1 00:00:40,090 --> 00:00:41,790 Not even one damsel in distress. 2 00:00:42,870 --> 00:00:44,930 No, Perry, not even a book salesman. 3 00:00:46,650 --> 00:00:49,390 It's been more like a morgue around here than a law office all morning. 4 00:00:50,990 --> 00:00:52,310 Paul, nobody hasn't come in yet. 5 00:00:53,510 --> 00:00:54,510 Okay, 6 00:00:54,890 --> 00:00:55,749 I'll tell him. 7 00:00:55,750 --> 00:00:56,750 Bye. 8 00:00:57,470 --> 00:00:58,470 Tell me what, fella? 9 00:00:59,670 --> 00:01:00,850 I didn't hear you come in, Paul. 10 00:01:01,790 --> 00:01:04,910 Perry wants you to know that he's running a little late, but the 11 00:01:04,910 --> 00:01:06,130 still on if you don't mind waiting. 12 00:01:06,470 --> 00:01:07,470 Don't mind at all. 13 00:01:07,820 --> 00:01:10,620 Nothing like a nice, quiet, comfortable morgue for waiting. 14 00:01:11,700 --> 00:01:13,220 I don't know what made me say that. 15 00:01:13,900 --> 00:01:15,980 I hope it isn't a premonition of trouble or something. 16 00:01:16,440 --> 00:01:17,440 The holiday is beautiful. 17 00:01:17,920 --> 00:01:18,920 Trouble's on vacation. 18 00:01:20,320 --> 00:01:21,320 Yes, Gertie? 19 00:01:22,760 --> 00:01:24,120 To speak to Paul, what about? 20 00:01:25,240 --> 00:01:26,199 Send her in. 21 00:01:26,200 --> 00:01:27,200 Thank you. 22 00:01:27,520 --> 00:01:28,419 What's up? 23 00:01:28,420 --> 00:01:29,440 Trouble, it sounds like. 24 00:01:30,100 --> 00:01:31,160 Back from vacation. 25 00:01:36,120 --> 00:01:37,140 Mr. Drake? 26 00:01:37,690 --> 00:01:39,210 Yes, this is Miss Street. 27 00:01:39,430 --> 00:01:40,430 How do you do? 28 00:01:41,170 --> 00:01:44,270 I'm Miss Doubleday, Minerva Doubleday. 29 00:01:45,050 --> 00:01:47,330 And I'd like your help because I'm in trouble. 30 00:01:47,570 --> 00:01:49,110 What kind of trouble, Miss Doubleday? 31 00:01:52,310 --> 00:01:53,310 It's there. 32 00:01:54,210 --> 00:01:59,690 The emissary is to be at the southeast corner of Wilshire and Lebanon at 10 .55 33 00:01:59,690 --> 00:02:05,950 tonight. Emissary? He or she is to stand under the corner, street sign, for 34 00:02:05,950 --> 00:02:06,990 exactly two minutes. 35 00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:11,660 And then is to proceed to the public library south entrance at the dead end 36 00:02:11,660 --> 00:02:13,380 Hope Street, which will be closed. 37 00:02:14,320 --> 00:02:16,660 The library, of course, not the street. 38 00:02:16,940 --> 00:02:17,879 Of course. 39 00:02:17,880 --> 00:02:23,100 At 11 .13, the public phone on the street by the entrance steps will ring. 40 00:02:23,100 --> 00:02:26,840 emissary is to answer using the code name Jefferson Davis. 41 00:02:27,820 --> 00:02:28,820 Jefferson Davis? 42 00:02:29,100 --> 00:02:30,100 Yes. 43 00:02:30,240 --> 00:02:33,400 And then further directions will be supplied. 44 00:02:34,260 --> 00:02:35,300 It's Doubleday. 45 00:02:35,930 --> 00:02:38,470 By any chance, is this payment some sort of ransom? 46 00:02:38,830 --> 00:02:39,830 Oh, no. 47 00:02:40,230 --> 00:02:41,430 Just the opposite. 48 00:02:42,550 --> 00:02:45,290 The emissary is to receive payment. 49 00:02:45,930 --> 00:02:46,930 Oh. 50 00:02:47,090 --> 00:02:49,110 And just where do I come into this? 51 00:02:49,410 --> 00:02:54,270 As the emissary, Mr. Drake. My uncle, Mr. Homer Doubleday, assigned me, but a 52 00:02:54,270 --> 00:02:59,710 woman alone at night could be a temptation to trickery. But why doesn't 53 00:02:59,710 --> 00:03:00,710 uncle go? 54 00:03:01,270 --> 00:03:04,430 He is a cripple, Miss Street, confined to a wheelchair. 55 00:03:05,290 --> 00:03:06,290 I'm sorry. 56 00:03:07,490 --> 00:03:11,350 Will $300 be sufficient for your services? 57 00:03:11,730 --> 00:03:16,510 You're offering me $300 to start out at Wilshire and Lebanon, follow directions 58 00:03:16,510 --> 00:03:20,110 until payment is made to me by someone. That's right. Who is this someone? 59 00:03:20,410 --> 00:03:21,410 We don't know. 60 00:03:21,770 --> 00:03:23,450 The letter is unsigned. 61 00:03:23,870 --> 00:03:25,910 What is the payment for? 62 00:03:27,430 --> 00:03:28,430 For this. 63 00:03:38,090 --> 00:03:38,929 What is it, Paul? 64 00:03:38,930 --> 00:03:42,850 A 50 cent piece. A Confederate 50 cent piece, Mr. Drake. 65 00:03:43,090 --> 00:03:44,090 Confederate? 66 00:03:45,050 --> 00:03:47,230 What's a thing like this worth? 67 00:03:48,590 --> 00:03:49,910 $50 ,000. 68 00:04:10,730 --> 00:04:11,730 Good afternoon. 69 00:04:12,310 --> 00:04:14,770 Are you representing yourself or your employer? 70 00:04:15,010 --> 00:04:19,430 My employer, Mr. Doubleday, with his final offer for your half dollar. 71 00:04:19,750 --> 00:04:23,290 I suggest you tell Mr. Hopkins he's wasting his time and yours and mine. 72 00:04:23,510 --> 00:04:28,390 He says he has plenty of time and money to waste. I'm well aware of that. 73 00:04:28,670 --> 00:04:29,730 Then why not sell? 74 00:04:30,130 --> 00:04:33,050 For years, Howard Hopkins has been trying to get that coin away from me. 75 00:04:33,330 --> 00:04:37,090 The jewelry, flattery, and excessively high offers, and then threats. 76 00:04:37,850 --> 00:04:39,810 Threats to blacken my name as a coin collector. 77 00:04:40,490 --> 00:04:41,890 Forced me out of business as a dealer. 78 00:04:42,410 --> 00:04:47,770 Well, I told that pirate I would never sell him the coin no matter what he did 79 00:04:47,770 --> 00:04:48,770 or offered. 80 00:04:49,930 --> 00:04:54,750 He's willing to forget your little differences, Mr. Doubleday. But I'm not. 81 00:04:57,410 --> 00:05:01,810 Anyway, you may also tell him arrangements have already been completed 82 00:05:01,810 --> 00:05:03,350 the half dollar to someone else. 83 00:05:03,810 --> 00:05:05,110 You can't mean that. 84 00:05:05,390 --> 00:05:06,690 But I do, Miss Norman. Now, goodbye. 85 00:05:07,010 --> 00:05:08,190 To whom are you selling it? 86 00:05:08,610 --> 00:05:09,610 I can't say. 87 00:05:10,110 --> 00:05:13,090 And I suppose you can't or won't say how much you're getting for it? 88 00:05:14,170 --> 00:05:18,330 Well, whatever you're getting, Mr. Hopkins will pay you 10 % more. 89 00:05:19,210 --> 00:05:20,410 100 % more. 90 00:05:20,970 --> 00:05:22,450 I still wouldn't sell to him. 91 00:05:24,690 --> 00:05:30,870 Perhaps I should remind you, Mr. Doubleday, that along with time and 92 00:05:31,110 --> 00:05:32,630 Hopkins also has power. 93 00:05:33,170 --> 00:05:35,490 Am I to take that as still another threat, Miss Norman? 94 00:05:35,790 --> 00:05:37,710 You take it any way you like. 95 00:05:38,320 --> 00:05:44,060 But I advise you to reconsider before this little world of nickels and dimes 96 00:05:44,060 --> 00:05:45,600 comes crashing around your head. 97 00:06:04,700 --> 00:06:07,320 Homer, I'm really surprised. 98 00:06:09,460 --> 00:06:11,600 Surprise? Secrets from your very best friends. 99 00:06:12,780 --> 00:06:15,860 What was all that out there about selling your precious half dollar to Mr. 100 00:06:16,140 --> 00:06:18,140 Howard Hopkins? Just come on. 101 00:06:18,580 --> 00:06:19,620 To whet his appetite. 102 00:06:20,540 --> 00:06:22,240 Well, was it? 103 00:06:22,680 --> 00:06:23,680 No, it was not. 104 00:06:24,420 --> 00:06:27,280 I am selling the half dollar, and not to Mr. Hopkins. 105 00:06:28,200 --> 00:06:30,380 No matter how many other people tell me otherwise. 106 00:06:30,900 --> 00:06:32,660 It happens that I am not other people. 107 00:06:32,940 --> 00:06:34,240 So you better listen carefully. 108 00:06:34,940 --> 00:06:37,080 You are selling it to him. Never. 109 00:06:40,260 --> 00:06:47,120 How many duplicates of rare coin have you stamped out for me in the 110 00:06:47,120 --> 00:06:48,980 last year or so? 111 00:06:52,340 --> 00:06:53,940 Five. Mm -hmm. 112 00:06:55,040 --> 00:07:01,320 A gold Fujio cent, an undated Jay Conway $5 gold piece, a Baldwin and Company $10 113 00:07:01,320 --> 00:07:05,900 gold horseman, an 1884 trade dollar with chop marks. 114 00:07:06,400 --> 00:07:08,860 And, uh, what was the other? 115 00:07:10,040 --> 00:07:12,180 1776 Continental Silver Dollar. 116 00:07:12,500 --> 00:07:16,900 All so perfect that only an expert with access to a laboratory could tell them 117 00:07:16,900 --> 00:07:18,940 from the originals. 118 00:07:24,520 --> 00:07:25,800 It's a federal offense, Omar. 119 00:07:27,580 --> 00:07:28,580 Counterfeiting money. 120 00:07:28,640 --> 00:07:31,940 How many years do you think you'd spend in prison if I were to tell the buyers 121 00:07:31,940 --> 00:07:33,680 of the coins they were fakes? 122 00:07:34,170 --> 00:07:36,870 You never told me you were selling them as originals. 123 00:07:37,470 --> 00:07:38,690 I would believe that. 124 00:07:40,810 --> 00:07:41,810 No, Homer. 125 00:07:42,510 --> 00:07:45,650 I'm afraid you're caught squarely between the devil and the deep blue sea. 126 00:07:45,990 --> 00:07:46,990 Two options. 127 00:07:47,750 --> 00:07:53,210 Play ball with me and sell the coin to Hopkins, or... Hell, I'll get him to 128 00:07:53,210 --> 00:07:54,410 him you can't if you're mine. 129 00:07:54,850 --> 00:07:55,850 Do it today. 130 00:07:56,170 --> 00:07:57,170 Uncle Homer? 131 00:08:00,730 --> 00:08:01,730 Do it now. 132 00:08:02,670 --> 00:08:03,690 Do it, Parsons. 133 00:08:05,770 --> 00:08:07,450 Why, you forget after all we've been through together? 134 00:08:07,750 --> 00:08:09,410 I told you to stay away from me. 135 00:08:10,030 --> 00:08:11,810 But you didn't say anything about Uncle Homer. 136 00:08:12,050 --> 00:08:13,050 Yes, I did. 137 00:08:13,110 --> 00:08:15,190 And you know it. All right. 138 00:08:15,790 --> 00:08:16,790 I'll leave quietly. 139 00:08:18,150 --> 00:08:19,150 Goodbye, Homer. 140 00:08:19,910 --> 00:08:20,910 Forget. 141 00:08:25,450 --> 00:08:26,450 Forget what? 142 00:08:27,070 --> 00:08:28,370 Nothing concerning you and her. 143 00:08:35,760 --> 00:08:38,059 gave the letter and the half dollar to a private detective. 144 00:08:38,400 --> 00:08:40,260 Yes, a man named Paul Drake. 145 00:08:40,559 --> 00:08:44,220 I checked on him and he's experienced and completely trustworthy. 146 00:08:44,600 --> 00:08:46,860 And he's agreed to handle the entire transaction? 147 00:08:47,220 --> 00:08:52,580 Yes. Tonight he'll start at the corner of Wilshire and Lebanon at 10 .55, just 148 00:08:52,580 --> 00:08:55,500 as the letter said, and follow through until the money's paid. 149 00:08:56,040 --> 00:08:57,380 He'll bring it to us tomorrow. 150 00:09:00,480 --> 00:09:02,880 It's far safer this way, Uncle Homer. 151 00:09:05,520 --> 00:09:09,700 But if you want, I can go back and tell him I've decided to do it myself. 152 00:09:11,600 --> 00:09:13,260 Was there someone out there when you came in? 153 00:09:14,200 --> 00:09:15,200 We'll go see. 154 00:09:33,640 --> 00:09:36,640 Somebody wanted some cigarettes, dear? Oh, yes, please. Thanks for those 155 00:09:37,580 --> 00:09:40,260 Well, looks like I've run out. I'll be down in a minute. Well, 156 00:09:41,860 --> 00:09:42,860 what do you think, Barry? 157 00:09:43,320 --> 00:09:44,320 Unsigned letter? 158 00:09:45,180 --> 00:09:47,620 An odd coin neither of us ever knew existed? 159 00:09:48,260 --> 00:09:49,840 Two -minute wait under a street sign? 160 00:09:50,400 --> 00:09:52,700 Phone ringing in a certain downtown phone booth? 161 00:09:53,660 --> 00:09:55,120 Sounds like a spy melodrama. 162 00:09:55,580 --> 00:09:58,140 I suggest you spend the afternoon shopping for a trench coat. 163 00:09:58,680 --> 00:09:59,860 Think I'm sticking my neck out? 164 00:10:00,760 --> 00:10:01,940 I honestly don't know. 165 00:10:02,510 --> 00:10:03,770 It's just bizarre enough to be legitimate. 166 00:10:04,310 --> 00:10:07,130 And after all, sticking your neck out is your business, isn't it, Paul? 167 00:10:09,690 --> 00:10:11,190 Hi. Hi. 168 00:10:11,550 --> 00:10:12,630 I'm glad you didn't wait. 169 00:10:12,990 --> 00:10:15,830 And I'm also glad you left them to come and start them. 170 00:10:16,790 --> 00:10:20,110 That's operative. Not not heaven can report if you eat their land. 171 00:10:20,450 --> 00:10:22,430 Only she seems to have forgotten her trench coat. 172 00:10:23,170 --> 00:10:24,330 Trench coat and operative. 173 00:10:24,630 --> 00:10:26,590 You mean the detective work I've been doing? 174 00:10:27,010 --> 00:10:30,670 Went to the clean shop? Mm -hmm. And Mr. Doubleday is on the up and up. 175 00:10:31,160 --> 00:10:34,220 According to the man next door, he's been in that place of business for over 176 00:10:34,220 --> 00:10:40,160 years. I didn't go in because I was afraid Minerva might be there, but... 177 00:10:40,160 --> 00:10:42,680 did learn something at another coin store. 178 00:10:43,060 --> 00:10:44,060 What is it? 179 00:10:44,420 --> 00:10:48,420 The American numismatic guides. Look on page 166. I have it marked. 180 00:10:50,020 --> 00:10:51,020 Well, what do you know? 181 00:10:52,260 --> 00:10:53,260 Confederate half dollar. 182 00:10:54,320 --> 00:10:58,840 Due to a shortage of silver bullion, only four originals were struck in 1861 183 00:10:58,840 --> 00:10:59,840 the New Orleans Mint. 184 00:11:00,210 --> 00:11:02,390 making it one of the rarest of American coins. 185 00:11:02,950 --> 00:11:06,190 Coins were made on a hand press using United States silver half -dollar 186 00:11:06,190 --> 00:11:09,490 planchettes. Three cigarettes, sir. One was presented to Jefferson Davis, 187 00:11:09,610 --> 00:11:11,810 another to Professor Biddle of the University of Louisiana. 188 00:11:12,290 --> 00:11:16,130 A third was kept by Chief Coiner B .F. Taylor, and the fourth was eventually 189 00:11:16,130 --> 00:11:17,150 acquired by Dr. 190 00:11:17,470 --> 00:11:19,090 H. Doubleday of New Orleans. 191 00:11:19,590 --> 00:11:20,790 Homer Doubleday's grandfather. 192 00:11:21,270 --> 00:11:22,270 Very well be, Della. 193 00:11:22,570 --> 00:11:25,850 Well, this cloak and dagger stuff could be on the level. Does it say how much 194 00:11:25,850 --> 00:11:26,629 the coins are worth? 195 00:11:26,630 --> 00:11:28,130 No, it merely says extremely rare. 196 00:11:28,840 --> 00:11:31,980 But if it's one of the original four, I'd say it also means extremely 197 00:11:32,340 --> 00:11:33,760 How can I find out if it is or not? 198 00:11:34,880 --> 00:11:36,520 I believe I know someone who can tell you. 199 00:11:37,020 --> 00:11:38,120 I sure would like to know. 200 00:11:38,880 --> 00:11:42,740 After Della finishes, can we take the coin around the... What's wrong? 201 00:11:43,100 --> 00:11:43,779 It's gone. 202 00:11:43,780 --> 00:11:45,880 Well, it couldn't be. It was just there a minute ago. 203 00:11:46,080 --> 00:11:47,080 It sure isn't now. 204 00:11:47,400 --> 00:11:48,700 Oh, boy, am I in a suit. 205 00:11:49,080 --> 00:11:50,280 $50 ,000 worth. 206 00:11:50,640 --> 00:11:52,600 What kind of a gag are you trying to pull, mister? 207 00:11:53,360 --> 00:11:54,400 Huh? Gag? 208 00:11:54,800 --> 00:11:57,940 Palming off a phony confederate coin on me. Your idea of a joke or something? 209 00:12:07,840 --> 00:12:10,400 What must did Miss Dolman have today, Miss Hopkins? 210 00:12:10,840 --> 00:12:14,320 None. I believe her sister has refused not to deal with me. 211 00:12:15,760 --> 00:12:17,280 Which is all to the good for us. 212 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:20,600 What do you imagine he'll do when he finds out you've outtaught him? 213 00:12:21,480 --> 00:12:26,620 Why? This coin collection, second to none in the world, is the direct result 214 00:12:26,620 --> 00:12:27,800 my out -thinking people. 215 00:12:28,600 --> 00:12:29,760 And what have they done? 216 00:12:30,780 --> 00:12:34,360 I hope you are not entertaining any devious ideas. 217 00:12:35,080 --> 00:12:38,340 Why, you can tell Mr. Hopkins who will be better than that. 218 00:12:39,240 --> 00:12:40,760 Mr. Mason is here. 219 00:12:41,120 --> 00:12:42,120 Have him come in. 220 00:12:43,180 --> 00:12:45,880 I hope you're not developing a case of cold feet. 221 00:12:46,200 --> 00:12:46,979 Oh, Mr. 222 00:12:46,980 --> 00:12:48,300 Hopkins, I can handle it. 223 00:12:49,020 --> 00:12:50,020 I hope so. 224 00:12:50,270 --> 00:12:53,590 The half dollar is the last major American coin outside my collection. 225 00:12:55,190 --> 00:12:56,670 I must have it, Weiler. 226 00:12:57,910 --> 00:13:00,570 If necessary, I would kill to get it. 227 00:13:05,450 --> 00:13:10,950 Well, it's been a long time, Terry. I hope you're not representing someone 228 00:13:10,950 --> 00:13:11,809 a lawsuit. 229 00:13:11,810 --> 00:13:13,770 No, this is a social call, Mr. Hopkins. 230 00:13:14,010 --> 00:13:15,910 If coin collecting is a social activity. 231 00:13:16,870 --> 00:13:18,190 Sit down, sit down. 232 00:13:19,340 --> 00:13:20,520 So you've shaken up the hobby. 233 00:13:21,140 --> 00:13:24,120 Well, in a way, I'd like some information about rare coins. 234 00:13:24,480 --> 00:13:25,820 You've come to the proper place. 235 00:13:26,780 --> 00:13:27,780 Here. 236 00:13:28,260 --> 00:13:30,220 One of the very rarest. 237 00:13:32,260 --> 00:13:33,260 Liberty Nickel. 238 00:13:33,340 --> 00:13:35,340 A 1913 Liberty Nickel. 239 00:13:35,980 --> 00:13:39,620 One of the original five owned by Colonel Green, some of the famous Hetty 240 00:13:40,320 --> 00:13:43,360 I paid $22 ,000 for that in 1952. 241 00:13:43,700 --> 00:13:44,900 That's a little rich for my blood. 242 00:13:45,360 --> 00:13:46,360 Yeah? 243 00:13:47,040 --> 00:13:48,760 Well, perhaps these are more on your line. 244 00:13:49,320 --> 00:13:50,320 What are those? 245 00:13:50,540 --> 00:13:51,540 Wooden nickels. 246 00:13:52,380 --> 00:13:53,960 Totems. Advertising pieces. 247 00:13:54,480 --> 00:13:57,720 Worth a dime a dozen, most of them, but some of them were worth more to a 248 00:13:57,720 --> 00:13:58,720 collector. 249 00:13:59,100 --> 00:14:00,140 This one, for instance. 250 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:04,760 Used by the miners at Sutter's Mill in 1849. 251 00:14:06,640 --> 00:14:07,760 And this one? 252 00:14:09,900 --> 00:14:11,960 Issued in Pittsburgh during Grant's siege. 253 00:14:12,420 --> 00:14:13,560 They would perhaps be known. 254 00:14:13,960 --> 00:14:15,180 $1 ,000 apiece now. 255 00:14:15,660 --> 00:14:18,840 What would an 1861 Confederate half -dollar bring? 256 00:14:19,920 --> 00:14:20,920 Why do you ask that? 257 00:14:26,880 --> 00:14:33,860 Where did you get 258 00:14:33,860 --> 00:14:36,660 this? From a client who'd like to know if it's genuine. 259 00:14:37,280 --> 00:14:38,360 And the client's name? 260 00:14:38,640 --> 00:14:39,640 I'm not free to say. 261 00:14:41,840 --> 00:14:43,500 $50 ,000, no question, sir. 262 00:14:44,440 --> 00:14:45,460 Then it is, General. 263 00:14:46,100 --> 00:14:47,900 $60 ,000 and another pen to you. 264 00:14:48,260 --> 00:14:49,960 I'm sorry, but it's not mine to sell. 265 00:14:51,360 --> 00:14:54,620 Mason, do you realize at the flick of my finger I could ruin both you and your 266 00:14:54,620 --> 00:14:55,620 client? 267 00:14:56,200 --> 00:14:58,940 For your sake, I hope you don't flick that finger, Mr. Hopkins. 268 00:14:59,980 --> 00:15:02,740 You'll find neither my client nor I ruin easily. 269 00:15:06,220 --> 00:15:07,480 Thanks for the information. 270 00:15:25,100 --> 00:15:26,100 Yes, Mr. Hopkins. 271 00:15:26,320 --> 00:15:28,360 Have Clarence drive you and find out who Mason's meeting. 272 00:15:28,580 --> 00:15:29,880 He has my Confederate half dollar. 273 00:16:00,420 --> 00:16:02,920 Della, I was ready to have to leave before you two got back. 274 00:16:03,300 --> 00:16:06,480 It's only 9 .30. We have over an hour to get to Wilshire and Lebanon. 275 00:16:06,840 --> 00:16:09,420 What did Mr. Doubleday say when you told him about Howard Hopkins' offer? 276 00:16:09,660 --> 00:16:12,620 He refused to discuss it. In fact, he seemed quite proud that Hopkins had even 277 00:16:12,620 --> 00:16:13,620 shown him half a dollar. 278 00:16:14,080 --> 00:16:15,080 I don't understand. 279 00:16:15,900 --> 00:16:16,900 Neither do I, Della. 280 00:16:17,660 --> 00:16:21,080 But possibly after Paul delivers the half dollar and receives the money. 281 00:16:21,300 --> 00:16:22,300 Oh, no. 282 00:16:22,560 --> 00:16:23,560 Perry. 283 00:16:28,180 --> 00:16:29,280 Why in the world? 284 00:17:11,339 --> 00:17:12,339 Half a buck that you were flipping. 285 00:17:13,359 --> 00:17:16,420 You wouldn't want to donate it towards a cup of coffee and a sandwich, would 286 00:17:16,420 --> 00:17:17,420 you? 287 00:17:19,520 --> 00:17:20,520 Here's a buck. 288 00:17:21,119 --> 00:17:22,220 Get two sandwiches. 289 00:17:24,680 --> 00:17:25,680 Thanks, fella. 290 00:18:08,050 --> 00:18:09,050 Yes? 291 00:18:09,410 --> 00:18:10,730 This is Jefferson Davis. 292 00:18:10,950 --> 00:18:12,970 Now drive to the Wilshire Palace Hotel. 293 00:18:13,690 --> 00:18:15,390 Make sure you're not followed. 294 00:18:16,090 --> 00:18:17,990 Then, go inside. 295 00:18:18,630 --> 00:18:22,030 Ask the desk clerk for an envelope addressed to Jay Davis. 296 00:18:23,010 --> 00:18:24,830 Inside, there'll be further directions. 297 00:18:25,930 --> 00:18:26,930 All clear? 298 00:18:27,870 --> 00:18:30,310 Now, get going. 299 00:18:39,110 --> 00:18:40,910 So far, so good. 300 00:18:41,330 --> 00:18:45,210 You look like an awfully big man under that streetlight. Are you sure you can 301 00:18:45,210 --> 00:18:46,210 handle him, George? 302 00:18:47,930 --> 00:18:48,930 This can't be. 303 00:19:03,610 --> 00:19:04,610 Yes, 304 00:19:05,330 --> 00:19:07,550 madam. Oh, yes, madam. It'll be ready for you. 305 00:19:07,750 --> 00:19:08,750 Thank you. 306 00:19:09,500 --> 00:19:11,200 You have an envelope for me, Jay Davis. 307 00:19:11,540 --> 00:19:12,780 Here it is. Just a moment. 308 00:19:13,540 --> 00:19:15,800 Here. Here, Mr. Davis. Thank you. Bye. 309 00:19:42,540 --> 00:19:43,540 I'm curious, Dylan. 310 00:20:12,430 --> 00:20:13,430 You don't want to shoot me, Minerva. 311 00:20:14,330 --> 00:20:15,510 I'm working for you, remember? 312 00:20:16,690 --> 00:20:19,030 Wouldn't it be better if you pointed that thing somewhere else? 313 00:20:20,350 --> 00:20:22,190 Please, look closer. 314 00:20:23,290 --> 00:20:24,510 I meant what I said. 315 00:20:24,890 --> 00:20:26,470 All right, Minerva, go closer. 316 00:20:27,090 --> 00:20:29,130 But first, let's get rid of the artillery. 317 00:20:33,390 --> 00:20:37,830 George Parsons. 318 00:20:39,290 --> 00:20:41,050 I loved you, Mr. Drake. 319 00:20:41,870 --> 00:20:42,870 I loved you. 320 00:20:44,290 --> 00:20:45,530 I loved you. 321 00:20:48,530 --> 00:20:49,670 Easy, Minerva, easy. 322 00:20:50,650 --> 00:20:52,050 Whatever happened, I'm here to help. 323 00:20:57,790 --> 00:21:00,410 Strange, but there doesn't seem to be anything missing, Lieutenant. 324 00:21:01,350 --> 00:21:05,970 Hmm. Well, then maybe all Parsons or whoever shot him wanted was this half 325 00:21:05,970 --> 00:21:08,770 dollar Drake has been telling us about. Yes, that could be. 326 00:21:09,400 --> 00:21:12,000 Only it was in Drake's pocket instead of in the safe. 327 00:21:13,980 --> 00:21:16,560 Mr. Doubleday, are you positive you went home at seven? 328 00:21:16,940 --> 00:21:18,260 I told you I did. 329 00:21:18,520 --> 00:21:21,580 And never left until Sergeant Bryce came to pick you up a few minutes ago? 330 00:21:21,900 --> 00:21:24,700 No. What time did your niece leave the apartment? 331 00:21:25,060 --> 00:21:27,560 I don't know. I went to bed after she served dinner. 332 00:21:27,940 --> 00:21:29,740 I didn't hear her go out. 333 00:21:31,420 --> 00:21:35,260 And you still maintain you've never seen this before? 334 00:21:35,880 --> 00:21:36,880 Never. 335 00:21:40,300 --> 00:21:41,300 All right, Mr. Doubleday. 336 00:21:42,060 --> 00:21:44,160 Would you wait in the other room, please? 337 00:21:52,320 --> 00:21:55,000 What makes you so sure the girl didn't kill Parson? 338 00:21:55,380 --> 00:21:57,060 If she had, I would have heard the shot in the alley. 339 00:21:57,380 --> 00:21:58,600 Not if your engine was running. 340 00:21:59,100 --> 00:22:02,460 Not if she'd spent some time searching the body after she fired the shot. 341 00:22:06,820 --> 00:22:07,820 Lieutenant Anderson. 342 00:22:14,920 --> 00:22:16,460 Oh, that was a very bright idea of yours. 343 00:22:19,720 --> 00:22:21,320 Who said she was searching the body? 344 00:22:21,900 --> 00:22:22,900 She did. 345 00:22:23,040 --> 00:22:26,240 Said she was checking to see if Parsons had gotten hold of the Confederate half 346 00:22:26,240 --> 00:22:30,400 dollar. But she knew I had it. So she was lying. Just as I think she was lying 347 00:22:30,400 --> 00:22:34,000 about passing the shop, seeing the light in the back, investigating and finding 348 00:22:34,000 --> 00:22:35,000 Parsons dead. 349 00:22:35,440 --> 00:22:38,040 Now, what was she really doing here? 350 00:22:38,460 --> 00:22:39,460 I don't know. 351 00:22:39,580 --> 00:22:41,780 Well, what did she tell you, say to you when you found her? 352 00:22:46,220 --> 00:22:47,520 Now look, Drake, this is murder. 353 00:22:47,800 --> 00:22:51,500 And your story's already wild enough as it is without complicating it by trying 354 00:22:51,500 --> 00:22:54,700 to cover for the girl. And just possibly getting yourself thrown into jail. 355 00:23:00,820 --> 00:23:01,820 All right. 356 00:23:02,000 --> 00:23:03,720 Maybe this will help you make up your mind. 357 00:23:04,100 --> 00:23:06,840 The telephone call I just got, it was about the pistol. 358 00:23:07,140 --> 00:23:08,600 No current permit. 359 00:23:09,060 --> 00:23:13,940 But according to the firearms registry records, that gun was originally sold in 360 00:23:13,940 --> 00:23:18,810 1952. to a Mr. Homer Doubleday of this address. 361 00:23:19,870 --> 00:23:23,050 They seem like such babes in the woods, Minerva and their uncle. 362 00:23:24,690 --> 00:23:28,310 I suppose one of them must have done it, though, being pistol was theirs. 363 00:23:29,650 --> 00:23:31,390 Pistols have been borrowed before, Della. 364 00:23:32,330 --> 00:23:33,650 You think they're innocent, then? 365 00:23:34,050 --> 00:23:38,170 I'd like to think so, though I must admit Minerva's story of investigating a 366 00:23:38,170 --> 00:23:39,590 light in the shop is a bit hard to swallow. 367 00:23:40,050 --> 00:23:41,350 As is. Mr. 368 00:23:41,610 --> 00:23:43,690 Doubleday's claiming he's never seen a pistol before. 369 00:23:44,970 --> 00:23:48,730 Has Paul found out anything more about George Parsons? Only that he seems to 370 00:23:48,730 --> 00:23:51,010 have been a rare coin dealer with his office in his hat. 371 00:23:51,250 --> 00:23:53,130 What about him and Minerva? 372 00:23:53,910 --> 00:23:55,150 Paul's men is working on that. 373 00:23:56,170 --> 00:23:59,850 You know, perhaps I shouldn't have let Paul tell Lieutenant Anderson what she 374 00:23:59,850 --> 00:24:01,130 said standing over the body. 375 00:24:02,310 --> 00:24:04,810 But he has to protect his private investigator's license. 376 00:24:06,210 --> 00:24:09,410 If she did have a relationship with Parsons, it's bound to come out 377 00:24:11,690 --> 00:24:12,690 Yes, Gertie. 378 00:24:15,500 --> 00:24:16,500 Just a minute. 379 00:24:16,620 --> 00:24:19,420 Olivia Norman, who says Howard Hopkins Center here. 380 00:24:19,840 --> 00:24:20,840 Have her come in. 381 00:24:20,980 --> 00:24:22,080 Have her come in, Gertie. 382 00:24:27,540 --> 00:24:28,540 Please. 383 00:24:30,200 --> 00:24:31,200 Ms. Norman? 384 00:24:31,600 --> 00:24:33,900 My secretary, Ms. Street. Won't you sit down? 385 00:24:34,200 --> 00:24:35,200 Thank you. 386 00:24:38,860 --> 00:24:39,860 Mr. 387 00:24:40,700 --> 00:24:44,260 Hopkins has been told that you are representing the Doubleday family. 388 00:24:44,730 --> 00:24:45,729 Yes, I am. 389 00:24:45,730 --> 00:24:51,610 He would like you to convey his sympathy over last night's unfortunate events. 390 00:24:52,350 --> 00:24:57,730 And he would also like you to pound the nonsense, as he put it, out of Mr. 391 00:24:57,830 --> 00:24:58,830 Doubleday's head. 392 00:24:58,890 --> 00:25:03,810 Nonsense? Letting a conflict of personalities stand in the way of 393 00:25:03,810 --> 00:25:05,810 ,000 for his half dollar. 394 00:25:06,870 --> 00:25:11,110 I'd hardly call threats to blacken Mr. Doubleday's reputation than put him out 395 00:25:11,110 --> 00:25:13,330 of business conflict of personalities, Ms. Norman. 396 00:25:14,000 --> 00:25:16,940 And the offer yesterday was $60 ,000. 397 00:25:17,820 --> 00:25:21,020 I was supposed to offer $50 ,000 first. 398 00:25:23,440 --> 00:25:25,920 Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. I'll come back later. 399 00:25:26,260 --> 00:25:27,460 Oh, you may stay, Paul. 400 00:25:28,200 --> 00:25:31,800 Norman is just making an offer on behalf of Howard Hopkins for the half dollar. 401 00:25:33,060 --> 00:25:34,720 $60 ,000 then, Mr. Mason. 402 00:25:35,280 --> 00:25:39,780 As some Mr. Hopkins feels will more than cover your fee for defending Minerva 403 00:25:39,780 --> 00:25:42,240 Doubleday. There have been no charges against her? 404 00:25:42,590 --> 00:25:44,450 I'm afraid that's merely a matter of time. 405 00:25:45,510 --> 00:25:51,950 You see, the man who was murdered, George Parsons, telephoned Mr. Hopkins 406 00:25:51,950 --> 00:25:55,610 late yesterday afternoon and offered to sell him the half dollar. 407 00:25:55,850 --> 00:25:57,990 How does that concern Minerva Doubleday? 408 00:25:58,410 --> 00:26:04,130 Mr. Parsons told Mr. Hopkins that he was getting the half dollar from her later 409 00:26:04,130 --> 00:26:06,350 that evening in her uncle's shop. 410 00:26:10,280 --> 00:26:13,180 Mr. Hopkins feels that he must inform the police. 411 00:26:14,140 --> 00:26:19,360 But he also feels a resulting obligation to make sure that money is available 412 00:26:19,360 --> 00:26:20,480 for Minerva's defense. 413 00:26:21,040 --> 00:26:23,280 As well as to make sure he acquires the half dollar. 414 00:26:23,960 --> 00:26:24,980 That could be. 415 00:26:25,520 --> 00:26:28,220 I'll relay the offer, Miss Norman. 416 00:26:29,020 --> 00:26:30,020 Thank you. 417 00:26:34,300 --> 00:26:37,860 Well, that sure puts a hole in Minerva's story about just happening to pass the 418 00:26:37,860 --> 00:26:39,260 shot. It would seem so, Paul. 419 00:26:39,870 --> 00:26:40,870 What about the Wilshire Palace? 420 00:26:41,090 --> 00:26:44,170 Well, I talked to the desk clerk. His name's Eric Summers. He remembers me, 421 00:26:44,170 --> 00:26:46,410 Davis, and he also remembers the person who gave him the envelope. 422 00:26:46,670 --> 00:26:47,670 George Parsons? Do. 423 00:26:47,850 --> 00:26:50,590 A mousy young lady with horn -rimmed glasses and no makeup. 424 00:26:51,290 --> 00:26:54,330 Minerva Doubleday. As buried as Ella, it would seem so. 425 00:27:11,630 --> 00:27:15,310 from your description, I'm sure it was the George Parsons that you... Heavens, 426 00:27:15,310 --> 00:27:16,630 look at this! 427 00:27:18,650 --> 00:27:19,770 Somebody got here first. 428 00:27:20,270 --> 00:27:22,910 I didn't give a key to nobody, and that's a gospel truth. 429 00:27:25,550 --> 00:27:27,390 Let them come and go by the service door. 430 00:27:27,610 --> 00:27:28,610 It's unlocked. 431 00:27:28,670 --> 00:27:31,290 Well, whoever it was, Lieutenant, he left something kind of interesting. 432 00:27:31,830 --> 00:27:35,430 A handful of pretty hot love letters addressed to George and Clive Minerva. 433 00:27:38,760 --> 00:27:43,420 Yes, your conclusion about the item in the coin manual was correct, Mr. Mason. 434 00:27:44,400 --> 00:27:48,580 The fourth Confederate half -dollar was acquired by my grandfather in New 435 00:27:48,580 --> 00:27:51,080 Orleans. It has been with the family ever since. 436 00:27:51,700 --> 00:27:54,220 Do you have it here now? No, no, the police don't have it. 437 00:27:54,640 --> 00:27:56,120 Well, it should be safe with them. 438 00:27:57,100 --> 00:28:02,340 And, Mr. Dumbleday, tell me, why did you decide to... 439 00:28:02,680 --> 00:28:06,100 Sell to the anonymous writer of the letter rather than on the open market. 440 00:28:06,520 --> 00:28:10,660 Ownership of such a celebrated coin gives me a certain cachet as a dealer. 441 00:28:11,280 --> 00:28:15,660 The letter being anonymous suggested that the sale might not be publicized. 442 00:28:15,960 --> 00:28:18,740 But what convinced you it wasn't a pot to steal a half dollar? 443 00:28:19,480 --> 00:28:21,280 These convinced me, Mr. Mason. 444 00:28:23,360 --> 00:28:24,700 They came with the letter. 445 00:28:25,720 --> 00:28:30,860 And I knew at once a real collector was involved, even though I had no idea who 446 00:28:30,860 --> 00:28:31,860 it was. 447 00:28:31,980 --> 00:28:33,940 These are just wooden nickels. Not quite. 448 00:28:34,460 --> 00:28:39,640 Three extremely rare nickels, each worth in the neighborhood of a thousand 449 00:28:39,640 --> 00:28:41,440 offers. That's very interesting. 450 00:28:41,640 --> 00:28:48,200 Of course, what also helped convince me was that I needed the money desperately 451 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:49,200 and at once. 452 00:28:49,680 --> 00:28:51,060 Do you mind telling me why? 453 00:28:51,520 --> 00:28:52,640 George Parsons. 454 00:28:53,240 --> 00:28:57,720 Blackmail? Yes, as a direct result of my own cupidity. 455 00:28:58,600 --> 00:28:59,780 You see, from... 456 00:28:59,980 --> 00:29:04,460 Many years I've been making replicas of rare coins to sell to colleges, museums, 457 00:29:04,560 --> 00:29:07,540 and other dealers for display purposes. 458 00:29:07,880 --> 00:29:11,080 Could these pass as originals? Oh, yes. 459 00:29:11,460 --> 00:29:12,720 You mean experts. 460 00:29:14,400 --> 00:29:17,860 If it weren't for a private way, I'd identify them. 461 00:29:18,880 --> 00:29:19,880 And what is that? 462 00:29:20,300 --> 00:29:25,180 Oh, I alter their center of gravity by weighting them a bit more on one side 463 00:29:25,180 --> 00:29:27,300 than the other, so they won't stand on their edges. 464 00:29:28,160 --> 00:29:29,340 As will mint coins. 465 00:29:33,240 --> 00:29:34,920 Then, enter the devil. 466 00:29:36,040 --> 00:29:38,940 Parsons persuaded you not to alter the center of gravity. 467 00:29:39,340 --> 00:29:40,339 No, no. 468 00:29:40,340 --> 00:29:43,040 Not that. He began by winning our confidence. 469 00:29:43,880 --> 00:29:45,560 Or more especially, nervous. 470 00:29:46,920 --> 00:29:53,380 So, when he told me he knew of a wealthy eastern collector willing to pay far 471 00:29:53,380 --> 00:29:55,320 more than I had been getting for replicas of... 472 00:29:55,660 --> 00:29:57,940 certain extremely rare coins he possessed. 473 00:29:59,420 --> 00:30:01,460 I allowed myself to believe him. 474 00:30:02,220 --> 00:30:05,320 What was this Eastern collector supposed to be doing with the replicas? 475 00:30:05,940 --> 00:30:10,840 Displaying them as originals, while the genuine originals were safe and 476 00:30:10,840 --> 00:30:12,940 involved. How many coins did you copy? 477 00:30:13,660 --> 00:30:16,900 Five, over a period of a little more than a year. 478 00:30:17,520 --> 00:30:24,180 Among them, a 1776 continental silver dollar and a gold Fugio set. 479 00:30:24,810 --> 00:30:27,050 Why did you single out those particular coins? 480 00:30:27,350 --> 00:30:32,230 Because when I read the South Salem Historical Society had purchased a gold 481 00:30:32,230 --> 00:30:38,990 Fujio cent for $11 ,000 and the Sibley Museum in Boston a 1776 482 00:30:38,990 --> 00:30:44,210 continental silver dollar for $22 ,000, I realized what Parsons was doing. 483 00:30:45,010 --> 00:30:49,930 Selling your replicas as originals. When I accused him, he admitted it. 484 00:30:50,890 --> 00:30:52,150 And then he told me. 485 00:30:52,730 --> 00:30:54,630 I was in it as deep as he was. 486 00:30:55,370 --> 00:30:59,130 That's when I realized I had to sell the Confederate half dollar. 487 00:30:59,970 --> 00:31:01,130 I don't quite understand. 488 00:31:02,530 --> 00:31:07,670 Approximately $73 ,000 was paid for the five coins with my savings. 489 00:31:08,630 --> 00:31:12,830 And the money from the sale of the half dollar, I thought I could go to the 490 00:31:12,830 --> 00:31:15,450 purchasers, refund them their money. 491 00:31:15,790 --> 00:31:18,230 Seems a high price to pay for an honest mistake. 492 00:31:18,890 --> 00:31:21,850 But it wasn't an honest mistake, Mr. Mason. 493 00:31:23,370 --> 00:31:26,570 In my heart, I knew something was wrong. 494 00:31:27,850 --> 00:31:32,110 Look at me, Perry, but one of Paul's men called just as I was leaving the office 495 00:31:32,110 --> 00:31:33,069 to come here. 496 00:31:33,070 --> 00:31:37,330 Minerva's been arrested, taken to headquarters, and charged with first 497 00:31:37,330 --> 00:31:38,330 murder. 498 00:31:39,610 --> 00:31:42,890 Would you drive me to police headquarters, Mr. Mason? 499 00:31:43,410 --> 00:31:45,910 Your going there won't help Minerva, Mr. Dudley. 500 00:31:46,370 --> 00:31:47,470 I think it will. 501 00:31:48,490 --> 00:31:52,010 You see, I killed George Parsons. 502 00:31:58,960 --> 00:32:02,840 made the envelope at the hotel for Mr. Drake, no matter what that desk clerk 503 00:32:02,840 --> 00:32:03,840 says. 504 00:32:04,420 --> 00:32:08,520 And I didn't have an appointment with George Parsons at the shop that night, 505 00:32:08,520 --> 00:32:10,000 matter what Mr. Hopkins says. 506 00:32:10,500 --> 00:32:12,200 And you didn't kill Parsons. 507 00:32:12,480 --> 00:32:16,800 I did have a violent quarrel with him when I found out what he was doing to 508 00:32:16,800 --> 00:32:17,800 Uncle Homer. 509 00:32:17,980 --> 00:32:20,680 I told him I never wanted to see him again. 510 00:32:22,180 --> 00:32:25,000 But I didn't kill him. You have to believe me. 511 00:32:25,360 --> 00:32:26,400 I do, Minerva. 512 00:32:27,720 --> 00:32:28,980 You must explain something. 513 00:32:29,340 --> 00:32:30,900 Why were you searching the body? 514 00:32:31,260 --> 00:32:32,780 I was looking for the half dollar. 515 00:32:33,120 --> 00:32:34,920 Paul Drake had the coin. You knew that. 516 00:32:36,560 --> 00:32:37,700 No, Mr. Mason. 517 00:32:38,220 --> 00:32:41,380 It was a replica of the half dollar I gave him in your office. 518 00:32:41,860 --> 00:32:42,860 A replica? 519 00:32:43,140 --> 00:32:49,060 Uncle Homer and I thought, in view of the strangeness of the letter, not to 520 00:32:49,060 --> 00:32:50,060 the original. 521 00:32:50,500 --> 00:32:51,900 Why didn't you tell Mr. Drake? 522 00:32:52,180 --> 00:32:54,200 We planned to tell him when he brought us the money. 523 00:32:54,700 --> 00:32:55,700 After the sale? 524 00:32:56,580 --> 00:33:02,230 Well... Of course, we also planned to give him the real half dollar so he 525 00:33:02,230 --> 00:33:05,070 take it back to the buyer and exchange it for the replica. 526 00:33:05,390 --> 00:33:07,530 We thought you two were babes in the woods. 527 00:33:07,970 --> 00:33:10,070 The original was left in the safe? 528 00:33:11,290 --> 00:33:17,290 So when I found George dead in the safe open and the original gone, I had to 529 00:33:17,290 --> 00:33:18,670 make sure he didn't have it. 530 00:33:18,910 --> 00:33:20,790 Why didn't you report the loss to the police? 531 00:33:21,270 --> 00:33:25,750 Uncle Homer thought it was too quiet to teach my parents a lesson. 532 00:33:26,400 --> 00:33:28,500 Arrange it so the coin could be sold legitimately. 533 00:33:28,820 --> 00:33:30,760 That way he could salvage something. 534 00:33:31,560 --> 00:33:35,700 What will he do to him for saying he killed George? 535 00:33:36,620 --> 00:33:37,620 Nothing. 536 00:33:37,960 --> 00:33:40,360 The police are accustomed to false confessions. 537 00:33:42,380 --> 00:33:43,700 If it were false. 538 00:33:44,820 --> 00:33:47,300 I'm sorry, Mr. Mason. It's time now. 539 00:33:50,380 --> 00:33:53,500 And the state will show through letters written by the defendant. 540 00:33:54,120 --> 00:33:57,040 Minerva Doubleday to the deceased George Parsons. 541 00:33:57,380 --> 00:34:00,800 And through testimony concerning a statement that she made while she was 542 00:34:00,800 --> 00:34:05,560 standing over his dead body, that she was totally blindly infatuated with him. 543 00:34:05,660 --> 00:34:09,239 We will show that Minerva Doubleday helped George Parsons plan a midnight 544 00:34:09,239 --> 00:34:14,120 rendezvous for the clandestine delivery of a rare coin worth in excess of $50 545 00:34:14,120 --> 00:34:15,120 ,000. 546 00:34:16,020 --> 00:34:20,800 And we will show that when she discovered that her messenger was not to 547 00:34:20,800 --> 00:34:25,739 recompensed for this coin, her own... uncle's coin, but was instead to be 548 00:34:25,739 --> 00:34:30,239 knocked on the head and robbed of that coin, she realized that she had been 549 00:34:30,239 --> 00:34:32,159 as a dupe by George Parsons. 550 00:34:32,380 --> 00:34:38,199 And in her humiliation and fury, she shot and killed her erstwhile lover. 551 00:34:40,080 --> 00:34:44,880 Now, Lieutenant, let me show you this expended bullet which the coroner's 552 00:34:44,880 --> 00:34:47,460 physician testified he took from the deceased's body. 553 00:34:48,080 --> 00:34:51,100 Were you able to determine what weapon fired that bullet? 554 00:34:51,600 --> 00:34:55,100 Yes, sir. I determined through ballistics tests that it had been fired 555 00:34:55,100 --> 00:34:58,840 pistol I've already identified as having been given to me that night by Paul 556 00:34:58,840 --> 00:35:02,920 Drake. The one he told you he took from the defendant, Minerva Doubleday? Yes, 557 00:35:02,920 --> 00:35:07,980 sir. The one that was purchased in 1952 by Homer Doubleday? Yes, sir. Thank you. 558 00:35:09,340 --> 00:35:10,340 Mr. Mason? 559 00:35:10,520 --> 00:35:11,520 No question. 560 00:35:12,820 --> 00:35:16,700 And did you then follow the directions in the envelope you picked up at that 561 00:35:16,700 --> 00:35:17,720 hotel? Yes. 562 00:35:18,020 --> 00:35:20,780 I drove into the alley behind the coin shop and went in the back door. 563 00:35:21,210 --> 00:35:22,790 And what or whom did you find? 564 00:35:23,330 --> 00:35:25,030 The deceased and Miss Doubleday. 565 00:35:25,250 --> 00:35:27,750 To whom you should be very grateful, incidentally, Mr. Drake. 566 00:35:28,050 --> 00:35:32,170 Because from the blackjack found on the body of the deceased, apparently he had 567 00:35:32,170 --> 00:35:37,130 unpleasant plans for you. Your Honor, the prosecutor is making gratuitous 568 00:35:37,550 --> 00:35:38,790 You're quite right, Mr. Mason. 569 00:35:39,130 --> 00:35:40,450 Strike that last from the record. 570 00:35:41,370 --> 00:35:44,750 Hereafter, Mr. Berger, confine yourself to a proper type of examination. 571 00:35:45,450 --> 00:35:49,810 Mr. Drake, when you went into that shop, exactly what was the defendant doing? 572 00:35:50,470 --> 00:35:51,470 Bending over the body. 573 00:35:51,630 --> 00:35:53,410 Was she by any chance holding something? 574 00:35:54,010 --> 00:35:55,010 A pistol. 575 00:35:55,370 --> 00:35:57,510 And would you tell us, please, what you did at that point? 576 00:35:58,030 --> 00:36:00,770 I took the pistol from her. Then I asked her who the deceased was. 577 00:36:01,090 --> 00:36:02,270 She said, George Parsons. 578 00:36:02,490 --> 00:36:04,550 Did she say anything else at that moment? 579 00:36:06,730 --> 00:36:09,190 Oh, come on, Mr. Drake. You know you have to answer that. 580 00:36:09,650 --> 00:36:12,950 She said, I loved him, loved him, loved him. 581 00:36:14,890 --> 00:36:15,890 Mr. Mason? 582 00:36:17,120 --> 00:36:22,480 To retrace your movements before you arrived at the coin shop, what time was 583 00:36:22,480 --> 00:36:24,580 when you reached the phone booth near the public library? 584 00:36:25,040 --> 00:36:27,440 Eight minutes past eleven. I checked my watch as I drove up. 585 00:36:30,680 --> 00:36:35,020 Now, what were your exact instructions as outlined in the letter sent to Homer 586 00:36:35,020 --> 00:36:37,800 Doubleday and later given to you by Miss Doubleday? 587 00:36:38,500 --> 00:36:41,620 Proceed to the public library south entrance of the dead end of Hope Street, 588 00:36:41,660 --> 00:36:42,660 which will be closed. 589 00:36:42,880 --> 00:36:46,200 At 11 .13, the public phone on the street by the entrance steps will ring. 590 00:36:46,720 --> 00:36:49,820 Answer using the name Jefferson Davis and further instructions will be 591 00:36:50,540 --> 00:36:51,540 11 .13. 592 00:36:52,020 --> 00:36:55,560 You testified, I believe, that the phone was already ringing when you arrived 593 00:36:55,560 --> 00:36:56,560 there at 11 .08. 594 00:36:56,780 --> 00:37:00,300 That's right. And it could have been ringing as far as you know for a 595 00:37:00,300 --> 00:37:02,040 considerable period of time before that? 596 00:37:02,760 --> 00:37:04,260 Yes, it could. 597 00:37:07,060 --> 00:37:08,760 He's a mouthy type, I'd say. 598 00:37:09,280 --> 00:37:11,520 Plain dress, practically no makeup. 599 00:37:12,160 --> 00:37:13,160 Horn -rimmed glasses. 600 00:37:14,220 --> 00:37:17,980 Nothing anybody's whistled at, but I remember her. And why do you suppose you 601 00:37:17,980 --> 00:37:18,980 remember her? 602 00:37:19,080 --> 00:37:22,920 Well, along with that envelope marked Jay Davis. She gave me a $10 bill to 603 00:37:22,920 --> 00:37:24,580 sure it didn't get mislaid. I see. 604 00:37:24,960 --> 00:37:28,180 Would you look around this courtroom, Mr. Summers, and tell us if you can 605 00:37:28,180 --> 00:37:31,520 identify the woman who gave you the envelope and the $10 bill? 606 00:37:31,780 --> 00:37:32,860 That's her over there. 607 00:37:33,080 --> 00:37:34,320 Miss Doubleday, the defendant. 608 00:37:37,960 --> 00:37:42,020 Mr. Hopkins, are you sure there's no possibility of your being mistaken that 609 00:37:42,020 --> 00:37:45,600 George Parsons told you over the telephone that night that he was meeting 610 00:37:45,600 --> 00:37:49,020 Minerva Doubleday later that night in her uncle's shop? 611 00:37:49,820 --> 00:37:50,820 I'm afraid not. 612 00:37:50,980 --> 00:37:54,080 Because he went on to say she was going to give him the Confederate half dollar 613 00:37:54,080 --> 00:37:55,820 then so he could sell it to me. 614 00:37:56,200 --> 00:37:57,680 Did you accept this arrangement? 615 00:37:58,760 --> 00:38:00,340 With reservations, yes. 616 00:38:00,940 --> 00:38:03,280 Oh, I thought about this method of selling the half dollar. 617 00:38:03,740 --> 00:38:06,680 But I knew if he arrived that I could telephone Homer Doubleday. 618 00:38:07,070 --> 00:38:10,630 Find out if he'd authorize Parsons to sell it. And what if he hadn't? 619 00:38:12,110 --> 00:38:13,570 Actually, I'd call the police. 620 00:38:14,110 --> 00:38:15,110 Naturally. 621 00:38:15,410 --> 00:38:19,070 Mr. Hopkins, is this the valuable half dollar in question? 622 00:38:23,190 --> 00:38:24,189 Yes, it is. 623 00:38:24,190 --> 00:38:28,350 Your Honor, this is the half dollar identified by Paul Drake as the one 624 00:38:28,350 --> 00:38:29,350 him by the defendant. 625 00:38:29,990 --> 00:38:32,150 At this point, I should like it entered in evidence. 626 00:38:32,530 --> 00:38:35,910 Well, Mr. Berger, mark it People's Exhibit 5. 627 00:38:40,490 --> 00:38:44,570 Mr. Hopkins, how much would you be willing to pay for that half dollar? 628 00:38:44,910 --> 00:38:47,070 I'd already offered $60 ,000. 629 00:38:48,430 --> 00:38:51,010 That's well worth committing murder for, isn't it, Mr. Mason? 630 00:38:51,310 --> 00:38:54,450 Oh, excuse me. I withdraw the gratuitous aside. 631 00:38:59,250 --> 00:39:01,170 Mr. Hopkins, I'd like to show you something. 632 00:39:01,890 --> 00:39:03,050 Do you recognize them? 633 00:39:03,890 --> 00:39:06,290 Wooden nickels. Your wooden nickels, Mr. Hopkins. 634 00:39:06,960 --> 00:39:10,100 Because it was you who wrote the anonymous letter to Homer Doubleday, 635 00:39:10,700 --> 00:39:13,980 You who devised the scheme to acquire the half dollar without letting him know 636 00:39:13,980 --> 00:39:14,839 you were the buyer. 637 00:39:14,840 --> 00:39:16,320 But something went wrong, didn't it? 638 00:39:17,280 --> 00:39:19,460 George Parsons moved in on your plan. 639 00:39:19,900 --> 00:39:20,900 Hijacked it, so to speak. 640 00:39:21,280 --> 00:39:23,140 By placing his call first at the library. 641 00:39:23,960 --> 00:39:25,240 So then you had to kill him. 642 00:39:25,460 --> 00:39:26,480 No, I didn't kill him. 643 00:39:27,000 --> 00:39:28,600 I never left the house that night. 644 00:39:29,560 --> 00:39:33,980 I didn't even know the scheme hadn't worked until... Until... 645 00:39:36,490 --> 00:39:37,490 Tell him, Wyler. 646 00:39:37,650 --> 00:39:38,650 Go on, tell him. 647 00:39:40,150 --> 00:39:42,370 Oh, Mr. Hopkins wrote the letter to Mr. 648 00:39:42,650 --> 00:39:46,050 Doubleday and then afterwards got you to pose as the anonymous buyer. 649 00:39:46,270 --> 00:39:48,710 Yes, because he knew that Doubleday wouldn't sell to him. 650 00:39:49,090 --> 00:39:50,069 I see. 651 00:39:50,070 --> 00:39:53,590 All right, would you tell us what you did that night, Mr. Wyler? Well, I 652 00:39:53,590 --> 00:39:55,150 him across the street until Mr. 653 00:39:55,430 --> 00:39:57,810 Drake left Wilshire and Lebanon for the public library. 654 00:39:58,390 --> 00:40:01,090 And then I went to a nearby telephone booth. 655 00:40:01,390 --> 00:40:03,550 And what were you supposed to tell Mr. Drake? 656 00:40:03,980 --> 00:40:06,460 I was supposed to tell him to come to my apartment because that's where the 657 00:40:06,460 --> 00:40:07,339 money was. 658 00:40:07,340 --> 00:40:10,200 I began dialing a little before 11 .13. 659 00:40:10,580 --> 00:40:14,260 Twice I got a busy signal. The third time, the phone rang, but no one 660 00:40:14,980 --> 00:40:16,680 So I went to the library myself. 661 00:40:16,900 --> 00:40:20,980 I waited around there for about half an hour. Then I went to my apartment and 662 00:40:20,980 --> 00:40:22,980 got the money and took it back to Mr. Hopkins. 663 00:40:23,580 --> 00:40:26,540 It appears there was a hijacking, as you put it, Mr. Mason. 664 00:40:26,800 --> 00:40:28,260 Would you care to ask any questions? 665 00:40:28,940 --> 00:40:29,940 One or two. 666 00:40:31,160 --> 00:40:32,160 Mr. Weiler. 667 00:40:32,960 --> 00:40:35,540 What time did you reach Mr. Hopkins' house that night? 668 00:40:36,120 --> 00:40:37,120 Around 12 .30. 669 00:40:37,460 --> 00:40:40,500 Did you by chance stop at Homer Doubleday's coin shop on the way? 670 00:40:41,560 --> 00:40:43,680 No. Though I can't prove it. 671 00:40:43,940 --> 00:40:46,860 With the court's permission, I'd like you to step over here to the exhibit 672 00:40:46,860 --> 00:40:47,860 table. 673 00:40:48,060 --> 00:40:49,060 Very well. 674 00:40:52,680 --> 00:40:55,740 You testified that you're an expert on rare coins. 675 00:40:56,360 --> 00:40:58,460 Would you have been able to distinguish... 676 00:40:58,800 --> 00:41:02,280 This coin from a carefully made replica had Mr. Drake delivered it. 677 00:41:02,720 --> 00:41:05,740 If you're thinking of a Homer Doubleday replica, quite easily. 678 00:41:06,120 --> 00:41:09,680 See, he always makes his coins off balance so they won't stand on edge. 679 00:41:10,400 --> 00:41:11,460 And this coin will? 680 00:41:11,840 --> 00:41:12,840 Oh, of course. 681 00:41:16,200 --> 00:41:17,158 You see? 682 00:41:17,160 --> 00:41:18,200 But that's impossible. 683 00:41:19,500 --> 00:41:21,460 That's the replica given to Mr. Drake. 684 00:41:21,900 --> 00:41:24,300 And it can't stand on edge. It can't. 685 00:41:38,960 --> 00:41:41,320 Happy to know that your Rome's Gallery long shot paid off. 686 00:41:41,620 --> 00:41:44,360 You identified the panhandler you saw at Wilshire and Lebanon? 687 00:41:44,680 --> 00:41:47,460 His name's Gerald Kelso. He served several stretches in prison. 688 00:41:47,860 --> 00:41:49,740 How'd you know that? 689 00:41:50,100 --> 00:41:51,320 It's part of the long shot. 690 00:41:51,760 --> 00:41:54,040 You signed a man to Kelso? Mm -hmm. Good. 691 00:42:02,060 --> 00:42:05,560 The Baldwin and Company, $10 gold horseman. 692 00:42:06,380 --> 00:42:10,200 And we purchased that for $13 ,000 last April. 693 00:42:10,720 --> 00:42:15,660 From a man named George Parsons, I believe. Yes. After he'd furnished us 694 00:42:15,660 --> 00:42:20,360 affidavit from an apparently reputable widow in Sacramento stating it had been 695 00:42:20,360 --> 00:42:22,260 in her family for three generations. 696 00:42:23,540 --> 00:42:26,880 You have some doubts as to its authenticity? 697 00:42:27,540 --> 00:42:29,040 I'm sorry to say so, yes. 698 00:42:29,780 --> 00:42:33,700 I have reason to believe it's a replica of the original made by Homer Doubleday. 699 00:42:34,600 --> 00:42:39,520 We've had numerous dealings with Mr. Doubleday. Perhaps you don't know it, 700 00:42:39,520 --> 00:42:45,160 his replicas are always made with the center of gravity off just enough to 701 00:42:45,160 --> 00:42:46,960 prevent their standing on edge. 702 00:42:47,440 --> 00:42:49,820 And this coin will stand on edge? 703 00:42:56,680 --> 00:42:58,640 But Doubleday said... I know, Paul. 704 00:42:59,480 --> 00:43:03,040 But he was wrong. Which is going to surprise a number of people. 705 00:43:03,800 --> 00:43:04,800 including the murderer. 706 00:43:13,380 --> 00:43:14,940 I don't know what all this is about. 707 00:43:15,780 --> 00:43:17,360 Here are the five coins you listed. 708 00:43:18,040 --> 00:43:19,040 So what about them? 709 00:43:19,400 --> 00:43:23,400 Mr. Weiler, let's try the continental silver dollar. 710 00:43:28,460 --> 00:43:31,320 It won't stand on its head. 711 00:43:32,200 --> 00:43:34,900 I think you'll find that none of the five will stand on edge. 712 00:43:39,260 --> 00:43:40,260 What is this? 713 00:43:41,260 --> 00:43:42,760 What happened to my originals? 714 00:43:43,120 --> 00:43:47,980 One by one, Mr. Hopkins, they've been replaced by replicas and sold to various 715 00:43:47,980 --> 00:43:48,980 collectors and museums. 716 00:43:50,400 --> 00:43:51,400 You! 717 00:43:52,000 --> 00:43:53,980 You're the only one who has access to my collection. 718 00:43:54,620 --> 00:43:56,160 You'll go to prison for this. 719 00:43:57,680 --> 00:43:59,100 She's the one that killed Parsons? 720 00:43:59,320 --> 00:44:00,320 Did you, Miss Norman? 721 00:44:01,770 --> 00:44:03,510 Perhaps for the money you were keeping in your apartment? 722 00:44:04,270 --> 00:44:07,950 The 70 -odd thousand dollars you and he received for the five coin? 723 00:44:08,270 --> 00:44:09,270 All right. 724 00:44:09,890 --> 00:44:16,590 I did exchange the coins after George had Mr. Doubleday make copies of them. 725 00:44:16,590 --> 00:44:17,590 I didn't kill him. 726 00:44:17,850 --> 00:44:20,210 We were to be married. 727 00:44:20,530 --> 00:44:24,150 And as a dutiful wife -to -be, you told Parsons about Mr. Hopkin's anonymous 728 00:44:24,150 --> 00:44:25,570 letter? Yes. 729 00:44:26,310 --> 00:44:30,150 Wearing horn -rimmed glasses and no makeup to resemble Minerva Doubleday. 730 00:44:30,570 --> 00:44:34,530 You left the envelope at the Wilshire Palace as your contribution to the 731 00:44:34,530 --> 00:44:35,530 hijacking scheme. 732 00:44:35,770 --> 00:44:38,710 And you must have been the other person at the coin shop, Miss Norman. 733 00:44:39,830 --> 00:44:43,370 Because you were the only one who knew in advance Parsons would be there. 734 00:44:43,710 --> 00:44:48,650 But why doesn't somebody ask him where he was? He lied in court saying that he 735 00:44:48,650 --> 00:44:49,650 was at home. 736 00:44:50,490 --> 00:44:54,270 I saw him come in a little bit after midnight. And then the lights went on. 737 00:44:54,370 --> 00:44:55,089 She's lying. 738 00:44:55,090 --> 00:44:56,090 Is she, Mr. Hopkins? 739 00:44:57,000 --> 00:45:00,560 Or did George Parsons surprise you in the act of robbing Homer Doubleday's 740 00:45:00,900 --> 00:45:04,260 How could I possibly open a safe? The combination of which I had no way of 741 00:45:04,260 --> 00:45:05,260 knowing. 742 00:45:06,000 --> 00:45:07,000 Paul. 743 00:45:08,920 --> 00:45:09,920 Yeah, that's him. 744 00:45:10,200 --> 00:45:12,240 The guy I told you about. He hired me. 745 00:45:12,580 --> 00:45:15,000 But I ain't taking no murder rep for you, pal. 746 00:45:15,920 --> 00:45:18,420 Especially for no crummy 500 bucks. 747 00:45:18,720 --> 00:45:20,080 Who is this man? 748 00:45:20,500 --> 00:45:22,680 I believe you know only too well, Mr. Wilder. 749 00:45:23,880 --> 00:45:25,880 Why did he pay you 500 dollars, Kelso? 750 00:45:26,690 --> 00:45:29,870 Well, mainly it was for a little finger job at the coin shop. 751 00:45:30,550 --> 00:45:34,470 He wanted me to find out from the combination of the safe. 752 00:45:34,670 --> 00:45:36,750 And one other thing was to search my office. 753 00:45:37,790 --> 00:45:40,610 And another was to go to Wilshire in Lebanon. 754 00:45:40,930 --> 00:45:44,330 I had nothing to do with that store. I saw him there, yes. 755 00:45:44,650 --> 00:45:45,650 Kelso? 756 00:45:47,870 --> 00:45:51,990 Mr. Hopkins asked me to go there to see if the half -dollar scheme was starting 757 00:45:51,990 --> 00:45:52,828 out okay. 758 00:45:52,830 --> 00:45:54,290 And when you saw that it was? 759 00:45:55,820 --> 00:45:58,400 I phoned him like he told me to. 760 00:45:58,760 --> 00:46:03,060 And it was that call which started you on your way to the coin shop, armed with 761 00:46:03,060 --> 00:46:04,920 the combination Weiler had given to you. 762 00:46:05,180 --> 00:46:08,060 They're lying, both of them. Save their skins. 763 00:46:09,260 --> 00:46:13,740 Besides, why would I go to the coin shop when I knew that the emissary, whoever 764 00:46:13,740 --> 00:46:15,660 it was, had the original half dollar? 765 00:46:15,900 --> 00:46:16,900 But you didn't. 766 00:46:17,340 --> 00:46:19,220 You knew the original was in the safe. 767 00:46:19,760 --> 00:46:23,380 And you knew that Homer Doubleday would never risk his most prized possession on 768 00:46:23,380 --> 00:46:25,480 the anonymous cloak and dagger proposal you sent him. 769 00:46:25,940 --> 00:46:29,540 But Drake had the original half dollar. That was proven in court. 770 00:46:29,900 --> 00:46:30,900 Yes. 771 00:46:31,200 --> 00:46:34,820 After you'd substituted it for the replica which you were presumably 772 00:46:34,820 --> 00:46:35,820 on the stand. 773 00:46:36,680 --> 00:46:38,480 Daring bit of sleight of hand, Mr. Hopkins. 774 00:46:39,360 --> 00:46:40,740 But that's what gave you away. 775 00:46:52,880 --> 00:46:56,100 I would have paid him $100 ,000 in return for letting me keep the half 776 00:46:57,900 --> 00:47:02,380 When I found out what he and Vivian had done with these coins, when he laughed 777 00:47:02,380 --> 00:47:05,320 and said there was no way I could get them back without going to jail for 778 00:47:05,320 --> 00:47:12,100 robbing Homer Doubleday, I... I took the pistol 779 00:47:12,100 --> 00:47:13,100 into the face. 780 00:47:15,500 --> 00:47:16,500 I stopped. 781 00:47:29,200 --> 00:47:33,020 Hopkins left town, Mr. Norman would take one of his rare coins and give it to 782 00:47:33,020 --> 00:47:35,280 Parsons, who would then have your uncle make a replica. 783 00:47:35,620 --> 00:47:38,940 And then they'd put the replica back and sell the original? 784 00:47:39,480 --> 00:47:43,200 That's what they hoped to do with the Confederate half -dollar, after they'd 785 00:47:43,200 --> 00:47:45,060 somehow forced your uncle to sell it to Mr. Hopkins. 786 00:47:45,300 --> 00:47:48,740 Pretty ingenious setup. But what about this sleight -of -hand business in 787 00:47:49,280 --> 00:47:52,600 Hopkins knew he would be safer if he destroyed the evidence of his theft. 788 00:47:53,020 --> 00:47:55,740 But he couldn't bear to part with the Confederate half -dollar. 789 00:47:56,040 --> 00:47:57,640 He'd been after it for so many years. 790 00:47:58,350 --> 00:48:01,350 So he substituted it for the replica which he later destroyed. 791 00:48:01,730 --> 00:48:04,530 It's a good thing you saw him switching the coins on the witness stand. 792 00:48:04,890 --> 00:48:05,930 Oh, but I didn't, Bella. 793 00:48:06,570 --> 00:48:11,590 You see, aside from Paul, the police, and Hamilton Berger, Hopkins was the 794 00:48:11,590 --> 00:48:15,210 person who touched that coin before Wyler proved it to be genuine. 795 00:48:15,450 --> 00:48:19,530 So the guilty man either had to be Hopkins or Berger. I don't know how to 796 00:48:19,530 --> 00:48:22,330 express my gratitude for all you've done. 797 00:48:23,490 --> 00:48:27,310 So I'll just say thank you. 798 00:48:28,650 --> 00:48:29,970 You're welcome, Minerva. 799 00:48:35,990 --> 00:48:39,510 Harry, did Kelko ever explain why he searched George Parsons' apartment? 800 00:48:40,430 --> 00:48:41,430 Yes. 801 00:48:41,690 --> 00:48:45,530 When he read of Parsons' death, he knew Hopkins was involved in some way, which 802 00:48:45,530 --> 00:48:46,990 meant the possibility of big money. 803 00:48:47,810 --> 00:48:52,170 Well, the only apartment he could have searched was Vivian Norton's. I fear no 804 00:48:52,170 --> 00:48:53,170 way of knowing that. 805 00:48:54,390 --> 00:48:55,910 Paul, what in the world are you doing? 806 00:48:56,800 --> 00:48:58,060 Producting my daily search. 807 00:48:58,400 --> 00:48:59,620 Daily search? 808 00:49:00,200 --> 00:49:02,540 To make sure that nobody's given me an ear.