1 00:00:45,039 --> 00:00:47,269 I told him I already had a date with Bobby Slater. 2 00:00:47,408 --> 00:00:49,467 What are you going to do if he finds out you really haven't? 3 00:00:49,611 --> 00:00:51,272 I'll just have to leave the country, that's all. 4 00:00:51,412 --> 00:00:53,107 All right, girls, back to the salt mines. 5 00:00:53,247 --> 00:00:55,545 - Oh, Mrs. Wardman. - We thought you were still inside. 6 00:00:55,683 --> 00:00:57,617 Well, that's where I should be, and so should you. 7 00:00:57,752 --> 00:01:00,084 The bell's due to ring in 20 seconds. 8 00:01:01,589 --> 00:01:04,456 [chattering] 9 00:01:04,592 --> 00:01:05,889 [bell ringing] 10 00:01:06,027 --> 00:01:09,588 Whoo. Now, that's what I call a photo finish. 11 00:01:11,699 --> 00:01:15,032 Mr. Mangan, won't you join us? 12 00:01:15,169 --> 00:01:17,399 Why, sure, Janie. 13 00:01:17,538 --> 00:01:19,597 [chuckling] I-I mean, Mrs. Wardman. 14 00:01:19,741 --> 00:01:21,072 I'd be glad to. 15 00:01:22,076 --> 00:01:23,304 [students snickering] 16 00:01:23,444 --> 00:01:27,380 All right now. How many of you have finished David Copperfield? 17 00:01:27,515 --> 00:01:29,107 None of you? 18 00:01:29,250 --> 00:01:30,979 Well, why not? 19 00:01:31,986 --> 00:01:33,510 Agnes? 20 00:01:34,889 --> 00:01:35,878 Bobby? 21 00:01:36,958 --> 00:01:40,121 Well, uh, don't you know the answer, 22 00:01:40,261 --> 00:01:42,195 uh, Mrs., uh-- Mrs. Wardman? 23 00:01:42,330 --> 00:01:44,992 No, I don't, but I'd like to. 24 00:01:48,436 --> 00:01:50,529 Maybe you'd like to tell me after class. 25 00:01:52,073 --> 00:01:54,507 Oh, well, uh, [clears throat] 26 00:01:54,642 --> 00:01:58,408 wouldn't you much rather have someone, uh-- someone older stay? 27 00:01:58,546 --> 00:02:02,482 Uh, say, uh, Pat Mangan maybe? 28 00:02:02,617 --> 00:02:04,847 [laughter] 29 00:02:06,320 --> 00:02:07,651 [laughter continues] 30 00:02:07,789 --> 00:02:10,223 Mrs. Wardman, the principal's office. 31 00:02:10,358 --> 00:02:12,087 You're wanted right away. 32 00:02:12,226 --> 00:02:13,887 Thank you, Elsie. 33 00:02:14,028 --> 00:02:16,292 We'll continue this when I get back. 34 00:02:18,032 --> 00:02:20,626 [chuckling, chattering] 35 00:02:21,903 --> 00:02:24,337 Oh, what a time to be called away. 36 00:02:24,472 --> 00:02:28,203 Just when some of my most lovable students were trying to light firecrackers under me-- 37 00:02:28,342 --> 00:02:30,606 Mr. Rixby wants you to go right in. 38 00:02:30,745 --> 00:02:33,612 All right. What's he want, Doris? 39 00:02:33,748 --> 00:02:37,377 I really wouldn't know, Mrs. Wardman. 40 00:02:41,889 --> 00:02:43,982 Mrs. Slater. 41 00:02:44,125 --> 00:02:46,093 Mrs. Wardman. 42 00:02:46,227 --> 00:02:48,923 Would you prefer that I handle this, Mr. Rixby? 43 00:02:49,063 --> 00:02:51,395 Frankly, I'd prefer nobody handled it, 44 00:02:51,532 --> 00:02:54,899 but as acting principal here, Jane, 45 00:02:55,036 --> 00:02:57,596 I've been ordered by the Board of Education to, uh, 46 00:02:58,973 --> 00:03:01,168 well, to ask for your resignation. 47 00:03:01,309 --> 00:03:03,140 My resignation? 48 00:03:03,277 --> 00:03:06,110 You didn't know that the board and I, 49 00:03:06,247 --> 00:03:08,613 as representative of the high school Parents' League, 50 00:03:08,750 --> 00:03:10,445 discussed your case last night? 51 00:03:10,585 --> 00:03:12,553 You mean that note I sent in about Pat Mangan? 52 00:03:12,687 --> 00:03:17,249 No, no note was mentioned, Mrs. Wardman, but a letter was. 53 00:03:17,391 --> 00:03:20,053 Show her your copy, Mr. Rixby. 54 00:03:25,066 --> 00:03:30,299 "Judge Edward Daily, President, Placer Hill Board of Education. 55 00:03:30,438 --> 00:03:33,339 "Isn't it about time you caught on to what a certain young widow 56 00:03:33,474 --> 00:03:37,968 "had been doing nights with the boys in her senior English class? 57 00:03:41,682 --> 00:03:44,446 "Making passes and more, 58 00:03:44,585 --> 00:03:47,179 "not only with Kenneth Sterling before he died, 59 00:03:47,321 --> 00:03:49,687 but now with"... 60 00:03:51,092 --> 00:03:52,616 This is horrible. 61 00:03:52,760 --> 00:03:55,422 You don't believe this, do you, Everett? 62 00:03:55,563 --> 00:03:57,997 It apparently doesn't much matter what I believe, Jane. 63 00:03:58,132 --> 00:04:00,862 An anonymous letter not even mentioning my name? 64 00:04:01,002 --> 00:04:03,630 Oh, we investigated, Mrs. Wardman. 65 00:04:03,771 --> 00:04:06,604 There's no doubt that the young widow is you. 66 00:04:08,810 --> 00:04:13,838 After Kenneth Sterling's accident, we were prepared to shrug off any gossip. 67 00:04:13,981 --> 00:04:16,779 We thought we understood your relationship with him. 68 00:04:16,918 --> 00:04:18,613 But this we can't shrug off. 69 00:04:18,753 --> 00:04:22,689 Of course, there's nothing to be gained by the public washing of dirty linens, 70 00:04:22,824 --> 00:04:27,352 so to speak, so we're giving you this chance to resign quietly, 71 00:04:27,495 --> 00:04:29,725 thus closing the matter. 72 00:04:30,798 --> 00:04:32,789 Well, what do you say, Mrs. Wardman? 73 00:04:34,001 --> 00:04:36,367 Well, what can I say? 74 00:04:39,569 --> 00:04:41,764 I sure appreciate this, Mr. Mason. 75 00:04:41,904 --> 00:04:46,307 Isn't very often a big-city lawyer pays a courtesy call on a rustic confrere. 76 00:04:46,442 --> 00:04:47,431 [chuckles] 77 00:04:47,577 --> 00:04:50,410 Oh, hello, Jane. This is Mr. Mason. 78 00:04:50,546 --> 00:04:53,640 He's taking the Beecham cottage for a couple weeks of trout fishing. 79 00:04:53,783 --> 00:04:55,842 - This is Mrs. Wardman. - How do you do, Mrs. Wardman? 80 00:04:55,985 --> 00:04:57,612 Mr. Mason. 81 00:04:57,753 --> 00:04:59,311 Just go on in, Jane. 82 00:04:59,455 --> 00:05:01,320 Be with you in the shake of a lamb's tail. 83 00:05:01,457 --> 00:05:03,948 Now, Judge Daily, about those secret trout pools-- 84 00:05:04,093 --> 00:05:06,084 Hold on. That "judge" is strictly a hangover 85 00:05:06,229 --> 00:05:09,130 from a short term as justice of the peace years ago. 86 00:05:09,265 --> 00:05:11,893 But judge or not, I'm a first-class fishing guide, 87 00:05:12,034 --> 00:05:14,025 and I'm coming out to show you. 88 00:05:14,170 --> 00:05:15,535 - All right? - All right. 89 00:05:15,671 --> 00:05:17,070 [chuckles] 90 00:05:25,147 --> 00:05:27,138 Well, I guess you know why I'm here. 91 00:05:27,283 --> 00:05:30,309 Yeah. Mrs. Slater called, though why, I don't know. 92 00:05:30,453 --> 00:05:33,854 As president of the Board of Education, I've been delegated to handle this. 93 00:05:33,990 --> 00:05:36,288 Judge Daily, you were Bill's friend, 94 00:05:36,425 --> 00:05:40,122 executor of his estate, my lawyer, 95 00:05:40,263 --> 00:05:43,096 and you'd allow me to be convicted on the basis 96 00:05:43,232 --> 00:05:46,759 of some disgusting charges in an anonymous letter? 97 00:05:46,902 --> 00:05:51,635 Jane, you remember what I said right after Bill died, 98 00:05:51,774 --> 00:05:54,868 and you were debating whether to stay here and teach or to go on? 99 00:05:55,011 --> 00:05:58,674 You said as a stranger, people would be suspicious of everything I did, 100 00:05:58,814 --> 00:06:00,805 but that was over two years ago. 101 00:06:00,950 --> 00:06:02,440 Doesn't matter. 102 00:06:02,585 --> 00:06:05,247 This is an old-fashioned town, Jane-- 103 00:06:05,388 --> 00:06:08,255 ingrown, living in its mining past. 104 00:06:08,391 --> 00:06:11,189 You were a woman who somehow got hold of Bill Wardman 105 00:06:11,327 --> 00:06:13,818 while he was a geologist out in the Far East, 106 00:06:13,963 --> 00:06:15,897 brought him home to die, 107 00:06:16,032 --> 00:06:18,398 then tried to take his place. 108 00:06:18,534 --> 00:06:22,129 In the eyes of some people, you're still a stranger, I guess. 109 00:06:22,271 --> 00:06:24,068 Well, stranger or not, 110 00:06:24,206 --> 00:06:27,266 did it ever occur to anybody, even for a second, I might be innocent? 111 00:06:27,410 --> 00:06:29,810 Yes, for a good deal more than a second. 112 00:06:29,945 --> 00:06:32,470 But let me explain something, Jane. 113 00:06:32,615 --> 00:06:35,106 The school board isn't saying you're guilty. 114 00:06:35,251 --> 00:06:37,742 No one's referring any legal charges against you, 115 00:06:37,887 --> 00:06:39,787 so there's no question of dismissal. 116 00:06:39,922 --> 00:06:42,220 But here is some, 117 00:06:43,225 --> 00:06:45,386 well, awkward evidence. 118 00:06:45,528 --> 00:06:48,656 Enough evidence to justify a board hearing. 119 00:06:48,798 --> 00:06:52,131 Now, a hearing is going to mean publicity, 120 00:06:52,268 --> 00:06:55,237 mudslinging, name-smearing. 121 00:06:55,371 --> 00:06:59,239 The board's willing to let it rest, provided you resign. 122 00:06:59,375 --> 00:07:02,344 And if I resign, how will I ever prove my innocence? 123 00:07:03,913 --> 00:07:06,404 - You are innocent, Jane? - Of course I am. 124 00:07:06,549 --> 00:07:10,713 Well, there was some talk about you and this boy Kenneth Sterling before he died. 125 00:07:10,853 --> 00:07:13,344 Judge Daily, you knew Kenneth Sterling-- 126 00:07:14,357 --> 00:07:18,350 a sensitive, mixed-up rebel with no family to turn to. 127 00:07:19,362 --> 00:07:22,195 I-I was merely trying to help him. 128 00:07:22,331 --> 00:07:26,358 And you didn't make any, uh-- any passes at him, as the letter says? 129 00:07:26,502 --> 00:07:28,060 No, I did not. 130 00:07:28,204 --> 00:07:30,900 Or to Pat Mangan, whom the letter also names? 131 00:07:31,040 --> 00:07:32,371 That monster? 132 00:07:32,508 --> 00:07:34,567 Now, he says you did, Jane, 133 00:07:34,710 --> 00:07:36,610 and so do some of the other boys. 134 00:07:36,746 --> 00:07:38,213 Who are they? 135 00:07:38,347 --> 00:07:40,338 Well, the board thinks it's best for their families, 136 00:07:40,483 --> 00:07:44,283 and for the community, too, if their names are not brought into this. 137 00:07:44,420 --> 00:07:46,820 In fact, I'm the only one that's talked to them. 138 00:07:46,956 --> 00:07:48,719 And they told you that I-- 139 00:07:48,858 --> 00:07:50,951 Yes, Jane, they did. 140 00:07:54,530 --> 00:07:56,521 [motorcycle motors revving] 141 00:07:59,769 --> 00:08:01,999 Oh, Mrs. Wardman. 142 00:08:02,138 --> 00:08:04,436 I was told the town taxi parked here. 143 00:08:04,573 --> 00:08:07,235 It's 30 minutes now and still no sign of it. 144 00:08:07,376 --> 00:08:09,708 Sometimes it disappears for hours. 145 00:08:09,845 --> 00:08:12,279 - I'm afraid I can't wait that long. - [revving continues] 146 00:08:12,415 --> 00:08:15,612 Is there anyplace I can rent a car? Mine's laid up until morning. 147 00:08:15,751 --> 00:08:18,276 Well, I'd be happy to give you a lift. 148 00:08:18,421 --> 00:08:20,412 I couldn't put you to all that trouble. 149 00:08:20,556 --> 00:08:22,854 The Beecham cottage is more than halfway to the summit. 150 00:08:22,992 --> 00:08:26,587 Well, it just so happens I have to go out that way and pick up my son Terry. 151 00:08:26,729 --> 00:08:28,390 Come on. Hop in. 152 00:08:29,398 --> 00:08:30,763 How are you, Janie? 153 00:08:30,900 --> 00:08:32,561 That's a pretty dress you're wearing, Janie. 154 00:08:32,701 --> 00:08:33,690 [wolf whistle] 155 00:08:33,836 --> 00:08:35,531 [Bobby laughs] 156 00:08:41,177 --> 00:08:44,442 [motorcycle motors revving] 157 00:08:44,580 --> 00:08:45,945 How about taking us, huh? 158 00:08:46,081 --> 00:08:48,675 [laughter] 159 00:08:55,327 --> 00:08:58,558 How come you're not eating? Is something wrong? 160 00:08:58,697 --> 00:09:00,494 What makes you think that? 161 00:09:00,633 --> 00:09:04,399 Well, you look sort of pale, like when you had the flu. 162 00:09:04,537 --> 00:09:06,767 Well, I've got just the thing for pale, young widows. 163 00:09:06,906 --> 00:09:09,466 It's a double old-fashioned, compliments of the management. 164 00:09:09,608 --> 00:09:12,509 That's very nice of you, Gus, but no, thanks. 165 00:09:12,645 --> 00:09:13,839 I don't drink. 166 00:09:13,979 --> 00:09:17,142 Well, that's not exactly what they're saying around town. 167 00:09:18,250 --> 00:09:20,878 Terry, you remember Mr. Wiler, don't you? 168 00:09:21,020 --> 00:09:24,512 Sure. He was assistant football coach at your school last year. 169 00:09:24,657 --> 00:09:26,784 Your mom's school? That's funny. 170 00:09:26,926 --> 00:09:30,418 - I heard she wasn't there anymore. - I think you'd better leave, Gus. 171 00:09:31,664 --> 00:09:33,723 Just kidding, Everett. 172 00:09:34,733 --> 00:09:36,462 Thanks. 173 00:09:36,602 --> 00:09:39,571 Well, the dashing US Marines to the rescue. 174 00:09:40,940 --> 00:09:44,535 Only, I didn't quite cut such a dashing figure in my office today. 175 00:09:44,677 --> 00:09:48,511 That's why I came in when I saw your car outside-- to try and explain. 176 00:09:48,647 --> 00:09:51,810 There's nothing to explain. I understood. 177 00:09:51,951 --> 00:09:53,009 Yeah. 178 00:09:53,152 --> 00:09:55,518 Understood that the she-dragon of the Parents' League 179 00:09:55,654 --> 00:09:58,350 had me completely buffaloed. 180 00:10:00,993 --> 00:10:02,654 What did you decide? 181 00:10:02,795 --> 00:10:04,353 Nothing yet. 182 00:10:04,497 --> 00:10:06,931 Well, when you do, let me know first, hmm? 183 00:10:07,066 --> 00:10:09,125 So I can take first stab at the dragon. 184 00:10:09,268 --> 00:10:11,031 [sighs] Oh, look, this is stupid. 185 00:10:11,170 --> 00:10:13,001 You can't get mixed up in this thing. 186 00:10:13,139 --> 00:10:15,471 The board could fire you, ruin your whole career. 187 00:10:15,608 --> 00:10:18,372 There's not much point in being a principal without principles. 188 00:10:18,511 --> 00:10:21,173 I don't want to cause any more trouble. I've-- 189 00:10:23,015 --> 00:10:25,575 Everett, could we talk about this tomorrow? 190 00:10:25,718 --> 00:10:28,346 Sure. So long, Terry. 191 00:10:28,487 --> 00:10:30,352 Bye, Mr. Rixby. 192 00:10:33,058 --> 00:10:35,049 What's this all about, Mom? 193 00:10:35,194 --> 00:10:38,027 Well, Terry, it's about a letter. 194 00:10:39,331 --> 00:10:41,492 An unsigned letter 195 00:10:41,634 --> 00:10:45,161 received by the Board of Education a day or so ago 196 00:10:45,304 --> 00:10:48,296 accusing me of making... 197 00:10:49,308 --> 00:10:51,333 what's called... 198 00:10:52,378 --> 00:10:55,142 improper advances 199 00:10:55,281 --> 00:10:57,715 towards some of the boys in my senior English class. 200 00:10:57,850 --> 00:11:00,318 How silly can anybody get? 201 00:11:01,787 --> 00:11:04,847 Trouble is, according to Judge Daily, 202 00:11:04,990 --> 00:11:06,981 some of the boys say it's true. 203 00:11:07,126 --> 00:11:10,095 Mom, how could they? 204 00:11:11,096 --> 00:11:13,394 I'll bet it's that dirty Pat Mangan. 205 00:11:14,533 --> 00:11:17,593 - Yes, he's one of them. - What's Judge Daily say? 206 00:11:20,239 --> 00:11:23,402 That I could resign without any fuss 207 00:11:23,542 --> 00:11:25,908 or insist upon a hearing. 208 00:11:27,546 --> 00:11:30,037 But he feels that if I-- 209 00:11:31,050 --> 00:11:33,041 well, if we win, 210 00:11:33,185 --> 00:11:36,746 that people will still say that there's some truth in the charges. 211 00:11:38,224 --> 00:11:40,988 Well, his advice is to... 212 00:11:42,628 --> 00:11:46,155 stop thinking about fighting and just move out of here. 213 00:11:47,266 --> 00:11:48,927 Run away? 214 00:11:49,068 --> 00:11:52,367 Well, after all, Terry, it's partly my fault. 215 00:11:53,372 --> 00:11:56,341 I was stupid enough to think I could help Kenneth Sterling. 216 00:11:57,343 --> 00:11:59,106 You know what happened to him. 217 00:11:59,245 --> 00:12:02,806 But that was an accident. He skidded his motorcycle off a cliff. 218 00:12:06,185 --> 00:12:08,710 What would Dad do if he were here? 219 00:12:08,854 --> 00:12:10,788 He'd stay and fight. 220 00:12:11,790 --> 00:12:15,248 Then let's stay and fight. 221 00:12:28,440 --> 00:12:30,874 [engine starts] 222 00:12:43,455 --> 00:12:45,082 Terry? 223 00:12:45,224 --> 00:12:46,782 Yes, Mom? 224 00:12:46,925 --> 00:12:49,519 Is that a motorcycle behind us? 225 00:12:50,996 --> 00:12:53,590 Yeah. It looks sort of like Pat Mangan's. 226 00:12:53,732 --> 00:12:56,200 Hi there, Janie baby. [laughs] 227 00:12:56,335 --> 00:12:58,530 I think I'll slow down and let him pass us. 228 00:13:05,778 --> 00:13:08,804 Mom, there's some other motorcycles behind him. 229 00:13:08,947 --> 00:13:10,710 There are four, I think. 230 00:13:10,849 --> 00:13:12,908 - See them? - Yes, I see them. 231 00:13:13,052 --> 00:13:14,383 They're coming closer. 232 00:13:16,388 --> 00:13:17,946 Mom, look out! 233 00:13:18,090 --> 00:13:19,523 [tires screeching] 234 00:13:22,163 --> 00:13:23,528 Well, Doctor? 235 00:13:23,665 --> 00:13:25,826 Mild abrasions, 236 00:13:25,967 --> 00:13:30,131 one or two small bruises, and a pretty fair bump on the head. 237 00:13:30,271 --> 00:13:34,537 You should be stiff and sore in the morning, Jane, but that should be about all. 238 00:13:34,676 --> 00:13:36,940 Did you see the accident, Mr. Mason? 239 00:13:37,078 --> 00:13:38,739 No, but I heard the crash. 240 00:13:38,880 --> 00:13:41,348 By the time I got outside, the motorcycles were gone. 241 00:13:41,482 --> 00:13:45,145 However, we've a pretty good idea as to who they were. 242 00:13:45,286 --> 00:13:48,517 Dr. Grant, you're a member of the Board of Education, aren't you? 243 00:13:48,656 --> 00:13:52,057 - [Dr. Grant] You told him, Jane? - Yes, she told me. 244 00:13:52,193 --> 00:13:55,685 And I must say, it's hard to find the words to express my indignation 245 00:13:55,830 --> 00:13:59,061 and amazement at what's been done to Mrs. Wardman, 246 00:13:59,200 --> 00:14:03,136 and that her attorney and her family doctor could be so involved. 247 00:14:03,271 --> 00:14:07,367 Mr. Mason, the board didn't just act on the basis of an anonymous letter. 248 00:14:07,508 --> 00:14:09,533 A witness was heard-- the Mangan boy. 249 00:14:09,677 --> 00:14:11,611 Don't call him a boy. 250 00:14:11,746 --> 00:14:13,680 He's old enough to be in the army. 251 00:14:13,815 --> 00:14:16,079 The town bully and a notorious liar. 252 00:14:16,217 --> 00:14:20,551 Now, now, Jane, I admit his reputation is not too good, but there were others, too. 253 00:14:20,688 --> 00:14:22,019 Who else testified? 254 00:14:22,156 --> 00:14:25,785 They told their story to Judge Daily, who quite properly withheld their names. 255 00:14:25,927 --> 00:14:27,519 Why do you say "quite properly"? 256 00:14:27,662 --> 00:14:31,359 There's no point of shaming the families if we can possibly dispose of this quietly, 257 00:14:31,499 --> 00:14:33,160 as the board hopes to do. 258 00:14:33,301 --> 00:14:36,327 But it's all right to go on shaming Mrs. Wardman and her son. 259 00:14:36,471 --> 00:14:38,200 Is that the board's idea of justice? 260 00:14:38,339 --> 00:14:40,967 Mr. Mason, we're not a court of law. 261 00:14:41,109 --> 00:14:43,100 We're responsible for our young people. 262 00:14:43,244 --> 00:14:47,704 If we feel they're in jeopardy, right or wrong, we must do as we think best. 263 00:14:47,849 --> 00:14:49,908 As Mrs. Wardman's family doctor, 264 00:14:50,051 --> 00:14:54,078 do you honestly believe that your young people could be in jeopardy? 265 00:14:54,222 --> 00:14:57,419 Mr. Mason, the board asked me that same question. 266 00:14:57,558 --> 00:15:00,755 As a doctor, I was forced to tell them that persons who were suddenly cut off 267 00:15:00,895 --> 00:15:03,887 from the love and emotional outlets they were accustomed to 268 00:15:04,031 --> 00:15:07,159 sometimes do lose their judgment and self-control. 269 00:15:07,301 --> 00:15:10,395 - Did you tell them I'd lost control? - Of course not, Jane. 270 00:15:10,538 --> 00:15:12,768 Did you tell them that she hadn't lost control? 271 00:15:12,907 --> 00:15:14,238 I ventured no opinion. 272 00:15:14,375 --> 00:15:16,775 That was very courageous of you, Doctor. 273 00:15:23,587 --> 00:15:26,078 - Good morning. - Good morning. How are you feeling? 274 00:15:26,223 --> 00:15:29,556 Oh, a few minor aches and pains. Nothing too serious. 275 00:15:29,693 --> 00:15:32,992 I thought it best if I kept Terry home from school today. 276 00:15:33,130 --> 00:15:35,121 Mrs. Wardman, this is Paul Drake, 277 00:15:35,266 --> 00:15:37,257 the private detective I told you about last night. 278 00:15:37,401 --> 00:15:38,891 - Mrs. Wardman. - Mr. Drake. 279 00:15:39,036 --> 00:15:41,834 He's here to help you. That is, if you want help. 280 00:15:41,972 --> 00:15:45,100 I honestly don't know what I want, Mr. Mason. 281 00:15:45,242 --> 00:15:48,211 I'm sure it's a hard decision. 282 00:15:48,345 --> 00:15:52,111 Almost no one on your side except a vacationing lawyer 283 00:15:52,249 --> 00:15:54,683 whom you barely know. 284 00:15:54,818 --> 00:15:56,809 But there's something odd here. 285 00:15:56,954 --> 00:15:59,821 The whole town's stirred up, and so rapidly. 286 00:15:59,957 --> 00:16:02,687 Mrs. Wardman, the boy who died-- 287 00:16:02,826 --> 00:16:04,657 - Kenneth Sterling? - Mmm. 288 00:16:04,795 --> 00:16:08,959 I guess it's standard procedure for me to wonder about violent fatalities, 289 00:16:09,099 --> 00:16:12,660 but I understand that you were the closest thing to a family the boy had. 290 00:16:12,803 --> 00:16:14,998 Could his death possibly have anything to do with this? 291 00:16:16,240 --> 00:16:18,174 No, I don't think so. 292 00:16:18,309 --> 00:16:21,938 It happened in the next county, near Cactus City, about a month ago. 293 00:16:22,079 --> 00:16:26,675 Kenneth was in one of his states of revolt against life in general 294 00:16:26,817 --> 00:16:29,217 and the high school in particular that night. 295 00:16:29,353 --> 00:16:31,218 - How do you know that? - Well, I received 296 00:16:31,355 --> 00:16:33,289 one of my midnight phone calls from him, 297 00:16:33,424 --> 00:16:37,087 and I talked to him for awhile, and, 298 00:16:37,227 --> 00:16:39,787 well, I thought I calmed him down, 299 00:16:39,930 --> 00:16:43,627 but later that night, 300 00:16:44,835 --> 00:16:46,928 apparently he was going so fast 301 00:16:47,071 --> 00:16:49,505 that his motorcycle 302 00:16:49,640 --> 00:16:53,269 skidded off the road and into a ravine. 303 00:16:53,410 --> 00:16:56,868 Paul, there are two avenues of approach here. 304 00:16:57,881 --> 00:17:01,612 One is to force an open hearing before the Board of Education. 305 00:17:01,752 --> 00:17:04,585 The other is to unmask the writer of that letter. 306 00:17:04,722 --> 00:17:07,452 - How can you do that? - Well, possibly through the letter itself. 307 00:17:07,591 --> 00:17:09,786 We have the photostat Mr. Rixby showed you yesterday. 308 00:17:09,927 --> 00:17:13,454 It looks as if it were written on an Imperial super-quiet. 309 00:17:13,597 --> 00:17:16,691 The stationery store will give me a list of all the people in town who bought one. 310 00:17:16,834 --> 00:17:19,598 And there's a certain amount of pressure that can be put on Pat Mangan 311 00:17:19,737 --> 00:17:22,604 because of last night's episode and the note you sent to the board about him. 312 00:17:22,740 --> 00:17:25,300 Her note to the board? I hadn't heard about that. 313 00:17:25,442 --> 00:17:29,139 I was just reporting on something that happened at a school dance. 314 00:17:29,279 --> 00:17:34,808 I had a little trouble with Pat Mangan, so I-- I reported it to Mr. Rixby, of course. 315 00:17:35,819 --> 00:17:37,684 There were some things that Pat said 316 00:17:37,821 --> 00:17:40,051 that made me wonder 317 00:17:40,190 --> 00:17:43,819 if someone wasn't selling liquor to those boys. 318 00:17:43,961 --> 00:17:46,395 Someone like Gus Wiler, maybe, at the Summit Inn. 319 00:17:46,530 --> 00:17:48,828 That in itself could be useful. 320 00:17:48,966 --> 00:17:51,730 But before we can do a thing, Jane, 321 00:17:51,869 --> 00:17:53,734 I must be empowered to represent you. 322 00:17:55,272 --> 00:17:59,140 I think it might be easier if I just packed up and left. 323 00:17:59,276 --> 00:18:01,801 - Mom? - Yes? 324 00:18:01,945 --> 00:18:03,879 You said Dad would have fought, didn't you? 325 00:18:04,014 --> 00:18:05,208 Yes, Terry. 326 00:18:05,349 --> 00:18:07,249 Well, aren't we Wardmans, too? 327 00:18:10,087 --> 00:18:12,214 All right, Mr. Mason. 328 00:18:12,356 --> 00:18:14,984 You're empowered to represent me. 329 00:18:19,263 --> 00:18:22,790 This is from a standard motorcycle-tire tread, Perry. 330 00:18:22,933 --> 00:18:25,527 You think you can identify which of the boys' bikes was here? 331 00:18:25,669 --> 00:18:28,570 Well, maybe. Couple of breaks in this one. 332 00:18:28,705 --> 00:18:30,536 [Gus] What's going on? 333 00:18:30,674 --> 00:18:32,574 Who are you guys? 334 00:18:34,044 --> 00:18:35,341 Mr. Wiler? 335 00:18:35,479 --> 00:18:36,810 I could be. Why? 336 00:18:36,947 --> 00:18:39,575 You know Pat Mangan and his group pretty well, don't you? 337 00:18:39,716 --> 00:18:42,742 They ride their motorcycles out here sometimes, but I hardly know them. 338 00:18:42,886 --> 00:18:44,046 Funny. 339 00:18:44,188 --> 00:18:48,284 I just heard a rumor that you've been selling them a bottle of liquor every now and then. 340 00:18:52,529 --> 00:18:54,429 [motorcycle approaching] 341 00:19:47,595 --> 00:19:48,960 [knocks] 342 00:19:51,098 --> 00:19:52,087 Yeah? 343 00:19:52,233 --> 00:19:53,928 - Are you Pat Mangan? - What do you want? 344 00:19:54,068 --> 00:19:57,037 We're running a check on super-quiet typewriters. I understand you own one. 345 00:19:57,171 --> 00:19:59,162 - So? - Well, I wondered if I could see it, please. 346 00:19:59,306 --> 00:20:01,274 - My company's interested-- - Get out of here, buddy! We don't want any 347 00:20:01,408 --> 00:20:03,569 - Look, you don't understand. - I saw you out there! 348 00:20:03,711 --> 00:20:06,111 Whatever you're nosing around for, do it someplace else, huh? 349 00:20:06,247 --> 00:20:09,080 - Wait a minute! - This is my porch! Get off! 350 00:20:10,751 --> 00:20:12,309 [grunts] 351 00:20:12,453 --> 00:20:14,819 Pat, what's going on out here? 352 00:20:15,823 --> 00:20:18,018 Oh, you're asking questions about Pat's typewriter. 353 00:20:18,159 --> 00:20:19,922 - Is that it, mister? - That's right. 354 00:20:20,060 --> 00:20:23,621 Well, he traded it in about two months ago as part payment on a new motorcycle. 355 00:20:23,764 --> 00:20:25,595 You stay out of my way, buddy. 356 00:20:25,733 --> 00:20:28,258 Next time I catch you, you ain't gonna be so lucky. 357 00:20:29,837 --> 00:20:31,771 In the house, Pat! 358 00:20:39,580 --> 00:20:41,241 - Nice kid. - "Kid"? 359 00:20:41,382 --> 00:20:43,475 You ought to feel the arms on that moose. 360 00:20:43,617 --> 00:20:45,380 You can take it. 361 00:20:46,387 --> 00:20:47,979 - Paul? - Yeah? 362 00:20:48,122 --> 00:20:52,081 I think there's a way we might force a few hands around here. 363 00:20:59,002 --> 00:21:01,470 That Pat Mangan out there? 364 00:21:02,806 --> 00:21:04,637 [Rixby] Yes, that's Pat. 365 00:21:04,774 --> 00:21:06,969 What would you do if he suddenly attacked a stranger 366 00:21:07,110 --> 00:21:09,374 walking across the school grounds? 367 00:21:09,513 --> 00:21:13,643 Well, he's a bully and a sadist, but I don't know about attacking a stranger. 368 00:21:13,783 --> 00:21:16,115 I'm willing to gamble that he's going to. 369 00:21:16,253 --> 00:21:19,017 I'm also willing to gamble that you're going to call the police. 370 00:21:19,156 --> 00:21:22,956 Well, in matters like that, I'm really supposed to report first-- 371 00:21:23,093 --> 00:21:24,492 To the board? 372 00:21:24,628 --> 00:21:26,755 You'd call Judge Daily? 373 00:21:26,897 --> 00:21:29,991 I, uh, guess that would put him on the spot, wouldn't it? 374 00:21:30,133 --> 00:21:32,465 I guess he'd have to call in the police. 375 00:21:32,602 --> 00:21:34,092 Exactly. 376 00:21:43,847 --> 00:21:45,610 Well, look who's here. 377 00:21:47,617 --> 00:21:50,450 This is the wise guy I was telling you about. 378 00:21:50,587 --> 00:21:53,055 This time, good buddy, you're going to get the full treatment. 379 00:21:53,190 --> 00:21:56,284 From you alone, or with the help of your friends? 380 00:21:58,161 --> 00:22:00,152 I don't need no help. 381 00:22:01,665 --> 00:22:03,633 [laughing] 382 00:22:14,244 --> 00:22:15,734 Look out! 383 00:22:16,880 --> 00:22:18,370 Aahhh! 384 00:22:27,290 --> 00:22:29,781 No, Mr. Mason, there's been no call from Judge Daily yet, 385 00:22:29,926 --> 00:22:32,053 and it doesn't seem like there's gonna be one. 386 00:22:32,195 --> 00:22:34,959 Now, as far as that accident business last night is concerned, 387 00:22:35,098 --> 00:22:38,397 I'm afraid I haven't gotten much further with those motorcycle tracks than Mr. Drake here. 388 00:22:38,535 --> 00:22:42,471 Sheriff, what about the possibility that Gus Wiler or someone else 389 00:22:42,606 --> 00:22:44,267 has been selling the boys liquor? 390 00:22:44,407 --> 00:22:46,136 That's pretty hard to believe about old Gus, 391 00:22:46,276 --> 00:22:48,904 although the boys do kick up their heels now and again. 392 00:22:49,045 --> 00:22:51,138 But this county's always been pretty clean. 393 00:22:51,281 --> 00:22:54,739 It's not like Cactus County, where young Sterling got liquored up the night he died. 394 00:22:54,884 --> 00:22:56,613 Sterling was drunk that night? 395 00:22:57,621 --> 00:23:01,853 Well, the autopsy report did show some alcohol in the bloodstream. 396 00:23:01,992 --> 00:23:05,553 But I'm afraid there's more than a dozen places in Cactus City that sell to minors. 397 00:23:05,695 --> 00:23:08,687 Paul, you'd better do a little checking in Cactus City. 398 00:23:08,832 --> 00:23:10,163 Hello, Judge. 399 00:23:10,300 --> 00:23:11,631 Business? 400 00:23:11,768 --> 00:23:13,429 Heard Mr. Mason was here. 401 00:23:13,570 --> 00:23:15,834 Thought I'd have a little talk with him-- alone, maybe. 402 00:23:16,906 --> 00:23:20,273 Well, I do have an errand to run. You're welcome to use the office. 403 00:23:20,410 --> 00:23:23,345 However, I would like a word with you sometime, Judge, 404 00:23:23,480 --> 00:23:25,471 if you can find the time. 405 00:23:31,688 --> 00:23:34,953 Cute idea of yours, starting that little ruckus on the school grounds, 406 00:23:35,091 --> 00:23:36,786 if I figured it right. 407 00:23:36,926 --> 00:23:40,157 You'd like to get this Jane Wardman business out in the open, wouldn't you? 408 00:23:40,297 --> 00:23:41,787 In court, maybe? 409 00:23:41,931 --> 00:23:44,866 Yes, in lieu of a formal hearing before the Board of Education. 410 00:23:45,869 --> 00:23:49,134 I've already vetoed that. It's too inflammatory. 411 00:23:49,272 --> 00:23:52,332 As for complaining to the authorities about the ruckus on the school grounds, 412 00:23:52,475 --> 00:23:54,136 I vetoed that, too. 413 00:23:54,277 --> 00:23:56,745 In my opinion, Mr. Drake's a public benefactor. 414 00:23:57,947 --> 00:24:00,472 I'm only a small-puddle lawyer. 415 00:24:00,617 --> 00:24:03,950 You're gonna find it hard to force my hand, Mr. Mason. 416 00:24:04,087 --> 00:24:08,023 I've done, and I'll do, what I think is best for both Jane and the town. 417 00:24:08,158 --> 00:24:09,182 [phone ringing] 418 00:24:13,296 --> 00:24:14,786 Sheriff just stepped out. 419 00:24:14,931 --> 00:24:17,161 Oh, hello, Sergeant. 420 00:24:17,300 --> 00:24:19,291 For me? 421 00:24:19,436 --> 00:24:21,063 Who? 422 00:24:21,204 --> 00:24:23,195 Going over to Jane Wardman's house? 423 00:24:43,360 --> 00:24:46,887 Wait a minute. What are you doing here? 424 00:24:47,897 --> 00:24:51,526 Mrs. Wardman, we've come here to give you an ultimatum. 425 00:24:51,668 --> 00:24:54,136 If the board won't act, we will. 426 00:24:54,270 --> 00:24:56,568 All of us here have children in the high school, 427 00:24:56,706 --> 00:25:00,267 and for their protection, we're giving you this one last chance to resign. 428 00:25:00,410 --> 00:25:02,537 And if I don't resign? 429 00:25:02,679 --> 00:25:04,943 We have voted and decided. 430 00:25:05,081 --> 00:25:07,811 We'll take our children out of school and keep them out-- 431 00:25:07,951 --> 00:25:11,182 the mothers here and every other mother in town. 432 00:25:11,321 --> 00:25:12,948 And don't think we won't. 433 00:25:13,089 --> 00:25:15,580 You'd do that just to get rid of me? 434 00:25:15,725 --> 00:25:17,454 [Woman] Well, we're hoping we won't have to. 435 00:25:17,594 --> 00:25:19,926 Don't be a fool, Jane. 436 00:25:20,063 --> 00:25:23,726 Resign and get out before something worse happens to you. 437 00:25:23,867 --> 00:25:27,564 By worse, do you mean riding her out of town on a rail? 438 00:25:27,704 --> 00:25:31,572 Or perhaps you were thinking of tar and feathers? 439 00:25:31,708 --> 00:25:33,403 I beg your pardon. 440 00:25:33,543 --> 00:25:35,875 Well, aren't you taking the law into your own hands? 441 00:25:36,012 --> 00:25:38,480 Condemning her without a trial? 442 00:25:38,615 --> 00:25:43,450 Judge Daily, are these the people you've been trying so hard to protect? 443 00:25:43,586 --> 00:25:46,077 You've just been a witness to their behavior-- 444 00:25:46,222 --> 00:25:49,089 breaking and entering, attempted intimidation, slander. 445 00:25:49,225 --> 00:25:50,692 I warn you, 446 00:25:50,827 --> 00:25:53,694 Mrs. Wardman is going to have a field day in court with you people. 447 00:25:53,830 --> 00:25:56,924 - Unless-- - All right, Mr. Mason. 448 00:25:57,066 --> 00:25:59,364 You've forced my hand. 449 00:26:03,873 --> 00:26:05,864 [chattering] 450 00:26:09,053 --> 00:26:10,543 All right, folks. 451 00:26:10,688 --> 00:26:13,486 If you'll just take your seats, the meeting's about to begin. 452 00:26:13,624 --> 00:26:15,615 I just heard from our Cactus City correspondent. 453 00:26:15,760 --> 00:26:18,456 He's had no luck at all on where young Sterling got his liquor that night. 454 00:26:18,596 --> 00:26:20,996 - Too many places there sell it. - And the accident? 455 00:26:21,132 --> 00:26:24,124 Well, if you thought it was anything more, I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed. 456 00:26:24,268 --> 00:26:25,257 How? 457 00:26:25,403 --> 00:26:27,530 The reason the boy spun off the road wasn't liquor. 458 00:26:27,672 --> 00:26:29,663 He had a heart failure. 459 00:26:30,675 --> 00:26:33,041 This board is now in session 460 00:26:33,177 --> 00:26:35,805 on business we'd hoped would never have to be discussed. 461 00:26:37,381 --> 00:26:42,444 Uh, I'm sure all of you, and Mr. Mason, too, will see why in a moment. 462 00:26:42,587 --> 00:26:45,454 We're dealing with something... 463 00:26:45,590 --> 00:26:48,787 Well, something that people mostly discuss behind closed doors. 464 00:26:48,926 --> 00:26:51,224 [Man] The doors are closed, Judge. Get on with it. 465 00:26:51,362 --> 00:26:52,693 Who was that? 466 00:26:52,830 --> 00:26:54,354 Ed Temple? 467 00:26:54,498 --> 00:26:58,332 Now, one more interruption, Ed, and I'm going to have to ask you to leave. 468 00:26:58,469 --> 00:27:01,529 And that goes for everyone here. 469 00:27:01,672 --> 00:27:03,537 All right. 470 00:27:04,942 --> 00:27:08,935 Now, first, the letter that started all this. 471 00:27:09,080 --> 00:27:12,572 But it couldn't be ignored, and I think you'll all see. 472 00:27:12,717 --> 00:27:15,151 May I see that letter? 473 00:27:15,286 --> 00:27:17,277 Well, I suppose. 474 00:27:18,422 --> 00:27:20,083 This is a photostat. 475 00:27:20,224 --> 00:27:21,714 Yes, I know. 476 00:27:21,859 --> 00:27:24,157 It seems the original disappeared from Doris' files. 477 00:27:24,295 --> 00:27:26,957 [Mason] When, Miss Wilson? When did it disappear? 478 00:27:27,098 --> 00:27:28,690 I don't know. 479 00:27:28,833 --> 00:27:30,824 It was just gone when I looked for it tonight. 480 00:27:30,968 --> 00:27:33,732 [Mason] Unless a photostat is properly introduced, 481 00:27:33,871 --> 00:27:37,272 it isn't admissible as evidence, so I must object. 482 00:27:37,408 --> 00:27:41,139 Mr. Mason, we'd better get something straight right off. 483 00:27:41,278 --> 00:27:43,269 It won't do you any good to object here. 484 00:27:43,414 --> 00:27:46,508 The board is conducting this hearing the way it thinks best. 485 00:27:46,651 --> 00:27:48,778 - That's right, Judge. - [spectators murmuring] 486 00:27:54,325 --> 00:27:56,486 [clears throat] 487 00:27:56,627 --> 00:28:00,063 "Judge Edward Daily, President of the Placer Hill Board of Education. 488 00:28:01,132 --> 00:28:05,034 "Isn't it about time you caught on to what a certain young widow 489 00:28:05,169 --> 00:28:07,467 "has been doing nights 490 00:28:07,605 --> 00:28:10,938 "with the boys in her senior English class? 491 00:28:12,076 --> 00:28:15,011 "Making passes and more, 492 00:28:15,146 --> 00:28:19,173 "not only with Kenneth Sterling before he died, 493 00:28:19,316 --> 00:28:23,912 "but now with Pat Mangan and some of the others. 494 00:28:24,055 --> 00:28:25,386 "Ask them, Judge. 495 00:28:25,523 --> 00:28:28,720 Just ask them, and they'll tell you." 496 00:28:29,727 --> 00:28:34,164 Would you rather it be you testifying, Cornelia, or our young people? 497 00:28:34,298 --> 00:28:36,823 I know my duty, Judge Daily. 498 00:28:36,967 --> 00:28:39,959 Then repeat what you told the board in private. 499 00:28:42,807 --> 00:28:44,798 This is most distasteful. 500 00:28:46,043 --> 00:28:49,570 At the senior dance, held here in this gymnasium, 501 00:28:49,714 --> 00:28:53,309 at which both Mrs. Wardman and I were among the chaperons, 502 00:28:54,318 --> 00:28:58,721 I saw her slip out quietly with Pat Mangan, 503 00:28:59,724 --> 00:29:01,715 and, um... 504 00:29:01,859 --> 00:29:03,224 uh... 505 00:29:03,360 --> 00:29:04,918 [Daily] Just go on, Cornelia. 506 00:29:07,431 --> 00:29:11,561 She came back about 15 minutes later, alone, 507 00:29:11,702 --> 00:29:14,000 with her lipstick smeared, 508 00:29:14,138 --> 00:29:16,368 her dress disarranged, 509 00:29:16,507 --> 00:29:19,476 and smelling of liquor. 510 00:29:19,610 --> 00:29:22,204 [murmuring] 511 00:29:22,346 --> 00:29:25,474 Yes, it was at the same dance that I saw them-- 512 00:29:25,616 --> 00:29:27,811 Pat Mangan and Mrs. Wardman-- 513 00:29:27,952 --> 00:29:30,648 on a bench back of the science hall. 514 00:29:30,788 --> 00:29:33,222 What were they doing, Doris? 515 00:29:33,357 --> 00:29:35,848 They were... 516 00:29:36,961 --> 00:29:39,691 Well, I guess you could call it necking. 517 00:29:39,830 --> 00:29:42,094 [murmuring] 518 00:29:44,268 --> 00:29:46,259 You told this to the board, Miss Wilson? 519 00:29:46,403 --> 00:29:47,734 Yes, I did. 520 00:29:47,872 --> 00:29:49,897 Very shocking thing. 521 00:29:50,040 --> 00:29:52,235 So shocking, I'm surprised you didn't mention it 522 00:29:52,376 --> 00:29:54,173 to someone before the meeting of the board. 523 00:29:54,311 --> 00:29:58,771 But I did. I told Everett-- Mr. Rixby, the acting principal, about it. 524 00:29:58,916 --> 00:30:01,908 Yes, Doris did tell me the day after the dance. 525 00:30:02,052 --> 00:30:03,610 Why didn't you inform the board? 526 00:30:03,754 --> 00:30:07,918 Oh, I'm sure Doris must have mistaken one of the girls for Mrs. Wardman. 527 00:30:08,058 --> 00:30:10,356 And, I might add, I still believe that. 528 00:30:10,494 --> 00:30:13,224 Well, maybe you'll change your mind, Mr. Rixby, 529 00:30:13,364 --> 00:30:16,026 when you hear the next witness. 530 00:30:16,167 --> 00:30:17,225 Pat Mangan! 531 00:30:24,775 --> 00:30:29,269 Now, Pat, we want you to tell us exactly what you told the board and no more. 532 00:30:29,413 --> 00:30:32,405 - Do you understand, Pat? - Yeah, I understand. 533 00:30:32,550 --> 00:30:34,780 The incident at the last senior dance. 534 00:30:34,919 --> 00:30:37,080 Well, about halfway through, Janie gave me the eye. 535 00:30:37,221 --> 00:30:40,349 - [Daily] By Janie, you mean Mrs. Wardman? - Yeah. 536 00:30:40,491 --> 00:30:43,517 So we went outside and had a couple drinks from a bottle I had, 537 00:30:43,661 --> 00:30:45,925 and then we necked a little, 538 00:30:46,063 --> 00:30:48,054 and then-- then she went back. 539 00:30:48,199 --> 00:30:49,257 Me-- I cut out. 540 00:30:50,367 --> 00:30:52,767 [Daily] Had you ever done a similar thing with her before? 541 00:30:52,903 --> 00:30:54,700 Sure. Lots of times, like I told you. 542 00:30:54,839 --> 00:30:56,602 That simply is not true! 543 00:30:56,740 --> 00:30:59,675 He was drinking, so I told him to go home! It's just not true! 544 00:30:59,810 --> 00:31:01,710 [Daily] That'll be enough, Jane. 545 00:31:01,846 --> 00:31:04,713 Mr. Mason, I hope you've heard enough. 546 00:31:04,849 --> 00:31:06,976 I know the good people out there have. 547 00:31:07,117 --> 00:31:08,482 That'll be all, Pat. 548 00:31:08,619 --> 00:31:11,179 [Mason] Judge Daily, I'd like to question Pat Mangan. 549 00:31:11,322 --> 00:31:15,224 [Daily] Well, if you find that necessary, we'll resume this hearing tomorrow. 550 00:31:41,018 --> 00:31:42,144 [motor starts] 551 00:31:47,224 --> 00:31:49,886 - Look out! - [tires screeching] 552 00:31:58,302 --> 00:32:01,669 Pat said that Gus Wiler was behind this whole thing? 553 00:32:01,805 --> 00:32:04,797 - Anonymous letter and all? - That's right, Mrs. Wardman. 554 00:32:04,942 --> 00:32:08,241 Pat had it in for you, too, so he was only too happy to go along. 555 00:32:08,379 --> 00:32:10,540 Did he say anything about young Sterling? 556 00:32:10,681 --> 00:32:12,672 I don't know how you figured it, but yep. 557 00:32:12,816 --> 00:32:15,717 Pat said Sterling might have gotten a jug from Wiler the night he died. 558 00:32:15,853 --> 00:32:17,946 - [Mason] At what time? - Fairly late. 559 00:32:18,088 --> 00:32:20,352 Pat, Sterling, and some of the others had been drinking earlier. 560 00:32:20,491 --> 00:32:22,482 Sterling said he was gonna go out and get some more. 561 00:32:22,626 --> 00:32:25,493 Pat figures he went on from there toward Cactus City. 562 00:32:25,629 --> 00:32:29,156 Jane, when can we find Wiler alone at the inn? 563 00:32:29,300 --> 00:32:32,997 Well, he usually clears everybody out around midnight on weekdays. 564 00:32:34,238 --> 00:32:36,229 It's almost 11:00, Paul. 565 00:32:37,241 --> 00:32:40,472 Suppose we stop by there at about 12:15? 566 00:32:40,611 --> 00:32:42,101 Okay. 567 00:32:54,725 --> 00:32:56,386 Mr. Wiler? 568 00:32:57,628 --> 00:32:59,994 Maybe he's in one of the back rooms. 569 00:33:01,031 --> 00:33:03,522 No, Paul. I think not. 570 00:33:03,667 --> 00:33:05,897 [Paul] Wiler. 571 00:33:07,371 --> 00:33:09,362 That's right, gentlemen. 572 00:33:09,506 --> 00:33:12,441 Gus Wiler, and quite dead. 573 00:33:17,881 --> 00:33:21,044 I was about to call the sheriff when I heard your car outside. 574 00:33:21,185 --> 00:33:22,880 Hadn't you better call him now? 575 00:33:28,265 --> 00:33:30,893 Slant, angle, and alignment-- 576 00:33:31,035 --> 00:33:32,969 they're all different. 577 00:33:33,103 --> 00:33:34,764 You're right, Mr. Drake. 578 00:33:34,905 --> 00:33:37,840 The anonymous letter wasn't written on Gus Wiler's typewriter. 579 00:33:37,975 --> 00:33:40,739 Nor on any of the other typewriters we took samples from-- 580 00:33:40,878 --> 00:33:44,507 Pat Mangan's ex-machine, Doris Wilson's, Mrs. Slater's, Judge Daily's. 581 00:33:44,648 --> 00:33:47,116 In fact, all the typewriters on the stationery store list. 582 00:33:47,251 --> 00:33:50,482 Well, isn't it possible, since Gus obviously didn't write that letter, 583 00:33:50,621 --> 00:33:52,953 that his death has nothing to do with me? 584 00:33:53,090 --> 00:33:55,923 - [Sheriff] No, I'm afraid not, Mrs. Wardman. - Why do you say that? 585 00:33:57,061 --> 00:33:59,461 Folded in his wallet was the original of the letter. 586 00:34:00,731 --> 00:34:03,791 We thought his typewriter would surely prove him to be Mr. Anonymous, 587 00:34:03,934 --> 00:34:05,663 like Pat Mangan said. 588 00:34:05,803 --> 00:34:08,829 Of course, Gus could have typed it on someone else's machine. 589 00:34:08,972 --> 00:34:11,964 But if he didn't, if he wasn't the one, 590 00:34:12,109 --> 00:34:14,805 that still leaves you with a dangerous enemy, Jane. 591 00:34:14,945 --> 00:34:17,277 Now, I know we've been over this before, 592 00:34:17,414 --> 00:34:19,882 but are you sure that Ken Sterling gave you no clue 593 00:34:20,017 --> 00:34:22,076 as to where he might have been calling from that night? 594 00:34:22,219 --> 00:34:23,413 Yes, I'm quite sure. 595 00:34:23,554 --> 00:34:26,489 Outside of us, who else have you told about the call? 596 00:34:26,623 --> 00:34:28,614 Well, Doris Wilson. 597 00:34:28,759 --> 00:34:31,057 We talked about the accident the next day. 598 00:34:31,195 --> 00:34:33,288 - Anyone else? - No, no one else. 599 00:34:33,430 --> 00:34:35,523 I didn't feel it was anyone else's business. 600 00:34:37,501 --> 00:34:39,492 I don't get the connection, Mr. Mason. 601 00:34:40,637 --> 00:34:43,401 Maybe I can show you tomorrow, Sheriff, 602 00:34:43,540 --> 00:34:47,567 in fact, with your cooperation. 603 00:34:53,083 --> 00:34:55,950 This meeting will come to order. 604 00:34:56,086 --> 00:34:59,078 I imagine you've heard about Gus Wiler, 605 00:34:59,223 --> 00:35:02,454 but maybe you haven't heard that the original of the anonymous letter 606 00:35:02,593 --> 00:35:04,527 was found on his person. 607 00:35:04,661 --> 00:35:07,152 Well, this being the case, if there's a possibility 608 00:35:07,297 --> 00:35:11,131 that the board has been making mistakes and hurting people wrongly, 609 00:35:11,268 --> 00:35:15,466 then, frankly, we'd like to let the proper authorities take over from here. 610 00:35:15,606 --> 00:35:20,270 But Mr. Mason insists that Mrs. Wardman's hearing be resumed and resumed now. 611 00:35:20,410 --> 00:35:22,571 Well, the way I feel-- 612 00:35:22,713 --> 00:35:26,205 Like I told you, Judge, I have no objections to going on with this. 613 00:35:26,350 --> 00:35:28,250 All right, Sheriff. 614 00:35:29,253 --> 00:35:32,620 All right, Mr. Mason. It's your move. 615 00:35:34,158 --> 00:35:38,060 Well, uh, first, I'd like to question Pat Mangan. 616 00:35:38,195 --> 00:35:39,526 I'm sorry, Judge. 617 00:35:39,663 --> 00:35:43,064 His mother and I decided it'd be better if he got out of town for a while. 618 00:35:43,200 --> 00:35:46,431 If the sheriff wants him, we'll have him brought back, but not otherwise. 619 00:35:46,570 --> 00:35:48,231 All right. 620 00:35:49,239 --> 00:35:52,072 Then let's call Bobby Slater. 621 00:35:52,209 --> 00:35:53,540 [Daily] Oh, Bobby! 622 00:36:04,755 --> 00:36:09,454 You were one of the boys Judge Daily talked with privately, weren't you, Bobby? 623 00:36:10,460 --> 00:36:15,227 Did you tell him the truth about Pat Mangan and Mrs. Wardman at the senior dance? 624 00:36:15,365 --> 00:36:17,526 The, uh-- The truth? 625 00:36:17,668 --> 00:36:21,536 Yes. The things Pat told you and the other boys after the dance. 626 00:36:21,672 --> 00:36:23,765 What did he tell you? 627 00:36:24,775 --> 00:36:26,538 That... 628 00:36:26,677 --> 00:36:31,080 That, uh, Mrs. Wardman hauled him outside 'cause he was making trouble, 629 00:36:31,215 --> 00:36:33,843 and, uh... 630 00:36:33,984 --> 00:36:36,179 then she splattered his bottle. 631 00:36:36,320 --> 00:36:39,778 Well, he got scared she'd start investigating, you know. 632 00:36:39,923 --> 00:36:42,619 By the next day, he was bragging, though, 633 00:36:42,759 --> 00:36:45,557 laughing 'cause he spilled liquor on her 634 00:36:45,696 --> 00:36:47,687 and roughed her up a bit, you know. 635 00:36:47,831 --> 00:36:50,459 Claimed that she'd made a pass at him. 636 00:36:50,601 --> 00:36:52,626 [Mason] Did you mention all this to Judge Daily? 637 00:36:55,005 --> 00:36:55,994 No. 638 00:36:56,139 --> 00:36:59,540 But you did tell him that Mrs. Wardman had made passes at you, too, 639 00:36:59,676 --> 00:37:01,541 isn't that right? 640 00:37:01,678 --> 00:37:02,667 Yes. 641 00:37:02,813 --> 00:37:04,405 Now, that was a lie, wasn't it? 642 00:37:05,749 --> 00:37:08,183 - Yes, it was a lie. - Bobby! 643 00:37:08,318 --> 00:37:12,186 I'm sorry, Mom, but Pat said he'd beat me up if I didn't lie. 644 00:37:12,322 --> 00:37:14,449 That'll be all, Bobby. 645 00:37:19,196 --> 00:37:24,065 Now, Dr. Grant, in a conversation you had with your fellow members on the board, 646 00:37:24,201 --> 00:37:28,570 I believe you said that people cut off from love 647 00:37:28,705 --> 00:37:30,468 sometimes lose their judgment. 648 00:37:30,607 --> 00:37:32,973 Now, could that possibly apply to you? 649 00:37:33,110 --> 00:37:34,771 I don't know what you're talking about. 650 00:37:34,911 --> 00:37:38,813 Didn't you once tell Mrs. Wardman that you loved her? 651 00:37:38,949 --> 00:37:42,441 Ask her to marry you? And weren't you then refused? 652 00:37:42,586 --> 00:37:45,987 - Yes. - Didn't you get so angry at that refusal 653 00:37:46,123 --> 00:37:49,991 that you conspired with Gus Wiler to humiliate her, to drive her out of town? 654 00:37:50,127 --> 00:37:53,619 How could I have conspired with Gus Wiler? 655 00:37:53,764 --> 00:37:57,928 Weren't you, uh, his business partner 656 00:37:58,068 --> 00:37:59,695 in the Summit Inn? 657 00:37:59,836 --> 00:38:03,795 Mr. Mason, if you're so interested in Gus Wiler's business affairs, 658 00:38:03,940 --> 00:38:06,101 I suggest you ask Judge Daily that. 659 00:38:06,243 --> 00:38:09,007 He was Wiler's landlord. 660 00:38:09,146 --> 00:38:12,411 There's no secret about me owning property out there. 661 00:38:12,549 --> 00:38:16,144 No, I had nothing to do with Wiler, either. I just rented him a building, that was all. 662 00:38:16,286 --> 00:38:18,481 As for him selling liquor to minors, 663 00:38:18,622 --> 00:38:21,022 that's why I went out to see Gus last night 664 00:38:21,158 --> 00:38:24,355 and to find out if the rumors you've been telling the sheriff about that were true. 665 00:38:24,494 --> 00:38:27,122 [Mason] However, had you been his partner, 666 00:38:27,264 --> 00:38:30,165 and supposing that those rumors were true, you certainly would have quarreled with him. 667 00:38:30,300 --> 00:38:33,167 You might even have struck the fatal blow that killed him. 668 00:38:33,303 --> 00:38:35,294 You might even have planted 669 00:38:35,439 --> 00:38:38,033 the anonymous letter about Mrs. Wardman on him. 670 00:38:38,175 --> 00:38:40,109 Take that letter. 671 00:38:40,243 --> 00:38:43,041 Why would I write anything like that about Jane Wardman? 672 00:38:43,180 --> 00:38:46,775 To get her out of town, perhaps, for fear that her investigation 673 00:38:46,917 --> 00:38:50,114 into the liquor situation might have led her into realizing 674 00:38:50,253 --> 00:38:54,189 that the phone call she received from Ken Sterling the night he died 675 00:38:54,324 --> 00:38:57,555 did not come from Cactus City but from the Summit Inn. 676 00:38:57,694 --> 00:38:59,355 I never heard of such a call. 677 00:39:00,530 --> 00:39:05,729 Now, I have here the phone company record of that call to her number. 678 00:39:05,869 --> 00:39:10,306 Now, you knew that she was going to investigate, all right. 679 00:39:10,440 --> 00:39:13,034 She wrote a note to this board 680 00:39:13,176 --> 00:39:16,077 about the boys probably getting liquor from Gus Wiler. 681 00:39:16,213 --> 00:39:18,909 I never saw such a note, Mr. Mason. 682 00:39:19,049 --> 00:39:20,175 Never. 683 00:39:21,318 --> 00:39:23,252 Who did Jane give the note to? 684 00:39:23,387 --> 00:39:25,412 Doris Wilson. 685 00:39:30,000 --> 00:39:32,195 I destroyed it. 686 00:39:32,336 --> 00:39:35,430 Why, Doris? Why did you do it? 687 00:39:37,140 --> 00:39:41,133 I cared a great deal for Gus. 688 00:39:42,212 --> 00:39:44,976 I didn't want him to get into any-- any trouble. 689 00:39:45,115 --> 00:39:49,051 Well, Miss Wilson, after destroying the note, 690 00:39:50,053 --> 00:39:52,647 did you help Gus Wiler with the anonymous letter, 691 00:39:53,757 --> 00:39:56,920 and persuade Pat and the others to accuse Mrs. Wardman? 692 00:39:57,060 --> 00:39:59,528 No, no! I don't know anything about that part. 693 00:39:59,663 --> 00:40:02,393 I-I thought the boys were telling the truth. 694 00:40:02,532 --> 00:40:05,660 Then why did you change typewriters the day before yesterday? 695 00:40:05,802 --> 00:40:07,497 Change typewriters? 696 00:40:08,672 --> 00:40:12,608 This was written by me on your typewriter yesterday. 697 00:40:13,610 --> 00:40:17,569 This was written by you three days ago, according to the date. 698 00:40:17,714 --> 00:40:22,083 Two different typewriters, Miss Wilson-- a fact I can prove, 699 00:40:22,219 --> 00:40:26,178 just as I can prove that it was this earlier typewriter of yours 700 00:40:26,323 --> 00:40:30,123 that was used to type the anonymous letter accusing Mrs. Wardman. 701 00:40:30,260 --> 00:40:33,991 I thought there was something funny yesterday. 702 00:40:34,131 --> 00:40:36,759 A looser action, and-- and the space bar jumped. 703 00:40:36,900 --> 00:40:40,267 I asked Mr. Rixby if he'd been using my typewriter again. 704 00:40:40,404 --> 00:40:42,429 - He said no. - Now, just a minute, Doris. 705 00:40:42,572 --> 00:40:44,767 It's no good trying to implicate me. 706 00:40:44,908 --> 00:40:47,672 [Mason] Is she trying to implicate you, Mr. Rixby? 707 00:40:47,811 --> 00:40:51,076 - Well, who else could she mean? - Of course. 708 00:40:51,214 --> 00:40:54,980 Who else knew of Jane Wardman's trouble with Pat Mangan? 709 00:40:55,118 --> 00:40:58,952 Who else knew that she was going to write a note to the school board? 710 00:40:59,089 --> 00:41:01,182 Who else would have gone to Gus Wiler 711 00:41:01,325 --> 00:41:04,021 and gotten him to join in a plot 712 00:41:04,161 --> 00:41:06,322 to discredit Mrs. Wardman? 713 00:41:06,463 --> 00:41:09,523 - You're inventing all this. - Am I inventing this-- 714 00:41:09,666 --> 00:41:15,536 a record of the withdrawal of $11,600 from your bank account? 715 00:41:15,672 --> 00:41:17,902 The exact sum, incidentally, that Gus Wiler 716 00:41:18,041 --> 00:41:21,272 paid to the people who put in his bar and caf� fixtures. 717 00:41:21,411 --> 00:41:24,812 How did Ken Sterling really die, Mr. Rixby? 718 00:41:24,948 --> 00:41:26,040 What? 719 00:41:26,183 --> 00:41:28,378 Didn't it happen here instead of Cactus City? 720 00:41:28,518 --> 00:41:30,748 In fact, right at the Summit Inn? 721 00:41:30,887 --> 00:41:34,220 And weren't you there at the time? 722 00:41:34,358 --> 00:41:36,349 Knowing that the discovery of the boy's body 723 00:41:36,493 --> 00:41:39,553 would result in investigations that would ruin your reputation, 724 00:41:39,696 --> 00:41:43,223 cost you your job, lose you your life savings, 725 00:41:43,367 --> 00:41:45,858 didn't you then get Wiler to help arrange 726 00:41:46,003 --> 00:41:49,564 the so-called road accident outside Cactus City? 727 00:41:49,706 --> 00:41:51,435 No. No! 728 00:41:51,575 --> 00:41:53,509 I warn you, Mr. Rixby, 729 00:41:53,643 --> 00:41:58,444 the midnight call the boy made from the inn to Jane Wardman 730 00:41:58,582 --> 00:42:01,779 proves that he couldn't have done his drinking at Cactus City. 731 00:42:01,918 --> 00:42:03,852 It's too far away. 732 00:42:03,987 --> 00:42:06,148 Well, you knew about that call. 733 00:42:06,289 --> 00:42:08,416 And ever since, you've been afraid 734 00:42:08,558 --> 00:42:12,517 that Jane might discover where it came from, might discover its meaning. 735 00:42:12,662 --> 00:42:15,631 And then last night, you heard that Pat Mangan 736 00:42:15,766 --> 00:42:18,234 had confessed all he knew to Mr. Drake. 737 00:42:18,368 --> 00:42:20,893 Pat Mangan? No. 738 00:42:21,038 --> 00:42:23,598 How could I have known about any confession of Pat's last night? 739 00:42:23,740 --> 00:42:25,230 From Jane Wardman. 740 00:42:28,245 --> 00:42:31,180 You didn't tell me about that, 741 00:42:31,314 --> 00:42:33,976 did you, Jane? 742 00:42:35,919 --> 00:42:38,979 I'm sorry, Everett, but I did tell you... 743 00:42:39,122 --> 00:42:42,353 when you called last night after Mr. Mason and Mr. Drake left the house. 744 00:42:43,560 --> 00:42:46,757 [Mason] We didn't go out to the inn until an hour or so later. 745 00:42:46,897 --> 00:42:50,333 There was plenty of time for you to get there before us. 746 00:42:50,467 --> 00:42:52,458 Plenty of time to kill Gus Wiler. 747 00:42:54,871 --> 00:42:56,839 Kenneth... 748 00:42:56,973 --> 00:42:59,407 Kenneth Sterling was a troublemaker at school. 749 00:42:59,543 --> 00:43:01,238 He always was. 750 00:43:01,378 --> 00:43:04,279 One night about a month ago, I went out there to talk to Gus. 751 00:43:04,414 --> 00:43:06,473 Just about business, that's all. 752 00:43:06,616 --> 00:43:09,414 The boy was there, and he was drunk. 753 00:43:09,553 --> 00:43:13,489 When he saw me, the principal, it was like a red flag to a bull. 754 00:43:13,623 --> 00:43:15,818 He attacked me. I didn't hit him hard. 755 00:43:15,959 --> 00:43:17,756 I only tried to defend myself. 756 00:43:17,894 --> 00:43:20,954 Struggled a little till I could throw him out the door. 757 00:43:21,098 --> 00:43:23,066 But then later, 758 00:43:23,200 --> 00:43:25,532 Gus and I found him out there, 759 00:43:25,669 --> 00:43:28,103 lying by his motorcycle... 760 00:43:28,238 --> 00:43:29,728 dead. 761 00:43:29,873 --> 00:43:34,139 But last night, Mr. Rixby-- 762 00:43:35,312 --> 00:43:38,008 last night, 763 00:43:38,148 --> 00:43:40,309 why did you kill Gus Wiler? 764 00:43:41,318 --> 00:43:44,549 It-- It was my reputation, 765 00:43:44,688 --> 00:43:47,088 my whole life I could have lost. 766 00:43:47,224 --> 00:43:49,215 Don't you see? Don't you understand? 767 00:43:49,359 --> 00:43:51,418 I had to do something. 768 00:43:53,296 --> 00:43:55,287 Then last night, 769 00:43:55,432 --> 00:43:58,401 Gus Wiler said he wouldn't stand by me anymore. 770 00:43:59,402 --> 00:44:01,666 He said he didn't strike the boy. 771 00:44:01,805 --> 00:44:05,639 He didn't move the body and the motorcycle from one county to another. 772 00:44:06,643 --> 00:44:09,111 He didn't start something that got bigger 773 00:44:09,246 --> 00:44:12,443 and bigger until it wouldn't be stopped, 774 00:44:12,582 --> 00:44:15,415 until it couldn't be stopped! 775 00:44:26,000 --> 00:44:28,400 - Mrs. Wardman? - Yes, Mrs. Slater? 776 00:44:28,536 --> 00:44:31,801 I've been selected to speak for the mothers and fathers here-- 777 00:44:31,940 --> 00:44:34,408 And the Board of Education, Cornelia. 778 00:44:34,542 --> 00:44:37,602 And the Board of Education, too, 779 00:44:37,745 --> 00:44:39,804 to, um, 780 00:44:39,948 --> 00:44:45,409 well, to tell you how s-sorry and ashamed we are for the way we've acted, 781 00:44:45,553 --> 00:44:48,920 and to ask you to stay on here-- 782 00:44:49,924 --> 00:44:51,789 if not for your sake, for ours. 783 00:44:51,926 --> 00:44:54,918 Oh, brother. After all this, would I know how to answer these people. 784 00:44:56,164 --> 00:45:00,760 Mrs. Slater, why do you think I've been fighting this thing? 785 00:45:00,902 --> 00:45:03,166 Placer Hill is Terry's and my home. 786 00:45:04,639 --> 00:45:07,665 and we hope it always will be our home. 787 00:45:07,715 --> 00:45:12,265 Repair and Synchronization by Easy Subtitles Synchronizer 1.0.0.0