Original subtitles

That's okay with me, cause he not only won.

Party girl.

They all call me party girl.

I'm a party girl.

I'm a party girl.

I'm a party girl.

I'm a party girl. I'm a party girl.

Ricky, you want to check the level on that mic, and you guys pick up the tempo

little bit next time, okay?

I'm not here.

Hey, hey, hey, where are you going?

Out. I've got interviews set up for you this afternoon and phoners tonight.

Look, Lou, I told you I'd come down and do your benefit.

But that's it, okay?

Angel, it's all arranged.

You should have asked me first.

Sorry.

Angel, I'm warning you. Don't give me a hard time.

You'll do the interviews.

Stop it, Lou.

You don't own me.

Where are you going?

I'm going to party until I drop.

I need the police.

Yeah, it's an emergency.

Mr.

Nello?

Margaret Vanilla?

The name's Angel.

May I talk to you?

Maybe later, okay?

Well, this can't wait.

Homicide.

I'd like to ask you a few questions about Lou Pearson.

Yeah? You just got a new client.

Yeah?

Max Weinberg, representer in New York, called and asked us to take her case.

is it?

Top recording star.

Dozens of magazine covers.

Sold out concert tours.

Am I going to have to get her name?

She's awaiting my office right now. I just... Remember how you always say

justice is blind?

Charlene, the suspense is overwhelming. Who is this person?

Ben, this is Angel.

Hi, Ben.

What is this place?

Some kind of a museum?

I love peanuts.

No. Ben?

No. She's a very big star.

I never heard of her. Oh, Dad.

What is she, rock and roll? Yes, and very popular.

Draws crowds of 30, 40, 50 ,000 people.

You're kidding.

Wow.

Now this is old.

They'll be a very big retainer.

So, you want to get started?

Having Lou for a manager was sort of like signing a pact with the devil. Was

there a romantic involved?

No. What time did you arrive at his house last night?

I'm not sure.

It was after 12, I think.

No, wait a minute. It was after 1.

How is it you don't remember?

I was partying.

I went to a lot of different clubs and I drank a little too much.

And I went to Lou's house to patch things up.

And then I crashed.

Lou was still up when I sort of passed out.

Look, can I go now?

Perhaps you don't recognize the gravity of your situation.

The police let me go?

For the moment.

The police might want you back.

You had a bitter argument with Mr. Pearson yesterday.

You went to his house. You're not sure when.

You found the body.

You ran.

If I were a policeman, that would make you a prime suspect in this case, Mr.

Nello.

Please.

Call me Angel.

The name on the docket will be Margaret Dinello. That's fine with me.

If I were you, I'd try real hard to remember where I was last night.

Look, maybe I don't remember exactly where I was or when I was there, but I

think I'd remember if I murdered Lou, okay?

You know, every case we take on...

requires a little different approach.

Perhaps you can jog Mr. Nello's memory.

I'll see what the police have to say.

Excuse me.

You know, he's kind of a pain.

He grows on you.

What you doing here, Ben?

We don't have enough to rest your client yet.

I never stopped you before.

Who is she?

That's the widow over there.

They've been separated for about five months.

Any prints on these glasses?

Nothing good.

Looks like Lou Pearson knew whoever it was.

Seems like they're celebrating.

It looks that way.

He was stabbed, wasn't he?

In a chest.

A pair of scissors missing from this death set. We're looking for him.

Mrs. Pearson?

Yes. I'm Ben Matlock, Margaret Angel's lawyer.

Well, I just told him everything I have to say.

Own the good die young.

You one of Pearson's clients?

I was more than a client. We're like brothers.

Yeah, like Cain and Abel.

A little upset, huh?

You Detective Davis?

Yeah, I just heard.

Excuse me, who are you?

Sonny Hutton.

I just flew in for the concert.

I was on my way from the airport when I got the news. I can't believe this.

His secretary says there's a tape of yours missing.

My tape?

They stole my tape?

The new album.

Hey, if it sells like your last album, they'll lose money.

Look, we've still got work to do, yeah?

Hey, at least you know one thing about the killer.

If the guy took Sonny's tape, he's got no taste.

And you can quote me as saying that I'll be a party girl until my party is over.

Hey, that was a wire service. I don't care if it was Tom Brokaw and get your

feet off my desk.

Boy, have you got a lot of nerve. Young lady, if I'm going to represent you,

you're going to have to straighten up and do as you're told. And what if I

want to?

You better do as he says, miss.

What's that supposed to mean?

Found a missing past scissors.

They were the murder weapon, all right.

Lab says they have Pearson's blood type on them.

Where'd the turn up Rupert?

Mr. Nella's hotel room.

You under arrest for murder.

How much was your bill, Angel?

$200 ,000 on an expensive date. So why'd you do it?

Guys are always dropping dead at my feet. Hold it, hold it, hold it.

Mr. Nello is innocent of Mr. Pearson's murder.

Nonetheless, she takes the matter very seriously. At the moment, she is still

shocked by this tragic event and has no comment.

Isn't he adorable?

Don't you ever do that. I was just giving them what they wanted.

It's part of the game. It's the show.

You keep forgetting you're not on a stage.

You're in a courtroom.

You're on trial for murder.

Relax. The press loves me.

Read to the headlines.

The party's over for a party girl.

They love you so much, they're going to convict you before we pick a jury.

Lighten up, okay?

We're going to set up some rules right now.

Rule number one, you are not to talk about this with anyone, especially not

press. Rule number two, the next time we go in the courtroom, you're going to

wear more than just your underwear.

Rule number three, the next time you tell me to lighten up, you're going to

yourself without a lawyer, without a defense, and without a prayer. Got it?

There she is. An angel, if ever I saw one. It is a privilege and an honor to

meet you. I am perhaps your greatest fan, Tyler Hudson, at your service.

Who is this?

I am their personal private investigator, but most of my time is

venture capital. But sometimes I take on a special case that interests me. An

angel. This is for you.

Genuine Georgia pecans.

Something I might market as a gift. Can we get down to business?

Now, the first thing we have to do is establish where you were the night of

murder.

What does the medical examiner have to say?

Tyler! Oh, yeah, that Pearson died between 2 and 3 .30 in the morning.

I want you to think very hard.

Where were you between 2 and 3 .30 yesterday morning? I already told you

was. I was partying, and I don't remember.

Look, if we can find someone who's with you, you might be off the hook. Okay?

Okay, okay.

I was at the hard line at 11.

No, that was Tuesday.

Okay, I know that I was at the dirt club.

It was on Monday.

I'm not sure where I was.

We're going to have to retrace your steps.

We have to know where everybody was the night of the murder.

The widow, Janice, Sonny Hutton, Fancy Dan.

Danny Blaster. Whatever.

He was in town that night.

You're going to have to go with us.

Can I... All right, I'm on my way out of here.

Angel, do you ever do endorsements?

Dad, I can't make it tonight. I have an appointment.

You're going to leave me alone with her?

She's not exactly dangerous.

I think you can protect yourself.

It's not what she might do to me that concerns me. It's the other way around.

What a pain.

She grows on you.

Have fun.

You have to be kidding.

How many more of these places are there?

Not enough.

This is just a private party.

Really?

You're looking good.

Uh, Dan.

This is Ben.

My lawyer.

Yeah, we've met.

Yeah.

Listen, you need anything. Just let me know.

Can you account for your time the night of the murder?

Why are you asking me?

I don't know. You said you'd like to help.

Might help. You never know.

Let's go.

Got a little bit of a temper, doesn't he?

Yeah, I guess so.

I'll be over there.

I thought you had an apartment.

Oh, I do.

Musician? No, track lawyer.

How you doing?

Okay.

I'll see you in the morning.

Early in the morning.

I saw you yesterday at Lou Pearson.

Oh, yeah.

I'm Ben Matlock, angel of life.

How you doing? Okay.

Any luck finding that missing tape of yours?

He looked everywhere in the house. It's gone.

Oh, I'm surprised record bootleggers would be that interested.

Why is that?

I don't know. Your last album didn't do all that well.

Is that supposed to be a dig?

Oh, no.

No, no, no. It's just curious.

My daughter tells me that Dan Blass is really hot right now, and I wonder why

they didn't take his take.

Maybe they listened to it first.

Oh.

When did you arrive in Atlanta, Mr. Hutton?

I arrived Wednesday morning, 10 a .m.

Georgia Air, flight 183 from New York. You can check the airline on that.

I think that puts me in the morning after Lou was murdered, to answer your

question.

I guess you're right.

I

noticed

you two didn't really get along.

You want to know where I was the night of the murder?

Huh?

Might help.

Why don't you ask my friend?

Ask me. He,

uh... Aren't you a little old to be out in this night air?

Probably right.

I'll see you.

Yeah?

Uh, Ron, this is Ben, my lawyer.

I gave Angel a ride out to Lou Pearson's house that night.

What time was that?

Oh, let's see, uh, about 1 .30.

Yeah, I'm a DJ, and I was on the air, too.

I'm off tonight.

Uh, some other time, okay?

Some other time.

This place is your Lou Pearson's at the time of the murder.

It's big news, all right. You don't have an alibi.

What?

You don't have an alibi.

Oh, yeah.

Well, I'll see you tomorrow, then.

You'll see me tomorrow?

Yeah. I'm going to go dance, then. They want me to do a few songs.

I'm a party girl, remember?

Angel, we're leaving.

What?

Let's go.

Is this some kind of rehearsal?

You know, I've had a few clients who didn't seem to realize the gravity of

situation.

I used to bring them in here and sit them on a chair or a table and I'd

them into realizing just how tough this business can be. I don't do that

anymore.

One, because it wears me out.

Two, because most people have come to realize that prison is a mean, foul

-smelling place more horrible than your worst nightmares.

I'm not sure you do.

unlock the door. I don't have the key.

But that man does.

That's true.

Tom had stepped away.

I hope you weren't frightened.

I got the message.

Good, good. Because unless you start to look and act like a lady, prison is

where you're liable to be for the next 50 years.

Believe me, it's no party.

Thought I told you to dress like a lady.

I did.

Your secret's safe with me.

How was your evening?

Better than yours.

Oh.

I found out that Danny Blaster was having Lou Pearson audited.

And that's why he has all the bikers around him.

For protection.

From Lou Pearson?

Pearson was connected, if you know what I mean.

How'd you get all this information?

The tax lawyer I was with is in the music business.

Told you I had an appointment.

I found out something else.

Dan is a champagne drinker.

So is Sonny Hutton.

Mrs. Hoffman, how long had you been Mr. Pearson's housekeeper?

Over two years.

And was anyone else in the house at the time that you discovered the body?

No. Did you see anyone leave the house when you reported for work that morning?

I saw Angel.

I mean, Mr. Nillo.

The defendant?

That's right.

She was running away.

No further questions, Your Honor?

Your witness, Mr. Matlock.

She never lied to me. Ask her about the mansion. I'll take it from here,

Margaret.

Mrs. Hoffman.

Was Mr.

Pearson particular about the way you kept his house?

Yes, he was.

Mrs. Hoffman, it's been stipulated that these scissors, People's Exhibit 6, were

the weapon that killed Mr. Pearson. Do you recognize them?

Yes, I do.

They were kept on Mr. Pearson's desk, were they not?

Yes. You cleaned the desk the day of the murder?

Yes, I did.

What is that?

It appears to be rust.

But, Mrs. Hoffman, you testified that Mr. Pearson was a meticulous man. You

his scissors get rusty?

I did nothing of the kind.

Well, metal only rusts when it gets wet.

You suppose someone left them outside?

Objection. I call for speculation on part of the witness.

Sustained. Mrs. Hoffman, Sergeant Davis has testified that these scissors were

found in Mr. Nello's hotel closet.

How do you suppose they got Rusty in her closet? Objection, speculation,

relevancy. Your Honor, I am simply trying to demonstrate that it is

that these scissors were thrown away or hidden outside someplace where they got

wet. Then whoever killed Mr. Pearson came back later, got them, planned them

the defendant's room. That would explain the rust.

Mr. Matlock, that does call for speculation from this witness.

Objection sustained.

No further questions.

I called Janice Pearson.

Mrs. Pearson, how long have you known the defendant?

About three years.

And in that time, did your husband ever discuss his personal relationship with

Miss Dinello?

Yes, he did.

What did he tell you?

He said she had a violent temper, she was getting some bad advice from other

people, and he was afraid of what she might do.

She's a liar!

Sit down.

Mr. Matlock, the bench cautions you to control your clients.

Mrs. Pearson, were you ever present when Miss Dinello threatened your late

husband with bodily harm?

Yes, I was.

That is a lie! I never did!

Mr. Matlock, a warning. She's just trying to bury me! Another word from

I'll have you removed from the courtroom.

Your Honor, my client is under considerable strain.

Apologize for the interruption.

It won't happen again.

I will not tolerate another outburst.

Now, please continue.

No further questions, Your Honor?

Mrs. Pearson, have you ever been a patient at Atlanta General Hospital?

I think so.

It was a long time ago.

I'm surprised you don't remember better.

According to these medical records, you were a regular customer.

In November, you checked in with a fractured arm.

January, cracked ribs.

April, abrasions and bruises.

How did all these things happen?

Accident.

Mrs. Pearson, isn't it true that you filed

assault charges against your husband in April of last year?

Those charges were dropped.

Answer the question.

Isn't it true you filed assault charges against your husband?

Yes. And isn't it true you filed those assault charges while you were being

treated for those injuries at Atlanta General Hospital? Objection. Relevancy.

Your Honor.

Defense is attempting to show that Mr. Pearson was himself prone to violence.

Overruled. Answer the question.

Could you repeat the question?

Isn't it true you filed those assault charges while you were being treated for

those injuries at Atlanta General Hospital?

I suppose so.

Then you withdrew those charges two days later after you were released.

That's correct.

Mrs. Pearson, are you aware that you are the sole beneficiary of your

husband's estate?

Objection, Your Honor.

Sustained. No more questions.

Court will adjourn until 9 a .m. tomorrow morning.

Is that it for today?

You did yourself a lot of damage today.

That outburst could cost us the case with this jury. She was lying. I don't

if she was lying or quoting the Bible.

That jury's looking at a spoiled, smart -aleck kid who can't control her

emotions, maybe to the point she could commit murder.

When you come in here tomorrow, you better act right, or we might as well

throw in the towel.

Anything else? Yeah.

Buy yourself a dress that doesn't look like you belong in a circus.

Ben.

Did I leave out something?

No, you covered everything.

You all right?

I'm fine, okay?

Angel, I know it's been rough on you.

Look, I'm sick and tired of you and your father trying to stare me, okay?

I know how you must feel. No, you don't!

You don't know anything about me.

I know your father was an alcoholic.

And your mother left when you were 11.

I know you spent some time in reform school.

Yeah.

But you weren't there when my old man came home and beat up my mom every

And you weren't there when I got six months for riding around a car that I

didn't know was stolen.

Nobody was there but me.

You can't do it alone this time.

If we're going to win this case, you've got to work with us.

You know something?

You're a lot slicker, but you're just like him.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

those pecans did you say you bought?

Two tons.

Two tons?

I thought I had a buyer, and at the last minute, he backed out on me.

Well.

Say, Ben.

No.

Hard at work, I see.

Hey, I was just reviewing the case. Have a pecan.

So, where are we?

In trouble.

Well, the word I get is that Janice Pearson and Sonny Hutton have been an

for quite some time.

Well, I'll tell you what.

We could take all the stuff we've got and maybe put it on a gossip column, but

we'd never influence a jury.

We've got three people, all with a possible motive.

Janice was at a party till 4 o 'clock, but Annie Blaster was at some club all

night. Sonny Hutton wasn't even in town the night of the murder.

Well, we've got to bring one of the alibis, but they all check out.

Well, I have a strong feeling.

This murder has something to do with Sonny Hutton's tape. You know the one

that's missing?

Yeah.

You got a clue?

No.

You're right. We're in trouble.

Well, I'm going home. I'll see you tomorrow.

You know,

it's too bad somebody can't get inside Sonny's hotel room.

Take a look around.

Yeah, it's too bad.

Sure is.

Oh, excuse me.

Could you turn my bed down?

Bye -bye.

Nice view, huh?

Yeah.

As a rule, do attorneys break into other people's hotel rooms?

Oh, what room is this?

What room is this?

1527. No, I checked into 1427. I guess I just made an honest mistake.

You looking for something?

I'll be running along.

No, no, no, I don't think so.

Don't get cute.

Room service!

I didn't order room service.

You didn't order a lobster with a side order of grits?

No.

You see, mercy me, oh my.

You could have told me you were coming here. Well, so could

you, but I'm glad you did, partner.

Did you find a tape? No, but I did find this.

He did it, Tyler. I just know he's our guy. Maybe this can prove it.

You've got to be kidding.

Bert Tyler.

Haven't heard from him.

We'd better hear from him soon.

Nice dress.

Yeah, if you're Nancy Reagan.

Division 21, Superior Court of Fulton County is now in session. Honorable

Richard Cooksey presiding. All rise.

Mr. Matlock, I call Daniel Blaster to the tent.

Now, Mr. Blaster, Mr.

Pearson was your manager for eight years, is that

correct? Yes.

Did you trust him?

Lou was a manager and a friend.

Mr. Blaster, isn't it true that you hired an accounting firm to audit the

of this man you trusted like a friend?

Happens all the time in the record business.

Mr. Blaster, isn't it true that Mr. Pearson threatened you if you proceeded

this audit?

Ah, Lou was just kidding around.

Is that why you hired bodyguards two days before the audit began?

I needed extra security for my tour.

Mr. Blaster, isn't it true when you played Los Angeles last year... You

accused Mr. Pearson of stealing from you, and the two of you engaged in a

fistfight in your dressing room. Hey, I just got a little excited.

You know, this sort of thing happens all the time. Lou knew it didn't mean

anything.

Where were you the night of the murder?

With friends.

Would these friends swear as to your whereabouts?

Sure.

These gentlemen in the front row, your friends?

Mm -hmm. You gentlemen stand up, please.

Would they go under the names of Snake Barker,

Trash Can Reed, Bones Lloyd, and Dr. Debt?

Right.

No further questions.

Anything from Tyler? Not yet.

Your witness, Mr. Park.

Mr. Park. Mr. Blaster, are you familiar with the property of 3212 Crestline

Drive in Malibu, California?

It's my beach house.

And are you in the habit of loaning out that house to your friends and

associates? Sure.

In April of last year, did you loan out the use of that house to Miss Dinello?

Mr.

Blaster? Yes.

She stayed there.

Was she alone?

No.

And who was staying there with her?

Lou Pearson.

No further questions.

Your Honor, with the court's permission, I'd like to take a few minutes to

confer with my client.

The court will take a ten -minute recess.

Why didn't you tell me you were having an affair with Lou Pearson when I asked

you the first time? What happened between Lou and me was a long time ago

it's none of your business. I just got caught out there with my pants down. I

made a mistake, okay?

When am I going to get it through your head? I am trying to save your life.

It's all right. I know you're scared.

Tyler, here.

How's business?

Business is great.

I understand you're...

record sales have fallen off lately.

A little.

Fact is, you haven't had a new album in two years, isn't that correct?

It's not unusual.

But it is true, isn't it?

Yes, it's true.

I bet Lou Pearson wasn't very happy about that.

Lou wasn't worried. We just finished another album.

Yeah, that's right. That was the tape you sent him.

Yes. The one that was stolen the night of the murder.

That's right.

Would you like to get it back?

Of course. But it's very valuable. It's the only mix that exists.

The only one?

It's taking quite a chance, isn't it?

There's a 24 -track master at Lou's studio.

The one that was stolen is the only mix.

Oh, I see, I see, I see.

Did you and Lou Pearson have a fight over what he thought of your album?

I never saw Lou.

I got into Atlanta the morning after the murder.

Oh, that's right, that's right, that's right. You said you flew in directly

New York, didn't you? Yes.

On Georgia Air Flight 183.

That's right.

You sure you weren't in Atlanta the night Lou Pearson was murdered?

Objection! The witness has already answered the question.

Sustained.

Your Honor, at this time I'd like to introduce into evidence this claim check

from a parking facility at the Charleston, South Carolina airport.

Recognize it?

No.

Doesn't the flight you're on, flight 183, make a stopover at Charleston?

Yes, so what?

Mr. Hutton, it just so happens that a car you rented in New York...

is at this very moment parked at the Charleston airport.

Thank God. You know what I think?

I think you drove that car from New York to Atlanta, then back up to Charleston,

parked it, got on flight 183 to make it appear you flew in from New York.

Objection. Pure speculation.

Sustained.

Mr. Hutton, didn't you see Lou Pearson about your album?

I told you I didn't see Lou.

Isn't it true that he knew you were having an affair with his wife?

No.

Isn't it true he refused to release your album?

No. Isn't it true he promised to destroy your career, you fought with him and

killed him? That is a lie.

Mr. Hutton, if that missing tape were found in your rental car,

wouldn't that prove you were in Atlanta and did see Lou Pearson the night of the

murder?

Wouldn't it, Mr. Hutton?

Would you like my associate to play the tape for you?

Mr. Hutton.

Not 20 minutes ago, my associate returned from Charleston where he

found your rental car.

Had keys made, opened the trunk, looked inside,

and there it was.

I repeat, would you like us to play it for you?

No.

In other words, Mr. Hutton, you lied about when you arrived in Atlanta.

You lied about seeing Lou Pearson.

You lied about the tape.

You are a liar.

And maybe something a lot worse.

No further questions.

We find the defendant not guilty.

You play poker, Matlock, on occasion?

Blue button.

Master dub 12977, artist Sonny Hutton, recorded June 1st.

I'd like a full house to meet.

Thanks.

I owe you two.

Anytime. Anywhere.

You know, for a lawyer, you're okay.

I won't argue with that.

Thank you.

Well, Tyler, that was a very successful trip to Kansas.

It sure was.

You know, I met this guy at the airport.

He's got a truck load.

Frozen pie crust.

I get my hands on those suckers, I'm going into the Christmas pecan pie

business.

You know what?

I was driving through this little town one time. It wasn't really a town.

It was just a general store with a gas pump out there.

While I was gassing up, I went in, and I saw the walls of the general store were

just lined with these bags of salt.

So I said to the fellow, I said, you must sell a lot of salt.

He said, no, I don't sell much salt.

A fellow that sells me salt, now he sells salt.