Original subtitles

And to my beloved wife, Victoria, I leave the remainder of my estate,

all properties, stock holdings, and business interests.

What? Signed this 15th day of May, 1980.

That's impossible. He wasn't going to leave her a dime.

He must have lied, sis.

You know how good he was at that.

Oh, shut up, you moron.

He told me about you, you tramp.

He knew you were sleeping around on him. He was going to write a new will. He

was going to cut you off.

I agree that the terms are unfair, Barbara. I'd be happy to settle.

Settle? You won't see a penny, you pirate.

He hated you.

You wanted him to die.

You slut!

You won't get away with this!

I'll sue you!

Funny how fast grief evaporates when money's on the table.

Nothing drives a tear like real estate and stock options.

G'day guys, Holy Critics signing in. What do you get when you throw Gregory

Harrison and Sybil Shepard into a web of courtroom drama, forbidden romance and

a suspiciously timed death?

You get seduced.

A slippery little 80s thriller that whispers sweet nothings before sliding

knife in.

It's moody, mysterious and just unpredictable enough to keep you second

everyone's motive.

So, pour yourself a drink, settle in and let's see who's playing who.

We must remove him at once.

We have supported the president to the limit of both law and ethics.

But... With the announcement and the indictments against him, the situation

become critical.

The stock has already plummeted three points today.

Bill, are you going to wait for Barrington's resignation, or would you

announce your takeover at a public execution?

The gentleman got caught trading on inside information, Mr. Killian. He

seven different federal laws.

We must move swiftly and decisively to replace him with a top executive from

inside the corporation.

What you all seem to have forgotten is that K &B is a public corporation.

As of right now, you're all tainted by Barrington's indiscretion.

I might look more favorably on a merger offer if you get someone from the

outside. Well, who?

Who from the outside has the qualifications?

Wilcox from TransAlly turned us down cold, as did KDF.

Reardon.

His father did a pretty good job as mayor, and Michael has a flawless record

state's attorney.

That's completely irrelevant.

The man is devoid of credentials.

Nobody knows how to run this company better than I do. Than you.

Why not let him speak for himself?

Yes? Ask Mr. Riordan to come in, please.

Yes, sir.

You may go in, Mr. Reardon.

When Jim Killian asked me to

consider the possibility of coming over to Keenan Bridges, I was deeply honored.

I don't think there's any other company that's done more for this city and its

people.

But I also don't believe that the selection of a new president for KNV

made in a single afternoon.

Now, you all know that my family's been involved in the business and politics of

this town for a long time.

So rather than whipping out my resume and claiming that I'm the only one who

save you, I think we should follow Mr. Killian's advice.

Spend the next few weeks getting to know each other.

Then you'll know if I'm the man for the job.

And I'll know if it's the job for the man.

Thank you.

Well, now that logic has replaced hysteria, my presence here is

superfluous. Gentlemen.

Arthur, you know that Orloff & Company is always welcome at this table.

Thank you.

There's quite a show you put on, young man.

A lot of people would kill for that job.

Some of them were present.

You mean Howell.

Killian can take care of him.

And if you're worried about your political career, you can always step

later to run.

Wouldn't be the first time.

You're not actually going to turn it down, are you?

You're not actually going to reject the merger, are you?

For a man in my position,

Some things are more important than money.

Well, more money.

I have to run by the hall. Can I give you a lift?

No, thanks.

I'm being picked up.

Okay, well, I'll say hello to the man on five for you. He may not like the idea

of losing me to the corporate jungle.

Mr.

Reardon, you know my wife, Victoria.

Yes.

How are you?

Fine, thank you.

Mr. Reardon is going to be taking over at K &B.

Congratulations.

Relax, young man.

I know all about you two.

I just wanted to see your face.

Is it that obvious?

Well, I'm sure Victoria's not a woman one gets over easily.

Even after nine or ten years.

I trust that you'll never have to find out.

I hope not.

Victoria's on the K &B women's board.

So say hello to her at the benefit next week, will you? Of course. Will you be

there? No, no.

I'm playing hard to get, remember?

Good luck, Mr. Reardon. Thank you.

All right. See you.

Bits are going to have to get used to more than just the inside of a courtroom

if you want to take over for me. Not me, Kim Azabi.

This material is strictly for the Googles.

And I'm getting a drink.

Mr. Riddle, pardon my prying, but do you think your late father would approve of

your leaving politics?

Well, Mrs. Youngquist, as you know, the mayor...

He's always very supportive of the business community. In fact, he's the

urged me to attend Harvard for my MBA. Would you excuse me for a minute,

Yes.

Thank you.

Would you care for some champagne, Mrs. Orloff?

You don't have to be so formal, Michael.

You haven't changed a bit.

Still the golden boy.

You certainly have.

Designer dresses and speaking French.

You don't approve?

It's a long way from teaching classes at the Art Institute.

Do you still live in a Southside bungalow?

That's one for you.

How'd he get you, Vic?

I thought I'd tried everything.

Almost everything.

But your great passions were business and law.

I'm afraid I ran a distant third.

But here, you were always number one.

So, tell me, is it really possible to find happiness with all those millions?

I'm afraid so.

Who's that?

A secret admirer?

Hardly. He's a detective hired by Arthur's daughter.

She doesn't like me.

Why?

I'll have to explain some other time. I'd better get back.

I have a good -looking woman.

Arthur's a lucky old man, but luck and money often go hand in hand. Have you

noticed?

So a little powwow with the cellonies playing.

I know you ain't Bozo the Clown, but you were playing Romeo after Juliet and I

took a hike.

So that was a long time ago.

Yeah, I know, and you're a big boy now.

So is Arthur Orland.

Sgt.

State's Attorney.

Go inside and ask Mrs. Orlatt to come in.

Discreetly, if possible.

Maybe you should look at this.

Come on.

Looks like it

was supposed to be a basic B &E. The guy came in through the patio door, which

was open, came up the stairs, checked the study.

Come.

Came into the master bedroom and hit the jackpot.

Anyway, Orlov must have heard him, came up and got popped in the forehead.

Then the guy went back out of the patio.

A neighbor heard the shot and called in. What caliber?

Somewhere in the middle, I'd say 38, 9 millimeter.

No alarms?

They got to do a secure check, but it wasn't on.

Did you check it? Yeah, clean.

What is it?

We missed something?

Olaf was a self -made type. Very old -fashioned. He'd have a safe somewhere.

You'll be behind some books nobody will want to read.

Zambudi. Arthur often left it open. He liked to sit out on the patio and smoke.

I see.

Mrs. Orloff, how would you describe your marriage?

I don't see what that has to do with anything.

We won't know what's significant until we have all the facts.

I'm sorry.

Like anyone, we had our problems.

Do you have any idea who might have wanted your husband dead?

Or why?

No, I do not.

It's okay.

Would you mind opening the safe?

I don't know the combination.

You don't?

The safe was for his personal papers.

Who has the combination?

I believe Arthur's lawyer, Norman Glass.

Okay, we'll send somebody out tomorrow with Mr. Glass, and we'll get a list of

what's missing then.

All right.

Thank you for your patience, Mrs. Orloff. I know how difficult this is for

You have vultures have arrived.

Well, here's your chance, Fitz. On -the -job training and media communications.

I think it'd be better if you didn't stay here.

Cops are going to want things left undisturbed anyway.

Call a friend.

And ask Mr. Glass to recommend a criminal attorney.

You can call me if you think of anything.

Good night, Nick.

Mr. Reardon, do you think Orlov's recent rejection of the merger with Keenan

Bridges has anything to do with his death? That's ridiculous.

Gentlemen, ladies, we'll have a saving for you in the morning. Thank you.

to read a slip of her housebreakers, which makes sense since about 30 grand

worth of jewels was taken.

However, I've got to consider some other possibilities to justify earning my

paycheck.

Who stands to gain if the old man croaks? All right.

First wife is dead.

I think we can safely scratch her.

But there were two children from that marriage, son Lawrence, daughter

and a second wife from Palm Beach. They should definitely be checked out.

And now current wife, Victoria.

I thought she was with you and Mr. Rears. She was.

Go check her out, Ernie.

The way the market's been jumping around, a broad base is probably better.

we've been doing is buying financial futures to hedge our position in bonds.

I'd cut back on that. The short -term jump in rates will be worth it.

I don't agree.

That's what I've been telling you.

We are obviously unaware of the extent of KNB's exposure. We were severely hurt

by the interest rates in 82.

Pardon me. There's a telephone call for you, Mr. Whitten. You can take it in

here. Thank you.

that parts over for him.

Where was the service held?

Mm -hmm.

Uh, Vic?

Now, Vicki, wait. I think you should talk to my assistant, Keith Fitzgibbons.

He's in charge of the investigation.

Gotta admit, Bill, it's on the ball.

How long have I been with this corporation?

29 years.

Correct. I've dotted in the copy room.

I haven't labored in the trenches this long without some Irish kid from the

South, so I take it away from me.

In this business, one doesn't have four years to hide one's skeletons.

Inevitably, Mr. Reardon will trip over his father's legend, and when he does,

I'll step right over his corpse.

Hey, boys, Mikey around? Is he busy?

If you're referring to the state's attorney... Thank you, pal.

No, no, no, I do understand, but, Dick, I don't... It's nine.

Alvarado pegged a bullet, 9mm.

Yeah, not a bad shot in the dark, 15 feet.

Right above the eye.

What's reserpine?

Reserpine's a high blood pressure drug Orlov was taking.

Medical examiner said the dose was high, so he'd been on it a while.

So, what's the word?

I'd say you can go ahead and order the suits and the business cards.

Simple case.

Orlov caught a burglar in the act.

Fine.

Yeah, well, okay.

I'll see you back in the West Side. You still remember where it is.

Well?

Good. Very good.

Liar. With awful, and you know it.

I was being polite.

Don't be.

We should be honest with each other.

Okay, fine.

It was like eating an inner tube.

I was always a lousy cook.

Normally I'm the chef to it.

Where is he?

Gave the staff the night off. Can you see the headline?

State's attorney dines with widow while investigating husband's murder.

You used to be a beer drinker.

Couldn't afford good scotch then.

Still can't.

Well, you're not being able to say that.

Michael, you're going to find out certain things.

I'd rather you heard them from me.

What do you mean?

I didn't get along with Arthur at all.

My marriage was a disaster.

I know.

You do?

I talked to the chef and the maid.

It's my job.

Maybe I shouldn't talk to you.

Depends on what you have to say

First

it was wonderful Arthur made me part of a very special

world. He had this tremendous vitality They got old Had to depend on

me for everything

A man like him, well, he didn't like it one bit.

I remember one day we were coming home on the expressway.

He was driving. He always drove.

He missed our exit.

Drove right past it.

Looked over at him.

Cigar was hanging out of his mouth.

He was drooling on his tie.

I called his name, but he didn't seem to hear.

Finally, I just leaned over, took the wheel, pulled the car over and stopped.

When he came out of it, he looked at me.

I've never seen his face look like that.

So ashamed.

He got out of the car, stumbled halfway up the embankment, sat down and cried.

He didn't want me to see.

When he came back, he opened the passenger door.

I got out, went around to the driver's side.

He got in and I drove home.

But after that, he started accusing me of dealing his money, of being

unfaithful.

It was very difficult.

Publicly, I had the marriage that worked.

Oh, God.

It was such a lie.

Arthur talked about me behind my back.

So I'm sure you'll have plenty of people tell you what an evil bitch I am.

You could have divorced him.

You can't just leave someone when they need you.

Michael, we can't do this.

What do you got?

Ah, Alvarado got a tip. This guy tried to invent stolen teeth that were from

Orlons. I picked them up this morning.

Now, he's a repeater. He did two bits in Attica for Viennese just like this.

And he used it for peace.

A nine millimeter something German.

Who's the finger?

A fence they're holding for receiving. And, well, he wants to trade.

Why does this guy want to cooperate?

He says he didn't do it.

Perkins, my name's Michael Reardon. I'm the state's attorney.

Do you know why you're here?

I haven't done anything.

You want to speak to an attorney?

I have no need of counsel.

It's not that the suspect has waived his right to an attorney?

No, Randy.

Where were you on the night that Arthur Orloff was murdered?

I don't remember.

Come on.

Randy, you have admitted that these are yours.

Alligator click, west side pass keys.

These were found in your basement, man.

We have a witness who will testify that you tried to sell these to him, saying

they were from the Orloff job.

I told you he's lying.

I don't know any fence.

Randy, you know pleading guilty makes things easier for everyone.

You've done it before.

You want to make things easier now.

All right.

Recognize these?

Huh? They were found in the truck beard car.

Now, the lab has matched soil samples from these to Orloff's garden.

This is yours too, Randy.

Take a look.

You washed it good.

But the blood's still there.

B positive.

Orloff's blood type. Pretty rare, my friend. Only 8 % of the population has

I want to talk to a lawyer.

He's our boy. He's our boy. Take it easy.

We've got to get some real evidence.

We will.

Don't you worry.

Oh, will you look at this?

We bought out an entire table at the policeman's ball.

Start a trend.

Pay it.

Was it this good between us before?

I don't want to lose you again.

You won't.

I'm with you, Michael.

What if you couldn't see me for six or eight months?

Would you still feel that way?

Yes.

Is that the bad news you had to tell me?

Half.

We've got to use our heads, Vic.

This is a very small town.

Your detective followed me today.

Arthur's will is going to be read Tuesday.

His daughter must be trying to get something on us together to use against

What?

Is she afraid of losing the inheritance?

Arthur came to regard his children as useless parasites.

He hadn't spoken to them in years.

Barbara blames me for turning him against her.

I had to have that guy picked up.

Then the wrong people might get curious.

Now, you want to hear my good news?

Are you sure this place is okay?

One of Arthur's companies owns it. People won't be moving in for months.

Now, tell me.

I think we've got the guy that killed him.

You do?

Who is it?

A very bad boy. A very long record.

Name's Randall Perkins.

Are you sure he did it?

Not officially.

We're still gathering evidence, but it's looking good.

That's great.

Oh, I like it.

In addition to serving as executor of my estate, it is my hope that Mr.

Glass will be retained for legal services by my heirs.

I thank Arthur for that.

To my son Lawrence, I leave the annual trust of $12 ,000, which should just

about cover his dry cleaning bills.

To my former wife Lenore, I leave nothing.

She has already been generously compensated in our divorce settlement.

Arthur, you were a magnificent monster.

Congratulations, dear. You were his last wife, but obviously not least.

Snap it up.

To my daughter, Barbara, I leave the title to the Forrest Bluff house, which

has long occupied on loan.

That's it?

him finish, sis.

And to my beloved wife, Victoria, I leave the remainder of my estate,

all properties, stock holdings, and business interests.

What? Signed this 15th day of May, 1980. That's impossible. He wasn't going to

leave her a dime.

He must have lied, sis.

You know how good he was at that.

Oh, shut up, you moron.

He told me about you, you tramp.

He knew you were sleeping around on him. He was going to write a new will. He

was going to cut you off.

I agree that the terms are unfair, Barbara. I'd be happy to settle.

Mrs. Olaf, I think we should discuss this before... Settle?

Settle? You won't see a penny, you pirate.

He hated you.

You wanted him to die.

You slut!

Come on, sister, come with me.

I've seen the fireworks.

Ow! I'm afraid for my life.

That daughter's a major league fanatic. You know, if we didn't have Perkins, I'd

swear that she knocked out the old man out of the fight.

We are ready to go to the grand jury.

pH levels of soil samples aren't exclusive enough.

Perkins would be positive, just like Orlov. The stains on the shirt could be

his. And the stones are no good without the original settings. We got the fence.

He's a criminal. Juries won't believe that. All right, we got Mrs. Robinson.

swears she saw him on the street shortly before the crime.

She's an old lady afraid of every black face she sees. She might cave in on the

scene. Everything's circumstantial. Where's the direct evidence? Mr. Reed,

are you? Good. How are you doing? Mikey, what do you want? Video tapes of

Perkins blinking the old man? We've won 50 cases of quarreling out here. He's

Mickey the Moby. He's a three -time loser.

Hey, Mr.

Reed, come over!

Listen, I've got to tell you, Mikey. Please don't. This is from the fifth

All right?

I know who did it.

Who? The PLO?

Mr. Orloff was a very big supporter of Israel.

Thanks for the tip. What do I owe you? Be my guest.

Yes, how sure are you?

I'd go to trial today.

Okay.

Okay what?

It's all a press conference.

The Grand Jury Piper can swim away forever.

Swim away forever, that's good. What about you?

Memorial Day weekend, man.

Oh, I get it. You're going fishing in Door County. You're going to leave me

by myself.

You hate the case, you get the glory.

Dad, I got to get out of this. I need time to think.

All right, fine, fine. I'll call you when I have conviction.

No, delicious.

I've forgotten the name you're using down here.

George Buck Weaver. And you're Miss Kathleen Flynn.

Yes, indeed.

Cute, huh?

Wait a minute.

Is this the guy who once said all kids should be sent to summer camp

permanently?

I also said that the monkeys were the greatest band in history, so... Here,

it.

tripe I've ever tasted. What?

It's like eating an inner tube.

Okay, lady, that's two. You want it fried for free?

Here, come on.

Come on.

It's popular for the executives, which is why you suddenly like children.

Let's not overdo it. I said I thought they were cute. I never said I liked

as scorpions.

The prosecution calls George Buck Weaver to the stand.

Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,

help you God?

Of course not.

I'm a politician.

Not anymore.

And you're under oath.

Sit down.

We have heard testimony that you had a relatively happy childhood.

Your own sister already has three toddlers, so ask you directly, sir.

Do you, if you're not, like children?

Kids are all right, I guess, at a safe distance.

Would you kindly tell the court, Mr. Weaver, view of the fact?

That virtually all of the key executives at K and B have families.

Do you intend to have one of your own?

I object. The prosecution is using unfair pressure tactics.

Grover rules.

Answer the question.

I wouldn't mind a son.

I'd like a daughter.

Me too.

I think I might call a plea.

Too late.

You're already guilty.

Thank you.

Wait a minute.

Who's that?

Oh, that's good.

We've got company.

You're detected.

What should we do?

Well, we're having fun.

When I make my move, you head back to the hotel, pack your bags, and catch the

first plane home.

I won't be able to see you for a while.

Don't call.

I understand.

Love you, Michael.

Hey, that's my camera.

Yes.

Well, it's a funny place to leave it.

Somebody stole it from me while I was watching the carnival.

Well, you're lucky they didn't like Japanese cameras.

I guess that's true.

Well, everything seems to be in order.

Thanks for finding it, Mr.

Reardon. Mike Reardon.

Dave Emerson.

What line of work are you in, Mr. Emerson?

Windshields. How about you?

Politics.

That could be a very dangerous business, huh?

Hey, why do you say that?

Well, you never really know who your enemies are.

Oh, no, you find out eventually. The trick is to identify them before it's

late. Oh, look, there's a couple of cops. Why don't we report the theft and

out some people?

No, no, no. The important thing is I got it back.

Good luck to you, Mr. Redden.

Your business, you're going to need it.

We all do, Mr. Emerson.

We all do.

You guys are playing.

Come on, we've got to put this aside now.

Oh, thank you.

Tell me why my life's not worth dying for.

Mom? Mike?

Oh,

you should watch yourself.

Here.

Here, it's your sister.

She's pregnant again.

Congratulations, Meg.

No, I haven't made a final decision yet. Soon.

I don't know what you paid Josefina for.

She's an orphan. She needs to work.

She's cleaning the oven again.

Right, I'll tell her.

Bye.

Make sure to get over there. The tub is filthy.

Aren't you the one?

Where did you find your shoes?

You'd better think I had another heart attack.

Mother. Yes?

But what is it, Michael Francis?

You know you're taking the job, so why the fuss?

He said himself it would spin like a top if I ever laid down the torch.

Dear Father, God love him.

Be happy to see you set a little Irish fire to those soft wasp shirts.

Now be a good boy and drive me, will you?

I gave Detective Morgan the afternoon to visit his sick cousin. Come on.

Mr. Reed?

Guys, downtown to desert.

Michael, good to see you again.

I ordered the trout for you. They said it was caught only this morning. I hope

you don't mind.

Mr. Killian. Been hearing great things from the board.

Most of them don't even want to wait for you to put Perkins away.

Mr. Killian, I'm afraid...

I'm not going to be able to join you over at A &B.

Hope he was worth it.

I received copies as we think it is last night.

And you waited for me to call you? I had to make sure you do the right thing.

You did.

So I wasn't entirely wrong about you.

Any idea who our friend is?

I think it's a detective hired by Orloff's kids to spy on Vicky.

Fit the checking into it.

Fine.

Let's eat.

That's it?

Detectives... Don't pay their bills by finding lost dogs, if that's who it is.

You'd be surprised at who'd like to see dirty pictures taken.

Cheers.

I think we should have a little conference, Hal.

Forget it. Your pals are all down in the sauna hoping for miracles.

What seems to be on your mind, Mr. Bearden?

Where I come from.

We've got a problem with the guy we go right to and with it.

We don't sneak around peeking in people's windows.

I'm afraid I find you quite obscure.

Must have cost you quite a bit to fly your peeper all the way down to the

Caribbean.

And sending this stuff to me, you got a big laugh out of that, huh?

My heart attacks weather at the tower when they got a hold of it.

Listen, you Neanderthal, I don't know what you're talking about.

And the club's not looking for new members right now, so why don't you just

out of here?

Look at that.

Even when you play with yourself, you lose.

Say, I thought I was running this investigation.

Well,

who let you refuse?

Hey, we're looking for Thunderclash.

Sid, one.

Now two.

Hey, buddy.

Hey, good night, Sid.

You Thunderclash?

That's right.

I'm Mike Reardon.

And who's this yo -yo?

Fitz is my name. I got it from my birth certificate.

Where'd you get yours from, sweet pea?

You gotta pay to find that out.

Well, I'm fresh out of nickels. Back off.

What do you have for me, miss?

Randy didn't trunk that old man.

He was with me that night.

All night?

Until 11.

And then you drove me here to work.

I'm not lying.

Could have done it after he dropped you off.

I heard it happened around nine.

You seem to know a lot about this case.

Why didn't you come forward before this?

I was visiting my folks when he got picked up.

Bullard Dean, Tennessee.

Oh, you know her.

I knew he was a thief.

That's what you mean.

But he's no killer.

Randy's too smart for that.

Well, he's not too smart to do six years in a slam.

Yeah, even pinheads like you get lucky once in a while.

It's pinball speed and it's grease.

It's guzzaloid covering for another.

Now I see why folks don't cop right with people.

What's your real name?

Chamberlain. Cheryl Lee Chamberlain.

Mr.

Chamberlain, where were you last winter?

I told you, I was in Bullardine. I got back started.

How about yesterday?

I don't remember.

You don't remember? Try it.

What were you doing? Answer the question.

I went to the beach. The beach? Which beach? You went to the beach yesterday,

you're sure?

It was Foster Street. Foster Street, what the hell difference does it make?

Miss Chandler, if you can barely remember where you were yesterday, 24

ago.

Then how can you recall in precise detail where you were and who you were

on the night of Arthur Orloff's murder more than six weeks ago?

It was my birthday.

That will was written years ago, when father still thought of that woman as an

innocent foundling.

Before he found her in bed with someone else.

Who confided in me.

I've never seen him cry before that day.

Did he tell you the man's name?

I don't remember.

One of his partners, I think.

Why don't we discuss this at another time?

No, Norman.

It's all right.

It happened earlier this year.

It's after winter.

That's when he decided to draw up a new will.

Excuse me.

Some story. Harlock only had about 50 partners.

Yeah. She seems pretty rational, though.

Losing all that dough would sober anyone up.

Let's not forget she's a diagnosed manic depressive. They had her in the psych

ward at Billings.

We'll never make the opening.

And I can't afford to hire new people.

Unless that will is successfully contested.

Mr. Glass, did Mr. Orloff ever mention changing his will to you?

Yes, he did on several occasions, but I never saw anything on paper.

If he did draw up such a will, would he have kept it in the safe?

Until I transcribed it and notarized it, I suppose, yes.

And you were the only one who knew the combination, right, besides himself?

Yes. You're sure no one else could have known?

Mr. Ridden, I may be old, but I'm not senile.

Not quite yet.

But, uh, there was one thing.

Arthur had a very poor memory, and he used to telephone me quite frequently to

get the combination, having forgotten it himself.

And he'd write it on a slip of paper and then misplace it. Someone may have...

There, you see?

That's it.

The bitch got the combination. She stole the will. She's a greedy, conniving

little tramp. Barbara, will you control yourself?

Mrs. Goldstein, exactly why is it that you hate Mrs. Orloff so much?

I don't hate her, Mr. Reardon. I don't hate anyone.

Then you'd have no reason to hire a private detective to spy on her?

Oh, of course not.

That's a ridiculous idea.

Mr. Reardon, my own father told me of that woman's infidelity. That is proof

enough for me.

Hello, Mr. Reardon.

Hi. Mr. Killian would like you to wait in the conference room, please.

Thank you.

It was a long meeting.

And rather turbulent, as you may well imagine.

Many of us feel that a certain unity of historical perspective is necessary to

preserve the integrity of the organization.

Some do not.

I ask the chairman for the privilege of personally delivering the verdict to

you.

Congratulations.

Thank you.

I guess this means you can call off your peeper.

Mr. Reardon, I am quite capable of formulating my own opinions in reference

your suitability for this post.

I don't need a detective to assist me.

That's not how we do it where I come from, either.

Well, let's forget about Perkins and the Jewel.

The killer wants Orloff's fortune, okay?

Somehow he finds out the old man scribbled out a new will.

No, no, no, listen.

The patio doors were open, right?

The killer comes in. He's got the combination of the safe.

He gets the will.

Then goes for the jewels to make a cover.

Orloff shows up. Bang, bang. Back out the patio doors and we spend two months

looking for second stories. Come on, it's nine o 'clock at night. He could

had people over.

You could call the cops in three seconds.

Really?

Wait,

wait, wait. Orloff had a lot of recipe in his blood, right?

Maybe somebody deliberately gave him an overdose to make him groggy. Then he

would have walked right into it.

What did she do, Mikey? Did she dump you again?

What are you talking about?

Well, the only one that fits that motive is your favorite former dance partner.

You're trying to tell me that she set up the hit and got some...

Dupas to pull the trigger for it?

You didn't get that tan fishing in Door County.

No, I didn't.

Thank you, thank you.

All right, what do you want me to do?

Put a hold on the Perkins until I follow up on the missile.

No, no, I can't do that.

Look, I'm already in a vice.

Sam asked me to turn the crank to myself just because you've been dancing in a

live minefield. What if Perkins is in it? He's not. That bimbo is lying.

Look, what do you got to back this up? A few minor details and the jealous

fantasies of a disinherited loony tune? There's no missing will.

The daughter wants a little extra cash.

Mikey, look.

We got our man.

You gave me the ball on this. Let me run with it.

You never could think straight, did you, when it came to that chick?

Look, you better get yourself another hammer before she puts a jacket on you.

Now there's no meatpacking plant on the site.

But in a year, the new headquarters of Orloff and Company.

William Burke designed it.

I don't think Arthur himself could have done any better, even if he did have

doubts about the merger.

What's wrong, honey?

Nothing much.

Killian got those Caribbean pictures.

I'm about to prosecute an innocent man for your husband's murder, that's all.

I don't understand.

I think you do.

I think you've been telling me fairy tales.

Michael, I wouldn't lie to you. Don't give me that.

Your husband didn't have doubts about the merger. He turned it down cold.

What about your little affair, huh?

What about your husband's new will?

I don't know what you're talking about. You start telling me the truth right

now. I can't.

We don't have time for that. You bastard! That's right! That's right!

Now, out with it. Perkins didn't kill him, did he?

Did he?

No, Perkins didn't kill him.

Four days after my husband was killed, I got a phone call.

The man said that Arthur had refused to pay off a debt and that he had taken

care of him and that I was the one that was going to have to pay if I wanted to

stay healthy.

That was the day I called you. Why didn't you tell me that then?

I wanted to, but he said he'd kill me.

How much did you give him?

$25 ,000.

I hoped that'd be the end of it.

But that first night we were together, here, he followed you.

He called it a warning.

Damn it, why didn't you tell me?

I didn't want you to get hurt.

We could have had him picked up. The jerk has been following us all over the

place. That isn't him.

It isn't.

The night I dropped off the second payment, I waited around.

He drove up in that car. What was it? Green sedan. Right.

He's a heavyset man with dark hair.

The other one... Barbara denies hiring a detective.

Don't you think she could be lying?

Yeah.

Seems to be a family trait.

Michael, I was going to tell you all this. You've got to believe me.

What about the affair?

It never happened.

It was one of my husband's fantasies.

And then you will?

He threatened to draw it up, to cut me out.

But I thought it was just another one of his cruel games.

He played a lot of them.

He wasn't the only one.

I know I shouldn't have lied to you.

But I didn't know what else to do.

You can start off by telling the cops everything.

God, there's going to be a circus when this comes out.

Come on, we'll go straight to the station.

Watch out.

Thank you.

Thank you.

I should charge you, you nerf ball, for being an idiot and nothing else.

But your story checks with Mrs. Orloff, so we're calling it justifiable homicide

for now.

In fact, we've got some congratulations coming to you. It seems you and Annie

Oakley knocked off a genuine outfit sleazeburger.

Joey Manicola?

I know that name.

Oh, you should. Him and Lenny Bartecchi burned down Jefferson Park in 79.

Remember, indicted but not convicted, outfit clout.

All right, are you ready for this?

Now, the bullet on the left was taken from Orloff's body.

158 grain SPI jacketed. The one on the right was test fired from Manicola's

It's a definite match.

Now, we don't have all our evidence in yet, but it looks like your girlfriend

was telling the truth.

Manicola nailed the old guy and put the arm on her.

Classic move.

Damn.

Perkins was just some west side hustler trying to graduate by pretending

those... Dime store rocks where part of the Orloff hit.

We got a Nolay Prasim. We're going to look like Laurel and Hardy.

This is weird.

Cops found a second pistol in Manicold's body.

Yeah, .25 caliber.

He was a capable kid. What's so weird about that?

His main gun was an Asian K9mm automatic.

In the trunk they found a custom .308 hunting rifle. The guy's a class act.

What's he doing with the puny little .25 auto in his pocket?

I mean, well, maybe he hunts squirrels on the weekend. How do I know?

Give me some blow -ups of this.

And everything you got on Manicola, including the racetrack burn job.

Okay. Go on in, Ethan.

Thank you.

Come in. Well, Michael, how are you feeling?

Fine, Mr. Kim.

I tried to call you, Jim.

What did you expect? We bought an image.

You certainly don't fit that now.

Howell might not be so bad.

He does have the experience.

Howell, he'll never get higher than he is.

We're sending for a headhunter. Try to find someone from out of town.

Michael, do you remember the Hickman case?

Of course.

He had 20 bodies buried under the garage.

He told Kelly to give it to me.

It was my big break.

You were the best prosecutor the city has ever seen.

I still am.

A man on fire doesn't think so.

When you see him, tell him I think that's something for the voters to

I'll give my best to your wife, will you?

Be seated.

Call the case.

In Ray, the estate of Arthur Orloff.

It is the finding of this court that the last will and testament of Arthur

Orloff is indeed true and functional, and that there is no basis, in fact, for

contesting said will.

Therefore, let the provisions of said will take effect promptly and without

delay.

Ah, finally. Thanks.

This just came for you, too.

Thanks.

Richie, listen. Mike, it's good to hear your voice. Wait, wait, listen to me.

Ballistics match the gun.

Manicola killed your husband.

No, wait, the blonde guy, the one that's been following us, he's Manicola's

partner.

Look, I'm coming over. Don't come here.

I'll meet you at the plant. We shouldn't talk about this on the phone.

Yeah, you're right.

All right, I'll meet you there.

Hey, Vicky, where are you?

Hey, Reardon!

I told you you were in a dangerous business.

How you doing?

Sit down.

You must be exhausted.

How about a drink?

No, thank you.

I expected you a bit earlier.

I guess you had to pack first, huh?

You're planning a little trip.

You'll need the... the addendum to your husband's will.

It was dated a few days before he was killed.

Signs are not notarized.

He didn't have time.

He was going to cut you off if... Nothing.

He wanted all those millions to go to Yale.

His alma mater.

But you know all this.

Do I?

Why don't you tell me about it, Vic?

I'm kind of tired myself.

Please proceed, prosecutor.

I've always enjoyed fairy tales.

Your husband was a silent partner in the Jefferson Park racetrack.

Leonard Bartecchi burned it down.

And he and Arthur split the insurance money.

Arthur's clout got him off.

That's when you met Bartecchi.

He's the one you had the affair with.

And when Arthur found out and he threatened to change his will, the two

decided to kill him.

You told me Manicola did it.

Sure, he pulled the trigger.

I take he hired him to torch the racetrack, too.

He was just an errand boy.

You were the one who gave him the combination to the save.

And you left the door open and you made sure to put a little extra in Arthur's

nightly dose of reserpine just to slow him down a bit. No.

Manicola did it. He was blackmailing me.

Yeah.

Manicola had big dreams.

He wasn't happy with just the jewels.

So he put the arm on you and you had to come up.

So you got that little .25 automatic.

He never dreamed that I would help you kill Manicola with his own gun.

Then while I was unconscious, you dumped the .25 in the perfect place.

On him.

There was just one problem.

Bartechi.

The poor slob was jealous of us.

I'm sure you warned him, but he still kept following us around like...

Some lovesick puppy Lord knows it took me

long enough, but I finally figured out who he was

So

I had to go

All that was left

It wasn't easy to find.

Cops were still searching Manicola's office and his parents' house.

But it was right here.

Rolled up in the barrel of that shotgun.

In his own house.

He'd gotten here a little earlier, Vic.

He just might have beaten me to it.

Michael.

I don't care about any of it.

All I want is to be with you.

All those years with Arthur.

I forgot what it was like to be happy.

Be in love.

Then I met you again.

You planned it.

You planned everything.

You don't believe that.

You can't.

Biggest mistake I ever made was leaving you.

I don't want to lose you again.

It's good between us, isn't it?

Let's go.

Oh, Vic.

Think about what you're doing.

You've got the only evidence.

All you have to do is walk away.

You're much too persistent to let me get away with that.

But things have changed.

The way we feel.

It's things we didn't plan.

I don't think you can do it, Nick.

You'd have done it before.

When Manicola had me by the throat a hundred other times while I was asleep

beside you.

It would have been easy then.

Much easier than now.

When I'm standing here, able to see every facet of light in your eyes.

Well, I've got to say, that title promised a lot more spice

than the movie actually delivered.

Instead, what we got was more of a slow burn soap opera wrapped in a murder

mystery suit that didn't quite fit.

Now, story wise, it held some intrigue.

Gregory Harrison did a solid enough job playing District Attorney Mike Riordan,

who gets pulled back into the orbit of his ex -lover Vicky, played by Sybil

Shepard. She's hitched to an old rich guy who looks like he's about to cark

and sure enough, he does.

With a hefty inheritance on the table, rumours and suspicions swirl around her

involvement in his murder, but nothing sticks.

That alone should have made for a great premise, but unfortunately it was

undermined by a weak script.

It tiptoed around any real tension.

There's a love triangle and a corporate conspiracy, but both ended up feeling

kinda dull.

Sybil Shepard brought some classic glamour, but her performance felt a

Distant, like she was in a shampoo commercial with murder in the

I never quite figured out what her true motives were. The movie kept me guessing

if she was innocent, scheming, or somewhere in between, but never gave a

answer. Harrison, on the other hand, was more grounded and gave the stronger

performance overall, but the chemistry between them was lukewarm at best.

I never bought into the stakes of their relationship, and for a story this

centred on seduction and betrayal, that was a real problem. The first half

of the movie really dragged.

There was a party scene where we were supposed to feel some simmering tension,

but it was edited like it was sponsored by Ambien.

We've all heard that creepy violin score a million times and the direction was

really flat.

Like the camera just showed up and hit record. Nothing bold, nothing stylish.

Fortunately, the pacing picked up a lot in the second half.

Once the honeymoon period ended, the film finally woke up and decided to

like a proper thriller.

The suspense kicked in, the settings got moodier, and the characters gained

sharper edges.

Especially as Mike began questioning whether he was solving the crime or

becoming part of it. And while the ending wasn't exactly groundbreaking, it

satisfying enough to make the ride feel mildly worthwhile.

I'm giving Seduced a final rating of two and a half stars.

Now that you've seen it with me, let me know down in the comments, did you think

Vicky was guilty the whole time or were you genuinely surprised by the ending?

And just before you go...

Hit that like button if you enjoy digging into these obscure TV flicks,

don't forget to subscribe for plenty more.

This is Holy Critic, signing out.