Original subtitles

There's a club back here? Yep.

That's it? We're going in there?

Yep.

You've got to be kidding.

What's the matter with you? You've been doing that all night.

Hey, Beaver.

Take something.

I did. It just didn't kick in yet.

Here we go. Come on.

Excuse me.

What is it? Some kind of speakeasy? It's the exact replica of when it was here

65 years ago. Doesn't it just take you back in time?

Gangsters, bootleg whiskey, the Charlton jazz.

There's Cliff.

Cliff is there.

He's not here in a fruitcake.

Hi.

Lee Ann Mack is hired, Ben Matlin. Hi. Darlene Kellogg. Hi. Hello. Dad, you

remember Darlene.

Happy birthday.

Thank you very much.

I don't want to be a rat.

No.

I'm trying to quit.

Then why do you want a cigarette?

I don't want to light it. I just need something to do with my hands.

Do you want to dance?

My hands, Cliff, not my feet.

You know, we could go over and dance next to the smoking section. You can get

whole lung full of secondhand smoke.

Okay.

Excuse us.

That boy sure knows how to pick them, doesn't he?

We're keeping you out.

Can I get you folks something to drink?

Whoa. I know what you should have.

What would that be? One of our specials. Royal English gin.

Fresh grapefruit juice.

It's pink.

Set off those beautiful eyes you have.

I'll have a Chardonnay. A wild turkey on the rocks.

I don't know what I want.

I'm sorry, sir. I'm afraid I'm not allowed to serve anyone in your

I'm not drunk.

I just took this pill for a hay fever.

Leanne told... I told you, Leanne.

You'll have a cup of coffee. Coming right up, Leanne.

You hate my singing that much? No, Billy.

I'll take a taxi. Oh, come on. Don't go.

No, it's not going to work, Leanne. I'm miserable.

Tell Cliff I'm sorry and look out for that waiter.

He's too slick by now.

Oh, don't worry, Ben. I'll look after her.

In fact, you want to dance?

Sure.

Now, are you sure you're going to be okay?

I'll be fine. Back in my days in Mount Harlan, I was pretty much a dancing

You got that half right.

It's a gorilla?

It's Matthew.

I just might do that, boss.

Hello, Ben.

Hello,

Billy.

I'll tell you the truth.

Leanne sings like an angel.

Sings like one, acts like one.

Heck, Ben, she is one. That's why I married her.

Thank you.

So how'd I sound?

You were swell, like always.

Goes for you too, Slick.

Leanne makes us all sound good.

How about a drink, everybody? On the house, swell a bit.

Scotch and soda.

I'll have one of my specials.

Oh, Ms.

Lewis?

I'm always interested in new libations.

What is your special?

A lot of fresh, pink, grapefruit juice.

And just a splash of royal English gin.

That sounds smooth.

Young gentleman, I'll have one of those.

Only reverses the portion.

Actually,

boss, maybe we should go back to the office.

You know, we got to get that paperwork, get it out for Mr. Lewis first thing in

the morning. One for the road doesn't hurt.

Come on, boss.

A little party for the party.

Let's go, boss. Come on. Come on.

Good night, everyone.

Good night, everyone.

Did you tell him?

What'd you say?

I said, did you tell him?

No, not yet.

Why not? What are you waiting for?

The right time.

Why don't you just be patient?

One more week, Leanne.

You don't tell me you want a divorce by then, I will.

You hear me?

No.

Why don't you come a little closer and tell me again?

I, um, I have to talk to you.

Right over here.

What's the matter?

I'm going to tell him.

Tonight.

Well, that's great, but why are you... I have to be sure, Slick.

Say you love me.

Say it.

Please?

Oh, baby.

You know I do.

Get your stuff and clear out of here. You're through.

Always been after me for months.

Touching me, saying things.

I didn't know what to do.

Why don't you tell me?

I just didn't want to upset you. Yeah, it's okay.

He won't bother you anymore, I promise.

had to do that, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry?

Hell, I'm out of a job.

Oh, Slick.

Don't you see?

If Billy had thought for a second there was anything between us, he would have

thrown me out, too.

And we both would have wound up in the poorhouse.

He would have made sure of that.

Yeah.

You're right, baby.

What you did was smart.

Yeah, real smart.

Oh, I gotta go.

I just wanted to make sure you were all right.

I'll see you tomorrow at 2 .45.

Oh, I'll be here.

And I intend to make this up to you.

I'm with you always.

That sounded great, sweetheart.

I gotta go.

Your mom's mineral bath is at 2 .30.

Wanna come with me?

I can't. I got a meeting at 3.

Hello, Mrs. Lewis.

How are we doing today?

Not very well, I'm afraid. She aches all over, especially her hands.

Oh, well, let's see what we can do about that.

Now, it's going to take us about an hour. It's all right. I have a book.

Goodbye, Mother Lewis.

I'll be right here.

Oh, you got a haircut.

Yeah, you like it?

I love it.

How about if we have a drink first?

Coming right up.

Slick, honey?

Yeah.

Sorry, baby.

Oh, hello. Is this the police?

He didn't do it, Ben.

I mean, he may get mad every now and then, but he never stays mad.

He didn't kill Slick.

Will you take his case?

Please?

I'm sorry, Mrs. Lewis.

I can't. But why?

I have trials coming up. Writs to write.

Hearings, depositions. My calendar is packed full.

But you've just got to take his case.

You've just got to. Mrs. Lewis, there are lots of good lawyers in town. Let me

write down a few names.

No.

He doesn't want just any old lawyer.

Mrs. Lewis, would you excuse us for one minute?

Certainly.

Shall I wait in the hall?

That would be fine.

Thank

you.

You're welcome.

What? What are you talking about?

You don't have any writ to write.

Billy's life is in danger.

He needs a competent lawyer, and that sure as hell ain't me.

Yes, it is. You can do it.

I don't know.

You still got what it takes to be the best defense lawyer in the country, boy.

I know you do.

Deep down inside, I think you know it, too.

The shot those people heard came from outside the room when I was not inside.

I heard it too.

And you didn't fire the pistol?

I found the gun by the body.

When I realized it was mine, I got scared and ran.

What were you doing at Slate's apartment to start with?

He left me a note asking me to come over at three so he could explain about him

and Leanne.

Can I see it?

See what?

No. I don't have it.

Could have sworn I left it in my office, but the police said they couldn't find

it.

Doesn't look good, does it?

At least you're on my side, Ben.

Can't tell you how good that makes me feel.

Hey, look at this.

Looks like some of the clothes are missing.

Something's missing.

What did you say?

Nothing.

I wonder what happened to this other green pillow.

What are you doing, boss?

I got cobwebs in my head. I need to flush them out. No, you don't. No, you

don't. No, you don't. No, you don't.

What's the matter?

Gin.

Grapefruit juice.

Oh, my gosh.

Oh, hi.

Come on in.

Hello, Ben.

Sorry it took me so long. I had a terrible time finding this place. Oh,

for coming.

Let's have a seat.

Well, we're making progress.

Cliff and I think Slick had a roommate.

There's a big empty space in the closet, like somebody took a bunch of clothes

out of there recently.

Well, maybe Slick took some of his things to the laundry.

Well, that's possible.

That's entirely possible.

Cliff is looking into that as we speak.

And there's a bunch of stuff missing out of the medicine chest in the bathroom.

And knowing how Slick was fond of female companionship.

Leads me to believe that his roommate was a woman.

That wouldn't surprise me, Ben.

But tell me, why is that important?

She could be the killer.

The police got two phone calls about the gunshots.

Both women.

One was a neighbor lady, and the other, I think, the woman who wouldn't identify

herself.

is the killer called the police to get here just in time to catch Billy.

And... What?

The only thing Slick was wearing when he was shot was a bathrobe.

I mean, the only thing.

And it leads me to believe that he was expecting...

Somebody of the female persuasion.

But everything's going good. I feel like celebrating.

A little party. How about a drink? I found the mixings to your favorite in

places.

You know, Slick had one of mine at the club one night.

Uh -huh.

I, um...

I guess he got hooked.

Yeah. Well, I squeezed some fresh grapefruit juice while I was waiting for

Oh,

look what you've done. Oh, I'm so sorry. This is pure silk. You probably just

ruined it. Oh, now, how did you know that dish towel was in that drawer?

A few tricks up my sleeve still, don't I?

All right.

It's true.

We had an affair.

Oh, Ben.

It was just awful.

You just wouldn't leave me alone, Ben.

me day and night, night and day,

until I finally gave into it.

Oh, Ben,

it only lasted a couple of weeks.

As a matter of fact,

That fight we had in the club when Billy slug slugged.

I was breaking it off with him, but he just... He wouldn't accept it.

So that stuff is gone. It's yours.

Yes.

I came over here that night to get my thing.

I never wanted to see him again.

And I didn't.

I didn't have anything to do with the murder, Ben.

In fact, I was at the clinic with Billy's mother when it happened.

I want you to check that out.

Cheer up, Billy.

Your ace lawyer is here to save the day.

How you doing?

I'm okay.

Did you tell anybody you was going over at Slick's that afternoon?

She already thinks I'm too much of a softy.

I just told her I had a meeting at three.

Billy. I already know about her and Slick, if that's what you're getting at.

You do?

She was just here.

Told me everything.

Poor kid. She felt terrible about it.

Cried the whole time.

About. Broke my heart.

You're not mad?

Come on, Ben.

I know I'm too old for her.

I'm not handsome or debonair.

Slick was able to seduce her. It's my fault, not hers.

So she had a moment of weakness.

I figure for all the joy she's given me in the three years we've been married,

I'm still way ahead.

What if she's lying?

Lying?

Leanne loved me, Ben.

I saw her push Slick away with my own eyes. She was rejecting him for me.

That woman's a saint.

In fact, hiring you to defend me was her idea.

I thought it'd be too much for you, but she went to bat for you.

Said, we ought to give you a chance to redeem yourself.

Now, here you are running her down.

You ought to be ashamed.

Billy, I was just... It must be the sauce, Ben.

Maybe... Maybe you should think about cutting back for a while.

Let me take your briefcase.

Have a seat.

Would you like a drink?

Is that why you asked me to stop by so you could offer me a drink?

Just trying to be polite, Ben.

I'm going to stay sober till after Billy's trial.

Oh, well, good for you.

Mind if I indulge? Oh, I hope so.

I've switched to scotch.

I just got so tired of grapefruit juice.

Scotch is your favorite, as I recall.

Sure I can't tempt you?

I could use something.

How about some iced tea?

Thanks, darling.

Ben, I'll get right to the point.

I know you think I had something to do with Slick's murder.

I wanted to convince you that that wasn't true before you made a fool of

yourself in court.

don't believe it but the fact is i love billy very

much and i'm going to be in court every day and i'm going to hold his hand every

day and i'm going to whisper in his ear and i'm going to let the jury see

firsthand just how much i love him so

to suggest

That I framed Billy? Well, that would be... That would be pretty stupid, don't

you think?

All I need to get Billy off is to plant the seed of doubt in one juror's mind.

And you think you can do that?

I talked to the nurse at the clinic where you took his mother, and you were

alone in that waiting room for an hour at least.

That's what you said.

Where the heck is he?

All rise.

The Honorable Judge Caldwell presiding.

Baby cake.

I'm so sorry Ben Matlock's back at the club and he's dead drunk. I tried to

him from drinking, but there wasn't anything I could do about it.

Seated.

Your Honor,

um, league council has been delayed.

Request a brief recess?

How brief?

Oh, about an hour.

Try 20 minutes, Counselor.

Right.

Boss, come on now.

Boss, you said you were going to stay sober. Wake up, Boss. Come on.

Cliff, what? Boss, you're soused. You're drunk.

How could you do this? Billy was depending on you.

No, boss.

Now, boss, you are in no condition to go anywhere, boss. Now, hold on, boss.

Let go of me. No, now, you are in no condition to go anywhere. I said let go

me. I've got to go to court.

Taxi!

Well, in view of the fact that the defendant now seems to be without any

at all, I hereby order that... Mr.

Matlock! Mr.

Matlock! Yeah.

As the court, please, I'll order with my fire.

Mr. Matlock, you are in contempt.

Yes, sir.

We have to talk. My God, and you're loaded.

Bailiff, remove that man.

Fire.

I said never fire you in the first place. Billy, Billy, Billy, you've got

believe me. Billy, please, you have to believe me, Billy.

Wait to see me, boss?

Hi, Cliff.

Good night, kid, Cliff.

Smart, too.

Too smart to let a loser like me hold his back.

I'm not quite following your thinking, boss.

I got a couple friends who are lawyers, and I told them you're the greatest.

You don't have any trouble getting a job.

Who said I was quitting?

It's done.

I can't keep up with a small -town broad like Leanne. It's time to call it a

day. I should have known she was up to something.

I should have seen that Mickey coming, but I didn't. Hell no.

Boss, you were the best.

Yeah.

Yeah, I was.

best.

I got all the big cases.

One or two.

Most of them.

I actually did some.

And then one day this rich college boy came in my office charged with murder.

They had a strong case.

Mine was stronger.

I got my boy off.

I raised my feet.

Then there was another murder.

And the state charged my boy with that one, and they had an airtight case, and

he confessed to that murder and the first one.

And the papers blamed me for the second murder.

Everybody's entitled to representation.

Hell, I was just doing my job.

You were.

It's not up to us to decide who's innocent or who's guilty.

I know.

That's the foundation of this religion we call the law.

And somehow, somehow in that...

When that boy confessed, I couldn't believe it anymore.

I lost my faith.

But I found it.

You may have lost your faith, boss, but you still got your talent. I know that

you do.

Come on, you can't let her do this to you. You can't let her get away with

Son.

She already has.

No. No.

No. Come on. Come on. No.

Come on.

Come on. Just come on.

Watch yourself. Come with me.

We're going somewhere.

You'll see when we get there.

Here's more.

Just keep drinking.

If Leanne tripped herself up anywhere, she did it right here at the scene of

crime.

We've been over this place, Cliff.

Yeah, well, you were soused then.

Now you're sober.

Kind of.

How long has it been since I combed my hair?

There's no hairbrush.

That's what's messing his hairbrush.

Excuse me.

Where's Billy?

He's over there.

Be seated.

Is the defense ready to proceed?

Your Honor, my client would like to make a request.

All right.

I'd like to reinstate Ben Matlock as my lawyer.

So be it.

The defense calls Ms. Leanne Lewis to the stand.

Giving him to Slick like that was the stupidest thing I've ever done in my

entire life.

But he was so insistent and overbearing that it took me a couple of weeks to get

up the courage to break it off with him. That's what we were fighting about at

the club that night.

You told him it was over.

And that night, when I knew he wouldn't be there, I went over to his place and

got the things that I'd left there.

That would have been the night before he was killed.

Yes. Uh,

is this one of the articles you removed from Slake's room that night?

Oh, that's my hairbrush.

How did you get it, Ben?

I mean Mr. Matlock.

Armed with a search warrant, the police removed it from your home earlier today.

Now, when did you take it from Flick's room?

I just said the night before he died.

We examined the strands of hair that were in this brush. Some, of course,

your hair.

But there were several strands of darker hair that matched that of the decedent.

That was Flick's hair.

He lost his hairbrush. As a matter of fact, he broke it, and he borrowed mine.

You see, he was too cheap to buy a new one.

So what?

Guess what?

Some of those strands of darker hair were about three inches long, and others

were about one inch long. I suppose that's because Slick just got his hair

Here's a sworn affidavit from his barber.

I don't understand what any of this has to do with me. His farmer swears that he

cut Slick's hair at 10 a .m. the day he was killed.

And that means you could not have removed your brush from Slick's room

said you did. It had to be after he got his hair cut. You took the brush after

you shot him, didn't you?

Ben. You and Slick were having an affair.

Maybe you wanted to end it.

Maybe you realized the only way you could do that without jeopardizing your

share of your husband's considerable wealth was to kill Slick.

Oh, Ben!

So, you stole your husband's gun from his office, slipped out of the clinic

where you'd taken his mother, went over to the rooming house, which was less

than ten minutes away, used a throw cushion from Slick's sofa to muffle the

sound, shot him to death, That's when you took the hairbrush.

Then you went downstairs, waited for Billy to show up thanks to the note you

left him, then took the other gun... Ben, what I've been trying to tell you

is... That's my nephew's hair.

I beg your pardon?

My nephew...

From Raleigh, is staying with me, and he forgot his brush, so he's been using

mine.

Jeff, darling, stand up so everybody can see your precious hair.

What's wrong, Ben?

This is your big moment.

You nailed the killer on the stand.

Oh, you poor darling.

Everybody's laughing at you.

You're making a fool of yourself.

I mean... Come on, Benny.

You didn't even check the police lab.

What's wrong?

What's wrong?

What's wrong?

Dad, what's wrong?

I can't do it anymore. It's over.

Dad, what's wrong?

Dad.

Dad.

Is it you?

Yes, it's me.

You didn't do it.

I didn't do what?

Oh, sweetheart.

I had this awful dream.

What are you doing down here? Why aren't you upstairs in bed?

Oh, I don't know. Like I said, I have a history. It hit me too hard to get that

far.

Oh, Dad, you're hot.

I'm fine.

It's just that awful.

I'm going to get you something cool to drink. How about a nice glass of iced

tea? No, no, Leanne, no iced tea.

Let's just have a couple glasses of nice warm milk.

Then sing Stormy Weather.