Original subtitles

Accordingly, for the crime of murder in the first degree.

I sentence you, James Wallace.

To be put to death by electrocution.

[ Female scream! ]

Don't cry, mama.

Don't cry.

During the week beginning Monday April 6th.

This sentence shall be carried out in the State's prison.

In the manner provided by law.

And may God have mercy on your soul.

My soul?

You mean the district attorney's soul.

That will do.

Your Honor, I ask that the prisoner be given a chance to have his say.

That's for the newspapers.

I'm just another headline for you.

The eighteenth guy you've railroaded to the electric chair.

Because you want the governor's chair.

Wait a minute. Let him finish.

Why don't you finish?

Why don't you send her up too?

And the kids. They're as guilty as I am.

That makes twenty instead of eighteen. - Take this man out of here.

I didn't kill anybody. I didn't.

I'm no murderer.

You are.

You are. Your hands are full of blood.

You kill them wholesale.

Go on. Run for governor.

You rotten shyster.

You dirty son of a ..

I submit to Your Honor whether or not I conducted this trial in a proper manner.

You have indeed. I shall order it spread on the record.

I thank Your Honor.

May I suggest, in fairness to the prisoner, his remarks also be included?

It is so ordered. - Thank you.

The court is adjourned.

The court is adjourned.

Come on, Barry.

What a showman that guy Burton is.

Well, that was short and snappy.

How about Wallace insisting he was innocent?

What did you want him to do, confess?

Mr Burton, how does it feel to send a man to the chair?

I can tell you in one word:

Rotten.

Wait, boys. The folks won't know it's me unless I have a woman with me.

Come here, Barry.

So long, Mr Burton. - So long.

Congratulations, boss. Another feather in your cap.

Thanks, Fuller.

Another feather in my cap.

Yes. A horse feather.

Huh?

Didn't you hear what the judge said about me?

My able and fearless presentation of the people's case?

The people had no case.

All they had was a very clever district attorney.

If you'd been Wallace's lawyer he'd be a free man today.

He was convicted on circumstantial evidence and you know it.

What's the difference as long as he's guilty?

You didn't prove he is. You just made the jury think so.

The man is guilty.

I know you think he is.

Maybe you're right.

But it's all wrong.

Why don't the people have a defense attorney as well as a prosecutor?

Why don't you write a letter to The Times about it?

How about the papers for the Gorman trial?

I'm away to an appointment now.

I don't need 3 guesses who it's with.

A smart girl like you wouldn't.

Bill.

Hello Tommy.

What do you know? - Plenty.

Tramp, tramp, tramp.

The boys are marching.

Anybody in particular? - Nick Quinn.

Thanks, Tommy. - You're welcome.

Cigarette me, Nicky.

Billy darling.

Just in time for lunch.

Or breakfast. What time is it?

That mug just woke me up.

You know Nick Quinn, don't you?

He wanted to see you.

I did phone you at your office.

Wait a minute. I crave coffee.

Room service?

Mr Burton.

I just dropped in to tell you that you have a big box of cigars coming.

I made a lot of dough on that Wallace case.

Before the jury went out I laid 8-5 he'd get the chair.

Now it's in the bag.

What shall I order, Hon?

Why don't you go on a cheese diet?

It's good for rats.

What's eating you? Got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning?

No .. you did.

Val, I think I'll fix you up a coat of arms.

A chisel rampant.

On a field of double crosses.

Wait a minute. I'm not on the witness stand.

If I am .. if I'm intruding, people.

Wait a minute.

Come here.

You're alright. You belong here.

There's something I want to tell you about this ..

This lady.

It may relieve you to know I'm not taking up my option on her.

What's that to do with me?

You won't have to sneak in here anymore.

Sneak in?

I've been called a lot of things in this man's town but never a sucker.

Well. She's yours, Quinn.

For better or worse.

She should make a swell running mate for you.

A two-time gal for a small-time crook.

Are you going to let that shyster say those things about me?

Sure he is. He's a stranger to the truth.

But he can't help recognising it now.

Quinn, you've done me a favor by picking her out of my hair.

Now I'll do you a favor.

I'll give you a tip.

You stick to petty larceny.

Because if you quit dealing from the bottom of the deck and get ambitious.

You're liable to run into me in court someday.

And if you ever do.

Please.

I'm going to a Turkish bath.

Who?

Who told him?

What's the difference?

You aren't going to sue him for libel, are you?

Got hold of Burton? - No.

His office said he'd gone to the races.

If he hasn't got anything to say we'll say it for him.

Here you are, sir. - Thanks.

Here's an editorial that I just wrote.

Listen to this.

Does the city need an executioner for a district attorney?

A persecutor for a prosecutor.

Isn't this socking the guy pretty heard when he's down?

He socked Wallace pretty hard when he was down.

Run it. - Yes, sir.

Robbie.

I want you to meet Tommy Crowell of the corporation council's office.

How do you do?

Of course this isn't for publication just yet.

But you're shaking hands with the future district attorney.

How do you do?

Come here, Barry. Bring your book.

The bridge of sighs, Barry.

I've sent a lot of people over that bridge.

With one-way tickets.

To the big house.

Alright. Take a letter.

To his Excellency the Governor.

Dear sir.

For reasons that are self-evident.

I can no longer function as district attorney.

From now on I'm going to devote myself ..

To the defense of accused persons.

Instead of to their prosecution.

Please consider this my formal resignation.

To take effect as soon as you can appoint my successor.

What's the matter? Something wrong with your ears?

Yes. I can't believe them.

Just because some newspapers and a few political enemies ..

It isn't this.

I don't care what they say.

There's only one critic I'm afraid of.

Who? - Myself.

I am guilty.

Of what?

Murder.

You're nothing of the sort.

You thought Wallace was guilty. So did everybody else.

You gave him a fair trial.

You even let him abuse you in open court.

You've got no right. - Barry.

You know, I can't make you out.

When everyone is patting me on the back you tear into me.

Now everyone is taking a poke at me .. - It's different.

I was arguing in principle then.

And now?

Now you're in a spot.

'Spot' is the word.

X marks the spot.

Ex-prosecutor.

Write that letter.

Where are you going? - To pay a bill.

I'll take care of you.

Is your mother in, Paul?

Haven't you done enough to us?

Get out of here. Get out of here!

Who is it, Paul?

Mrs Wallace.

Mrs Wallace.

I know what you're thinking.

I don't blame you.

You can't say anything to me that I haven't already said to myself.

There's nothing to say.

Please, Mrs Wallace. Just listen to me.

I ..

I can't give you back your husband's life.

And I can't give back to Paul his father.

But I can try to give him those things his father wanted him to have.

We don't want anything from you. - Wait a minute, son. Listen.

This afternoon, Mrs Wallace, I made out my will.

And I've left you and Paul everything I have.

In the meantime, all I've got ..

Is yours whenever you want it.

That much I can do for you.

Will you let me?

Please.

Please let me help you.

Don't take it, mom. Don't.

You're making her cry.

Now you get out of here.

You get out of here.

Don't cry, mom.

Don't cry.

Come in, Barry.

Oh boy, what a game.

When I retire I'll buy 2 football teams and have them play for me night and day.

You should have been with us this afternoon.

Sorry. I had a law office on my hands.

Somebody has to stick around.

That's the trouble. Football games should be legal holidays.

Barry, that kid was great this afternoon.

Great.

I know. I heard it all on the radio.

That's not like being there and seeing it.

What do they do with football heroes when they graduate?

I'm taking this one into my office.

His mother wants me to make a lawyer out of him.

It seems a shame to make an ordinary lawyer out of a great football player.

Maybe you're right.

Come here, Barry.

Come here.

How old are you?

That's a leading question.

Incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial.

I am ..

Somewhere between twenty and thirty.

Why don't you get married?

What you trying to do, get rid of me?

You know better than that.

I'd like it if you meant that.

Of course I mean it.

Why did you ask me that question?

I don't know. Curiosity, I guess.

If you must know.

I don't believe in marriage.

Miss Barry, please.

What's the matter? You don't believe in it yourself.

There's somebody waiting out there to see you.

Who?

She claims to be an old friend.

Val Lorraine.

Well, I'm leaving.

When Paul arrives tell him I'll meet him at the club.

Running out?

Who, me?

Certainly not.

I'll see her.

Barry.

Alright, Miss Lorraine.

It's alright, Bill. Don't get up.

Sit down.

Mind if I smoke?

What do you want, Val?

Can't you imagine me dropping in on you without wanting something?

No.

Bill.

Isn't there a statue of limitations on grudges?

You handed me some raw medicine when we quit.

I forgave you years ago.

I've been one of your greatest boosters.

When you quit the DA's office and went into private practice ..

I told everybody you'd be the greatest defense lawyer in town.

Look what happened.

In these ten years you've cleared twice as many men as you sent up before.

I tell you, Bill. I'm proud and happy .. - What did Nick send you up here for?

Nick? - Hmm.

What?

Don't you know that Nick and I are through?

I haven't seen him for months.

I've been going around with an awfully nice man from Grand Rapids.

He's in the furniture business.

We're going to be married in the spring.

What do you want me to do? Give the bride away?

That's just what I don't want you to do, Bill.

I'm crazy about this man.

I want to marry him and settle down.

I want to have a home.

Kids.

Go on, Val.

You're doing fine.

Alright, wise-guy.

If I can't appeal to your decency maybe you'll talk business.

That's better. When you talk business you're not funny.

What are you after?

You're the attorney for those blue-nosed reformers in the Citizen's Committee.

Attorney?

I organize the committee.

We're now ready to send to jail the crook who was bribing city officials.

For covering up the joints and gambling houses around town.

You know about that, don't you?

No.

You ought to. Because it's your Mr Quinn who's going to jail.

Yes. How did you do it?

You got someone to break into Nick's safe and steal all his records.

Val.

For a lady who's about to settle down and raise kids in Grand Rapids ..

You certainly have a surprising grasp on the facts.

Listen, Bill. You always hated reformers.

Return the records and get you ten times more than you get from the committee.

No. Not interested. I represent that committee without a fee.

You mean nobody will pay you? - Oh yes. Nick Quinn.

Nick? How?

By doing his bit in the big house. That's my pay.

Bill, why don't you lay off Nick?

He's willing to do the right thing.

If he ever did the right thing the shock would kill him.

Billy.

I used to mean something to you.

For old times' sake won't you do this for me?

I thought Quinn didn't mean anything to you anymore.

He doesn't.

Don't you see? I used to work with him.

If he goes up the river he'd squeal on me and I'd go too.

Anyway.

It ruined my chances to marry this man from De Bute.

Grand Rapids.

Anyway, it wouldn't do to let you raise kids, Val.

One of them might turn out to be like you.

Alright, Bill.

You think you got us where you want us.

This is one case you're not going to win. I'll tell you why.

Because it's never coming up.

If it does you won't be around to try it.

You won't be alive to try it.

Nick will see to that.

Did you get everything, Barry?

Including the exclamation marks.

Okay. Six copies.

Thanks for dropping in, Miss Lorraine.

Good afternoon.

Office of William J. Burton.

Good afternoon.

How did you make out, baby?

Get off my bed, Quinn.

Your bed?

Yes. And take that hat off. You know it's bad luck.

What did you get?

Bronx cheer.

Burton has waited ten years to get you into a courtroom.

Try and stop him.

You'll have to go some if you want to get those records out of his safe.

If you'll do something yourself instead of lying around waiting for me ..

Lying around?

I've been doing some thinking.

It's all my fault, baby.

I sent you to the wrong guy.

Listen, Val. When we get out of this jam you're going to write a book.

Called: 'The men in my life'.

The last chapter will be about a good-looking football hero.

If they were going to slap me in the jaw with a 20-year stretch in prison ..

I wouldn't stand around kidding.

I'm not kidding.

Meet Mr Paul Wallace.

Star quarterback.

All American. All set.

All yours.

Burton thinks more of this kid than he would of his own son.

I've always wanted to tackle a football hero.

That's the girl.

Well, we've got two chances to get those records back.

Paul Wallace and a guy called Mugg Malone.

Burton's chauffeur and bodyguard.

You go for Paul.

I go for Mugg.

I use money.

You use .. - I use my own judgement.

Mr Burton, nice weather we have today.

Yes, yes.

Tomorrow will be a nice day too. - Thank you, sir.

Never mind. I will go.

Hello. How are you? - Late again.

I'm sorry.

You're always late.

Yes. But it's an old habit of mine.

Steak? - No.

Gefilte fish? - No.

Corned beef hash? - Yes.

Hello Mugg.

How are you, Nick?

Say. Get a load of this.

Take a card. Any one at all.

I bet I can tell you what card you picked.

A hundred to ten says you can't. - It's a bet.

Ace of spades.

Never try to sell ice to an Eskimo.

No. Keep your dollar.

I want to give you some.

Well.

Step right into my office.

Why isn't Paul here?

Another appointment, he said.

Well.

Maybe he doesn't like the idea of having dinner with me.

How can you say such a thing?

After all you've done for us.

Mugg. How long you been with Burton?

Oh.

About ten years.

Before that you were a safe-blower? - Say. I didn't have to blow 'em.

Just needed a little sandpaper and .. - Like to make some easy money?

Easy?

How much?

Five grand.

Who do you want rubbed out?

Nothing like that.

I want you to crack a safe for me.

Burton's.

I don't want to steal any money. I don't want you to steal anything.

I just want you get back something that belongs to me.

That ought to be a cinch for you, Mugg.

You can get into his office any time. - Just what are you after?

Just a few papers. That's all. Some stuff that was stolen from me.

I know. Cancelled checks and things? - Yeah. That's it.

Five grand if you get them back.

Why not?

Listen. I got my professional pride.

An artist like me couldn't think of pulling the same job twice.

What do you mean, twice?

It was me that cracked the crate in your office to get them papers for the boys.

You can't expect me to go back like a low-down repeater.

Paul didn't tell me when he called.

I'm quite sure his appointment was with some woman.

Somebody he's been seeing a lot of. - Really?

Somebody he called 'Val'

What's the matter?

Oh nothing. Nothing at all. Excuse me.

Where are you going? - To make a call.

Bill, this is indeed a pleasure.

Is Paul Wallace there?

No. Why?

Never mind why.

Just lay off him.

Is that a request or an order?

It's a tip.

And you know I pay off.

Your pal Nicki finds that out next week.

Maybe we can make a deal.

If you really want me to do what you're asking.

I'm not asking. I'm telling you.

Is that so? Well ..

Hello?

What's the matter, Val?

You better go home, honey. The party is off.

Why?

I mustn't see you anymore.

What are you talking about?

I just had orders to stay away from you. - Orders?

Whose orders? - Burton's.

What right has he to give you any orders?

He hasn't any right.

But he has a lot of knowledge.

He must have found out we cared for each other.

Paul, I warned you not to tell him. - I didn't.

I never mentioned your name.

What has that to do with it? Tell me.

Paul, please. - Tell me.

Please, Val. Tell me.

I hoped I wouldn't have to, honey.

I know what he means to you.

He's been after me ever since I met him.

If you only knew how rotten he is.

He murdered your father.

Now he thinks it's okay because he paid for your education and gave you a job.

That's what's called getting away with murder.

He's the kind who thinks he can take whatever he wants.

But not me.

I'll die first.

Val. Please, honey.

Paul.

Where are you going?

Don't go to Burton.

You'll only make things worse.

He'll try to take you away from me.

I couldn't stand that.

He'll tell you lies about me. - I wouldn't believe him.

No. You mustn't, Paul.

I haven't told you but ..

He has something he can use against me and he's already threatened to use it.

You don't want to hurt me, do you? - No, darling.

I'd do anything in the world to keep you from being hurt.

You know that .. don't you?

Paul.

Do sit down.

You're wearing out that rug.

Ruth. When is he coming?

You've been with Burton a long time.

You know more about him than anyone.

More about him than he does himself. - Then maybe you can tell me something.

Is he ..

Is he interested in a girl by the name of Valeska Lorraine?

I mean.

Has he paid her any special attention?

I don't think that comes under the heading of 'office business', Paul.

I wouldn't ask you unless I had a good reason.

Maybe you should speak to him about it.

Morning, Barry.

Hello Paul.

We missed you at dinner last night.

I understand you were out with a lady.

Perhaps I'm not entirely correct.

You were out with Val Lorraine.

Does that constitute a felony or a misdemeanour?

It isn't a crime.

It's just a mistake. That's all.

Don't get me wrong, Paul.

I'm the last person in the world to expect you to be a hermit.

But with two million assorted cuties floating around, why pick Val Lorraine?

I take it you object? - Decidedly.

Why?

It happens that I know Val pretty well.

Too well.

I could tell you a lot of reasons.

To keep away from her.

Is one of the reasons the fact you're interested in her yourself?

What put that idea in your head? - Why don't you answer?

Listen, Paul.

I'm not in the habit of panning women. Except to their faces.

But in this case I think I can make an exception.

Val Lorraine has just one interest in men.

And that it to take them for everything they've got.

Including the gold in their teeth.

She's no good. - You dirty ..

I knew you'd lie about her.

I wouldn't believe you. - Wait, son.

Don't call me son. You spend money on me and think you've a right to run my life.

You haven't. I don't want any more of your money.

I'm sorry we took a cent of it. - Let me say something.

Let me tell you something.

I will marry Val Lorraine.

If you ever say anything against her to me or anybody else I will ..

[ Buzzer ]

What you want to do that for?

You said there was something in it that implicated you.

Couldn't you see that for yourself?

I didn't open it.

I don't care anything about your past, Val.

Whatever it is, it's all over.

Here, give me that. - No. I want it.

You've no idea how handy that envelope is going to be.

What do you mean, Val?

I'll tell you after we've had a drink.

Come on. Take your coat off.

You don't know how happy you've made me, Paulie-boy.

Hello Bill.

I've been trying to get you for an hour.

Listen. There's a friend of yours up here with me.

A boob by the name of Paul Wallace.

Cluttering up my apartment.

You'd better come up and get him. Be sure to bring your check-book along.

I'll tell you why.

I've got those records you stole from Nick.

If you don't believe me run over to your office and take a look in your safe.

If you must know, Paul got them for me.

You can have them back if you want them.

If you're not interested, Nicky is.

You know me.

The highest bidder.

Paul.

Paul.

Paul!

Paul.

Paul.

Snap out of it.

Paul. Pull yourself together.

Snap into it now. You have to. Do you hear me?

Oh hello.

What happened?

She passed out too. Yeah.

She's dead.

She is ..?

She's dead? - Yep.

You probably left fingerprints.

Wait a minute. Come here and sit down.

She is dead. Come on.

She's dead?

She is .. she's dead.

Quiet. Quiet, Paul.

Did I?

Did I ..? - I don't know. Did you?

I don't remember. - You must do.

Paul, you've got to remember. You've got to. You've got to!

Now did you?

Come on now.

Yes. Yes.

I heard what she said to you.

I knew she was making a fool of me. - Quiet.

I asked her for the envelope.

She wouldn't give it to me.

I tell you, I was crazy. - Alright.

Alright. Pull yourself together.

What do we do?

What do we do? Tell me. What do we do?

Pull yourself together. Do you hear me?

Keep quiet.

You've got to get out of here.

Get up. Stand up.

Now listen to me, Paul.

Get home as fast as you can.

Don't let anybody see you. Don't talk to anyone.

Not even your mother.

Leave the rest to me. Here you are.

Go on. Get out of here.

Wait. Not that way. Come here.

Here.

Put on these gloves.

Fingerprints. Come on.

Just singing and rolling along.

It's alright, boy.

Call the police.

The number is Spring 73100.

Yes, sir.

Spring.

73100.

Spring.

73100.

Spring.

7-3.

1 - 0.

Oh.

Yes, sir.

Judge Burton.

He always gets his man.

How many was it you sent up to burn? Eighteen?

I'd go for nineteen.

I got a stock market tip for you, Burton.

Buy Edison Electric.

No. Sell it short.

It's your doing now, Burton.

I'll bet you're pretty blue. - Blue?

He'll turn yellow when he gets the chair.

Shut up, you mugs.

I know. I know. It's going to be hard.

Burton is big game.

Crowell is no different to any other district attorney.

His body is in New York and his soul is in Albany.

Crowell would rather send Burton up than any other six men.

It's no easy order.

I know. That's why we want the best defense we can get.

That's why I sent for you. - What will his defense be?

I don't know. He hasn't said anything about it to anybody. Not even me.

But you'll take the case?

I'd rather defend Bill Burton than any man I know. He's a prince.

I'm telling you he's a prince.

And if he killed Val Lorraine he deserves a medal.

But with the district attorney seeing a chance to make a big reputation.

There will be plenty of tourists.

But you'll take it? - Naturally I'll take it.

Only. - Only what?

My fee is fifty thousand dollars.

25 thousand as a retainer.

But Mr Steiner ..

Let's understand each other.

Steiner costs money.

If it were anybody else I'd ask a hundred thousand.

It isn't as if he doesn't have money. Everyone knows he's full of it.

Of course, but $25,000 in advance?

I'm a lawyer.

And a businessman.

I told you my fee.

Burton is a pal of mine.

So is Steiner.

And I have to think of him first.

Alright. You'll have your money.

Splendid. It will be an honor and a privilege to handle the case.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Mr Steiner.

Mr Carter?

This is Ruth Barry.

Mr Burton's secretary.

I thought you'd like to know we've hired Abe Steiner to handle the defense.

Yes. That's what I called you about.

You see, Mr Steiner wants a lot of money in advance and we're going to need help.

I would give my right arm for Bill.

But you know what the market did to me.

I'd give Bill my shirt. You know that, Ruth.

But I've lost all my dough on Spanish Play.

I'd mortgage my house for Bill tomorrow.

But it's plastered to the roof now.

Answer my questions, Malone.

Wait a minute. Get a load of this now.

Select any card.

Don't be afraid. Any card at all. - It's the ace of spades, Mr Crowell.

But you have to humor him.

The ace of spades.

How often had Burton been seeing Val Lorraine?

Wait a minute. I got a better one.

You cut the cards like that. - Answer my questions.

I don't know what you're talking about, Mr Crowell.

I never heard of the Lorraine murder.

I don't know nobody by the name of Burton.

Me no speak English.

Besides that, I'm deaf and dumb. See?

Furthermore ..

Hey, Bill.

Well, did you get Steiner?

I didn't have to. He came to me.

He's dying to handle the case.

But I turned him down.

You turned him down?

You're going to have the greatest defense attorney any man ever had.

Yeah?

William J. Burton.

If you even thought of having another lawyer ..

I would never speak to you again.

I wouldn't want that to happen, Barry.

I wouldn't know what to do without you.

Try and do without me.

You asked me once why I never got married.

Yes. You said you didn't approve of it.

That was a lie.

Th real reason I never got married was because you never asked me.

Ah, you little sap.

Don't you realize you'll probably be a widow before the year is out?

That would be better than nothing, Bill.

Do you think I killed Val Lorraine?

I don't know. And I don't care.

But I do know this.

Whatever is coming to you, you'll take it standing up.

I almost forgot. I brought you something.

I've got it right here.

Come here, Bill.

Hello Marry. How's business? - Pretty good.

Expecting a big crowd today. - Good.

But I'm awfully sorry for poor Mr Burton.

He used to be such a good customer.

Give us an apple, Mary.

An apple? - No thanks.

Thanks. - Bye, Mary.

1, 2, 3, 4 - 4, 3, 2, 1. Oscar Mississippi.

It's a long way to Tipperary. Oh boy, where do we go from here?

Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party.

How is it coming over?

Okay.

What's the idea? Don't the newspapers do a good enough job?

I don't know. Asks the district attorney. It's his idea.

Sure. Election day is just 2 months off.

If he convicts Burton it will be the biggest thing he ever pulled.

Many governors were elected on less.

You'd better get of the newspaper game and take up television.

Hello everybody. Lloyd Gibbons speaking. I just got in from China.

You're about to listen to a broadcast of a famous murder trial.

The people against Burton.

Don't forget: 'Courtesy of Whatsit Cigarettes'.

Courtesy .. courtesy of Whatsit Cigarettes.

Say.

No advertizing.

Mugg.

Which way you betting?

Burton.

What's the odds? - I'll lay you 3-1.

I'll take ten. - Covered.

Well, Pete. This seems like old times, huh?

Only this time I'm on the other side of the fence.

Sorry, Bill.

Okay, Pete.

A cigar, Pete?

Jack? - Thank you.

See who put the gardenia in Burton's buttonhole?

Yeah.

He'll soon have a lily in his hand.

Come here, Barry.

Everybody rise.

Hats off.

Hats off.

Be seated.

Is the state ready, Mr Crowell?

Ready.

And the defense?

If it please the court, I will conduct my own defense.

Very well.

For the first time in the history of this court.

The proceedings of a murder trial are to be broadcast over the radio.

I do not entirely approve of such an innovation and warn everyone present ..

I will not tolerate any demonstrations or departures from procedure.

If there are any outbursts.

Or disturbances of any kind.

I will clear the court instantly.

If that is understood we will proceed with the case and call the jury panel.

The people will establish the fact that Burton had motive and opportunity.

The people will prove that the defendant and the murdered woman Miss Lorraine ..

Had known each other for a great many years.

And that their relationship during that period ..

Had not been .. entirely casual.

We will prove.

That this association came to an end because the woman objected ..

To the attentions and influence.

Of this man.

And that following the separation.

He pursued and persecuted her with his attentions.

To a point where she was compelled.

To seek the protection of another man.

Just a moment, Mr Crowell.

Officer, pull down those shades.

I'm sorry, Mr Crowell.

Furthermore.

The people will prove that defendant Burton ..

Came to the apartment of Valeska Lorraine on the night in question.

And there wilfully and cold-bloodedly murdered her.

As charged in the indictment.

I congratulate Mr Crowell on his eloquent statement of the people's case.

I know how he feels.

I once wanted to be a candidate for governor myself.

I congratulate Mr Crowell on his idea.

Of broadcasting the spectacle of a man on trial for his life.

Competing with Amos & Andy.

Mr Burton, you will please confine yourself to the facts.

I will, Your Honor.

As far as I'm concerned the facts are very simple.

I was forced to prepare my case in a cell.

I can't prove sounds.

The radio scares me.

I have no evidence.

No witnesses.

No defense.

Other than my profound belief.

That no innocent man can be convicted if he has an able lawyer to defend him.

And with all due apologies, gentlemen.

I think I have an able lawyer.

Now, Dr. Strong.

You performed the autopsy on the body of Valeska Lorraine.

I did.

What did you find as the cause of death?

Strangulation.

"Dr. Strong."

"The photographs introduced in evidence were taken at your orders?"

"They were."

"Including this enlargement of the dead woman's head?"

"That is correct."

"Dr. Strong."

"In examining the body, did you find any marks?"

"Her throat was slightly discolored."

"Any other marks?"

"There was a bruise on the lower jaw."

Is that bruise shown in this photograph?

It is.

Dr. Strong.

In your opinion.

Could that bruise have been caused by a blow from a man's fist?

No.

I should say it was caused by some hard object.

Probably metal.

Doctor.

I now show you the State's Exhibit B.

A cane belonging to the defendant Burton.

Found in his possession the night he was arrested.

After he had murdered Valeska Lorraine.

Mr Crowell, I will not tolerate such tactics.

Mr Burton has not yet been convicted of murder.

If you care to object I will sustain it.

No objections.

Nevertheless, the jury will disregard the assumption of Mr Burton's guilt.

Proceed.

Take a look at that cane, Doctor.

Could the bruise on Miss Lorraine's jaw ..

Have resulted from her being struck by this cane before being strangled?

Yes.

Thank you.

Your witness.

No questions.

I'll take five more. At 3-1.

No. 2-1.

To your knowledge, Mr Quinn, how long was the defendant ..

Mr Burton, acquainted with Miss Lorraine?

Ten or eleven years.

During these years, was she generally known as his ..

As his ..?

Yes.

Thank you.

During that time, was he to your knowledge ..

A regular visitor at the deceased woman's apartment?

A visitor?

A boarder.

Your Honor, I object.

You should object, Miss Barry.

No objection.

Now then.

Did you know the defendant at the time he headed a certain reform committee?

Yes, sir.

Did he at that time continue his associations with Valeska Lorraine?

Yes, sir.

"And all the time that Burton concerned himself with gambling and speakeasys .."

"And pretending to be a crusader against organised vice."

"He was the paramour of this notorious woman of the underworld."

"Yes, sir."

That is all, Mr Quinn.

Your witness.

No questions.

Two to one.

No. Even money.

Why didn't you question him?

What are you going to do?

Your name?

Jefferson Q. Leffingwell.

What does the 'Q' stand for?

I don't know, sir.

I never did bother to ask.

Now.

You are the elevator operator at The Rochester Arms apartments?

Yes, sir. I run it.

That's when I ain't messing around doing something else.

And you knew Miss Lorraine?

Knew her? Yes.

She was one of my best customers.

Customers? - Yes, sir.

Mostly gin.

Maybe I shouldn't have brought that up.

On the night of April 13th at ten-thirty o'clock.

Where were you?

I ain't got the least idea.

Wasn't that the time of your last visit to Miss Lorraine's apartment?

Yes, sir. I surmise it was.

Tell the jury exactly what you saw there.

Well .. - No, no.

When I walked in that door.

You could have blew me over with a feather.

There was poor Miss Lorraine stretched out on the floor.

And Mr Burton just ramshackling the desk.

I'll never forget it as long as I live.

Then Mr Burton, he says to me. He says: 'Boy'.

Kinda nonchalant.

Call up the police.

He says the number is ..

Spring.

Seven three.

One O.

O.

O.

O .. O.

What odds you giving today? - I ain't giving 'em. I'm taking 'em.

How much do you want?

A hundred to one.

What are you going to do, Bill?

Haven't you some defense?

There's only one chance. I hate to do it, but I've got to.

Everybody rise.

Your Honor, I stated I had no witnesses.

But I find it necessary to call this one.

My first and only witness.

Paul Wallace.

Paul Wallace.

Did you on the evening of April 15th ..

Open the safe in my office and steal certain papers and records?

I did.

What did you do with those papers and records?

I took them to the apartment of Valeska Lorraine.

Tell in your own words why you stole those papers.

And what happened when you brought them to Miss Lorraine's apartment.

What? - Go ahead.

Well.

I was engaged to be married to Miss Lorraine.

At least I thought I was.

And then what happened? Tell the jury.

She pleaded with me. I grabbed her by the throat.

I don't know what happened then. I tell you I don't remember.

Imagine Burton trying to pin it on the kid.

That is all, Paul.

Your witness.

Paul.

What was your father's name?

James Wallace.

Executed for the crime Of murder ten years ago.

Was he not?

Executed for a crime he did not commit.

Yes.

Now, my boy.

While you were unconscious from liquor ..

Was it possible for someone to enter the room, do away with Miss Lorraine ..

And leave you there to take the blame for the crime?

That could have happened, couldn't it?

You need have no fear, my boy.

Your friends may betray you.

But the state will safeguard your interest.

If you would tell the truth. - I tell you I don't know what happened.

All I remember is that when I came to ..

Burton was there, wasn't he?

And he made his magnificent gesture.

Burton was there and he allowed you to leave.

Ostensibly to shoulder the crime.

Fine.

Excellent.

Noble.

A thrilling sacrifice.

Knowing all the time how handy it would come ..

When he was he brought to trial for the crime.

I don't have to ask you any more questions.

I know what happened.

Do you realize this man who sent your father to the electric chair ..

For a crime he did not commit.

Is prepared to send you to the electric chair for a crime you did not commit?

And now he's prepared to sacrifice you to save his own skin.

Sacrifice. Ha.

I'm glad there are millions of people listening to hear of such a sacrifice.

Rudy Vall�e.

I'm glad it's carried over the ether to all over the country and to the world.

Maybe it will reach another world.

Maybe it will be heard by this poor boy's father. Jim Wallace.

In a better world.

Your Honor, I object.

What for?

Tampering with a witness.

Proceed, Mr Prosecutor.

Since the defendant does not object to your tactics, I do.

Be good enough to confine yourself to questioning the witness.

Your summation will come later.

No more questions.

Your Honor.

I put Paul Wallace on the stand for only one reason.

Not to show how Valeska Lorraine was killed but to show why she was killed.

I'll prove that my purpose was not to implicate Paul but to exonerate him.

Your Honor.

The only way to show the existence of those papers.

Was to put Paul Wallace on the stand.

Those papers are of vital importance to my case.

I'll prove that later.

You Leffingwell.

Come on. Get up on the stand.

Me?

Yes, you.

Yes, sir.

Go on, Get up there.

How did you get that suit of clothes?

You see, I .. - Your profits of bootlegging?

No, sir. I ain't no bootlegger.

I just solicits for my brother-in-law. - Where did you get the suit of clothes?

This has nothing to do with the case. - It has a great deal to do with it.

I'll prove it.

Hasn't it occurred to anyone ..

As rather strange.

That the witness should appear so shabby for the first two days of his testimony.

And then blossom out with a Harlem idea of what a well-dressed witness wears.

Where did you get that tie pin?

What did you pay for it?

Just 300 dollars. - Uhuh.

Where did you get the money, Jeff?

The other day you told the jury that on the night Miss Lorraine was killed ..

You took me to her apartment in the elevator.

Remember that? - Yes.

But you didn't say anything about taking Mr Wallace up there that night, did you?

Did you? - No.

Why didn't you?

Nobody asked me.

Well, I'm asking you now. You took him up there that night, didn't you?

Yes, sir. - Yeah.

Did you take anybody else up there that night?

No, sir.

Do you know what perjury means? - Perjury?

No, sir. - I will tell you.

It means from one to ten years in State prison.

Where you can't wear clothes like that.

I ain't going to do no perjury for nobody.

Did you take anyone besides Paul Wallace and me up to that apartment that night?

To tell you the truth, Mr Burton.

I don't exactly .. I don't remember.

No? Well, I'll help you out.

Quinn. Stand up.

Come on. Get up here.

Did you take him to that apartment the night Miss Lorraine was killed?

I guess I did.

I thought so.

He came there often, didn't he?

Yes, sir.

Him and Mr Paul used to go up to see Miss Lorraine all the time.

Together?

No, sir.

Mr Nick always waited until Mr Paul was gone before he came up.

That's all, Jeff.

Get on that stand, Quinn.

Did you pay Jeff money to keep him from testifying ..

That you went to Miss Lorraine's apartment the night she was killed?

No.

You went to that apartment to get those records that were stolen from my office.

No, sir.

Those records involved you and could send you to the penitentiary for years.

I don't know about that.

You heard the DA's theory of the murder.

That somebody came up, strangled the woman, and left the apartment.

Figuring that the blame would come to Paul Wallace.

You know Mr Crowell is right.

You know that's exactly what happened, don't you?

I don't know what you're talking about.

Your Honor, I ask that the witness be sworn in again.

Your Honor, I object. This procedure is entirely irregular.

Why do you wish the witness sworn a second time?

Because this time I expect him to tell the truth.

Swear the witness.

Rise.

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

I do.

Let me see that ring, Nick.

Mugg.

Come here.

Yes, Boss?

Dr. Strong. Come here please.

Doctor, I want you to take a look at that bruise.

It was made with this ring.

It has the imprint of a Maltese cross.

Now take a look at this photograph.

It has the same imprint, has it not?

Yes. It has.

Your Honor. I offer this ring as evidence.

There is the man who killed Valeska Lorraine.

Broadcast that, Mr Crowell.

Come here, Barry. Bring your book.

Take a letter.

Wilberforce, Witherspoon and Wilks. Gentlemen.

In the case of Navrinski versus the Argos knitting mills.

In accordance with the Connecticut code regarding torts.

No way to remove Habeas Corpus except in circumstances involving trespass.

Therefore .. - That does not make sense.

Who are you to tell me what to say? Continue.

If this doesn't make sense it's because I feel goofy this morning.

I'm about to propose marriage to the grandest girl in the world.

By the name of Barry.

What about it, honey?

Will you take dictation forever?

Yours very truly.

William J. Burton.

Per R.B.

Come here, Barry.

..s-d..