Perry Mason (1957) s02e04 Episode Script
The Case of the Sardonic Sergeant
( noirish jazz theme playing ) ( suspenseful theme playing ) At ease.
Which one of you men is William Smith? I am, sir.
This is Mr.
Blake of the Treasury Department.
Gentlemen.
Ever see this before? Which one of you men paid for drinks at the Savoy Bar Thursday night at around 8:30? I did, sir.
You gave the bartender a 20.
That 20.
If this is counterfeit, captain, I swear I don't know anything about it.
I don't know anything about it either, sir.
Do you remember where you got this? No, sir.
You know how money changes hands during a little, heh, friendly recreation.
Who was in the game with you? Well, there was Sergeant Burke here, and, uh, Corporal Thomas, um, Sergeant Wallace, Corporal Baker, and- And don't forget Sergeant Dexter.
Yes, sir.
Sergeant Dexter.
Isn't he in the Finance Office? Yes, sir.
He's the chief clerk.
That'll be all.
( door closes ) Pardon me, captain.
Is it counterfeit? It looks good.
It is good.
There's just one thing wrong with that bill: It has no business being in existence.
Well, you see, lieutenant, just before Corregidor surrendered, the Army burned $10 million in currency to prevent it falling into enemy hands.
That 20 didn't even get warm.
Well, does the Treasury Department know how much was stolen? Well, judging by the serial numbers, I'd say around $400,000.
( whistles ) All of it isn't in circulation, but every bill that's shown up has been traced directly to this post.
There were eight men detailed to dispose of that money.
Six of those men are dead.
Of the two remaining, one is a man named Tony Kusick, wanted for desertion.
The other is Major Frank Lessing.
Our finance officer? Lessing was a lieutenant on Corregidor at the time, but he was the officer in charge of that $10-million bonfire.
( tense theme playing ) I'm sorry, Captain Kennedy, but Major Lessing isn't home.
No, I'm sorry.
I've no idea where you can reach him.
Yes, of course.
I'll give him your message.
You're quite welcome.
( exhales ) That's the third time he's called, Frank.
I told you I'd talk to Kennedy when I was good and ready.
Frank, what's wrong? I told you, Helen.
There's nothing wrong.
Now don't stand there looking at me like that.
You make me feel like I- ( sighs ) I'm sorry, Helen.
I didn't mean it, I- No, darling, you know I've never interfered, but if you're in trouble, I want to know about it.
Helen, th-there's absolutely nothing wrong.
I- ( car horn honks ) Are the children waiting for you in the car? Yes, I'm taking them over to Major Layton's, and Harry's having a birthday party.
Tell the little monsters not to eat too much ice cream.
I won't be long.
Helen Do me a favor, will you? Of course.
Always remember that I love you.
Oh, Frank, what is it? You know you can tell me anything.
( car horn honks ) You better go.
( somber theme playing ) ( sighs ) ( band playing fanfare ) All right, Helen, he just came in.
Now, don't you worry.
I- I'll talk to him.
Yes.
Yes, right away.
Of course.
( phone rings ) About finished with the payroll, Dexter? Uh, no, sir.
Should have been finished an hour ago.
I'm sorry, major, but Captain Kennedy and a Treasury agent held me up.
They were around asking questions.
They, um- They wanted to know if anyone else had the combination to the safe.
What'd you tell them? Well, I told them you were the only one.
Why did you tell them that? You know the combination.
Yes, sir, but I'm not supposed to, and I felt sure you wouldn't want me to open the safe for them.
You'd, uh- You'd better explain that remark, sergeant.
Well, I took the liberty of opening the safe before they got here.
You what? When I picked up the payroll money at the bank this morning, the bank gave me a list of the serial numbers.
Go on! Those aren't the same bills I turned over to you, sir.
The numbers don't match.
I've had enough of your insubordination, sergeant.
Far too much.
You'd better find another spot.
Not meaning to be disrespectful, sir, but I had the same idea.
My request for a transfer is in your top drawer.
( ominous theme playing ) Consider yourself relieved of duty, sergeant.
( rings ) Haskell speaking.
I told you never to call me here! ( suspenseful theme playing ) ( door opens ) Major Lessing is here.
All right, Della, show him in.
Come in, major.
( door closes ) Thank you for seeing me at this hour, Mr.
Mason.
Not at all, major.
Sit down.
Thank you.
If you don't mind, I'd prefer not to have any notes taken of this meeting for the records.
Della.
All right, major.
What's on your mind? Tomorrow morning at 10:00 I intend to disclose complete details of a crime to Captain Kennedy.
He's criminal investigator at Camp Grace.
I see.
And you want to retain counsel before you act? Yes, I, uh I should have done this a long time ago.
But, uh, would $1,500 be sufficient as a retainer? If I accept the case.
Can you tell me the nature of this crime? Unlawful possession of money stolen from the United States Army.
You said you should have done this long ago.
Why didn't you? It's It's been a very difficult decision to make.
I have a wonderful wife and two lovely daughters.
We've been very happy.
What I intend to do tomorrow will destroy that happiness.
And I can expect to see you at my office tomorrow at 9? Yes.
Thank you.
( door opens, closes) I'm a little surprised.
You don't even represent the man, and yet you're willing to drive all the way out to Camp Grace in the wee small hours of the morning to meet the man.
Suppose it isn't as serious as he thinks it is.
When a finance officer leaves $1,500 on my desk and doesn't ask for a receipt, it's serious.
I'll see that your car is ready.
( suspenseful theme playing ) ( bugler playing "Call to Quarters" outside ) ( tense theme playing ) Uh, Major Lessing's office, please.
( line ringing ) ( suspenseful theme playing ) ( dramatic theme playing ) ( gasps ) Frank.
Frank! Frank Oh, Frank.
Oh, Frank! ( crying ) FRANK: My dearest Helen, I'm sorry that this is the way it must end, but there is nothing else I can do.
For some time now, I've used my office to dispose of more than $85,000, which I stole from the Army at Corregidor.
Kiss the children for me and try not to judge me too harshly.
( sighs ) ( breathing heavily ) Captain Kennedy, please.
Captain Kennedy, this is Helen Lessing.
I'm in my husband's office.
He's been murdered! ( suspenseful theme playing ) ( man shouting in distance ) ( doorbell rings ) Yes? I wonder if I might see Mrs.
Lessing.
What are you, another reporter? No, I'm an attorney.
My name is Perry Mason.
I'm sorry.
Come in, Mr.
Mason.
Thank you.
Will you sit down, please? Thanks again.
Well, I- I guess you've heard the news.
Yes, I saw Captain Kennedy in Major Lessing's office.
It's terrible.
It's just terrible.
I appreciate it must have been quite a shock, mister, uh? Evans.
Howard Evans.
I'm Major Lessing's brother-in-law.
Did Frank say anything to you last night that might give us a lead to the killer? How did you know Major Lessing came to see me last night? I talked to him at the office about 20 minutes before he left.
I work there as a civilian employee.
I'm the assistant cashier.
I see.
Well, I won't take up any more of your time, Mr.
Evans.
Would you please give this to Mrs.
Lessing? Her husband- HELEN: Who is it, Howard? I'm sorry to disturb you, Mrs.
Lessing.
This is Perry Mason, Helen.
Oh.
How do you do? I saw your husband last night.
I know.
He gave me this money as a retainer.
Under the circumstances- ( doorbell rings ) I'll- I'll get it, Helen.
Oh, hello, Evans.
Is Mrs.
Lessing in? Come in, Captain Kennedy.
How are you feeling, Mrs.
Lessing? I'm all right.
This- This is Perry Mason.
Yes, we've met.
I, uh I wanted to talk to you, but it can wait.
What is it, captain? There's one thing I want you to know, Mrs.
Lessing.
I did your husband a grave injustice.
What do you mean? This isn't the time to talk about it, I know, but Well, I was wrong.
I'm ashamed to admit that it took your husband's murder to convince me.
But if it's any consolation to you, we're going all out on Sergeant Dexter.
What are you saying? That we found Major Lessing's killer.
Sergeant Dexter? No.
No, you're wrong.
Suppose you leave that to us, Mrs.
Lessing.
No, no, he didn't do it.
You've got to believe me.
Everything points to it.
Now, if you need me for anything, please, call me.
Nice to see you, Mason.
Captain.
( door opens ) ( door closes ) Sergeant Dexter didn't kill him, Mr.
Mason.
According to Captain Kennedy- I tell you, he didn't do it! Look- Look, this money my husband left you, I want you to keep it.
I want you to- I want you to defend Dexter.
Helen! Do you realize what you're doing? Please, Mr.
Mason, I want you to help him.
He didn't kill Frank.
I know.
How do you know, Mrs.
Lessing? I- I just know, that's all.
( sobs ) ( somber theme playing ) And I was the first one to laugh when anyone yelled he was being framed.
What do you know about the so-called Corregidor money? The what? The bills that were supposed to be destroyed during the war.
Captain Kennedy says they've been showing up on this post.
I don't know anything about it.
They found $10,000 of those bills in your footlocker.
I never saw them.
Somebody put them there.
More of the frame? Yes.
How do you explain the $50,000 in Corregidor money they found in Major Lessing's safe? Well, how do they explain it? They feel you made the substitution.
Sure, they do.
Do you think that Major Lessing is responsible for the substitution? I don't know what to think anymore.
I told you, I served under Major Lessing for four years.
I thought he was the greatest guy in the world.
Apparently, you changed your mind.
Why? Well, who else could have done it? That's no answer, sergeant.
Now, you men are paid once a month.
Who picks up the payroll? Howard Evans and myself.
Evans, that's Mrs.
Lessing's brother? That's right.
When was this particular payroll picked up? Why, yesterday morning.
We went to the bank and cashed the payroll check.
Then what did you do with the money? We turned it over to Major Lessing.
The money was never out of your sight until Major Lessing put it in the safe? Well, practically.
What do you mean, "practically"? Well, Mr.
Haskell, the head cashier, had to count it.
Then the money was out of your sight? Well, if you put it that way, yes.
That means Mr.
Haskell could have switched that money.
When you and Evans picked up the payroll money at the bank yesterday, you drove immediately back to camp? Well, no.
No, you see, Major Lessing had asked me to cash his personal check for $1,500.
It- It slipped my mind, and I went back into the bank.
Did you take the payroll money with you? No, I left it with Howard Evans.
Then, on at least two occasions, the payroll money was out of your sight.
That's right.
Tell me something, sergeant.
Did you kill Major Lessing? On my word of honor, Mr.
Mason, I didn't.
Does that mean you believe me? Well, let me answer you this way.
When I was in the service, they used to say, "never volunteer.
" But if you'd like me to represent you Oh.
Keep smiling, sergeant, and I'll be in to see you tomorrow.
Thanks, Mr.
Mason.
( man shouting in distance ) Hi.
Hi.
When'd you get here? About an hour ago.
Here's a list of all the people that work in the Finance Office who were on the post last night, both army and civilian personnel.
Nice going, Paul.
"Sergeant Dexter, Walter Haskell.
" Haskell is head cashier, and he is also involved with a chick young enough to be his daughter.
Her name's Rikki Stevens, but don't let the name fool you.
Her father's name might have been Stevens, but her mother must have been an Oriental.
Haskell married? Married and respectable on the surface, but you never know about these old ducks.
The way I understand it, he's been slipping her money.
On what he makes as an Army finance clerk? He must have an answer.
See if you can come up with it.
( rock music playing over speaker ) SMITH: Take it off.
Take it off! Take it off.
Take it off.
Smitty, Smitty- Take it off! Smitty, Smitty.
Heh, heh.
Are you sure that's her? Sure I'm sure.
That's Rikki Stevens.
She used to be one of the strippers at the Royal Palms when I was in Manila.
You should see her when she's in action.
( laughing ): Zowie! Take it off.
Take it off- You You Come on.
I'd like to rearrange your vocal chords anyway.
They're off-key.
I was just tryin' to make you feel at home.
You crummy yardbird.
When I need mood music, I'll hire an orchestra.
Smitty, Smitty, come on.
Come on.
Let's go.
Let's get out of here.
PAUL: Anything I can do? You can buy me one.
For drinking or throwing? Mm, that depends.
How's your voice? I wouldn't take a chance.
Your criticism's a little too sharp.
Whiskey and water.
Same, please.
I'm sorry Sergeant Smith got out of line, miss.
He's really a nice guy when he's sober.
In his condition he shouldn't drink.
What's the matter with him? Malaria.
From what I understand, he had it pretty bad.
That's why they transferred him from Manila about seven months ago.
About the same time you came here, wasn't it? What's the matter? Your voice.
You just hit a flat note.
Ah.
Never mind.
I said this was on me.
Keep your money.
Thanks, but no, thanks.
I only take gifts from friends.
That should cover it.
Keep the change.
She only takes gifts from friends? You must be the only enemy she has.
Ah, wait a minute.
I'll, uh I'll give you a ten for that 5.
I have a sentimental feeling for anything that girl touches.
And I have a sentimental feeling for a five-dollar profit.
Thank you.
( tense theme playing ) Well, don't keep him long.
I got dinner waiting.
I won't, I promise you.
Well, Mr.
Mason, what can I tell you? Well, suppose we start with, uh, Rikki Stevens.
Well, what are you talking about? Well, you do know a Rikki Stevens, don't you? No.
Mr.
Haskell, your personal life is no concern of mine except where it involves my client's welfare.
Now, I have proof that you and Miss Stevens are, shall we say, rather friendly.
Mr.
Mason, how can you possibly suspect a girl like Rikki and a man my age? Four-hundred thousand dollars is enough to create all kinds of suspicions.
That money was brought here from the Philippines at about the same time Miss Stevens came here.
One of those scorched bills has been traced directly to her.
As chief cashier for the Finance Office, I think- Never mind what you think.
I've said all I intend to on this subject.
It may not be quite that easy, Mr.
Haskell.
The, um The Army may have other ideas.
( door closes ) ( ominous theme playing ) Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, 1951.
Oh, a Captain Ralph Stewart called.
He's the appointed defense counsel.
Then he'll be associated with you in defense of Dexter.
Mm-hm.
( rings ) Yes, Gertie? Howard Evans calling.
All right, Gertie, put him on.
Hello? Mr.
Mason, my sister has something very important to tell you.
Mr.
Mason ( sighs ) Sergeant Dexter didn't kill my husband.
I can prove it.
My husband wasn't murdered.
He committed suicide.
Do you realize what you're saying? Yes, Fra- Frank left a suicide note.
I- I- I destroyed it the night he- That he died.
I I see.
Would you be willing to tell that story to Captain Kennedy? Yes.
I'll meet you at his office in 45 minutes.
Do you remember exactly what Major Lessing said in the note he left? I can't ever forget.
Was this it? "My dearest Helen, "I'm sorry that this is the way it must end for us, "but there is nothing else I can do.
"For some time now, I've used my office "to dispose of more than $85,000, "which I stole from the Army at Corregidor.
"Kiss the children for me and try not to judge me too harshly.
" Where did you get that? I burned it.
I know.
This is a copy.
Then why hasn't my client been released? Because Major Lessing didn't compose that note.
Mr.
Mason, I think you'll admit the Army has given you all the cooperation in the world.
We've turned over to you everything we thought that could possibly benefit your client.
I'm fully aware of that, captain.
Who wrote that note? Sergeant Dexter.
Your husband didn't commit suicide, Mrs.
Lessing.
The only mistake he made was trying to protect the man who eventually murdered him.
( tense theme playing ) MAN: "Violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, "Article 118.
Specification: "In that Master Sergeant Joseph Dexter, "United States Army, Headquarters Company Camp Grace, "did at Camp Grace, California, on or about 25 May, "with premeditation, murder Major Frank Lessing by means of shooting him with a pistol.
" The charges were served on the accused by me on 10 June.
Sergeant Dexter, how do you plead? The accused, Sergeant Joseph Dexter, pleads to the specification and charge: not guilty.
Trial counsel may proceed.
Prosecution calls as a witness Sergeant First Class Jean McKnight.
Now, Sergeant McKnight, you work in the Message Center, is that correct? Yes, sir.
On the night of Major Lessing's murder, what time did you leave your office? At 9:00.
I stayed late to finish up some work.
And when you returned to your office the following morning, did you find anything missing from your desk? Yes, sir.
Sergeant Dexter's request for a transfer.
It had been endorsed by Major Lessing.
Now, Sergeant McKnight, what made you remember this particular paper? Because I was surprised when I saw it the night before.
I knew how long they'd served together, and I wondered why Sergeant Dexter should suddenly want a transfer from Major Lessing's section.
No further questions.
Why didn't you tell me about this before? I was afraid you would think I was guilty.
And now what do you suppose they think? Sergeant McKnight, if Sergeant Dexter had changed his mind and wanted to withdraw his transfer request because of his loyalty to Major Lessing, would- LEWIS: Objected to as argumentative.
Sergeant Dexter's motive in destroying a transfer request has never been established as being due to loyalty.
Objection sustained.
No further questions.
Are there any questions by the court? Witness is excused.
Captain Kennedy, on the afternoon of 26 May, you took the accused into custody.
What prompted your action? Initially, the report of the military police patrol.
The accused entered the Finance Office on the night of the murder within minutes after Major Lessing.
He was observed leaving the building 15 minutes later.
What time was that? About 10:15 p.
m.
Are you aware that the military surgeon has established that Major Lessing's death occurred between 9:30 and 10:30? Yes, sir.
Captain Kennedy can you identify this typewriter, prosecution exhibit number four? Yes, sir, it was Sergeant Dexter's typewriter.
I marked it for identification.
And can you identify this typewriter ribbon, prosecution exhibit number five? Yes, sir.
I removed that ribbon from Sergeant Dexter's typewriter the day after the murder.
LEWIS: Why? Normal investigative procedure in a case of this kind.
It's often possible to read a typewriter ribbon with the aid of an ordinary magnifying glass.
And were you able to do so in this case? Yes, sir.
It was quite simple.
Fortunately, Sergeant Dexter had put this clean ribbon in his machine just a few hours before the murder.
Will you tell us exactly what you read on this ribbon? Yes, sir.
"My dearest Helen, "I'm sorry that this is the way it must end for us, "but there is nothing else I can do-" If the court please.
Defense stipulates as to the note and its contents, but the prosecution has established no connection between Sergeant Dexter and the suicide note.
The prosecution intends to establish such a connection.
Prosecution may proceed.
Now, is it possible that Major Lessing himself used the defendant's typewriter to write this so-called suicide note? No, sir.
Why not? It had been typed by an expert: a touch-typist.
How do you know that? By the evenness and clarity of each letter as it appeared on the ribbon.
All the keys had been struck with equal force, a characteristic of the touch system.
If it had been typed by someone using the hunt-and-peck system, all the letters on the ribbon would have appeared unevenly.
Of your own knowledge, can you say that Major Lessing was untrained as a touch-typist? Of my own knowledge, I know he was not a touch-typist.
Now, Captain Kennedy, does Sergeant Dexter's Form 20 indicate that he is a skilled typist? Yes, sir.
It does.
Where did Sergeant Dexter keep his typewriter? In the desk.
And did anyone else besides Sergeant Dexter have access to that desk? No, sir.
He kept it locked at all times.
In fact, the desk was locked at the time we seized the typewriter.
Who gave you the keys to that desk? Sergeant Dexter.
No further questions.
Captain Kennedy, I think we're all agreed that the crux of this matter is the so-called Corregidor money.
Yes, sir.
It is the Army's contention that the accused, Sergeant Dexter, masterminded the plot to dispose of that money.
When Major Lessing discovered it, Dexter killed him.
Yes, sir.
Now, in your investigations, have you been able to establish that Sergeant Dexter brought that money from the Philippines? No, sir.
Then you have no proof that Sergeant Dexter was actually connected in any way with that stolen money? Well, as I testified, we had found $10,000 of that money in Sergeant Dexter's footlocker.
But as a master sergeant, Dexter is assigned to his own room, is that not correct? Yes, sir.
In other words, that footlocker was not under observation while Sergeant Dexter was out of his room.
No, it was not.
Isn't it possible, then, that that money could have been planted there in Sergeant Dexter's absence? LEWIS: Objected to.
Calling for a conclusion from the witness.
Sustained.
Captain Kennedy, you testified that the desk in question was always locked.
Yes, sir.
Are you aware of the type lock on that desk? Yes, sir.
I am.
It's manufactured by Harris and Company.
The model number is- Oh, may I? Please do.
C-74.
Is it not true that this is a very simple lock and can be opened by virtually anyone with a nail file or a knife? That'spossible.
Well, haven't there been complaints on this post that several desks with this very same lock have been rifled? Yes, sir.
Captain, you also testified that Sergeant Dexter is a skilled typist.
Would you care to estimate how many other skilled typists are presently serving at Camp Grace? Well, I should say about 200.
There are 212 to be exact.
Thank you, captain.
No further questions.
Witness is excused.
LEWIS: Now, Sergeant Smith, you were questioned by Captain Kennedy about this $20 bill which you spent in the Savoy Cafe.
Yes, sir.
Where did you get this bill? In a card game.
And was the accused a participant in that game? Yes, sir, he was.
Do you remember who introduced this $20 bill into that game? Yes, sir.
It was Sergeant Dexter.
LEWIS: How do you know that? Well, it was the only 20 in the game, and, uh, Sergeant Dexter asked me if I'd change it for him.
No further questions.
Your witness.
The defense has no questions at this time, but reserves the right to recall this witness for cross-examination.
JUDGE: Witness is excused.
( tense theme playing ) Prosecution asks that Mr.
Walter Haskell be called.
When Sergeant Dexter delivered the payroll money to you on the day of the murder, did you notice anything unusual about it? Yes, sir.
Some of the bills were slightly scorched, as if they'd been near a fire.
Sergeant Dexter had sole possession of that money for some time before he turned it over to you, didn't he? He did.
Thank you, Mr.
Haskell.
The prosecution has no further questions.
Now, Mr.
Haskell, is it possible that someone other than Sergeant Dexter could have switched that payroll money before it was brought to you? I suppose so.
Well, couldn't you have switched that money? Yes, but I didn't.
And how do we know that? Just have to take my word for it.
You know a girl named Rikki Stevens? Remember, Mr.
Haskell, you're under oath.
Mr.
Mason, I don't see how that has any bearing on this case.
If the court please, I intend to show the relevancy.
Answer the question.
Yes, I'm acquainted with Miss Stevens.
Did Rikki Stevens ever tell you anything about the money stolen from Corregidor? Of course not.
Mr.
Haskell, I ask you to examine this $5 bill.
Do you notice anything unusual about it? Yes, it's scorched, like the Corregidor money.
Exactly.
Did you give this $5 bill to Rikki Stevens? No.
Why should I? I have here a duplicate of a receipt for Rikki Stevens' rent given to me by her landlady, paid for by you.
Do you pay the rent for all your acquaintances, Mr.
Haskell? Can you deny that you have at various times given money to Rikki Stevens? Remember, Mr.
Haskell, you're sworn to tell the truth.
I violated that oath a long time before I made it here, when Rikki was born.
I swore it to myself then.
But when I returned here to my wife, I- I didn't have the courage to admit that I had a child in Manila.
It was easier to forget.
In 1949, Rikki had to leave Manila because of illness.
She came to the States.
She tried to see me.
All she wanted was my love.
I gave her money instead.
It was cheaper than courage.
I didn't hear from Rikki again until about eight months ago, when she went back to Manila to arrange for her mother's funeral.
Right after that, she came here looking for me.
And again, I denied my daughter her birthright.
I didn't give her the $5 bill.
I'd have known at a glance it was part of the Corregidor money.
Even if I were guilty, I wouldn't involve my own daughter.
No further questions.
No.
No further questions.
The witness is excused.
Gentlemen, the hour is growing late.
The court will adjourn till 0900 tomorrow morning.
( somber theme playing ) No, there's something wrong here, radically wrong.
Do you think Haskell was lying? He said Rikki left the Philippines in 1949.
Doesn't add up.
Where are those records Paul sent over? Right here.
I wonder Della, I want Paul to check the FBI.
I want a fast verification on these fingerprints.
Right.
Hello, Gertie.
I want you to call Camp Grace.
I want to speak to the post surgeon there.
I think his name's Colonel Wilson.
If he's not in his office, try him at home, but please get him.
All right.
Now, Mr.
Evans, on the day that Major Lessing was murdered, you and Sergeant Dexter went to the bank for the payroll money, did you not? Yes, sir.
You then returned with it as usual to the Finance Office? Is that not correct? Yes, sir.
Now, was Sergeant Dexter alone at any time with that payroll money? Yes, sir.
He was.
For how long? Well, I couldn't say.
I went back to my work.
When I looked up some time later, Sergeant Dexter was just handing the money over to Mr.
Haskell for counting.
Mr.
Haskell has testified that some of the bills turned over to him had scorched edges.
Did you notice that any of the payroll money was similarly marred when you and Sergeant Dexter picked it up at the bank? No, sir.
I did not.
No further questions.
Now, Mr.
Evans, you testified that Sergeant Dexter was alone with the payroll money? Yes, sir.
Now I ask you, were you ever alone with the payroll money? No, sir.
I was not.
MASON: Well, let me refresh your memory.
After you and Sergeant Dexter picked up the payroll money at the bank, you both took it back to the car.
Is that correct? Yes.
Then Sergeant Dexter remembered that he had to cash a personal check for Major Lessing.
He went back into the bank.
Did you accompany him? No, sir.
I, uh I waited in the car.
Was the money in the car with you? Oh Yes, sir.
It was.
Then you were alone with that money? Yes, sir.
Now perhaps your memory will be better regarding other events on that day.
Why did you try to stop Major Lessing from coming to see me? I was afraid he wanted to make a confession.
At that time, I thought he was involved with the stolen money.
I knew the disgrace would ruin his wife and children.
Couldn't Major Lessing have intended to engage my services to defend you because you switched that money? And isn't that what he meant when he said it would ruin the lives of his family because you were Mrs.
Lessing's brother? LEWIS: Objected to as incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial.
The witness is not on trial here.
If the court please, defense is trying to show bias on the part of the witness.
He's attempting to cover up his own complicity in this matter.
The court will withhold its ruling until we've determined whether defense counsel's point is well taken.
This is ridiculous.
I don't know anything about the Corregidor money, and I didn't kill Frank.
I wasn't even on the post that night.
Can you prove that? I certainly can.
I was upset by what had taken place at the office, so I decided to hit some of the bars.
I started making the rounds at 8:00.
I didn't get home until 2.
Did you tell all this to Captain Kennedy? Yes.
He knows all about it.
How were you able to substantiate this? Sergeant Smith was with me all evening.
If the court please, I would like at this time to interrupt my cross-examination and recall Sergeant Smith for the purpose of corroborating this testimony.
The witness is excused.
Heh.
So when Mr.
Evans said he wanted to tie one on, I volunteered to keep him company.
Tell me something, sergeant, weren't you transferred from Manila to this post seven months ago because of a malarial condition? That's right.
And when you were released from the hospital, weren't you informed that drinking was contraindicated in your case? Well, I was told it wouldn't do me any good.
Nevertheless, you did drink? How can defense counsel justify this line of questioning? I assure the court, defense will connect this up.
Witness will answer the question.
Well Yeah, I- I drank.
Despite the fact that you were told that the consumption of any alcoholic beverage might mean an acute recurrence of malaria? Heh.
It never did me any harm.
No, I'm sure it didn't.
Thank you, captain.
I would like this copy of Sergeant Smith's medical record marked for identification.
This medical record contains an entry of hospitalization for Plasmodium falciparum, one of the most severe types of malaria affecting man.
It is chronic and incurable.
However, the post surgeon informs me that a recent test made here at Camp Grace, uh, on this witness for that disease proved negative.
It's not the first time the Army's made a mistake.
The witness will confine his remarks to the questions.
( door opens ) Do you still say you're suffering from malaria? Can counsel now tell the court what he hopes to accomplish by this line of questioning? Yes, I intend to prove that this witness never had malaria.
Furthermore, that he was on Corregidor in 1942, that he stole the Corregidor money.
With his accomplice, Howard Evans, he was responsible for switching that money with the payroll.
LEWIS: Objection.
The defense counsel is engaging in pure theory.
The record clearly shows that Sergeant Smith had malaria and did not even arrive in the Philippines until 1951.
If the court please, the defense is aware that Sergeant Smith did not arrive in the Philippines until 1951.
However, these fingerprints from the FBI files indicate that this witness is not Sergeant Smith, but Private Anthony Kusick, the last surviving member of the eight-man detail to dispose of that money on Corregidor.
Now, you buried that money that night on Corregidor, just as you buried the real Smith 16 years later.
You killed him for his identification and for his orders of transfer back to this country.
No.
No, I didn't.
You knew he'd been ordered back to the States because he developed malaria.
It was a perfect setup for you.
Who would dream of looking for a deserter right in the Army? No, no, look at the record.
I didn't get to the Philippines till 1951.
Then how did you meet Rikki Stevens there? She left the Philippines in 1949.
I tell you, you've got this all wrong.
Show me where, Kusick.
You planned to have Major Lessing's death look like suicide, but when Mrs.
Lessing destroyed that note and told her brother about it, you had to improvise.
You realized it would look like murder, and you had to have a fall guy.
That's why you planted that $10,000 in Sergeant Dexter's footlocker.
All right.
But I didn't kill Major Lessing! It was Evans, Major Lessing's brother-in-law.
He was the one who gave me the idea about switching the money.
He was the one who told me that Major Lessing was getting wise.
MASON: But you were the one who was on the post that night.
The records indicate that it must have been you who typed that phony suicide note.
You're wrong.
I don't even know how to type.
You mean, Sergeant Smith didn't know how to type.
But what was your job while you were in the service still using the name Kusick? I'll tell you what it was: you were a clerk typist.
( dramatic theme playing ) ( mellow theme playing ) The thing that gets me is that $400,000.
After all, it isn't something you can tuck into an overnight bag.
How did Kusick get his hands on it? Well, we've got to remember, Paul, it wasn't business as usual on Corregidor that night.
The island was being bombed.
Kusick was probably the only man there paying attention to that $10-million bonfire.
Then after the war, Kusick deserted and stayed in the Philippines using another phony name.
That's when he met the real Willie Smith.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Well, he's awful lucky.
What if he'd run into one of the real Willie Smith's buddies over here? Well, he could always claim he was a different Willie Smith.
Must be hundreds in the Army.
I suppose so.
Well, I'd better shove off.
I don't want to keep the little lady waiting.
What's the matter, Paul? Your money burning a hole in your pocket? ( sighs ) Where did you get that? Don't worry.
It isn't Corregidor money.
I put a cigarette down on my money clip this morning.
So I figured it was just the thing to spend on a hot date.
( chuckles ) ( upbeat theme playing ) Ho, ho.
( noirish jazz theme playing )
Which one of you men is William Smith? I am, sir.
This is Mr.
Blake of the Treasury Department.
Gentlemen.
Ever see this before? Which one of you men paid for drinks at the Savoy Bar Thursday night at around 8:30? I did, sir.
You gave the bartender a 20.
That 20.
If this is counterfeit, captain, I swear I don't know anything about it.
I don't know anything about it either, sir.
Do you remember where you got this? No, sir.
You know how money changes hands during a little, heh, friendly recreation.
Who was in the game with you? Well, there was Sergeant Burke here, and, uh, Corporal Thomas, um, Sergeant Wallace, Corporal Baker, and- And don't forget Sergeant Dexter.
Yes, sir.
Sergeant Dexter.
Isn't he in the Finance Office? Yes, sir.
He's the chief clerk.
That'll be all.
( door closes ) Pardon me, captain.
Is it counterfeit? It looks good.
It is good.
There's just one thing wrong with that bill: It has no business being in existence.
Well, you see, lieutenant, just before Corregidor surrendered, the Army burned $10 million in currency to prevent it falling into enemy hands.
That 20 didn't even get warm.
Well, does the Treasury Department know how much was stolen? Well, judging by the serial numbers, I'd say around $400,000.
( whistles ) All of it isn't in circulation, but every bill that's shown up has been traced directly to this post.
There were eight men detailed to dispose of that money.
Six of those men are dead.
Of the two remaining, one is a man named Tony Kusick, wanted for desertion.
The other is Major Frank Lessing.
Our finance officer? Lessing was a lieutenant on Corregidor at the time, but he was the officer in charge of that $10-million bonfire.
( tense theme playing ) I'm sorry, Captain Kennedy, but Major Lessing isn't home.
No, I'm sorry.
I've no idea where you can reach him.
Yes, of course.
I'll give him your message.
You're quite welcome.
( exhales ) That's the third time he's called, Frank.
I told you I'd talk to Kennedy when I was good and ready.
Frank, what's wrong? I told you, Helen.
There's nothing wrong.
Now don't stand there looking at me like that.
You make me feel like I- ( sighs ) I'm sorry, Helen.
I didn't mean it, I- No, darling, you know I've never interfered, but if you're in trouble, I want to know about it.
Helen, th-there's absolutely nothing wrong.
I- ( car horn honks ) Are the children waiting for you in the car? Yes, I'm taking them over to Major Layton's, and Harry's having a birthday party.
Tell the little monsters not to eat too much ice cream.
I won't be long.
Helen Do me a favor, will you? Of course.
Always remember that I love you.
Oh, Frank, what is it? You know you can tell me anything.
( car horn honks ) You better go.
( somber theme playing ) ( sighs ) ( band playing fanfare ) All right, Helen, he just came in.
Now, don't you worry.
I- I'll talk to him.
Yes.
Yes, right away.
Of course.
( phone rings ) About finished with the payroll, Dexter? Uh, no, sir.
Should have been finished an hour ago.
I'm sorry, major, but Captain Kennedy and a Treasury agent held me up.
They were around asking questions.
They, um- They wanted to know if anyone else had the combination to the safe.
What'd you tell them? Well, I told them you were the only one.
Why did you tell them that? You know the combination.
Yes, sir, but I'm not supposed to, and I felt sure you wouldn't want me to open the safe for them.
You'd, uh- You'd better explain that remark, sergeant.
Well, I took the liberty of opening the safe before they got here.
You what? When I picked up the payroll money at the bank this morning, the bank gave me a list of the serial numbers.
Go on! Those aren't the same bills I turned over to you, sir.
The numbers don't match.
I've had enough of your insubordination, sergeant.
Far too much.
You'd better find another spot.
Not meaning to be disrespectful, sir, but I had the same idea.
My request for a transfer is in your top drawer.
( ominous theme playing ) Consider yourself relieved of duty, sergeant.
( rings ) Haskell speaking.
I told you never to call me here! ( suspenseful theme playing ) ( door opens ) Major Lessing is here.
All right, Della, show him in.
Come in, major.
( door closes ) Thank you for seeing me at this hour, Mr.
Mason.
Not at all, major.
Sit down.
Thank you.
If you don't mind, I'd prefer not to have any notes taken of this meeting for the records.
Della.
All right, major.
What's on your mind? Tomorrow morning at 10:00 I intend to disclose complete details of a crime to Captain Kennedy.
He's criminal investigator at Camp Grace.
I see.
And you want to retain counsel before you act? Yes, I, uh I should have done this a long time ago.
But, uh, would $1,500 be sufficient as a retainer? If I accept the case.
Can you tell me the nature of this crime? Unlawful possession of money stolen from the United States Army.
You said you should have done this long ago.
Why didn't you? It's It's been a very difficult decision to make.
I have a wonderful wife and two lovely daughters.
We've been very happy.
What I intend to do tomorrow will destroy that happiness.
And I can expect to see you at my office tomorrow at 9? Yes.
Thank you.
( door opens, closes) I'm a little surprised.
You don't even represent the man, and yet you're willing to drive all the way out to Camp Grace in the wee small hours of the morning to meet the man.
Suppose it isn't as serious as he thinks it is.
When a finance officer leaves $1,500 on my desk and doesn't ask for a receipt, it's serious.
I'll see that your car is ready.
( suspenseful theme playing ) ( bugler playing "Call to Quarters" outside ) ( tense theme playing ) Uh, Major Lessing's office, please.
( line ringing ) ( suspenseful theme playing ) ( dramatic theme playing ) ( gasps ) Frank.
Frank! Frank Oh, Frank.
Oh, Frank! ( crying ) FRANK: My dearest Helen, I'm sorry that this is the way it must end, but there is nothing else I can do.
For some time now, I've used my office to dispose of more than $85,000, which I stole from the Army at Corregidor.
Kiss the children for me and try not to judge me too harshly.
( sighs ) ( breathing heavily ) Captain Kennedy, please.
Captain Kennedy, this is Helen Lessing.
I'm in my husband's office.
He's been murdered! ( suspenseful theme playing ) ( man shouting in distance ) ( doorbell rings ) Yes? I wonder if I might see Mrs.
Lessing.
What are you, another reporter? No, I'm an attorney.
My name is Perry Mason.
I'm sorry.
Come in, Mr.
Mason.
Thank you.
Will you sit down, please? Thanks again.
Well, I- I guess you've heard the news.
Yes, I saw Captain Kennedy in Major Lessing's office.
It's terrible.
It's just terrible.
I appreciate it must have been quite a shock, mister, uh? Evans.
Howard Evans.
I'm Major Lessing's brother-in-law.
Did Frank say anything to you last night that might give us a lead to the killer? How did you know Major Lessing came to see me last night? I talked to him at the office about 20 minutes before he left.
I work there as a civilian employee.
I'm the assistant cashier.
I see.
Well, I won't take up any more of your time, Mr.
Evans.
Would you please give this to Mrs.
Lessing? Her husband- HELEN: Who is it, Howard? I'm sorry to disturb you, Mrs.
Lessing.
This is Perry Mason, Helen.
Oh.
How do you do? I saw your husband last night.
I know.
He gave me this money as a retainer.
Under the circumstances- ( doorbell rings ) I'll- I'll get it, Helen.
Oh, hello, Evans.
Is Mrs.
Lessing in? Come in, Captain Kennedy.
How are you feeling, Mrs.
Lessing? I'm all right.
This- This is Perry Mason.
Yes, we've met.
I, uh I wanted to talk to you, but it can wait.
What is it, captain? There's one thing I want you to know, Mrs.
Lessing.
I did your husband a grave injustice.
What do you mean? This isn't the time to talk about it, I know, but Well, I was wrong.
I'm ashamed to admit that it took your husband's murder to convince me.
But if it's any consolation to you, we're going all out on Sergeant Dexter.
What are you saying? That we found Major Lessing's killer.
Sergeant Dexter? No.
No, you're wrong.
Suppose you leave that to us, Mrs.
Lessing.
No, no, he didn't do it.
You've got to believe me.
Everything points to it.
Now, if you need me for anything, please, call me.
Nice to see you, Mason.
Captain.
( door opens ) ( door closes ) Sergeant Dexter didn't kill him, Mr.
Mason.
According to Captain Kennedy- I tell you, he didn't do it! Look- Look, this money my husband left you, I want you to keep it.
I want you to- I want you to defend Dexter.
Helen! Do you realize what you're doing? Please, Mr.
Mason, I want you to help him.
He didn't kill Frank.
I know.
How do you know, Mrs.
Lessing? I- I just know, that's all.
( sobs ) ( somber theme playing ) And I was the first one to laugh when anyone yelled he was being framed.
What do you know about the so-called Corregidor money? The what? The bills that were supposed to be destroyed during the war.
Captain Kennedy says they've been showing up on this post.
I don't know anything about it.
They found $10,000 of those bills in your footlocker.
I never saw them.
Somebody put them there.
More of the frame? Yes.
How do you explain the $50,000 in Corregidor money they found in Major Lessing's safe? Well, how do they explain it? They feel you made the substitution.
Sure, they do.
Do you think that Major Lessing is responsible for the substitution? I don't know what to think anymore.
I told you, I served under Major Lessing for four years.
I thought he was the greatest guy in the world.
Apparently, you changed your mind.
Why? Well, who else could have done it? That's no answer, sergeant.
Now, you men are paid once a month.
Who picks up the payroll? Howard Evans and myself.
Evans, that's Mrs.
Lessing's brother? That's right.
When was this particular payroll picked up? Why, yesterday morning.
We went to the bank and cashed the payroll check.
Then what did you do with the money? We turned it over to Major Lessing.
The money was never out of your sight until Major Lessing put it in the safe? Well, practically.
What do you mean, "practically"? Well, Mr.
Haskell, the head cashier, had to count it.
Then the money was out of your sight? Well, if you put it that way, yes.
That means Mr.
Haskell could have switched that money.
When you and Evans picked up the payroll money at the bank yesterday, you drove immediately back to camp? Well, no.
No, you see, Major Lessing had asked me to cash his personal check for $1,500.
It- It slipped my mind, and I went back into the bank.
Did you take the payroll money with you? No, I left it with Howard Evans.
Then, on at least two occasions, the payroll money was out of your sight.
That's right.
Tell me something, sergeant.
Did you kill Major Lessing? On my word of honor, Mr.
Mason, I didn't.
Does that mean you believe me? Well, let me answer you this way.
When I was in the service, they used to say, "never volunteer.
" But if you'd like me to represent you Oh.
Keep smiling, sergeant, and I'll be in to see you tomorrow.
Thanks, Mr.
Mason.
( man shouting in distance ) Hi.
Hi.
When'd you get here? About an hour ago.
Here's a list of all the people that work in the Finance Office who were on the post last night, both army and civilian personnel.
Nice going, Paul.
"Sergeant Dexter, Walter Haskell.
" Haskell is head cashier, and he is also involved with a chick young enough to be his daughter.
Her name's Rikki Stevens, but don't let the name fool you.
Her father's name might have been Stevens, but her mother must have been an Oriental.
Haskell married? Married and respectable on the surface, but you never know about these old ducks.
The way I understand it, he's been slipping her money.
On what he makes as an Army finance clerk? He must have an answer.
See if you can come up with it.
( rock music playing over speaker ) SMITH: Take it off.
Take it off! Take it off.
Take it off.
Smitty, Smitty- Take it off! Smitty, Smitty.
Heh, heh.
Are you sure that's her? Sure I'm sure.
That's Rikki Stevens.
She used to be one of the strippers at the Royal Palms when I was in Manila.
You should see her when she's in action.
( laughing ): Zowie! Take it off.
Take it off- You You Come on.
I'd like to rearrange your vocal chords anyway.
They're off-key.
I was just tryin' to make you feel at home.
You crummy yardbird.
When I need mood music, I'll hire an orchestra.
Smitty, Smitty, come on.
Come on.
Let's go.
Let's get out of here.
PAUL: Anything I can do? You can buy me one.
For drinking or throwing? Mm, that depends.
How's your voice? I wouldn't take a chance.
Your criticism's a little too sharp.
Whiskey and water.
Same, please.
I'm sorry Sergeant Smith got out of line, miss.
He's really a nice guy when he's sober.
In his condition he shouldn't drink.
What's the matter with him? Malaria.
From what I understand, he had it pretty bad.
That's why they transferred him from Manila about seven months ago.
About the same time you came here, wasn't it? What's the matter? Your voice.
You just hit a flat note.
Ah.
Never mind.
I said this was on me.
Keep your money.
Thanks, but no, thanks.
I only take gifts from friends.
That should cover it.
Keep the change.
She only takes gifts from friends? You must be the only enemy she has.
Ah, wait a minute.
I'll, uh I'll give you a ten for that 5.
I have a sentimental feeling for anything that girl touches.
And I have a sentimental feeling for a five-dollar profit.
Thank you.
( tense theme playing ) Well, don't keep him long.
I got dinner waiting.
I won't, I promise you.
Well, Mr.
Mason, what can I tell you? Well, suppose we start with, uh, Rikki Stevens.
Well, what are you talking about? Well, you do know a Rikki Stevens, don't you? No.
Mr.
Haskell, your personal life is no concern of mine except where it involves my client's welfare.
Now, I have proof that you and Miss Stevens are, shall we say, rather friendly.
Mr.
Mason, how can you possibly suspect a girl like Rikki and a man my age? Four-hundred thousand dollars is enough to create all kinds of suspicions.
That money was brought here from the Philippines at about the same time Miss Stevens came here.
One of those scorched bills has been traced directly to her.
As chief cashier for the Finance Office, I think- Never mind what you think.
I've said all I intend to on this subject.
It may not be quite that easy, Mr.
Haskell.
The, um The Army may have other ideas.
( door closes ) ( ominous theme playing ) Manual for Courts-Martial, United States, 1951.
Oh, a Captain Ralph Stewart called.
He's the appointed defense counsel.
Then he'll be associated with you in defense of Dexter.
Mm-hm.
( rings ) Yes, Gertie? Howard Evans calling.
All right, Gertie, put him on.
Hello? Mr.
Mason, my sister has something very important to tell you.
Mr.
Mason ( sighs ) Sergeant Dexter didn't kill my husband.
I can prove it.
My husband wasn't murdered.
He committed suicide.
Do you realize what you're saying? Yes, Fra- Frank left a suicide note.
I- I- I destroyed it the night he- That he died.
I I see.
Would you be willing to tell that story to Captain Kennedy? Yes.
I'll meet you at his office in 45 minutes.
Do you remember exactly what Major Lessing said in the note he left? I can't ever forget.
Was this it? "My dearest Helen, "I'm sorry that this is the way it must end for us, "but there is nothing else I can do.
"For some time now, I've used my office "to dispose of more than $85,000, "which I stole from the Army at Corregidor.
"Kiss the children for me and try not to judge me too harshly.
" Where did you get that? I burned it.
I know.
This is a copy.
Then why hasn't my client been released? Because Major Lessing didn't compose that note.
Mr.
Mason, I think you'll admit the Army has given you all the cooperation in the world.
We've turned over to you everything we thought that could possibly benefit your client.
I'm fully aware of that, captain.
Who wrote that note? Sergeant Dexter.
Your husband didn't commit suicide, Mrs.
Lessing.
The only mistake he made was trying to protect the man who eventually murdered him.
( tense theme playing ) MAN: "Violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, "Article 118.
Specification: "In that Master Sergeant Joseph Dexter, "United States Army, Headquarters Company Camp Grace, "did at Camp Grace, California, on or about 25 May, "with premeditation, murder Major Frank Lessing by means of shooting him with a pistol.
" The charges were served on the accused by me on 10 June.
Sergeant Dexter, how do you plead? The accused, Sergeant Joseph Dexter, pleads to the specification and charge: not guilty.
Trial counsel may proceed.
Prosecution calls as a witness Sergeant First Class Jean McKnight.
Now, Sergeant McKnight, you work in the Message Center, is that correct? Yes, sir.
On the night of Major Lessing's murder, what time did you leave your office? At 9:00.
I stayed late to finish up some work.
And when you returned to your office the following morning, did you find anything missing from your desk? Yes, sir.
Sergeant Dexter's request for a transfer.
It had been endorsed by Major Lessing.
Now, Sergeant McKnight, what made you remember this particular paper? Because I was surprised when I saw it the night before.
I knew how long they'd served together, and I wondered why Sergeant Dexter should suddenly want a transfer from Major Lessing's section.
No further questions.
Why didn't you tell me about this before? I was afraid you would think I was guilty.
And now what do you suppose they think? Sergeant McKnight, if Sergeant Dexter had changed his mind and wanted to withdraw his transfer request because of his loyalty to Major Lessing, would- LEWIS: Objected to as argumentative.
Sergeant Dexter's motive in destroying a transfer request has never been established as being due to loyalty.
Objection sustained.
No further questions.
Are there any questions by the court? Witness is excused.
Captain Kennedy, on the afternoon of 26 May, you took the accused into custody.
What prompted your action? Initially, the report of the military police patrol.
The accused entered the Finance Office on the night of the murder within minutes after Major Lessing.
He was observed leaving the building 15 minutes later.
What time was that? About 10:15 p.
m.
Are you aware that the military surgeon has established that Major Lessing's death occurred between 9:30 and 10:30? Yes, sir.
Captain Kennedy can you identify this typewriter, prosecution exhibit number four? Yes, sir, it was Sergeant Dexter's typewriter.
I marked it for identification.
And can you identify this typewriter ribbon, prosecution exhibit number five? Yes, sir.
I removed that ribbon from Sergeant Dexter's typewriter the day after the murder.
LEWIS: Why? Normal investigative procedure in a case of this kind.
It's often possible to read a typewriter ribbon with the aid of an ordinary magnifying glass.
And were you able to do so in this case? Yes, sir.
It was quite simple.
Fortunately, Sergeant Dexter had put this clean ribbon in his machine just a few hours before the murder.
Will you tell us exactly what you read on this ribbon? Yes, sir.
"My dearest Helen, "I'm sorry that this is the way it must end for us, "but there is nothing else I can do-" If the court please.
Defense stipulates as to the note and its contents, but the prosecution has established no connection between Sergeant Dexter and the suicide note.
The prosecution intends to establish such a connection.
Prosecution may proceed.
Now, is it possible that Major Lessing himself used the defendant's typewriter to write this so-called suicide note? No, sir.
Why not? It had been typed by an expert: a touch-typist.
How do you know that? By the evenness and clarity of each letter as it appeared on the ribbon.
All the keys had been struck with equal force, a characteristic of the touch system.
If it had been typed by someone using the hunt-and-peck system, all the letters on the ribbon would have appeared unevenly.
Of your own knowledge, can you say that Major Lessing was untrained as a touch-typist? Of my own knowledge, I know he was not a touch-typist.
Now, Captain Kennedy, does Sergeant Dexter's Form 20 indicate that he is a skilled typist? Yes, sir.
It does.
Where did Sergeant Dexter keep his typewriter? In the desk.
And did anyone else besides Sergeant Dexter have access to that desk? No, sir.
He kept it locked at all times.
In fact, the desk was locked at the time we seized the typewriter.
Who gave you the keys to that desk? Sergeant Dexter.
No further questions.
Captain Kennedy, I think we're all agreed that the crux of this matter is the so-called Corregidor money.
Yes, sir.
It is the Army's contention that the accused, Sergeant Dexter, masterminded the plot to dispose of that money.
When Major Lessing discovered it, Dexter killed him.
Yes, sir.
Now, in your investigations, have you been able to establish that Sergeant Dexter brought that money from the Philippines? No, sir.
Then you have no proof that Sergeant Dexter was actually connected in any way with that stolen money? Well, as I testified, we had found $10,000 of that money in Sergeant Dexter's footlocker.
But as a master sergeant, Dexter is assigned to his own room, is that not correct? Yes, sir.
In other words, that footlocker was not under observation while Sergeant Dexter was out of his room.
No, it was not.
Isn't it possible, then, that that money could have been planted there in Sergeant Dexter's absence? LEWIS: Objected to.
Calling for a conclusion from the witness.
Sustained.
Captain Kennedy, you testified that the desk in question was always locked.
Yes, sir.
Are you aware of the type lock on that desk? Yes, sir.
I am.
It's manufactured by Harris and Company.
The model number is- Oh, may I? Please do.
C-74.
Is it not true that this is a very simple lock and can be opened by virtually anyone with a nail file or a knife? That'spossible.
Well, haven't there been complaints on this post that several desks with this very same lock have been rifled? Yes, sir.
Captain, you also testified that Sergeant Dexter is a skilled typist.
Would you care to estimate how many other skilled typists are presently serving at Camp Grace? Well, I should say about 200.
There are 212 to be exact.
Thank you, captain.
No further questions.
Witness is excused.
LEWIS: Now, Sergeant Smith, you were questioned by Captain Kennedy about this $20 bill which you spent in the Savoy Cafe.
Yes, sir.
Where did you get this bill? In a card game.
And was the accused a participant in that game? Yes, sir, he was.
Do you remember who introduced this $20 bill into that game? Yes, sir.
It was Sergeant Dexter.
LEWIS: How do you know that? Well, it was the only 20 in the game, and, uh, Sergeant Dexter asked me if I'd change it for him.
No further questions.
Your witness.
The defense has no questions at this time, but reserves the right to recall this witness for cross-examination.
JUDGE: Witness is excused.
( tense theme playing ) Prosecution asks that Mr.
Walter Haskell be called.
When Sergeant Dexter delivered the payroll money to you on the day of the murder, did you notice anything unusual about it? Yes, sir.
Some of the bills were slightly scorched, as if they'd been near a fire.
Sergeant Dexter had sole possession of that money for some time before he turned it over to you, didn't he? He did.
Thank you, Mr.
Haskell.
The prosecution has no further questions.
Now, Mr.
Haskell, is it possible that someone other than Sergeant Dexter could have switched that payroll money before it was brought to you? I suppose so.
Well, couldn't you have switched that money? Yes, but I didn't.
And how do we know that? Just have to take my word for it.
You know a girl named Rikki Stevens? Remember, Mr.
Haskell, you're under oath.
Mr.
Mason, I don't see how that has any bearing on this case.
If the court please, I intend to show the relevancy.
Answer the question.
Yes, I'm acquainted with Miss Stevens.
Did Rikki Stevens ever tell you anything about the money stolen from Corregidor? Of course not.
Mr.
Haskell, I ask you to examine this $5 bill.
Do you notice anything unusual about it? Yes, it's scorched, like the Corregidor money.
Exactly.
Did you give this $5 bill to Rikki Stevens? No.
Why should I? I have here a duplicate of a receipt for Rikki Stevens' rent given to me by her landlady, paid for by you.
Do you pay the rent for all your acquaintances, Mr.
Haskell? Can you deny that you have at various times given money to Rikki Stevens? Remember, Mr.
Haskell, you're sworn to tell the truth.
I violated that oath a long time before I made it here, when Rikki was born.
I swore it to myself then.
But when I returned here to my wife, I- I didn't have the courage to admit that I had a child in Manila.
It was easier to forget.
In 1949, Rikki had to leave Manila because of illness.
She came to the States.
She tried to see me.
All she wanted was my love.
I gave her money instead.
It was cheaper than courage.
I didn't hear from Rikki again until about eight months ago, when she went back to Manila to arrange for her mother's funeral.
Right after that, she came here looking for me.
And again, I denied my daughter her birthright.
I didn't give her the $5 bill.
I'd have known at a glance it was part of the Corregidor money.
Even if I were guilty, I wouldn't involve my own daughter.
No further questions.
No.
No further questions.
The witness is excused.
Gentlemen, the hour is growing late.
The court will adjourn till 0900 tomorrow morning.
( somber theme playing ) No, there's something wrong here, radically wrong.
Do you think Haskell was lying? He said Rikki left the Philippines in 1949.
Doesn't add up.
Where are those records Paul sent over? Right here.
I wonder Della, I want Paul to check the FBI.
I want a fast verification on these fingerprints.
Right.
Hello, Gertie.
I want you to call Camp Grace.
I want to speak to the post surgeon there.
I think his name's Colonel Wilson.
If he's not in his office, try him at home, but please get him.
All right.
Now, Mr.
Evans, on the day that Major Lessing was murdered, you and Sergeant Dexter went to the bank for the payroll money, did you not? Yes, sir.
You then returned with it as usual to the Finance Office? Is that not correct? Yes, sir.
Now, was Sergeant Dexter alone at any time with that payroll money? Yes, sir.
He was.
For how long? Well, I couldn't say.
I went back to my work.
When I looked up some time later, Sergeant Dexter was just handing the money over to Mr.
Haskell for counting.
Mr.
Haskell has testified that some of the bills turned over to him had scorched edges.
Did you notice that any of the payroll money was similarly marred when you and Sergeant Dexter picked it up at the bank? No, sir.
I did not.
No further questions.
Now, Mr.
Evans, you testified that Sergeant Dexter was alone with the payroll money? Yes, sir.
Now I ask you, were you ever alone with the payroll money? No, sir.
I was not.
MASON: Well, let me refresh your memory.
After you and Sergeant Dexter picked up the payroll money at the bank, you both took it back to the car.
Is that correct? Yes.
Then Sergeant Dexter remembered that he had to cash a personal check for Major Lessing.
He went back into the bank.
Did you accompany him? No, sir.
I, uh I waited in the car.
Was the money in the car with you? Oh Yes, sir.
It was.
Then you were alone with that money? Yes, sir.
Now perhaps your memory will be better regarding other events on that day.
Why did you try to stop Major Lessing from coming to see me? I was afraid he wanted to make a confession.
At that time, I thought he was involved with the stolen money.
I knew the disgrace would ruin his wife and children.
Couldn't Major Lessing have intended to engage my services to defend you because you switched that money? And isn't that what he meant when he said it would ruin the lives of his family because you were Mrs.
Lessing's brother? LEWIS: Objected to as incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial.
The witness is not on trial here.
If the court please, defense is trying to show bias on the part of the witness.
He's attempting to cover up his own complicity in this matter.
The court will withhold its ruling until we've determined whether defense counsel's point is well taken.
This is ridiculous.
I don't know anything about the Corregidor money, and I didn't kill Frank.
I wasn't even on the post that night.
Can you prove that? I certainly can.
I was upset by what had taken place at the office, so I decided to hit some of the bars.
I started making the rounds at 8:00.
I didn't get home until 2.
Did you tell all this to Captain Kennedy? Yes.
He knows all about it.
How were you able to substantiate this? Sergeant Smith was with me all evening.
If the court please, I would like at this time to interrupt my cross-examination and recall Sergeant Smith for the purpose of corroborating this testimony.
The witness is excused.
Heh.
So when Mr.
Evans said he wanted to tie one on, I volunteered to keep him company.
Tell me something, sergeant, weren't you transferred from Manila to this post seven months ago because of a malarial condition? That's right.
And when you were released from the hospital, weren't you informed that drinking was contraindicated in your case? Well, I was told it wouldn't do me any good.
Nevertheless, you did drink? How can defense counsel justify this line of questioning? I assure the court, defense will connect this up.
Witness will answer the question.
Well Yeah, I- I drank.
Despite the fact that you were told that the consumption of any alcoholic beverage might mean an acute recurrence of malaria? Heh.
It never did me any harm.
No, I'm sure it didn't.
Thank you, captain.
I would like this copy of Sergeant Smith's medical record marked for identification.
This medical record contains an entry of hospitalization for Plasmodium falciparum, one of the most severe types of malaria affecting man.
It is chronic and incurable.
However, the post surgeon informs me that a recent test made here at Camp Grace, uh, on this witness for that disease proved negative.
It's not the first time the Army's made a mistake.
The witness will confine his remarks to the questions.
( door opens ) Do you still say you're suffering from malaria? Can counsel now tell the court what he hopes to accomplish by this line of questioning? Yes, I intend to prove that this witness never had malaria.
Furthermore, that he was on Corregidor in 1942, that he stole the Corregidor money.
With his accomplice, Howard Evans, he was responsible for switching that money with the payroll.
LEWIS: Objection.
The defense counsel is engaging in pure theory.
The record clearly shows that Sergeant Smith had malaria and did not even arrive in the Philippines until 1951.
If the court please, the defense is aware that Sergeant Smith did not arrive in the Philippines until 1951.
However, these fingerprints from the FBI files indicate that this witness is not Sergeant Smith, but Private Anthony Kusick, the last surviving member of the eight-man detail to dispose of that money on Corregidor.
Now, you buried that money that night on Corregidor, just as you buried the real Smith 16 years later.
You killed him for his identification and for his orders of transfer back to this country.
No.
No, I didn't.
You knew he'd been ordered back to the States because he developed malaria.
It was a perfect setup for you.
Who would dream of looking for a deserter right in the Army? No, no, look at the record.
I didn't get to the Philippines till 1951.
Then how did you meet Rikki Stevens there? She left the Philippines in 1949.
I tell you, you've got this all wrong.
Show me where, Kusick.
You planned to have Major Lessing's death look like suicide, but when Mrs.
Lessing destroyed that note and told her brother about it, you had to improvise.
You realized it would look like murder, and you had to have a fall guy.
That's why you planted that $10,000 in Sergeant Dexter's footlocker.
All right.
But I didn't kill Major Lessing! It was Evans, Major Lessing's brother-in-law.
He was the one who gave me the idea about switching the money.
He was the one who told me that Major Lessing was getting wise.
MASON: But you were the one who was on the post that night.
The records indicate that it must have been you who typed that phony suicide note.
You're wrong.
I don't even know how to type.
You mean, Sergeant Smith didn't know how to type.
But what was your job while you were in the service still using the name Kusick? I'll tell you what it was: you were a clerk typist.
( dramatic theme playing ) ( mellow theme playing ) The thing that gets me is that $400,000.
After all, it isn't something you can tuck into an overnight bag.
How did Kusick get his hands on it? Well, we've got to remember, Paul, it wasn't business as usual on Corregidor that night.
The island was being bombed.
Kusick was probably the only man there paying attention to that $10-million bonfire.
Then after the war, Kusick deserted and stayed in the Philippines using another phony name.
That's when he met the real Willie Smith.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Well, he's awful lucky.
What if he'd run into one of the real Willie Smith's buddies over here? Well, he could always claim he was a different Willie Smith.
Must be hundreds in the Army.
I suppose so.
Well, I'd better shove off.
I don't want to keep the little lady waiting.
What's the matter, Paul? Your money burning a hole in your pocket? ( sighs ) Where did you get that? Don't worry.
It isn't Corregidor money.
I put a cigarette down on my money clip this morning.
So I figured it was just the thing to spend on a hot date.
( chuckles ) ( upbeat theme playing ) Ho, ho.
( noirish jazz theme playing )