Perry Mason (1957) s02e28 Episode Script
The Case of the Spanish Cross
( noirish jazz theme playing ) ( melancholy theme playing ) My dear Runyan, I dowish you would reconsider.
I can understand your reluctance to part with the cross, but still, $125,000 is a goodly sum.
You're wasting your time, Karr.
I've been offered 200.
By whom? Now, what difference does it make? It might make all the difference in the world.
I speak in terms of cash, Mr.
Runyan.
Coin of the realm.
Now, uh, if you were to double your offer Yes, indeed, a psychiatrist would be in order.
No, Mr.
Runyan, $150,000.
That's as high as I'll go.
You'll be back.
Don't count on it.
You know, we collectors are a strange breed.
What may take our fancy one day may not hold any interest for us the next.
Good day, Wormser.
Goodbye, Mr.
Karr.
Mr.
Runyan.
Goodbye.
( engine starts ) I've got him hooked, but good.
And how did you like the way I handled him, huh? I tell you, Wormser, he'll go $175,000 before I'm RUNYAN: Did you put it back in the safe? Well, it was right here when we went out with Karr.
I know.
Now, obviously, it didn't walk out by ( small, sneaky theme playing ) Why, that dirty little thief.
You think Jimmy? Get him in here.
RUNYAN: You're a dirty thief.
Who do you think you're kidding? It was right there no more than 15 minutes ago.
Now, let's cut out the fooling around.
I mean business.
What did you do with that cross? You know what the police will do to you if I call them.
You're on probation now.
I know it, Mr.
Runyan.
You just gotta believe me.
I wouldn't believe you on a stack of Bibles.
I wouldn't do that again if I were you, Mr.
Runyan.
Why, you insolent little pup.
( dramatic theme playing ) I didn't mean to do it.
I didn't mean to do it! I didn't mean to hurt him, Mrs.
Runyan.
All I was-- All I was trying to do was protect myself.
You liar.
So you came running in here, huh? Miriam, will you tell Mr.
Runyan he's not welcome in this room? Curtis-- You can tell my wife if she doesn't speak to me for another five years, it's okay.
But this little thief tried to kill me.
That's a lie.
Why, you Miriam, will you please ask Mr.
Runyan to leave? Please, Curtis-- Now, what did you do with that cross? I'm gonna find it if I have to tear this place apart.
And you know what'll happen to you.
You're going back to jail where you belong.
Would you like some tea, Jimmy? Miriam, fix the boy a cup.
Miriam, please.
The tea.
I'm getting out of here.
GRACE: Why? You heard what he said.
He's gonna call the cops.
Jimmy, tell me the truth.
Did you take the cross? No, ma'am, I swear I didn't.
Do you have any money? I'll get by.
Will you? Will you call me? Mrs.
Runyan I've never known anyone like you.
( door closes ) ( slow tense theme playing ) He didn't leave a thing behind.
If I find that my wife has given him the money to skip, she won't hear the end of it.
Bel-- The case! Wait.
The police will want to check it for fingerprints.
Maybe the cross is in it.
RUNYAN: I'm gonna call the police.
And in State v.
Wilson, the Supreme Court held that whenever a defendant in a criminal action was forcibly-- ( rings ) Yes, Gertie? A Mr.
Felix Karr to see you.
Felix Karr.
Uh, would you ask Mr.
Karr what he want--? It's about the Jimmy Morrow case.
Jimmy Morrow? Have Gertie send him in.
DELLA: Mr.
Mason will see Mr.
Karr, Gertie.
According to this, he's on probation.
Uh-huh.
Mr.
Mason? MASON: That's right.
How do you do, sir? This is a rare privilege indeed.
And this, I take it, is your secretary, Miss Street? I make it a practice of being informed about the people I'm going to do business with.
Won't you sit down? Thank you.
Do you mind? Not at all.
Uh, no, thank you.
The little man that makes these for me in Havana refuses to accept the machine age.
What's on your mind? Right to the point, eh, sir? I admire a man like that.
You've read the story? Yes.
I want you to defend the boy.
Is he a friend of yours? I believe I saw him once.
Yesterday, when I visited Mr.
Runyan.
I can't believe he's guilty.
According to this, the cross is gone, but they found the empty case in his room.
I'm sure there's a logical explanation.
Or one that's obvious.
Mark my words, sir.
That boy is not a thief.
You can tell that from seeing him just once? I pride myself on being a good judge of character.
Apparently, the authorities don't agree with you.
He was convicted of grand theft auto.
Childish prank.
Tell me, Mr.
Karr: why did you come to me? I have the utmost respect for your ability.
I feel certain you can manage to get him acquitted.
Suppose he's guilty? I refuse to consider that for one second.
I trust this will be sufficient for a retainer? A retainer is a little premature.
You won't take the case? Not until I speak to the boy.
That presents a problem, since he's disappeared.
Well, I'm sure your Mr.
Drake can find him.
You seem to know a great deal about us.
I told you, I always keep informed about the people I'm going to do business with.
I haven't said we aregoing to do business.
All I ask is that you consider my proposal.
I'll pay you $1,000 if you represent the boy.
Will I hear from you one way or the other? You'll hear from me.
That's all I ask.
Miss Street.
Good day.
( door closes ) Well Della, get Paul in here.
I got the impression that you wanted no part of Mr.
Karr.
No, but there's something here that's rather curious.
Did Mr.
Karr impress you as being a one-man welfare organization? Absolutely not.
Then why does he want me to represent Jimmy Morrow? Well, he said he believed the boy was innocent.
Exactly.
I have a hunch that if Mr.
Karr really believed that, he wouldn't raise a finger to help him.
( upbeat noirish theme playing ) According to this, I was just about to meet a tall, handsome gentleman who would make me independently wealthy.
I'll tell him when I see him.
Did you find the boy? No.
But I thought you might like to speak to his father.
Where does he live? Right over here.
( knocking persists ) ( doorknob rattles ) ( knocking resumes ) Mr.
Morrow? May we come in? My name is Mason.
This is Mr.
Drake.
How do you do? You're You're here about my boy? That's right.
Thank you.
Don't send him to jail.
I'm afraid you don't understand.
Jimmy's a good boy.
He's just unlucky.
Unlucky? To have me for a father.
Nice, huh? I've been like this for the past 10 years.
Jimmy turned out a lot better than anybody had a right to expect.
But this isn't the first time he's been in trouble.
You mean the automobile he was supposed to have stolen from Mrs.
Runyan? He didn't do that.
That was one of the kids around here.
Jimmy wouldn't squeal on him.
I know you don't believe me, but it happens to be true.
I know the kid who took the car.
His name is Barney Kellogg.
He even admitted it to me.
Who, um? Who arranged his probation? Mm.
Mrs.
Runyan.
She was wonderful.
She even worked it out so Jimmy could work at her place and-- And do odd jobs.
They wouldn't trust him to me.
Excuse me.
Why did this thing have to happen? Jimmy was happy for the first time.
And Mr.
Runyan had to ruin everything.
That Runyan's no good, Mr.
Mason.
First time I saw him, I knew he was gonna make trouble for Jimmy.
Why do you blame Runyan? He never wanted Jimmy in the house in the first place.
If you ask me, he pinned it on the kid just to get rid of him.
If you cops send him to jail-- We're not the police.
Mm-mm.
I'm an attorney, Mr.
Morrow.
I'm an attorney.
I've been asked to defend Jimmy by a man named Felix Karr.
Does--? Does that mean you're gonna help him? Well, I'll have to speak to Jimmy first.
Have you any idea where I might find him? Well, if you do hear from him, have him get in touch with my office.
( dramatic theme playing ) MASON: So this is the famous Cruz de Santa Maria.
I've gotta get that color photo back.
I borrowed it from Libel.
He sold the cross to Runyan eight years ago.
How much did Runyan pay? Seventy-five thousand dollars.
The Cruz de Santa Maria.
"This iron cross, "measuring approximately "was fashioned by Juan Piñero, "a sailor aboard the Nina, "the ship that accompanied Columbus to the New World.
"The cross was made from three nails from the Santa Maria, "hence its name.
"On his return to Spain, Columbus presented the cross "to King Ferdinand, who had it encrusted with diamonds, "rubies, emeralds and pearls.
"And in turn, presented it to Cortés before his expedition to Mexico.
" That's a lot of history for a little piece of iron.
And a lot of jewels.
But where is it now? Did your contact know of anyone who had expressed an interest in the cross lately? Only one.
Felix Karr? Mm-hm.
Well, it's beginning to add up.
( knocking ) I finally finished these briefs.
Good.
Runyan here? No.
Do you want me to try his home? I think perhaps you'd better He's already a half-hour late.
( telephone rings ) ( quiet dramatic theme playing ) Stop it.
Stop it! ( ringing continues ) ( upbeat swinging theme playing ) Where is, uh, Jimmy, Mr.
Morrow? You must have someidea.
Believe me, your son is making it much worse for himself by hiding.
I don't know, lieutenant.
I honestly don't know.
( knock at door ) ( door opens ) Hello, Mr.
Morrow.
Well, I had a hunch you were about due.
You had an appointment last night with Mr.
Runyan.
I figured there must be a connection, especially when his secretary, Mr.
Wormser, told me that you wanted to talk to Runyan about, uh, a stolen cross.
No comment? No comment.
I don't think you appreciate what you're getting yourself into.
We've got a witness who puts Jimmy right on the scene.
MASON: That doesn't prove a thing.
This same witness saw him holding the murder gun.
How do you know it was the murder gun? According to the morning papers, there was no weapon found.
Sure.
Your client made away with it.
MASON: You're taking a lot for granted.
What makes you sure he's my client? Well, I-- I naturally supposed-- That isn't safe.
Please, Mr.
Mason, you've gotta help him.
You don't understand.
He's got nobody in the world.
Just a father who's a drunk.
A no-good, stinking drunk.
Please? Please? ( weeps ) As I said, lieutenant, you're taking a lot for granted.
You dorepresent the boy? According to my men, Jimmy has notbeen in touch with his father.
He must be somewhere in his old neighborhood, Paul.
No doubt, but we haven't been able to find him.
Wait a moment.
Jimmy's father said that the real thief of Mrs.
Runyan's car was a boy named Barney Kellogg.
Yeah? Perhaps Barney feels a sense of obligation.
You think he knows where Jimmy's hiding? Well, it's a possibility.
Well, the odds are against it, but I'll put a tail on him.
( intercom buzzes ) Good.
Yes, Della? DELLA ( over intercom ): Mr.
Felix Karr is here for his 4:00 appointment.
Bring him in, please.
I'll, uh, be in my office for a while.
Good afternoon.
Come in, Mr.
Karr.
Sit down, won't you? Thank you.
Really, my dear, is that necessary? Thank you.
I have a horror of that kind of thing.
Makes me feel as though I were talking for posterity.
Well, I assume you've reached some decision in regard to Jimmy Morrow? I've decided to represent him.
Splendid.
I believe I said $500.
No, you said $1,000.
You must forgive me.
My memory isn't what it should be.
Uh, may I have a pen? I don't want your money.
You think there may be conflicting interests, eh? I'm sure of it.
You think Jimmy stole the cross, and out of a sense of gratitude, will turn it over to you for getting him an attorney.
Well, I must admit, the thought hadoccurred to me.
That cross is worth a good deal of money, Mr.
Mason.
Aren't you forgetting something? It's stolen property.
Would $25,000 help to override your concern? Mm, that's a very tempting offer.
Are you speaking in promises, or cash? Cash, sir.
On delivery.
You realize, of course, there's liable to be many questions.
Questions never bother me.
I don't intend to publicize my purchase.
I have a good number of items in my collection that would surprise you.
I can believe that.
Now, what do you know about Runyan's murder? Not a thing.
I detest violence in any form.
Well, what's the verdict? Do we do business? No.
Well, should you change your mind, you know where to reach me.
Good day, Miss Street.
Good day.
I won't say goodbye to you.
I have a definite feeling we'll meet again.
Oddly enough, I feel the same way, Mr.
Karr.
Au revoir.
( door opens, closes ) Good afternoon.
You're Miss Baker, I believe.
The maid informed me I'd find you here.
Yes? Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Felix Karr.
I considered Mr.
Runyan one of my dearest friends.
Then I guess you want to see Mrs.
Runyan.
No.
No, I have no desire to intrude on her moment of grief.
But perhaps you'd be good enough to give her these, with my sympathies.
I'm afraid I've been guilty of carrying coals to Newcastle.
I'm sure she'll appreciate it just the same.
You're very kind.
I'd better get these into water.
Uh, Miss Baker, I wonder if I could presume on our short acquaintance.
Doubtless you've heard of my interest in the cross.
Now, if by some chance you should hear anything about its whereabouts, naturally, I would be very grateful.
MASON: I can't tell you how much I appreciate your seeing me.
Thank you.
I realize the strain you're under.
It's much worse for Jimmy.
I wish ( sighs ) I wish there were some way I could help.
And you don't feel he's guilty of murdering your husband? Of course not.
Do you mind if I ask where you were last night around 6:00? Apparently, you've heard my husband and I weren't on the best of terms.
Five years ago, Curtis and I had one of our more colorfulquarrels.
It took place on the second-floor landing.
I often thought of having an engraved tablet installed there to commemorate the event.
It wasn't intentional, but I went down the stairs, and wound up in this.
I'm-- I'm sorry.
It isn't too bad.
But I'm evading your question, aren't I? At 6:00, I was out for a drive.
Alone? You find that difficult to believe? On April 3rd of last year, you were issued a restrictive license to operate a vehicle with hand controls.
It's amazing how easy they've made things for me.
More tea? Please.
Thank you.
What can you tell me about a man named Felix Karr? I don't believe I'm familiar with the name.
You might ask Mr.
Wormser.
He's my-- Uh I should say, he was my husband's secretary.
( door opens ) Oh.
I'm terribly sorry.
That's all right, dear.
My cousin, Miss Miriam Baker.
Mr.
Perry Mason.
How do you do? I've heard a great deal about you.
You're going to hear more.
Mr.
Mason's going to represent Jimmy.
Obviously, the prospect delights you.
Miriam.
You must admit, it is rather unusual, Mr.
Mason.
But then, my cousin was always very tolerant.
Of course, some might think she's carrying the principle to an extreme when she ignores the murder of her husband and champions his killer.
Don't you think you've said enough? Oh, I'm so sorry, dear.
I keep forgetting my place.
I wish I could say this had been a pleasure, Mr.
Mason, but then, I'm prejudiced.
Curtis Runyan was one of my benefactors.
( huffs ) You'll have to forgive my cousin.
She doesn't generally act this way.
Obviously, she was upset over your husband's death.
Thank you for your help, and thank you for the tea.
It's been a great pleasure.
For me also.
( door closes ) KARR: And while I'm not very often surprised, I must admit, you had me completely fooled.
Thank you, Roger.
I think you'll find this sherry delightful.
Very good.
There's only one thing that troubles me, Wormser.
How can I be sure you actually have the cross? I told you, I can put my hands on it in five minutes.
All you have to do is put up the money.
Shall we say $500? Five hundred? You offered Runyan 150,000.
Mr.
Runyan owned the cross.
I shouldn't wanna have to defend your title in court.
Well, if you think you can bluff me, you've got another thing Wha--? What--? What--? What did you put in? Roger.
( light dramatic theme playing ) At five minutes after 7, Karr had a visitor.
Unfortunately, at that time, my man didn't get a good look at him.
When he came out two hours later, he was staggering all over the place.
Karr's chauffeur drove him home, and my man followed them.
All right, Paul, let's have it: who is he? Runyan's secretary, Everett Wormser.
Well, that's very interesting.
And Wormser was staggering when he came out? Yeah, he must have had a few too many.
I wonder what he was celebrating? All right, Paul, I want you to-- ( intercom buzzes ) Yes, Della? DELLA: There's a call for Paul on Line 2.
Harry Kline.
Thanks.
Yeah, Harry, what is it? You sure? No, stay where you are.
What's the address? Okay, we'll be there in 20 minutes.
Well, you were right about Barney Kellogg.
We just located Jimmy Morrow.
( upbeat dramatic theme playing ) ( kids shouting ) Hi, Harry.
Where's Jimmy? What about the police? Not a sign.
Want me to go in with you? No, he's my client, Paul.
High time I had a talk with him alone.
Okay.
This way, Mr.
Mason.
( car horn honks ) See those doors to the basement? Mm-hm.
He's been in there for the last two days.
Any other exit? No.
All right.
Thank you, Harry.
I'll take it from here.
Okay.
( dogs barking ) Jimmy? Jimmy, my name is Perry Mason.
I talked with your father, Jim.
I want to help you.
I know you're down here, Jimmy.
I know there's no other way out.
( sighs ) Whenever you're ready, son.
I can wait just as long as you can.
JIMMY: You brought the cops with you.
No, I haven't.
JIMMY: I don't believe you.
You tell the cops they ain't gonna take me alive.
I've got a gun.
Jimmy.
Now, Jimmy, I want you to listen to me.
More than that, I want you to listen like a man.
A man knows when another man is lying to him, Jimmy.
I can't explain how because maybe I don't know, but this I doknow: honest men don't deceive each other.
Now, you believe that, don't you? JIMMY: I'm notlying.
MASON: I know that.
Honest men talk face to face.
They don't hide from each other in dark holes.
I'd like you to come out now and talk with me.
Jimmy? Are you alone? Yes, I'm alone.
( scoffs ) I suppose that means the cops are behind that fence.
No.
But they arelooking for you.
You know that.
You'll call them.
No, I won't call them.
I'll take you to them.
Now, Jim, now, think.
I told you I don't lie, and I don't.
Now, if you trust me, if you believe that I wanna help you, the first thing I'll do is to turn you over to the authorities.
You can run away if you want to.
You can sink back into this hole if you want to.
I won't stop you.
But if you do trust me, I will turn you in.
I didn't kill Mr.
Runyan.
If you've done nothing wrong, then I canhelp you.
You mean I've got to trust you.
No, I mean we've got to trust each other.
No man is alone, Jimmy.
There comes a time when each of us must say, "I can't do it alone.
" Each of us, sooner or later, we We hold out our hands and say-- Say to someone, "Help me.
" When that time comes, all we have left is our trust.
I'm going now, Jimmy.
( dramatic theme playing ) ( hoarsely ): And in the performance of your duty, Sergeant Kenton, would you tell this court, please, what happened on the afternoon of May 1st? One moment, sergeant.
Mr.
Burger, in view of your laryngitis, I'm willing to grant an adjournment if you so desire.
If the court please, I appreciate Your Honor's consideration, and I apologize for the sound of my voice.
However, the condition is temporary, and if you can tolerate me, I can tolerate it.
Very well.
Now, sergeant, will you describe the events of May 1st? Well, at approximately I received a phone call from Mr.
Curtis Runyan.
He said that a valuable jeweled cross had been stolen from his home.
He asked us to investigate.
And what did you discover when you got there? I found the case which held the cross.
Was the cross in it? No, sir, it was empty.
Is this the case you found, sergeant? KENTON: Yes, sir, it is.
Where did you find it? In the defendant's room.
It was hidden between the inner spring and the mattress of his bed.
BURGER: Thank you.
Take the witness.
I didn't take that cross.
I never even saw it.
Sergeant, you say you found this in the defendant's room.
Is that perfectly accurate? I don't know what you mean, sir.
Well, did you personally make the discovery? Well, no.
Mr.
Runyan and his secretary, Mr.
Wormser, found it before they called us.
Then they showed it to you rather than the other way around? Yes, sir.
Did you examine this for fingerprints? We did.
What did you find? It had been wiped clean.
Then the defendant's fingerprints were not on it? No, sir.
I said it had been wiped clean.
MASON: Thank you, sergeant.
That'll be all.
JUDGE: You may stand down.
Lieutenant, I ask you if you've ever seen this gun before? Yes, sir, it has my identifying mark on it.
Where did you first see it? Well, it was on the evening of, um, May 4th, about 7:00.
It was shortly after the defendant surrendered to the police.
Now, lest there be any misunderstanding about this, did you personally find the gun? Yes, sir, I did.
BURGER: Where did you find it? TRAGG: Well, it was in a basement, um Basement at 1417 Grant Street.
It was, uh, wrapped in a black leather jacket.
Is this the jacket? Yes, sir.
If it please the court, I should like this marked for identification.
Thank you.
Now, lieutenant, would you read for us, please, the name inked into this label? It's "Jimmy Morrow.
" Thank you, lieutenant.
Cross-examine.
Lieutenant, I'd be the last one to take credit away from the police, but you testified that you personally discovered the murder weapon? TRAGG: That's right.
Would you please tell the court what led you to 1417 Grant Street? Well, you told us that that's where the defendant had been hiding.
MASON: I volunteered that information, did I not? There was no attempt to mislead you? No, sir.
Now, knowing how thorough you are, lieutenant, you must have checked the registration on that gun.
TRAGG: Yes, sir.
I was wondering why the state didn't see fit to bring that out.
Can you tell us where the gun was purchased? Well, I-- May I refresh my memory? MASON: By all means.
The gun was, uh, sold by the Kane and Kinsey Hardware Company on January 15th of this year.
And who made the purchase? TRAGG: Miss Miriam Baker.
Thank you, lieutenant.
My cousin, Miss Baker, purchased the gun at my request.
And subsequently, she gave the gun to you? Yes, she did.
On the same day.
And on that same day, you showed it to the defendant? Your Honor, I must object.
Counsel is leading the witness.
Your Honor, this is a hostile witness.
We've seen no evidence of that hostility, Mr.
Burger.
If it please the court, Mrs.
Runyan, when I asked you to testify for the state, what was your reply? Well, I-- I said I preferred not to.
BURGER: And didn't you also tell me that you had spoken to Perry Mason and volunteered to defray the expenses incurred in the defense of Jimmy Morrow? Yes.
You may ask your leading questions, Mr.
Burger.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Mrs.
Runyan, I ask you again: did you show the defendant that gun? Well, I-- I mayhave.
I-- I don't recall.
BURGER: Where did you habitually keep it? GRACE: In my car.
BURGER: And was the defendant aware of this? I saw no reason to keep it a secret from anyone.
Mrs.
Runyan, you're not answering my question.
Do you know, of your own knowledge, if the defendant knew where you kept that gun? Yes.
Thank you.
Your witness.
No questions.
JUDGE: Witness is excused.
WORMSER: When I walked into the study, I saw Mr.
Runyan lying there, and Jimmy running across the room.
Uh, he had a gun in his hand.
I see.
Now, Mr.
Wormser, didn't you hear a heated conversation between the deceased and the defendant less than 24 hours before the murder? I object, Your Honor.
Mr.
Burger is leading the witness, and by no stretch of the imagination can Mr.
Wormser be called hostile.
Objection sustained.
You know better, Mr.
Burger.
Let's observe the rules of evidence.
I'm sorry, Your Honor.
Mr.
Wormser, where were you at 3 p.
m.
on May 1st? In Mr.
Runyan's study.
And who else was present at that time? Mr.
Runyan and the defendant.
Would you tell us, please, what you saw and what you heard? Well, Mr.
Runyan told Jimmy he was going to send him to jail for stealing the cross.
BURGER: And what was Jimmy's reaction? WORMSER: He attacked Mr.
Runyan.
Thank you, sir.
Cross-examine.
Mr.
Wormser, you testified that you were present when the defendant had this altercation with the deceased.
That's right.
But didn't Mr.
Runyan strike the defendant first? Not that I recall.
Need I remind you you're under oath? Well, if Mr.
Runyan hit Jimmy, I most certainly didn't see him do it.
How do you feel about the defendant? I liked him.
You likedhim? Yes.
But isn't it true that you constantly referred to him as the "jailbird"? That was just a joke.
That was just your idea of good, clean fun? WORMSER: Everyone knew I meant nothing by it.
I was very fond of Jimmy.
Thank you.
That's all.
You may step down.
BURGER: Uh, just a moment, Mr.
Wormser.
I have one or two questions on redirect.
You've just heard counsel insinuate that you might be biased against the defendant.
Did you ever lend the defendant money? Yes, sir, on several occasions.
For what purpose? Once or twice to buy books, and another time, I gave him $20 when he was worried about his father.
BURGER: And did the defendant ever repay these loans? WORMSER: Not yet.
How else did you show your friendship for the defendant? I encouraged him to ask questions.
About what? Well, he was interested in Mr.
Runyan's collection, particularly the Cross of Santa Maria.
I showed it to him several times.
He seemed fascinated by it.
What gave you that idea? Well, he was forever asking questions about it.
What sort of questions? WORMSER: He wanted to know how much it was worth and what kind of people would buy it.
Things like that.
That's all, Mr.
Wormser.
Gentleman, since it's almost 5:00, I think this might be a good time to recess.
Court stands adjourned till 10:00 tomorrow morning.
( ominous theme playing ) I didn't mean anything by asking Mr.
Wormser how much the cross was worth.
I-- I was just curious.
Why did you tell me you hadn't seen it? I was afraid you'd think I was a-a-a crook, or-- Why should I think that? ( sighs ) You know where they found the empty case.
In your room.
Now, what about the cross, Jim? I didn't take the cross, Mr.
Mason.
After I left Mrs.
Runyan, I went to my room to pack.
I found the empty case under a pile of T-shirts.
I hid it under the mattress.
I-- I couldn't think of anything else to do.
Had Mrs.
Runyan offered to help you? That's why I went back.
Somebody called my father and said she wanted to see me at 7:00.
Now, did you go into the study? But he was already dead when I got there.
That's why I took the gun, Mr.
Mason.
I thought Mrs.
Runyan had-- ( tragic theme playing ) Just like Barney Kellogg, hm? You know, Jim, sometimes it's wise to let people bear their own responsibilities.
I'll see you in the morning.
( rings ) Mr.
Karr's residence.
Who's calling? One moment, please.
It's Mr.
Mason.
Yes, Mr.
Mason, what can I do for you? I just heard of a little item that might interest you.
A jeweled cross.
KARR: I am interested.
You, uh, mentioned $25,000.
Naturally, you want more.
MASON: You are a student of human nature.
Well, sir, I can't say I'm surprised.
Suppose we put it this way: if you candeliver the cross, I'll pay you $165,000.
That sounds fair enough.
Then I'll hear from you? You can depend on it.
Well? He just offered me 165,000.
That's 15,000 more than he offered Mr.
Runyan.
I don't get it.
Obviously, Mr.
Karr did.
All right, Mr.
Burger, you may call your next witness.
Yes, Your Honor-- Your Honor? Yes, Mr.
Mason? I haven't finished my examination of the previous witness.
Yes, you have too, Mr.
Mason.
Your Honor, if you'll consult the record, you'll see that Mr.
Mason announced he had no further questions of Mr.
Wormser.
You then submitted the witness to a redirect.
I had no opportunity for a recross.
Your Honor recessed immediately thereafter.
Counsel is right, Mr.
Burger.
You may have your recross.
Mr.
Wormser.
Yes, sir? You'll retake the stand.
Remember, you're still under oath.
Your Honor, may I have a moment? Very well, Mr.
Mason.
( inaudible ) Mr.
Wormser, how long were you employed by the deceased? Almost five years.
Naturally, Mr.
Runyan trusted you? Of course.
You say "of course" as though you were worthy of that trust? I was.
Then how do you explain this: How do you explain it, Mr.
Wormser? No, don't look to Mr.
Karr.
He has a very simple explanation.
I want yours.
Where were you on the night of May 3rd at 7:00? I, uh-- I don't remember.
Then let me refresh your memory.
You went to Mr.
Karr's home.
You left at 9:00.
Now, I'd like this court to know exactly what happened that night between 7 and 9.
How much did Mr.
Karr pay you for the cross? If he told you he paid me, he lied.
He drugged me and took it out of my pocket.
But you were conscious when you obtained possession of it? Are you suggesting I stole it? Didn't you? No! Miriam Baker.
She had it all along.
MASON: That doesn't explain how you got it.
WORMSER: Miriam Baker.
She gave it to me.
MASON: Why? Was that the price for your silence? You blackmailed her, Mr.
Wormser.
You knew she'd stolen the cross.
You told her you'd protect her.
How could I do that? That was easy.
We heard the sergeant testify there were no fingerprints found on the case.
Well, what happened to my client's fingerprints? They should have been on it.
He found the case in his room.
Then he hid it under the mattress.
Obviously, someone wiped that case clean.
Well, it wasn't me! Who else had the opportunity? You and Mr.
Runyan discovered the case.
Mr.
Runyan was the one who phoned the police.
That left you alone in the room.
Well, I didn't kill him! Shedid! ( spectators murmuring ) ( gavel bangs ) JUDGE: We'll have order here, or this court will be cleared! Your Honor, he's lying! Hestole the cross! ( gavel bangs ) He couldn't have, Miss Baker.
He was with Mr.
Runyan when it disappeared.
Youwere the only one who had the opportunity to remove it.
Now, why did you give it to Mr.
Wormser? Because Because-- Because he knew that you had killed Curtis Runyan.
You killed Runyan when he discovered that you were the one who had stolen the cross.
Miriam, why? Why? You ask me why? For the last five years, I've waited on you hand and foot.
I was just a slave to be ordered about and pushed around.
That's not true.
Don't try to deny it.
Look at my hands.
They're ugly.
Ugly.
And they grew ugly working for you.
My mother My mother was a Marlow.
She had servants waiting on her when your family was grubbing in the dirt.
I thought if If I could sell the cross I-- I don't know what I thought.
( sniffles ) Then Mr.
Mason had a reproduction of the cross made from a photograph.
And at the psychological moment, he showed it to Mr.
Wormser.
So he only showed him the frontof the cross? That's right.
That was all Wormser needed to see, but you'll notice I didn't let him get his hands on it.
But you did leave the impression that Mr.
Karr had told you everything.
That's the story.
I wish I knew the right words to-- Words aren't necessary, Jim.
You know how I feel.
What are you going to do now, Jimmy? Well, Mrs.
Runyan wants me to come back and work for her, but, uh-- MASON: And you've decided against that? You know what I've decided.
Mm-hm.
You're going back to live with your father.
Mm-hm.
Oh, I'm not fooling myself about him.
He'll never change, but he needs me.
Good luck, Jim.
Thank you, Mr.
Mason.
Goodbye, Miss Street.
Goodbye, Jimmy.
Now, Jim, don't you be a stranger.
Oh, I won't.
( jazzy upbeat theme playing ) Quite a boy.
Quite a man.
( noirish jazz theme playing )
I can understand your reluctance to part with the cross, but still, $125,000 is a goodly sum.
You're wasting your time, Karr.
I've been offered 200.
By whom? Now, what difference does it make? It might make all the difference in the world.
I speak in terms of cash, Mr.
Runyan.
Coin of the realm.
Now, uh, if you were to double your offer Yes, indeed, a psychiatrist would be in order.
No, Mr.
Runyan, $150,000.
That's as high as I'll go.
You'll be back.
Don't count on it.
You know, we collectors are a strange breed.
What may take our fancy one day may not hold any interest for us the next.
Good day, Wormser.
Goodbye, Mr.
Karr.
Mr.
Runyan.
Goodbye.
( engine starts ) I've got him hooked, but good.
And how did you like the way I handled him, huh? I tell you, Wormser, he'll go $175,000 before I'm RUNYAN: Did you put it back in the safe? Well, it was right here when we went out with Karr.
I know.
Now, obviously, it didn't walk out by ( small, sneaky theme playing ) Why, that dirty little thief.
You think Jimmy? Get him in here.
RUNYAN: You're a dirty thief.
Who do you think you're kidding? It was right there no more than 15 minutes ago.
Now, let's cut out the fooling around.
I mean business.
What did you do with that cross? You know what the police will do to you if I call them.
You're on probation now.
I know it, Mr.
Runyan.
You just gotta believe me.
I wouldn't believe you on a stack of Bibles.
I wouldn't do that again if I were you, Mr.
Runyan.
Why, you insolent little pup.
( dramatic theme playing ) I didn't mean to do it.
I didn't mean to do it! I didn't mean to hurt him, Mrs.
Runyan.
All I was-- All I was trying to do was protect myself.
You liar.
So you came running in here, huh? Miriam, will you tell Mr.
Runyan he's not welcome in this room? Curtis-- You can tell my wife if she doesn't speak to me for another five years, it's okay.
But this little thief tried to kill me.
That's a lie.
Why, you Miriam, will you please ask Mr.
Runyan to leave? Please, Curtis-- Now, what did you do with that cross? I'm gonna find it if I have to tear this place apart.
And you know what'll happen to you.
You're going back to jail where you belong.
Would you like some tea, Jimmy? Miriam, fix the boy a cup.
Miriam, please.
The tea.
I'm getting out of here.
GRACE: Why? You heard what he said.
He's gonna call the cops.
Jimmy, tell me the truth.
Did you take the cross? No, ma'am, I swear I didn't.
Do you have any money? I'll get by.
Will you? Will you call me? Mrs.
Runyan I've never known anyone like you.
( door closes ) ( slow tense theme playing ) He didn't leave a thing behind.
If I find that my wife has given him the money to skip, she won't hear the end of it.
Bel-- The case! Wait.
The police will want to check it for fingerprints.
Maybe the cross is in it.
RUNYAN: I'm gonna call the police.
And in State v.
Wilson, the Supreme Court held that whenever a defendant in a criminal action was forcibly-- ( rings ) Yes, Gertie? A Mr.
Felix Karr to see you.
Felix Karr.
Uh, would you ask Mr.
Karr what he want--? It's about the Jimmy Morrow case.
Jimmy Morrow? Have Gertie send him in.
DELLA: Mr.
Mason will see Mr.
Karr, Gertie.
According to this, he's on probation.
Uh-huh.
Mr.
Mason? MASON: That's right.
How do you do, sir? This is a rare privilege indeed.
And this, I take it, is your secretary, Miss Street? I make it a practice of being informed about the people I'm going to do business with.
Won't you sit down? Thank you.
Do you mind? Not at all.
Uh, no, thank you.
The little man that makes these for me in Havana refuses to accept the machine age.
What's on your mind? Right to the point, eh, sir? I admire a man like that.
You've read the story? Yes.
I want you to defend the boy.
Is he a friend of yours? I believe I saw him once.
Yesterday, when I visited Mr.
Runyan.
I can't believe he's guilty.
According to this, the cross is gone, but they found the empty case in his room.
I'm sure there's a logical explanation.
Or one that's obvious.
Mark my words, sir.
That boy is not a thief.
You can tell that from seeing him just once? I pride myself on being a good judge of character.
Apparently, the authorities don't agree with you.
He was convicted of grand theft auto.
Childish prank.
Tell me, Mr.
Karr: why did you come to me? I have the utmost respect for your ability.
I feel certain you can manage to get him acquitted.
Suppose he's guilty? I refuse to consider that for one second.
I trust this will be sufficient for a retainer? A retainer is a little premature.
You won't take the case? Not until I speak to the boy.
That presents a problem, since he's disappeared.
Well, I'm sure your Mr.
Drake can find him.
You seem to know a great deal about us.
I told you, I always keep informed about the people I'm going to do business with.
I haven't said we aregoing to do business.
All I ask is that you consider my proposal.
I'll pay you $1,000 if you represent the boy.
Will I hear from you one way or the other? You'll hear from me.
That's all I ask.
Miss Street.
Good day.
( door closes ) Well Della, get Paul in here.
I got the impression that you wanted no part of Mr.
Karr.
No, but there's something here that's rather curious.
Did Mr.
Karr impress you as being a one-man welfare organization? Absolutely not.
Then why does he want me to represent Jimmy Morrow? Well, he said he believed the boy was innocent.
Exactly.
I have a hunch that if Mr.
Karr really believed that, he wouldn't raise a finger to help him.
( upbeat noirish theme playing ) According to this, I was just about to meet a tall, handsome gentleman who would make me independently wealthy.
I'll tell him when I see him.
Did you find the boy? No.
But I thought you might like to speak to his father.
Where does he live? Right over here.
( knocking persists ) ( doorknob rattles ) ( knocking resumes ) Mr.
Morrow? May we come in? My name is Mason.
This is Mr.
Drake.
How do you do? You're You're here about my boy? That's right.
Thank you.
Don't send him to jail.
I'm afraid you don't understand.
Jimmy's a good boy.
He's just unlucky.
Unlucky? To have me for a father.
Nice, huh? I've been like this for the past 10 years.
Jimmy turned out a lot better than anybody had a right to expect.
But this isn't the first time he's been in trouble.
You mean the automobile he was supposed to have stolen from Mrs.
Runyan? He didn't do that.
That was one of the kids around here.
Jimmy wouldn't squeal on him.
I know you don't believe me, but it happens to be true.
I know the kid who took the car.
His name is Barney Kellogg.
He even admitted it to me.
Who, um? Who arranged his probation? Mm.
Mrs.
Runyan.
She was wonderful.
She even worked it out so Jimmy could work at her place and-- And do odd jobs.
They wouldn't trust him to me.
Excuse me.
Why did this thing have to happen? Jimmy was happy for the first time.
And Mr.
Runyan had to ruin everything.
That Runyan's no good, Mr.
Mason.
First time I saw him, I knew he was gonna make trouble for Jimmy.
Why do you blame Runyan? He never wanted Jimmy in the house in the first place.
If you ask me, he pinned it on the kid just to get rid of him.
If you cops send him to jail-- We're not the police.
Mm-mm.
I'm an attorney, Mr.
Morrow.
I'm an attorney.
I've been asked to defend Jimmy by a man named Felix Karr.
Does--? Does that mean you're gonna help him? Well, I'll have to speak to Jimmy first.
Have you any idea where I might find him? Well, if you do hear from him, have him get in touch with my office.
( dramatic theme playing ) MASON: So this is the famous Cruz de Santa Maria.
I've gotta get that color photo back.
I borrowed it from Libel.
He sold the cross to Runyan eight years ago.
How much did Runyan pay? Seventy-five thousand dollars.
The Cruz de Santa Maria.
"This iron cross, "measuring approximately "was fashioned by Juan Piñero, "a sailor aboard the Nina, "the ship that accompanied Columbus to the New World.
"The cross was made from three nails from the Santa Maria, "hence its name.
"On his return to Spain, Columbus presented the cross "to King Ferdinand, who had it encrusted with diamonds, "rubies, emeralds and pearls.
"And in turn, presented it to Cortés before his expedition to Mexico.
" That's a lot of history for a little piece of iron.
And a lot of jewels.
But where is it now? Did your contact know of anyone who had expressed an interest in the cross lately? Only one.
Felix Karr? Mm-hm.
Well, it's beginning to add up.
( knocking ) I finally finished these briefs.
Good.
Runyan here? No.
Do you want me to try his home? I think perhaps you'd better He's already a half-hour late.
( telephone rings ) ( quiet dramatic theme playing ) Stop it.
Stop it! ( ringing continues ) ( upbeat swinging theme playing ) Where is, uh, Jimmy, Mr.
Morrow? You must have someidea.
Believe me, your son is making it much worse for himself by hiding.
I don't know, lieutenant.
I honestly don't know.
( knock at door ) ( door opens ) Hello, Mr.
Morrow.
Well, I had a hunch you were about due.
You had an appointment last night with Mr.
Runyan.
I figured there must be a connection, especially when his secretary, Mr.
Wormser, told me that you wanted to talk to Runyan about, uh, a stolen cross.
No comment? No comment.
I don't think you appreciate what you're getting yourself into.
We've got a witness who puts Jimmy right on the scene.
MASON: That doesn't prove a thing.
This same witness saw him holding the murder gun.
How do you know it was the murder gun? According to the morning papers, there was no weapon found.
Sure.
Your client made away with it.
MASON: You're taking a lot for granted.
What makes you sure he's my client? Well, I-- I naturally supposed-- That isn't safe.
Please, Mr.
Mason, you've gotta help him.
You don't understand.
He's got nobody in the world.
Just a father who's a drunk.
A no-good, stinking drunk.
Please? Please? ( weeps ) As I said, lieutenant, you're taking a lot for granted.
You dorepresent the boy? According to my men, Jimmy has notbeen in touch with his father.
He must be somewhere in his old neighborhood, Paul.
No doubt, but we haven't been able to find him.
Wait a moment.
Jimmy's father said that the real thief of Mrs.
Runyan's car was a boy named Barney Kellogg.
Yeah? Perhaps Barney feels a sense of obligation.
You think he knows where Jimmy's hiding? Well, it's a possibility.
Well, the odds are against it, but I'll put a tail on him.
( intercom buzzes ) Good.
Yes, Della? DELLA ( over intercom ): Mr.
Felix Karr is here for his 4:00 appointment.
Bring him in, please.
I'll, uh, be in my office for a while.
Good afternoon.
Come in, Mr.
Karr.
Sit down, won't you? Thank you.
Really, my dear, is that necessary? Thank you.
I have a horror of that kind of thing.
Makes me feel as though I were talking for posterity.
Well, I assume you've reached some decision in regard to Jimmy Morrow? I've decided to represent him.
Splendid.
I believe I said $500.
No, you said $1,000.
You must forgive me.
My memory isn't what it should be.
Uh, may I have a pen? I don't want your money.
You think there may be conflicting interests, eh? I'm sure of it.
You think Jimmy stole the cross, and out of a sense of gratitude, will turn it over to you for getting him an attorney.
Well, I must admit, the thought hadoccurred to me.
That cross is worth a good deal of money, Mr.
Mason.
Aren't you forgetting something? It's stolen property.
Would $25,000 help to override your concern? Mm, that's a very tempting offer.
Are you speaking in promises, or cash? Cash, sir.
On delivery.
You realize, of course, there's liable to be many questions.
Questions never bother me.
I don't intend to publicize my purchase.
I have a good number of items in my collection that would surprise you.
I can believe that.
Now, what do you know about Runyan's murder? Not a thing.
I detest violence in any form.
Well, what's the verdict? Do we do business? No.
Well, should you change your mind, you know where to reach me.
Good day, Miss Street.
Good day.
I won't say goodbye to you.
I have a definite feeling we'll meet again.
Oddly enough, I feel the same way, Mr.
Karr.
Au revoir.
( door opens, closes ) Good afternoon.
You're Miss Baker, I believe.
The maid informed me I'd find you here.
Yes? Allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Felix Karr.
I considered Mr.
Runyan one of my dearest friends.
Then I guess you want to see Mrs.
Runyan.
No.
No, I have no desire to intrude on her moment of grief.
But perhaps you'd be good enough to give her these, with my sympathies.
I'm afraid I've been guilty of carrying coals to Newcastle.
I'm sure she'll appreciate it just the same.
You're very kind.
I'd better get these into water.
Uh, Miss Baker, I wonder if I could presume on our short acquaintance.
Doubtless you've heard of my interest in the cross.
Now, if by some chance you should hear anything about its whereabouts, naturally, I would be very grateful.
MASON: I can't tell you how much I appreciate your seeing me.
Thank you.
I realize the strain you're under.
It's much worse for Jimmy.
I wish ( sighs ) I wish there were some way I could help.
And you don't feel he's guilty of murdering your husband? Of course not.
Do you mind if I ask where you were last night around 6:00? Apparently, you've heard my husband and I weren't on the best of terms.
Five years ago, Curtis and I had one of our more colorfulquarrels.
It took place on the second-floor landing.
I often thought of having an engraved tablet installed there to commemorate the event.
It wasn't intentional, but I went down the stairs, and wound up in this.
I'm-- I'm sorry.
It isn't too bad.
But I'm evading your question, aren't I? At 6:00, I was out for a drive.
Alone? You find that difficult to believe? On April 3rd of last year, you were issued a restrictive license to operate a vehicle with hand controls.
It's amazing how easy they've made things for me.
More tea? Please.
Thank you.
What can you tell me about a man named Felix Karr? I don't believe I'm familiar with the name.
You might ask Mr.
Wormser.
He's my-- Uh I should say, he was my husband's secretary.
( door opens ) Oh.
I'm terribly sorry.
That's all right, dear.
My cousin, Miss Miriam Baker.
Mr.
Perry Mason.
How do you do? I've heard a great deal about you.
You're going to hear more.
Mr.
Mason's going to represent Jimmy.
Obviously, the prospect delights you.
Miriam.
You must admit, it is rather unusual, Mr.
Mason.
But then, my cousin was always very tolerant.
Of course, some might think she's carrying the principle to an extreme when she ignores the murder of her husband and champions his killer.
Don't you think you've said enough? Oh, I'm so sorry, dear.
I keep forgetting my place.
I wish I could say this had been a pleasure, Mr.
Mason, but then, I'm prejudiced.
Curtis Runyan was one of my benefactors.
( huffs ) You'll have to forgive my cousin.
She doesn't generally act this way.
Obviously, she was upset over your husband's death.
Thank you for your help, and thank you for the tea.
It's been a great pleasure.
For me also.
( door closes ) KARR: And while I'm not very often surprised, I must admit, you had me completely fooled.
Thank you, Roger.
I think you'll find this sherry delightful.
Very good.
There's only one thing that troubles me, Wormser.
How can I be sure you actually have the cross? I told you, I can put my hands on it in five minutes.
All you have to do is put up the money.
Shall we say $500? Five hundred? You offered Runyan 150,000.
Mr.
Runyan owned the cross.
I shouldn't wanna have to defend your title in court.
Well, if you think you can bluff me, you've got another thing Wha--? What--? What--? What did you put in? Roger.
( light dramatic theme playing ) At five minutes after 7, Karr had a visitor.
Unfortunately, at that time, my man didn't get a good look at him.
When he came out two hours later, he was staggering all over the place.
Karr's chauffeur drove him home, and my man followed them.
All right, Paul, let's have it: who is he? Runyan's secretary, Everett Wormser.
Well, that's very interesting.
And Wormser was staggering when he came out? Yeah, he must have had a few too many.
I wonder what he was celebrating? All right, Paul, I want you to-- ( intercom buzzes ) Yes, Della? DELLA: There's a call for Paul on Line 2.
Harry Kline.
Thanks.
Yeah, Harry, what is it? You sure? No, stay where you are.
What's the address? Okay, we'll be there in 20 minutes.
Well, you were right about Barney Kellogg.
We just located Jimmy Morrow.
( upbeat dramatic theme playing ) ( kids shouting ) Hi, Harry.
Where's Jimmy? What about the police? Not a sign.
Want me to go in with you? No, he's my client, Paul.
High time I had a talk with him alone.
Okay.
This way, Mr.
Mason.
( car horn honks ) See those doors to the basement? Mm-hm.
He's been in there for the last two days.
Any other exit? No.
All right.
Thank you, Harry.
I'll take it from here.
Okay.
( dogs barking ) Jimmy? Jimmy, my name is Perry Mason.
I talked with your father, Jim.
I want to help you.
I know you're down here, Jimmy.
I know there's no other way out.
( sighs ) Whenever you're ready, son.
I can wait just as long as you can.
JIMMY: You brought the cops with you.
No, I haven't.
JIMMY: I don't believe you.
You tell the cops they ain't gonna take me alive.
I've got a gun.
Jimmy.
Now, Jimmy, I want you to listen to me.
More than that, I want you to listen like a man.
A man knows when another man is lying to him, Jimmy.
I can't explain how because maybe I don't know, but this I doknow: honest men don't deceive each other.
Now, you believe that, don't you? JIMMY: I'm notlying.
MASON: I know that.
Honest men talk face to face.
They don't hide from each other in dark holes.
I'd like you to come out now and talk with me.
Jimmy? Are you alone? Yes, I'm alone.
( scoffs ) I suppose that means the cops are behind that fence.
No.
But they arelooking for you.
You know that.
You'll call them.
No, I won't call them.
I'll take you to them.
Now, Jim, now, think.
I told you I don't lie, and I don't.
Now, if you trust me, if you believe that I wanna help you, the first thing I'll do is to turn you over to the authorities.
You can run away if you want to.
You can sink back into this hole if you want to.
I won't stop you.
But if you do trust me, I will turn you in.
I didn't kill Mr.
Runyan.
If you've done nothing wrong, then I canhelp you.
You mean I've got to trust you.
No, I mean we've got to trust each other.
No man is alone, Jimmy.
There comes a time when each of us must say, "I can't do it alone.
" Each of us, sooner or later, we We hold out our hands and say-- Say to someone, "Help me.
" When that time comes, all we have left is our trust.
I'm going now, Jimmy.
( dramatic theme playing ) ( hoarsely ): And in the performance of your duty, Sergeant Kenton, would you tell this court, please, what happened on the afternoon of May 1st? One moment, sergeant.
Mr.
Burger, in view of your laryngitis, I'm willing to grant an adjournment if you so desire.
If the court please, I appreciate Your Honor's consideration, and I apologize for the sound of my voice.
However, the condition is temporary, and if you can tolerate me, I can tolerate it.
Very well.
Now, sergeant, will you describe the events of May 1st? Well, at approximately I received a phone call from Mr.
Curtis Runyan.
He said that a valuable jeweled cross had been stolen from his home.
He asked us to investigate.
And what did you discover when you got there? I found the case which held the cross.
Was the cross in it? No, sir, it was empty.
Is this the case you found, sergeant? KENTON: Yes, sir, it is.
Where did you find it? In the defendant's room.
It was hidden between the inner spring and the mattress of his bed.
BURGER: Thank you.
Take the witness.
I didn't take that cross.
I never even saw it.
Sergeant, you say you found this in the defendant's room.
Is that perfectly accurate? I don't know what you mean, sir.
Well, did you personally make the discovery? Well, no.
Mr.
Runyan and his secretary, Mr.
Wormser, found it before they called us.
Then they showed it to you rather than the other way around? Yes, sir.
Did you examine this for fingerprints? We did.
What did you find? It had been wiped clean.
Then the defendant's fingerprints were not on it? No, sir.
I said it had been wiped clean.
MASON: Thank you, sergeant.
That'll be all.
JUDGE: You may stand down.
Lieutenant, I ask you if you've ever seen this gun before? Yes, sir, it has my identifying mark on it.
Where did you first see it? Well, it was on the evening of, um, May 4th, about 7:00.
It was shortly after the defendant surrendered to the police.
Now, lest there be any misunderstanding about this, did you personally find the gun? Yes, sir, I did.
BURGER: Where did you find it? TRAGG: Well, it was in a basement, um Basement at 1417 Grant Street.
It was, uh, wrapped in a black leather jacket.
Is this the jacket? Yes, sir.
If it please the court, I should like this marked for identification.
Thank you.
Now, lieutenant, would you read for us, please, the name inked into this label? It's "Jimmy Morrow.
" Thank you, lieutenant.
Cross-examine.
Lieutenant, I'd be the last one to take credit away from the police, but you testified that you personally discovered the murder weapon? TRAGG: That's right.
Would you please tell the court what led you to 1417 Grant Street? Well, you told us that that's where the defendant had been hiding.
MASON: I volunteered that information, did I not? There was no attempt to mislead you? No, sir.
Now, knowing how thorough you are, lieutenant, you must have checked the registration on that gun.
TRAGG: Yes, sir.
I was wondering why the state didn't see fit to bring that out.
Can you tell us where the gun was purchased? Well, I-- May I refresh my memory? MASON: By all means.
The gun was, uh, sold by the Kane and Kinsey Hardware Company on January 15th of this year.
And who made the purchase? TRAGG: Miss Miriam Baker.
Thank you, lieutenant.
My cousin, Miss Baker, purchased the gun at my request.
And subsequently, she gave the gun to you? Yes, she did.
On the same day.
And on that same day, you showed it to the defendant? Your Honor, I must object.
Counsel is leading the witness.
Your Honor, this is a hostile witness.
We've seen no evidence of that hostility, Mr.
Burger.
If it please the court, Mrs.
Runyan, when I asked you to testify for the state, what was your reply? Well, I-- I said I preferred not to.
BURGER: And didn't you also tell me that you had spoken to Perry Mason and volunteered to defray the expenses incurred in the defense of Jimmy Morrow? Yes.
You may ask your leading questions, Mr.
Burger.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Mrs.
Runyan, I ask you again: did you show the defendant that gun? Well, I-- I mayhave.
I-- I don't recall.
BURGER: Where did you habitually keep it? GRACE: In my car.
BURGER: And was the defendant aware of this? I saw no reason to keep it a secret from anyone.
Mrs.
Runyan, you're not answering my question.
Do you know, of your own knowledge, if the defendant knew where you kept that gun? Yes.
Thank you.
Your witness.
No questions.
JUDGE: Witness is excused.
WORMSER: When I walked into the study, I saw Mr.
Runyan lying there, and Jimmy running across the room.
Uh, he had a gun in his hand.
I see.
Now, Mr.
Wormser, didn't you hear a heated conversation between the deceased and the defendant less than 24 hours before the murder? I object, Your Honor.
Mr.
Burger is leading the witness, and by no stretch of the imagination can Mr.
Wormser be called hostile.
Objection sustained.
You know better, Mr.
Burger.
Let's observe the rules of evidence.
I'm sorry, Your Honor.
Mr.
Wormser, where were you at 3 p.
m.
on May 1st? In Mr.
Runyan's study.
And who else was present at that time? Mr.
Runyan and the defendant.
Would you tell us, please, what you saw and what you heard? Well, Mr.
Runyan told Jimmy he was going to send him to jail for stealing the cross.
BURGER: And what was Jimmy's reaction? WORMSER: He attacked Mr.
Runyan.
Thank you, sir.
Cross-examine.
Mr.
Wormser, you testified that you were present when the defendant had this altercation with the deceased.
That's right.
But didn't Mr.
Runyan strike the defendant first? Not that I recall.
Need I remind you you're under oath? Well, if Mr.
Runyan hit Jimmy, I most certainly didn't see him do it.
How do you feel about the defendant? I liked him.
You likedhim? Yes.
But isn't it true that you constantly referred to him as the "jailbird"? That was just a joke.
That was just your idea of good, clean fun? WORMSER: Everyone knew I meant nothing by it.
I was very fond of Jimmy.
Thank you.
That's all.
You may step down.
BURGER: Uh, just a moment, Mr.
Wormser.
I have one or two questions on redirect.
You've just heard counsel insinuate that you might be biased against the defendant.
Did you ever lend the defendant money? Yes, sir, on several occasions.
For what purpose? Once or twice to buy books, and another time, I gave him $20 when he was worried about his father.
BURGER: And did the defendant ever repay these loans? WORMSER: Not yet.
How else did you show your friendship for the defendant? I encouraged him to ask questions.
About what? Well, he was interested in Mr.
Runyan's collection, particularly the Cross of Santa Maria.
I showed it to him several times.
He seemed fascinated by it.
What gave you that idea? Well, he was forever asking questions about it.
What sort of questions? WORMSER: He wanted to know how much it was worth and what kind of people would buy it.
Things like that.
That's all, Mr.
Wormser.
Gentleman, since it's almost 5:00, I think this might be a good time to recess.
Court stands adjourned till 10:00 tomorrow morning.
( ominous theme playing ) I didn't mean anything by asking Mr.
Wormser how much the cross was worth.
I-- I was just curious.
Why did you tell me you hadn't seen it? I was afraid you'd think I was a-a-a crook, or-- Why should I think that? ( sighs ) You know where they found the empty case.
In your room.
Now, what about the cross, Jim? I didn't take the cross, Mr.
Mason.
After I left Mrs.
Runyan, I went to my room to pack.
I found the empty case under a pile of T-shirts.
I hid it under the mattress.
I-- I couldn't think of anything else to do.
Had Mrs.
Runyan offered to help you? That's why I went back.
Somebody called my father and said she wanted to see me at 7:00.
Now, did you go into the study? But he was already dead when I got there.
That's why I took the gun, Mr.
Mason.
I thought Mrs.
Runyan had-- ( tragic theme playing ) Just like Barney Kellogg, hm? You know, Jim, sometimes it's wise to let people bear their own responsibilities.
I'll see you in the morning.
( rings ) Mr.
Karr's residence.
Who's calling? One moment, please.
It's Mr.
Mason.
Yes, Mr.
Mason, what can I do for you? I just heard of a little item that might interest you.
A jeweled cross.
KARR: I am interested.
You, uh, mentioned $25,000.
Naturally, you want more.
MASON: You are a student of human nature.
Well, sir, I can't say I'm surprised.
Suppose we put it this way: if you candeliver the cross, I'll pay you $165,000.
That sounds fair enough.
Then I'll hear from you? You can depend on it.
Well? He just offered me 165,000.
That's 15,000 more than he offered Mr.
Runyan.
I don't get it.
Obviously, Mr.
Karr did.
All right, Mr.
Burger, you may call your next witness.
Yes, Your Honor-- Your Honor? Yes, Mr.
Mason? I haven't finished my examination of the previous witness.
Yes, you have too, Mr.
Mason.
Your Honor, if you'll consult the record, you'll see that Mr.
Mason announced he had no further questions of Mr.
Wormser.
You then submitted the witness to a redirect.
I had no opportunity for a recross.
Your Honor recessed immediately thereafter.
Counsel is right, Mr.
Burger.
You may have your recross.
Mr.
Wormser.
Yes, sir? You'll retake the stand.
Remember, you're still under oath.
Your Honor, may I have a moment? Very well, Mr.
Mason.
( inaudible ) Mr.
Wormser, how long were you employed by the deceased? Almost five years.
Naturally, Mr.
Runyan trusted you? Of course.
You say "of course" as though you were worthy of that trust? I was.
Then how do you explain this: How do you explain it, Mr.
Wormser? No, don't look to Mr.
Karr.
He has a very simple explanation.
I want yours.
Where were you on the night of May 3rd at 7:00? I, uh-- I don't remember.
Then let me refresh your memory.
You went to Mr.
Karr's home.
You left at 9:00.
Now, I'd like this court to know exactly what happened that night between 7 and 9.
How much did Mr.
Karr pay you for the cross? If he told you he paid me, he lied.
He drugged me and took it out of my pocket.
But you were conscious when you obtained possession of it? Are you suggesting I stole it? Didn't you? No! Miriam Baker.
She had it all along.
MASON: That doesn't explain how you got it.
WORMSER: Miriam Baker.
She gave it to me.
MASON: Why? Was that the price for your silence? You blackmailed her, Mr.
Wormser.
You knew she'd stolen the cross.
You told her you'd protect her.
How could I do that? That was easy.
We heard the sergeant testify there were no fingerprints found on the case.
Well, what happened to my client's fingerprints? They should have been on it.
He found the case in his room.
Then he hid it under the mattress.
Obviously, someone wiped that case clean.
Well, it wasn't me! Who else had the opportunity? You and Mr.
Runyan discovered the case.
Mr.
Runyan was the one who phoned the police.
That left you alone in the room.
Well, I didn't kill him! Shedid! ( spectators murmuring ) ( gavel bangs ) JUDGE: We'll have order here, or this court will be cleared! Your Honor, he's lying! Hestole the cross! ( gavel bangs ) He couldn't have, Miss Baker.
He was with Mr.
Runyan when it disappeared.
Youwere the only one who had the opportunity to remove it.
Now, why did you give it to Mr.
Wormser? Because Because-- Because he knew that you had killed Curtis Runyan.
You killed Runyan when he discovered that you were the one who had stolen the cross.
Miriam, why? Why? You ask me why? For the last five years, I've waited on you hand and foot.
I was just a slave to be ordered about and pushed around.
That's not true.
Don't try to deny it.
Look at my hands.
They're ugly.
Ugly.
And they grew ugly working for you.
My mother My mother was a Marlow.
She had servants waiting on her when your family was grubbing in the dirt.
I thought if If I could sell the cross I-- I don't know what I thought.
( sniffles ) Then Mr.
Mason had a reproduction of the cross made from a photograph.
And at the psychological moment, he showed it to Mr.
Wormser.
So he only showed him the frontof the cross? That's right.
That was all Wormser needed to see, but you'll notice I didn't let him get his hands on it.
But you did leave the impression that Mr.
Karr had told you everything.
That's the story.
I wish I knew the right words to-- Words aren't necessary, Jim.
You know how I feel.
What are you going to do now, Jimmy? Well, Mrs.
Runyan wants me to come back and work for her, but, uh-- MASON: And you've decided against that? You know what I've decided.
Mm-hm.
You're going back to live with your father.
Mm-hm.
Oh, I'm not fooling myself about him.
He'll never change, but he needs me.
Good luck, Jim.
Thank you, Mr.
Mason.
Goodbye, Miss Street.
Goodbye, Jimmy.
Now, Jim, don't you be a stranger.
Oh, I won't.
( jazzy upbeat theme playing ) Quite a boy.
Quite a man.
( noirish jazz theme playing )