loyal and decent.

MASON: And

you wanted to protect her
from Philip Larkin?

Yes.

You've been protecting people
all your life,

haven't you, Miss Collaro?

Protecting Lorraine
from society,

her father
from his responsibilities.

Now, I interrupt this
for a moment

to observe
that the prosecutor

has allowed
this cross-examination
to go on unchecked.

Have you any objection
to make, Mr. Burger?

Your Honor, the district
attorney's office functions

to determine the truth
and to prosecute the guilty.

I have no objections
whatever to what Mr. Mason

is uncovering
with this witness.

You may proceed, Mr. Mason.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Miss Collaro,

is Joseph Harrison
the father
of Lorraine Stevens?

Now, in your testimony
a few minutes ago,

you made
an unusual statement.

Do you know what it was?

With the court's permission,

may I ask the court reporter
to read back

some of Miss Collaro's
testimony.

JUDGE: Permission is granted.

Thank you, Your Honor.

The early part
of my questions, please.

"Question. Mr. Mason.

"Was this your first job
in the United States?

"Answer. Miss Collaro. Yes,

"you see, Mr. Harrison
was in the process
of setting up offices

"in various foreign cities,
London, Paris, Rome.

"And they came
to the firm I was
working for in Paris..."

Thank you. That's enough.

"They came to the firm
I was working for."

Who came, Miss Collaro?

Who?

Who, even now, is willing
to see Joseph Harrison

pay for a crime
he didn't commit?

Who, Miss Collaro?

Who?

DURELL: That's enough.

You're absolutely right,
Mr. Mason.

All her life,
Irene has protected someone.

I k*lled Philip Larkin,
Your Honor.

I felt I should do
my share of protecting.

I wanted to protect
the daughter I couldn't
call my own.

MASON: Your Honor,

I have no further questions
of this witness.

Look what just came in.

Check from Joseph Harrison.

Once a detective,
always a detective.

I guess so.

Here.

[EXCLAIMING]

You know,
I still can't figure

Durell's reason
for framing Harrison.

Oh, he didn't really
intend to frame him,
Paul.

He only used Harrison's
g*n to confuse the case.

You see, Durell thought that
when the police checked
on Harrison,

they'd find that
he was a thousand miles away.

Right?
Right.

Right.
Thank you.

Durell had no way
of knowing

that Harrison
was coming back
to Los Angeles.

Oh. Then Durell was the one
who called the police.

Of course.

He wanted the body
discovered as close
to 9:00 as possible,

so that Lorraine
could have an alibi.

He was the one
that wrote the note

that sent Lorraine
on the wild-goose chase
to the jewelers.

She is a regular
Miss Know-It-All.

Is there anything
you don't know?

Yes.

Which one of you
handsome gentlemen
is going to take me to lunch.

Oh, may I?
Thank you.

Yeah, what about me?

Sorry, you're not my type.

You'll have to
buy your own lunch.

MASON: Come on.