1 00:03:04,517 --> 00:03:07,297 I've already paid you $25,000 for these. 2 00:03:07,321 --> 00:03:08,464 Oh, no, Houston, 3 00:03:08,488 --> 00:03:10,633 you've been paying me for goodwill. 4 00:03:10,657 --> 00:03:12,224 Now's your chance to pay me for them. 5 00:03:13,026 --> 00:03:14,571 For keeps. 6 00:03:14,595 --> 00:03:15,994 Twenty thousand dollars. 7 00:03:17,264 --> 00:03:18,741 I haven't got that kind of money. 8 00:03:18,765 --> 00:03:21,378 Well, I didn't expect you to have it on hand. 9 00:03:21,402 --> 00:03:23,413 Shall we say, uh, tomorrow afternoon 10 00:03:23,437 --> 00:03:24,680 when the banks close? 11 00:03:24,704 --> 00:03:27,383 I don't have it. 12 00:03:27,407 --> 00:03:28,718 You've squeezed me dry 13 00:03:28,742 --> 00:03:30,408 these last nine months, Byrd. 14 00:03:31,979 --> 00:03:35,491 There's got to be an end somewhere. 15 00:03:35,515 --> 00:03:37,395 And this one looks like a dead end. 16 00:03:39,152 --> 00:03:42,799 What's the district attorney's old saying? 17 00:03:42,823 --> 00:03:45,735 "Live a long time and learn a lesson." 18 00:03:45,759 --> 00:03:47,837 You don't think I'd leave myself so vulnerable, 19 00:03:47,861 --> 00:03:48,838 do you, Houston? 20 00:03:48,862 --> 00:03:50,606 You're a killer. 21 00:03:50,630 --> 00:03:52,776 There's a set of duplicates which will automatically go 22 00:03:52,800 --> 00:03:55,545 to the district attorney's office if I turn up dead. 23 00:03:55,569 --> 00:03:57,947 So you were going to double-cross me anyway. 24 00:03:57,971 --> 00:03:59,549 Oh, no, 25 00:03:59,573 --> 00:04:03,553 a successful blackmailer likes to give his victims hope. 26 00:04:03,577 --> 00:04:04,821 This 20,000 will be the end of it. 27 00:04:04,845 --> 00:04:07,156 I'm leaving for South America Friday. 28 00:04:07,180 --> 00:04:08,891 I'll never come back. 29 00:04:08,915 --> 00:04:09,926 Byrd, I'm not lying. 30 00:04:09,950 --> 00:04:11,516 I haven't got the money. 31 00:04:13,621 --> 00:04:14,964 But I'll give you 20 percent more 32 00:04:14,988 --> 00:04:16,600 in the Fair Chance, my oil well. 33 00:04:16,624 --> 00:04:17,667 It's due in any day now. 34 00:04:17,691 --> 00:04:19,436 It'll triple, quadruple in value. 35 00:04:19,460 --> 00:04:22,138 What percentage of that wildcat has already been promised? 36 00:04:22,162 --> 00:04:25,007 Two hundred, 300 percent? 37 00:04:25,031 --> 00:04:28,511 Houston, I want $20,000 in cash. 38 00:04:28,535 --> 00:04:31,581 Or the district attorney winds up with action pictures 39 00:04:31,605 --> 00:04:33,938 of a murderer at work. 40 00:04:50,157 --> 00:04:51,501 Well, frankly, Madelyn, 41 00:04:51,525 --> 00:04:52,835 it hurts to come to you like this, 42 00:04:52,859 --> 00:04:56,539 but I know we're good friends. 43 00:04:56,563 --> 00:04:59,109 Oh, we're much more than friends, aren't we, Charles? 44 00:04:59,133 --> 00:05:01,311 Even though you haven't been around lately. 45 00:05:01,335 --> 00:05:02,612 Of course, darling. 46 00:05:02,636 --> 00:05:05,036 But you haven't been lonely, I hear. 47 00:05:07,907 --> 00:05:09,885 Mm, what do you hear? 48 00:05:09,909 --> 00:05:11,254 About Lucky Sterling? 49 00:05:11,278 --> 00:05:13,089 Strictly for laughs. 50 00:05:13,113 --> 00:05:15,024 Nobody laughs at Lucky Sterling. 51 00:05:15,048 --> 00:05:16,526 He's a vicious man, Madelyn. 52 00:05:16,550 --> 00:05:18,861 Oh, is that what kept you away? 53 00:05:18,885 --> 00:05:20,385 Now how much money do you need? 54 00:05:21,755 --> 00:05:23,633 Twenty thousand dollars. 55 00:05:23,657 --> 00:05:26,035 Oh, Chuck, you can't mean it. 56 00:05:26,059 --> 00:05:28,037 It's for new equipment for the drilling operation. 57 00:05:28,061 --> 00:05:30,373 Everything runs high, Madelyn. 58 00:05:30,397 --> 00:05:31,641 I'm sorry, darling, 59 00:05:31,665 --> 00:05:32,808 but I've already bought a piece 60 00:05:32,832 --> 00:05:34,277 of your oil well. 61 00:05:34,301 --> 00:05:36,746 Oh, incidentally, you promised me the certificates weeks ago. 62 00:05:36,770 --> 00:05:38,214 Where are they? 63 00:05:38,238 --> 00:05:40,683 You know I haven't been able to form a corporation yet, Madelyn. 64 00:05:40,707 --> 00:05:43,153 As soon as I do I'll issue the stock. 65 00:05:43,177 --> 00:05:44,554 You already have 10 percent coming. 66 00:05:44,578 --> 00:05:46,822 This will make it 30 percent. 67 00:05:46,846 --> 00:05:48,886 Well, I'm all tied up financially, Chuck. 68 00:05:51,818 --> 00:05:53,785 Why don't you ask Lucky Sterling? 69 00:05:55,455 --> 00:05:57,833 Would he be interested? 70 00:05:57,857 --> 00:06:00,570 He's interested in all kinds of things... 71 00:06:00,594 --> 00:06:03,395 Even some of the things you're interested in. 72 00:06:07,701 --> 00:06:09,279 Later, sweetheart. 73 00:06:26,219 --> 00:06:27,764 You got a lot of nerve, Houston, 74 00:06:27,788 --> 00:06:29,366 barging in here like this and asking 75 00:06:29,390 --> 00:06:31,200 for a handout of $20,000. 76 00:06:31,224 --> 00:06:32,469 It's no handout, Lucky. 77 00:06:32,493 --> 00:06:34,136 It's a legitimate business loan. 78 00:06:34,160 --> 00:06:37,073 Legitimate? Is that supposed to interest me? 79 00:06:37,097 --> 00:06:39,042 You'll get it all back in 60 days. 80 00:06:39,066 --> 00:06:41,399 Al right. What is it? A dame? 81 00:06:42,602 --> 00:06:43,679 Business. 82 00:06:43,703 --> 00:06:45,114 For my drilling operation. 83 00:06:45,138 --> 00:06:46,982 Well. 84 00:06:47,006 --> 00:06:49,206 Been a long time sinking that well, haven't you? 85 00:06:50,077 --> 00:06:51,521 It takes time, Lucky. 86 00:06:51,545 --> 00:06:53,156 Time and patience. 87 00:06:53,180 --> 00:06:54,457 Ask my partner. 88 00:06:54,481 --> 00:06:56,459 Floyd Gordon's been wildcatting all his life. 89 00:06:56,483 --> 00:06:58,027 Gordon swears we've got 90 00:06:58,051 --> 00:07:00,597 a great big gusher on our hands. 91 00:07:00,621 --> 00:07:01,753 I know. 92 00:07:04,190 --> 00:07:06,391 He wants another $5,000 in chips. 93 00:07:10,531 --> 00:07:11,574 Thank you. 94 00:07:11,598 --> 00:07:13,309 How do you know? 95 00:07:13,333 --> 00:07:15,177 Last week I took a drive out to the well. 96 00:07:15,201 --> 00:07:16,379 I had a talk with this Gordon. 97 00:07:16,403 --> 00:07:17,647 What for, Lucky? 98 00:07:17,671 --> 00:07:19,515 A friend of mine's got dough in that enterprise 99 00:07:19,539 --> 00:07:21,284 and I don't like to see a friend of mine hung out 100 00:07:21,308 --> 00:07:23,752 on a phony line to dry. 101 00:07:23,776 --> 00:07:25,188 But you did talk to Gordon. 102 00:07:25,212 --> 00:07:27,457 Yes. I talked to him. 103 00:07:27,481 --> 00:07:30,226 That's why I'm willing to take a flyer with you, Charlie. 104 00:07:30,250 --> 00:07:32,328 Just one thing, though. 105 00:07:32,352 --> 00:07:34,119 What's your connection with Madelyn? 106 00:07:35,922 --> 00:07:37,500 She's a friend. 107 00:07:37,524 --> 00:07:38,524 An old friend. 108 00:07:39,326 --> 00:07:40,492 That's fine. 109 00:07:41,661 --> 00:07:43,106 Keep it on a friendship basis 110 00:07:43,130 --> 00:07:44,307 and that will be just fine. 111 00:07:44,331 --> 00:07:46,842 You see, I, uh... 112 00:07:46,866 --> 00:07:49,479 I'm interested in the lady myself, 113 00:07:49,503 --> 00:07:51,314 and I wouldn't want anybody to feel 114 00:07:51,338 --> 00:07:55,050 that they were crowding anybody. 115 00:07:55,074 --> 00:07:57,220 Do we agree, partner? 116 00:07:57,244 --> 00:07:58,554 Partner? 117 00:07:58,578 --> 00:08:00,523 This is for 50 percent, right? 118 00:08:00,547 --> 00:08:02,425 Fifty percent? I had in mind 20 percent. 119 00:08:02,449 --> 00:08:03,449 Fifty. 120 00:08:06,753 --> 00:08:07,830 All right. 121 00:08:07,854 --> 00:08:10,032 Then we're partners in everything. 122 00:08:10,056 --> 00:08:11,867 Everything but Madelyn. 123 00:08:11,891 --> 00:08:12,891 Right? 124 00:08:14,494 --> 00:08:15,574 Right. 125 00:08:19,966 --> 00:08:21,132 Joe. 126 00:08:48,428 --> 00:08:50,495 Well, Charlie, right on time. 127 00:08:51,130 --> 00:08:52,130 You got it? 128 00:09:12,952 --> 00:09:15,565 For they who await no gifts from chance 129 00:09:15,589 --> 00:09:17,366 have conquered fate. 130 00:09:17,390 --> 00:09:19,502 What? 131 00:09:19,526 --> 00:09:22,026 An old nursery rhyme my dear father taught me. 132 00:09:25,031 --> 00:09:27,076 Well, it's all here. 133 00:09:27,100 --> 00:09:29,412 I must say it's the most profitable game hunting 134 00:09:29,436 --> 00:09:30,468 I ever did. 135 00:09:32,004 --> 00:09:33,549 And now it's finished. 136 00:09:33,573 --> 00:09:37,453 Sure. You carried out your part of the bargain, 137 00:09:37,477 --> 00:09:39,488 Twenty thousand dollars. 138 00:09:39,512 --> 00:09:41,812 I'm thinking of your part of the bargain. 139 00:09:43,216 --> 00:09:44,827 That I'm seeing the last of you. 140 00:09:44,851 --> 00:09:46,362 You are. 141 00:09:46,386 --> 00:09:49,865 And that this is all of the photos and negatives. 142 00:09:49,889 --> 00:09:51,267 That's right. It is. 143 00:09:51,291 --> 00:09:54,058 And when I burn them, nothing is left. 144 00:09:56,596 --> 00:09:57,707 Nothing. 145 00:09:57,731 --> 00:10:00,643 You've got it all now, Charlie. 146 00:10:00,667 --> 00:10:02,311 That's all there is. 147 00:10:02,335 --> 00:10:03,601 There isn't any more. 148 00:10:11,611 --> 00:10:12,888 And I managed to save a copy 149 00:10:12,912 --> 00:10:15,190 just for you, Miss Wallace. 150 00:10:15,214 --> 00:10:16,825 When did you get into town? 151 00:10:16,849 --> 00:10:18,361 This morning. 152 00:10:18,385 --> 00:10:20,463 I got a room at a hotel and came right here. 153 00:10:20,487 --> 00:10:23,266 May I have the 10,000, please? 154 00:10:23,290 --> 00:10:24,833 I haven't got it. 155 00:10:24,857 --> 00:10:26,269 I don't understand. 156 00:10:26,293 --> 00:10:27,903 When I phoned you in Santa Rosa, 157 00:10:27,927 --> 00:10:29,739 I told you that I wouldn't give up the pictures 158 00:10:29,763 --> 00:10:30,839 unless you gave me the money. 159 00:10:30,863 --> 00:10:31,974 But I'm going to try to get it. 160 00:10:31,998 --> 00:10:33,008 Here in L.A.? 161 00:10:33,032 --> 00:10:34,410 Well, it may take me a little time. 162 00:10:34,434 --> 00:10:35,478 Can you give me until...? 163 00:10:35,502 --> 00:10:38,281 Until Friday, the day after tomorrow. 164 00:10:38,305 --> 00:10:39,715 But I can't get it by then. 165 00:10:39,739 --> 00:10:42,585 Oh, Mr. Byrd, can't I appeal to you 166 00:10:42,609 --> 00:10:44,587 to turn these pictures over to the police? 167 00:10:44,611 --> 00:10:46,489 It's bad enough doing some of the things 168 00:10:46,513 --> 00:10:48,758 I have to do for money. 169 00:10:48,782 --> 00:10:51,149 Now, how do you expect me to do it for nothing? 170 00:10:52,585 --> 00:10:55,031 Please understand that if you mention to anyone 171 00:10:55,055 --> 00:10:58,668 that I can prove your sister was killed by Charles Houston, 172 00:10:58,692 --> 00:10:59,902 I'll destroy the evidence 173 00:10:59,926 --> 00:11:02,360 then deny it and you'll never get any proof. 174 00:11:03,563 --> 00:11:04,896 I understand. 175 00:11:11,605 --> 00:11:14,817 You're a stranger. You have no friends, no relatives here. 176 00:11:14,841 --> 00:11:18,087 Where are you planning to get the 10,000? 177 00:11:18,111 --> 00:11:20,155 From Charles Houston. 178 00:11:27,888 --> 00:11:30,766 That photo was taken a year ago in Santa Rosa, 179 00:11:30,790 --> 00:11:33,457 just after Charles Houston married my sister, Evelyn. 180 00:11:39,533 --> 00:11:42,277 Are you sure your, uh, brother-in-law came 181 00:11:42,301 --> 00:11:43,913 to Los Angeles, Miss Wallace? 182 00:11:43,937 --> 00:11:47,750 Oh, yes, we corresponded after he left Santa Rosa, after... 183 00:11:47,774 --> 00:11:49,440 After my sister died. 184 00:11:50,977 --> 00:11:52,922 Charles has an office here. 185 00:11:52,946 --> 00:11:56,692 She was killed just three months after they were married. 186 00:11:56,716 --> 00:11:58,193 Evelyn was out driving by herself 187 00:11:58,217 --> 00:12:01,430 when her car plunged off a curve just outside of town. 188 00:12:01,454 --> 00:12:04,600 How soon after the accident did your brother-in-law 189 00:12:04,624 --> 00:12:05,868 leave Santa Rosa? 190 00:12:05,892 --> 00:12:07,603 Almost immediately. 191 00:12:07,627 --> 00:12:10,428 He said that he felt like a stranger there without Evelyn. 192 00:12:11,631 --> 00:12:13,676 Then he was a newcomer to the community? 193 00:12:13,700 --> 00:12:16,612 Yes, Evelyn married him just a month after he came there. 194 00:12:16,636 --> 00:12:19,704 Oh, he's quite charming, very persuasive. 195 00:12:21,942 --> 00:12:23,953 What's his line of work? 196 00:12:23,977 --> 00:12:25,454 Charles is a promoter. 197 00:12:25,478 --> 00:12:27,356 Oil, mostly. 198 00:12:27,380 --> 00:12:30,226 Evelyn and I invested $50,000 in an oil well 199 00:12:30,250 --> 00:12:32,895 he was going to drill somewhere near Los Angeles. 200 00:12:32,919 --> 00:12:34,229 Go on, Miss Wallace. 201 00:12:34,253 --> 00:12:36,999 Well, we bought 50 percent of Charles' interest. 202 00:12:37,023 --> 00:12:38,500 When the corporation was formed, 203 00:12:38,524 --> 00:12:40,636 we were supposed to get stock certificates. 204 00:12:40,660 --> 00:12:42,839 And no corporation was formed? 205 00:12:42,863 --> 00:12:44,741 No. 206 00:12:44,765 --> 00:12:48,510 He... He said something about incorporating himself. 207 00:12:48,534 --> 00:12:50,012 He insisted it had to be that way 208 00:12:50,036 --> 00:12:52,014 because of legal red tape... 209 00:12:52,038 --> 00:12:56,318 Something to do with, uh, Corporate Securities Act. 210 00:12:56,342 --> 00:12:59,221 He said he didn't want his hand forced on incorporating 211 00:12:59,245 --> 00:13:00,589 before the well came in. 212 00:13:00,613 --> 00:13:03,759 Do you have a contract? A letter of intent? 213 00:13:03,783 --> 00:13:05,194 No. 214 00:13:05,218 --> 00:13:07,696 Charles was one of the family, so we trusted him. 215 00:13:07,720 --> 00:13:09,732 I think a visit to the district attorney's office 216 00:13:09,756 --> 00:13:11,433 would do you some good, Miss Wallace. 217 00:13:11,457 --> 00:13:14,570 No. Uh... 218 00:13:14,594 --> 00:13:18,874 Mr. Mason, I... I have trouble at home. 219 00:13:18,898 --> 00:13:21,109 I need money desperately. 220 00:13:21,133 --> 00:13:22,711 I know that the right thing is to... 221 00:13:22,735 --> 00:13:24,547 To bring Charles to some sort of accounting. 222 00:13:24,571 --> 00:13:26,949 But I want to get my money. 223 00:13:26,973 --> 00:13:28,551 As much of it as I can get. 224 00:13:28,575 --> 00:13:30,352 I take it you haven't spoken to him? 225 00:13:30,376 --> 00:13:32,822 No, I haven't been able to reach him at his office. 226 00:13:32,846 --> 00:13:34,190 I even wrote to Mr. Gordon, 227 00:13:34,214 --> 00:13:37,326 his... His field manager and got no answer. 228 00:13:37,350 --> 00:13:39,294 Then I phoned Mr. Gordon at the field 229 00:13:39,318 --> 00:13:41,030 and he said he didn't know where Charles was. 230 00:13:41,054 --> 00:13:42,998 All right, Miss Wallace. 231 00:13:43,022 --> 00:13:44,566 We'll look into it for you. 232 00:13:44,590 --> 00:13:46,235 We have your address. 233 00:13:46,259 --> 00:13:47,937 Thank you, Mr. Mason. 234 00:13:47,961 --> 00:13:49,393 Miss Street. 235 00:13:57,270 --> 00:14:00,016 Fifty thousand dollars, one of the family. 236 00:14:00,040 --> 00:14:02,417 Well, most people think the stories they read in newspapers 237 00:14:02,441 --> 00:14:04,553 can never happen to them. 238 00:14:04,577 --> 00:14:06,055 Della, see if Paul can step in. 239 00:14:06,079 --> 00:14:07,199 Mm-hm. 240 00:14:33,205 --> 00:14:35,985 So, at 3,000 we hit a layer of gumbo, 241 00:14:36,009 --> 00:14:39,154 then five feet of sand and water below that, 242 00:14:39,178 --> 00:14:40,556 then more gumbo 243 00:14:40,580 --> 00:14:44,126 and then a layer of Miocene sand. 244 00:14:44,150 --> 00:14:47,563 The richest core of oil sand I ever dredged up. 245 00:14:47,587 --> 00:14:49,431 I've been in oil all my life. 246 00:14:49,455 --> 00:14:50,933 Brought in a few wells too. 247 00:14:50,957 --> 00:14:54,469 Oh, nothing that would ever put me on easy street. 248 00:14:54,493 --> 00:14:56,005 But the Fair Chance, 249 00:14:56,029 --> 00:14:57,640 I've been waiting for it, 250 00:14:57,664 --> 00:15:00,475 dreamed about it, eating it, sleeping it. 251 00:15:00,499 --> 00:15:02,745 It's my big one. 252 00:15:02,769 --> 00:15:05,402 I can feel it in here. 253 00:15:06,305 --> 00:15:08,116 You talk my language, Gordon. 254 00:15:08,140 --> 00:15:09,420 We're both hunch players. 255 00:15:11,010 --> 00:15:12,376 Right, partner? 256 00:15:14,680 --> 00:15:16,325 Partner? 257 00:15:16,349 --> 00:15:17,860 Then he gave you the 5,000 we need 258 00:15:17,884 --> 00:15:19,394 for the rigging and equipment? 259 00:15:19,418 --> 00:15:21,663 No. That was something else. 260 00:15:21,687 --> 00:15:23,465 Yeah, but what did he mean, "partner"? 261 00:15:23,489 --> 00:15:25,367 Forget it, Floyd. That's just his way of talking. 262 00:15:25,391 --> 00:15:27,103 Charlie. 263 00:15:27,127 --> 00:15:28,237 What's up? 264 00:15:28,261 --> 00:15:29,571 What do you mean? 265 00:15:29,595 --> 00:15:32,074 You been getting a lot of calls lately, 266 00:15:32,098 --> 00:15:34,376 like you can't be reached in L.A. 267 00:15:34,400 --> 00:15:35,811 From whom? 268 00:15:35,835 --> 00:15:37,546 Well, there was a Miss Madelyn Terry, 269 00:15:37,570 --> 00:15:38,810 a Miss Wallace. 270 00:15:39,773 --> 00:15:41,450 Paula Wallace? Yeah. 271 00:15:41,474 --> 00:15:43,119 Isn't she your sister-in-law? 272 00:15:43,143 --> 00:15:45,654 Didn't she give you the money that started us in business? 273 00:15:45,678 --> 00:15:46,655 Yeah. 274 00:15:46,679 --> 00:15:47,656 Who else called? 275 00:15:47,680 --> 00:15:49,558 Well, there was a private detective 276 00:15:49,582 --> 00:15:50,692 by the name of Paul Drake 277 00:15:50,716 --> 00:15:52,650 and a lawyer named Mason. 278 00:15:54,520 --> 00:15:55,530 I gotta get back to town. 279 00:15:55,554 --> 00:15:57,599 So, what do they all want, Charlie? 280 00:15:57,623 --> 00:15:59,301 You in financial trouble? 281 00:15:59,325 --> 00:16:00,302 Don't worry about me. 282 00:16:00,326 --> 00:16:02,404 Yeah, but I do worry about you. 283 00:16:02,428 --> 00:16:05,040 We're partners in this oil well. 284 00:16:05,064 --> 00:16:07,375 I wouldn't like to think that you were doing anything wrong. 285 00:16:07,399 --> 00:16:10,345 Wrong? Like what? 286 00:16:10,369 --> 00:16:13,448 Well, getting yourself into a mess and... 287 00:16:18,811 --> 00:16:21,289 She's blowing, Charlie. 288 00:16:21,313 --> 00:16:22,780 She's blowing. 289 00:16:27,587 --> 00:16:29,665 It's a blowout. 290 00:16:29,689 --> 00:16:31,422 The shutoff valve is gone. 291 00:16:58,284 --> 00:16:59,795 It's the valves! 292 00:16:59,819 --> 00:17:01,986 You got the new valves! 293 00:17:03,323 --> 00:17:07,025 It's the valve. Get a new valve. 294 00:17:15,868 --> 00:17:18,435 Hurry up with that new valve! 295 00:17:20,373 --> 00:17:23,841 Get those block and tackles clear! 296 00:17:25,211 --> 00:17:26,922 See that those block and tackles are... 297 00:17:26,946 --> 00:17:29,291 Soon as that valve's in place, 298 00:17:29,315 --> 00:17:31,015 shut her off! 299 00:17:32,485 --> 00:17:35,552 As soon as that valve's in place, shut her off. 300 00:17:41,227 --> 00:17:42,571 Look at her blow. 301 00:17:42,595 --> 00:17:43,806 Look at her blow. 302 00:17:43,830 --> 00:17:45,640 Look at that big beautiful sweetheart. 303 00:17:45,664 --> 00:17:47,109 We're rich, Charlie. 304 00:17:47,133 --> 00:17:49,378 We're dirty, filthy, oily rich. 305 00:17:49,402 --> 00:17:51,280 Miss Wallace, if you own a piece of that, 306 00:17:51,304 --> 00:17:53,384 I'd hold onto it. I sure wouldn't sell it out. 307 00:17:55,507 --> 00:17:57,908 They don't call me lucky for nothing, partner. 308 00:18:01,480 --> 00:18:04,048 We've got to talk to Charles. 309 00:18:05,017 --> 00:18:07,417 Charles. Mr. Houston. 310 00:18:18,164 --> 00:18:19,508 Funny. 311 00:18:19,532 --> 00:18:21,576 Almost seems as if the last thing on earth he wanted 312 00:18:21,600 --> 00:18:23,112 was for that gusher to come in. 313 00:18:28,941 --> 00:18:31,387 For a man whose rainbow had just touched a pot of gold, 314 00:18:31,411 --> 00:18:34,056 he was the sickest-looking guy I have ever seen. 315 00:18:34,080 --> 00:18:35,057 He drove right off? 316 00:18:35,081 --> 00:18:36,125 Like a man with a mission. 317 00:18:36,149 --> 00:18:37,659 He didn't even recognize Miss Wallace 318 00:18:37,683 --> 00:18:39,261 when she called to him. 319 00:18:39,285 --> 00:18:41,597 Yeah... Oh, well, will you please have her call 320 00:18:41,621 --> 00:18:43,599 Mr. Perry Mason when she comes in? 321 00:18:43,623 --> 00:18:44,900 Thank you. 322 00:18:44,924 --> 00:18:47,103 Didn't you leave Miss Wallace at the hotel, Paul? 323 00:18:47,127 --> 00:18:49,494 Sure I did. 324 00:18:50,463 --> 00:18:51,873 I'll need her signature. 325 00:18:51,897 --> 00:18:53,309 Mm-hm. 326 00:18:53,333 --> 00:18:55,578 If that well is as rich as Paul thinks, 327 00:18:55,602 --> 00:18:58,046 she can be a very wealthy young woman. 328 00:18:58,070 --> 00:19:00,782 All things being equal. 329 00:19:00,806 --> 00:19:03,385 Della, I'd... I'd like her here early. 330 00:19:03,409 --> 00:19:05,754 I left a message at her hotel, but... 331 00:19:05,778 --> 00:19:07,756 I'll call again in the morning before I come to work. 332 00:19:07,780 --> 00:19:09,391 I can't imagine where she could have gone. 333 00:19:09,415 --> 00:19:11,516 She said she was gonna stay in her room. 334 00:19:26,999 --> 00:19:28,399 Mr. Byrd? 335 00:19:48,854 --> 00:19:50,465 Charles, are you here? 336 00:20:03,635 --> 00:20:06,270 Hello? Oh... 337 00:20:08,507 --> 00:20:09,518 Charles. 338 00:20:15,781 --> 00:20:17,993 Let me out of here! 339 00:20:18,017 --> 00:20:19,716 Why did you lock me in? 340 00:21:07,433 --> 00:21:09,577 Oh, it's horrible. It's horrible. 341 00:21:09,601 --> 00:21:10,979 He's dead up there. Dead? 342 00:21:11,003 --> 00:21:13,048 There's a man, he's dead up there. 343 00:21:13,072 --> 00:21:15,350 Okay, lady, let's go and see who's dead up there. 344 00:21:15,374 --> 00:21:16,407 Come on. 345 00:21:22,781 --> 00:21:25,227 And the... And the door was slammed shut and locked, 346 00:21:25,251 --> 00:21:26,661 and the... The lights went out... 347 00:21:26,685 --> 00:21:28,931 They just went out and I was... I was left alone 348 00:21:28,955 --> 00:21:30,687 in the room with the dead man. 349 00:21:33,926 --> 00:21:35,292 Locked, lady? 350 00:21:39,631 --> 00:21:41,065 Lights out, miss? 351 00:21:46,172 --> 00:21:47,804 But they were out. 352 00:21:49,008 --> 00:21:50,753 Well, part of your story's right, anyway. 353 00:21:50,777 --> 00:21:52,855 There's a dead body here. 354 00:21:52,879 --> 00:21:54,079 You better call Homicide. 355 00:21:56,081 --> 00:21:57,748 Why did you kill him, miss? 356 00:22:09,362 --> 00:22:11,206 After Mr. Drake dropped me at my hotel, 357 00:22:11,230 --> 00:22:14,042 I had dinner and then I went to my room. 358 00:22:14,066 --> 00:22:15,444 Then I received the phone call 359 00:22:15,468 --> 00:22:18,480 and I went to the Monterey Arms, Room 303. 360 00:22:18,504 --> 00:22:19,981 What time was that phone call? 361 00:22:20,005 --> 00:22:22,117 It was ten minutes to 10. 362 00:22:22,141 --> 00:22:24,085 What time did you reach Roger Byrd's room? 363 00:22:24,109 --> 00:22:25,920 A little after 10. 364 00:22:25,944 --> 00:22:27,789 All right, tell me about the call. 365 00:22:27,813 --> 00:22:30,792 Well, the man on the phone said his name was Roger Byrd. 366 00:22:30,816 --> 00:22:32,928 Now, that's what I don't understand. 367 00:22:32,952 --> 00:22:35,853 Lieutenant Tragg said that Roger Byrd denied calling me. 368 00:22:36,922 --> 00:22:38,255 Do you know this Roger Byrd? 369 00:22:39,558 --> 00:22:41,102 No. 370 00:22:41,126 --> 00:22:42,526 Then why would he call you? 371 00:22:43,929 --> 00:22:46,775 Well, he said he was calling for Charles Houston, 372 00:22:46,799 --> 00:22:48,243 that Charles wanted to see me 373 00:22:48,267 --> 00:22:49,600 in Mr. Byrd's hotel room. 374 00:22:51,537 --> 00:22:54,549 Would you recognize this voice if you heard it again? 375 00:22:54,573 --> 00:22:56,651 I don't know. 376 00:22:56,675 --> 00:22:58,420 While you were in Roger Byrd's room, 377 00:22:58,444 --> 00:23:00,322 did you touch anything? 378 00:23:00,346 --> 00:23:02,657 Well, the phone and... 379 00:23:02,681 --> 00:23:04,426 And the briefcase. 380 00:23:04,450 --> 00:23:05,693 What briefcase? 381 00:23:05,717 --> 00:23:08,330 It was Charles'. It was on the desk. 382 00:23:08,354 --> 00:23:09,386 What about the gun? 383 00:23:11,257 --> 00:23:12,934 I... I... I don't know. 384 00:23:12,958 --> 00:23:14,291 I didn't really look. 385 00:23:19,031 --> 00:23:20,642 Why did you want to kill him, Miss Wallace? 386 00:23:20,666 --> 00:23:23,145 I didn't kill him. 387 00:23:23,169 --> 00:23:24,979 The police have a pretty good case against you. 388 00:23:25,003 --> 00:23:28,216 Do you have any idea what they'll figure was your motive? 389 00:23:28,240 --> 00:23:29,651 No. 390 00:23:29,675 --> 00:23:32,654 Something in the past? Something while your sister was married? 391 00:23:32,678 --> 00:23:33,678 No. 392 00:23:35,147 --> 00:23:37,259 All right, Miss Wallace. 393 00:23:37,283 --> 00:23:38,360 As far as the police, 394 00:23:38,384 --> 00:23:39,694 the district attorney's office 395 00:23:39,718 --> 00:23:40,929 and the reporters are concerned 396 00:23:40,953 --> 00:23:43,073 just tell them the story as you know it. 397 00:23:43,756 --> 00:23:45,367 You have nothing to hide. 398 00:23:45,391 --> 00:23:47,503 Right, Miss Wallace? 399 00:23:47,527 --> 00:23:49,427 Right, Mr. Mason. 400 00:23:55,635 --> 00:23:56,667 Perry. 401 00:23:58,137 --> 00:23:59,114 What's up, Paul? 402 00:23:59,138 --> 00:24:00,916 Well, mostly bits and pieces. 403 00:24:00,940 --> 00:24:02,618 One thing: The police got the call 404 00:24:02,642 --> 00:24:05,821 to go to the Monterey Arms apartment at 9:52 last night. 405 00:24:05,845 --> 00:24:06,988 Call from whom? 406 00:24:07,012 --> 00:24:08,957 Somebody by the name of Anonymous. 407 00:24:08,981 --> 00:24:10,292 What else? 408 00:24:10,316 --> 00:24:12,728 Well, apparently the room had been thoroughly searched. 409 00:24:12,752 --> 00:24:13,929 What about the murder weapon? 410 00:24:13,953 --> 00:24:15,196 Revolver, .32 caliber. 411 00:24:15,220 --> 00:24:16,899 One shot fired. 412 00:24:16,923 --> 00:24:18,634 Registered? Uh-huh. 413 00:24:18,658 --> 00:24:21,770 Registered to Evelyn Wallace Houston, Santa Rosa, California, 414 00:24:21,794 --> 00:24:24,072 just one year ago. 415 00:24:24,096 --> 00:24:26,530 That's Paula Wallace's sister. 416 00:24:27,900 --> 00:24:29,445 You better check into it, Paul. 417 00:24:29,469 --> 00:24:31,647 The relationship, the courtship, 418 00:24:31,671 --> 00:24:32,714 accident. 419 00:24:32,738 --> 00:24:34,650 Everything that happened in Santa Rosa. 420 00:24:34,674 --> 00:24:37,052 And, uh, check on this fellow Gordon out at the oil well. 421 00:24:37,076 --> 00:24:38,554 Oh, I've already phoned him. 422 00:24:38,578 --> 00:24:40,188 Better make it a visit. 423 00:24:40,212 --> 00:24:42,658 Did you find out how Houston got into Byrd's room? 424 00:24:42,682 --> 00:24:45,226 Well, Homicide thinks that the door was unlocked, 425 00:24:45,250 --> 00:24:46,528 just the way it was found. 426 00:24:46,552 --> 00:24:48,597 No, I think there must be a connection 427 00:24:48,621 --> 00:24:50,499 between Byrd and Houston. 428 00:24:50,523 --> 00:24:52,334 Well, hello, lieutenant. 429 00:24:52,358 --> 00:24:53,669 Paul. Lieutenant. 430 00:24:53,693 --> 00:24:54,770 Perry. 431 00:24:54,794 --> 00:24:56,638 Anything I can do to help? 432 00:24:56,662 --> 00:24:58,340 Why, yes, thank you, lieutenant. 433 00:24:58,364 --> 00:24:59,930 You can help. 434 00:25:08,407 --> 00:25:09,551 See, you can turn it 435 00:25:09,575 --> 00:25:11,720 and it'll stay turned halfway. 436 00:25:11,744 --> 00:25:14,322 Then you can't open it from the other side. 437 00:25:14,346 --> 00:25:15,323 Thank you, sergeant. 438 00:25:15,347 --> 00:25:16,391 Tragg. 439 00:25:16,415 --> 00:25:17,826 Not at all. 440 00:25:17,850 --> 00:25:19,216 Go ahead, sergeant. 441 00:25:21,387 --> 00:25:22,627 Uh, Mr. Byrd... 442 00:25:23,756 --> 00:25:27,335 Uh, how well did you know Charles Houston? 443 00:25:27,359 --> 00:25:29,605 Oh, fairly well. 444 00:25:29,629 --> 00:25:31,607 Did you know him in Santa Rosa? 445 00:25:31,631 --> 00:25:32,808 Where? Santa Rosa. 446 00:25:32,832 --> 00:25:36,277 Oh, no, sir. I knew Charles right here in L.A. 447 00:25:36,301 --> 00:25:37,713 Do you know Paula Wallace? 448 00:25:37,737 --> 00:25:39,114 No. 449 00:25:39,138 --> 00:25:41,449 And I didn't telephone her either. 450 00:25:41,473 --> 00:25:43,886 Well, why would someone use your name? 451 00:25:43,910 --> 00:25:45,120 I don't know. 452 00:25:45,144 --> 00:25:46,421 Truthfully, Mr. Mason, 453 00:25:46,445 --> 00:25:48,557 I don't think she ever received a telephone call. 454 00:25:48,581 --> 00:25:50,425 I think she simply followed Charles right here 455 00:25:50,449 --> 00:25:52,049 to the hotel room. 456 00:25:53,452 --> 00:25:55,597 He must have had an appointment with you then. 457 00:25:55,621 --> 00:25:57,454 No. No, not last night. 458 00:25:59,692 --> 00:26:02,470 What was your relationship with, uh, Houston? 459 00:26:02,494 --> 00:26:05,340 Well, I'm a stockholder in the Fair Chance. 460 00:26:05,364 --> 00:26:07,876 Or I will be when the corporation is formed. 461 00:26:07,900 --> 00:26:09,900 I had a personal contract with Houston. 462 00:26:12,037 --> 00:26:14,616 How much of Charles Houston did you own? 463 00:26:14,640 --> 00:26:15,984 Ten percent. 464 00:26:16,008 --> 00:26:18,520 Ha! Only yesterday he asked me if I wanted to buy some more 465 00:26:18,544 --> 00:26:19,921 and I refused. 466 00:26:19,945 --> 00:26:21,745 I even tried to sell what I had. 467 00:26:23,315 --> 00:26:25,794 Was there anything stolen, Mr. Byrd? 468 00:26:25,818 --> 00:26:27,095 No. 469 00:26:27,119 --> 00:26:28,597 Was there anything in your possession 470 00:26:28,621 --> 00:26:30,153 a thief might have been after? 471 00:26:32,425 --> 00:26:34,391 I can't think of anything, Mr. Mason. 472 00:26:36,128 --> 00:26:37,408 Thank you, Mr. Byrd. 473 00:26:43,001 --> 00:26:45,480 There was an original investment of $50,000 474 00:26:45,504 --> 00:26:47,348 which was eaten up pretty fast. 475 00:26:47,372 --> 00:26:49,684 Land leases, equipment, three cash withdrawals. 476 00:26:49,708 --> 00:26:50,719 Cash withdrawals? 477 00:26:50,743 --> 00:26:53,822 Yeah. One about eight months ago. 478 00:26:53,846 --> 00:26:56,190 Uh... 479 00:26:56,214 --> 00:26:58,993 January the 20th, $10,000, 480 00:26:59,017 --> 00:27:01,930 another March 6th, 7,500. 481 00:27:01,954 --> 00:27:04,466 Another April the 15th, 7,500. 482 00:27:04,490 --> 00:27:06,568 Drawn to whose order? Cash. 483 00:27:06,592 --> 00:27:08,937 Charlie Houston must have used the money for something. 484 00:27:08,961 --> 00:27:10,472 For what? I don't know. 485 00:27:10,496 --> 00:27:12,474 It had nothing to do with me. 486 00:27:12,498 --> 00:27:15,710 My deal with Houston was a 50-50 split down the middle. 487 00:27:15,734 --> 00:27:17,145 His job was to get up the financing, 488 00:27:17,169 --> 00:27:18,547 mine to produce the well. 489 00:27:18,571 --> 00:27:21,783 Now, what he gave away on his end really doesn't affect me. 490 00:27:21,807 --> 00:27:23,518 It would if he gave away more than he owned. 491 00:27:23,542 --> 00:27:24,519 How? 492 00:27:24,543 --> 00:27:25,887 By selling more than 100 percent 493 00:27:25,911 --> 00:27:27,288 of the oil well. Oh. 494 00:27:27,312 --> 00:27:29,880 That would leave you on the outside along with him. 495 00:27:33,051 --> 00:27:35,196 What was Lucky Sterling doing up here yesterday 496 00:27:35,220 --> 00:27:36,319 when the well blew in? 497 00:27:38,423 --> 00:27:40,802 Yeah. 498 00:27:40,826 --> 00:27:42,170 Maybe that's what Sterling meant 499 00:27:42,194 --> 00:27:44,606 when he called Charlie "partner." 500 00:27:44,630 --> 00:27:46,875 Did he say how much of a partner? 501 00:27:46,899 --> 00:27:48,577 No. 502 00:27:48,601 --> 00:27:51,379 Well, Paula Wallace owns 50 percent. 503 00:27:51,403 --> 00:27:55,350 Now, don't tell me you haven't thought of this before, Gordon. 504 00:27:55,374 --> 00:27:57,251 I got my work to think about. 505 00:27:57,275 --> 00:27:59,120 And don't tell me you haven't been to an attorney 506 00:27:59,144 --> 00:28:00,154 to find out where you stand? 507 00:28:00,178 --> 00:28:01,378 You're not that naive. 508 00:28:02,414 --> 00:28:04,025 Now, you mentioned a phone call 509 00:28:04,049 --> 00:28:07,629 from a man named Byrd and a Miss Terry. 510 00:28:07,653 --> 00:28:09,820 Madelyn Terry. 511 00:28:11,289 --> 00:28:15,570 It was pretty close to 7:00, after the gusher, when Charles... 512 00:28:15,594 --> 00:28:17,494 Mr. Houston came in. 513 00:28:18,964 --> 00:28:21,042 I'd never seen a man with the spirit gone out 514 00:28:21,066 --> 00:28:22,176 of him like that. 515 00:28:22,200 --> 00:28:23,545 He seemed empty... 516 00:28:23,569 --> 00:28:26,013 Just drained out. 517 00:28:26,037 --> 00:28:29,283 As though he'd lost his last friend on earth. 518 00:28:29,307 --> 00:28:31,007 What did he want from you, Miss Terry? 519 00:28:32,911 --> 00:28:33,951 Money. 520 00:28:35,247 --> 00:28:37,013 Why would he have needed money? 521 00:28:38,316 --> 00:28:40,516 Yesterday afternoon he watched that gusher come in. 522 00:28:41,987 --> 00:28:43,387 Yeah. So he did. 523 00:28:44,289 --> 00:28:45,467 So did you, Mr. Sterling. 524 00:28:45,491 --> 00:28:47,090 That's right. 525 00:28:48,160 --> 00:28:49,637 What were you doing out there? 526 00:28:49,661 --> 00:28:51,929 I've got a stake going. 527 00:28:53,465 --> 00:28:55,143 And why have you come to me? 528 00:28:55,167 --> 00:28:56,144 I want to hire you. 529 00:28:56,168 --> 00:28:57,168 What for? 530 00:28:58,670 --> 00:29:00,949 I want my share of that oil well. 531 00:29:00,973 --> 00:29:03,384 I bought into that proposition fair and square. 532 00:29:03,408 --> 00:29:05,609 And that's the way I want to be treated. 533 00:29:07,046 --> 00:29:09,312 I'm afraid I can't help you, Mr. Sterling. 534 00:29:11,383 --> 00:29:12,383 Why not? 535 00:29:13,185 --> 00:29:14,618 Conflict of interests. 536 00:29:17,289 --> 00:29:18,289 I see. 537 00:29:20,392 --> 00:29:23,571 Well, then, Mr. Mason, I'll just have to protect myself. 538 00:29:23,595 --> 00:29:26,108 The bank told me that yesterday my check was cashed 539 00:29:26,132 --> 00:29:28,376 by a Mr. Houston. 540 00:29:28,400 --> 00:29:29,745 You've got a claim on this well. 541 00:29:29,769 --> 00:29:30,746 Well, so have I. 542 00:29:30,770 --> 00:29:32,010 Twenty thousand dollars' worth. 543 00:29:33,839 --> 00:29:35,105 Come on. 544 00:29:39,879 --> 00:29:41,178 Good day, counselor. 545 00:29:48,320 --> 00:29:49,887 Twenty thousand dollars. 546 00:29:51,657 --> 00:29:55,570 And Charles Houston went to Roger Byrd's room. 547 00:29:55,594 --> 00:29:57,928 And that's the room where a search was made. 548 00:30:11,543 --> 00:30:14,489 This was, uh, checked out by Ballistics as the murder weapon. 549 00:30:14,513 --> 00:30:16,257 It was purchased in Santa Rosa, California 550 00:30:16,281 --> 00:30:19,094 and is registered to, uh, Evelyn Wallace Houston. 551 00:30:19,118 --> 00:30:21,129 Lieutenant, would you now tell this court please 552 00:30:21,153 --> 00:30:23,197 who Evelyn Wallace Houston was? 553 00:30:23,221 --> 00:30:25,166 She was the sister of the defendant. 554 00:30:25,190 --> 00:30:27,270 Thank you, lieutenant. Cross-examine. 555 00:30:29,762 --> 00:30:32,007 Lieutenant, isn't it also true 556 00:30:32,031 --> 00:30:34,609 that Evelyn Wallace Houston was decedent's wife? 557 00:30:34,633 --> 00:30:36,044 Yes, sir. 558 00:30:36,068 --> 00:30:37,445 And that it is possible 559 00:30:37,469 --> 00:30:39,313 that he brought the gun to Los Angeles? 560 00:30:39,337 --> 00:30:41,004 Possible, yes. 561 00:30:42,307 --> 00:30:44,052 How long had the Houstons been married? 562 00:30:44,076 --> 00:30:45,586 A few months, I believe. 563 00:30:45,610 --> 00:30:48,923 And then Mrs. Houston met with a fatal accident in Santa Rosa. 564 00:30:48,947 --> 00:30:51,092 I see. 565 00:30:51,116 --> 00:30:53,594 Did the murder room bear evidence of a search? 566 00:30:53,618 --> 00:30:54,595 Yes, sir. 567 00:30:54,619 --> 00:30:56,931 Was anything found to be missing? 568 00:30:56,955 --> 00:30:58,800 No. 569 00:30:58,824 --> 00:31:00,864 Thank you, lieutenant. That will be all. 570 00:31:03,996 --> 00:31:06,262 I call Mr. Floyd Gordon, please. 571 00:31:14,606 --> 00:31:16,684 Now, Mr. Gordon, would you please tell us what you know 572 00:31:16,708 --> 00:31:19,186 about the defendant, Paula Wallace? 573 00:31:19,210 --> 00:31:21,823 Well, nothing outside of a phone call she made 574 00:31:21,847 --> 00:31:23,691 asking for Houston and that letter. 575 00:31:23,715 --> 00:31:25,593 And to what letter are you referring, sir? 576 00:31:25,617 --> 00:31:27,528 One that was found among Houston's papers 577 00:31:27,552 --> 00:31:29,497 when they were brought out from his office in town. 578 00:31:29,521 --> 00:31:31,332 I see. I show you now this letter 579 00:31:31,356 --> 00:31:33,835 and ask if you can identify it for us. 580 00:31:33,859 --> 00:31:35,169 Yes, sir. 581 00:31:35,193 --> 00:31:36,537 It's addressed to me but it was sent 582 00:31:36,561 --> 00:31:38,172 to Houston's office in town. 583 00:31:38,196 --> 00:31:40,174 Thank you. If it will please the court, 584 00:31:40,198 --> 00:31:41,509 I should like this letter entered 585 00:31:41,533 --> 00:31:42,777 as an exhibit for the people. 586 00:31:42,801 --> 00:31:44,545 And I should like one paragraph 587 00:31:44,569 --> 00:31:47,049 from the letter read into the record. 588 00:31:54,479 --> 00:31:56,390 Your Honor, I object to any part of this letter 589 00:31:56,414 --> 00:31:58,026 being introduced in evidence. 590 00:31:58,050 --> 00:32:00,394 On what basis, Mr. Mason? 591 00:32:00,418 --> 00:32:04,733 On the basis that no proper foundation has been laid. 592 00:32:04,757 --> 00:32:07,869 Your Honor, for purposes of expediting 593 00:32:07,893 --> 00:32:09,337 this preliminary hearing, 594 00:32:09,361 --> 00:32:12,173 the prosecution felt that a slightly more informal... 595 00:32:12,197 --> 00:32:14,209 Not this informal. 596 00:32:14,233 --> 00:32:16,477 The defense is not gonna relinquish any of its rights. 597 00:32:16,501 --> 00:32:18,613 This is a typewritten letter. 598 00:32:18,637 --> 00:32:20,715 Typed on any given typewriter 599 00:32:20,739 --> 00:32:23,918 is as distinctive and identifiable as handwriting. 600 00:32:23,942 --> 00:32:27,855 I'd like both the type and the signature attested by experts. 601 00:32:27,879 --> 00:32:29,023 Your Honor... 602 00:32:29,047 --> 00:32:31,447 Defense is within its rights, Mr. Burger. 603 00:32:33,484 --> 00:32:36,497 Very well, Mr. Mason. No further questions. 604 00:32:36,521 --> 00:32:37,821 Your witness. 605 00:32:41,760 --> 00:32:43,771 Now, Mr. Gordon, 606 00:32:43,795 --> 00:32:46,115 have you recently engaged an attorney? 607 00:32:47,565 --> 00:32:49,265 Uh, yes. 608 00:32:50,535 --> 00:32:52,246 Now, didn't he tell you to count on nothing 609 00:32:52,270 --> 00:32:53,981 but a fraction of what you expected 610 00:32:54,005 --> 00:32:55,449 to get out of the oil well? 611 00:32:55,473 --> 00:32:57,953 Well, he said I was in a better position 612 00:32:57,977 --> 00:32:59,187 than some of the others. 613 00:32:59,211 --> 00:33:01,789 And anyway, he said Houston really held the title 614 00:33:01,813 --> 00:33:04,692 in trust for all the people he had defrauded. 615 00:33:04,716 --> 00:33:06,127 That we'd all get something, 616 00:33:06,151 --> 00:33:07,317 no matter how little. 617 00:33:10,522 --> 00:33:12,562 Thank you, Mr. Gordon. That will be all. 618 00:33:14,426 --> 00:33:15,804 I got out of the elevator 619 00:33:15,828 --> 00:33:17,638 and went down the hall to my room. 620 00:33:17,662 --> 00:33:19,474 Just as I reached the door, 621 00:33:19,498 --> 00:33:21,408 I realized there was somebody inside the room. 622 00:33:21,432 --> 00:33:23,144 And what did you do then, Mr. Byrd? 623 00:33:23,168 --> 00:33:24,545 I put my key in the lock and turned it 624 00:33:24,569 --> 00:33:26,513 so that it couldn't be opened from inside the room. 625 00:33:26,537 --> 00:33:28,950 Then I went to the payphone and called the police. 626 00:33:28,974 --> 00:33:30,718 And while you were phoning, what did you do? 627 00:33:30,742 --> 00:33:32,353 I kept my eye on my door. 628 00:33:32,377 --> 00:33:33,454 What did you see? 629 00:33:33,478 --> 00:33:35,556 Nothing. Nobody went in, nobody came out. 630 00:33:35,580 --> 00:33:37,525 Is there any other way out of your room, Mr. Byrd? 631 00:33:37,549 --> 00:33:39,093 Well, the window and the fire escape. 632 00:33:39,117 --> 00:33:40,495 And where does the fire escape lead? 633 00:33:40,519 --> 00:33:41,696 To the street. 634 00:33:41,720 --> 00:33:44,065 And we've previously heard testimony that, 635 00:33:44,089 --> 00:33:45,400 in response to a phone call 636 00:33:45,424 --> 00:33:48,703 to police headquarters at 9:52, prowl car officers 637 00:33:48,727 --> 00:33:50,671 were able to intercept the defendant in her flight 638 00:33:50,695 --> 00:33:52,040 from that fire escape 639 00:33:52,064 --> 00:33:54,376 and that they subsequently returned her to the third floor. 640 00:33:54,400 --> 00:33:55,610 Is that correct? Yes, sir. 641 00:33:55,634 --> 00:33:56,911 Now, Mr. Byrd, 642 00:33:56,935 --> 00:33:58,880 what time was it when you locked 643 00:33:58,904 --> 00:34:00,882 this someone in your room? 644 00:34:00,906 --> 00:34:02,417 A little before 10:00. 645 00:34:02,441 --> 00:34:05,920 And how you could you be certain that the someone was there? 646 00:34:05,944 --> 00:34:06,955 Well, I heard a shot. 647 00:34:06,979 --> 00:34:08,089 You heard shot? 648 00:34:08,113 --> 00:34:09,457 Yes, sir. A revolver shot 649 00:34:09,481 --> 00:34:11,414 right inside the door. 650 00:34:12,384 --> 00:34:13,995 Thank you, Mr. Byrd. 651 00:34:14,019 --> 00:34:15,151 Your witness. 652 00:34:17,589 --> 00:34:18,967 What about that shot, Miss Wallace? 653 00:34:18,991 --> 00:34:21,135 No, Mr. Mason it isn't true. He's lying. 654 00:34:21,159 --> 00:34:22,436 Mr. Mason? 655 00:34:22,460 --> 00:34:24,638 Do you wish to cross-examine this witness? 656 00:34:24,662 --> 00:34:26,943 I most certainly do, Your Honor. 657 00:34:29,201 --> 00:34:31,512 Now, you say you, uh, locked your door 658 00:34:31,536 --> 00:34:33,414 after you heard a shot inside. 659 00:34:33,438 --> 00:34:34,916 That's right. 660 00:34:34,940 --> 00:34:36,784 Isn't it true that you pulled a fuse 661 00:34:36,808 --> 00:34:39,120 turning out all the lights? 662 00:34:39,144 --> 00:34:40,621 Yes. 663 00:34:40,645 --> 00:34:42,456 Where is the fuse box located? 664 00:34:42,480 --> 00:34:44,792 In the janitor's closet at the end of the hall. 665 00:34:44,816 --> 00:34:47,161 And you, uh, kept your eye 666 00:34:47,185 --> 00:34:48,930 on your door all the while? 667 00:34:48,954 --> 00:34:50,365 Yes. 668 00:34:50,389 --> 00:34:53,268 Then you, uh, made that anonymous telephone call 669 00:34:53,292 --> 00:34:55,236 to the police? Yes. 670 00:34:55,260 --> 00:34:57,005 And you told them a murder had been committed? 671 00:34:57,029 --> 00:34:58,139 No. 672 00:34:58,163 --> 00:35:00,241 I told them just what I told you here, 673 00:35:00,265 --> 00:35:02,443 that I had heard the shot. 674 00:35:02,467 --> 00:35:04,478 But you didn't tell them about locking the door. 675 00:35:04,502 --> 00:35:06,114 No. Or about turning off the lights. 676 00:35:06,138 --> 00:35:07,415 No. Or who you were. 677 00:35:07,439 --> 00:35:08,549 No. Why not? 678 00:35:08,573 --> 00:35:09,683 Why the secrecy? 679 00:35:09,707 --> 00:35:10,885 I wanted to keep out of it. 680 00:35:10,909 --> 00:35:12,086 Keep out of what? 681 00:35:12,110 --> 00:35:13,390 Whatever happened in there. 682 00:35:14,612 --> 00:35:16,624 Yet, when the police came up there with Miss Wallace, 683 00:35:16,648 --> 00:35:19,860 the, uh, door was unlocked, the lights were turned on. 684 00:35:19,884 --> 00:35:21,695 Now, how do you explain that? I did it. 685 00:35:21,719 --> 00:35:23,597 After I locked the door I listened 686 00:35:23,621 --> 00:35:25,366 and heard the person inside open the window 687 00:35:25,390 --> 00:35:26,801 and go down the fire escape. 688 00:35:26,825 --> 00:35:29,037 Naturally, I was curious to see what had happened inside. 689 00:35:29,061 --> 00:35:31,205 But you already knew what had happened. 690 00:35:31,229 --> 00:35:32,473 When did you call Miss Wallace 691 00:35:32,497 --> 00:35:33,774 and tell her to come to the room? 692 00:35:33,798 --> 00:35:35,443 I didn't. Mr. Houston wanted to see her? 693 00:35:35,467 --> 00:35:37,378 I didn't call her. When could I have done that? 694 00:35:37,402 --> 00:35:38,947 Earlier. 695 00:35:38,971 --> 00:35:41,682 Fifteen minutes earlier, when you either killed Houston 696 00:35:41,706 --> 00:35:43,017 or found him dead in your room. 697 00:35:43,041 --> 00:35:46,321 No. It's not true. I didn't. 698 00:35:46,345 --> 00:35:47,610 Mr. Byrd, 699 00:35:49,581 --> 00:35:52,626 what is your occupation? 700 00:35:52,650 --> 00:35:54,795 I'm a freelance photographer. 701 00:35:54,819 --> 00:35:57,598 Is it a lucrative occupation? 702 00:35:57,622 --> 00:35:58,933 I'm a man of very simple tastes. 703 00:35:58,957 --> 00:36:00,517 I have no one to support but myself. 704 00:36:01,759 --> 00:36:04,372 I have here a record of your monetary transactions 705 00:36:04,396 --> 00:36:06,907 at a bank one block away from where you live. 706 00:36:06,931 --> 00:36:07,976 What about it? 707 00:36:08,000 --> 00:36:09,377 You made a deposit in the amount 708 00:36:09,401 --> 00:36:11,980 of $10,000 on January 21st 709 00:36:12,004 --> 00:36:13,314 of this year. 710 00:36:13,338 --> 00:36:15,350 That's quite a deposit for a freelance photographer 711 00:36:15,374 --> 00:36:16,851 of simple tastes. 712 00:36:16,875 --> 00:36:18,786 I think that's my personal business. 713 00:36:18,810 --> 00:36:21,755 Then on March 10th you deposited $7,500. 714 00:36:21,779 --> 00:36:25,148 And on April 16th $7,500 more. 715 00:36:26,318 --> 00:36:27,962 Are my figures and dates correct, Mr. Byrd? 716 00:36:27,986 --> 00:36:30,331 I guess so. I don't know. 717 00:36:30,355 --> 00:36:32,755 And all from photography, Mr. Byrd? 718 00:36:34,425 --> 00:36:36,403 By a strange coincidence, the deceased, 719 00:36:36,427 --> 00:36:39,340 Charles Houston, withdrew three identical amounts 720 00:36:39,364 --> 00:36:40,842 from a Fair Chance account 721 00:36:40,866 --> 00:36:44,178 the day before each of your deposits. 722 00:36:44,202 --> 00:36:47,181 Now, perhaps you were selling your pictures to Mr. Houston. 723 00:36:47,205 --> 00:36:48,649 What do you want with me? 724 00:36:48,673 --> 00:36:50,017 On August 5th, 725 00:36:50,041 --> 00:36:51,686 the day Charles Houston was murdered, 726 00:36:51,710 --> 00:36:53,488 he cashed a check for $20,000. 727 00:36:53,512 --> 00:36:57,358 All right. On that same day I deposited $20,000. 728 00:36:57,382 --> 00:36:58,860 Blackmail, Mr. Byrd? 729 00:36:58,884 --> 00:37:01,384 As you say, I was selling something to Houston. 730 00:37:02,487 --> 00:37:03,564 The next morning, 731 00:37:03,588 --> 00:37:05,433 the morning after the murder, 732 00:37:05,457 --> 00:37:08,770 you withdrew $45,000 in cash from you account, did you not? 733 00:37:08,794 --> 00:37:09,970 I withdrew my money, yes. 734 00:37:09,994 --> 00:37:11,639 The someone who searched your apartment, 735 00:37:11,663 --> 00:37:13,474 was he looking for that $45,000? 736 00:37:13,498 --> 00:37:14,475 No. No? 737 00:37:14,499 --> 00:37:15,609 What was he looking for? 738 00:37:15,633 --> 00:37:17,811 It wasn't a he. It was a she. 739 00:37:17,835 --> 00:37:19,914 It was Miss Wallace. 740 00:37:19,938 --> 00:37:22,183 How would Miss Wallace have known about the money? 741 00:37:22,207 --> 00:37:24,085 She wasn't looking for the money. 742 00:37:24,109 --> 00:37:26,187 She was looking for my prints, my films... 743 00:37:26,211 --> 00:37:28,455 The ones I blackmailed Houston with. 744 00:37:28,479 --> 00:37:30,491 Of Charles Houston murdering her sister. 745 00:37:30,515 --> 00:37:32,693 That's what she wanted. I told her about them. 746 00:37:32,717 --> 00:37:34,228 I called her in Santa Rosa. 747 00:37:34,252 --> 00:37:36,830 Told her to get up $10,000 if she wanted the evidence 748 00:37:36,854 --> 00:37:38,732 to send her sister's murderer to the gas chamber. 749 00:37:38,756 --> 00:37:40,602 That's why she came here in the first place. 750 00:37:40,626 --> 00:37:42,069 That's why she wanted her money back. 751 00:37:42,093 --> 00:37:44,339 That's why she went to you, Mr. Mason, in the first place. 752 00:37:44,363 --> 00:37:46,107 But she couldn't get her money back. 753 00:37:46,131 --> 00:37:47,775 And she couldn't get the prints without it. 754 00:37:47,799 --> 00:37:49,043 So she killed him. 755 00:37:49,067 --> 00:37:51,713 Because it was the only thing left she could do. 756 00:38:01,045 --> 00:38:02,312 Yes, I lied. 757 00:38:04,949 --> 00:38:06,261 I... 758 00:38:06,285 --> 00:38:08,296 I didn't tell you the truth in your office 759 00:38:08,320 --> 00:38:10,898 because Roger Byrd threatened 760 00:38:10,922 --> 00:38:12,166 to destroy the film 761 00:38:12,190 --> 00:38:13,723 and deny what he told me. 762 00:38:15,226 --> 00:38:17,171 That was after the murder? 763 00:38:17,195 --> 00:38:18,473 Yes. But then, you see, 764 00:38:18,497 --> 00:38:20,742 it would really seem as if I had a reason to kill him. 765 00:38:20,766 --> 00:38:22,744 I didn't want you to think that. 766 00:38:22,768 --> 00:38:24,111 Then Byrd was lying about the shot? 767 00:38:24,135 --> 00:38:25,146 Yes. 768 00:38:25,170 --> 00:38:26,681 Why? 769 00:38:26,705 --> 00:38:28,004 I don't know. 770 00:38:29,741 --> 00:38:31,501 I don't know. I don't know. 771 00:38:32,577 --> 00:38:33,810 All right. 772 00:38:34,546 --> 00:38:36,313 Mm... 773 00:38:40,452 --> 00:38:43,252 I have one small errand to do before court reconvenes. 774 00:38:44,889 --> 00:38:46,289 I'll see you then. 775 00:39:02,106 --> 00:39:03,884 Good afternoon, Miss Terry. 776 00:39:03,908 --> 00:39:05,453 Why, hello, Mr. Mason. 777 00:39:05,477 --> 00:39:07,054 May I join you? 778 00:39:07,078 --> 00:39:08,323 Of course. 779 00:39:08,347 --> 00:39:10,825 I really dropped by to see Mr. Sterling. 780 00:39:10,849 --> 00:39:13,728 Oh, he's in his office on the phone. 781 00:39:13,752 --> 00:39:15,963 I noticed you in court this morning. 782 00:39:15,987 --> 00:39:17,031 Yes. 783 00:39:17,055 --> 00:39:18,633 I take it your interest in the case 784 00:39:18,657 --> 00:39:21,235 would be in connection with Charles Houston. 785 00:39:21,259 --> 00:39:23,371 Well, yes, I did know him. 786 00:39:23,395 --> 00:39:25,155 How well did you know him, Miss Terry? 787 00:39:26,498 --> 00:39:28,242 Mr. Mason, that's a personal matter. 788 00:39:28,266 --> 00:39:29,477 Were you in love with him? 789 00:39:29,501 --> 00:39:31,334 No! 790 00:39:34,840 --> 00:39:37,418 Didn't you, uh, lend him money 791 00:39:37,442 --> 00:39:39,119 at various times? 792 00:39:39,143 --> 00:39:41,356 No. 793 00:39:41,380 --> 00:39:44,024 Didn't you put up $10,000 for his oil well, 794 00:39:44,048 --> 00:39:46,315 figuring that money would be thrown away? 795 00:39:48,286 --> 00:39:49,630 Mr. Mason, I don't have to submit 796 00:39:49,654 --> 00:39:50,832 to this kind of inquisition. 797 00:39:50,856 --> 00:39:52,433 You're prying into my private affairs... 798 00:39:52,457 --> 00:39:55,670 What have you got to hide, baby? 799 00:39:55,694 --> 00:39:58,094 The counselor's only trying to get information. 800 00:39:59,030 --> 00:40:00,541 Why not give him the answers? 801 00:40:00,565 --> 00:40:02,844 That's right, Miss Terry. 802 00:40:02,868 --> 00:40:04,612 If you have nothing to hide your answers might 803 00:40:04,636 --> 00:40:06,447 be very helpful to my client. 804 00:40:06,471 --> 00:40:07,981 Why should I help her? 805 00:40:08,005 --> 00:40:10,117 If she killed Charles, let her pay for it! 806 00:40:10,141 --> 00:40:13,454 Were you in love with Houston, baby? 807 00:40:13,478 --> 00:40:15,856 After telling me that he was just an old chum 808 00:40:15,880 --> 00:40:18,259 you felt sorry for. 809 00:40:18,283 --> 00:40:21,495 What happened after he came to see you that night? 810 00:40:21,519 --> 00:40:23,464 Did you give him the money he wanted? 811 00:40:23,488 --> 00:40:25,333 You mean before you got there? No. 812 00:40:25,357 --> 00:40:28,869 I mean after he left and I left. 813 00:40:28,893 --> 00:40:29,903 Did you meet him somewhere? 814 00:40:29,927 --> 00:40:31,939 I wish I had. 815 00:40:31,963 --> 00:40:33,708 Where were you? I couldn't reach you. 816 00:40:33,732 --> 00:40:36,110 I came right here, Mr. Lucky Sterling, 817 00:40:36,134 --> 00:40:37,645 But you weren't around. 818 00:40:37,669 --> 00:40:39,647 You didn't come around till quite late. 819 00:40:39,671 --> 00:40:40,970 Where were you? 820 00:40:43,274 --> 00:40:44,751 Well... 821 00:40:44,775 --> 00:40:46,975 put on quite a show for you, counselor. 822 00:40:48,680 --> 00:40:50,357 Where were you, Mr. Sterling? 823 00:40:52,350 --> 00:40:55,496 Did you, uh, make a telephone call to Miss Wallace? 824 00:40:55,520 --> 00:40:57,831 No, counselor. I did not. 825 00:40:57,855 --> 00:40:59,322 Where were you, Miss Terry? 826 00:41:00,759 --> 00:41:01,769 When? 827 00:41:01,793 --> 00:41:05,205 At about 9:30 or a quarter of 10. 828 00:41:05,229 --> 00:41:07,207 That was just before I left my apartment, Mr. Mason. 829 00:41:07,231 --> 00:41:08,465 I was taking a bath. 830 00:41:10,268 --> 00:41:12,212 No, no one can corroborate it. 831 00:41:14,339 --> 00:41:16,517 I will see you later this afternoon. 832 00:41:16,541 --> 00:41:17,621 Fine. 833 00:41:37,095 --> 00:41:38,394 You may be seated. 834 00:41:43,301 --> 00:41:45,212 Mr. Mason, 835 00:41:45,236 --> 00:41:47,314 recess was called while you were cross-examining 836 00:41:47,338 --> 00:41:48,783 Mr. Roger Byrd. 837 00:41:48,807 --> 00:41:50,518 You may continue. 838 00:41:50,542 --> 00:41:51,519 Mr. Roger Byrd, 839 00:41:51,543 --> 00:41:53,142 please take the stand. 840 00:42:01,653 --> 00:42:03,631 Mr. Byrd, on the evening of the murder, 841 00:42:03,655 --> 00:42:05,466 what time did you leave your room for dinner? 842 00:42:05,490 --> 00:42:07,401 About 7:30. 843 00:42:07,425 --> 00:42:08,970 And what time did you return? 844 00:42:08,994 --> 00:42:10,771 I told you that already. 845 00:42:10,795 --> 00:42:12,072 About 10:00. 846 00:42:12,096 --> 00:42:13,808 Now, isn't it true that after you had dined, 847 00:42:13,832 --> 00:42:16,198 you stopped at the National Travel Service? 848 00:42:17,135 --> 00:42:19,536 Well, yes. I... I did. I... 849 00:42:20,539 --> 00:42:22,016 I was changing a reservation. 850 00:42:22,040 --> 00:42:24,785 A flight reservation to Rio de Janeiro? 851 00:42:24,809 --> 00:42:26,654 Changed from the day following the murder 852 00:42:26,678 --> 00:42:27,655 to the 8th of September. 853 00:42:27,679 --> 00:42:28,679 Is that correct? 854 00:42:29,881 --> 00:42:32,760 Yes, I, uh... I thought of taking a vacation. 855 00:42:32,784 --> 00:42:34,962 Just a simple vacation? 856 00:42:34,986 --> 00:42:37,665 And you bought $55,000 worth of travel checks, 857 00:42:37,689 --> 00:42:38,689 did you not? 858 00:42:39,591 --> 00:42:40,668 Yes. 859 00:42:40,692 --> 00:42:42,737 You withdrew $45,000 860 00:42:42,761 --> 00:42:44,705 from your bank account 861 00:42:44,729 --> 00:42:47,010 and you added $10,000 to it. 862 00:42:48,132 --> 00:42:51,479 Where did you get that extra $10,000, Mr. Byrd? 863 00:42:51,503 --> 00:42:52,546 Blackmail again? No. 864 00:42:52,570 --> 00:42:53,947 Did you get it from Charles Houston? 865 00:42:53,971 --> 00:42:54,982 No. No. He was... 866 00:42:55,006 --> 00:42:57,366 He was already dead, Mr. Byrd? 867 00:42:57,542 --> 00:42:59,253 No. 868 00:42:59,277 --> 00:43:01,221 I don't know. 869 00:43:01,245 --> 00:43:03,323 Now, isn't it true that when you called Miss Wallace 870 00:43:03,347 --> 00:43:06,093 and told her that Houston had her shares of stock, 871 00:43:06,117 --> 00:43:08,128 that she could pick them up in your room, 872 00:43:08,152 --> 00:43:09,329 Houston was already dead? 873 00:43:09,353 --> 00:43:10,531 No. 874 00:43:10,555 --> 00:43:11,699 No, he wasn't dead? 875 00:43:11,723 --> 00:43:13,667 No, I didn't call her. 876 00:43:13,691 --> 00:43:15,669 Then isn't it true that when you called the police 877 00:43:15,693 --> 00:43:17,671 you knew that Houston was lying dead in your room? 878 00:43:17,695 --> 00:43:18,672 No. 879 00:43:18,696 --> 00:43:20,507 Your Honor, Mr. Mason 880 00:43:20,531 --> 00:43:22,576 is needlessly browbeating this witness. 881 00:43:22,600 --> 00:43:23,810 The district attorney's office 882 00:43:23,834 --> 00:43:26,680 is already preparing to indict Mr. Byrd, 883 00:43:26,704 --> 00:43:29,350 for his self-confessed blackmail, 884 00:43:29,374 --> 00:43:32,219 and to consider possible charges of perjury against him. 885 00:43:32,243 --> 00:43:33,954 But Roger Byrd is not here on trial 886 00:43:33,978 --> 00:43:35,422 for the murder of Charles Houston 887 00:43:35,446 --> 00:43:37,291 and I object to Mr. Mason's attempts 888 00:43:37,315 --> 00:43:38,959 to prove him guilty of it. 889 00:43:38,983 --> 00:43:40,627 Your point is well taken, Mr. Burger, 890 00:43:40,651 --> 00:43:43,230 but I believe Mr. Mason's questions are entirely pertinent 891 00:43:43,254 --> 00:43:44,431 to the matter at hand. 892 00:43:44,455 --> 00:43:46,934 I am therefore going to allow him to continue. 893 00:43:46,958 --> 00:43:49,236 Objection overruled. 894 00:43:49,260 --> 00:43:52,239 I'll repeat the question, Mr. Byrd. 895 00:43:52,263 --> 00:43:53,340 Didn't you know that Houston 896 00:43:53,364 --> 00:43:55,275 was dead before you called the police? 897 00:43:55,299 --> 00:43:57,044 No. 898 00:43:57,068 --> 00:43:59,980 Now, isn't it true that Charles Houston, 899 00:44:00,004 --> 00:44:03,116 facing ruin after the well came in, 900 00:44:03,140 --> 00:44:06,019 went to your room to get back $20,000 901 00:44:06,043 --> 00:44:07,153 he had given you earlier? 902 00:44:07,177 --> 00:44:08,689 No. No, he didn't? 903 00:44:08,713 --> 00:44:09,757 No, I don't know. 904 00:44:09,781 --> 00:44:11,425 No more questions. 905 00:44:11,449 --> 00:44:13,193 If it please the court, 906 00:44:13,217 --> 00:44:14,929 the prosecution is now prepared to lay 907 00:44:14,953 --> 00:44:16,897 a proper foundation for the reading of the letter 908 00:44:16,921 --> 00:44:19,700 from the defendant to Mr. Floyd Gordon. 909 00:44:19,724 --> 00:44:22,235 I call Professor Ralph Scobie. 910 00:44:22,259 --> 00:44:23,637 Your Honor, 911 00:44:23,661 --> 00:44:26,006 in the interest of expediting this examination, 912 00:44:26,030 --> 00:44:27,775 the defense withdraws its objection 913 00:44:27,799 --> 00:44:28,999 to the reading of the letter. 914 00:44:32,003 --> 00:44:33,146 Very well, Your Honor. 915 00:44:33,170 --> 00:44:34,637 I call Mr. Floyd Gordon. 916 00:44:44,616 --> 00:44:48,028 "And I must have either the shares or the money back. 917 00:44:48,052 --> 00:44:51,365 "Charles Houston has ignored my calls and letters 918 00:44:51,389 --> 00:44:54,201 "and now I turn to you in desperation. 919 00:44:54,225 --> 00:44:55,569 "I will stop at nothing 920 00:44:55,593 --> 00:44:57,137 "to get at least some part 921 00:44:57,161 --> 00:44:59,840 "of what rightfully belongs to me. 922 00:44:59,864 --> 00:45:02,698 Yours hopefully, Paula Wallace" 923 00:45:03,835 --> 00:45:06,714 Thank you very much, Mr. Gordon. 924 00:45:06,738 --> 00:45:09,350 If it please the court, I should like this letter marked 925 00:45:09,374 --> 00:45:10,351 in evidence. 926 00:45:10,375 --> 00:45:11,352 No objection. 927 00:45:11,376 --> 00:45:12,675 Your witness. 928 00:45:18,383 --> 00:45:20,293 Mr. Gordon, it must have been a shock for you 929 00:45:20,317 --> 00:45:21,662 to discover your that partner 930 00:45:21,686 --> 00:45:24,865 had sold your participation in the Fair Chance 931 00:45:24,889 --> 00:45:26,667 along with his own. 932 00:45:26,691 --> 00:45:28,001 Yes. 933 00:45:28,025 --> 00:45:31,905 Well, what did he say when you confronted him with it? 934 00:45:31,929 --> 00:45:34,074 When did I confront him, Mr. Mason? 935 00:45:34,098 --> 00:45:35,776 On the night of the murder. When? 936 00:45:35,800 --> 00:45:37,678 On the night of the murder at about 9:30 937 00:45:37,702 --> 00:45:38,779 in Mr. Byrd's room. 938 00:45:38,803 --> 00:45:40,481 Oh, no, I didn't. 939 00:45:40,505 --> 00:45:42,015 If I wanted to see Charlie Houston, 940 00:45:42,039 --> 00:45:43,606 why would I go to Mr. Byrd's room? 941 00:45:44,742 --> 00:45:46,920 Let me put it this way, Mr. Gordon. 942 00:45:46,944 --> 00:45:49,055 Mr. Byrd mentioned trying at one time 943 00:45:49,079 --> 00:45:52,058 to sell his interest in the oil well. 944 00:45:52,082 --> 00:45:53,794 It was refused. 945 00:45:53,818 --> 00:45:56,338 Weren't you the one he was trying to sell it to? 946 00:45:57,288 --> 00:45:58,465 Oh. 947 00:45:58,489 --> 00:46:00,734 And didn't you go to Mr. Byrd's room 948 00:46:00,758 --> 00:46:03,203 and try and buy that share 949 00:46:03,227 --> 00:46:05,627 before he found out the gusher had come in? 950 00:46:07,198 --> 00:46:08,876 Uh, yes. 951 00:46:08,900 --> 00:46:11,679 At about 9:30 on the night of the murder? 952 00:46:11,703 --> 00:46:13,047 Yes. 953 00:46:13,071 --> 00:46:15,049 And didn't you see Charles Houston 954 00:46:15,073 --> 00:46:16,917 in Mr. Byrd's room at that time? 955 00:46:16,941 --> 00:46:18,118 What? 956 00:46:18,142 --> 00:46:20,009 No, I didn't see Charlie Houston. 957 00:46:21,312 --> 00:46:23,523 But you did buy the ten shares from Roger Byrd? 958 00:46:23,547 --> 00:46:25,247 No. I didn't see him either. 959 00:46:26,450 --> 00:46:28,228 Didn't you give him $10,000 in cash? 960 00:46:28,252 --> 00:46:29,585 No. 961 00:46:32,289 --> 00:46:34,090 That's all, Mr. Gordon. 962 00:46:36,560 --> 00:46:39,706 Your Honor, since the evidence now hinges on that $10,000, 963 00:46:39,730 --> 00:46:41,909 I would like to recall Mr. Roger Byrd. 964 00:46:41,933 --> 00:46:42,933 Mr. Burger? 965 00:46:44,769 --> 00:46:46,747 Your Honor, the prosecution would also like to know 966 00:46:46,771 --> 00:46:49,149 where Mr. Byrd got the extra $10,000. 967 00:46:49,173 --> 00:46:50,183 No objection. 968 00:46:50,207 --> 00:46:52,953 You may step down, Mr. Gordon. 969 00:46:52,977 --> 00:46:55,243 Mr. Byrd, will you take the stand? 970 00:47:03,053 --> 00:47:05,488 You are still under oath, Mr. Byrd. 971 00:47:21,806 --> 00:47:24,051 Now, Mr. Byrd, 972 00:47:24,075 --> 00:47:27,388 you withdrew $45,000 from your bank account 973 00:47:27,412 --> 00:47:29,623 the morning after the murder 974 00:47:29,647 --> 00:47:32,059 and you bought $55,000 worth 975 00:47:32,083 --> 00:47:34,694 of travel checks, did you not? 976 00:47:34,718 --> 00:47:35,796 All right, yes. 977 00:47:35,820 --> 00:47:38,154 Where did you get that extra $10,000? 978 00:47:39,357 --> 00:47:41,802 From Mr. Gordon? 979 00:47:41,826 --> 00:47:42,826 No. 980 00:47:47,531 --> 00:47:49,812 Are you trying to shield someone, Mr. Byrd? 981 00:47:51,135 --> 00:47:52,512 Is that the reason you lied 982 00:47:52,536 --> 00:47:53,647 about hearing that shot 983 00:47:53,671 --> 00:47:55,911 when Miss Wallace was in the room? 984 00:47:56,908 --> 00:47:58,207 No, I... 985 00:48:01,445 --> 00:48:03,356 All right, I... I did lie about that. 986 00:48:03,380 --> 00:48:05,759 And it was you called her on the telephone 987 00:48:05,783 --> 00:48:08,143 and induced her to come to your room? 988 00:48:09,020 --> 00:48:10,263 Yes. 989 00:48:10,287 --> 00:48:13,868 And that was after Charles Houston was murdered? 990 00:48:13,892 --> 00:48:15,669 Yes. 991 00:48:15,693 --> 00:48:19,873 Then you waited for Miss Wallace to arrive. 992 00:48:19,897 --> 00:48:21,842 Then you locked the door 993 00:48:21,866 --> 00:48:24,544 and then you called the police. 994 00:48:24,568 --> 00:48:26,080 And if the police hadn't arrived 995 00:48:26,104 --> 00:48:28,882 while Miss Wallace was on the fire escape, 996 00:48:28,906 --> 00:48:31,185 you would have testified that you saw her enter the room, 997 00:48:31,209 --> 00:48:32,319 would you not? 998 00:48:32,343 --> 00:48:33,343 Yes. 999 00:48:34,379 --> 00:48:35,756 Who were you trying to protect 1000 00:48:35,780 --> 00:48:37,224 by incriminating Miss Wallace? 1001 00:48:37,248 --> 00:48:38,826 No one. 1002 00:48:38,850 --> 00:48:41,194 There must have been someone. 1003 00:48:41,218 --> 00:48:44,064 And it must have been for good and substantial reasons. 1004 00:48:44,088 --> 00:48:47,723 The $10,000, Mr. Byrd? 1005 00:48:50,094 --> 00:48:52,172 Now, there's only one person in this case 1006 00:48:52,196 --> 00:48:53,473 or connected with it 1007 00:48:53,497 --> 00:48:54,708 who would have ready access 1008 00:48:54,732 --> 00:48:55,809 to that kind of cash 1009 00:48:55,833 --> 00:48:58,479 at that time of night. 1010 00:48:58,503 --> 00:49:00,747 Now, who was it you saw coming out 1011 00:49:00,771 --> 00:49:03,906 of your room right after you heard that shot? 1012 00:49:14,986 --> 00:49:16,496 Sterling. Lucky Sterling. 1013 00:49:26,664 --> 00:49:28,175 Yeah, me, 1014 00:49:28,199 --> 00:49:29,832 Lucky Sterling. 1015 00:49:30,968 --> 00:49:32,946 I killed him. 1016 00:49:32,970 --> 00:49:34,782 Well, not because he made a chump out of me 1017 00:49:34,806 --> 00:49:36,850 with that oil share deal. 1018 00:49:36,874 --> 00:49:38,252 This you've got to expect if you mix 1019 00:49:38,276 --> 00:49:40,142 into the other fellow's racket. 1020 00:49:41,078 --> 00:49:44,180 No. This was crazy. 1021 00:49:45,183 --> 00:49:48,996 You spotted it, counselor. 1022 00:49:49,020 --> 00:49:50,585 I was jealous. 1023 00:49:54,158 --> 00:49:56,203 Me. 1024 00:49:56,227 --> 00:49:58,327 Jealous over that kind of woman. 1025 00:50:04,368 --> 00:50:06,346 Well, Byrd went to the trouble of implicating Paula 1026 00:50:06,370 --> 00:50:07,848 because he thought he saw in Sterling, 1027 00:50:07,872 --> 00:50:09,382 another source of blackmail. 1028 00:50:09,406 --> 00:50:10,717 And the business with the lights? 1029 00:50:10,741 --> 00:50:13,020 That was to confuse and frighten Paula. 1030 00:50:13,044 --> 00:50:15,689 By the way, what's gonna happen with the oil well? 1031 00:50:15,713 --> 00:50:17,458 Well, a receiver has been appointed 1032 00:50:17,482 --> 00:50:19,526 to clear up the whole situation. 1033 00:50:19,550 --> 00:50:21,361 And so far, they've found Houston sold 1034 00:50:21,385 --> 00:50:23,130 over 180 percent of the well. 1035 00:50:23,154 --> 00:50:25,665 Which means that somebody's gonna have to take a beating. 1036 00:50:25,689 --> 00:50:27,568 Everybody will to some extent. 1037 00:50:27,592 --> 00:50:29,236 But an equitable arrangement will be made. 1038 00:50:29,260 --> 00:50:30,304 It will, huh? 1039 00:50:30,328 --> 00:50:31,771 Uh, forgive my asking, 1040 00:50:31,795 --> 00:50:33,307 but what happened with Charles Houston 1041 00:50:33,331 --> 00:50:34,441 after the gusher came in? 1042 00:50:34,465 --> 00:50:35,609 Well, the way I see it, 1043 00:50:35,633 --> 00:50:38,912 he realized disaster had come in with the well. 1044 00:50:38,936 --> 00:50:40,914 All he wanted to do was to gather as much money 1045 00:50:40,938 --> 00:50:42,483 as he could together and disappear. 1046 00:50:42,507 --> 00:50:45,118 So he went to Madelyn first. 1047 00:50:45,142 --> 00:50:47,287 And then to Byrd. And that's what he was searching for. 1048 00:50:47,311 --> 00:50:48,621 He hoped that Byrd had the $20,000 1049 00:50:48,645 --> 00:50:49,756 in cash hidden in the room. 1050 00:50:49,780 --> 00:50:50,824 Right. 1051 00:50:50,848 --> 00:50:51,848 Something else, Paul? 1052 00:50:53,050 --> 00:50:54,828 Um, what do you think of this Gordon, Perry? 1053 00:50:54,852 --> 00:50:55,852 A good man? 1054 00:50:56,754 --> 00:50:58,531 Oh, I think so. 1055 00:50:58,555 --> 00:51:00,100 Say, what's behind all this? 1056 00:51:00,124 --> 00:51:01,935 Oh, I was just being careful. 1057 00:51:01,959 --> 00:51:03,570 I had a talk with Gordon after court. 1058 00:51:03,594 --> 00:51:06,539 I was, uh, thinking of doing a little investing. 1059 00:51:06,563 --> 00:51:08,142 Well, well. 1060 00:51:08,166 --> 00:51:11,078 Mr. Paul Drake, oil baron. 1061 00:51:11,102 --> 00:51:13,462 You know, I'm thinking of a large investment, too, Della. 1062 00:51:14,272 --> 00:51:16,316 How about a big steak dinner?