I, Jane Doe (1948) Movie Script
I don't think you have
enough nerve, baby.
Murder.
Homicide.
Get me the city desk.
Hang on, Chief. This will floor you.
Stephen Curtis.
That's the guy. The playboy.
Killer caught red-handed.
Only it ain't a 'him'. It's a 'her'.
Who is she? What's her name?
What kind of stupid answer is that?
She won't tell?
What do I use for headlines?
What name did the book her under?
The state is demanding the life of this
girl for the death of Stephen Curtis.
But I tell you, ladies and gentlemen.
If you send Jane Doe to the electric
chair, you'll not be executing her.
She will be committing suicide.
Why? I don't know.
She has so strongly resisted efforts to
say who she is or where she came from.
That she must be tried in
this court as Jane Doe.
Even I am here against her wishes.
For she did not want an attorney.
Yes. I know I will be accused of
asking for sympathy for my client.
I do not ask sympathy for Jane Doe.
But I do ask .. mercy.
The District Attorney will, no doubt ..
Warn you against being
led into false sympathy.
By the silence or the
youth of the defendant.
I ask you to judge her upon what
the evidence show her to be.
A girl who wanted another
woman's husband so badly.
So jealously.
That she killed him.
Rather than let Stephen Curtis remain
with the woman to whom he was wedded.
You have heard the testimony
of Mrs Stephen Curtis.
Without vindictiveness, she
testified that she heard the shots.
And entered the room to find her
husband dead. At the feet of this girl.
But Mrs Curtis asks only justice.
Not revenge.
And the state asks only justice.
And justice demands ..
Guilty! Jane Doe found guilty.
Extra. Read all about it.
Jury arrives at verdict in record time.
Extra. Read all about it.
Jane Doe guilty. Faces electric chair.
Extra.
Jane, time is growing very short.
It is life or death.
Help me to help you.
Mr Horton.
I don't want to live.
The defendant will rise
and face the court.
Jane Doe.
You've had a fair and impartial trial as
provided by the laws of New York state.
And found guilty of murder
in the first degree.
The jury made no
recommendation for leniency.
Is there anything you wish to say
before the court pronounces sentence?
No. There is nothing.
No more distasteful a duty can
be imposed on a judge than ..
That which I am now
compelled to perform.
This has been an extraordinary case.
You have refused to testify
in your own behalf.
You entered this country under
a forged Portuguese passport.
Bearing the fictitious
name of Annette Fontaine.
Making any effort to learn
your true identity futile.
Perhaps your refusal
to divulge your identity.
And thus shield others from
the shame of your crime.
Is praiseworthy.
But it cannot condone the crime itself.
Therefore.
I order that the person of Jane Doe.
Be delivered to the warden
of the state penitentiary.
In Ossining New York.
And that there during
the week of August 14th.
At a time to be set by the warden.
You be put to death
in the electric chair.
May God have mercy on her soul.
What seems to be the trouble?
- Psychic shock.
Brought on by the strain of the trial.
Shock at hearing sentence pronounced.
Grief possibly.
Psychic shock. I see.
Jane Doe goes in there?
- Yep.
I have an order for
her removal to Sing Sing.
You must ask the Doc when he comes out.
He's been in there half an hour.
Okay.
That was a very good diagnosis.
- Thank you, sir.
As far as it went.
Her shock was not caused entirely
by her court experience.
This girl is going to have a baby.
Jane Doe the mystery woman.
Convicted of the murder of wealthy
Stephen Curtis collapsed today.
As judge Bertrand sentenced
her to die in the electric chair.
Jane Doe is the name given Curtis's
beautiful killer by the law.
When she refused to
reveal her true identity.
Or to testify in her own defense.
And so, as Jane Doe, she
will go to the electric chair.
Just a moment, ladies and gentlemen.
Just a moment.
I have just been handed a bulletin.
"Further examination
by the prison doctor .."
"Revealed the reason for
Jane Doe's collapse this afternoon."
"She is to become a mother."
That trial.
Haven't you taken enough of
a beating during the trial ..
Without listening to the gruesome
details over the radio?
That's what I've been asking her.
Only more cleverly of course.
There must some other way
to spoil an evening, I said.
She paid just as much
attention then as now.
I'm sorry. I wasn't listening.
Bill, what about that girl?
Well, you can't execute a
woman in her condition.
So it means an automatic stay
until after the baby is born.
Then what?
Jane Doe will see another Christmas.
And then pay her debt to society.
And society will have another orphan
to rear in some state institution.
Bill.
I need your help.
I want to do something
while there's still time.
For that girl?
Well.
Yes. For both.
Eve. You were a lawyer once yourself.
You know that's impossible.
There never was a more open-and-shut
case of premeditated murder.
And a baby won't change that.
One more stop and I'm done.
Done in, you mean. Where next?
Something for Bill. I wonder what.
Why not get him one of
those hand-painted ties?
With the big, beautiful ..
No?
- No.
Extra! Murderess becomes a mother.
What's the matter?
Extra! Murderess becomes a mother.
Jane Doe has a baby.
Extra. Extra.
Jane Doe faced the electric chair.
Extra. Merry Christmas, lady.
Extra. Read all about it.
Visitor.
Hello.
Oh.
Mrs Curtis.
I have no right to intrude. I know.
But I wanted ..
Have you had good care?
Good care?
Yes.
I guess I have had good care.
If that's what you came here to ask.
The doctor says I'll be able to get up.
And walk in a few days.
But you should be careful.
Why?
I don't have far to go.
I just call it the last mile.
That was very tactless of me. I'm sorry.
I don't want your sympathy.
I didn't come her to offer it.
I am curious though.
Why didn't you tell them you
were going to have a baby?
It might have made a difference.
For the verdict, I mean.
I did not tell them because ..
I did not want it to be born.
Do you realize ..
You might have taken that baby
to the electric chair with you?
Yes.
Why would you want to kill him?
It was your crime. Not his.
He has a right to live just as
he had a right to be born.
Well .. he was born.
So now, Stephen and I have ..
A memory.
A living memory.
Hating our memories.
Every day of his life.
You say he is innocent.
But have you any idea what the
world will do to him for ..
Our sins?
I asked them to bring him in.
Is it alright?
Why ask me?
How does he look?
- I wouldn't know.
Well.
Here he is.
I bet you're anxious for a
peek at this young man.
But he is your baby and
you haven't seen him yet.
I'll take him.
Hello, little fellow.
You want him, don't you?
That is why you came here.
Yes.
And you will probably get him.
He is a beautiful boy, Jane.
You look like your mummy.
Do you know that?
The same eyes.
Maybe the same hair.
You are going to be the most handsome
young man when you grow up.
Those arms and shoulders.
What a football player you'll make.
What's the matter with him?
You're hurting him.
The only thing hurting
him is his manly tummy.
He is hungry.
I'll take him back to the nursery.
No. Wait.
Look at him.
He knows me.
But he couldn't know me, could he?
Most children seem to
recognise their mothers.
He does have my eyes, doesn't he?
And the same hair.
And strong soldiers.
Like my brother.
And he will grow up in this country.
And might play football.
Only I will never ..
Mrs Curtis.
Mrs Curtis.
Help me please.
Yes?
- Mrs Curtis to see you.
Send her right in. Of course.
Hello Eve.
- Hello Bill.
Let me take your coat.
What's the matter?
There's something invigorating
about just walking into a law office.
It has that legal smell.
You watch your language.
But drop in and enjoy the odor any time.
Thanks.
But I doubt that invitation
will stand very long.
Why not?
I'm going back into law practice, Bill.
May I?
- Sure.
I never was on your side of the fence.
I can't say I'm too surprised, Eve.
It will do you good to get back at it.
Wait a minute.
When are you going back?
- I already have.
It must be something sensational.
A murder case?
Sensational? Maybe.
But not murder.
I'm going to reopen
the case of Jane Doe.
One look at your face and
I see you're not joking.
No, I'm not.
- You're crazy. I tell you that.
Now you talk like a prosecutor.
- And why?
Will you tell me why?
Why that case?
She got enough public
attention during the first trial.
Do you have to drag it
all out in the open again?
Why not let Stephen Curtis rest?
I want to save that girl's life.
She should never have been convicted.
But she was.
- I wasn't the defense attorney then.
And I won't be the prosecuting
attorney this time.
Why not? Are you afraid of me?
Do you think I can oppose you in court
with everyone knowing we're friends?
I'll turn it over to my assistant.
- That suits me.
Eve, you're being ridiculous.
Supposing you get somebody like
Arnold Matson, and you probably will.
He eats cases like yours for breakfast.
He'll tear you and your client both
to pieces and enjoy every second.
I tried to give her every chance.
- You thought she was guilty.
So did I.
I didn't think she was
anything but what she is.
A cold, calculating killer who
wanted a man she couldn't have.
Your man.
Your husband.
I can't understand what's
happened to you.
Jane Doe has talked, Bill.
She has?
Yes.
What did she say? Let me in on it.
I'm going to.
- Good.
In court.
I protest the waste of the state's money
in a new, long, drawn-out trial.
The defendant had her chance.
Did she, Mr Matson?
Now, let's not waste our time bickering.
I have here an affidavit, Mr Matson,
from the doctor who attended the girl.
He says that her silence
and refusal to talk ..
Could be a manifestation of the psychic
shock which caused her collapse.
I want to study it further.
You will have my decision tomorrow.
Is that it?
- Yep.
I'm ahead of you. A tough break.
A tough break, did you say?
- I'd think so if it was me.
I'd rather face the electric chair
any day than laughing-boy, Matson.
The newspapers have made much of
the fact that Jane Doe did not talk.
That she offered no defense
for her cold-blooded crime.
That she is a victim of her own silence.
A new trial was granted.
Why?
Because Jane Doe says
she is ready to talk.
Well, ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
The state says that Jane Doe
can talk her head off.
Tell her background.
Who she is. Where she's from.
The life she's led.
But she cannot contradict the facts.
Proved in this same courtroom.
That with cold premeditation ..
And with malice in her heart.
She shot to death Stephen Curtis.
Ladies and gentlemen.
You are sitting as jurors
in a court of law.
At the risk of being thought
both trite and impertinent.
I am going to remind you
it is also a court of justice.
I ask you to forget that
the defendant ..
Jane Doe, my client.
Was once convicted of the accusation
under which she faces you now.
It was not a conviction in which
the state could take much pride.
The defendant did not fight back.
She had no will to live.
She wanted to die.
And so.
She stood trial and was convicted.
It was what she wanted.
Life held nothing for her.
She had a reason for dying.
But now Jane Doe has
a reason for living.
A baby. Her baby.
Ladies and gentlemen
I intend to prove ..
That baby's mother is not
a murderess, not a criminal.
Not sinned, but sinned against.
Call Phyllis Tuttle to the stand.
Who, me?
That's me.
Phyllis Tuttle.
Raise your right hand.
Do you swear to tell the truth and
nothing but the truth, so help you God?
I do.
- Be seated.
State your name please.
- Phyllis Tuttle.
Will you state your occupations please?
- Attorney at law.
Associated with the law
firm of Eve Meredith Curtis.
Just as I was six years ago
when you fell in love with Steve.
We certainly object to that, Your Honor.
Sustained.
Miss Tuttle. Please do not reminisce.
Unless you are asked to.
Were you acquainted with
the deceased, Stephen Curtis?
Yes. I had known him as long as you had.
You remember when he went overseas?
- Very well.
Tell the court why you recall the period
immediately preceding his departure.
As it pertains to Stephen Curtis and ..
And to myself.
Your Honor.
I don't think the court needs to hear
a resum of the deceased's life ..
As it pertains to the
counsel for the defense.
It has no bearing whatever on the
guilt or innocence of the defendant.
It is only intended to ..
- I must ask the prosecution ..
To refrain from speculating on
what I intend or don't intend.
Both of you will address
your remarks to the court.
This is not a private argument.
Now, Mr Matson. If you have an
objection, phrase it properly.
On the grounds that testimony concerning
the deceased and defense counsel ..
Is irrelevant and immaterial.
Immaterial?
When my client's life is at stake?
Well, irrelevant.
Your Honor. If I may be allowed to
present my case in my own way.
I know you'll agree that any testimony
I put to this court will be relevant.
Objection overruled.
Proceed.
Please begin with the morning you saw
Stephen Curtis before he went overseas.
What if I .. don't remember?
You'll remember. You're under oath.
Yes. I do.
I thought I had found the two
happiest people on earth.
Hi, Trudy.
- Morning, Miss Tuttle.
Mrs Curtis in?
- Yes.
Steve, get out of here.
You have got to get out of here. Really.
Hi barrister.
Morning Phyllis. I was just ..
I was just telling him
I've got work to do.
Why doesn't anybody put work like
that on my desk in the morning?
The place is getting cluttered up.
I'd better get back to base.
Don't let me rush you.
I just love to watch.
Until tonight.
See you at six.
- Five.
Four.
- Check.
Check.
Goodbye, dreamboat.
Isn't he wonderful, Phyl?
That stuff gets worse, doesn't it?
Yep.
The patient shows no sign of recovery.
I don't think the patient
wants to get well. Does she?
No.
I should say not.
You don't want Steve to
be cured of you either.
Do you?
You really like Steve, don't you, Phyl?
Like him? I love him.
You're always intimating ..
That he's ..
No I'm not.
I'm just intimating he is a man.
And a beautiful man.
Women go for him like
baboons after bananas.
I just don't want you to get hurt.
Steve will never hurt me, Phyl.
His days of being interested in ..
Babes or baboons ended
when he married me.
I just think you want me to give
up the office and stay home.
I just think you should be either
Eve Meredith, attorney, or ..
Mrs Curtis. Housewife.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
Ladies and gents. Kid all you want.
I've said it before
and I'll say it again.
One head with two
personalities is as bad as ..
One personality with two heads.
Both freaks.
Do you want your husband or
do you want your career?
If the court please, can't I have both?
- Sure.
For a while.
Then one day you wake up and find
while you watched your husband ..
That somebody stole your law practice.
Or vice versa.
Never vice versa, Phyl.
Never.
Mr Hilton for Miss Meredith.
I'll be with you in a moment.
Take your time.
Mr Hilton? Miss Meredith called.
Whom did you wish to see?
Whom?
Miss Meredith.
I guess that is 'whom'.
- She's talking on the phone just now.
Perhaps if you tell me about it ..
- I would, honey.
But I get so tired of
telling it over and over.
So I'll tell it to her direct.
Alright, Bill. Bye.
Sorry, Miss Meredith.
- Don't be sorry, honey.
I've got work for her.
Hello Miss Meredith. I haven't much time
and I must talk to you about a case.
A legal case.
Won't you sit down, Miss ..?
- Marga-Jane Hastings.
Marga-Jane? Is that your legal name?
No. Of course not.
But where would 'Sophie Shopenheimer'
get you in show business?
Show business?
Well .. any kind of business.
I think we should talk
about my case in private.
That is alright.
Miss Tuttle is my associate.
Tuttle?
You should change your own ..
I'm going to. Next week.
Miss Hastings, I am very busy.
But if you care to tell me briefly ..
I'll make it as brief as you want.
But after I tell you.
I'll give you odds you'll want
to hear it in more detail.
I want to file a suit against a guy.
For breach of promise for 200 grand.
He's got it.
And you can cut yourself in for
any part up to fifty percent.
Well? Was that brief enough?
You should read something besides
sports pages. There is news, honey.
Breach of promise suits are
outlawed in the state, Miss Hastings.
I'm afraid you can't financial
compensation for ..
Whatever you were promised.
Now wait a minute.
Let me get this straight.
You mean a guy can take me
around, tell me he's not married.
Promise me the moon with
a blue ribbon around it.
Make me quit my job to spend time with
him and kiss me off and not pay for it?
Ha.
I don't believe it.
It's true. And I'm still not interested.
Maybe if I tell you who this
woo-pitching pirate is ..
You will be.
Miss Meredith said she isn't interested
and she doesn't want to know his name.
She already knows his name.
It's her husband.
Here.
Read those.
Some long winter evening.
Beside the fireplace.
You have a 3-count to get your
tail feathers through that door.
See?
I told you I had a case.
Oh yes.
And like I promised.
Cut yourself in for fifty
percent of what .. I get.
Eve, darling.
You're not going to let that
little gold-digger upset you?
I'm going home, Phyl.
Call the base and locate Steve.
No.
You come with me.
I do not want to be alone.
This two-headed personality
is a little confused.
[ Steve singing ]
Hey. Is that you, Eve?
Eve.
I've been calling you all over town.
Where you been? How are you, baby?
Hi, counsellor.
- Hello Steve.
I'm glad you're here.
I came home because ..
Because ..
- Because?
Not only do our hearts beat as one.
Our minds think as one.
You knew I was home, didn't you?
Ain't it wonderful, this stuff?
What's the matter with the judge?
- Steve, please listen.
First, you listen to me.
I haven't much time and
I have a lot to tell you.
Haven't much time?
- No.
I got orders. I go overseas in 3 days.
How do you like that?
Overseas?
- Yeah.
Now I get a chance to shoot at
something that can shoot back at me.
Now it's your turn.
What were you going to say?
Nothing. Nothing important.
It's so unimportant
compared to your news ..
I have forgotten what it was.
Steve, I am scared.
- No. None of that.
I got a 3-day leave.
We can go away someplace.
We won't even tell the
shyster where we're going.
Three days. And three nights.
Then we'll take one minute.
The last one.
I'll get scared with you.
Check?
Check.
He went directly overseas
from wherever they were.
And you came home alone.
You were happy.
Everything was right again
between you and Steve.
Did that happiness continue?
- For a time.
You were sure the fault
had been all yours.
So you closed your law
office and quit your practice.
And concentrated on being a war wife.
You thought the war would be over five
minutes after Steve got into action.
Then he'd be home.
Then?
Then one day, a wire came.
Not from Steve, but about him.
'The War Department regrets' etc.
Shot down in action.
Outside of Paris.
If the court please.
This has been a very
sentimental recital.
And probably to the spectators,
a most interesting one.
At least, they don't
seem as bored as I am.
I would be most lax
in my duty to the state.
If I didn't protest the waste of the
court's time in this irrelevant review.
Of the life and times of Stephen Curtis.
It's known he didn't die in France.
That he lived to return to this country
to die at the hands of this defendant.
Your Honor, I move the DA's
remarks be stricken from the record.
That he be reminded this is not the
time to summarize the state's case.
Granted. The DA's remarks
will be stricken from the record.
Your Honor. How long is this resum
of a dead man's life to continue?
If the court permits, I can establish
the relevance of Stephen Curtis's life.
If the court please. Stephen Curtis
is dead. He is not on trial here.
Yes. Stephen Curtis is on trial here.
I am sure I did not understand you.
I said, a dead man is on trial here.
Your Honor.
Counsel's comments require
further explanation ..
If the court is to permit this
kind of testimony to continue.
Your Honor. If I were laying a
foundation for a plea of self-defense.
Is the defense pleading self-defense?
Wait and see.
I say there are times when the deceased
must stand trial beside the defendant.
If our plea were to be of self-defense
or even of justifiable homicide ..
I feel it vital to examine the actions
of the deceased which led to his death.
No matter how far back those actions go.
Very well.
Does the state wish to cross-examine?
No questions.
Call Jane Doe to the stand.
Jane Doe.
Raise your right hand.
Do you swear to tell the truth and
nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Yes.
- Be seated.
State your name please.
Mrs Stephen Curtis.
Your Honor.
Your Honor, I am not opposed to
a few theatrics in the courtroom.
But before the witness tries to
convince us that I am Jane Doe.
The defense counsel is Arnold Matson.
And Mr Hilton here is Napoleon.
I think she should be reminded
that she's under oath.
Will you tell the court what this is?
It is a marriage certificate
certifying to the marriage of ..
Annette Dubois and
Stephen Curtis in France.
I wish to enter it in evidence.
Entered. Mark it as Defense exhibit A.
So, not knowing Stephen Curtis
was already .. married ..
You thought your name
to be Mrs Stephen Curtis.
Are you ready now to tell
us your true name, Jane Doe?
Yes. Annette Dubois.
What was the answer?
- 'Annette Dubois'.
So, Jane Doe is no more.
We are now trying a girl ..
- Objection.
Sustained.
You are questioning a witness.
I am sorry.
But if there is no objection.
Hereafter, I will refer to the defendant
as Annette Dubois and not Jane Doe.
Proceed.
Tell us, Annette.
When and where did you
first meet Stephen Curtis?
It was soon after the
allies landed in Normandy.
I lived with my brother.
Robert.
On a small farm outside Paris.
On the day when ..
When I met him.
The Americans and British.
They were raiding the tank factories.
I was terrified.
But Robert was not.
We were returning from the factory
where my brother and I had to work.
An old injury kept him from
doing military duty in the war.
Robert, stay down. Be careful.
Look at them.
They're not being careful up there.
Give it to them, Americans!
That one is going after
the other like a wasp.
He's hit.
He's hit. And it's too low to jump.
Watch out, Robert.
We have to get him out. Go back.
It might explode.
Come on.
Let's go.
Robert.
He's alright.
Grab him before it comes back.
Are you alright?
Just a knock on my head.
Your friend isn't doing so good.
He's my brother. Let's go through here.
Herr Lieutenant. Herr Lieutenant.
Blood.
[ Dog barking ]
Herr Lieutenant.
You're looking for an American flyer?
Yes.
He is ..
In there.
He was hurt. He came here.
Follow her in.
Get up.
Get up.
Get up.
He is dead.
Well.
One less of them to worry about.
Shall we take the body?
No. Let her bury him.
She can get help.
That's for being a
good collaborationist.
Thanks to both of you.
He always wanted to be a soldier.
And what about 'Julian',
I think you call him?
Julian?
The photograph you hid when
the Germans came in.
Were you sweethearts before
you met Stephen Curtis?
When we were in school.
When we were children. You understand.
We always said we were engaged.
Did you see him again?
No.
I heard he was a prisoner.
In one of those camps.
Hardly anyone ever came back from there.
I didn't see him anymore.
What is it?
I have a message for Mrs Curtis.
I mean Miss Meredith.
Your Honor, I wish to interrupt my
client's testimony and ask for a recess.
I object, Your Honor.
This testimony has taken long enough
without recessing every ten minutes.
The witness seems able to continue.
- Alright. Alright.
Give counsel a chance to state a reason.
If the court please I wish
to state it in chambers.
Very well. The court will
recess for five minutes.
Alright, Miss Meredith.
- Judge Bertrand.
I just received word that an epidemic
broke out in a children's hospital.
My client's baby is stricken.
That's too bad.
Serious?
- Yes.
Terribly sorry.
I ask for an adjournment so
she can go to the hospital.
That means many hours delay.
Let's check first and
see how serious it is.
Mr Matson, several
babies have already died.
It's not going to hurt
us to wait awhile.
Annette, do you hear me?
Do you understand what I am saying?
Nothing in the world can
bring your baby back.
If grief could, then yours would have
brought him back a thousand times over.
Now all we can do is to try to save you.
You have to go back on that stand
and tell the rest. You've got to.
Right now you're not capable of
thinking or protecting yourself.
So you have to trust me, Annette.
You must.
Promise you'll help me.
You will go back on the stand,
won't you Annette?
How is she?
Won't talk at all?
She'll have to snap out of
before the court reconvenes.
She'll have to but she won't.
She just sits there staring.
Eve.
If that girl doesn't go back on
the stand, you're a dead duck.
I tried every argument I can think of.
Why do you want to persecute her, Eve?
She's paid quite a price already.
I think Judge Bertrand will accept
a plea of second-degree murder.
Put that girl in prison
for the rest of her life?
It's better than the chair.
- Not for her it isn't.
She would rather be with her baby.
Giving up, Eve?
Never.
Here ye. Here ye.
General court is now in session.
Judge John C. Bertrand presiding.
Be seated.
Is the defense ready to proceed?
Yes, Your Honor.
Your client is ready to
resume her testimony?
Yes, Your Honor.
Well, proceed.
My associate counsel.
Your Honor.
I think the defense counsel
is merely stalling for time.
Her client has no intention
of taking the stand again.
Your Honor, please.
I think the district attorney
is entitled to an answer.
Are you intentionally
delaying this trial?
No.
Well.
In a way, yes, Your Honor.
- Why?
Well.
Last night there was a storm.
A storm? Where?
Over the Atlantic.
Your Honor, I object.
Object to what?
To the defense counsel trying
to delay this hearing until ..
The storm over the Atlantic quiets down.
Sustained.
The storm has quieted down, Your Honor.
Your Honor, I am sorry
for the disturbance.
I ask the court's permission to postpone
resumption of the defendant's testimony.
And place another witness
on the stand at this time.
Does the state object to that?
No objection.
Is Julian Aubert in the courtroom?
Julian Aubert.
I found him.
Why did you bring him here?
- I'll let him tell you.
Raise your right hand.
You swear to tell the truth and nothing
but the truth so help you, God?
Yes. I do.
- Be seated please.
State your name and address please.
Julian Aubert.
Paris. France.
You are.
You are acquainted with
the defendant, Mr Aubert?
Yes.
I have known her since
she was a little girl.
Do you know anything about ..
About the trouble she is in?
Only what you told me.
When you called me in France.
And what Miss Tuttle told me.
On the way from the airport.
You were childhood sweethearts.
- Objection.
A leading question.
- Sustained.
What was your relationship with the
defendant before you went to war?
We were childhood sweethearts.
Do you remember giving her a
photograph before you went away?
Yes. A photo.
Yes. I gave her a photograph.
Did you write something on it?
If you did, do you remember what it was?
Attends, ma ch rie.
I mean: wait for me, my dearest.
Tell me, Mr Aubert. Julian.
Are you bitter because she did not wait?
Bitter?
Bitter that she found someone else?
Of course not.
Despite the fact that someone stole her
from you and married your sweetheart.
You still love her.
Don't you, Julian Aubert?
Objection. Defense counsel persists in
putting words in the witness's mouth.
Sustained.
Do not answer.
Don't answer? But why?
Why can't I say that I love her?
Why do you object? It is the truth.
I do.
I cannot tolerate any more emotional
outbursts in this courtroom.
Proceed.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Why did you fly to this country
when I called you, Mr Aubert?
I came to take Annette home.
Do you realize ..
That unless she's made to testify on her
own behalf, she'll never return home?
Yes.
Have you any idea why she won't
testify now you are here?
Of course I know why she won't testify.
Now that I am here.
She heard me say I
wanted to take her home.
Where all this would be a
bad, forgotten dream.
Yet she thinks that .. if she does talk.
And if I am forced to listen.
I wouldn't want to take her home.
That isn't true.
It's not true, Annette.
Does she not realize that ..
That I can't be hurt now.
After the war.
After those years in prison camp.
Doesn't she know that ..
That I can understand about ..
The loneliness.
That made her turn to someone else.
I learned about loneliness.
In prison.
Mrs Curtis.
Mrs Curtis.
Your Honor. My client is
ready to take the stand again.
Does the state wish to cross-examine?
No.
No questions.
I'm going to ask you to go back,
Annette, and tell us of the time ..
After you and your brother
rescued Stephen Curtis.
That night Father Martin.
And I buried Robert.
And what of Stephen Curtis?
What did you do about him?
The allies were nearing Paris and
the Germans were everywhere.
There was no chance to get him out so ..
Father Martin and I hid him.
In the underground shelter.
And .. you fell in love with him?
Well.
Robert was the last of my family.
When he died.
With Julian gone.
It seemed like I had no-one.
Then one day, Stephen
took me in his arms and ..
I thought I had everyone.
Happy?
Yes, Steve.
Until I think of the day when you
leave and go back to America.
Are you kidding?
After I crashed up a 90,000 dollar
aeroplane just to find you?
It hasn't been too bad.
Hiding all the time. All these days.
Bad?
It's been wonderful.
With me living in my own
little chicken-coop and you.
It's the kind of war
I came here to fight.
Isn't that right, Julian?
That guy is always looking at me.
Why don't you go away?
I think he's a very jealous guy.
- He's not.
He is a very nice guy.
Very.
I'll settle for the first 'nice'.
We'll scratch out the second one.
Were you ..
Engaged or something?
Yes.
That's the wrong answer.
When he was seven and I was five.
I'll teach him what's wrong
with long engagements.
I have to start getting dinner.
Break open a bottle
of wine, and drink up.
No. You talked me into it once.
And I had to lock you
in the chicken house.
You thought you could
fly without an aeroplane.
I flew as high as I could
without a plane, didn't I?
How about it? A bottle of vin?
Uhuh.
Besides, Father Martin and Marie
and Fran ois are coming for dinner.
And they want something
more than just wine.
The Americans are throwing a lot of the
Lord's metal in our direction tonight.
They can't throw too much to suit me.
Won't be long now. Flying Fortresses
softened them up for the last push.
One minute I'm afraid the
Americans will come too close.
And the next minute, I'm afraid
they won't come close enough.
What's the matter with Annette?
I've never seen her scared
of a close one before.
I don't think it was the
bombs that scared her.
Not the bombs?
What then?
The Americans are only
a few miles from Paris.
We'll soon lose the boarder
in our chicken coop.
Eh, Annette?
The chickens will miss me.
Annette won't.
I will miss you when
you go back to America.
Stephen.
- Of course not.
I am taking you with me.
It will be tough on La Belle France.
Me taking one of her favorite daughters.
But I need you. New York needs you.
You will knock 'em dead.
Watch out for these soldiers
and their talk, Annette.
After the last war, many girls from the
town came to me wanting to become nuns.
But I'm not just talking.
Does he mean they are engaged?
I don't know.
Of course. What else could I mean?
Wonderful, Annette.
When will the wedding be?
Now, just a minute.
Minutes are scarce now, Stephen.
Make it soon.
Fran ois, don't coax him to marry me.
I'm not being coaxed.
It will be soon.
As soon as possible.
It cannot be any sooner than tonight.
Tonight?
Well, why not give the
girl a chance to think?
After all, she might change her mind.
Why, Stephen?
Of course not.
Well, there is one thing.
We sure can't get a license tonight.
Yes you can.
Fran ois here is a district clerk.
And for an ally anything is possible.
Consider the banns opened and approved.
Voila. We're going to have a wedding.
A ta sant .
- Merci bien.
I now pronounce you man and wife.
[ Door knocks ]
[ Door knocks ]
Let me in. Duroc.
The allied radio has
alerted the underground.
The Americans are ready to enter Paris.
Hi, baby.
They are here. Really here.
It means the end of the war, doesn't it?
- Sure. A cinch now we've paved the way.
Darling, don't joke.
I has been so, so ..
- You can say that again, baby.
It's been just so.
I got to run.
I only came by for a minute.
How long?
- How long what?
Before you came back? Tonight?
Maybe a little longer than last time.
A couple of days or so.
Don't look so desperate. I'll be back.
Be a good girl.
And did he come back?
No. He didn't.
What was the answer?
'No. He didn't'.
Did you hear from him?
Yes.
He sent someone.
He was unable to return himself so
he retained me to represent him.
I don't understand.
You're sure he is alright?
He is ill?
I'll? No, no. But you see.
He has trouble with the authorities?
Explaining for hiding?
That's it. It must be.
Well, not exactly. No.
He is in trouble. That's true.
But it's trouble he caused himself.
Nothing official.
But he wants you to understand.
That he blames himself
as much as he blames you.
Blames me?
For what?
No. Not for marrying me?
He loves me.
Well.
I'm sure he thought he did.
But you know how soldiers are.
And if you both had a good time ..
You should be content with
your happy memories.
I don't believe it. You lie.
No need to use this tone with me.
I am only Mr Curtis's representative.
I'm just carrying out his instructions.
Now then.
If you just ..
If you just sign here.
What is it?
Just a legal form. A simplified
annulment and everything.
Then you have your freedom.
He will have his. Everything is alright.
No harm done to anybody.
No. There must be some mistake.
Please take me to him.
That won't be possible.
He is gone. Back to America.
Aren't you going to sign this?
No.
No. He couldn't have done this.
Don't take it so hard.
There is a lot of nice
young men left at home.
You aren't telling me the truth.
I don't believe you.
I must hear it from him.
If I have to, I'll go to America.
He expected me to go to America.
He said he'd see to it I got there.
That he needed me.
Going to America is not so
easily done these days.
It costs a lot of money.
You'd better just forget
the whole thing.
I will inform you about
any legal actions.
I've got to see him.
If I have to, I will sell the house.
The house?
This house is yours?
Yes.
For a price.
You might find someone who
can arrange you a passport.
And for a price .. I am available.
And did this person get you a passport?
Yes. After a long time.
Did he tell you where
to find my husband?
Mr Curtis.
Yes. For another thousand francs.
He left me just enough
money for my ticket.
So you came over here with
no money and no place to go.
But I.
I had a place to go.
Yes?
I am looking for Mr Curtis.
Mr Stephen Curtis.
Is this his home?
- Well.
This is his apartment but he isn't here.
Do you know where I can find him?
It is very important.
Since you don't know where he is.
Obviously today he must be playing golf.
Are you his sister?
- No relation.
Would it be alright if I wait for him?
I'm afraid not.
I am just leaving.
Look, honey.
I don't know what your angle is.
Or what Steve's been up to.
But if it is ..
Well, why not just forget it?
Forget what? I have to see him.
But he is not here.
Well.
Then.
Give him this.
Ask him to call me at the Hotel Benton.
He will understand.
I hope he remembers which set
this is and who he pinned 'em on.
Operator.
I am expecting an important call.
I wondered ..
Are you sure?
[ Door knocks ]
Who is it?
- Annette.
Steve.
Hello Annette.
- Hello Steve.
You got my message?
- Yeah.
I got it. But I don't get it if
you know what I mean.
What are you doing in New York?
I had to see you.
You didn't come back.
I didn't get any letters.
I decided you'd lost interest.
But your attorney Duroc.
He said you were through with me.
He wanted me to sign a paper.
Why do you believe anything
that little crook had to say?
I told him to take care of
you until I sent for you.
Steve, it was months and months.
So it was months.
I was fighting the war.
I didn't expect you to
add to my troubles.
Troubles?
I don't want to cause
you trouble, Steve.
I love you.
If you didn't want to cause me trouble
you should have stayed away until ..
I am sorry.
It's alright.
You should learn to trust
me more than you do.
Alright, Steve. I will go back.
Well, not just this second.
Now you're here, why not stay?
You didn't stop loving me, did you?
- Are you kidding?
I knew it. You don't want me to go back.
Annette.
- Everything is alright now.
Now that we're together.
- Well.
Not exactly.
A few things have to be ironed out.
But I can take care of them.
How did you get here?
I sold the house and Duroc
got me a passport.
He got it?
Let's see it.
'Annette Fon ..'
'Fontaine'.
This thing is forged.
- Yes. I know.
What are you so happy about?
I'll take it and see if I can
get it straightened out.
Steve, I've been so lonesome.
This is a rat trap. No place for you.
Let's get out of here. Pack your things.
I didn't unpack.
I like your other apartment much better.
Just seeing it from the outside.
We're not going there either.
- Why?
Because I have a much nicer
place for you in the country.
Where I won't have to share you
with seven million New Yorkers.
Here boy.
Isn't he cute?
- Yes. He's cute when he's wet.
Here.
Go get it.
Steve.
I want a dog.
You want a dog?
I'll make a note of it.
So far, that includes in the
list of things you want.
A home.
Seven kids.
A cow. Two ducks.
Now you want room for a dog.
- And a husband.
Husbands don't take up much room.
That reminds me.
I must go to town tonight.
Alright. I'll get ready.
- No.
I want you to wait right here.
I want to sort out that
business with your passport.
When people see you walking around
New York and start asking questions.
No, Steve. I can't let you go again.
Will you be sensible and
let me run the show?
Alright, Steve.
Only don't be angry with me.
- That's better.
Let's not spoil our last day.
Not here.
[ Buzzer ]
Come in, Steve. It's open.
You are Miss Fontaine?
Annette Fontaine?
No. I am Mrs Curtis.
- That's what we thought.
This is your passport.
Isn't it?
Yes.
Where did you get it?
Who are you?
We're from the immigration department.
Immigration?
So Stephen Curtis made certain this time
that you wouldn't bother him further?
I object.
Counsel for the defense interprets the
motives of the deceased to suit herself.
Sustained.
Where did the officers take
you when they arrested you?
Ellis Island.
Please describe for the jury.
What it was like there.
It was a big cage.
With a little smaller one inside it.
It was crowded with women.
All kinds of women.
Waiting to be sent back like me.
Laughing.
Screaming. Cursing.
Some were insane.
Others had just come out of prison.
They put me in the cage
with the moral cases.
It seems someone had suggested ..
I was being held under
suspicion of moral turpitude.
It was horrible.
I went mad.
I could hear myself
screaming like the others.
That was how he had kept his promise.
There was our house and the seven kids.
The cows and the ducks.
That was our ..
Honeymoon.
Your witness.
Do you feel able to
proceed, Miss Dubois?
Yes.
You say you went mad.
Insane in your cell at Ellis Island.
Yes.
Insane.
Yet you had enough wits about
you to escape, didn't you?
You did escape, didn't you?
Yes, but ..
- Just 'yes'.
That answers my question.
You did escape.
Now, will you tell the jury ..
How you contrived your escape.
So they may judge for themselves
whether or not you had lost your mind.
I don't remember exactly.
But I could hear voices.
Some of those women in there.
Somebody brought a visitor's pass.
They said.
'You look so well dressed.
You could make it'.
I don't remember walking or anything.
Just voices.
But your remembered why you wanted
to get out and where you wanted to go.
I did not know where I wanted to go.
I only wanted to die.
- Yes. You told us that before.
Did you go immediately to
Stephen Curtis's apartment?
I don't think so.
I don't know when it was.
Annette.
You promised to wait
for me at the beach.
Why did you follow me here?
You gave them my passport.
They arrested me.
- Arrested you? You're crazy.
Yes.
Yes. I think I am.
If they arrested you,
how did you get here?
I escaped.
I had to find out whether
you gave it to them.
Now I know.
Something must have slipped.
I was trying to straighten things out.
Then I was going back
to the beach to you.
You were afraid your
real wife might hear us?
Whatever gave you that idea?
The immigration officers.
Alright.
Okay.
Have it your way.
What are you going to do about it?
I should kill you, Stephen.
But I can't.
Go ahead. Help yourself.
They are all loaded.
Make it a double ceremony.
Solve all our problems.
Is this the weapon you
took from that cabinet?
Yes.
I see.
You ask the court to believe you picked
it up, intending to commit suicide.
When actually, you had no
thought other than killing him.
Did you?
- Wait before you answer.
Miss Meredith, don't you wish to
object to the form of the question?
No objection.
Go ahead. Answer the question.
Did you?
Yes. I killed him.
That is all.
I wish to call my next witness.
- Proceed, Miss Meredith.
Call Mr William Hilton.
Mr William ..
Hilton?
Yes. William Hilton.
William Hilton.
If the court pleases.
I think the court has been very lenient.
In allowing counsel for the defense to
present her case any way she saw fit.
But I must say ..
- Kind of you, Mr District Attorney.
I am sure the court appreciates
your approval of its leniency.
Do you have any objection to appearing
as a witness for the defense?
I object.
During the progress of this trial ..
Defense counsel has made no
attempt to present relevant evidence.
To enlighten the court or the jury.
But instead, has tried to baffle and
bewilder these ladies and gentlemen.
With a stream of maudlin sentiment,
romance, and the underground.
The world war. Everything but a kitchen
sink and a one-armed knife thrower.
Speaking of theatrics, Mr Matson.
Are you stating grounds for an objection
or eulogizing counsel's court procedure?
Certainly not the latter.
I object because nothing the DA says
as a defense witness can be relevant.
How do you know, Mr Matson?
Objection overruled.
Take the stand, Mr Hilton.
Raise your right hand.
Do you swear to tell the truth, the
whole truth so help you, God?
I do.
- Be seated.
State your name please.
William Hilton.
Mr Hilton.
I am going to ask you to recall
something I said earlier in this trial.
In defense of my witness's testimony
and its relevance to this case.
That there are times when the deceased
must stand trial beside the defendant.
Do you remember, Mr Hilton?
- Yes.
Yes. I do.
I'm going to ask you to remember it
again at the close of your testimony.
Now then.
I want you to testify to your actions
and whereabouts for, let us say ..
Two hours immediately preceding
the death of Stephen Curtis.
Well.
I suppose you mean
from the time Phyllis ..
Miss Tuttle, that is.
Came into my office.
Yes. That is what I mean.
Well, it was late afternoon.
She was pretty upset.
Upset? You think I'm upset?
You should see Eve.
In fact, that's what I want you to do.
Go over there.
- Now?
Yes, I'm worried about her.
Honest I am, Bill.
Okay. I'll go over.
Why did you have to tell her?
- It just slipped out when I saw this.
'I know that girl', I said.
Ten minutes later she had the story.
Maybe you talk too much.
I know. But did you ever see
her work on a witness?
Come in. The door's open.
Hello Mr Prosecutor.
Come in. Sit down and have a drink.
- No thanks, Steve.
What's the matter with Eve?
- Eve?
Nothing.
A little upset, I guess.
About what?
Not that it's any of the old family
friend's business, but it's about me.
Why not talk to her? It might help.
Maybe you'd better tell me first
what you've been up to.
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
But you lawyers have a
way of checking up on me.
Now you can't go to the beach for a
weekend without the whole town knowing.
Steve, won't you ever grow up?
Bill, you be a nice guy. Go and talk
to Eve and tell her you talked to me.
Tell her I'm a nice guy.
Tell her I'm different.
Tell her I've changed.
Go on now.
Eve.
Eve.
Who is it?
- Bill. May I come in?
No. Please.
I'd like to talk to you for a moment.
- Go away, Bill. Please.
Not now.
- Now.
Are you decent?
Okay. I'll wait. But only for a minute.
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.
Here I come, ready or not.
Eve.
What are you trying to do?
What's the matter with you?
[ Gunshot! ]
Then you admit you took a loaded
revolver from my hand ..
Only a minute before my husband,
Stephen Curtis, was slain by this girl?
Yes.
Why didn't you reveal
it at the first trial?
Why didn't I? Why would I?
- Why wouldn't you?
The fact I stopped you ending your life
has no bearing on Stephen Curtis' death.
No? I am going to ask you to
remember now my statement ..
That there are times when the deceased
must stand trial beside the defendant.
When the DA took that gun from my
hand I wasn't going to kill myself.
I was going to kill Stephen Curtis.
Yes.
There.
There, but for the grace of God sit I.
Facing a verdict of life or death.
If the Distract Attorney had arrived
at my home only one minute later.
Does the state wish to cross-examine?
No questions.
Your Honor.
Counsel for the defense.
Has established relevancy of all her
testimony to the state's satisfaction.
It is now the jury's responsibility ..
To determine whether or not
the moral guilt for this crime.
Rests on the shoulders of
the deceased Stephen Curtis.
The state does not wish to summarise.
Be seated.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
Have you reached a verdict?
Yes we have, Your Honor.
State it.
Not guilty.
Your Honor.
The state moves the jury be polled.
You will answer in the
order of your seats.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
enough nerve, baby.
Murder.
Homicide.
Get me the city desk.
Hang on, Chief. This will floor you.
Stephen Curtis.
That's the guy. The playboy.
Killer caught red-handed.
Only it ain't a 'him'. It's a 'her'.
Who is she? What's her name?
What kind of stupid answer is that?
She won't tell?
What do I use for headlines?
What name did the book her under?
The state is demanding the life of this
girl for the death of Stephen Curtis.
But I tell you, ladies and gentlemen.
If you send Jane Doe to the electric
chair, you'll not be executing her.
She will be committing suicide.
Why? I don't know.
She has so strongly resisted efforts to
say who she is or where she came from.
That she must be tried in
this court as Jane Doe.
Even I am here against her wishes.
For she did not want an attorney.
Yes. I know I will be accused of
asking for sympathy for my client.
I do not ask sympathy for Jane Doe.
But I do ask .. mercy.
The District Attorney will, no doubt ..
Warn you against being
led into false sympathy.
By the silence or the
youth of the defendant.
I ask you to judge her upon what
the evidence show her to be.
A girl who wanted another
woman's husband so badly.
So jealously.
That she killed him.
Rather than let Stephen Curtis remain
with the woman to whom he was wedded.
You have heard the testimony
of Mrs Stephen Curtis.
Without vindictiveness, she
testified that she heard the shots.
And entered the room to find her
husband dead. At the feet of this girl.
But Mrs Curtis asks only justice.
Not revenge.
And the state asks only justice.
And justice demands ..
Guilty! Jane Doe found guilty.
Extra. Read all about it.
Jury arrives at verdict in record time.
Extra. Read all about it.
Jane Doe guilty. Faces electric chair.
Extra.
Jane, time is growing very short.
It is life or death.
Help me to help you.
Mr Horton.
I don't want to live.
The defendant will rise
and face the court.
Jane Doe.
You've had a fair and impartial trial as
provided by the laws of New York state.
And found guilty of murder
in the first degree.
The jury made no
recommendation for leniency.
Is there anything you wish to say
before the court pronounces sentence?
No. There is nothing.
No more distasteful a duty can
be imposed on a judge than ..
That which I am now
compelled to perform.
This has been an extraordinary case.
You have refused to testify
in your own behalf.
You entered this country under
a forged Portuguese passport.
Bearing the fictitious
name of Annette Fontaine.
Making any effort to learn
your true identity futile.
Perhaps your refusal
to divulge your identity.
And thus shield others from
the shame of your crime.
Is praiseworthy.
But it cannot condone the crime itself.
Therefore.
I order that the person of Jane Doe.
Be delivered to the warden
of the state penitentiary.
In Ossining New York.
And that there during
the week of August 14th.
At a time to be set by the warden.
You be put to death
in the electric chair.
May God have mercy on her soul.
What seems to be the trouble?
- Psychic shock.
Brought on by the strain of the trial.
Shock at hearing sentence pronounced.
Grief possibly.
Psychic shock. I see.
Jane Doe goes in there?
- Yep.
I have an order for
her removal to Sing Sing.
You must ask the Doc when he comes out.
He's been in there half an hour.
Okay.
That was a very good diagnosis.
- Thank you, sir.
As far as it went.
Her shock was not caused entirely
by her court experience.
This girl is going to have a baby.
Jane Doe the mystery woman.
Convicted of the murder of wealthy
Stephen Curtis collapsed today.
As judge Bertrand sentenced
her to die in the electric chair.
Jane Doe is the name given Curtis's
beautiful killer by the law.
When she refused to
reveal her true identity.
Or to testify in her own defense.
And so, as Jane Doe, she
will go to the electric chair.
Just a moment, ladies and gentlemen.
Just a moment.
I have just been handed a bulletin.
"Further examination
by the prison doctor .."
"Revealed the reason for
Jane Doe's collapse this afternoon."
"She is to become a mother."
That trial.
Haven't you taken enough of
a beating during the trial ..
Without listening to the gruesome
details over the radio?
That's what I've been asking her.
Only more cleverly of course.
There must some other way
to spoil an evening, I said.
She paid just as much
attention then as now.
I'm sorry. I wasn't listening.
Bill, what about that girl?
Well, you can't execute a
woman in her condition.
So it means an automatic stay
until after the baby is born.
Then what?
Jane Doe will see another Christmas.
And then pay her debt to society.
And society will have another orphan
to rear in some state institution.
Bill.
I need your help.
I want to do something
while there's still time.
For that girl?
Well.
Yes. For both.
Eve. You were a lawyer once yourself.
You know that's impossible.
There never was a more open-and-shut
case of premeditated murder.
And a baby won't change that.
One more stop and I'm done.
Done in, you mean. Where next?
Something for Bill. I wonder what.
Why not get him one of
those hand-painted ties?
With the big, beautiful ..
No?
- No.
Extra! Murderess becomes a mother.
What's the matter?
Extra! Murderess becomes a mother.
Jane Doe has a baby.
Extra. Extra.
Jane Doe faced the electric chair.
Extra. Merry Christmas, lady.
Extra. Read all about it.
Visitor.
Hello.
Oh.
Mrs Curtis.
I have no right to intrude. I know.
But I wanted ..
Have you had good care?
Good care?
Yes.
I guess I have had good care.
If that's what you came here to ask.
The doctor says I'll be able to get up.
And walk in a few days.
But you should be careful.
Why?
I don't have far to go.
I just call it the last mile.
That was very tactless of me. I'm sorry.
I don't want your sympathy.
I didn't come her to offer it.
I am curious though.
Why didn't you tell them you
were going to have a baby?
It might have made a difference.
For the verdict, I mean.
I did not tell them because ..
I did not want it to be born.
Do you realize ..
You might have taken that baby
to the electric chair with you?
Yes.
Why would you want to kill him?
It was your crime. Not his.
He has a right to live just as
he had a right to be born.
Well .. he was born.
So now, Stephen and I have ..
A memory.
A living memory.
Hating our memories.
Every day of his life.
You say he is innocent.
But have you any idea what the
world will do to him for ..
Our sins?
I asked them to bring him in.
Is it alright?
Why ask me?
How does he look?
- I wouldn't know.
Well.
Here he is.
I bet you're anxious for a
peek at this young man.
But he is your baby and
you haven't seen him yet.
I'll take him.
Hello, little fellow.
You want him, don't you?
That is why you came here.
Yes.
And you will probably get him.
He is a beautiful boy, Jane.
You look like your mummy.
Do you know that?
The same eyes.
Maybe the same hair.
You are going to be the most handsome
young man when you grow up.
Those arms and shoulders.
What a football player you'll make.
What's the matter with him?
You're hurting him.
The only thing hurting
him is his manly tummy.
He is hungry.
I'll take him back to the nursery.
No. Wait.
Look at him.
He knows me.
But he couldn't know me, could he?
Most children seem to
recognise their mothers.
He does have my eyes, doesn't he?
And the same hair.
And strong soldiers.
Like my brother.
And he will grow up in this country.
And might play football.
Only I will never ..
Mrs Curtis.
Mrs Curtis.
Help me please.
Yes?
- Mrs Curtis to see you.
Send her right in. Of course.
Hello Eve.
- Hello Bill.
Let me take your coat.
What's the matter?
There's something invigorating
about just walking into a law office.
It has that legal smell.
You watch your language.
But drop in and enjoy the odor any time.
Thanks.
But I doubt that invitation
will stand very long.
Why not?
I'm going back into law practice, Bill.
May I?
- Sure.
I never was on your side of the fence.
I can't say I'm too surprised, Eve.
It will do you good to get back at it.
Wait a minute.
When are you going back?
- I already have.
It must be something sensational.
A murder case?
Sensational? Maybe.
But not murder.
I'm going to reopen
the case of Jane Doe.
One look at your face and
I see you're not joking.
No, I'm not.
- You're crazy. I tell you that.
Now you talk like a prosecutor.
- And why?
Will you tell me why?
Why that case?
She got enough public
attention during the first trial.
Do you have to drag it
all out in the open again?
Why not let Stephen Curtis rest?
I want to save that girl's life.
She should never have been convicted.
But she was.
- I wasn't the defense attorney then.
And I won't be the prosecuting
attorney this time.
Why not? Are you afraid of me?
Do you think I can oppose you in court
with everyone knowing we're friends?
I'll turn it over to my assistant.
- That suits me.
Eve, you're being ridiculous.
Supposing you get somebody like
Arnold Matson, and you probably will.
He eats cases like yours for breakfast.
He'll tear you and your client both
to pieces and enjoy every second.
I tried to give her every chance.
- You thought she was guilty.
So did I.
I didn't think she was
anything but what she is.
A cold, calculating killer who
wanted a man she couldn't have.
Your man.
Your husband.
I can't understand what's
happened to you.
Jane Doe has talked, Bill.
She has?
Yes.
What did she say? Let me in on it.
I'm going to.
- Good.
In court.
I protest the waste of the state's money
in a new, long, drawn-out trial.
The defendant had her chance.
Did she, Mr Matson?
Now, let's not waste our time bickering.
I have here an affidavit, Mr Matson,
from the doctor who attended the girl.
He says that her silence
and refusal to talk ..
Could be a manifestation of the psychic
shock which caused her collapse.
I want to study it further.
You will have my decision tomorrow.
Is that it?
- Yep.
I'm ahead of you. A tough break.
A tough break, did you say?
- I'd think so if it was me.
I'd rather face the electric chair
any day than laughing-boy, Matson.
The newspapers have made much of
the fact that Jane Doe did not talk.
That she offered no defense
for her cold-blooded crime.
That she is a victim of her own silence.
A new trial was granted.
Why?
Because Jane Doe says
she is ready to talk.
Well, ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
The state says that Jane Doe
can talk her head off.
Tell her background.
Who she is. Where she's from.
The life she's led.
But she cannot contradict the facts.
Proved in this same courtroom.
That with cold premeditation ..
And with malice in her heart.
She shot to death Stephen Curtis.
Ladies and gentlemen.
You are sitting as jurors
in a court of law.
At the risk of being thought
both trite and impertinent.
I am going to remind you
it is also a court of justice.
I ask you to forget that
the defendant ..
Jane Doe, my client.
Was once convicted of the accusation
under which she faces you now.
It was not a conviction in which
the state could take much pride.
The defendant did not fight back.
She had no will to live.
She wanted to die.
And so.
She stood trial and was convicted.
It was what she wanted.
Life held nothing for her.
She had a reason for dying.
But now Jane Doe has
a reason for living.
A baby. Her baby.
Ladies and gentlemen
I intend to prove ..
That baby's mother is not
a murderess, not a criminal.
Not sinned, but sinned against.
Call Phyllis Tuttle to the stand.
Who, me?
That's me.
Phyllis Tuttle.
Raise your right hand.
Do you swear to tell the truth and
nothing but the truth, so help you God?
I do.
- Be seated.
State your name please.
- Phyllis Tuttle.
Will you state your occupations please?
- Attorney at law.
Associated with the law
firm of Eve Meredith Curtis.
Just as I was six years ago
when you fell in love with Steve.
We certainly object to that, Your Honor.
Sustained.
Miss Tuttle. Please do not reminisce.
Unless you are asked to.
Were you acquainted with
the deceased, Stephen Curtis?
Yes. I had known him as long as you had.
You remember when he went overseas?
- Very well.
Tell the court why you recall the period
immediately preceding his departure.
As it pertains to Stephen Curtis and ..
And to myself.
Your Honor.
I don't think the court needs to hear
a resum of the deceased's life ..
As it pertains to the
counsel for the defense.
It has no bearing whatever on the
guilt or innocence of the defendant.
It is only intended to ..
- I must ask the prosecution ..
To refrain from speculating on
what I intend or don't intend.
Both of you will address
your remarks to the court.
This is not a private argument.
Now, Mr Matson. If you have an
objection, phrase it properly.
On the grounds that testimony concerning
the deceased and defense counsel ..
Is irrelevant and immaterial.
Immaterial?
When my client's life is at stake?
Well, irrelevant.
Your Honor. If I may be allowed to
present my case in my own way.
I know you'll agree that any testimony
I put to this court will be relevant.
Objection overruled.
Proceed.
Please begin with the morning you saw
Stephen Curtis before he went overseas.
What if I .. don't remember?
You'll remember. You're under oath.
Yes. I do.
I thought I had found the two
happiest people on earth.
Hi, Trudy.
- Morning, Miss Tuttle.
Mrs Curtis in?
- Yes.
Steve, get out of here.
You have got to get out of here. Really.
Hi barrister.
Morning Phyllis. I was just ..
I was just telling him
I've got work to do.
Why doesn't anybody put work like
that on my desk in the morning?
The place is getting cluttered up.
I'd better get back to base.
Don't let me rush you.
I just love to watch.
Until tonight.
See you at six.
- Five.
Four.
- Check.
Check.
Goodbye, dreamboat.
Isn't he wonderful, Phyl?
That stuff gets worse, doesn't it?
Yep.
The patient shows no sign of recovery.
I don't think the patient
wants to get well. Does she?
No.
I should say not.
You don't want Steve to
be cured of you either.
Do you?
You really like Steve, don't you, Phyl?
Like him? I love him.
You're always intimating ..
That he's ..
No I'm not.
I'm just intimating he is a man.
And a beautiful man.
Women go for him like
baboons after bananas.
I just don't want you to get hurt.
Steve will never hurt me, Phyl.
His days of being interested in ..
Babes or baboons ended
when he married me.
I just think you want me to give
up the office and stay home.
I just think you should be either
Eve Meredith, attorney, or ..
Mrs Curtis. Housewife.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
Ladies and gents. Kid all you want.
I've said it before
and I'll say it again.
One head with two
personalities is as bad as ..
One personality with two heads.
Both freaks.
Do you want your husband or
do you want your career?
If the court please, can't I have both?
- Sure.
For a while.
Then one day you wake up and find
while you watched your husband ..
That somebody stole your law practice.
Or vice versa.
Never vice versa, Phyl.
Never.
Mr Hilton for Miss Meredith.
I'll be with you in a moment.
Take your time.
Mr Hilton? Miss Meredith called.
Whom did you wish to see?
Whom?
Miss Meredith.
I guess that is 'whom'.
- She's talking on the phone just now.
Perhaps if you tell me about it ..
- I would, honey.
But I get so tired of
telling it over and over.
So I'll tell it to her direct.
Alright, Bill. Bye.
Sorry, Miss Meredith.
- Don't be sorry, honey.
I've got work for her.
Hello Miss Meredith. I haven't much time
and I must talk to you about a case.
A legal case.
Won't you sit down, Miss ..?
- Marga-Jane Hastings.
Marga-Jane? Is that your legal name?
No. Of course not.
But where would 'Sophie Shopenheimer'
get you in show business?
Show business?
Well .. any kind of business.
I think we should talk
about my case in private.
That is alright.
Miss Tuttle is my associate.
Tuttle?
You should change your own ..
I'm going to. Next week.
Miss Hastings, I am very busy.
But if you care to tell me briefly ..
I'll make it as brief as you want.
But after I tell you.
I'll give you odds you'll want
to hear it in more detail.
I want to file a suit against a guy.
For breach of promise for 200 grand.
He's got it.
And you can cut yourself in for
any part up to fifty percent.
Well? Was that brief enough?
You should read something besides
sports pages. There is news, honey.
Breach of promise suits are
outlawed in the state, Miss Hastings.
I'm afraid you can't financial
compensation for ..
Whatever you were promised.
Now wait a minute.
Let me get this straight.
You mean a guy can take me
around, tell me he's not married.
Promise me the moon with
a blue ribbon around it.
Make me quit my job to spend time with
him and kiss me off and not pay for it?
Ha.
I don't believe it.
It's true. And I'm still not interested.
Maybe if I tell you who this
woo-pitching pirate is ..
You will be.
Miss Meredith said she isn't interested
and she doesn't want to know his name.
She already knows his name.
It's her husband.
Here.
Read those.
Some long winter evening.
Beside the fireplace.
You have a 3-count to get your
tail feathers through that door.
See?
I told you I had a case.
Oh yes.
And like I promised.
Cut yourself in for fifty
percent of what .. I get.
Eve, darling.
You're not going to let that
little gold-digger upset you?
I'm going home, Phyl.
Call the base and locate Steve.
No.
You come with me.
I do not want to be alone.
This two-headed personality
is a little confused.
[ Steve singing ]
Hey. Is that you, Eve?
Eve.
I've been calling you all over town.
Where you been? How are you, baby?
Hi, counsellor.
- Hello Steve.
I'm glad you're here.
I came home because ..
Because ..
- Because?
Not only do our hearts beat as one.
Our minds think as one.
You knew I was home, didn't you?
Ain't it wonderful, this stuff?
What's the matter with the judge?
- Steve, please listen.
First, you listen to me.
I haven't much time and
I have a lot to tell you.
Haven't much time?
- No.
I got orders. I go overseas in 3 days.
How do you like that?
Overseas?
- Yeah.
Now I get a chance to shoot at
something that can shoot back at me.
Now it's your turn.
What were you going to say?
Nothing. Nothing important.
It's so unimportant
compared to your news ..
I have forgotten what it was.
Steve, I am scared.
- No. None of that.
I got a 3-day leave.
We can go away someplace.
We won't even tell the
shyster where we're going.
Three days. And three nights.
Then we'll take one minute.
The last one.
I'll get scared with you.
Check?
Check.
He went directly overseas
from wherever they were.
And you came home alone.
You were happy.
Everything was right again
between you and Steve.
Did that happiness continue?
- For a time.
You were sure the fault
had been all yours.
So you closed your law
office and quit your practice.
And concentrated on being a war wife.
You thought the war would be over five
minutes after Steve got into action.
Then he'd be home.
Then?
Then one day, a wire came.
Not from Steve, but about him.
'The War Department regrets' etc.
Shot down in action.
Outside of Paris.
If the court please.
This has been a very
sentimental recital.
And probably to the spectators,
a most interesting one.
At least, they don't
seem as bored as I am.
I would be most lax
in my duty to the state.
If I didn't protest the waste of the
court's time in this irrelevant review.
Of the life and times of Stephen Curtis.
It's known he didn't die in France.
That he lived to return to this country
to die at the hands of this defendant.
Your Honor, I move the DA's
remarks be stricken from the record.
That he be reminded this is not the
time to summarize the state's case.
Granted. The DA's remarks
will be stricken from the record.
Your Honor. How long is this resum
of a dead man's life to continue?
If the court permits, I can establish
the relevance of Stephen Curtis's life.
If the court please. Stephen Curtis
is dead. He is not on trial here.
Yes. Stephen Curtis is on trial here.
I am sure I did not understand you.
I said, a dead man is on trial here.
Your Honor.
Counsel's comments require
further explanation ..
If the court is to permit this
kind of testimony to continue.
Your Honor. If I were laying a
foundation for a plea of self-defense.
Is the defense pleading self-defense?
Wait and see.
I say there are times when the deceased
must stand trial beside the defendant.
If our plea were to be of self-defense
or even of justifiable homicide ..
I feel it vital to examine the actions
of the deceased which led to his death.
No matter how far back those actions go.
Very well.
Does the state wish to cross-examine?
No questions.
Call Jane Doe to the stand.
Jane Doe.
Raise your right hand.
Do you swear to tell the truth and
nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Yes.
- Be seated.
State your name please.
Mrs Stephen Curtis.
Your Honor.
Your Honor, I am not opposed to
a few theatrics in the courtroom.
But before the witness tries to
convince us that I am Jane Doe.
The defense counsel is Arnold Matson.
And Mr Hilton here is Napoleon.
I think she should be reminded
that she's under oath.
Will you tell the court what this is?
It is a marriage certificate
certifying to the marriage of ..
Annette Dubois and
Stephen Curtis in France.
I wish to enter it in evidence.
Entered. Mark it as Defense exhibit A.
So, not knowing Stephen Curtis
was already .. married ..
You thought your name
to be Mrs Stephen Curtis.
Are you ready now to tell
us your true name, Jane Doe?
Yes. Annette Dubois.
What was the answer?
- 'Annette Dubois'.
So, Jane Doe is no more.
We are now trying a girl ..
- Objection.
Sustained.
You are questioning a witness.
I am sorry.
But if there is no objection.
Hereafter, I will refer to the defendant
as Annette Dubois and not Jane Doe.
Proceed.
Tell us, Annette.
When and where did you
first meet Stephen Curtis?
It was soon after the
allies landed in Normandy.
I lived with my brother.
Robert.
On a small farm outside Paris.
On the day when ..
When I met him.
The Americans and British.
They were raiding the tank factories.
I was terrified.
But Robert was not.
We were returning from the factory
where my brother and I had to work.
An old injury kept him from
doing military duty in the war.
Robert, stay down. Be careful.
Look at them.
They're not being careful up there.
Give it to them, Americans!
That one is going after
the other like a wasp.
He's hit.
He's hit. And it's too low to jump.
Watch out, Robert.
We have to get him out. Go back.
It might explode.
Come on.
Let's go.
Robert.
He's alright.
Grab him before it comes back.
Are you alright?
Just a knock on my head.
Your friend isn't doing so good.
He's my brother. Let's go through here.
Herr Lieutenant. Herr Lieutenant.
Blood.
[ Dog barking ]
Herr Lieutenant.
You're looking for an American flyer?
Yes.
He is ..
In there.
He was hurt. He came here.
Follow her in.
Get up.
Get up.
Get up.
He is dead.
Well.
One less of them to worry about.
Shall we take the body?
No. Let her bury him.
She can get help.
That's for being a
good collaborationist.
Thanks to both of you.
He always wanted to be a soldier.
And what about 'Julian',
I think you call him?
Julian?
The photograph you hid when
the Germans came in.
Were you sweethearts before
you met Stephen Curtis?
When we were in school.
When we were children. You understand.
We always said we were engaged.
Did you see him again?
No.
I heard he was a prisoner.
In one of those camps.
Hardly anyone ever came back from there.
I didn't see him anymore.
What is it?
I have a message for Mrs Curtis.
I mean Miss Meredith.
Your Honor, I wish to interrupt my
client's testimony and ask for a recess.
I object, Your Honor.
This testimony has taken long enough
without recessing every ten minutes.
The witness seems able to continue.
- Alright. Alright.
Give counsel a chance to state a reason.
If the court please I wish
to state it in chambers.
Very well. The court will
recess for five minutes.
Alright, Miss Meredith.
- Judge Bertrand.
I just received word that an epidemic
broke out in a children's hospital.
My client's baby is stricken.
That's too bad.
Serious?
- Yes.
Terribly sorry.
I ask for an adjournment so
she can go to the hospital.
That means many hours delay.
Let's check first and
see how serious it is.
Mr Matson, several
babies have already died.
It's not going to hurt
us to wait awhile.
Annette, do you hear me?
Do you understand what I am saying?
Nothing in the world can
bring your baby back.
If grief could, then yours would have
brought him back a thousand times over.
Now all we can do is to try to save you.
You have to go back on that stand
and tell the rest. You've got to.
Right now you're not capable of
thinking or protecting yourself.
So you have to trust me, Annette.
You must.
Promise you'll help me.
You will go back on the stand,
won't you Annette?
How is she?
Won't talk at all?
She'll have to snap out of
before the court reconvenes.
She'll have to but she won't.
She just sits there staring.
Eve.
If that girl doesn't go back on
the stand, you're a dead duck.
I tried every argument I can think of.
Why do you want to persecute her, Eve?
She's paid quite a price already.
I think Judge Bertrand will accept
a plea of second-degree murder.
Put that girl in prison
for the rest of her life?
It's better than the chair.
- Not for her it isn't.
She would rather be with her baby.
Giving up, Eve?
Never.
Here ye. Here ye.
General court is now in session.
Judge John C. Bertrand presiding.
Be seated.
Is the defense ready to proceed?
Yes, Your Honor.
Your client is ready to
resume her testimony?
Yes, Your Honor.
Well, proceed.
My associate counsel.
Your Honor.
I think the defense counsel
is merely stalling for time.
Her client has no intention
of taking the stand again.
Your Honor, please.
I think the district attorney
is entitled to an answer.
Are you intentionally
delaying this trial?
No.
Well.
In a way, yes, Your Honor.
- Why?
Well.
Last night there was a storm.
A storm? Where?
Over the Atlantic.
Your Honor, I object.
Object to what?
To the defense counsel trying
to delay this hearing until ..
The storm over the Atlantic quiets down.
Sustained.
The storm has quieted down, Your Honor.
Your Honor, I am sorry
for the disturbance.
I ask the court's permission to postpone
resumption of the defendant's testimony.
And place another witness
on the stand at this time.
Does the state object to that?
No objection.
Is Julian Aubert in the courtroom?
Julian Aubert.
I found him.
Why did you bring him here?
- I'll let him tell you.
Raise your right hand.
You swear to tell the truth and nothing
but the truth so help you, God?
Yes. I do.
- Be seated please.
State your name and address please.
Julian Aubert.
Paris. France.
You are.
You are acquainted with
the defendant, Mr Aubert?
Yes.
I have known her since
she was a little girl.
Do you know anything about ..
About the trouble she is in?
Only what you told me.
When you called me in France.
And what Miss Tuttle told me.
On the way from the airport.
You were childhood sweethearts.
- Objection.
A leading question.
- Sustained.
What was your relationship with the
defendant before you went to war?
We were childhood sweethearts.
Do you remember giving her a
photograph before you went away?
Yes. A photo.
Yes. I gave her a photograph.
Did you write something on it?
If you did, do you remember what it was?
Attends, ma ch rie.
I mean: wait for me, my dearest.
Tell me, Mr Aubert. Julian.
Are you bitter because she did not wait?
Bitter?
Bitter that she found someone else?
Of course not.
Despite the fact that someone stole her
from you and married your sweetheart.
You still love her.
Don't you, Julian Aubert?
Objection. Defense counsel persists in
putting words in the witness's mouth.
Sustained.
Do not answer.
Don't answer? But why?
Why can't I say that I love her?
Why do you object? It is the truth.
I do.
I cannot tolerate any more emotional
outbursts in this courtroom.
Proceed.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Why did you fly to this country
when I called you, Mr Aubert?
I came to take Annette home.
Do you realize ..
That unless she's made to testify on her
own behalf, she'll never return home?
Yes.
Have you any idea why she won't
testify now you are here?
Of course I know why she won't testify.
Now that I am here.
She heard me say I
wanted to take her home.
Where all this would be a
bad, forgotten dream.
Yet she thinks that .. if she does talk.
And if I am forced to listen.
I wouldn't want to take her home.
That isn't true.
It's not true, Annette.
Does she not realize that ..
That I can't be hurt now.
After the war.
After those years in prison camp.
Doesn't she know that ..
That I can understand about ..
The loneliness.
That made her turn to someone else.
I learned about loneliness.
In prison.
Mrs Curtis.
Mrs Curtis.
Your Honor. My client is
ready to take the stand again.
Does the state wish to cross-examine?
No.
No questions.
I'm going to ask you to go back,
Annette, and tell us of the time ..
After you and your brother
rescued Stephen Curtis.
That night Father Martin.
And I buried Robert.
And what of Stephen Curtis?
What did you do about him?
The allies were nearing Paris and
the Germans were everywhere.
There was no chance to get him out so ..
Father Martin and I hid him.
In the underground shelter.
And .. you fell in love with him?
Well.
Robert was the last of my family.
When he died.
With Julian gone.
It seemed like I had no-one.
Then one day, Stephen
took me in his arms and ..
I thought I had everyone.
Happy?
Yes, Steve.
Until I think of the day when you
leave and go back to America.
Are you kidding?
After I crashed up a 90,000 dollar
aeroplane just to find you?
It hasn't been too bad.
Hiding all the time. All these days.
Bad?
It's been wonderful.
With me living in my own
little chicken-coop and you.
It's the kind of war
I came here to fight.
Isn't that right, Julian?
That guy is always looking at me.
Why don't you go away?
I think he's a very jealous guy.
- He's not.
He is a very nice guy.
Very.
I'll settle for the first 'nice'.
We'll scratch out the second one.
Were you ..
Engaged or something?
Yes.
That's the wrong answer.
When he was seven and I was five.
I'll teach him what's wrong
with long engagements.
I have to start getting dinner.
Break open a bottle
of wine, and drink up.
No. You talked me into it once.
And I had to lock you
in the chicken house.
You thought you could
fly without an aeroplane.
I flew as high as I could
without a plane, didn't I?
How about it? A bottle of vin?
Uhuh.
Besides, Father Martin and Marie
and Fran ois are coming for dinner.
And they want something
more than just wine.
The Americans are throwing a lot of the
Lord's metal in our direction tonight.
They can't throw too much to suit me.
Won't be long now. Flying Fortresses
softened them up for the last push.
One minute I'm afraid the
Americans will come too close.
And the next minute, I'm afraid
they won't come close enough.
What's the matter with Annette?
I've never seen her scared
of a close one before.
I don't think it was the
bombs that scared her.
Not the bombs?
What then?
The Americans are only
a few miles from Paris.
We'll soon lose the boarder
in our chicken coop.
Eh, Annette?
The chickens will miss me.
Annette won't.
I will miss you when
you go back to America.
Stephen.
- Of course not.
I am taking you with me.
It will be tough on La Belle France.
Me taking one of her favorite daughters.
But I need you. New York needs you.
You will knock 'em dead.
Watch out for these soldiers
and their talk, Annette.
After the last war, many girls from the
town came to me wanting to become nuns.
But I'm not just talking.
Does he mean they are engaged?
I don't know.
Of course. What else could I mean?
Wonderful, Annette.
When will the wedding be?
Now, just a minute.
Minutes are scarce now, Stephen.
Make it soon.
Fran ois, don't coax him to marry me.
I'm not being coaxed.
It will be soon.
As soon as possible.
It cannot be any sooner than tonight.
Tonight?
Well, why not give the
girl a chance to think?
After all, she might change her mind.
Why, Stephen?
Of course not.
Well, there is one thing.
We sure can't get a license tonight.
Yes you can.
Fran ois here is a district clerk.
And for an ally anything is possible.
Consider the banns opened and approved.
Voila. We're going to have a wedding.
A ta sant .
- Merci bien.
I now pronounce you man and wife.
[ Door knocks ]
[ Door knocks ]
Let me in. Duroc.
The allied radio has
alerted the underground.
The Americans are ready to enter Paris.
Hi, baby.
They are here. Really here.
It means the end of the war, doesn't it?
- Sure. A cinch now we've paved the way.
Darling, don't joke.
I has been so, so ..
- You can say that again, baby.
It's been just so.
I got to run.
I only came by for a minute.
How long?
- How long what?
Before you came back? Tonight?
Maybe a little longer than last time.
A couple of days or so.
Don't look so desperate. I'll be back.
Be a good girl.
And did he come back?
No. He didn't.
What was the answer?
'No. He didn't'.
Did you hear from him?
Yes.
He sent someone.
He was unable to return himself so
he retained me to represent him.
I don't understand.
You're sure he is alright?
He is ill?
I'll? No, no. But you see.
He has trouble with the authorities?
Explaining for hiding?
That's it. It must be.
Well, not exactly. No.
He is in trouble. That's true.
But it's trouble he caused himself.
Nothing official.
But he wants you to understand.
That he blames himself
as much as he blames you.
Blames me?
For what?
No. Not for marrying me?
He loves me.
Well.
I'm sure he thought he did.
But you know how soldiers are.
And if you both had a good time ..
You should be content with
your happy memories.
I don't believe it. You lie.
No need to use this tone with me.
I am only Mr Curtis's representative.
I'm just carrying out his instructions.
Now then.
If you just ..
If you just sign here.
What is it?
Just a legal form. A simplified
annulment and everything.
Then you have your freedom.
He will have his. Everything is alright.
No harm done to anybody.
No. There must be some mistake.
Please take me to him.
That won't be possible.
He is gone. Back to America.
Aren't you going to sign this?
No.
No. He couldn't have done this.
Don't take it so hard.
There is a lot of nice
young men left at home.
You aren't telling me the truth.
I don't believe you.
I must hear it from him.
If I have to, I'll go to America.
He expected me to go to America.
He said he'd see to it I got there.
That he needed me.
Going to America is not so
easily done these days.
It costs a lot of money.
You'd better just forget
the whole thing.
I will inform you about
any legal actions.
I've got to see him.
If I have to, I will sell the house.
The house?
This house is yours?
Yes.
For a price.
You might find someone who
can arrange you a passport.
And for a price .. I am available.
And did this person get you a passport?
Yes. After a long time.
Did he tell you where
to find my husband?
Mr Curtis.
Yes. For another thousand francs.
He left me just enough
money for my ticket.
So you came over here with
no money and no place to go.
But I.
I had a place to go.
Yes?
I am looking for Mr Curtis.
Mr Stephen Curtis.
Is this his home?
- Well.
This is his apartment but he isn't here.
Do you know where I can find him?
It is very important.
Since you don't know where he is.
Obviously today he must be playing golf.
Are you his sister?
- No relation.
Would it be alright if I wait for him?
I'm afraid not.
I am just leaving.
Look, honey.
I don't know what your angle is.
Or what Steve's been up to.
But if it is ..
Well, why not just forget it?
Forget what? I have to see him.
But he is not here.
Well.
Then.
Give him this.
Ask him to call me at the Hotel Benton.
He will understand.
I hope he remembers which set
this is and who he pinned 'em on.
Operator.
I am expecting an important call.
I wondered ..
Are you sure?
[ Door knocks ]
Who is it?
- Annette.
Steve.
Hello Annette.
- Hello Steve.
You got my message?
- Yeah.
I got it. But I don't get it if
you know what I mean.
What are you doing in New York?
I had to see you.
You didn't come back.
I didn't get any letters.
I decided you'd lost interest.
But your attorney Duroc.
He said you were through with me.
He wanted me to sign a paper.
Why do you believe anything
that little crook had to say?
I told him to take care of
you until I sent for you.
Steve, it was months and months.
So it was months.
I was fighting the war.
I didn't expect you to
add to my troubles.
Troubles?
I don't want to cause
you trouble, Steve.
I love you.
If you didn't want to cause me trouble
you should have stayed away until ..
I am sorry.
It's alright.
You should learn to trust
me more than you do.
Alright, Steve. I will go back.
Well, not just this second.
Now you're here, why not stay?
You didn't stop loving me, did you?
- Are you kidding?
I knew it. You don't want me to go back.
Annette.
- Everything is alright now.
Now that we're together.
- Well.
Not exactly.
A few things have to be ironed out.
But I can take care of them.
How did you get here?
I sold the house and Duroc
got me a passport.
He got it?
Let's see it.
'Annette Fon ..'
'Fontaine'.
This thing is forged.
- Yes. I know.
What are you so happy about?
I'll take it and see if I can
get it straightened out.
Steve, I've been so lonesome.
This is a rat trap. No place for you.
Let's get out of here. Pack your things.
I didn't unpack.
I like your other apartment much better.
Just seeing it from the outside.
We're not going there either.
- Why?
Because I have a much nicer
place for you in the country.
Where I won't have to share you
with seven million New Yorkers.
Here boy.
Isn't he cute?
- Yes. He's cute when he's wet.
Here.
Go get it.
Steve.
I want a dog.
You want a dog?
I'll make a note of it.
So far, that includes in the
list of things you want.
A home.
Seven kids.
A cow. Two ducks.
Now you want room for a dog.
- And a husband.
Husbands don't take up much room.
That reminds me.
I must go to town tonight.
Alright. I'll get ready.
- No.
I want you to wait right here.
I want to sort out that
business with your passport.
When people see you walking around
New York and start asking questions.
No, Steve. I can't let you go again.
Will you be sensible and
let me run the show?
Alright, Steve.
Only don't be angry with me.
- That's better.
Let's not spoil our last day.
Not here.
[ Buzzer ]
Come in, Steve. It's open.
You are Miss Fontaine?
Annette Fontaine?
No. I am Mrs Curtis.
- That's what we thought.
This is your passport.
Isn't it?
Yes.
Where did you get it?
Who are you?
We're from the immigration department.
Immigration?
So Stephen Curtis made certain this time
that you wouldn't bother him further?
I object.
Counsel for the defense interprets the
motives of the deceased to suit herself.
Sustained.
Where did the officers take
you when they arrested you?
Ellis Island.
Please describe for the jury.
What it was like there.
It was a big cage.
With a little smaller one inside it.
It was crowded with women.
All kinds of women.
Waiting to be sent back like me.
Laughing.
Screaming. Cursing.
Some were insane.
Others had just come out of prison.
They put me in the cage
with the moral cases.
It seems someone had suggested ..
I was being held under
suspicion of moral turpitude.
It was horrible.
I went mad.
I could hear myself
screaming like the others.
That was how he had kept his promise.
There was our house and the seven kids.
The cows and the ducks.
That was our ..
Honeymoon.
Your witness.
Do you feel able to
proceed, Miss Dubois?
Yes.
You say you went mad.
Insane in your cell at Ellis Island.
Yes.
Insane.
Yet you had enough wits about
you to escape, didn't you?
You did escape, didn't you?
Yes, but ..
- Just 'yes'.
That answers my question.
You did escape.
Now, will you tell the jury ..
How you contrived your escape.
So they may judge for themselves
whether or not you had lost your mind.
I don't remember exactly.
But I could hear voices.
Some of those women in there.
Somebody brought a visitor's pass.
They said.
'You look so well dressed.
You could make it'.
I don't remember walking or anything.
Just voices.
But your remembered why you wanted
to get out and where you wanted to go.
I did not know where I wanted to go.
I only wanted to die.
- Yes. You told us that before.
Did you go immediately to
Stephen Curtis's apartment?
I don't think so.
I don't know when it was.
Annette.
You promised to wait
for me at the beach.
Why did you follow me here?
You gave them my passport.
They arrested me.
- Arrested you? You're crazy.
Yes.
Yes. I think I am.
If they arrested you,
how did you get here?
I escaped.
I had to find out whether
you gave it to them.
Now I know.
Something must have slipped.
I was trying to straighten things out.
Then I was going back
to the beach to you.
You were afraid your
real wife might hear us?
Whatever gave you that idea?
The immigration officers.
Alright.
Okay.
Have it your way.
What are you going to do about it?
I should kill you, Stephen.
But I can't.
Go ahead. Help yourself.
They are all loaded.
Make it a double ceremony.
Solve all our problems.
Is this the weapon you
took from that cabinet?
Yes.
I see.
You ask the court to believe you picked
it up, intending to commit suicide.
When actually, you had no
thought other than killing him.
Did you?
- Wait before you answer.
Miss Meredith, don't you wish to
object to the form of the question?
No objection.
Go ahead. Answer the question.
Did you?
Yes. I killed him.
That is all.
I wish to call my next witness.
- Proceed, Miss Meredith.
Call Mr William Hilton.
Mr William ..
Hilton?
Yes. William Hilton.
William Hilton.
If the court pleases.
I think the court has been very lenient.
In allowing counsel for the defense to
present her case any way she saw fit.
But I must say ..
- Kind of you, Mr District Attorney.
I am sure the court appreciates
your approval of its leniency.
Do you have any objection to appearing
as a witness for the defense?
I object.
During the progress of this trial ..
Defense counsel has made no
attempt to present relevant evidence.
To enlighten the court or the jury.
But instead, has tried to baffle and
bewilder these ladies and gentlemen.
With a stream of maudlin sentiment,
romance, and the underground.
The world war. Everything but a kitchen
sink and a one-armed knife thrower.
Speaking of theatrics, Mr Matson.
Are you stating grounds for an objection
or eulogizing counsel's court procedure?
Certainly not the latter.
I object because nothing the DA says
as a defense witness can be relevant.
How do you know, Mr Matson?
Objection overruled.
Take the stand, Mr Hilton.
Raise your right hand.
Do you swear to tell the truth, the
whole truth so help you, God?
I do.
- Be seated.
State your name please.
William Hilton.
Mr Hilton.
I am going to ask you to recall
something I said earlier in this trial.
In defense of my witness's testimony
and its relevance to this case.
That there are times when the deceased
must stand trial beside the defendant.
Do you remember, Mr Hilton?
- Yes.
Yes. I do.
I'm going to ask you to remember it
again at the close of your testimony.
Now then.
I want you to testify to your actions
and whereabouts for, let us say ..
Two hours immediately preceding
the death of Stephen Curtis.
Well.
I suppose you mean
from the time Phyllis ..
Miss Tuttle, that is.
Came into my office.
Yes. That is what I mean.
Well, it was late afternoon.
She was pretty upset.
Upset? You think I'm upset?
You should see Eve.
In fact, that's what I want you to do.
Go over there.
- Now?
Yes, I'm worried about her.
Honest I am, Bill.
Okay. I'll go over.
Why did you have to tell her?
- It just slipped out when I saw this.
'I know that girl', I said.
Ten minutes later she had the story.
Maybe you talk too much.
I know. But did you ever see
her work on a witness?
Come in. The door's open.
Hello Mr Prosecutor.
Come in. Sit down and have a drink.
- No thanks, Steve.
What's the matter with Eve?
- Eve?
Nothing.
A little upset, I guess.
About what?
Not that it's any of the old family
friend's business, but it's about me.
Why not talk to her? It might help.
Maybe you'd better tell me first
what you've been up to.
Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
But you lawyers have a
way of checking up on me.
Now you can't go to the beach for a
weekend without the whole town knowing.
Steve, won't you ever grow up?
Bill, you be a nice guy. Go and talk
to Eve and tell her you talked to me.
Tell her I'm a nice guy.
Tell her I'm different.
Tell her I've changed.
Go on now.
Eve.
Eve.
Who is it?
- Bill. May I come in?
No. Please.
I'd like to talk to you for a moment.
- Go away, Bill. Please.
Not now.
- Now.
Are you decent?
Okay. I'll wait. But only for a minute.
10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60.
Here I come, ready or not.
Eve.
What are you trying to do?
What's the matter with you?
[ Gunshot! ]
Then you admit you took a loaded
revolver from my hand ..
Only a minute before my husband,
Stephen Curtis, was slain by this girl?
Yes.
Why didn't you reveal
it at the first trial?
Why didn't I? Why would I?
- Why wouldn't you?
The fact I stopped you ending your life
has no bearing on Stephen Curtis' death.
No? I am going to ask you to
remember now my statement ..
That there are times when the deceased
must stand trial beside the defendant.
When the DA took that gun from my
hand I wasn't going to kill myself.
I was going to kill Stephen Curtis.
Yes.
There.
There, but for the grace of God sit I.
Facing a verdict of life or death.
If the Distract Attorney had arrived
at my home only one minute later.
Does the state wish to cross-examine?
No questions.
Your Honor.
Counsel for the defense.
Has established relevancy of all her
testimony to the state's satisfaction.
It is now the jury's responsibility ..
To determine whether or not
the moral guilt for this crime.
Rests on the shoulders of
the deceased Stephen Curtis.
The state does not wish to summarise.
Be seated.
Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.
Have you reached a verdict?
Yes we have, Your Honor.
State it.
Not guilty.
Your Honor.
The state moves the jury be polled.
You will answer in the
order of your seats.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.
Not guilty.