Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love (1987) Movie Script
1
GOVERNOR:
This is a man who lived his life
in the service of others.
He was a confidante
of presidents and kings,
but he never forgot who he was
and where he was from.
He worked tirelessly for
the people of this state.
He will not be forgotten.
Senator Hyland's sudden death
marks not only the end of
27 years in the senate,
but also of a political era.
The question now is
who will serve out the remaining
three years in his term.
Governor O'Neill is not
scheduled to announce
his appointment until
sometime next week,
but sources say that
at the head of his list
are Congressman William Harding,
State Representative
James Marshall,
and Laura Robertson.
(cheering)
(laughing, exclaiming)
Laura...
Listen, everybody.
Listen... a toast to Laura.
May she go from senior partner
in our firm
to junior senator.
- Hear!
- ALL: Hear, hear!
- To Laura.
- To Laura.
ELLIOT:
When do you think you'll be
meeting with the governor,
Laura?
Actually, I already have.
Laura, I don't really
think you should...
Oh, darling.
We're all old friends here.
If anybody should be
the first to know, they should.
I met with Ted, privately,
two days ago.
I got the appointment.
(cheering, exclaiming)
Uh, folks, folks...
out of respect
for the late Senator,
the governor isn't
going to announce this
until next week.
So, please, until then,
say nothing to anyone.
(phone ringing)
Laura...
terrific news.
Now, don't you go taking my name
off the office letterhead
just yet, okay, Elliot?
Nothing's going
to go wrong, darling.
She may practice corporate law,
but she lives Murphy's.
Glen... phone call.
Excuse me.
I'm very happy for you.
Oh, for all of us, Audrey.
Laura...
congratulations.
Washington is precisely
the kind of place
where a woman
of your class should be.
Thank you, Emmett.
Hello?
Mr. Robertson,
you want to see your wife
make it to the senate?
Of course.
Well, then you
and me better meet.
Do-do you know where
the Ridge Bar is?
Who are you?
MAN: Just somebody that has
some information for sale.
Information about what?
Oh, you know, um...
Sunland...?
Sunland, Arizona.
Why don't you meet me
at the Ridge Bar in an hour?
GLEN:
Hello?
Hello!
Glen?
Oh, uh... I have some
escrow papers to sign,
or my new shopping center
development may fall through.
Oh, couldn't it
wait till morning?
It won't take long.
I
Ah...
(clears throat)
Mr. Robertson?
(chuckles)
Please, um...
please sit down.
I saw you on TV today.
Oh, you looked great.
I mean, I never go to funerals.
Depressing.
What the hell is this all about?
Well, uh...
you know, being a senator
is a, uh, high-pressure,
high-visibility job.
Now, me, I say so what?
Your wife spent time
in a mental hospital.
Most politicians
probably should, right?
(laughs)
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Yeah, right.
You showed up here
'cause you're thirsty.
Sit down.
This is what I'm talking about.
It pretty well details
the nervous breakdown
your wife had seven years ago.
It's all here, everything they
did to treat her,
the drugs, psychotherapy,
shock treatments.
Now, I have an open mind
about this sort of thing.
I say if it works, use it.
But most people...
most people are
very old-fashioned
about the mental stability
of their representatives.
How'd you find out?
I wouldn't worry about that.
And you won't have
to worry about it, either,
once you give me $50,000.
$50,000?
MAN:
Cash.
There's a phone
in front of your bank.
I'll call you there at
exactly 11:00 tomorrow
and tell you what
to do with the money.
What if I can't get it?
(laughs)
Then I have to give this
to the person that hired me,
and by 11:00 tomorrow night,
Laura Robertson will be
the lead news story
on every show in the state.
And I guarantee you it won't be
because she was appointed
to the senate.
You have a good day.
What are you doing,
sneaking about like that?
I nearly called the police.
I wasn't sneaking about.
I just didn't want
to wake you up.
Where have you been?
Bill and I had to drive out
to see the property owners.
It got late,
so we stopped for dinner.
I'm sorry that
I worried you, darling.
You missed a great party.
Are you all right?
Oh, yeah.
A little tired, maybe.
Nothing that a little time
in bed couldn't cure.
Sounds good to me.
Glen, it's good
to see you again.
Oh, hello, Arthur.
Uh, I was on my way
to your office.
We've sure got our fingers
crossed around here.
What?
Laura's appointment
to the senate.
Oh, yes.
Yes, of course.
I need some cash, Arthur.
Certainly.
How much you want?
$50,000.
Yes, and I need it in a hurry.
Well, I'm sorry, but I've
got to get the president
to approve waiving
the notice period
for a withdrawal this large.
He's not going
to be in till 1:00.
All right.
I'll be back by 1:30
and I want my money
waiting for me.
(ringing)
Hello?
You got the money?
Not yet, but I will.
I'll get it.
You damn well better.
(dial tone)
How do I look?
I'd say gorgeous.
No, no. No.
- Fantastic.
-(chuckles)
How do I look?
Uh... nervous.
Nervous?
Well, I'm not nervous.
Relax, darling.
You've been
to these fund-raisers before.
But never with a beautiful
U.S. senator on my arm.
Will the governor be there?
At $500 a plate,
you'd better believe it.
It won't be long before
they start paying to see you.
-(phone ringing)
- I'll get that.
You get your coat.
Hello?
You got the money?
Yes, I've got it.
You know
where the Pioneer Motel is?
I'll find it.
All right.
Now, this is what
I want you to do.
I want you to bring me the money
to room three at exactly 10:30.
Do you understand?
10:30. Right.
All right.
Ready, darling?
Oh, yes. Yes.
I'm ready.
(indistinct chatter)
You have
quite a few reporters here
who'd like to interview you,
Mrs. Robertson.
Oh, tell them I'll be glad
to talk to them in my office
-but not here.
- Will do.
You're on your own.
Where are you going?
I want to say hello to Walter.
I'll be right back.
Perry!
As always, you look wonderful.
So do you.
Beard's old.
Cane's new.
I was skiing yesterday.
What are you doing here?
I'm at the hotel
for the weekend.
Trial lawyers seminar.
Still practicing law?
On occasion.
I'm here to lecture.
Not me, I hope.
Am I intruding?
You certainly are.
Laura,
this is Michael Reston.
He's representing
the prosecution
- at the seminar.
- How do you do?
Hello.
If you'll excuse us.
Of course.
Can I take you away
from all this?
Hotel bar...
ten minutes?
Mm-hmm.
Very attractive.
Very.
Know her well?
You might say so, yes.
Excuse me.
It wasn't so easy getting away.
You remembered.
A gimlet with fresh lime.
Yes, I remembered.
Hmm.
It's been quite a while.
(laughs)
Who's counting?
How are you, Perry?
Fine.
And you, Senator?
Oh, uh, that's a bit premature.
The smart money says
you're the one.
Who would've thought
when we were younger
that I would become a senator
and you'd become, well...
Perry Mason.
Or that we'd see each other...
rarely.
I've missed you.
The governor's looking for you.
You remember Perry.
Of course.
- Perry.
- Hello, Glen.
I'll be right there.
Yeah.
How long will you be in town?
Until tomorrow.
I wish there was more time.
So do I.
(television playing
indistinctly in distance)
TV ANNOUNCER:
He clobbered him
over the cutback
pattern there...
Anybody here?
(clattering)
Oh!
TV ANNOUNCER 1:
What a game, huh?
TV ANNOUNCER 2: Yeah, that was
a nice play by Elway...
(TV broadcast continues
indistinctly)
(car door shuts)
Don't forget our plane leaves
at 2:00 tomorrow.
I won't forget
because you won't forget.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Oh, medicine for your leg.
(groans)
The doctor says
every four hours.
Good night, Della.
Good night.
(door shuts)
(knocking on door)
It's not locked, Della.
Perry!
Oh...
I've no right to come to you,
but I don't know
what else to do.
Here, sit down.
May I get you something?
Oh, no.
What's wrong?
Yesterday somebody called
my husband
and said that he had
a file of information
that could ruin me.
He wanted $50,000.
So Glen took the money
to the Pioneer Motel at 10:30.
Only when he got there,
the blackmailer was dead...
and the file was gone.
What did Glen do?
What anybody would've done.
He ran.
He came back
to the fund-raiser and...
told me everything.
What was in the file?
Oh... clinical records
from seven years ago.
My depression.
I couldn't work.
And people were told
that I'd gone away
on an extended vacation.
But...
you went away to be treated.
To the Halvern Clinic
in Arizona.
I was home within six weeks.
And I felt fine ever since.
The problem is...
the therapy included,
uh, shock treatment.
Proof of that was in the file?
Glen knew what would happen
if the media got hold
of that file.
My political career
would be ruined.
But now...
what should we do?
Well, first, Glen has
to go to the police.
He has to make a report.
But he'd have
to tell them everything.
Where's Glen how?
At home.
Laura, I can only advise you.
The two of you will have
to decide what to do.
We're investigating
the death of Luke Dixon, and...
Laura, where have you been?
Out getting help. Who's this?
Police.
Sergeant Austin, Metro Division.
What have you told her?
Nothing.
What is Perry doing here?
He thought he could help.
Did he?
AUSTIN: As I was saying,
a man was killed tonight
in what appears to have been
a fight at the Pioneer Motel.
The desk clerk says you were
there tonight, Mr. Robertson.
He said he recognized you
from the news.
What is it you want, Sergeant?
I just want to ask Mr. Robertson
a few questions,
preferably downtown.
MASON:
My client...
has nothing to say.
AUSTIN:
All right.
Thanks for your cooperation.
I, uh, didn't know that we'd
hired you as my attorney.
You needed one just then.
We're very lucky to have him.
Did you tell him everything?
I had to.
Perhaps the two of you should
discuss this privately.
No, that's not necessary.
She's right.
I'm grateful you're here.
I'm going upstairs.
- Good night, Glen.
- Good night.
Good night.
Perry?
Thank you.
Is that the Dixon file?
I was just taking it to Laura.
It's my file, Audrey.
I can manage.
Thanks just the same.
Here's the headlines
on our victim.
His name was Luke Dixon.
The police said he was
a small-time nickel
and dime private eye.
Said the guy spent
most of his time tailing
philandering spouses and
drinking whatever was cheap.
How could he have gotten hold
of those files?
And more important than that,
where the hell are they now?
You can be sure they'll surface.
Glen, we should go
to the police.
Tell them the truth.
How do we know
they'll believe me?
The thing is
if you don't come forward now,
nobody's ever likely
to believe you.
Perry's right.
Hold on, let's not rush it.
We've got to think things
through here.
If we handle this right,
maybe do some damage control,
a little stage managing,
you just might be able
to survive this.
It seems to me our main concern
should be Glen's future,
not politics.
That goes without saying.
You misunderstood me.
We mustn't throw Laura's career
to the wolves.
(knocking on door)
Mrs. Robertson,
the police are here.
Show them in.
Hello again, Sergeant.
We got a tip early this morning
telling us
Luke Dixon was blackmailing
someone,
and that if we wanted
to find out who,
we should check out
the Halvern Clinic
in Sunman, Arizona...
so we did.
We were told that some records
were recently stolen.
Your records, Mrs. Robertson.
And the thief's fingerprints
matched Luke Dixon's.
Are you the person
he was blackmailing?
That's quite an accusation,
Sergeant...
considering you have nothing
to support it.
Wondering where you lost your
cigarette case, Mr. Robertson?
You know, the gold one with
your initials on the front?
How about the Pioneer Motel,
room three,
not six feet
from Luke Dixon's body?
You're under arrest,
Mr. Robertson.
MASON: Your Honor,
in the interest of time
and to assist the prosecution,
defendant waives further reading
of the indictment
and advisement
of Constitutional rights
and wishes to proceed directly
to the matter of bail.
That record shall so reflect
the defendant's waivers.
On the issue of bail,
does the State wish to be heard?
Yes, Your Honor.
The defendant
is an extremely wealthy man.
Not only does he own
a home here,
he also maintains an apartment
in the city of New York
and a house just outside Zurich,
Switzerland.
This indicates not only that
he has few real roots here,
it also suggests that fleeing
the jurisdiction of this court
is well within his means.
Therefore, to insure
the defendant's appearance
in this court, the State urges
that bail be denied.
Your Honor, Mr. Robertson
is a well-rooted,
successful member
of the community,
who has never been accused
of a crime,
and who is determined to appear
here in court until
his innocence has been proven.
I urge the court
to release Mr. Robertson
on his own recognizance.
Mr. Mason, I think some bail
is appropriate here.
Uh, bail is set
in the amount of $200,000.
Preliminary hearing
is set on December 10.
Is that acceptable
to the defense?
It is, Your Honor.
Mr. Reston?
Prosecution agrees.
-(gavel raps)
- Next case, bailiff.
BAILIFF:
State v. Sinclair.
I certainly didn't expect
to see you here.
I thought you would have gone
home by now.
Well, in view
of Mrs. Robertson's political
prominence,
the district attorney felt
that this case warranted
a special prosecutor.
I'm delighted.
Oh?
Yes.
When Glen Robertson
is found innocent,
no one can say it was
because of politics, right?
Right.
Right.
(reporters clamoring)
REPORTER:
Over here, sir!
Has the governor at all been
brought into this?
Seven years ago, I became ill
with something
that currently afflicts
close to ten million Americans.
I went away, got some treatment
and some rest,
and came home cured.
It was my husband's devotion
to me,
his fear that this somehow
might be misconstrued
or blown out of proportion
that landed him
in this unfortunate situation.
Given the circumstances,
I can well understand why
the governor would be reluctant
to appoint me to the senate.
Frankly,
that's no longer important.
My job now is
to do everything possible
to make sure the truth is told
and my husband is exonerated
of all charges.
That's all I'm concerned with.
Nothing else matters.
REPORTER: Over this way!
One more question!
(reporters clamoring)
What's the matter, counselor,
lose your client?
When'd you get in?
About an hour ago.
Hotel said
I could find you here.
Let's get to work.
He's in a great mood.
The police discovered
Laura's file had been stolen,
found Glen's cigarette case near
Dixon's body, and took him in.
Any ideas?
Only what I've already told you.
So Dixon got greedy, tried
his hand at a little blackmail
instead of turning
the file over.
Then you think the person
that hired Dixon
to steal the records
is the person that killed him?
It sounds good.
Paul, here's his office address.
See if you can find out
who his last employer was.
You did say
you've been here before?
Oh, I used to date somebody
who lives up here.
Broke up with her
about three years ago.
Not a happy ending.
Let her down kind of hard.
Hoping to see her again?
Della, it's a big city.
The odds against that
are astronomical.
Besides,
I checked the phone book.
She's not listed.
Just bear in mind, both of you,
the murder was,
one way or another,
the result of an attempt
to discredit Laura.
When we unravel that,
we'll get to the killer.
Right.
Thanks.
How is Laura?
She's a trouper.
Always has been.
By the way, Perry,
I've been meaning to ask you.
We didn't happen to go to the
fund-raiser because we knew
she was going to be there,
did we?
What are "we" saying?
35 years isn't so long ago.
It was 30 years ago.
Who's counting?
Not me.
Talk to you later.
ANNOUNCER:
...hand-off to Morrison,
who is smothered by
that big Panther line.
He moved it a yard or two
on the play.
Boy, they were just waiting
for him.
He gained over 60 yards...
MASON:
Excuse me, my name is Mason.
MAN: Name, address, license
plate, business phone,
and a major credit card, please.
I would just like the key
to room three.
You're not a cop.
Defense attorney.
Here's my card.
- Blitz, blitz, get rid of it.
-...falls back and hands off
to Morrison, who gets
about five yards...
It's Mr. Lane, isn't it?
- Sorry.
-(keys jangling)
Thank you. Quite a game.
Right.
Clipping? Aw, give me a break.
Those referees, they'll do it
to you every time.
-(sighs)
-(TV broadcast continues)
Now, I want you to tell me
and show me exactly
what happened last night.
You want me
to go through it again?
You're gonna have
to trust me sometime, Glen.
Look, I'll level with you.
I don't like this arrangement.
All right, Glen.
I'll level with you.
There's nothing between Laura
and me except friendship.
Everything else
ended a long time ago.
I, uh... I walked
through the door.
It was open.
The room was dark.
Curtains open or drawn?
Drawn.
I bumped into the desk
coming in,
knocked the phone to the floor.
I picked it up,
placed it back on the desk.
Then I saw him
lying there.
Then what?
I walked towards him.
I put on a light
and then moved a carafe
or something
so that! could feel his pulse.
He was dead.
Then I started looking
for the envelope
that had the file in it.
I tore through the dresser,
then I headed back
for the desk,
and I tripped on something right
there.
Everything fell out
of my jacket pocket,
and that's how
the cigarette case got there.
And when you were
picking things up,
you saw the envelope.
Yes. It, uh, was
behind the dresser.
A piece of it was sticking out
and! walked towards it and...
picked it up...
looked for it.
It was empty.
I left.
Did you see anyone
in the parking lot
or around the office?
Uh, just the fellow at the desk.
Look around and think hard.
What else about last night
comes to mind?
Nothing.
I could've told you this trip
would be a waste of time.
Waste of time?
Not at all.
(door creaks)
(rustling)
Hi.
(exhales)
Whoa.
Sorry.
Is there something
I can do for you?
- Well, that depends.
- On what?
Who you are.
Pete Sutton.
I'm Luke Dixon's partner.
Who are you?
Paul Drake.
I didn't know he had a partner.
Well, I got
another surprise for you.
Luke, he took a cab.
He's dead. Fini.
I know. I'm investigating
his murder.
Ah. Cop?
I work for a defense attorney.
Wants to know who hired Dixon
to dig up
Laura Robertson's past.
Ah, well, don't look at me.
I'm trying to see if, uh, Luke
squirreled away some money.
Get my half
before his ex-wife grabs it.
Don't spend much time
in the office, do you?
Why do you say that?
Your tan.
You spend a serious amount
of time in the sun, don't you?
Hey, that's very good.
Hey, you're a trained observer.
That's all right.
I do a lot of surveillance.
I'm the outside man.
You must have an idea who some
of his recent clients were.
Oh, sorry. You know,
you have to ask Luke.
That's if you don't mind waiting
a very long time for an answer.
Didn't keep any records?
Uh, well, of course he did.
Man was obsessive.
Uh, help yourself.
- In here?
- No, in the closet.
I mean, where else?
Here, I'll, uh...
I'll even unlock the door
for you.
- It's unlocked.
- Oh.
(grunts)
Oh!
- Hey! Hey!
-(bangs on door)
(grunts)
Let me out of here!
(grunts)
(groans, exhales)
(gun cocks)
What's going on, guys?
We got a report
that somebody broke in here.
Looks like you're
under arrest, friend.
Hello, Della.
Hello.
I think Perry's expecting me.
Oh. Yes, he is.
Sit down, won't you?
Can I get you anything?
No, thanks.
Uh, is Perry here?
Oh, he'll be back any minute.
Laura...
I'm very sorry
for what's happened.
Thank you.
We'll survive somehow.
I've always admired you
for your strength.
Oh, I'm a professional
survivor, Della.
It's what I do.
What about you?
How have you been?
Fine.
Just fine.
Steadfast and loyal as always?
That's what I do.
Ever marry?
No. No.
LAURA:
I've always wanted to ask you,
but never had the nerve
and the bad manners
at the same time.
What about you and Perry?
I mean...
(laughing):
All right.
Perry and I have...
-(door opening)
- MASON: Good.
I see you two are getting
reacquainted.
Right.
Laura, it was nice seeing you.
If you'll excuse me,
I have to go out for a while.
Oh.
Uh, where?
Oh, I'm going
to buy some supplies.
You just bought supplies.
Right.
Well, I'll just go return
a few phone calls.
Am I interrupting something?
No.
No.
Bye, Laura.
Laura...
(door closes)
...you said...
(door closes)
...Seven years ago
when you had your breakdown,
people were told
you'd gone away on vacation.
Who knew what really happened?
Let's see.
Um, Emmett, of course.
Emmett Michaels.
You remember him.
MASON:
Still your doctor?
Well, he's still a good friend.
MASON:
Who else?
Uh, my law partner,
Elliot Moore.
He could see for himself that
something was terribly wrong.
The same went
for Jennifer Parker.
She not only stuck with me--
she's such a determined
young woman,
sometimes I think
she willed me back to health.
And of course,
my assistant, Audrey Pratt.
Besides Glen, that's all.
You're certain of that?
LAURA:
Yes.
I'm going
to need all the information
you can give me
on those four people.
Why?
Because one of them
could have hired Dixon
to steal your medical records
in order to ruin your career,
and one of them
could have killed Dixon
when he tried to blackmail you
on his own.
Oh, Perry, you're wrong.
Those are my friends.
It's entirely possible
that one of them
is not a friend at all.
(door opens)
DELLA:
Excuse me. Perry,
Paul's on the phone.
He sounds strange.
(Paul clears his throat)
- Excuse me.
- Yes.
Um, I ran out of change,
or I'd use the machine
down the hall.
Do you think it's possible
I could have a cup of coffee?
Sure.
- Black?
- PAUL: Please.
And who do you work for?
- Lieutenant McNabb.
- Lieutenant McNabb.
I'm a, uh, P.I. working
on the Robertson case.
Oh, that's nice.
I haven't had an opportunity to
meet the officer in charge yet,
but they're usually
very defensive about
a P.I. on the case.
But I have nothing against cops.
They do the best they can.
You're free to go, Paul.
Hello, Sergeant.
Mr. Mason.
Sergeant.
Come on, Don Juan.
Oh, do the best you can.
The guy who was searching
Dixon's office
did the breaking-and-entering,
not me.
Any idea who he was?
Definitely not his partner,
and probably not Pete Sutton,
either.
At least I couldn't find
a Pete Sutton in the phone book.
I'd like to know what
he was doing in that office.
You wouldn't believe how much
that looked like Linda.
Who's Linda?
Girl I used to date here.
I'm sorry.
What were you saying?
I said, I'd like to know
what he was doing
in that office.
Oh. My pleasure.
As a matter of fact,
I'll-I'll get on that right now.
Oh, Paul?
I really don't need
any more clients.
Just watch yourself.
(grunting)
- Oh.
-(glass breaking)
Now... where were we again?
That hurt!
Oh, you are a real
crime stopper, aren't you?
Okay, so I'm sorry, you know?
I saw all those cops coming,
and I freaked.
You're not Dixon's partner,
you're not a P.I.
You want to tell me who you are?
The name's Wheeler.
Sid Wheeler, Big Sid Wheeler.
PAUL:
So, Sid,
you break into Dixon's office,
now you break into his house,
what is this,
a chronic condition with you--
breaking and entering?
I'm a desperate man, Paul.
Dixon had something
that I must find.
Like what?
(sighs)
Pictures.
(clicks tongue)
Pictures.
(sighing)
It's my wife.
I thought
she was stepping out on me,
so I hired Dixon to follow her.
Turns out I was right.
And he got pictures... in color.
Boy, did he get pictures.
Didn't he turn them over to you?
Uh, he gave me
a couple of samples,
said he'd keep the rest
until I paid my fee,
which he suddenly doubled,
that little... creep.
What makes you think
they're here?
I don't know.
Maybe they're not.
They got to be someplace.
They weren't at the office.
I don't know. It's just a...
just process of elimination.
He didn't take 'em with him,
that's for sure.
(laughs)
Well, Big Sid, I got to go.
But good luck.
Thanks.
Oh, by the way...
the guy your wife
was running around with--
friend of yours?
Who said it was a guy?
Huh. Huh.
Perry.
Hello, Emmett.
I didn't get a chance to say
hello at the arraignment.
What can I do for you?
I need some answers.
Anything to help.
I understand
Laura was under your care
at the time of her breakdown
seven years ago.
Yes.
What was your diagnosis?
Well, in general,
she was acutely depressed,
so much so that she simply
could no longer function.
Now, whether chemical imbalances
were what caused the depression,
or a result of it...
Nevertheless, they were there.
Once they were brought
back into balance
via the proper treatment,
she was cured.
I understand
you were instrumental
in keeping this episode
a secret.
(wry laugh)
Well, I...
I led certain people
to believe one or two things
that weren't quite true
concerning her health, yes.
Where were you
when Luke Dixon was murdered?
You... surely don't think
that I...
I had to ask.
You don't have to answer.
At home.
Probably reading.
Undoubtedly alone.
You should have married, Emmett.
You'd have had a better alibi.
(laughs)
(engine starts, rumbles)
(engine starting)
(tires squealing)
(tires screeching)
(engine revving,
tires squealing)
(engines revving)
(horn blaring)
(tires squealing, thudding)
(panting)
Sounds good, Phil.
Keep me posted.
Right.
According to my contacts
at the capitol,
the mail's been running
seven to one
in favor of Laura's appointment
to the senate.
In spite of what's happened.
Or maybe even because of it.
Who knows?
Anyway, the best news is
the governor's decided
to delay the appointment
until this thing's resolved.
Proving once again that America
loves a devoted wife.
And making it imperative
that we give 'em both barrels
at this preliminary hearing,
'cause the way I see it,
if we can get
this case dismissed
without a jury trial,
we might actually be better off
than we were to begin with.
Of course, it's really all up
to you, Perry.
What kind of progress
are you making?
You seem quite determined that
Laura gets that appointment.
I am. It's the chance
of a lifetime.
For you?
Or for her?
(chuckles)
For both.
I'm not gonna lie.
I joined up with Laura
seven years ago
because I figured
she could help get me
where I really wanted to go,
and that's to Washington.
There's nothing wrong with that.
It's natural.
You scratch my back,
I'll scratch yours.
Symbiosis.
Only game in town.
Who do you think will get
the appointment, if she doesn't?
I don't think. I know.
Or at least my sources
at the capitol do.
Bill Harding, no doubt about it.
Which means he'd have to vacate
his congressional seat.
Obviously.
I understand you keep
a residence
in that congressional district.
- That's right.
- But you don't live there.
No, I don't.
But that's your legal residence.
Yes.
So if Harding's
congressional seat is vacated,
you could run for office.
It's called hedging your bets.
Yes, indeed.
Perry, you have a phone call.
A Sergeant Austin calling
on behalf of a Mr. Drake.
Mason.
Maybe I should open
a branch office down here.
It's not gonna happen again,
especially if I get my hands
on that guy.
Still have no idea who he is?
Well, he's not a Pete Sutton and
he's not a Sid Wheeler either.
I checked the license number.
The plates were stolen.
You're dealing with a pro.
Yeah, well, so is he.
Linda!
- For a second there, I...
- Good thing that wasn't her.
You forgot to hide.
You know, uh, I've been
thinking, it's been three years.
She wouldn't carry a grudge
that long, would she?
You implied she was devastated
when you left her.
Yeah, but it's been three years.
That's practically a lifetime,
isn't it?
Mr. Mason.
Uh, thanks for coming down here
to meet me.
I appreciate your taking the
time to talk to me, Mr. Moore.
I'm sure you're very busy.
Yes, well, first things first.
How can I help you?
I understand you've been
with the firm for some time.
26 years.
Tom Robertson-- that's Glen's
father-- founded the firm.
I was one of the first people
he brought aboard.
So you worked your way
to the top.
Tom made me a senior partner
12 years ago,
uh, three years before he died.
How long has Laura been
a senior partner?
Ooh, just about the same time,
12 years.
She also worked her way
to the top?
Oh, no, no, no...
(mutters)
She married the boss's son.
You mean she was given
a full partnership
the day she walked in the door?
Close to it, yes.
How'd you feel
about that, Mr. Moore?
I don't harbor
any resentment towards Laura,
if that's what you're getting
at, and I rather suspect it is.
The truth is
she's a damn good lawyer.
I understand she ran
for Congress
nine years ago, unsuccessfully.
We all worked very hard
in that campaign.
I also understand
you're the sole owner
of the LLG Corporation.
Yes.
Why?
That corporation made quite
a few campaign contributions
-in that election.
- All of them perfectly legal.
All of them went
to support Laura's opponent.
You've been very helpful,
Mr. Moore.
Thank you.
(papers crunch underfoot)
(rustling, clattering
playing back on recorder)
So what you're hearing now
is Pete Sutton or Sid Wheeler
or whatever
he's calling himself these days
trashing the guy's house
after I left.
You think he was looking
for the key?
Well, there were six keys
in this case
when I saw it in Dixon's office;
there's only five now.
MAN (on tape): Yeah, I need
to talk to Batman.
Hey, it's me. What's the
morning line on the Bronco game?
You'll get your money,
all right?
How's noon tomorrow?
Yeah, I'll be there.
(slams phone down)
Gambler?
My theory is he got that tan
of his at the racetrack.
(wry chuckle)
A bookie named Batman.
Well, I'll see you.
Where are you going?
See if I can track down
this Batman.
DELLA:
Oh... (chuckles)
Well, you certainly
have me convinced
that whoever killed Dixon
had prior knowledge
of Laura's breakdown.
How many people knew?
Four to be exact,
and each of them with a motive.
Della, there were a lot of
photographers
at the fund-raiser.
See if you can round up
some pictures.
I'd like to know exactly
who was there and when.
All right.
When I finish here,
I'll be at the Robertsons'.
Oh. Glen will be down
in a minute.
Let me take your coat.
No. I can't stay long.
Oh, Perry,
I don't know what we would've
done without you here.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
It's quite all right.
I wanted to talk to the both of
you about the hearing tomorrow.
It may be very unpleasant.
I'm not at all surprised.
- Why is that?
- It seems to me you spent
most of your time harassing
our friends,
digging up old animosities
and generally
making a nuisance of yourself.
I've been preparing
your defense,
but I can easily resign.
I won't hear of it.
Glen.
All right.
What's the difference?
I'm going to be convicted,
aren't I?
Are you guilty?
No.
I'll see you in court.
Mr. Mason, what do you think
your chances are
-of winning this case?
- I'll let you know when we win.
Mr. Robertson,
just how far would you go
to protect your wife?
I've never even socked
a reporter.
Mrs. Robertson, what do
you think your chances are
-of winning the senate seat?
- As I've said before,
my only concern is to prove
my husband's innocence.
Excuse us.
Look, I'd like to help you,
but I'm due in court.
- Just tell me where I can find
Batman. -Come again?
You know, this guy
who calls himself Batman.
He's a bookie.
Where can I find him?
Try Gotham City.
Look, Sergeant Austin,
think of me as a lowly P.I.
groveling in the dirt
for tiny bits of information,
and then think of yourself
in this exalted position
at the police department
with access
to all kinds of information.
Couldn't you out of the goodness
of your heart
throw me some small,
tiny tidbit, hmm?
(chuckles)
You need help.
That's the point.
All right.
Try Mitchum's Bar and Grill.
- Thank you.
- Sure.
You have a very nice smile.
RESTON:
Sergeant Austin,
did the medical examiner arrive
at a cause of death?
Yes, sir, he did.
Please tell the court
his finding.
A deep wound at the temple
indicated the decedent fell
and hit his head on the corner
of the dresser,
causing his death.
Were there any signs in the room
of a prior struggle?
It appeared the decedent
had been struck
on the head with a blunt object.
Do you recognize...
this carafe
marked People's Exhibit Three?
Yes, I do.
It has my tag on it.
How does it come
to have your tag on it?
It was found on the floor
approximately 38 inches
to the left of the victim.
Would that be the victim's left
or the onlooker's left?
- The victim's left.
- So here.
That's correct.
It has been stipulated
by counsel
that People's Exhibit Three
was, in fact,
the so-called blunt object used
to strike the victim.
Were fingerprints found
on this carafe?
Yes, the defendant's.
I show you now
People's Exhibit Nine
and ask you to identify it.
This is the customized
cigarette case
which was found on the floor
of the victim's
motel room directly
beneath the front window.
RESTON: Directly
beneath the front window
would be... here?
That's right.
Were you able to identify
the owner of the cigarette case?
Yes, sir. It has the initials
G.R. on the front,
and we traced it to Mitchell's
Sterling Shop here in town.
RESTON:
Your Honor,
we offer as Exhibit Ten
this sales receipt
issued to Glen Robertson
by Mitchell's Sterling
reflecting the sale
of one cigarette case engraved
with the initials G.R.
on the front.
DANIELS:
Mr. Mason?
No objection.
Thank you.
Sergeant Austin,
in the course
of your investigation,
did you discover anything else,
anything else that could link
the defendant,
Glen Robertson, to the victim,
- Luke Dixon?
- Yes, sir.
The morning after the murder, we
received an anonymous phone call
telling us Luke Dixon
was a blackmailer.
Acting on the caller's
information,
we contacted the Halvern Clinic
in Sunland, Arizona,
and learned that records
detailing the hospitalization
and treatment
of Laura Robertson
had recently been stolen.
Did you discover
who stole those records?
Fingerprints found at the scene
of the burglary
at the Halvern Clinic matched
those of the deceased,
Luke Dixon.
Thank you, Sergeant Austin.
No further questions.
Your witness.
MASON:
Sergeant Austin, other than
on the carafe,
where else in that motel room
were Glen Robertson's
fingerprints found?
They were all over the room.
On the chest of drawers?
- Yes.
- Desk?
- Yes.
- The phone?
Yes.
Were anyone else's fingerprints
found on the phone?
No, just his.
Doesn't that strike you
as rather unusual?
No.
No?
A motel room phone gets
a good deal of use.
Yet on that particular phone,
only one set
of fingerprints were found.
Now, what does that
suggest to you?
That somebody cleaned it.
A maid, or someone else?
Someone who was in that room
ahead of Glen Robertson,
someone who wiped
the phone clean
to make sure no one
would know who the Killer was.
Objection, Your Honor.
Calls for speculation
on the part of the witness.
Sustained.
Let's go back
to the murder weapon, Sergeant.
How many sets of prints
were on the carafe?
- Just one.
- Dixon's?
No, Glen Robertson's.
Then it, too,
had been wiped clean?
- Objection. Speculation.
- Sorry, Your Honor.
No further questions.
You may step down.
Mr. Reston,
you may call your next witness.
Thank you, Your Honor.
The People call
Mr. Robert Lane to the stand.
Were you working
at the Pioneer Motel
the evening that Luke Dixon
was killed, Mr. Lane?
I sure was.
On that evening,
at around 10:30,
did you see anyone arrive
at the motel?
Yes.
That person right there.
Let the record show
that the witness has identified
the defendant, Glen Robertson,
as the person he saw
that night at the motel.
Did you happen to notice
where he went, Mr. Lane?
To room three.
Room three.
- You're certain?
- From the front desk, I have
a clear view of everything,
and I've got a hell of a memory.
That being the case, Mr. Lane,
did you see anyone else
go into room three that evening?
No, sir.
And I was right there
at the front desk from 8:00 on.
No one else went near that room.
Thank you.
Your witness.
Mr. Lane...
on the night of the murder,
your shift at the motel began
at 8:00 in the evening
and ended at 8:00
in the morning,
-did it not?
- Yes, it did.
12 hours.
How do you usually
pass the time?
Watch TV.
Sometimes read.
Is it possible someone
could slip by you unseen
while you're engrossed
in one of these activities?
I can see things
out of the corner of my eye
that most people can't see
looking straight on--
my boss will tell you.
MASON:
He did.
He also said you're
quite a football fan.
Oh, you better believe it.
I never miss a Bronco game.
MASON: I understand
the game they played recently
against the 49ers
was pretty exciting.
LANE: Oh, yeah.
Especially the last quarter.
Oh? Why was that?
Your Honor, I object.
What possible relevance
can a discussion
of a football game
have to this case?
MASON: I intend to show
relevance, Your Honor.
I beg the court to bear with me
just a moment or two longer.
Very well. Proceed.
What happened in the last
quarter of that game, Mr. Lane?
I'm sure you remember.
Oh, yeah.
Okay.
Well, the score's tied
with two minutes to go.
49ers have the ball
on their own 48.
Montana drops back,
it's a draw play, bam!
Stopped at the line
of scrimmage. No gain.
Second down. Montana takes
a snap, drops back again.
Broncos rush.
Crowd's going berserk.
Uh, Montana hits
a screen pass, bam!
Out of bounds on our 44.
It's third and short.
They rush, we hold.
Out comes the field goal unit.
From the 50, bam!--
from the 50-yard line,
he hits it--
49ers are up by three.
- Your Honor...
- MASON: Quickly, Mr. Lane,
tell us about the last minute.
Okay. There's 32 seconds to go.
49ers have the ball again
on our 46.
It's second and seven,
and they're killing the clock,
fans are heading for the exits,
TV announcer's
thanking all his engineers.
Montana runs a simple
off-tackle rush,
bam, there's a fumble.
There's a huge pileup.
One by one, the referee
pulls off the players.
There's a Bronco at the bottom.
Bam! Bronco's ball,
and Mr. John Elway
leads his team
out onto the field.
It's first and ten,
27 seconds to go.
Bam! Elway hits
a down-and-out on their 48.
Stops the clock
with 22 seconds to go.
Second and four, Elway
takes the snap, drops back.
Two 49ers bust through,
Elway scrambles, bam!
He hits a fly pattern on the 20.
There's one 49er
between our guy and the game.
Their guy dives, our guy cuts!
Bam! TD, Broncos win!
It was awesome!
-(gallery cheering)
-(gavel banging)
-(laughter)
-(gallery quiets)
I remind the spectators this
is a courtroom, not a nightclub.
Any further disturbances,
and I will have
this courtroom cleared.
Yes, Mr. Lane,
it certainly was awesome.
You, uh...
watched the game on TV?
Uh, most of it, yes.
- At work?
- Uh, yes, I think I was at work.
Do you recall what night
that was, Mr. Lane?
I can't right off, no.
It was the night
of September 12.
The night of the murder.
Isn't it true, Mr. Lane,
that from the moment
you arrived at work,
you were watching the game?
- Well, yes.
- Isn't it true
the game ended at 10:30
and it was at that time
you saw Glen Robertson
arrive at the motel?
- Yes.
- Isn't it also true
any number of people
could have gotten into that room
without your seeing them while
you were watching the game?
Yes, I suppose so, but...
Thank you, Mr. Lane.
No further questions.
DANIELS:
You may step down.
Call your next witness.
Your Honor,
the prosecution rests.
Court will recess
until 2:30 this afternoon.
(country ballad playing)
You'd be surprised
(song continues)
I fell in love
I know someday I'll find
I realize
MAN:
Hey, Shirley! Over here!
You hate good-byes
I realize
You hate
Good-byes.
(song ends)
It's me, Pete Dixon.
Meet me at the Crestmore
Savings and Loan
at 4:00 this afternoon,
we'll wrap things up.
No, but I will.
Right.
That call have anything to do
with the Robertson case?
I think we should talk,
Mr. Dixon.
DRAKE: You by any chance
Luke Dixon's brother?
Well, it wasn't by chance.
My parents,
they worked hard to have me.
Now, let's just move aside.
(grunts)
(groaning)
I may never forgive you.
Right this way!
(tires screech)
MAN:
Is he okay?
- WOMAN: Oh, my God.
-(excited chatter)
MAN:
Give him room!
Give him room,
so he can breathe.
Your name came up
in roll call, Drake.
- Should I be flattered?
- If you like being compared
to a bad cold--
unpleasant, hard to get rid of.
Now, now... if you don't
have anything nice to say,
don't say anything at all.
What's in there?
Ooh!
- New money.
- Uh-huh.
Real name is Pete Dixon,
as in Luke Dixon.
You ever heard of him?
If you want a rap sheet on him,
check with records.
I wonder what this
is doing in here...
and not on here.
The safe-deposit key is
from Crestmore Savings and Loan.
Well, Dixon's supposed
to meet someone there at 4:00.
- Do you mind if ...
- Uh-uh.
Sorry. I think
you're done here.
I think you're right.
- Thank you.
- Sure.
I won't forget this.
Oh. Here are the photos
I've come up with so far
from the fund-raiser.
- Let me see them.
- No, there isn't time.
- Perry...
- What do you want them for?
Glen, I don't know yet.
I checked out Pete Dixon.
He's done time for forgery,
fraud and grand theft auto.
He must have had
some angle on this case,
knew who Luke Dixon
was working for.
Thought perhaps he could
get some money out of it.
How is he?
He's still unconscious.
We could keep
that appointment for him,
unless he comes to
to tell us who
he was going to meet.
Thank you.
Bad news?
That's a good question.
BAILIFF:
All rise. Court is reconvened.
- Be seated.
-(gavel bangs)
Mr. Mason, you may call
your first witness.
I call Dr. Emmett Michaels
to the stand.
Dr. Michaels, you were
Laura Robertson's doctor
at the time of her breakdown
seven years ago,
is that correct?
Yes.
Now, exactly...
exactly what was her condition?
Well, she was suffering
from a psychosis
known as manic depression.
In layman's terms,
uh, she was...
on an emotional roller coaster
over which she had no control.
Fortunately,
as most cases nowadays,
she responded well
and quickly to the treatment.
Your treatment?
(scoffs quietly)
Yes, my treatment.
And what did your treatment
consist of, Dr. Michaels?
Well, mostly just regular doses
of an antidepressant.
Trimipramine, I believe.
And shock treatment?
Yes. There was, uh... some
electroconvulsive therapy, yes.
That therapy is...
very controversial, is it not?
And wasn't it controversial
seven years ago as well?
It was effective
seven years ago,
and the diagnosis I had made
in Laura's case warranted it.
I don't suppose
you could give us the name
of a medical authority
who concurs
-with your diagnosis?
- Yes, I could.
Dr. Arlington agrees with me.
Who is Dr. Arlington?
He's a psychiatrist, Mr. Mason.
Probably one of the most famous
England ever produced.
We're not above
a little edification, Doctor.
Tell us more.
Ten years ago,
he published a book
called Arlington
on Manic Depressives.
MASON: Is Arlington
on Manic Depressives
considered definitive?
Yes, it's the definitive book
on the subject.
And in that book,
he agrees with your diagnosis?
Completely.
MASON:
Thank you.
Could you show us
where Dr. Arlington
agrees with you?
I-I-I beg your pardon?
That is a copy of Arlington
On Manic Depressives,
identical to the one
I saw in your office.
Please show the court
where in that book
Dr. Arlington agrees with you.
Now?
Yes, now. Show us, please.
W-Well, I can't...
(nervous laugh)
I can't... do that now.
As you can see,
that's a very thick book.
- Don't want
to take up the court's time
searching through the...
Don't you even know
where approximately
in the book he agrees with you?
Well, I'm-I'm not... sure. I...
I would have to go
through the whole book.
I-I don't think
that we have time for that now.
Dr. Michaels,
in order to hear the truth,
I'm sure this court will give
you all the time in the world.
RESTON:
Your Honor, I object.
Dr. Michaels is not
on trial here.
Your Honor, the prosecution
is basing its whole case
against my client on the idea
that the murder of which
he stands accused was the result
of a blackmailing scheme.
None of this is relevant!
A scheme only a handful of
people, the people who knew
about Laura Robertson's
medical history
could have orchestrated.
I submit that the prosecution
has left me no choice
but to pursue this line
of questioning.
Objection overruled.
The court...
is still waiting for you
to show us where in that book
Dr. Arlington agrees with you.
Isn't it true that you are
and always have been
in love with Laura Robertson?
I suppose so.
Yes.
Isn't it true
you were despondent
when she married Glen Robertson?
Yes.
MASON: Isn't it true
that you diagnosed her condition
as emotional instability
to keep her dependent on you?
No.
Isn't it true
that you subjected her
to unnecessary shock treatment
because you were afraid you were
losing your influence over her?
No.
Isn't it true you knew if this
treatment ever became public,
it would ruin her career?
I prescribed it
because it was, uh, c...
consistent with my diagnosis.
A diagnosis based on your need
to manipulate and control
the woman you couldn't have.
Oh, Dr. Michaels,
how could you say you love her?
You don't even know the meaning
of the word.
No further questions.
You may step down.
This court will adjourn
until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
-(gavel bangs)
- BAILIFF: All rise.
(quiet, indistinct conversation)
Five to 4:00.
Well, if I'm right,
whoever shows up
to keep that meeting
Pete Dixon arranged,
is the blackmailer.
Linda...
MASON:
Paul?
- Linda.
- Paul!
Linda.
Paul!
How are you?
Great.
Fat.
How are you?
I'm fine.
That's a nice-looking baby
you got there.
The one down here, I mean.
Thanks.
Well, you look...
like you're doing okay.
I am.
I'm doing pretty good myself.
I'm in town on business
for a few days.
(sighs)
I gotta go.
Doctor's appointment.
You take care.
Nice to see you.
(clears throat)
(exhales)
Well?
Well, I guess she managed
to get over me.
I guess she did.
DRAKE:
There's our guy.
MASON: If you're
waiting for Pete Dixon...
he's not coming, Mr. Moore.
What are you talking about?
You paid his brother
a lot of money
to steal Laura Robertson's
medical file.
I did no such thing.
Why were you going to expose
Laura's medical history?
You can answer in court,
if necessary.
Well, Laura just
waltzed into a job
that I worked a lifetime to get.
I was determined
to stop this appointment.
That's why I hired Luke,
but he crossed me up.
So you killed him.
No, no.
I never stepped foot
in that motel room.
MASON: Where were you
the night of the murder?
At a testimonial dinner.
Mr. Moore...
it would've been
very easy to slip out
during the after-dinner speech
and slip back in
again unnoticed.
Yes, but how easy is it
when you're sitting
on a dais, Mr. Mason,
giving the after-dinner speech
with 100 witnesses?
Oh.
Here's a list of
your phone messages
and your notes from today...
and you still haven't looked at
the photos from the fund-raiser.
Thank you, Della.
How's your leg?
Medium rare.
It hurts.
Take your medicine.
If you need anything,
I'll be in my room.
Della?
Mm-hmm?
Thank you.
Night.
Night.
Oh, dear God.
(conversing quietly)
BAILIFF:
All rise.
Courtroom 92 of the Denver
District Superior Court
is now open and ready for
the transaction of business.
The Honorable Eleanor Daniels
presiding.
Be seated.
Defense may proceed.
Your Honor...
(sighs)
...defense calls
Audrey Pratt to the stand.
And you've been Mrs. Robertson's
executive assistant
for how long, Mrs. Pratt?
Almost a year.
But you worked with her
prior to that.
Yes, for nine years.
MASON:
Were you working
for her September 12,
the day of the big fund-raiser?
Of course.
Did she get many
phone calls that day?
Well, yes.
People were calling left
and right to congratulate her
on her possible appointment
to the senate.
Did you keep a record
of those calls?
MRS. PRATT:
I always write down
the name of the caller,
the time of the call,
and whether or not
Mrs. Robertson takes the call.
I'd like you to think back,
if you would, Mrs. Pratt.
Do any of the calls
that came in that day
stand out in your mind?
Well...
I do remember
receiving a call that day
that was a bit unusual.
MASON:
In what way?
The caller refused
to give me his name.
I remember arguing with him.
He... he said he just had
to speak with Mrs. Robertson,
but he wouldn't tell me
who he was.
MASON:
What finally happened?
I put him through.
Mrs. Robertson spoke with him...
briefly, as I recall,
no more than two minutes.
Were you present
at the fund-raiser
that was held that night?
You know I was, Mr. Mason.
MASON:
Oh, that's right.
We spoke about it
several days ago, didn't we?
I think you said
Laura Robertson was
never out of your sight,
except for the time
she spent with me.
That's right.
MASON:
Mrs. Pratt...
I've known you
for a long time.
You've always been an honest
and forthright person.
Thank you.
MASON: I'm sure that you
wouldn't knowingly
commit perjury while
under oath, would you?
MRS. PRATT:
Of course not.
Did Mrs. Robertson
leave the hotel
at any time that evening?
I don't know.
Perhaps.
What time did she leave?
She left at 9:45.
She told me that she was going
to have a private meeting
with some backers
and that I should cover for her.
MASON: But she didn't
come back, did she?
At least, not right away.
No.
Do you remember
what time she returned?
Around 10:30.
Thank you, Mrs. Pratt.
That'll be all.
I call...
Laura Robertson.
Mrs. Robertson, as you know,
you cannot be forced to testify
against your husband.
Yes, I know.
I show you this photograph,
Mrs. Robertson,
and ask if you can
identify it and tell us
when and where it was taken.
That's my associate
Jennifer Parker and me.
It was taken at the fund-raiser
on the evening of September 12.
Was the photograph taken
before you left the party?
I don't know.
This is a blow-up
of part of that photograph.
Could you tell the court
what you see?
Jennifer's wearing a watch.
It says 9:20.
Uh, that was before
I left the party.
The man who called you
at the office that afternoon,
but refused to leave his name--
who was he?
Just a well-wisher, I suppose.
I don't remember.
Was it the blackmailer,
Luke Dixon?
No.
MASON:
Wasn't he calling to make sure
your husband would deliver
the money?
Now think carefully
before you answer.
The answer is no.
You're certain?
RESTON:
Objection.
Asked and answered.
Please, Laura.
Don't make this more difficult.
RESTON:
Uh, would counsel kindly
speak up so that the court
can hear his examination?
Isn't it true
that you left the fund-raiser
to go to the Pioneer Motel,
where you had a violent argument
with Luke Dixon,
and accidentally...
accidentally killed him?
RESTON: Objection, Your Honor.
Counsel is using
this witness not
to elicit testimony,
but to engage
in pure speculation.
It isn't speculation,
Your Honor.
I can prove that Laura Robertson
was at the motel.
DANIELS:
Then by all means, proceed.
Do you smoke, Mrs. Robertson?
LAURA:
Occasionally.
Sergeant Austin testified
this cigarette case
was found here, on the floor,
below the window,
but Mr. Robertson says,
when he tripped,
things fell out
of his pocket over here...
near the foot of the bed,
across the room.
You see...
Glen Robertson just assumed
that this cigarette case
was in his pocket
when he tripped and fell
that night...
but it wasn't, was it?
You had it.
No.
Look at this photograph,
the photograph you identified as
having been taken
at the fund-raiser.
There you are
with Jennifer Parker.
Her watch says 9:20.
What is that in your right hand,
Mrs. Robertson?
What is that?
People's Exhibit Nine, isn't it?
It's this cigarette case,
isn't it?
Your husband didn't have
the cigarette case that night.
You did.
And you dropped it
in Luke Dixon's motel room.
That is the truth, is it not?
(quietly):
Yeah.
When Luke Dixon
called my office,
I found out that Glen was going
to pay him the blackmail.
I decided to go to the motel
before he arrived
and try to get the file
from Dixon.
Your husband did not know
that you were going?
(quietly):
What happened when you arrived
in Luke Dixon's room?
He was surprised to see me.
I tried to convince him
to give me the file,
but when he thought
he wouldn't get paid,
he became ugly.
I tried to take the file
from him.
He struck me.
I fought back.
He fell...
and hit his head.
I panicked and ran.
And you never told that
to your husband.
No.
I allowed my husband,
who has never given me anything
but love and support,
to stand trial.
I used the loyalty and trust
of my friends
to protect myself.
I succumbed
to a consuming ambition
and let it destroy everything
that I value.
I'm sorry.
MASON:
Your Honor...
in view of these developments,
I move that the People's case
against Glen Robertson...
be dismissed.
DANIELS:
Mr. Reston?
State concurs.
DANIELS:
Case dismissed.
BAILIFF:
All rise.
How could you do that to Laura?
Now, listen to me, Glen.
Dixon's death
was clearly accidental.
Any lawyer can prove that.
But if you and Laura need me...
I'll be back.
I realize it's an awkward time
for me to ask,
but I'd love to buy you dinner
before I leave the city.
I'd like that.
Thank you, Sergeant.
Call me Linda.
(Paul laughs)
Still here?
My plane leaves in one hour.
I was sure,
with you representing Glen,
he wouldn't be convicted.
I was right.
I didn't...
want things
to turn out this way.
I know.
It was my plane leaving
the last time.
Good-bye, Laura.
Della?
Yes?
Let's go home.
GOVERNOR:
This is a man who lived his life
in the service of others.
He was a confidante
of presidents and kings,
but he never forgot who he was
and where he was from.
He worked tirelessly for
the people of this state.
He will not be forgotten.
Senator Hyland's sudden death
marks not only the end of
27 years in the senate,
but also of a political era.
The question now is
who will serve out the remaining
three years in his term.
Governor O'Neill is not
scheduled to announce
his appointment until
sometime next week,
but sources say that
at the head of his list
are Congressman William Harding,
State Representative
James Marshall,
and Laura Robertson.
(cheering)
(laughing, exclaiming)
Laura...
Listen, everybody.
Listen... a toast to Laura.
May she go from senior partner
in our firm
to junior senator.
- Hear!
- ALL: Hear, hear!
- To Laura.
- To Laura.
ELLIOT:
When do you think you'll be
meeting with the governor,
Laura?
Actually, I already have.
Laura, I don't really
think you should...
Oh, darling.
We're all old friends here.
If anybody should be
the first to know, they should.
I met with Ted, privately,
two days ago.
I got the appointment.
(cheering, exclaiming)
Uh, folks, folks...
out of respect
for the late Senator,
the governor isn't
going to announce this
until next week.
So, please, until then,
say nothing to anyone.
(phone ringing)
Laura...
terrific news.
Now, don't you go taking my name
off the office letterhead
just yet, okay, Elliot?
Nothing's going
to go wrong, darling.
She may practice corporate law,
but she lives Murphy's.
Glen... phone call.
Excuse me.
I'm very happy for you.
Oh, for all of us, Audrey.
Laura...
congratulations.
Washington is precisely
the kind of place
where a woman
of your class should be.
Thank you, Emmett.
Hello?
Mr. Robertson,
you want to see your wife
make it to the senate?
Of course.
Well, then you
and me better meet.
Do-do you know where
the Ridge Bar is?
Who are you?
MAN: Just somebody that has
some information for sale.
Information about what?
Oh, you know, um...
Sunland...?
Sunland, Arizona.
Why don't you meet me
at the Ridge Bar in an hour?
GLEN:
Hello?
Hello!
Glen?
Oh, uh... I have some
escrow papers to sign,
or my new shopping center
development may fall through.
Oh, couldn't it
wait till morning?
It won't take long.
I
Ah...
(clears throat)
Mr. Robertson?
(chuckles)
Please, um...
please sit down.
I saw you on TV today.
Oh, you looked great.
I mean, I never go to funerals.
Depressing.
What the hell is this all about?
Well, uh...
you know, being a senator
is a, uh, high-pressure,
high-visibility job.
Now, me, I say so what?
Your wife spent time
in a mental hospital.
Most politicians
probably should, right?
(laughs)
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Yeah, right.
You showed up here
'cause you're thirsty.
Sit down.
This is what I'm talking about.
It pretty well details
the nervous breakdown
your wife had seven years ago.
It's all here, everything they
did to treat her,
the drugs, psychotherapy,
shock treatments.
Now, I have an open mind
about this sort of thing.
I say if it works, use it.
But most people...
most people are
very old-fashioned
about the mental stability
of their representatives.
How'd you find out?
I wouldn't worry about that.
And you won't have
to worry about it, either,
once you give me $50,000.
$50,000?
MAN:
Cash.
There's a phone
in front of your bank.
I'll call you there at
exactly 11:00 tomorrow
and tell you what
to do with the money.
What if I can't get it?
(laughs)
Then I have to give this
to the person that hired me,
and by 11:00 tomorrow night,
Laura Robertson will be
the lead news story
on every show in the state.
And I guarantee you it won't be
because she was appointed
to the senate.
You have a good day.
What are you doing,
sneaking about like that?
I nearly called the police.
I wasn't sneaking about.
I just didn't want
to wake you up.
Where have you been?
Bill and I had to drive out
to see the property owners.
It got late,
so we stopped for dinner.
I'm sorry that
I worried you, darling.
You missed a great party.
Are you all right?
Oh, yeah.
A little tired, maybe.
Nothing that a little time
in bed couldn't cure.
Sounds good to me.
Glen, it's good
to see you again.
Oh, hello, Arthur.
Uh, I was on my way
to your office.
We've sure got our fingers
crossed around here.
What?
Laura's appointment
to the senate.
Oh, yes.
Yes, of course.
I need some cash, Arthur.
Certainly.
How much you want?
$50,000.
Yes, and I need it in a hurry.
Well, I'm sorry, but I've
got to get the president
to approve waiving
the notice period
for a withdrawal this large.
He's not going
to be in till 1:00.
All right.
I'll be back by 1:30
and I want my money
waiting for me.
(ringing)
Hello?
You got the money?
Not yet, but I will.
I'll get it.
You damn well better.
(dial tone)
How do I look?
I'd say gorgeous.
No, no. No.
- Fantastic.
-(chuckles)
How do I look?
Uh... nervous.
Nervous?
Well, I'm not nervous.
Relax, darling.
You've been
to these fund-raisers before.
But never with a beautiful
U.S. senator on my arm.
Will the governor be there?
At $500 a plate,
you'd better believe it.
It won't be long before
they start paying to see you.
-(phone ringing)
- I'll get that.
You get your coat.
Hello?
You got the money?
Yes, I've got it.
You know
where the Pioneer Motel is?
I'll find it.
All right.
Now, this is what
I want you to do.
I want you to bring me the money
to room three at exactly 10:30.
Do you understand?
10:30. Right.
All right.
Ready, darling?
Oh, yes. Yes.
I'm ready.
(indistinct chatter)
You have
quite a few reporters here
who'd like to interview you,
Mrs. Robertson.
Oh, tell them I'll be glad
to talk to them in my office
-but not here.
- Will do.
You're on your own.
Where are you going?
I want to say hello to Walter.
I'll be right back.
Perry!
As always, you look wonderful.
So do you.
Beard's old.
Cane's new.
I was skiing yesterday.
What are you doing here?
I'm at the hotel
for the weekend.
Trial lawyers seminar.
Still practicing law?
On occasion.
I'm here to lecture.
Not me, I hope.
Am I intruding?
You certainly are.
Laura,
this is Michael Reston.
He's representing
the prosecution
- at the seminar.
- How do you do?
Hello.
If you'll excuse us.
Of course.
Can I take you away
from all this?
Hotel bar...
ten minutes?
Mm-hmm.
Very attractive.
Very.
Know her well?
You might say so, yes.
Excuse me.
It wasn't so easy getting away.
You remembered.
A gimlet with fresh lime.
Yes, I remembered.
Hmm.
It's been quite a while.
(laughs)
Who's counting?
How are you, Perry?
Fine.
And you, Senator?
Oh, uh, that's a bit premature.
The smart money says
you're the one.
Who would've thought
when we were younger
that I would become a senator
and you'd become, well...
Perry Mason.
Or that we'd see each other...
rarely.
I've missed you.
The governor's looking for you.
You remember Perry.
Of course.
- Perry.
- Hello, Glen.
I'll be right there.
Yeah.
How long will you be in town?
Until tomorrow.
I wish there was more time.
So do I.
(television playing
indistinctly in distance)
TV ANNOUNCER:
He clobbered him
over the cutback
pattern there...
Anybody here?
(clattering)
Oh!
TV ANNOUNCER 1:
What a game, huh?
TV ANNOUNCER 2: Yeah, that was
a nice play by Elway...
(TV broadcast continues
indistinctly)
(car door shuts)
Don't forget our plane leaves
at 2:00 tomorrow.
I won't forget
because you won't forget.
- Good night.
- Good night.
Oh, medicine for your leg.
(groans)
The doctor says
every four hours.
Good night, Della.
Good night.
(door shuts)
(knocking on door)
It's not locked, Della.
Perry!
Oh...
I've no right to come to you,
but I don't know
what else to do.
Here, sit down.
May I get you something?
Oh, no.
What's wrong?
Yesterday somebody called
my husband
and said that he had
a file of information
that could ruin me.
He wanted $50,000.
So Glen took the money
to the Pioneer Motel at 10:30.
Only when he got there,
the blackmailer was dead...
and the file was gone.
What did Glen do?
What anybody would've done.
He ran.
He came back
to the fund-raiser and...
told me everything.
What was in the file?
Oh... clinical records
from seven years ago.
My depression.
I couldn't work.
And people were told
that I'd gone away
on an extended vacation.
But...
you went away to be treated.
To the Halvern Clinic
in Arizona.
I was home within six weeks.
And I felt fine ever since.
The problem is...
the therapy included,
uh, shock treatment.
Proof of that was in the file?
Glen knew what would happen
if the media got hold
of that file.
My political career
would be ruined.
But now...
what should we do?
Well, first, Glen has
to go to the police.
He has to make a report.
But he'd have
to tell them everything.
Where's Glen how?
At home.
Laura, I can only advise you.
The two of you will have
to decide what to do.
We're investigating
the death of Luke Dixon, and...
Laura, where have you been?
Out getting help. Who's this?
Police.
Sergeant Austin, Metro Division.
What have you told her?
Nothing.
What is Perry doing here?
He thought he could help.
Did he?
AUSTIN: As I was saying,
a man was killed tonight
in what appears to have been
a fight at the Pioneer Motel.
The desk clerk says you were
there tonight, Mr. Robertson.
He said he recognized you
from the news.
What is it you want, Sergeant?
I just want to ask Mr. Robertson
a few questions,
preferably downtown.
MASON:
My client...
has nothing to say.
AUSTIN:
All right.
Thanks for your cooperation.
I, uh, didn't know that we'd
hired you as my attorney.
You needed one just then.
We're very lucky to have him.
Did you tell him everything?
I had to.
Perhaps the two of you should
discuss this privately.
No, that's not necessary.
She's right.
I'm grateful you're here.
I'm going upstairs.
- Good night, Glen.
- Good night.
Good night.
Perry?
Thank you.
Is that the Dixon file?
I was just taking it to Laura.
It's my file, Audrey.
I can manage.
Thanks just the same.
Here's the headlines
on our victim.
His name was Luke Dixon.
The police said he was
a small-time nickel
and dime private eye.
Said the guy spent
most of his time tailing
philandering spouses and
drinking whatever was cheap.
How could he have gotten hold
of those files?
And more important than that,
where the hell are they now?
You can be sure they'll surface.
Glen, we should go
to the police.
Tell them the truth.
How do we know
they'll believe me?
The thing is
if you don't come forward now,
nobody's ever likely
to believe you.
Perry's right.
Hold on, let's not rush it.
We've got to think things
through here.
If we handle this right,
maybe do some damage control,
a little stage managing,
you just might be able
to survive this.
It seems to me our main concern
should be Glen's future,
not politics.
That goes without saying.
You misunderstood me.
We mustn't throw Laura's career
to the wolves.
(knocking on door)
Mrs. Robertson,
the police are here.
Show them in.
Hello again, Sergeant.
We got a tip early this morning
telling us
Luke Dixon was blackmailing
someone,
and that if we wanted
to find out who,
we should check out
the Halvern Clinic
in Sunman, Arizona...
so we did.
We were told that some records
were recently stolen.
Your records, Mrs. Robertson.
And the thief's fingerprints
matched Luke Dixon's.
Are you the person
he was blackmailing?
That's quite an accusation,
Sergeant...
considering you have nothing
to support it.
Wondering where you lost your
cigarette case, Mr. Robertson?
You know, the gold one with
your initials on the front?
How about the Pioneer Motel,
room three,
not six feet
from Luke Dixon's body?
You're under arrest,
Mr. Robertson.
MASON: Your Honor,
in the interest of time
and to assist the prosecution,
defendant waives further reading
of the indictment
and advisement
of Constitutional rights
and wishes to proceed directly
to the matter of bail.
That record shall so reflect
the defendant's waivers.
On the issue of bail,
does the State wish to be heard?
Yes, Your Honor.
The defendant
is an extremely wealthy man.
Not only does he own
a home here,
he also maintains an apartment
in the city of New York
and a house just outside Zurich,
Switzerland.
This indicates not only that
he has few real roots here,
it also suggests that fleeing
the jurisdiction of this court
is well within his means.
Therefore, to insure
the defendant's appearance
in this court, the State urges
that bail be denied.
Your Honor, Mr. Robertson
is a well-rooted,
successful member
of the community,
who has never been accused
of a crime,
and who is determined to appear
here in court until
his innocence has been proven.
I urge the court
to release Mr. Robertson
on his own recognizance.
Mr. Mason, I think some bail
is appropriate here.
Uh, bail is set
in the amount of $200,000.
Preliminary hearing
is set on December 10.
Is that acceptable
to the defense?
It is, Your Honor.
Mr. Reston?
Prosecution agrees.
-(gavel raps)
- Next case, bailiff.
BAILIFF:
State v. Sinclair.
I certainly didn't expect
to see you here.
I thought you would have gone
home by now.
Well, in view
of Mrs. Robertson's political
prominence,
the district attorney felt
that this case warranted
a special prosecutor.
I'm delighted.
Oh?
Yes.
When Glen Robertson
is found innocent,
no one can say it was
because of politics, right?
Right.
Right.
(reporters clamoring)
REPORTER:
Over here, sir!
Has the governor at all been
brought into this?
Seven years ago, I became ill
with something
that currently afflicts
close to ten million Americans.
I went away, got some treatment
and some rest,
and came home cured.
It was my husband's devotion
to me,
his fear that this somehow
might be misconstrued
or blown out of proportion
that landed him
in this unfortunate situation.
Given the circumstances,
I can well understand why
the governor would be reluctant
to appoint me to the senate.
Frankly,
that's no longer important.
My job now is
to do everything possible
to make sure the truth is told
and my husband is exonerated
of all charges.
That's all I'm concerned with.
Nothing else matters.
REPORTER: Over this way!
One more question!
(reporters clamoring)
What's the matter, counselor,
lose your client?
When'd you get in?
About an hour ago.
Hotel said
I could find you here.
Let's get to work.
He's in a great mood.
The police discovered
Laura's file had been stolen,
found Glen's cigarette case near
Dixon's body, and took him in.
Any ideas?
Only what I've already told you.
So Dixon got greedy, tried
his hand at a little blackmail
instead of turning
the file over.
Then you think the person
that hired Dixon
to steal the records
is the person that killed him?
It sounds good.
Paul, here's his office address.
See if you can find out
who his last employer was.
You did say
you've been here before?
Oh, I used to date somebody
who lives up here.
Broke up with her
about three years ago.
Not a happy ending.
Let her down kind of hard.
Hoping to see her again?
Della, it's a big city.
The odds against that
are astronomical.
Besides,
I checked the phone book.
She's not listed.
Just bear in mind, both of you,
the murder was,
one way or another,
the result of an attempt
to discredit Laura.
When we unravel that,
we'll get to the killer.
Right.
Thanks.
How is Laura?
She's a trouper.
Always has been.
By the way, Perry,
I've been meaning to ask you.
We didn't happen to go to the
fund-raiser because we knew
she was going to be there,
did we?
What are "we" saying?
35 years isn't so long ago.
It was 30 years ago.
Who's counting?
Not me.
Talk to you later.
ANNOUNCER:
...hand-off to Morrison,
who is smothered by
that big Panther line.
He moved it a yard or two
on the play.
Boy, they were just waiting
for him.
He gained over 60 yards...
MASON:
Excuse me, my name is Mason.
MAN: Name, address, license
plate, business phone,
and a major credit card, please.
I would just like the key
to room three.
You're not a cop.
Defense attorney.
Here's my card.
- Blitz, blitz, get rid of it.
-...falls back and hands off
to Morrison, who gets
about five yards...
It's Mr. Lane, isn't it?
- Sorry.
-(keys jangling)
Thank you. Quite a game.
Right.
Clipping? Aw, give me a break.
Those referees, they'll do it
to you every time.
-(sighs)
-(TV broadcast continues)
Now, I want you to tell me
and show me exactly
what happened last night.
You want me
to go through it again?
You're gonna have
to trust me sometime, Glen.
Look, I'll level with you.
I don't like this arrangement.
All right, Glen.
I'll level with you.
There's nothing between Laura
and me except friendship.
Everything else
ended a long time ago.
I, uh... I walked
through the door.
It was open.
The room was dark.
Curtains open or drawn?
Drawn.
I bumped into the desk
coming in,
knocked the phone to the floor.
I picked it up,
placed it back on the desk.
Then I saw him
lying there.
Then what?
I walked towards him.
I put on a light
and then moved a carafe
or something
so that! could feel his pulse.
He was dead.
Then I started looking
for the envelope
that had the file in it.
I tore through the dresser,
then I headed back
for the desk,
and I tripped on something right
there.
Everything fell out
of my jacket pocket,
and that's how
the cigarette case got there.
And when you were
picking things up,
you saw the envelope.
Yes. It, uh, was
behind the dresser.
A piece of it was sticking out
and! walked towards it and...
picked it up...
looked for it.
It was empty.
I left.
Did you see anyone
in the parking lot
or around the office?
Uh, just the fellow at the desk.
Look around and think hard.
What else about last night
comes to mind?
Nothing.
I could've told you this trip
would be a waste of time.
Waste of time?
Not at all.
(door creaks)
(rustling)
Hi.
(exhales)
Whoa.
Sorry.
Is there something
I can do for you?
- Well, that depends.
- On what?
Who you are.
Pete Sutton.
I'm Luke Dixon's partner.
Who are you?
Paul Drake.
I didn't know he had a partner.
Well, I got
another surprise for you.
Luke, he took a cab.
He's dead. Fini.
I know. I'm investigating
his murder.
Ah. Cop?
I work for a defense attorney.
Wants to know who hired Dixon
to dig up
Laura Robertson's past.
Ah, well, don't look at me.
I'm trying to see if, uh, Luke
squirreled away some money.
Get my half
before his ex-wife grabs it.
Don't spend much time
in the office, do you?
Why do you say that?
Your tan.
You spend a serious amount
of time in the sun, don't you?
Hey, that's very good.
Hey, you're a trained observer.
That's all right.
I do a lot of surveillance.
I'm the outside man.
You must have an idea who some
of his recent clients were.
Oh, sorry. You know,
you have to ask Luke.
That's if you don't mind waiting
a very long time for an answer.
Didn't keep any records?
Uh, well, of course he did.
Man was obsessive.
Uh, help yourself.
- In here?
- No, in the closet.
I mean, where else?
Here, I'll, uh...
I'll even unlock the door
for you.
- It's unlocked.
- Oh.
(grunts)
Oh!
- Hey! Hey!
-(bangs on door)
(grunts)
Let me out of here!
(grunts)
(groans, exhales)
(gun cocks)
What's going on, guys?
We got a report
that somebody broke in here.
Looks like you're
under arrest, friend.
Hello, Della.
Hello.
I think Perry's expecting me.
Oh. Yes, he is.
Sit down, won't you?
Can I get you anything?
No, thanks.
Uh, is Perry here?
Oh, he'll be back any minute.
Laura...
I'm very sorry
for what's happened.
Thank you.
We'll survive somehow.
I've always admired you
for your strength.
Oh, I'm a professional
survivor, Della.
It's what I do.
What about you?
How have you been?
Fine.
Just fine.
Steadfast and loyal as always?
That's what I do.
Ever marry?
No. No.
LAURA:
I've always wanted to ask you,
but never had the nerve
and the bad manners
at the same time.
What about you and Perry?
I mean...
(laughing):
All right.
Perry and I have...
-(door opening)
- MASON: Good.
I see you two are getting
reacquainted.
Right.
Laura, it was nice seeing you.
If you'll excuse me,
I have to go out for a while.
Oh.
Uh, where?
Oh, I'm going
to buy some supplies.
You just bought supplies.
Right.
Well, I'll just go return
a few phone calls.
Am I interrupting something?
No.
No.
Bye, Laura.
Laura...
(door closes)
...you said...
(door closes)
...Seven years ago
when you had your breakdown,
people were told
you'd gone away on vacation.
Who knew what really happened?
Let's see.
Um, Emmett, of course.
Emmett Michaels.
You remember him.
MASON:
Still your doctor?
Well, he's still a good friend.
MASON:
Who else?
Uh, my law partner,
Elliot Moore.
He could see for himself that
something was terribly wrong.
The same went
for Jennifer Parker.
She not only stuck with me--
she's such a determined
young woman,
sometimes I think
she willed me back to health.
And of course,
my assistant, Audrey Pratt.
Besides Glen, that's all.
You're certain of that?
LAURA:
Yes.
I'm going
to need all the information
you can give me
on those four people.
Why?
Because one of them
could have hired Dixon
to steal your medical records
in order to ruin your career,
and one of them
could have killed Dixon
when he tried to blackmail you
on his own.
Oh, Perry, you're wrong.
Those are my friends.
It's entirely possible
that one of them
is not a friend at all.
(door opens)
DELLA:
Excuse me. Perry,
Paul's on the phone.
He sounds strange.
(Paul clears his throat)
- Excuse me.
- Yes.
Um, I ran out of change,
or I'd use the machine
down the hall.
Do you think it's possible
I could have a cup of coffee?
Sure.
- Black?
- PAUL: Please.
And who do you work for?
- Lieutenant McNabb.
- Lieutenant McNabb.
I'm a, uh, P.I. working
on the Robertson case.
Oh, that's nice.
I haven't had an opportunity to
meet the officer in charge yet,
but they're usually
very defensive about
a P.I. on the case.
But I have nothing against cops.
They do the best they can.
You're free to go, Paul.
Hello, Sergeant.
Mr. Mason.
Sergeant.
Come on, Don Juan.
Oh, do the best you can.
The guy who was searching
Dixon's office
did the breaking-and-entering,
not me.
Any idea who he was?
Definitely not his partner,
and probably not Pete Sutton,
either.
At least I couldn't find
a Pete Sutton in the phone book.
I'd like to know what
he was doing in that office.
You wouldn't believe how much
that looked like Linda.
Who's Linda?
Girl I used to date here.
I'm sorry.
What were you saying?
I said, I'd like to know
what he was doing
in that office.
Oh. My pleasure.
As a matter of fact,
I'll-I'll get on that right now.
Oh, Paul?
I really don't need
any more clients.
Just watch yourself.
(grunting)
- Oh.
-(glass breaking)
Now... where were we again?
That hurt!
Oh, you are a real
crime stopper, aren't you?
Okay, so I'm sorry, you know?
I saw all those cops coming,
and I freaked.
You're not Dixon's partner,
you're not a P.I.
You want to tell me who you are?
The name's Wheeler.
Sid Wheeler, Big Sid Wheeler.
PAUL:
So, Sid,
you break into Dixon's office,
now you break into his house,
what is this,
a chronic condition with you--
breaking and entering?
I'm a desperate man, Paul.
Dixon had something
that I must find.
Like what?
(sighs)
Pictures.
(clicks tongue)
Pictures.
(sighing)
It's my wife.
I thought
she was stepping out on me,
so I hired Dixon to follow her.
Turns out I was right.
And he got pictures... in color.
Boy, did he get pictures.
Didn't he turn them over to you?
Uh, he gave me
a couple of samples,
said he'd keep the rest
until I paid my fee,
which he suddenly doubled,
that little... creep.
What makes you think
they're here?
I don't know.
Maybe they're not.
They got to be someplace.
They weren't at the office.
I don't know. It's just a...
just process of elimination.
He didn't take 'em with him,
that's for sure.
(laughs)
Well, Big Sid, I got to go.
But good luck.
Thanks.
Oh, by the way...
the guy your wife
was running around with--
friend of yours?
Who said it was a guy?
Huh. Huh.
Perry.
Hello, Emmett.
I didn't get a chance to say
hello at the arraignment.
What can I do for you?
I need some answers.
Anything to help.
I understand
Laura was under your care
at the time of her breakdown
seven years ago.
Yes.
What was your diagnosis?
Well, in general,
she was acutely depressed,
so much so that she simply
could no longer function.
Now, whether chemical imbalances
were what caused the depression,
or a result of it...
Nevertheless, they were there.
Once they were brought
back into balance
via the proper treatment,
she was cured.
I understand
you were instrumental
in keeping this episode
a secret.
(wry laugh)
Well, I...
I led certain people
to believe one or two things
that weren't quite true
concerning her health, yes.
Where were you
when Luke Dixon was murdered?
You... surely don't think
that I...
I had to ask.
You don't have to answer.
At home.
Probably reading.
Undoubtedly alone.
You should have married, Emmett.
You'd have had a better alibi.
(laughs)
(engine starts, rumbles)
(engine starting)
(tires squealing)
(tires screeching)
(engine revving,
tires squealing)
(engines revving)
(horn blaring)
(tires squealing, thudding)
(panting)
Sounds good, Phil.
Keep me posted.
Right.
According to my contacts
at the capitol,
the mail's been running
seven to one
in favor of Laura's appointment
to the senate.
In spite of what's happened.
Or maybe even because of it.
Who knows?
Anyway, the best news is
the governor's decided
to delay the appointment
until this thing's resolved.
Proving once again that America
loves a devoted wife.
And making it imperative
that we give 'em both barrels
at this preliminary hearing,
'cause the way I see it,
if we can get
this case dismissed
without a jury trial,
we might actually be better off
than we were to begin with.
Of course, it's really all up
to you, Perry.
What kind of progress
are you making?
You seem quite determined that
Laura gets that appointment.
I am. It's the chance
of a lifetime.
For you?
Or for her?
(chuckles)
For both.
I'm not gonna lie.
I joined up with Laura
seven years ago
because I figured
she could help get me
where I really wanted to go,
and that's to Washington.
There's nothing wrong with that.
It's natural.
You scratch my back,
I'll scratch yours.
Symbiosis.
Only game in town.
Who do you think will get
the appointment, if she doesn't?
I don't think. I know.
Or at least my sources
at the capitol do.
Bill Harding, no doubt about it.
Which means he'd have to vacate
his congressional seat.
Obviously.
I understand you keep
a residence
in that congressional district.
- That's right.
- But you don't live there.
No, I don't.
But that's your legal residence.
Yes.
So if Harding's
congressional seat is vacated,
you could run for office.
It's called hedging your bets.
Yes, indeed.
Perry, you have a phone call.
A Sergeant Austin calling
on behalf of a Mr. Drake.
Mason.
Maybe I should open
a branch office down here.
It's not gonna happen again,
especially if I get my hands
on that guy.
Still have no idea who he is?
Well, he's not a Pete Sutton and
he's not a Sid Wheeler either.
I checked the license number.
The plates were stolen.
You're dealing with a pro.
Yeah, well, so is he.
Linda!
- For a second there, I...
- Good thing that wasn't her.
You forgot to hide.
You know, uh, I've been
thinking, it's been three years.
She wouldn't carry a grudge
that long, would she?
You implied she was devastated
when you left her.
Yeah, but it's been three years.
That's practically a lifetime,
isn't it?
Mr. Mason.
Uh, thanks for coming down here
to meet me.
I appreciate your taking the
time to talk to me, Mr. Moore.
I'm sure you're very busy.
Yes, well, first things first.
How can I help you?
I understand you've been
with the firm for some time.
26 years.
Tom Robertson-- that's Glen's
father-- founded the firm.
I was one of the first people
he brought aboard.
So you worked your way
to the top.
Tom made me a senior partner
12 years ago,
uh, three years before he died.
How long has Laura been
a senior partner?
Ooh, just about the same time,
12 years.
She also worked her way
to the top?
Oh, no, no, no...
(mutters)
She married the boss's son.
You mean she was given
a full partnership
the day she walked in the door?
Close to it, yes.
How'd you feel
about that, Mr. Moore?
I don't harbor
any resentment towards Laura,
if that's what you're getting
at, and I rather suspect it is.
The truth is
she's a damn good lawyer.
I understand she ran
for Congress
nine years ago, unsuccessfully.
We all worked very hard
in that campaign.
I also understand
you're the sole owner
of the LLG Corporation.
Yes.
Why?
That corporation made quite
a few campaign contributions
-in that election.
- All of them perfectly legal.
All of them went
to support Laura's opponent.
You've been very helpful,
Mr. Moore.
Thank you.
(papers crunch underfoot)
(rustling, clattering
playing back on recorder)
So what you're hearing now
is Pete Sutton or Sid Wheeler
or whatever
he's calling himself these days
trashing the guy's house
after I left.
You think he was looking
for the key?
Well, there were six keys
in this case
when I saw it in Dixon's office;
there's only five now.
MAN (on tape): Yeah, I need
to talk to Batman.
Hey, it's me. What's the
morning line on the Bronco game?
You'll get your money,
all right?
How's noon tomorrow?
Yeah, I'll be there.
(slams phone down)
Gambler?
My theory is he got that tan
of his at the racetrack.
(wry chuckle)
A bookie named Batman.
Well, I'll see you.
Where are you going?
See if I can track down
this Batman.
DELLA:
Oh... (chuckles)
Well, you certainly
have me convinced
that whoever killed Dixon
had prior knowledge
of Laura's breakdown.
How many people knew?
Four to be exact,
and each of them with a motive.
Della, there were a lot of
photographers
at the fund-raiser.
See if you can round up
some pictures.
I'd like to know exactly
who was there and when.
All right.
When I finish here,
I'll be at the Robertsons'.
Oh. Glen will be down
in a minute.
Let me take your coat.
No. I can't stay long.
Oh, Perry,
I don't know what we would've
done without you here.
Sorry to keep you waiting.
It's quite all right.
I wanted to talk to the both of
you about the hearing tomorrow.
It may be very unpleasant.
I'm not at all surprised.
- Why is that?
- It seems to me you spent
most of your time harassing
our friends,
digging up old animosities
and generally
making a nuisance of yourself.
I've been preparing
your defense,
but I can easily resign.
I won't hear of it.
Glen.
All right.
What's the difference?
I'm going to be convicted,
aren't I?
Are you guilty?
No.
I'll see you in court.
Mr. Mason, what do you think
your chances are
-of winning this case?
- I'll let you know when we win.
Mr. Robertson,
just how far would you go
to protect your wife?
I've never even socked
a reporter.
Mrs. Robertson, what do
you think your chances are
-of winning the senate seat?
- As I've said before,
my only concern is to prove
my husband's innocence.
Excuse us.
Look, I'd like to help you,
but I'm due in court.
- Just tell me where I can find
Batman. -Come again?
You know, this guy
who calls himself Batman.
He's a bookie.
Where can I find him?
Try Gotham City.
Look, Sergeant Austin,
think of me as a lowly P.I.
groveling in the dirt
for tiny bits of information,
and then think of yourself
in this exalted position
at the police department
with access
to all kinds of information.
Couldn't you out of the goodness
of your heart
throw me some small,
tiny tidbit, hmm?
(chuckles)
You need help.
That's the point.
All right.
Try Mitchum's Bar and Grill.
- Thank you.
- Sure.
You have a very nice smile.
RESTON:
Sergeant Austin,
did the medical examiner arrive
at a cause of death?
Yes, sir, he did.
Please tell the court
his finding.
A deep wound at the temple
indicated the decedent fell
and hit his head on the corner
of the dresser,
causing his death.
Were there any signs in the room
of a prior struggle?
It appeared the decedent
had been struck
on the head with a blunt object.
Do you recognize...
this carafe
marked People's Exhibit Three?
Yes, I do.
It has my tag on it.
How does it come
to have your tag on it?
It was found on the floor
approximately 38 inches
to the left of the victim.
Would that be the victim's left
or the onlooker's left?
- The victim's left.
- So here.
That's correct.
It has been stipulated
by counsel
that People's Exhibit Three
was, in fact,
the so-called blunt object used
to strike the victim.
Were fingerprints found
on this carafe?
Yes, the defendant's.
I show you now
People's Exhibit Nine
and ask you to identify it.
This is the customized
cigarette case
which was found on the floor
of the victim's
motel room directly
beneath the front window.
RESTON: Directly
beneath the front window
would be... here?
That's right.
Were you able to identify
the owner of the cigarette case?
Yes, sir. It has the initials
G.R. on the front,
and we traced it to Mitchell's
Sterling Shop here in town.
RESTON:
Your Honor,
we offer as Exhibit Ten
this sales receipt
issued to Glen Robertson
by Mitchell's Sterling
reflecting the sale
of one cigarette case engraved
with the initials G.R.
on the front.
DANIELS:
Mr. Mason?
No objection.
Thank you.
Sergeant Austin,
in the course
of your investigation,
did you discover anything else,
anything else that could link
the defendant,
Glen Robertson, to the victim,
- Luke Dixon?
- Yes, sir.
The morning after the murder, we
received an anonymous phone call
telling us Luke Dixon
was a blackmailer.
Acting on the caller's
information,
we contacted the Halvern Clinic
in Sunland, Arizona,
and learned that records
detailing the hospitalization
and treatment
of Laura Robertson
had recently been stolen.
Did you discover
who stole those records?
Fingerprints found at the scene
of the burglary
at the Halvern Clinic matched
those of the deceased,
Luke Dixon.
Thank you, Sergeant Austin.
No further questions.
Your witness.
MASON:
Sergeant Austin, other than
on the carafe,
where else in that motel room
were Glen Robertson's
fingerprints found?
They were all over the room.
On the chest of drawers?
- Yes.
- Desk?
- Yes.
- The phone?
Yes.
Were anyone else's fingerprints
found on the phone?
No, just his.
Doesn't that strike you
as rather unusual?
No.
No?
A motel room phone gets
a good deal of use.
Yet on that particular phone,
only one set
of fingerprints were found.
Now, what does that
suggest to you?
That somebody cleaned it.
A maid, or someone else?
Someone who was in that room
ahead of Glen Robertson,
someone who wiped
the phone clean
to make sure no one
would know who the Killer was.
Objection, Your Honor.
Calls for speculation
on the part of the witness.
Sustained.
Let's go back
to the murder weapon, Sergeant.
How many sets of prints
were on the carafe?
- Just one.
- Dixon's?
No, Glen Robertson's.
Then it, too,
had been wiped clean?
- Objection. Speculation.
- Sorry, Your Honor.
No further questions.
You may step down.
Mr. Reston,
you may call your next witness.
Thank you, Your Honor.
The People call
Mr. Robert Lane to the stand.
Were you working
at the Pioneer Motel
the evening that Luke Dixon
was killed, Mr. Lane?
I sure was.
On that evening,
at around 10:30,
did you see anyone arrive
at the motel?
Yes.
That person right there.
Let the record show
that the witness has identified
the defendant, Glen Robertson,
as the person he saw
that night at the motel.
Did you happen to notice
where he went, Mr. Lane?
To room three.
Room three.
- You're certain?
- From the front desk, I have
a clear view of everything,
and I've got a hell of a memory.
That being the case, Mr. Lane,
did you see anyone else
go into room three that evening?
No, sir.
And I was right there
at the front desk from 8:00 on.
No one else went near that room.
Thank you.
Your witness.
Mr. Lane...
on the night of the murder,
your shift at the motel began
at 8:00 in the evening
and ended at 8:00
in the morning,
-did it not?
- Yes, it did.
12 hours.
How do you usually
pass the time?
Watch TV.
Sometimes read.
Is it possible someone
could slip by you unseen
while you're engrossed
in one of these activities?
I can see things
out of the corner of my eye
that most people can't see
looking straight on--
my boss will tell you.
MASON:
He did.
He also said you're
quite a football fan.
Oh, you better believe it.
I never miss a Bronco game.
MASON: I understand
the game they played recently
against the 49ers
was pretty exciting.
LANE: Oh, yeah.
Especially the last quarter.
Oh? Why was that?
Your Honor, I object.
What possible relevance
can a discussion
of a football game
have to this case?
MASON: I intend to show
relevance, Your Honor.
I beg the court to bear with me
just a moment or two longer.
Very well. Proceed.
What happened in the last
quarter of that game, Mr. Lane?
I'm sure you remember.
Oh, yeah.
Okay.
Well, the score's tied
with two minutes to go.
49ers have the ball
on their own 48.
Montana drops back,
it's a draw play, bam!
Stopped at the line
of scrimmage. No gain.
Second down. Montana takes
a snap, drops back again.
Broncos rush.
Crowd's going berserk.
Uh, Montana hits
a screen pass, bam!
Out of bounds on our 44.
It's third and short.
They rush, we hold.
Out comes the field goal unit.
From the 50, bam!--
from the 50-yard line,
he hits it--
49ers are up by three.
- Your Honor...
- MASON: Quickly, Mr. Lane,
tell us about the last minute.
Okay. There's 32 seconds to go.
49ers have the ball again
on our 46.
It's second and seven,
and they're killing the clock,
fans are heading for the exits,
TV announcer's
thanking all his engineers.
Montana runs a simple
off-tackle rush,
bam, there's a fumble.
There's a huge pileup.
One by one, the referee
pulls off the players.
There's a Bronco at the bottom.
Bam! Bronco's ball,
and Mr. John Elway
leads his team
out onto the field.
It's first and ten,
27 seconds to go.
Bam! Elway hits
a down-and-out on their 48.
Stops the clock
with 22 seconds to go.
Second and four, Elway
takes the snap, drops back.
Two 49ers bust through,
Elway scrambles, bam!
He hits a fly pattern on the 20.
There's one 49er
between our guy and the game.
Their guy dives, our guy cuts!
Bam! TD, Broncos win!
It was awesome!
-(gallery cheering)
-(gavel banging)
-(laughter)
-(gallery quiets)
I remind the spectators this
is a courtroom, not a nightclub.
Any further disturbances,
and I will have
this courtroom cleared.
Yes, Mr. Lane,
it certainly was awesome.
You, uh...
watched the game on TV?
Uh, most of it, yes.
- At work?
- Uh, yes, I think I was at work.
Do you recall what night
that was, Mr. Lane?
I can't right off, no.
It was the night
of September 12.
The night of the murder.
Isn't it true, Mr. Lane,
that from the moment
you arrived at work,
you were watching the game?
- Well, yes.
- Isn't it true
the game ended at 10:30
and it was at that time
you saw Glen Robertson
arrive at the motel?
- Yes.
- Isn't it also true
any number of people
could have gotten into that room
without your seeing them while
you were watching the game?
Yes, I suppose so, but...
Thank you, Mr. Lane.
No further questions.
DANIELS:
You may step down.
Call your next witness.
Your Honor,
the prosecution rests.
Court will recess
until 2:30 this afternoon.
(country ballad playing)
You'd be surprised
(song continues)
I fell in love
I know someday I'll find
I realize
MAN:
Hey, Shirley! Over here!
You hate good-byes
I realize
You hate
Good-byes.
(song ends)
It's me, Pete Dixon.
Meet me at the Crestmore
Savings and Loan
at 4:00 this afternoon,
we'll wrap things up.
No, but I will.
Right.
That call have anything to do
with the Robertson case?
I think we should talk,
Mr. Dixon.
DRAKE: You by any chance
Luke Dixon's brother?
Well, it wasn't by chance.
My parents,
they worked hard to have me.
Now, let's just move aside.
(grunts)
(groaning)
I may never forgive you.
Right this way!
(tires screech)
MAN:
Is he okay?
- WOMAN: Oh, my God.
-(excited chatter)
MAN:
Give him room!
Give him room,
so he can breathe.
Your name came up
in roll call, Drake.
- Should I be flattered?
- If you like being compared
to a bad cold--
unpleasant, hard to get rid of.
Now, now... if you don't
have anything nice to say,
don't say anything at all.
What's in there?
Ooh!
- New money.
- Uh-huh.
Real name is Pete Dixon,
as in Luke Dixon.
You ever heard of him?
If you want a rap sheet on him,
check with records.
I wonder what this
is doing in here...
and not on here.
The safe-deposit key is
from Crestmore Savings and Loan.
Well, Dixon's supposed
to meet someone there at 4:00.
- Do you mind if ...
- Uh-uh.
Sorry. I think
you're done here.
I think you're right.
- Thank you.
- Sure.
I won't forget this.
Oh. Here are the photos
I've come up with so far
from the fund-raiser.
- Let me see them.
- No, there isn't time.
- Perry...
- What do you want them for?
Glen, I don't know yet.
I checked out Pete Dixon.
He's done time for forgery,
fraud and grand theft auto.
He must have had
some angle on this case,
knew who Luke Dixon
was working for.
Thought perhaps he could
get some money out of it.
How is he?
He's still unconscious.
We could keep
that appointment for him,
unless he comes to
to tell us who
he was going to meet.
Thank you.
Bad news?
That's a good question.
BAILIFF:
All rise. Court is reconvened.
- Be seated.
-(gavel bangs)
Mr. Mason, you may call
your first witness.
I call Dr. Emmett Michaels
to the stand.
Dr. Michaels, you were
Laura Robertson's doctor
at the time of her breakdown
seven years ago,
is that correct?
Yes.
Now, exactly...
exactly what was her condition?
Well, she was suffering
from a psychosis
known as manic depression.
In layman's terms,
uh, she was...
on an emotional roller coaster
over which she had no control.
Fortunately,
as most cases nowadays,
she responded well
and quickly to the treatment.
Your treatment?
(scoffs quietly)
Yes, my treatment.
And what did your treatment
consist of, Dr. Michaels?
Well, mostly just regular doses
of an antidepressant.
Trimipramine, I believe.
And shock treatment?
Yes. There was, uh... some
electroconvulsive therapy, yes.
That therapy is...
very controversial, is it not?
And wasn't it controversial
seven years ago as well?
It was effective
seven years ago,
and the diagnosis I had made
in Laura's case warranted it.
I don't suppose
you could give us the name
of a medical authority
who concurs
-with your diagnosis?
- Yes, I could.
Dr. Arlington agrees with me.
Who is Dr. Arlington?
He's a psychiatrist, Mr. Mason.
Probably one of the most famous
England ever produced.
We're not above
a little edification, Doctor.
Tell us more.
Ten years ago,
he published a book
called Arlington
on Manic Depressives.
MASON: Is Arlington
on Manic Depressives
considered definitive?
Yes, it's the definitive book
on the subject.
And in that book,
he agrees with your diagnosis?
Completely.
MASON:
Thank you.
Could you show us
where Dr. Arlington
agrees with you?
I-I-I beg your pardon?
That is a copy of Arlington
On Manic Depressives,
identical to the one
I saw in your office.
Please show the court
where in that book
Dr. Arlington agrees with you.
Now?
Yes, now. Show us, please.
W-Well, I can't...
(nervous laugh)
I can't... do that now.
As you can see,
that's a very thick book.
- Don't want
to take up the court's time
searching through the...
Don't you even know
where approximately
in the book he agrees with you?
Well, I'm-I'm not... sure. I...
I would have to go
through the whole book.
I-I don't think
that we have time for that now.
Dr. Michaels,
in order to hear the truth,
I'm sure this court will give
you all the time in the world.
RESTON:
Your Honor, I object.
Dr. Michaels is not
on trial here.
Your Honor, the prosecution
is basing its whole case
against my client on the idea
that the murder of which
he stands accused was the result
of a blackmailing scheme.
None of this is relevant!
A scheme only a handful of
people, the people who knew
about Laura Robertson's
medical history
could have orchestrated.
I submit that the prosecution
has left me no choice
but to pursue this line
of questioning.
Objection overruled.
The court...
is still waiting for you
to show us where in that book
Dr. Arlington agrees with you.
Isn't it true that you are
and always have been
in love with Laura Robertson?
I suppose so.
Yes.
Isn't it true
you were despondent
when she married Glen Robertson?
Yes.
MASON: Isn't it true
that you diagnosed her condition
as emotional instability
to keep her dependent on you?
No.
Isn't it true
that you subjected her
to unnecessary shock treatment
because you were afraid you were
losing your influence over her?
No.
Isn't it true you knew if this
treatment ever became public,
it would ruin her career?
I prescribed it
because it was, uh, c...
consistent with my diagnosis.
A diagnosis based on your need
to manipulate and control
the woman you couldn't have.
Oh, Dr. Michaels,
how could you say you love her?
You don't even know the meaning
of the word.
No further questions.
You may step down.
This court will adjourn
until 9:00 a.m. tomorrow.
-(gavel bangs)
- BAILIFF: All rise.
(quiet, indistinct conversation)
Five to 4:00.
Well, if I'm right,
whoever shows up
to keep that meeting
Pete Dixon arranged,
is the blackmailer.
Linda...
MASON:
Paul?
- Linda.
- Paul!
Linda.
Paul!
How are you?
Great.
Fat.
How are you?
I'm fine.
That's a nice-looking baby
you got there.
The one down here, I mean.
Thanks.
Well, you look...
like you're doing okay.
I am.
I'm doing pretty good myself.
I'm in town on business
for a few days.
(sighs)
I gotta go.
Doctor's appointment.
You take care.
Nice to see you.
(clears throat)
(exhales)
Well?
Well, I guess she managed
to get over me.
I guess she did.
DRAKE:
There's our guy.
MASON: If you're
waiting for Pete Dixon...
he's not coming, Mr. Moore.
What are you talking about?
You paid his brother
a lot of money
to steal Laura Robertson's
medical file.
I did no such thing.
Why were you going to expose
Laura's medical history?
You can answer in court,
if necessary.
Well, Laura just
waltzed into a job
that I worked a lifetime to get.
I was determined
to stop this appointment.
That's why I hired Luke,
but he crossed me up.
So you killed him.
No, no.
I never stepped foot
in that motel room.
MASON: Where were you
the night of the murder?
At a testimonial dinner.
Mr. Moore...
it would've been
very easy to slip out
during the after-dinner speech
and slip back in
again unnoticed.
Yes, but how easy is it
when you're sitting
on a dais, Mr. Mason,
giving the after-dinner speech
with 100 witnesses?
Oh.
Here's a list of
your phone messages
and your notes from today...
and you still haven't looked at
the photos from the fund-raiser.
Thank you, Della.
How's your leg?
Medium rare.
It hurts.
Take your medicine.
If you need anything,
I'll be in my room.
Della?
Mm-hmm?
Thank you.
Night.
Night.
Oh, dear God.
(conversing quietly)
BAILIFF:
All rise.
Courtroom 92 of the Denver
District Superior Court
is now open and ready for
the transaction of business.
The Honorable Eleanor Daniels
presiding.
Be seated.
Defense may proceed.
Your Honor...
(sighs)
...defense calls
Audrey Pratt to the stand.
And you've been Mrs. Robertson's
executive assistant
for how long, Mrs. Pratt?
Almost a year.
But you worked with her
prior to that.
Yes, for nine years.
MASON:
Were you working
for her September 12,
the day of the big fund-raiser?
Of course.
Did she get many
phone calls that day?
Well, yes.
People were calling left
and right to congratulate her
on her possible appointment
to the senate.
Did you keep a record
of those calls?
MRS. PRATT:
I always write down
the name of the caller,
the time of the call,
and whether or not
Mrs. Robertson takes the call.
I'd like you to think back,
if you would, Mrs. Pratt.
Do any of the calls
that came in that day
stand out in your mind?
Well...
I do remember
receiving a call that day
that was a bit unusual.
MASON:
In what way?
The caller refused
to give me his name.
I remember arguing with him.
He... he said he just had
to speak with Mrs. Robertson,
but he wouldn't tell me
who he was.
MASON:
What finally happened?
I put him through.
Mrs. Robertson spoke with him...
briefly, as I recall,
no more than two minutes.
Were you present
at the fund-raiser
that was held that night?
You know I was, Mr. Mason.
MASON:
Oh, that's right.
We spoke about it
several days ago, didn't we?
I think you said
Laura Robertson was
never out of your sight,
except for the time
she spent with me.
That's right.
MASON:
Mrs. Pratt...
I've known you
for a long time.
You've always been an honest
and forthright person.
Thank you.
MASON: I'm sure that you
wouldn't knowingly
commit perjury while
under oath, would you?
MRS. PRATT:
Of course not.
Did Mrs. Robertson
leave the hotel
at any time that evening?
I don't know.
Perhaps.
What time did she leave?
She left at 9:45.
She told me that she was going
to have a private meeting
with some backers
and that I should cover for her.
MASON: But she didn't
come back, did she?
At least, not right away.
No.
Do you remember
what time she returned?
Around 10:30.
Thank you, Mrs. Pratt.
That'll be all.
I call...
Laura Robertson.
Mrs. Robertson, as you know,
you cannot be forced to testify
against your husband.
Yes, I know.
I show you this photograph,
Mrs. Robertson,
and ask if you can
identify it and tell us
when and where it was taken.
That's my associate
Jennifer Parker and me.
It was taken at the fund-raiser
on the evening of September 12.
Was the photograph taken
before you left the party?
I don't know.
This is a blow-up
of part of that photograph.
Could you tell the court
what you see?
Jennifer's wearing a watch.
It says 9:20.
Uh, that was before
I left the party.
The man who called you
at the office that afternoon,
but refused to leave his name--
who was he?
Just a well-wisher, I suppose.
I don't remember.
Was it the blackmailer,
Luke Dixon?
No.
MASON:
Wasn't he calling to make sure
your husband would deliver
the money?
Now think carefully
before you answer.
The answer is no.
You're certain?
RESTON:
Objection.
Asked and answered.
Please, Laura.
Don't make this more difficult.
RESTON:
Uh, would counsel kindly
speak up so that the court
can hear his examination?
Isn't it true
that you left the fund-raiser
to go to the Pioneer Motel,
where you had a violent argument
with Luke Dixon,
and accidentally...
accidentally killed him?
RESTON: Objection, Your Honor.
Counsel is using
this witness not
to elicit testimony,
but to engage
in pure speculation.
It isn't speculation,
Your Honor.
I can prove that Laura Robertson
was at the motel.
DANIELS:
Then by all means, proceed.
Do you smoke, Mrs. Robertson?
LAURA:
Occasionally.
Sergeant Austin testified
this cigarette case
was found here, on the floor,
below the window,
but Mr. Robertson says,
when he tripped,
things fell out
of his pocket over here...
near the foot of the bed,
across the room.
You see...
Glen Robertson just assumed
that this cigarette case
was in his pocket
when he tripped and fell
that night...
but it wasn't, was it?
You had it.
No.
Look at this photograph,
the photograph you identified as
having been taken
at the fund-raiser.
There you are
with Jennifer Parker.
Her watch says 9:20.
What is that in your right hand,
Mrs. Robertson?
What is that?
People's Exhibit Nine, isn't it?
It's this cigarette case,
isn't it?
Your husband didn't have
the cigarette case that night.
You did.
And you dropped it
in Luke Dixon's motel room.
That is the truth, is it not?
(quietly):
Yeah.
When Luke Dixon
called my office,
I found out that Glen was going
to pay him the blackmail.
I decided to go to the motel
before he arrived
and try to get the file
from Dixon.
Your husband did not know
that you were going?
(quietly):
What happened when you arrived
in Luke Dixon's room?
He was surprised to see me.
I tried to convince him
to give me the file,
but when he thought
he wouldn't get paid,
he became ugly.
I tried to take the file
from him.
He struck me.
I fought back.
He fell...
and hit his head.
I panicked and ran.
And you never told that
to your husband.
No.
I allowed my husband,
who has never given me anything
but love and support,
to stand trial.
I used the loyalty and trust
of my friends
to protect myself.
I succumbed
to a consuming ambition
and let it destroy everything
that I value.
I'm sorry.
MASON:
Your Honor...
in view of these developments,
I move that the People's case
against Glen Robertson...
be dismissed.
DANIELS:
Mr. Reston?
State concurs.
DANIELS:
Case dismissed.
BAILIFF:
All rise.
How could you do that to Laura?
Now, listen to me, Glen.
Dixon's death
was clearly accidental.
Any lawyer can prove that.
But if you and Laura need me...
I'll be back.
I realize it's an awkward time
for me to ask,
but I'd love to buy you dinner
before I leave the city.
I'd like that.
Thank you, Sergeant.
Call me Linda.
(Paul laughs)
Still here?
My plane leaves in one hour.
I was sure,
with you representing Glen,
he wouldn't be convicted.
I was right.
I didn't...
want things
to turn out this way.
I know.
It was my plane leaving
the last time.
Good-bye, Laura.
Della?
Yes?
Let's go home.