Original subtitles

A sensational novel by 20 -year -old Deborah Dearborn.

I'm surprised you haven't read it yet.

Everyone else has.

And you think this book is a libel against you? I thought I made it clear,

Mason, that I'm here on behalf of a friend.

But yes, at least part of that book is a libel.

Certainly no teenage girl could have had enough experience with life to imagine

some of the incidents in there.

So you think certain incidents are based on your own experiences?

My friend has had quite a life, Mr. Mason.

But you see, this one character in the book, the widow... Mrs. Seward, I must

advise you that to win an action for damages for libel is difficult. You must

first prove that the book held you up to public hatred, contempt, and ridicule.

You must also prove that the author of the book had you specifically in mind

knowingly and with malice wrote about you. Now, does this young girl who wrote

this book know you or about you? No, at least not personally.

Well, then. But suppose certain information was given to her by the

my friend. And just suppose I could bring you proof that the stepson

the girl with details just so he and the girl could maliciously expose his

stepmother to public hatred and contempt.

I'm very sorry, Mrs. Seward, but... libel suits are not my specialty.

Now, may I refer you to another lawyer?

You mean you're representing someone else?

You already know about this case?

No, of course not.

Well, then we can learn about libel together, can't we?

You see, Mr. Mason, I'm a stranger in Los Angeles, and I'm on my way to Europe

next week. So you can understand why I just simply haven't got time to find

anyone else.

Of course, money is no object.

Mrs. Seward, it's not a matter of money or even time. I simply don't like to

handle this type of case.

But, of course, you really can't decide until you've read the book, can you?

So I'll just call you back in a couple of days.

Bye -bye, dear.

What were you making faces for?

Perry, we were contacted by someone else. That's what I went out to check.

Last week, a woman by the name of Dearborn called.

Something about an appointment to discuss a book contract.

Only she never called back.

Dearborn?

Besides, do you know who that woman was?

You said her name was Seward, didn't you?

That was Stephanie Carew. I know it.

You remember the Frederick Carew scandal?

Murdered by a young bride, but then she was acquitted.

The judge's speech to the acquitting jury, you have signally failed in your

duty.

Didn't Carew's first wife commit suicide just before the second marriage?

There may have been two murders.

a friend.

If the widow in here is her, you should read the book. It's fascinating,

beautifully written.

But if the author really based a character on that woman, then I'd say

she's the one who's going to need help.

Lots of it.

Good night, Ocean.

It's all a dream, a wonderful dream, a dream!

Deborah?

I'm Carew.

Where in the world did you come from?

No lights.

What is it? What's the matter?

Deborah, Stephanie's come out here to Hollywood, too.

Stephanie? Stephanie who?

You've got to hide. John, what are you talking about?

Who is Stephanie?

Why must I hide?

The woman you used to tell me about was named Stephanie.

Oh, John.

That doesn't matter now. Now, we've got to get out of here. She may be looking

for us right now.

The woman you used to make up those fascinating stories about.

What a terrible woman. You called her Stephanie.

When we sat in the dark and you told those stories, you didn't say that... I

just wanted to talk to you.

To be where you were.

And you'd listen when I told those stories.

Oh, at first I tried to tell you.

But I fell in love with you.

And I was afraid that if I told you I was lying, that all those stories about

Stephanie were real, I'd lose you.

But I... I lost you anyway.

Maybe nobody got lost.

We just went different ways for a while.

We were just kids. What was it, 17?

I never thought you'd write a book. At least not one like this.

Who is she, John?

Stephanie's my stepmother.

And all those things that I made up are true.

That's why you wouldn't let me dedicate the book to you, isn't it?

Couldn't understand.

I thought you'd be so happy.

I didn't think people would notice. It's such a wonderful book, and she's only

one character.

John, a million people have bought the book. All those people know about her.

Listen, Deborah, that's why I'm here.

I found out she can ruin you with a libel suit.

In New York, all she has to do is prove that I told you the story and you knew

you were writing about a real person. Now, the law may be different in

California.

Have you talked to a lawyer?

I called him when I first got out here, but my agent said that he could handle

all my contracts, so... Well, you see that lawyer. Only when you talk to him,

don't even tell him that we know each other.

How could you ever have caused such a... Because I'm no good.

Because I thought someday... Now we can't even see each other.

Do you understand?

Not ever again.

I know how you feel about not letting some crude producer turn your book into

cheap movie, dear. But that's what I'm for.

As your agent, I'll protect you.

I'll get you top production with top stars, done in the very best of taste.

I can't sign the contract, Reuben.

The contract is only for the movie rights to your book, dear. It doesn't

anything to do with any money you make from book sales or anything else.

Just the rights to make a feature picture is all.

I'm sorry, Reuben, but I can't sign the contract.

Can't sign?

Why not?

I'm your agent. I make the deal. Is it more money you want?

I'm sorry, Reuben. You promised.

You made promises to me, and so I made promises. What are you, a liar, a

cheater? I hope not, Reuben.

It's just that I've made a big mistake, and I don't want it to go on getting

bigger and bigger.

I want you to create an image of Miss Deborah Dearborn capturing the quality

this innocent young girl who could lay bare the very soul of a woman of

incredible evil.

I want the finest publicity campaign this studio has ever mounted.

For I am going to create a motion picture around Miss Dearborn's novel

immediately become a classic.

Did you put the flowers in Miss Dearborn's workshop?

Yes, Mr. Long. Good. And Mr. Reuben Cason is here to see you.

Good. Thank you.

Now, this campaign will be of stature and dignity, but not overlooking the

that the novel is a sensational story.

Scandalous work of art.

Yes.

How about the morning, dear Gillian?

Even if it is afternoon.

Ruben, good to see you.

Bit of glad tidings, I hope.

Do you remember the one about if a woman makes a hand signal from a car, it

means the window is rolled down?

There are exceptions to every rule, including my own reputation for

when I say I'm going to deliver.

Are you preparing me for bad news, Ruben?

No, no, no. It's just that I wanted to deliver the Dearborn contract on time,

but she's gone off on some stupid picnic and I can't find her.

I like that.

The biggest contract she'll ever sign in her life and she drifts off to some

picnic. I like that.

As soon as she turns up again, I'll have her sign the contract right away.

And I'll deliver it to you myself, in person.

You don't mind holding up the deal a day or two, do you, Gideon?

No, no, no, no, no.

Gentleman's agreement.

So when the picnic is over, call me.

Herb?

Yes, Gideon?

Did you hear that dialogue?

Get ready to sue Reuben Kaysen for breach of contract and possibly grand

And Herb. Yes, Gideon? From now on, I will deal with Miss Dearborn personally

all matters financial.

What happens if she won't sign, Gideon? You've committed about a million dollars

to her book already. That could be the straw that breaks this studio's back.

You devote yourself to the studio finances, Herb. And I will take care of

artistic temperament department.

Miss Dearborn will sign.

I have my little ways of arranging these methods.

Oh, shit.

I have some bad news, darling. My wife has suddenly decided to return home.

Oh, is she the jealous type?

Unfortunately, yes.

And without reason, of course.

Being your fifth wife must give her a sense of insecurity.

Well, that leaves me stranded for the evening.

Guess I'll go out to the beach and see that dearborn creature.

May I borrow a car once more, dear? The Rolls Royce will do.

Which one?

You know, I think I'll marry you simply because you're so rich.

My sweet, I simply can't afford another divorce.

Stephanie, why don't you leave this dearborn girl alone?

Why drag all this stuff about you and your dead husband through the courts

again? Excuse me. I'm Mr. Reuben Cason for you, Mrs. Carew.

And just who is Mr. Reuben Cason?

Is that what you've done with Tuesday and Thursday nights this week?

Sorry to barge in on your chat.

I thought it was your wife, of course.

Welcome, old friend.

Stephanie, this is Gideon Long, Stephanie Carew.

A pleasure.

Very much a pleasure.

How do you do, Mr. Long?

Tell me, what brings you out of the woodwork at this hour?

A party, of course.

A man throws a party, he needs guests, doesn't he?

I know it's useless to ask if your wife could attend, but I thought of you,

Chet.

And perhaps your charming friend would enjoy my humble home.

Well, if you're talking about tonight, it's completely out of the question.

Stephanie and I thought we might... None of that, none of that.

Nine or ten, whatever you like. The beach place was awesome.

Really, Chet, you owe your friend at least one party in Malibu.

Malibu?

Worth residence?

Oh, darling, it's you. I was just waiting for you to call.

Well, what happened? I rang before, but I was cut off. Stephanie, I gotta see

you. It's important.

Well, I'd love to, darling. I was just wishing I had something to do this

evening. Huh?

Stephanie!

Oh, and there's a party we can go to maybe later on.

Where?

Yes, I'll meet you right away.

Yes.

Bye -bye, gentlemen.

Thank you.

John. Oh, John.

Passengers for flight 330, please board immediately at gate five.

Stephanie?

Is it a small world, darling?

A friend of mine told me I might find you out here.

John, I'm going back to Chicago.

You mean you're running away.

What? Oh, John, stop it. You've been out here seeing that girl, haven't you?

Girl? What girl?

I don't know any girls in Los Angeles.

I got a job in Chicago selling, and I've got to travel quite a bit.

All right, all right, don't admit it. I'll just tell her that you left her to

face the music all alone.

You'll what?

You see, John, I'm on my way to have a little talk with Deborah right now.

Oh, look, Stephanie. So I'll simply tell her that you're a coward as well as a

thief.

Bye -bye, dear.

Don't miss your plane.

Shall we end this little game of cat and mouse, my dear?

I just adore martinis.

So you want to be a writer, do you?

I am a writer. Would people think so if I proved that your book is not original?

That certain details were supplied to you by my stepson, John Carew? I've

already told you I don't know any John Carew.

But that's not what he just told me.

But wouldn't you have to prove that those certain things in the book are

Then you admit they are.

End of games, dear boy.

Now you listen to me.

You're going to sign that contract with Gideon Long for $500 ,000 to make a

movie of our book.

And then to persuade me not to sue you, John, and Gideon Long, you're going to

pay me, and very handsomely.

How can you possibly want a movie made of my book?

If it is really the story of your life.

Oh, don't be naive, my dear. It bores me.

Now, here's an agreement between you and me, which when you pay me will make it

impossible for me to sue you. So just be a good little girl and sign it.

I'm not going to sign that.

Nor am I going to allow anyone to make a movie about a woman as terrible as...

If you don't sign this agreement, I shall simply have to sue you for

the book has made or will make. You will lose everything.

This house.

Your reputation as an honest writer, and of course, dear John, will be ruined.

So I shall leave this with you, my dear, while I go up the beach to a little

party. And I shall be back to pick it up.

Signed. At 11 o 'clock.

By the way, if I do sign it, about how much money will I have to give you?

Why, all of it, of course.

his office twice.

Well, please, Miss Dearborn, if you'll wait just a moment. Now, I did reach his

secretary, and she said Mr. Mason was out of town today, but he will be back

later tonight.

Oh? Perhaps an hour or two.

An hour.

All right, thank you.

Hi, Paul.

What are you doing out tonight?

Oh, I thought you might want to report on the Carew case.

On what?

Stephanie Carew. She's a client of yours, remember?

Who told you she was a client of mine?

Well, she did.

She got a hold of me this afternoon when you were out of town.

Wanted me to catch his stepson with a lady writer named Deborah Dearborn.

Well, I didn't spot them together, but I did tag the boy to the airport.

However, the Carew dame was apparently doing some tagging herself because...

Hello. Mr. Perry Mason, this is Deborah Dearborn.

I'm in trouble and need a lawyer.

What sort of trouble, Miss Dearborn?

Well, I'd rather not discuss it on the phone.

May I come and see you now? I know it's late, but... You see, I'm afraid.

Of Stephanie Carew?

Well, yes, but how did you know that?

I think I know, too, the sort of trouble she's threatening you with, Miss

Dearborn.

Let me assure you it's not going to get any worse during the night.

In fact, it might be a lot better by morning.

She is threatening me.

I know.

So tonight, don't sign anything or make any promises to anyone.

Just get a good night's sleep, and I'll come up to Malibu in the morning. We'll

find out if perhaps these threats aren't pretty empty. All right?

Well, thank you so much, Mr. Mason.

Where's Stephanie Carew now?

She had worse, I imagine.

So I understand that she's a houseguest out there.

My client.

We'll see about that.

Perry.

It'll be midnight before we get out to worse. That woman isn't going to get

with calling herself my client.

At midnight or any other time.

Let's go.

Barry, what are the ethics in a thing like this? I can't very well tell her I

didn't see young Carew at the airport.

The ethics are that you're not interested in becoming an accomplice in

blackmail. Also, she lied to you when she said...

I guess that's the kind of problem.

I found the body at 11 .57.

Paul took it from the pool and started on a visual respiration.

Yes, Doctor?

Persistent cutis anserana.

Used some conjunctival ecchymosis, some lividity.

I'd say drowning.

No external signs of violence except a few bruises.

But I think we're going to find the high alcohol content.

Well, I'm locating a relative to get consent for a autopsy. All right. But we

ought to tap for alcohol right away. It'll be gone in 24 hours.

Sure. Go right ahead.

Perry.

Hi, Paul. Looks like I told you to meet me at the wrong place. Nobody home?

Debra seems to have vanished.

Anderson wants to see us again.

Seems the brain tap showed that Stephanie was pretty drunk when she fell

pool.

Paul.

Stephanie's death takes too much pressure off too many people for an

Ruben Case and the agent, I find he's financially involved.

Gideon Long, she could have wrecked his picture and his studio.

Then there's Chet Worth and his wife, Miriam.

Not to mention John Carew. And where do you begin on a list like that? I'd say

John Carew had the most to gain.

Oh, he was on his way to Chicago last night. You sure?

The picture I took of him boarding the plane.

He even caught Stephanie in the same shot.

Any idea where she went from the airport?

Yeah, here.

Because I came out a few minutes later myself.

She told me to meet her here at 9 .30.

When I arrived, the Rolls Royce was parked out in front.

I went to find a phone to check with the office while I waited, and when I got

back, the car was gone.

Her car?

She's been jazzing around in one of Chet Worth's buggies for the past week.

How long do you estimate she was here with Deborah?

Less than half an hour.

Hello.

I'm Deborah Dearborn.

Miss Dearborn, I'm Perry Mason.

Of course. I'm sorry I wasn't here.

I mean, well, I just went down to the store.

But you were here all night.

Well, no, I wasn't here last night.

I was afraid Stephanie might come back.

Did you expect Stephanie to come back in the middle of the night?

For the papers she left.

She went down the beach to a party and said she would come back at 11 for the

papers. And these papers were, no doubt, a contract between you, forcing you to

pay her handsomely so she wouldn't sue you for libel.

Better let me see them.

They're in that chair.

She came back and took them.

But how did she get in?

Through this window, I guess.

She cut herself in the process.

Had you signed those papers?

No, because I want you to put a clause or something in them which will make her

stop hurting John.

That's her stepson.

I don't mind giving her the money, but I want to make sure that she never hurts

John again.

She won't. You don't know Stephanie.

She's mean and vicious and... Deborah.

She's dead.

Hurry, baby.

Long time no see.

Reuben.

I'm here on behalf of Deborah Dearborn.

Well, tell me she's in trouble.

Well, perhaps you are. When did you last see Stephanie Carew?

Who's she, an actor?

She's dead.

Oh. Oh, that must be the girl I read about, who drowned in Chet Worth's pool.

That's what they're saying.

Why should I know her? I can't afford to travel in that jet set.

Reuben. You're selling Deborah's novel to Gideon Long for $500 ,000, right?

Right. That's the deal.

Even though a couple of other companies might have paid more?

Who told you a thing like that?

Deborah is new to the movie business, Reuben, but I'm not.

Besides, I've been asking some questions.

Tell me, how much did Gideon Long slip you under the table to make sure you'd

close the deal with him?

Hey, Perry, baby, that's a good one. Wouldn't it be great if an agent could

afford to be an ethical like that? If a poor man like me could... I heard you

put $50 ,000 in the bank the other day.

So let's see.

Gideon might have paid you what?

$100 ,000 maybe?

I deny it. I absolutely categorically. Only now I understand Deborah refuses to

sign the final contracts on her book sale.

She's a baby, a child.

She'll change her mind just like any other genius.

But what if she doesn't, Ruben?

What about that little private payola of yours? Have you spent it already? The

whole hundred thousand?

Categorically, I refute every penny you say.

Or shall I guess again?

Did Stephanie Carew get some of that money, perhaps?

Did she hold you up, too?

And now, if Gideon should sue for breach of contract, if he should want that

money back, want to expose you... Stephanie was a slug.

A spider.

A black -hearted witch who didn't even need a broomstick.

So all right.

All right.

Yes. So maybe I had my little troubles with her, too.

But Perry, baby, this you gotta believe.

A nature doesn't kill people.

The way to break glass, Reuben, is to wrap your hand first.

Then you don't have to bandage it later.

Remember,

if I use the word camellia, buzz me with a message that says, Christ is on

stage.

And tape everything.

Mr. Mason, what a pleasure.

I've heard a great deal about you.

All very good, of course.

I'm sorry, there's no place to sit.

You see, my time is very valuable to the studio, and I found if my visitors sit

down, they stay longer.

I understand that your pre -production cost in Deborah Dearborn's book is close

to a million dollars. Is that correct?

I'm sparing neither money nor effort to create a film classic from the book, Mr.

Mason. Even though she hasn't signed the final contract yet?

We have verbal commitments and letters at our justice binding.

No. That's no problem. You mean now it's not so great a problem?

Now that Stephanie Carew is dead?

I thought you were here on behalf of Miss Dearborn.

I have to insist, Mr. Mason, that my visitors concern themselves only with

business at hand.

But weren't you acquainted with Stephanie?

Of course not.

How fortunate.

It occurred to me that she might have been in contact with you for some time.

Privately, of course.

Really, Mr. Mason?

Or even worse, that she might have threatened to sue you and your studio

libel.

Unless you paid her, oh, maybe a quarter or half a million dollars.

Lovely camellia, this, don't you think?

I use the same device in my office, but not the same key word.

No, no, I will not consent to an autopsy. Now look, we only got you back

Chicago as a formality. What reason would you have for not consenting, Mr.

Carew? I just don't want it, that's all. I'm her relative and I have the

authority to stop... All right, let me explain something to you.

If in the opinion of the coroner's office, death is the result of criminal

violence, casualty, suicide, or suddenly while in apparent health, or in any

suspicious or unusual manner, we have the power to examine that body without

consent of the nearest relative.

But none of those things applies to Stephanie.

She was drunk and fell in the pool.

Now, I've consulted a lawyer, and he says if you go ahead, I could sue you,

if you do work for the county.

I trust that the lawyer was not Mr.

Mason.

They have justification for going right ahead, John.

You don't have to consent, but isn't it pointless not to?

Wouldn't it look rather strange, in fact, if you kept on objecting?

Mr. Paul, did you talk to the medical examiner? Yep. They ran the gutler on

Stephanie. She didn't fall into that pool.

What? Her death wasn't caused by drowning?

No, she drowned all right, but not in Shedworth's swimming pool.

Stephanie drowned in the ocean.

All right, what else?

Well, with the bruises and all, they say she could have been held under or even

knocked out first.

You mean they're going to call it murder?

That's what it'll say on the warrant.

Warrant? You mean they think they already know who did it?

Yeah.

You.

Doctor, on what do you base your decision that Stephanie Carew was

the ocean?

Well, seawater with its high concentration of sodium chloride when

during drowning causes the blood in the left side of the heart to acquire a much

higher salt content than that in the right.

Is it possible, Doctor, that Mrs. Carew was almost drowned in the ocean?

That is to say, up to the point where she was unconscious but still alive and

then actually drowned in the swimming pool.

No. No, there would have been inhalation of a detectable amount of fresh water.

There was no fresh water.

In short, she was drowned in the ocean, and then her body was put in a swimming

pool. I can only say that she was drowned in the ocean.

Thank you, Doctor. That'll be all cross -examined.

No questions.

Just where was this beach robe found, Lieutenant?

Well, on the day after the murder, police officers in a patrol car found

robe stuffed in a culvert on Ellis Street.

They notified homicide later that day.

Ellis Street. Is that anywhere near the Worth residence where the deceased's

body was found floating in the swimming pool?

About two blocks from there, yes.

On the same street.

I see.

Now, did you have this robe subjected to laboratory analysis, Lieutenant?

Yes, sir, I did.

We found that the inside of the robe had been in contact with salt water.

Enough so the salt water had penetrated through the cloth to the back of the

robe. As if it had been worn by somebody wet with salt water.

Exactly. And now I call your attention to this label, Lieutenant. Would you

please read it for us?

The Varsity Shop, Lansing, Michigan. Thank you.

Your Honor, at this time I would like to introduce into evidence a duplicate

sales slip sent to my office by the Varsity Shop in Lansing, Michigan.

It shows that this beach robe was purchased by Deborah Dearborn when she

student at Lansing two years ago.

Well, this slip shows that the defendant bought a beach robe, Mr. Berger, but

not necessarily the one in evidence.

Well, Your Honor, she bought a robe which was terrycloth and maroon.

Mr. Mason?

I have no objection to the exhibit, Your Honor.

Thank you.

Now, Lieutenant, I call your attention to this evening wrap or stole.

You heard Mrs. Miriam Worth testify that this wrap belonged to the decedent.

And furthermore, she said that she saw the decedent actually wearing it the

night of her death.

Is that correct?

It is.

Will you tell us where the police found this stall next day? It was locked in

the trunk of Deborah Dearborn's car.

And in what condition was the stall when it was found?

It had been soaked in seawater and was heavily encrusted with beach sand.

Now, Mrs. Mitchell, from your house, which you say is only 150 feet up the

from the defendant's house, just exactly what did you see on the night in

question? Well, when I glanced out of my window, I saw the deceased come out of

Deborah, Miss Dearborn's house, and walk down along the beach.

He was wearing that black evening outfit like you showed me in the picture, with

a stole around her shoulders.

And the next time I glanced out, Deborah was out there with her, down further on

the beach, walking along.

Deborah was wearing that beach robe and her slacks.

and it seems to me as though they were arguing or something.

Why do you think they were arguing?

Well, I can't say for sure, of course, but they seemed to be tugging at each

other. It looked to me as though Miss Dearborn were trying to strike that

woman. And then what happened?

Well, then the telephone rang.

You see, unfortunately, this friend of mine, she just had an operation, and

complications had set in, and she wanted to explain.

Now, Mrs.

Mitchell... How long did you talk to your friend on the phone?

Fifteen minutes? Twenty minutes?

Oh, heavens, I don't know.

But anyway, the next time I looked out, all I could see was Deborah alone. She

was just coming up out of the surf, running up to her house and inside.

And then?

That's all there is.

I don't want to spy on people.

Besides, nothing else happened, so I watched the TV.

I think you managed to see quite enough, Mrs. Mitchell. Thank you.

House examined.

Now, Mrs. Mitchell, from your house, can you actually see the door and steps of

Miss Dearborn's house?

Well, not on the roadside. I can't see that. But the beachfront, yes, indeed, I

can see every bit.

Even at night?

Well, of course.

You could see the color of that beach robe, for instance, so well that you

identify it as Miss Dearborn's?

Oh, no, I didn't say I saw the color. Besides, they were way down by the surf.

But I saw Deborah earlier that evening.

Before dark.

And that's what she was wearing.

Her robe and slacks.

Oh, it was her, all right.

It was a car, just like the defendant's, all right. I live six houses down.

I passed her up almost every day since she moved in. And on that narrow road.

Will you please just describe how you passed the car that particular night?

Well, she was picking up speed from the front of her house like a bat out of...

Well, I had to turn toward the ditch. She was on the wrong side of the road.

But you say that you could recognize the car. Now, could you see anything inside

the car?

Well, not much. I got a glimpse of the passenger on my side.

It was a woman with her head flopped back like she was drunk or going to

or something. And her hair was a mess.

Could you see whether she was wearing a black evening gown?

No.

No, but she had something wrapped around her shoulder.

Something like...

Like that robe there.

I was walking my dog, you see.

And I walked past the Chetworth residence.

And what did you see there?

Well, I saw a car.

Like the car you showed me in a photograph.

The defendant's car.

Parked in the worst driveway.

Could you tell if Mr. and Mrs. Worth were home at that time?

Well, no.

There weren't any lights, just the empty car there in the drive.

And did you see that car again later?

A few minutes later, down the block, it came past me, I guess.

Well, at least I heard it, and then saw lights.

Oh, but I didn't really look.

Then it drove off down Ellie Street, and of course, I live on Vandermeer.

Now I'd like to show you another picture of a car.

That's it.

That's the same car with the top down like that.

Thank you.

Now, here is an overview.

Why, that's the same one, too.

They're just all pictures of the same car.

No, they're all different cars.

Only the same make and model.

They belong to a car rental company, Your Honor. The same company from which

defendant rented her car when she arrived in town ten days ago. As I'm

prosecutor is well aware.

Well, I knew that Stephanie had been trying to keep tab on her stepson, John

Carew. And I'd heard that he was going to take a plane that night, so I told

about it and later drove her out to the airport.

And what did you do after that?

Then I drove Stephanie out from Miss Dearborn's house at Malibu.

I waited for Debra to answer the door and let Stephanie in, and then I went on

about my business.

And during the drive to Malibu, did Stephanie say anything about the meeting

planned to have with the defendant?

Oh, yes, yes. She said she was going to have a talk with her.

That she'd sue the kid for every dime her book ever made. I'll shape her up,

said. I'll settle that girl right as hash. Don't you worry.

Thank you, sir. That'll be all.

Cross the exam.

Mr. Kaysen, after you left Mrs. Carew at the defendant's house, where did you

go? Well, there was this party in the Malibu colony.

And Stephanie, she said that she'd walk up the beach and meet me there.

At the home of Gideon Long?

Oh, yes. Real fancy stuff.

Mr. Cason, how did it happen that you drove Mrs. Carew that evening?

Hasn't she been using a car that belonged to Mr. Chetworth?

Hurry, baby, when a gal says drive, I drive.

I don't know. Maybe she left Mr. Worth's car at home. Who cares?

And you just drive a small car, I believe.

Is it my fault I'm a poor man?

How about later that evening?

You went back to Deborah's house, correct?

Well, no.

And there cut your arm while breaking a window?

I'll see you here.

Mr. Cason.

Did you steal out of the defendant's house a certain agreement or contract

there earlier by Stephanie Carew?

Now, one moment, Mr. Mason.

You're leading us witness into matters we haven't yet heard. Please, the court.

We had not intended to introduce this particular matter just yet.

However, since it bears on documentary evidence we intend to introduce later of

the defendant's strong motive for killing Mrs. Carew that night, And since

question has been asked at this time, we have no objection to the witness

answering.

Well, yeah, yeah.

I broke into Deborah's house, but those papers might have said something about

me, understand?

I mean, I didn't do it till after I heard on the radio about Stephanie

Ask Mr. Berger.

I didn't do that crazy thing till three, four the next morning.

So what?

With a couple of martinis, a man makes a little mistake in judgment.

So what?

Say, didn't I turn over that burned document to Mr. Berger?

Perry, Perry, baby, I didn't kill anybody.

Deborah, what about that evening wrap?

The stole they found hidden in the trunk of your car?

Oh, I couldn't help it if they found it there before I could tell Mr. Mason.

See, I discovered the stole on the beach the next day. But you've gone back to

your office or someplace.

Only I was afraid by then.

And I thought I'd better hide it.

I know about the stole, Della.

But it's just one more circumstantial thing, isn't it?

And they keep adding up the circumstances against me that I can't

Yes, Deborah.

I'm afraid they made a good enough case to have you bound over for trial.

Thanks largely to Reuben Casey.

Any luck, Paul? Well, maybe.

There's your stuff from the airport.

Only, Perry, what about that car testimony?

I'll swear it was the rolls I saw in front of Deborah's house.

Yes, Perry, you didn't cross -examine those witnesses hardly at all.

Why, that neighbor could have seen anything then. It wasn't the right time,

Dilla, that's all.

You'll get your turn, Paul, as soon as you do a little closet rating for me.

Do what?

I'm going to put on a defense, starting with Mr. John Carew. But I was in

Chicago.

You said yourself your own investigator photographed me getting on the plane.

Mr. Mason, I couldn't possibly... Mr. Carew, my investigator has now found

there were 64 ticketed passengers for that flight.

But the stewardess tells him her onboard count showed only 63.

So I'll ask you again.

When did you fly to Chicago?

I took a later plane, a little after midnight.

After I got to my seat the first time, I realized I couldn't leave Deborah alone

with Stephanie.

So I ran off the plane, but before they shut the door.

And then where did you go?

Straight to Deborah's house at the beach?

No. No, of course not.

You didn't have any way of getting there, did you?

What? Where did you go, Mr. Carew?

To the car rental place at the airport.

And ask for a car similar to the one they'd rented to Deborah ten days

No. They all look the same. I didn't notice.

And then what?

I remind you, you've sworn to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.

Young man.

I've already declared you an unfriendly witness.

Now answer the question.

I want to know what you did that night, too.

I went out to Malibu, but there wasn't anybody there.

At Deborah's, I mean.

So I walked around to the beach side, and I saw something in the shallow

It was Bethany.

She was dead.

All I could think of was that Deborah might be in trouble.

I'd already put her in so much trouble. So you carried Stephanie's body up to

your car?

Yes. What about the beach robe?

Well, she looked half naked in that evening dress.

I mean, in the open car.

And I found Deborah's robe on the deck where she always leaves it. And then you

drove Stephanie's body up to the Worth House?

Yes.

After I put her in the pool, I thought I'd better get rid of that robe.

I didn't think they'd look into covert.

Then I went back to the airport and grabbed the next plane.

Then I lied to the police about where I'd been.

I'm sorry, Deborah.

Mr. Berger, it would seem you have here at the very least an accessory after the

fact. It would also seem your case against the defendant would need re

-examination. May it please the court.

I believe our case against Deborah Dearborn is only strengthened by this

man's confession.

Obviously, he too was sure the defendant killed Stephanie Carew.

So sure that he was willing to... And may it please the court, I would like to

go on with my defense of Miss Dearborn.

Very well, Mr. Macy's.

You may proceed.

I saw what I saw. I've already explained. Yes, you've already admitted

dark, the beach was some distance away, and that the road was even less visible.

I'm not going to change one word I've said.

But, Mrs. Mitchell, could you hear a car or cars driving to or from Deborah's

house that night?

Well, let's see.

Well, yes, of course, we always hear them.

Over your telephone conversation?

Over the television?

That's right.

I guess I didn't hear anything that night.

Thank you, Mrs. Mitchell.

You also say you did not see any cars at her house that night.

Well, I was only in the living room, so I didn't see on that side.

Well, of course, you can't tell us what kind of car was there, how big a car.

No. Your Honor, I would like to have this witness step down for a moment.

For what reason, Mr. Mason?

I'd like to call Mr. Gideon Long to the stand.

Worth? Chet Worth?

Yes, he came to my party.

What about Mrs. Worth?

I believe she was there, too.

Of course she was. I remember my surprise.

Well, never mind. How did they come?

Do you recall that?

In a rose, I suppose.

Not really, Mason.

With all these people running in and out, perhaps you should ask one of my

servants that sort of thing.

I have men doing so right now.

Indeed? Because I'm really concerned by this. Did either Chetworth or his wife

leave your party at any time?

Let me think now.

I believe they arrived rather early.

Then, of course, there was a crisis in the kitchen and someone spoke some

over my favorite polar bear.

Good heavens, Your Honor.

I can't really answer that properly. I can't really say who came and went.

Reuben Cason was there, too, of course.

No, no, no. I wouldn't dare point the finger.

My parties are far from entertaining for anyone to notice who's there.

All right, Mr. Long.

Then you might as well... May I have a moment, Your Honor?

If the court please, I'd like Mrs. Mitchell to return to the stand now.

Very well, Mr. Long. You may step down.

I remind you, you are still under oath, Mrs. Mitchell.

Just a moment, Mr. Long.

Mrs. Mitchell, when you looked out on the beach that night and saw Stephanie

Carew in evening dress fighting with a person clad in dark slacks and what you

thought was a beach coat, did that person look anything like this?

Oh, my, for heaven's sakes.

Order. Order, please. Order.

Anything like a man in evening clothes and a cake? How dare you?

What do you think you're doing?

Well, Mrs. Mitchell?

I didn't even know that Stephanie creature.

And I submit that you only pretended not to know her.

I submit that you've been dealing with her for some time.

I am not going to admit anything.

Mr. Long, who else would wear an evening cake like yours?

Who else would... I'm warning you.

If you broke into my house, into my closet without a search warrant... And,

Long, what kind of car do you drive?

A Rose, of course.

Don't you know who I am?

Yes, Mr. Long.

You're a murderer.

I'm going to make a mouthpiece out of your little book, my dear.

The sort of picture only Gideon Long can produce.

If only the creature hadn't come to you for money.

Come to Ruben?

You see, I'd already made a deal with her.

But then I realized what she was doing behind my back when I saw the endless

depth of her greed.

I'm only an artist.

What else could I do?

Do you mean I was in swimming while... She was already on the surf dead when

came out of the house.

And if I didn't last long, Gideon just blew up, hit her, and then he shoved her

into the water.

And ran when he saw you come out to go swimming.

He really had no intention of your being blamed.

Something else.

That wasn't really Gideon's cape that Perry scared him with in court.

Looking in a closet is one thing, stealing is another.

So I just rented a cape that looked like his.

But, Mr. Mason, what about Johnny Carew?

I'll help him all I can, Deborah. But he was an accessory.

But only to protect me.

That's all he was trying to do.

That's all that's really important.

No. The courts will still have to... Oh, Perry.

She means important to her.

Johnny finally got up and did something.

What else is important to a woman?