All language subtitles for Young.Man.With.Ideas.1952.HDTV.1080p.AC3.x264.eng

( growl )

( music )

It's daddy.
Daddy's home, Mommy.

Tell her daddy's home.

Susan, you're not supposed
to yell.

I did not yell.
Yes, you did,
Susan,

and you know you're
not supposed to.

Caroline, don't you think
it would be better

if I looked after
the discipline
around here?

Much better.

Susan, not before dinner.

Dad! Dad.

Hello, sweetheart.
Hi.

How's my big girl, huh?
Fine.

That's good.

Oh, it's wonderful news,
darling.

How'd you know?

It was in the evening
paper.
Oh.

Not that I was surprised.

I never had the slightest
doubt that you'd win.

I'm so glad you won, dad.
What did you win?

Well, I didn't exactly win,
honey.

You see, the law firm
I work for.

They wouldn't
have gotten a dime

if your daddy
weren't so brilliant.

The law firm I work for,

they won a very nice verdict
for Mr. Rickson,

$85,000.

Wow.
Uh-hmm.

Honey, you better call
Aunt Emma.

Ask her to come and sit
with the children, huh.

Aw, dad.
Why?

Well, we're going to the country
club for dinner.

The country club?

Yeah. Jethrow invited us.

7:30 tonight. Yeah.
Tonight?

Oh, and I would have to have
a roast in the oven.

Oh, we'll eat it tomorrow.

It's just an impromptu
affair

they gathered up to celebrate
the verdict.

Well, I got to press dress

and do something about my hair.

And what am I gonna do
about my nails?

Oh, honey, they look
wonderful.

Come on now,
call Aunt Emma.

Let's go. Let's go.

Hey, Julie, $85,000,

how do you like that?

You know, when that jury
came out.

You were in court,
Max?

Well, no, not exactly, honey.

Jethrow told us all about it.

Paper doesn't mention your name.

Well, trial lawyers
are the only ones

who get publicity,
dear. You know that.

Hello, Bessie, get me Aunt Emma.

Point is, Jethrow
knows what I did.

He appreciates what I did.

I certainly hope
he does, dear.

Look, honey, I had a
wonderful day,

now don't go spoiling it, huh?

I'm sorry.
I didn't mean to.

Good thing you got a lawyer
for a husband

who knows that wife beating
is a felony.

Maxwell, how nice.

Yes.
How do you do?

Dear little.
Jenny?

How do you do,
Mrs. Jethrow?
How do you do?

Would you like
to check your things?

Yes. Thanks.

Thank you.

That would make 20.

No. The Carter's
aren't oncoming.

Now it's Jenny.

look, Julie, she meets
a lot of people.

It's very easy
to make a mistake
like that.

That's right,
Charlie.

You think my dress
is all right?

You'd look good
even on an old
gunny sack.

Well, it's too late
to get one now.

Oh, there's Mr. Jethrow.

Now talk right out to him
like a partner

because you're going
to be one.

Right.
Come on.

Good evening,
Mr. Jethrow.

Well, well, well,

that husband of yours has got
something, Mrs. Webster.

Yep, the prettiest
wife in Montana.

Oh, I, I'm glad you could
get here, Stanley.

Oh, I never turn down
a free meal in my life, eh.

I'm sure you haven't met
the Websters.

Mr. and Mrs. Rickson.

Nice to see you.
Hello.

How do you do?

Well, how about it, Martha,

aren't you going to thank
him for the new mink coat?

You know that speech
of his at the jury

is what paid for it.

I do thank you, Edmund.
It's a lovely coat.

It certainly is.

It's the loveliest
mink coat I ever saw.

Oh, this is my old one.

Well, that gown certainly
isn't an old one.

It's beautiful.
You like it?

I had it made
especially for tonight.

Martha, would you like
a cocktail, dear?

I'd love one. Thank you. Yes.
A martini?

Impromptu dinner.

You know how I'd like
to kick that Mrs. Jethrow?

Honey, take it easy,
will you?

You're not used
to that stuff.

Don't worry, darling.
I won't be a slob.

I want you to try one
of these cheese things.

They're sensational.
No. No, thanks.

I will take a heater
if you have one.

Well, I'll get some.
What do you smoke?

Aura perfecto... anything.
Here.

Hey, Max. Oh, Max,
go out to the desk,

give me a half a dozen
aura perfectos will you?

( music )

Do you know what champagne does?

What?
Ooh.

It removes your inhibitions.

Is that good?

Probations, you know.

( indistinct chatter )

That's civilized.

( indistinct chatter )

That's the same thing?

Hello.

What I'd do is demand
a showdown.

I'd go to Stalin
and ask to see his cards.

Would you take this note
down to Mrs. Webster?

Who?
Mrs. Webster--

the lady with the glass
in her hand.

What do you think
of the atom bomb,
Mr. Webster?

( indistinct chatter )

Yes and no.

Yes?

Who sent me this?

Young man at the end
of the table.

Well.

Do your children
wear braces yet?

Hmm? What?

Yeah. No. No.

My friends...

it isn't very often in Rock City

that we get to celebrate
an $85,000 verdict.

( applause )

But to a lawyer the satisfaction
of getting justice for a client

means far more than money.

I'd like to propose a toast

to the client we helped
get that justice.

Let's drink, my friends,

to Stanley Rickson.

Stanley?
On your feet.

Well, I, I hired lawyers
to do my talking,

so, well, I'll just thank
Mr. Jethrow

and Mr. Bowker
and Mr. Clay, too.

Thank you, Stanley.

And now just one more toast,

it's to a young man in our firm

who's never gotten nearly
the credit he deserves,

a lad with a solid
legal background

and a fine clear mind.

I just want him to take a bow.

Morton H. Clay.

( applause )

A matter a fact,

there's more than one good
young man in my office.

I'm going to ask Max Webster

if he'd like
to say a few words.

Well, I, I wouldn't.

I would.
Julie?

I've got quite a lot to say.

First, I'd like to congratulate
Mr. Jethrow

on having my husband
in his employ.

( laughs )

Isn't he a doll?

Julie.

No, no. Let her--
let her alone, Max.

She's doing fine.
Thank you.

Now, Mr. Jethrow
made a wonderful,

wonderful speech to the jury.

It had to be wonderful.

My husband wrote it,

then there's Mr. Bowker
and Mr. Clay,

fine gentlemen.

They came into court
with all the laws
on there fingertips

and who do you suppose
sat in a...

little office

digging up those laws?

My husband.

Isn't he a doll?

Julie.

Look, I'm not saying

that Jethrow, Bowker,
and Clay would starve to death,

but my head hurts.
Oh, Max.

I'll take you home, honey.

She's had a few drinks.

I feel awful.

Have some coffee,
honey.

I don't know what came over me.

I was pretty gruesome,
wasn't I?

Yeah. You--well.

Thanks.

It's hot.

Oh, Max.

Honey, look, it's over
and done with.

Now, let's quit talking
about it, huh, baby, hmm?

Well, why did you let
me go on and talk?

Why did I let you go on.

Please, darling,
will you just calm down,
please?

I mean, after all,
some of the things
you said were true.

All right. Come on.
Sit down, baby.

Oh, they were all true.
Baby, that's.

Only that wasn't the time
or the place.

Certainly I wasn't the one
to say so.

Will you just sit down,
Julie? I.

Oh, Max, I--I--I--I wish
you'd get mad

and lose your temper.
Julie, please.

Throw things.

( shatters )

Does that make
you feel better,
darling?

Oh, God.
Yeah. I know.

I know. Oh, I know, honey.

Max, will you get me a glass
of water?

Max?

Max, it's after 4:00.

Yeah, I know.

Can't you sleep?

No, honey. It isn't that.

Still angry at me, huh?

You think I'm a failure,
don't you?

Oh, Max.

There's nobody
I admire more.

Now, you didn't answer
my question.

Well, it's...

look, if you didn't have
a fine mind

and a really great talent
for your profession,

I don't think I'd care.

It's just that I hate to see you
not appreciated, that's all.

Look, don't you know a lot
more law than Bowker or Clay?

Yes. I'm--I'm.

And if they did half
of your job.

Well, no. I.

But they're partners.

Yes. But you know why.

Bowker's married
to Jethrow niece.

Clay's a bachelor.

Let's go up then.

What's being a bachelor
got to do with this?

Bachelor is in a position
to make demands and get
tough,

but I mean, not that I'd want
it any other way, honey,

but I'm only a man,
has a wife and three children.

You mean if you were single...
But I'm not single.

But if you were single.

Well, I'd probably
go to Jethrow

and ask for a partnership.

What if he said no?

What would that be
to a bachelor?

I just pack my bags,
get on a train

and head for big
cities somewhere.

Los Angeles?
I don't know.

We'll feel better
about it in the morning.

Max.

Hmm?

How long will Jethrow
be in Washington?

Probably about three weeks.

Why?

I want you to have a talk
with him

the day he gets back.

What for?

About a partnership.

The children and I
aren't going to stand
in your way.

You can be as tough
as you wanna be.

Honey, I got to be fair.

I mean, I've known
the guy for 10 years.

I'm like a son to him,
and suddenly I get tough?
I just.

Oh, Max, when are you gonna stop
worrying about other people?

When are you gonna start
being fair to yourself?

Right about now.
Look at that time, honey.

Now, come on,
let's go to sleep, huh?

Max.

All right, I'll get tough.

Now, would you just please go
to sleep, Julie, would you?

That wasn't what I started
to say.

What is it, baby?

Just that I love you.

It's 4:30, darling,
that's awful late.

I love you, too.
Goodnight.

Goodnight.

What if he says no?

Oh, Max, you're not working
for a crazy man.

There's not one chance
in a thousand Jethrow
would let you go.

Supposing he does,

might be the break of your life.

Men with your ability
belong in the big city.

I always kind of liked
Los Angeles.

You know, I almost wish
he turns you down.

You'd have a big office
of your own,

and, oh, the climate.

I understand that they play
tennis everyday in Los Angeles.

Yeah. Yeah?
Everyday. Everyday.

Oh, what are we talking about?

You'll see,
after you leave
his office,

it'll be Jethrow,
Bowker, Clay and.

And Webster, uh-hmm?
Uh-hmm. Yeah.

( heavy wind blowing )

Here's your hat.

Thank you.

He said no.

Max, is it time?

Uh-hmm.

( train whistles )

Julie.
Uh-hmm.

You know that cram course?
The what?

That class where you brush up
for the California bar exam.

Oh, yeah.
Well, I registered for it.

With all you know about law?

That guy's been out of school
for a long time.

He forgets things, Julie.

Not you, Max. No.

You're not really worried
about passing the bar.

No. I'm... I'm not worried.

Uh-hmm.

Yes.

No. There's no pantry,

but there's a very large
swimming pool.

Oh, I see.

Can I help you?
Yes.

I'm Maxwell Webster
from Montana

and I believe we had some--
some correspondence.

Oh, yes.
About a house, you know.

Yes.
Well, here we are.

We're ready to move in.

Oh, dear, I'm terribly sorry,

but you didn't say
anything about--

Well, now, personally
I'm very fond of children,

but the owners,

well, you know how some
people are.

Yes.
I wish I knew of something else.

But we've got your letter
with the owner's signature.

It's the same as a contract.

Isn't that true, Max?

Yes.
My daddy's a lawyer.

Now the understanding was
that we was renting

and occupy a house
for normal usage.

I mean, on the other hand,
honey,

that would be absolutely
fair, you know.

They might contend
the three small children
in a.

Max.

In a--in a small bungle
that was not normal usage.

Max, you can't represent
both sides.

I guess we'll just have
to keep looking.

For what, a bench in the park?

I think it's unforgivable.

Come on, children.
Honey, the lady.

Come on. Oh, Max.

The lady--the lady says
we have--we didn't--

I think we very much--

Absolutely sure
there's nothing else?

Nothing?
I'm sorry.

Oh, dear. Thank you very much.

how about this Bungalow Court
on Peel Street?

Oh, no.
I don't think
he'd want that.

Why? Is it expensive?
No.

but it's just not
the sort of place

a nice a family would want.

Fast people.
Oh.

It's got phone service.

Oh, well, now, look, I tell
you,

you don't have to tell
Mrs. Webster about the...

fast people, do you? No.

That's right.

Just a minute.

Honey, we got a house.

This is not bad, huh?

Yes.

It's very nice.

Frankly, it's not
what I expected.

Well.

Oh, Max, I do hope
there's a Laundromat here

so we can get some
of the linens cleaned for.

Oh, Max, don't look so unhappy.

You'll see, once we cleaned
it up and get our own things,

it will look wonderful.
Yeah.

It doesn't look
so nice inside,
honey.

But outside,
see the weather
outside, hmm?

Now there's wonderful
weather here.

You know, I bet--
I bet Jethrow's

freezing to death
in Montana, right?

Mom, dad.
Huh?

There's a time bomb
in that room.

What?

A time bomb.
I know the sound.

I heard it on Jack Plaque,
man from Mars.

Are we going to get blown up?

Of course not. Don't be silly.

I wouldn't be so sure.

Caroline, Susan, stay with me.

Jack Plaque had a terrible
experience.

Ssh.

( ringing sound )

Hear it?

That's a time bomb as sure
as I'm a foot high.

( ringing sound )

It's a time bomb.

I guess we'll be all right.

All right.
I was wrong.

I'll be the first to admit it.
Definitely were.

Now, let's go to bed,
huh? Come on.

Upsy-daisy.
Come on.

Here we are.

(phone ringing )

Hello?

Yup. I know.

Yes. I'm very sorry

and it won't
happen again.

I.

Who's that?

The phone company.

The phone off the hook.

( phone ringing )

Hello?

What?

No. This isn't Mike's doll.

Max's doll.
Uh-hmm.

He wants me to put two dollars
in Mother McCrey's nose.

Mother McCrey isn't here either.

He's crazy.

Certainly, he is.

( phone ringing )

That's the--
it's a telephone.

Yes, Max.

Hello?

Look, I told you
there's no Mike here.

I don't care who you are.

There's nobody here
by that name.

Mike.

Don't know who Mike is.

Mike.

( phone ringing )

Hello?

Look, there's nobody
by the name of Mike
lives here.

MAN: ( indistinct )

Look, I tell you,
Mike has moved away.

Max.
Uh-hmm.

Do you know what I think?

I--I think this place must
have been one of those...

...gambling...
Oh, no, no.

You know, with the horses.
No.

Let's see.
What if I call the...

No, no.
...a bookie joint?

You think so?
Oh, yes, darling.

Why would they have two phones
in such a little place?

And this Mike must be the head
of this, that's why...

( phone rings )

Oh, Max, this is impossible.

You've got to do something.

Look, why don't you call
the phone company?

Then they'd shut off
both phones.

It would be months
getting another one.

And we can't with a child
in the house...

Mom.
Huh?

A man named Hubert's
on the phone,

says he has a message,

two smackers on happy Harry.

Tell him it's the wrong
number, dear.

Thank you.

I'm Maxwell Webster.

I registered by mail.

Oh, yes.

Sign this, please.

Uh-huh.

Uh-huh.
Yeah, yeah.

That will be.

I know, $90, huh?

And .50 for Mr. Thornhill's
review books.

Oh, oh, you will find
it very necessary.

Well, you see...

Well, you can get
them next time.

Thank you.

That's $90, I believe.

( indistinct chatter )

( bell clangs )

Ladies and gentlemen,

the majority of you
are just out of school.

Well, the odds
are in your favor.

It's you, practicing attorneys
from other states,

who have the real
job ahead of you.

The chances are that you've
been specialized,

that you're thoroughly familiar
with one branch of the law.

To pass the California bar,

you've got to know
every branch,

contracts, torts, equity,

evidence, criminal law, tax law,

corporation law, and on and on.

The examinations are not easy.

Some years, only three
out of ten make it.

I flunked twice.
Twice?

You are going to encounter
tricky questions.

For example,

X got Y into a poker game,

and Y, after losing heavily,

discovered that the game
was crooked.

My name is Laramie.

He demanded his money back.

How do you do?
How do you do?

I have a strange quirk.

Well, it's in it.
I don't think--
I don't know.

When I talk...
...where I had put it.

...I like people to listen.

Now, to continue,

when Y didn't get
his money back,

he blocked X's way

with a pointed,
unloaded revolver

forcing him into a corner
of the room.

You, the gentleman
who likes to talk.

Who, me?

Yeah.
Well...

Perhaps you can tell me whether

apart from ordinary gambling
and breach of peace,

was there any criminal
liability on the part of Y?

Y has the right to recover
his stolen property.

No criminal liability, sir.

Y has the right to recover
his stolen property.

No, sir.

No, sir.

There was not only one crime,

but two.

Threat with a deadly weapon,

and false imprisonment.

( indistinct chatter )

Uh-hmm.

Excuse me, excuse me, excuse me.

Oh, Mr. Webster.
Uh-hmm?

Mr. Webster, would you be--

would you be interested
in a job,

a part-time job? It wouldn't
interfere with your study.

Why, you could average
$75 a week.

What kind of a job?
Where I work.

It's a--it's a sort
of collection agency.

They're always
looking for people.

Ringing doorbells.

Sometimes.
No. Thank you very much.

I--I had that kind of a job
when I was 18 years old.

I--I went from house to house

trying to sell stock
in a copper mine.

How did you make out?

Well, I had one customer.

My mother.
Oh.

She lost $600.
Oh.

No thanks.

And besides, I know, you know.

Look come here just a second.

Excuse me. Excuse me.
Miss, I'm sorry,

I have to catch
that elevator.
I'm really.

Look, look, I know you're
wondering what my angle is.

Well, you see,
I'd like to study
with you.

You wouldn't even have to buy
Thornhill's books.

I've--I've got them all.

Well, I have a very small
place.

Oh, well, my apartment's
big enough.

Oh, please, don't
misunderstand.

I'm--I'm a married man.
I got three children.

What?
I don't see
the connection.

Oh, well, I see.

Well, look,
you see, it's this way.

I saw your application.

Anybody who made
the Order of the Coif in College

and the Chicago Law
Review can't be a dope.

And you turned out
to be good-looking.

Well, it's better than
studying with a zombie.

You got all the books, huh?

Uh-huh. What's--
what's your first name?

Max, that's me.

Max for Maxwell, you know...

Maxwell's like a long name.

You put a--
...here's my phone...

Miss, that's my shirt.

I--I--I really don't...

Max?
Yes.

Oh, well, call me when
you're ready to study.

Yes.
Oh, my name's Joyce, for Joyce.

What? Yes.
Call me.

Yes.
Max.

It's in the Wilshire District.

Yes. Thank you.

What?

Look at that!

( toy clanking )

Oh, there's daddy.

How's my schoolboy?
It's fine, dear.

I--I--Julie, there's something
I need to tell you.

Oh, I--the last hours
have been heavenly.
No phone calls.

Well, our track
must be closed.

Julie...
Guess what.

...there's something I--what?

The baby said
his first word today.

What did he say?

He said mommy just as plain
as he could.

Mommy, huh?
Oh, I'm sorry, darling.

You were saying?

As I was say...
Well, go ahead, darling.

I'm listening.

I was saying the books
that you've got to buy,
they cost $50.

Is that what you pay?
Uh-huh.

Well, there's somebody
in the class though has a set

said I might
don't have to buy them.

You can use them.
Well, that's wonderful.

But it's a girl.

Oh?
Uh-hmm.

And she wants me
to study with her,

you know, evenings,
kinda help her out.

Well, it seems sensible.

Well, she's pretty.

Good for her.

Uh-huh.

Well, I--I didn't know.

I mean, I thought that perhaps

being that she was pretty,

I--it might--

and Julie she's--

she's very pretty.

Max, we've been married
10 years. Oh.

Dad. Hi, dad.
Yeah.

Look.
Who's that?

Willis Gilpin.
The movie star.

( door knocking )

Come in.

Mr. Webster, is--is my Willis--

Oh, ( indistinct ) angel.

This is my husband,
Mr. Webster.

Oh, Mrs. Jarvis Gilpin.

How do you do?
How do you do?

I hear your son's
in the movies.

Well, not yet. We've only
been in Hollywood 10 days.

He's already hot to studios.

Hot is a professional term,

it means there's real interest.

They took our
telephone number.

I see.

Well, do you realize
there isn't

a really big first
class child star

in pictures today?

Don't be afraid,
Mr. Webster.

I'm not going
to have him recite,

but I would like to have you see

some of Willis's
facial expressions.

( clearing throat )

Uncanny.

All right, Willis,

register anger
for the Websters.

( makes face )

That's extraordinary.

Yes, indeed.

I've never seen
anything like it.

Don't like to spoil him.

He doesn't realize
what a talent he has.

Uh-hmm.
Happiness, Willis.

( makes face )

My.

Oh, my.

That's one of his very
strongest emotions.

Oh, it's very strong.

All right, precious,
just one more.

Disgust.

( makes face )

Come along, angel.

Glad to have met you,
Mr. Webster.

Yes, yes, yes.

You'll have to work
on your happiness.

It's lost something.

All right, girls, come on.

Dinner in 10 minutes.
Hurry up. Quick.

Julie, there's something I...

Thank heaven,
they have no talent.

What was that for?

I need a reason?
No.

Julie, she offered
me a job.

Oh, who dear?
This girl at the school.

Oh, the pretty one.

Wrong number.

What kind of a job, dear?

Oh, isn't a very exciting
job,

but it will get me a lot
of very valuable experience.

Oh? Doing what?

As a bill collector,
part time.

( laughs )

You, a bill collector?

Oh, Max.

What's so comical about that?

Well, like it's just
you pounding on people's door,

pestering them for money.

Well, doesn't it strike
you as funny?

Well, no, it does not.

But honey, to be a bill
collector,

you've got to know
how to ( indistinct)

Hello?

No. I will not take
a bet on Kimo-Kimo.

You've got
the wrong number.

Of course,
if a part-time job,

did come along something
you could do,

well, that would be wonderful.

Heaven knows we can use
the money,

but a bill collector.

Haven't got much confidence
in me, have you? Hmm?

Oh, Max, you're not gonna
start that again.

It's true, isn't it?

It isn't true
and it isn't fair.

If I didn't have confidence
in you, complete confidence...

would I let you quit
your job?

If anything you have no
confidence in, yourself.

What I'm talking about...
Hello?

All right, Eddie,
$10 on Kimo-Kimo
tomorrow.

Now, listen, Max,
why--why do you always...

Do you know what
you've just done?

I don't care what I just did.

May I be permitted
to remind you

that taking bets on horses

is punishable by 30 days
to 1 year in jail

in every state in the union
except Nevada

and this is not Nevada.
Don't be silly.

I'm not, and listen,
and I'm gonna tell
you something,

I'm--I'm gonna--
I'm gonna take that job.

I'm gonna take that job.

I'll show you who's comical
as a bill collector.

But if that 18 bucks
ain't in this office
by tomorrow at 4:00,

we'll hit you in the kisser
with the summons.

Well, lady, you bought it
so pay for it.

That store is not a charitable
institution.

Sit down, Max.

Charlemagne doesn't think
you would make good.

Oh, I was afraid of that.

But he's left
it up to me.

So, you're hired.

Oh, that's very kind of you.

You get 12% of everything
you can collect.

Oh, thank you very much.
Oh, not at all.

You're gonna help me
pass the bar.

Now, here's the setup,

most businesses have their own
credit departments,

very respectable
and very polite.

If they can't collect a
bill,

they send it
to a credit service.

They're also respectable,

but not quite so polite.

If they can't collect
on the account,

they sell it to Cumberly
Credit Incorporated,

that's us.

We get nothing but first
class deadbeats.

They lie and cheat,
all right?

So do we.
We do?

There's nothing we won't do
to collect a bill.

You--you understand that?

Yeah. Well.
Nothing.

Now there's some easy
ones to start out with.

I'll figure out a way
that they expect you
and let you in.

I don't know how yet,
but there are lots of
trick in this business.

Now, once you are in,
you are on your own.

And remember,
they are dead beats.

Yes, ma'am.

I'll liven them up.

Good luck, Max.

Thank you very much.

( doorbell rings )

Who is it?
Max Webster.

Oh, come on in, Mr. Webster.

Thank you very much.
Hey, kids, he's here.

We certainly do appreciate
this, Mr. Webster.

Come on out, children.
Everybody get in line.

Mr. Webster hasn't got
all day.

Oh, now children,
shame on you for doing that.

My goodness.
You and your roller skates

My dear, come on,
you go up the other end
there now.

I'm sorry, Mr. Webster.

Yeah, that's all right.
There.

Oh, now, I'm excited...
It's better that way.

Now, don't touch me
with that aeroplane.
You always do it.

Lie down. Come on.

All right. Now, everybody smile.

Smile just like mama does.

Well, where's your camera?

I beg your pardon?

The lady from the paper said
that he was coming down

to take pictures
for us for free,
for good will.

Oh, that's terrible.
No, she shouldn't
have done that.

Now, you see, I'm not a--

I'm not a photographer, madam.

I'm a bill collector.

( dog growls )

Oh, that's mean.

And us getting all dressed up.

I--I really
didn't mean...

Now, you get out of here.

I'm here from a...
Get out of here.

Get out of here. Out.

I tell you, get out of here.
You hear me?

Hello, Ms. Gray?
Fella named Webster here.

Webster? Oh, yes.
Send him my bill.

He is a talent scout.
Yes.

You won't have to worry
anymore about my rent.

Ms. Gray?

Oh, come right here,
Mr. Webster.

Thank you.
Sit down.

Oh, I'm so happy to see you.

My heart's doing boom,
boom, boom.

But you know why
I'm here, right?

Oh, but certainly,
that's why the boom, boom, boom.

What do you think of my name?

How do I look?

Are you disappointed?

No. I'm not
disappointed.

I think you're...
Oh, no.

Oh, Mr. Webster,

you do not have to be
embarrassed with me.

I know what you got in mind.

Hmm?

Look, I hate to say this,
but...

Oh, don't say it,
don't say it.

I'm not what you call
just a dame wisdom,
Mr. Webster.

I've got real talent.

I sing hard.
I sing sweet.
I dance.

I make very funny jokes.

You would die laughing
if you heard them.

I'm sure I will, but I have...
Oh, oh, no, no, no.

Please don't make
decisions so quick.

You will not do that.
You look too nice to--

Please, just give
me one minute.

Stay right here,
just one minute.

But I...

( music )

♪ Oh, mon Cherie ♪

♪ don't ( indistinct )
with your eyes ♪

♪ for what you see
with your eyes ♪

♪ No one should speak ♪

♪ Oh, cherie ♪

♪ don't smile the way
that you smile. ♪

I have here. I...

♪ for when you're smiling
that smile ♪

♪ my heart goes weak ♪

♪ and when you're holding
my hand ♪

♪ don't let your touch
tell my fingertips ♪

♪ but soon I will feel
your lips ♪

♪ on mine ♪

♪ Oh, mon cherie ♪

♪ unless your heart's
really true ♪

♪ cherie don't do
what you do ♪

♪ to me ♪

No good, huh?

No. You're very--a very
talented girl.

Talented, and it's very.
Oh, thank you very much.

Very talented, but you see,

I'm a bill collector.

A bill--oh, no.

Oh, yes. I'm...

Oh, you won't take
that fur coat, will you?

I need it for my interview.

Now see here, Ms. Gray,

there's $48 dollars
due on that fur.

Carrying on like this is not
gonna help matters anyhow.
Let me show you.

It's my first fur coat

and I look so pretty now.

Now, don't--wait,
maybe we can fix it.

Look, I'll go to the company,

I'll--I'll square things
with the company.

I--I'll try.
Will you?

Yes, I'll... Let's try.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Webster.

You're so sweet.

Oh.

Thank you.

Oh, thank you.
Yes.

I'll try. I don't know
what will happen.

I'll certainly do my best

and I guess I better go.

Don't think
I forgot anything.

Goodbye, Ms. Gray.

Wait a minute.
What?

What time is it?

Oh, it's 4:30...

Oh, you have been
so very kind.

Maybe there's a little chance
I can pay the $12.

A gentleman friend of mine
bet on a horse.

A hot tip, if it came in.

He's very generous.

Hullo?
( indistinct )

tell me is this
( indistinct )

what is she doing
( indistinct )

oh, no.

Oh, no.

I don't like this.

Long shot came in,
Kimo-Kimo, 80 to 1.

What did you say?

Did you say Kimo-Kimo?
Oui.

Eighty to one.
Oui.

I gotta go home.

Julie?
Hi, darling.

Julie.

That horse won.
What horse?

That Kimo-Kimo
it paid 80 to 1.

Oh, Max, you are not
playing the horses.

No, I'm not, but the $10
bet you took over
the telephone.

Oh, oh, well,
that's nonsense.

You know I didn't mean
it seriously.

Yeah. Well, what about that--
that what's his name,

that Eddie,
if I were Eddie,
I'd expect $800.

Well, darling,
you can expect
eight million.

You are not Eddie,
and gambling's illegal,
isn't it?

That's beside the point.
Now, we've got to be fair,
Julie.

Max, let us not be fair
for once, do you mind?

Look, if you're worried,
call the police.

Oh, and what?
And let them know that we took
a bet over the phone?

Honey, listen, I--I had
a classmate once who--

who wasn't admitted to the bar
all because he was caught
in a poker game.

I mean, they're that strict.

( phone ringing )

Oh, my.

It's the telephone.

It's a mess, mom.

Will they put you
in the clank?

Ssh.

Hello?

Hello, Mike.
This is a sure thing, kid.

Uh, listen, uh, I know
you're entitled

to some sort
of an explanation, Eddie.

Will--will you just listen
a minute, Eddie?

My wife did take
a bet on the phone.

I mean, I mean, actually
she--she didn't really
take the bet on the phone.

I don't get this.
When a bookie takes a bet.

You owe me eight hundred bucks.

We are not bookies
and we don't owe you a cent.

MAN: ( indistinct chatter )

All right. That's up to you.

He took it seriously.

Well, let him.
We're not gonna pay him.

Well, he offered
me one alternative.

I can go down
to the Sure Thing Grill

and get my teeth knocked in.

Well, he's not coming
over here.

Well, they don't know where
we live. Not yet anyway.

Are they gonna try
to bump you off, dad?

Well, no, of course not.

All right, girls,
come on, back to work.

Why?
Why, mom?

Because your mother said
so, that's why.

Well, you don't have to
take it out on us

just because you didn't
collect on those bills.

Just a minute,

what makes you think I didn't?

Well, did you?

I don't like the tone
of that question, Julie.

And I'll thank you not
to take anymore bets.

( music )

JOYCE: The door's open.
Come on in.

Joyce?

JOYCE: Oh, be with you
in a minute, Max.

Oh, no hurry. No hurries.

Lots of time.

My, hey, you certainly have
a nice place here, Joyce.

JOYCE: Just a minute.

Yeah, this is real nice.

JOYCE:
How did you make out today?
You collect anything?

Um, well, yeah, I--I did--I
did a--I did pretty good.

JOYCE: Oh, fine.

I, uh, I collected on
Ms. Dorianne Gray's
account.

JOYCE: How much?

What?

Oh, uh...

$12.

JOYCE: Really?
Yeah.

I, uh, I have it with me.

JOYCE:
Well, for your first day
in office, not bad at all.

No.
JOYCE: You like the job?

Oh, well, I--I tell you,

this business have seen
people under the--

Oh, my.

The, uh, fire still
burning all right?

Well, oh, yes, I--
it's burning fine.

It's not too hot
for you, is it?

Oh, what? No.

Oh, excuse me,
would you like one?

No. I, uh, smoke pipe.

Yes, I've always smoked pipe.

It's more satisfying.
Would you, uh.

Oh, yes. I'm sorry.

I, uh.
Push.

Oh, well, how long
can you stay?

Well, as long as necessary.

Oh. Hmm? Yes.

Yes.

We start with criminal law.

Now among...

Among the theories
of punishments are,

one, revenge,

and two is correction.

Correction's a theory,
not--I mean.

But there are three?

Say.
Hmm?

Don't you think you ought
to put something more on?

You're not--you're
not cold, are you?

No, no, I'm comfortable
the way I am.

Uh-huh.

Uh.

Three?
Three.

Then correction.

Listen.
Hmm?

Do you know the law
of attractive nuisance?

Hmm?

No.
Yes.

Well, there's a very
interesting case,

Tuttle vs. Schmidt.

As you see, Tuttle
was grading his property

and left his tractor
out overnight
with the key in it.

Now, Victor Schmidt,
age seven,

he saw the tractor
and he was attracted to it.

He got in, turned the key,
started the motor,

and the next thing you know,
he tore down two--two hedges,

one garage and broke
his collar bone.

But?
Yes.

Tuttle was held
responsible.

I mean, you see,
you're not supposed
to leave anything around

that might attract a small boy
to do anything dangerous.

Now, we go on into
certain other inadequate.

Let's prepare

for the bar of the
State of California.

Oh.

Morning.
Good morning.

Three quarts of milk,
one pound of butter,

and a bill for $9.80,
sound about right?

Uh-hmm. I'm afraid it is.
Just a sec.

MAX: Sending that little girl
to the chair will not bring
back Mr. Winters,

ladies and gentlemen, oh, she
killed him, yes,

but only because she loved him.

He was a good husband.

So, how could she possibly
guess that his interest

in poor Sandra was clean
business-like and pure?

Max.
Now, you've heard the evidence--

Yes, dear?
I thought you had more than...

What?
Well, never mind.

Uh, we'll have to send
you a check.

Perfectly all right.
Perfectly.

Max.
What?

We've got a problem.

We always got
problems, honey.

I didn't mean that.

You're missing $12 to $13.

I was wondering
if Caroline could've
taken it.

Honey, Caroline
wouldn't steal
anything.

Well, the money's missing
and she was in our room.

I used that money, $12.

Really, Max?
Why didn't you...

Well, now what's
so wrong about that.

I mean, after all,
I'm a grown man
with a family, Julie.

Well, it's not that
and you know it.

You could've at least told me

instead of letting me
suspect Caroline.

You wanna know
what I did with the $12?

No.

( phone ringing )

Hello.

Eddie, will you please
stop calling here.

You'll get nothing from us,
nothing.

You're forgetting
something, lady.

I got your phone number.

And if I have to go through
the whole phonebook,

I'm gonna find out
where you live.

I'm on page 58 already.

Do as you like.
You're wasting your time.

When I find out where you live,
then I'd come over, see?

( indistinct )

What? Oh.

MAX: Now what?

He's going through the
phonebook page by page

and when he finds out
where we live,

he's gonna come over
and break every bone
in our bodies.

MAX: What?

Oh, Max.

Do you think Jethrow
would hire you again?

Now, Julie, please.

Well, we wouldn't have to worry
about Eddie

or--or you passing
the bar exam, or money,

or that awful little Willis.

Oh Max,
what did I get you into?

Oh, Julie, come on now.

This isn't like you at all.

I'll pass the bar, Julie,
and--

and I'll make dough,

because I'll make big dough
just like you said.

You said that many times
yourself, huh, didn't you?

Stop this.
Now, stop talking this way

because I don't like it.

Golly, I'm gonna have
a talk with that Eddie.

I'll find him
and I'll have
a talk with him.

No, Max. it'll be weeks
before he finds out
where we live.

It's way at the end
of the book,
and look page 1204.

I don't get mad
very often, Julie,

but I've had enough of this.

I promise you Eddie
won't call here again.

Yes, ladies and gentlemen
of the jury, this man,
Max Webster,

this fine husband and father
beat up the defendant.

He beat them up thoroughly.

And he'd probably do it again
if the same thing happened.

I mean, after all, my--my
legal opinion is,

when a man's home is threatened,

when a man's home is--

Who's Eddie around here?
Me.

What do you want?

I--I'd like a glass of--
of- -of beer, please.

Well, that's a very sad
sorry, I'm crying.

You either get that money
in here by noon Monday

or I will slap you in the kisser
with the summons.

Well, oh, well try, won't you?

Hmm? Yeah.

Who do I have to pay
my bill with?

See that woman
right over there.

Oh, thank you.

Hello, I'm Dorianne Gray.

I come to gather my fur.
The old thing.

Oh, well, that's what
we'd like to hear.

Here's $48.

Let's see here.

Is Mr. Webster in?

Mr. Webster?
Uh-hmm.

Well, yes, I believe he is.

Oh, Max.

Max.

What?

Oh, Max.

Now, that's, uh,
$36 you owe us.

Thirty-six?

But Mr. Webster told me $48.

Oh, but that was before
you paid him the $12.

I paid him?

Yes, only the other day,
you gave...

Oh, oh, you didn't.

Oh, Maxie, oh you should
not have really,

aw, ( speaking French )
Maxie.

Oh, I cannot get over it.

A bill collector paying
your bills.

Oh, gee, Maxie, you're so sweet.

I'm working now Maxie.

I'm at the Club Carol.

You have to come and see me

and, uh, anything
I can do for you.

Well, here's your receipt,
Ms. Gray.

Thank you.

Now, don't you forget,
the Club Carol.

So long.

Gee, Maxie.

The courts would rule
against X.

You see, the handshake was
an implied contract

which Y entered into in good
faith in the presence of Z.

Quite a dish, isn't she?

What?
That--that Paris number.

Oh, you mean, Ms. Gray,
yeah, she's quite
attractive,

but here's a trick--
here's a real tricky one, Joyce.

She's awfully fond of you.

X bought a house...

Are you happily married, Max?

Yes.

Very?

Yes, of course I am.

Let's study.

Without his knowledge,
X's house

occupied part of his
neighbor's property.

Poor X, he's always
getting into trouble.

Come on, now. Look, Joyce,
are we gonna study?

What are we gonna do?

Ever since 9:00, I couldn't get
a thing through my head

if I'd pound it.

Look, the examination's
in three weeks.

Well, I'm not worried

and I can't think
for the life of me

why you should be.

Well, maybe it isn't important
that you practice law.

Oh, no?

Why do you think I've
been studying every night
for four years?

So I could marry some schnook
who buy me a fur coat

if wheedled him hard enough?

What's schnook? Hmm?

The kind of man
I usually fall for.

It's getting late, Joyce.

Maybe we better knock off, huh?

Think I wanna spend
the rest of my life

keeping a company's nose
clean for $95 a week?

No, sir, I'm going to pass
that examination.

Same time tomorrow?
Hmm?

I think we better study
apart for a few days.

All right.

Good night, Joyce.

Dog.

I'm sorry.

I--I'm not like X,
always getting into other
people's property.

Good night.

( baby crying )

Two martinis, dry.

Two martinis, dry.

I haven't got a fever,
have I?

No.

Now, you're not
gonna flunk the exam.

Good luck.

Any papers in there?

Uh, no. I--I just--

just a banana and a--
and a tuna sandwish.

( gasps )

Max.
Hmm?

I thought we'd agreed
that we wouldn't wait for.

I'm not waiting
for the mail.

I--I--I--I--I came out
to get the garbage can.

I mean, after all,

if-- after I pass
the examination, fine.

If I--if I didn't,
I'll take another
examination in six months.

There's just no sense
in worrying it?

Of course not.

Ladies and gentlemen
of the jury.

We're playing courtroom, dad.
Yeah.

Susan Webster is not guilty.

She's only five years old.

Sending her to prison

will not bring back
the candy bar.

Hey, kids, Willis is leaving.

( whistle )

I'll do them, Max.

Oh, I'll be through
in a minute.

You're through now.

Willis is leaving.

He's packing now.

You don't have to hide
anything from me, Julie.

I mean, it's what I expected.

You know, I was nervous
and confused.

I mean, Joyce
flunked twice.

Max, what are you talking about?

I saw you open the letter.

Oh, that? Oh, oh,
that wasn't from the bar.

That--that was something else.

May I see it?

Um, I was going to tell you.

See, we only have $200 left.

Well, you see, this letter
is an answer to my letter.

Oh, will you get to
the point? What letter?
Who's it from?

Mrs. Jethrow.
Who?

She says she's sure
you can get your old
job back

if you write to Mr. Jethrow.

Well, not exactly
an apology but...

Apology?

Well, here, read it.

I don't wanna read it.

How could you do a thing
like that, Julie?

I mean, writing
to Mrs. Jethrow
of all people.

Max, are we in any position
to wait six months

for you to take the bar exam?

Now, what makes you
so sure that I failed?

Well, I'm not sure,
but you are.

You said so a hundred times.

Max, we got along fine
in Montana.

You were a different person.

Now, look, I'm sure
that Jethrow would...

No, sir, sitting
in a back office,

writing briefs
on a law clerk salary,

not for Jethrow or anybody.

No, sir, Julie, No, sir,
no, sir, no, sir, no, sir.

Yoohoo! Oh, we just want to say
au revoir.

Our bus goes in 40 minutes.
We're leaving Hollywood.

I think that's very sensible,
Mrs. Gilpin, going back home.

We're going to New York.

Willis belongs
in the legitimate
theatre.

We're not going back home.

Bye.
Bye.
Bye.

Oh, you think it's very sensible
to go back home, huh?

Now, what's the matter?
Are you comparing me to
that--that little schnook?

I'm not comparing
you with anybody.

What's a schnook?
I don't know, never mind.

I mean, there are someone
women in this town who--
who respect me.

They--they think
I have a little
ability.

If a schnook means
what I think it means,

you're acting like one.

You wanna know what I did
with that $12?

Not especially.
I'll tell you.

I spent it on a woman.

Oh, that's--Max,
listen to me,

I--I got you to quit
Jethrow's because I thought,

darling, you can be a
wonderful husband and father

without being the great--

the greatest lawyer
in the world.

I am, uh, uh,
a great lawyer.

Now, what do you
think of that?

Max, please be practical.

We belong in Montana.

Now, if Jethrow won't...

Jethrow, that knucklehead,

I'd like to get up
against him

before a
jury just once.

With a case tried
in a bathroom?

Oh, Max,

I was joking.

Oh, okay.

Now, Julie, I'm gonna
hand you a laugh.

If I did flunk
that examination,

it was all
because I--I--I was

just so scared of
losing your confidence.

That's something
I never had.

After 10 years,
you can say that to me?

Marriage doesn't
mean anything

if a man doesn't
have the

respect of his wife.

Max, how much respect
have you got for yourself?

Enough to get out of here.

Maybe you belong in
Montana, but I don't.

Oh, yes, you do,
we both do.

And that's where
I'm going.

All right.
That's fine with me.

And just--just--just give
my regards to Jethrow.

Hey, who's the guy that
takes bets around here?

I'm the guy taking
bets around here.

Now, get out of here
and quit ( indistinct )

go on, go on!
A dame with a yap.

The Maroney mob,
you think?
I don't know.

They're in town and that's
how they operate.

All right. Drop me off
around the corner.

I'll tail him you
go find Brick.
Okay.

MAN: Is this
Mrs. Mila's bungalow?

No, across the walk.

MAN: Thank you.

Mom,

did he call
or anything?

Oh, Caroline,
don't be alarmed.

Men are often
detained on business.

Look, I want you to go
back to sleep, hmm?

He's probably
working, right?

( door buzzing )

Well, you better stay
in there, honey.

Yeah?

Are you Joyce Laramie?

Yes.

I'm Mrs. Webster.

Oh,

well, uh, come in.

Is my husband here?

Well, that's rather
an odd question at

1:00 in the morning,
don't you think?

Yes, it is.

It is late,
isn't it?

Uh, Mr. Webster
and I had a

slight difference of
opinion and, uh...

A fight?

Oh, no, no, a slight
difference of opinion

and since you've been studying
together, well, I thought,

well, if he's here,
I know there's nothing wrong.

Uh, I'm not worried about
that, I assure you.

Hmm. Very broadminded
of you, Mrs. Webster.

Well, after all,
we're both grown up.

We trust each
other completely.

Max isn't like most
men. He's, uh-- no, thanks.

Yes, well, uh, he isn't
here, Mrs. Webster.

Of course not.

I'm sorry.

I'm sorry, too.

Uh, I may as well be candid
with you, Ms. Laramie.

I heard you talking to somebody
when I rang the doorbell.

Oh, go right in,
Mrs. Webster.

Oh, no. I--thank you.

He's so small.

Yes.

I behaved dreadfully.

I--I'm sorry.

Yes, you have, but so would
I under the circumstances.

Well, he's probably
waiting for me at home.

Oh, where are you gonna
look now, Mrs. Webster?

I don't know.

Oh, sit down, Mrs. Webster.

Oh, would you like
some hot coffee?

I got some inside.

No, thanks.

Well, I would.

Everything was so
uncomplicated in Montana.

And here, it's all
so different.

Max isn't different.

I know.

He acted so strange lately.

He told me he spent
$12 on a woman.

Twelve dollars wouldn't
get him very far.

Twelve dollars?

Now, you just sit right
here while I get dressed.

Huh, happily married.

I don't know why

I love you like I do.

I don't know why,
I just do.

I don't know why

you thrill me like you do.

I don't know why,
you just do.

You never seem to want

my romancing.

The only time you hold me

is when we're dancing.

Oh, I don't know why

I love you like I do.

I don't know why,

I just do.

( applause )

( indistinct chatter )

Oh, that's very
good, Dorianne.

Oh, no, thank you.

I was much better
in the first show.

I wish you had seen me.

No, you were
fine, very fine.

You feel pretty good, huh?

Feel pretty? I feel fine.
I feel wonderful.

I got a lot of
troubles, you know,

and when a man has a
lot to ( clears throat )

a lot of troubles,
he's in very good shape.

You see, because when a man
has a lot of troubles and--

and then every trouble
seems infinitesimal.

It's when you have only
one trouble, then you're not
in very bad shape.

Thank you.
( speaking French ) will you?

Yeah. You--thank
very much.

I'm in very...
Now, you have one
drink, Maxie.

I'm in very good shape.
And then we'll go
to my place, huh?

I'm in very good shape.

Hey, you ( clears throat )
oh, this is serious.

Uh, I'm--I wanna
know something.

Do you respect me?

Maxie, I don't know any
fellow I respect more.

Dorianne, what would
you do if you were

--you were married and
you had a husband who--

who--who--who walked out on
you, what would you do?

Well, if I loved him,
I'd kill him.

I'm kidding, Maxie.

Well, that's fine.
Except--if you

if you respected
him, if...

if you respected him,
you wouldn't walk out.

I mean, a man
likes respect.

You--you know that.

I

got you

under my skin.

I sacrificed everything...

Oh, now, you've had
enough, Maxie.
...come what may.

I'll change. I'll be
back in two minutes.

Yes, I know. But a man
likes a loyal wife

and an--and and an
understanding mother,

and my wife isn't an
understanding mother.

Yes. ( speaking French )
will you, please?

Hey, my wife is a fine,
understanding mother.

That's one thing I want
to make very, very clear.

My wife's ( indistinct )
understanding.

( clears throat )

M ( clears throat )

that's a little bit
high for me.

( piano playing )

M

is for the million things

she gave me.

O is, um,

for the other
things she gave me,

and T is for,

um, thousands--

thousand things
she gave me.

H is for the--

a hundred things she gave me.

That's him.
E is--is-- is--

E is for, um,
everything she--

I beg your pardon?
I want
you should

meet Brick Davis.
Who?

Sit down.
Keep your shirt on.

You wait outside.

This--well, this--wait.
Wait, just a minute.

This table is occupied.

Yes, well, it is.

Hey, waiter, bring me
a bottle of Old Fortune.

Sorry. It's after--yes,
sir, Mr. Davis.

Maybe I didn't
make myself clear.

This is my table.

Shall we take
him outside?

Quiet. Hey, look, Webster,
I don't know who you are

or where you've come from,

but you are running a book.

Now this is a very...

very unwelcoming
truth, you know.

I must insist.
Put your hand.

What's the matter?

Handkerchief needs folding.

Listen, Webster, you--you--

you are giving me a bad name

because the people
are gonna start to think

I'm the guy that runs
the horse betting,

and when the bets
don't get paid off,

I get an especially bad name.

Mr. Davis, you are a

very, very, very
obnoxious person.

Who? I can get
really obnoxious.

That's what I said.

Now the first thing you do

is you pay Eddie
his 800 bucks, see?

Because if you don't,

you are gonna spend
more than that

on an orthopedic surgeon.

Orthopedic surgeon is a guy
that fixes broken bones.

Now, if you wanna come
over with me...

Don't threaten me with
rhymes, Mr. Davis.

Don't ever...
Maxie. Hello, Brick.

Hello.
Hey, what's the
matter with you?

You're talking to a lady.

Yeah. That's right.
Forgive me.

Uh, lady,

if you please... blow!

Why you. ooh!

( all shouting )

Police, hurry.

Club Carol. There's
a big fight over here.

Hurry.

( all shouting )

Sixty days in jail.

Next case.

Davis ( indistinct ) Webster.

You are charged with
disorderly conduct,

disturbing the peace,
malicious destruction
of property,

resisting an officer,

and assault with
a deadly weapon.

If the Court please,
I understand that the

district attorney's office
won't oppose a dismissal

of the felony charge
if my client's

plead guilty to, say,
disorderly conduct.

Is that agreeable
to the prosecution?

Yes, Your Honor.
We haven't had much luck

getting people to
testify against Brick Davis.

Plea to misdemeanor
would save the time
and expensive trial.

I'll plead guilty.
Yes, Your Honor.

I will accept the plea.

Not guilty.

Quiet, you rat.

I don't represent this
young man, Your Honor, but

if there's no objection,
I'd like a word with him.

No objections.
Thank you.

First arrest?

Yeah.

Then leave everything to me.

If there's a fine,
Brick will pay.

Just tell the court
you're changing your plea.

I believe, Your Honor, the
young man has something to say.

Well?

Not guilty.

MAN: You prefer being
charged with a felony?

I prefer being cleared
of a felony.

All these other charges,
I think it's up to the--

I think it's up to a
jury to decide whether

I'm guilty of a felony
or these thieves.

I'll testify.
Now just a minute
there. Your honor...

In lieu of the circumstances,
all charges will stand

and all the
defendants bond over

to the superior
court for trial.

They owe $3,000 each.

Next case.

MAN: Guys like you are
a dime a dozen.

( indistinct chatter )

( phone rings )

Webster, Maxwell.

Oh, yes?
Right at the end, lady.

Oh.

Thank you.

Send in ( indistinct ) John.

( indistinct chatter )

Max?

Max?

Good morning, Max.

Oh, how'd you--
how'd you sleep?

Uh, I didn't sleep so well.

I--I--I--I had a
lot on my mind.

I can imagine.

How's the food?

Oh, it's fine.
It's fine.

I didn't eat.

Have you seen
my children?

Oh, they're
fine. Yeah.

They think you're on
a business trip.

Why don't you see Julie?

Well, that's a personal matter.

Yeah. That's not exactly
my favorite topic either,

but you can stop
worrying. We've got you

a wonderful lawyer.

Cumberly's man.

Oh, Julie was very
impressed with him.

Oh, she was, huh?

Oh, she feels much
more optimistic now.

You, woman, you've got
everything arranged,

haven't you, huh?
Yup.

Look, you tell Ms. Webster that
I'm not using Cumberly's lawyer.

But you can't get into the

California bar unless
you're cleared.

You've got to have a
good lawyer, Max.

I've got a good lawyer,

The best.

Come to order, everybody rise.

Department G of
the Superior Court of

Los Angeles County
is now in session.

Judge Jennings, presiding.

Be seated.

People versus Davis et al.

Before we proceed,
will counsel

step to the bench, please?

Well, you appearing
in this case, Mr. Gravin?

Only as an observer,
Your Honor.

I represent the owners
of the property

that leases to the Club Cairo.

I asked counsel to step up.

Yes. Well, I'm appearing in
my own defense, Your Honor.

Thank you, gentlemen.

Do you swear to tell the
truth, the whole truth,

nothing but the truth,
so help you, God?

Yeah, sure.

State your name, please.

It's, uh, Rodwell Davis.

Louder, please.

It's, uh, Rodwell Davis.

Sorry, I didn't hear it.

It's Rodwell Davis.

( crowd laughs )

Rodwell.

Mr. Davis,

what is your occupation?

I'm, uh, retired.

Retired from what?

From working.

( crowd laughs )

Thank you.

What was your work?

I ran a cigar store.

Oh, I see.

And behind your cigar store,

you ran a gambling
establishment,

is that right?
Objection,

that's a leading question.

Mr. Davis is Webster's witness.

He cannot lead
his own witness.

Your Honor, it's very
apparent this witness is

hostile and truculent, and
under the rules of evidence,

counsel, at the
court's discretion.

May I ask his witness
certain leading questions?

Oh, I site the case of, uh,

of the People versus
Bliss in which the

witness was hostile
and truculent.

I'm acquainted
with that case.

The point is well
taken, Mr. Webster.

Objection overruled.

The witness will answer.

Would you repeat the question?

Yes, gladly. Is it not true
that behind your cigar store,

you ran a gambling
establishment?

Oh, no, sir.

( crowd laughs )

Mr. Davis, um, would you
mind telling me,

what did you pay for that
suit you are wearing?

( indistinct ) I don't
know, two hundred bucks?

Two hundred dollars. Wow.

Cigar business must have
been very profitable, hmm?

Yeah. Good location.

( crowd laughs )

Mr. Davis, why did you come

to my table at the
Club Cairo uninvited?

Look, kid, wouldn't you
rather I didn't say.

I don't know.
Witness will answer.

Yeah.

Okay.

I hate to do this
to you, kid.

See, I spoke to Mr. Webster,
I'm like a father.

I heard he was running
a bookie joint.

MAN: I move that to be
stricken as hearsay.

MAN: Motion denied.

And then I went out to put
on my street clothes.

That was my last show.

You remember, Maxie?
Ms. Gray,

when you came to my
table, is it not true

that Mr. Davis said "blow"
and then violently pushed you?

Objection. Mr. Webster is not
the prosecutor, Your Honor.

He's appearing in his own
defense. Whether or not

Mr. Davis pushed the young lady,
it's entirely immaterial.

Your Honor, the question
is very relevant in
my own case.

I'm not claiming I didn't
strike Mr. Davis

and I'm not claiming
self-defense.

I was defending a third
person, Ms. Gray.

I site Westberg on torts
in the California Civil Code

Section 50,

"A man may defend a third
person if there is a legal

or socially recognized
reason to do so under

the same conditions which he'd
privilege to defend himself."

Objection overruled,
Mr. Cardy, witness will answer.

An exception.

Well, um, no, Maxie,

uh, he didn't.

He didn't what?

Well,

Brick didn't push me or--

or anything.

You sure?

I...

I'm sure, Maxie.

Why don't you plead
guilty to all those little

things like he said.
That wouldn't be serious.

That will be all, Ms. Gray. That
--that will be all, thank you.

Oh, you thought you'd get
mad at me, Maxie.

Thank you, Ms. Gray.

Any more witnesses?

Not for the state Your Honor.

None for us, Your Honor.

Mr. Webster?

Uh, my argument to the jury will
cover my case, Your Honor.

With your permission,
I'd like to

reserve my remarks until then.

No objection.

We never should have.

Hmm? What?

Left Montana.

And I ask you to bear in mind
one thing, ladies and gentlemen,

a bad reputation
is not a crime.

It merely sells newspapers.

Thank you.

Proceed, Mr. Webster.

Ladies and gentlemen
of the jury,

this is my first
case in court.

I'm not yet a member of
the California bar.

And I don't think any
attorney ever had more--

more faith in his client
than I have in mine.

And like every attorney, I've
always looked forward to that...

That very first
speech to the jury.

I've kind of done a lot
of practicing on it.

Of course, mostly in front of
the bathroom mirror.

But, nevertheless, every time,

I've always thought
that I,

well, I'd kind of
move the jury to tears

with my fine
and my eloquent oratory.

I don't feel very much like
doing that now I...

I guess it's because this case

is a little bit
too important to me.

I can only tell you
what I believe

and what I think and
what I feel and then

you make up your own mind
which of us is guilty.

Now, we've listened to
Mr. Davis' testimony,

and that's fine. I mean, after
all, we wanna be very fair,

very fair about this thing.

He said a lot of things about
me and that's fine too.

I mean, after all he had a
reason for saying those things.

What were those reasons?

Well, I'll tell you.

He wanted to stay out of jail.

Remember I asked Ms. Gray, "Did
Mr. Davis violently pushed you?"

And she--she hesitated a long
time before she answered no?

Why?

I mean, it was a simple
question,

required no--no opinion,
no profile in thought.

Why did Ms. Gray hesitate?

All right, I'll tell you why.

Because she was afraid of
that man sitting there

with the smirk on his face
and the $200 suit

paid for he says with

cigarettes and cigars
and penny candy.

Well, maybe your verdict
will wipe off that smirk.

Now you've got only my
word, ladies and gentlemen,

the word of a man who--

who's never even been arrested

for parking in front
of the fire hydrant.

Or the word of Brick Davis,

that tinhorn- racketeering-
tyrant who crawled up

out of the under world
to push people around

and to prey on their
fears and their greed,

uh, he testified
that I took bets.

all right.
Let's go into that.

Come to order.

Everybody rise.

Department D of the Superior
Court of Los Angeles County

is now in session.

Be seated.

Proceed, Mr. Webster.

Now, uh, my final word
about my client.

He's just an average guy

with the average
hopes and fears

and confusions
and pride.

And like most average guys,

well, there are times when
his wife thinks

he's a great man,

and then in his heart,
he is a great man,

then there are times when
she thinks he's a failure

and then in his heart,
he is a failure.

Actually, though, he's neither
one or the other.

He's just a guy like you,

like anybody else
who goes along

trying to do the right thing,

but not always succeeding.

Well then, I thank you.

Has the jury reached
a verdict?

We have--

We, the jury, find all the
defendants guilty as charged

with the exception
of Maxwell Webster.

We find him not guilty.

( indistinct chatter)

Case against
Maxwell Webster dismissed.

Bail for the others,
continued until Monday

when sentence will be imposed.

Thank you for your services.
You're dismissed.

( indistinct chatter )

Congratulations.

Thank you.

Oh, I'm so happy
for you, Maxie.

And I'm so ashamed,
but I was so scared.

I understand that.

Goodbye, Maxie.

I'm proud of you, Max.

Oh, she couldn't take it,

but she asked me
to give you this.

Hmm?
You passed the bar, so did I.

We did?
We did.

It's been a big day, hasn't it?
Oh, and Mr. Webster,

could I see you for a second?
Just a second. Certianly.

I'm Merritt Crayton of Crayton,
Danforth and Hughes.

Oh, yes.
Hold it, please.

Hmm?

It's daddy. It's daddy.

Daddy's home.

Mom, mom, it's daddy.

Daddy's home.

Daddy.

Hello, darling.

Hello. I missed you.

Dad, we heard you beat the rats!
On the radio.

We're so glad.

Oh, Julie.

Oop, where did you get
this cigar?

Oh, it's my partner.

Your partner?
Uh-hmm.

Mr. Crayton of Crayton,
Danforth and Hughes.

They're taking me
into the firm.

Oh, Max,
the fourth partner.

Uh, no, the 34th.

Why, wanna make
something of it?

Oh, Max.

It's wonderful.

Oh.

Dad, do you know
what the baby said

while you were in the clank?

What?

The baby said,
"Daddy play."

He did?

Uh-huh.
He did!

Hey.

Come on, boy.
Say hello to your daddy

the brilliant lawyer.

Say daddy.

Say daddy.

Say daddy.

Mama.

( music )