Original subtitles

It's exactly just as I typed it.

Who saw this?

Just Sawyer, the Vice President.

Mr. Mellor sent him a draft copy.

- Anybody else? - No.

He destroyed it and it was never officially circulated.

I used to have a copy but he must've taken it from my file.

Without the original, this is no good to me, Cindy.

I need you to testify.

I told you, "No."

I wanna help, that's why I'm here

but I can't do any more than this.

I think, deep down you'll regret not helping her in court.

Deep down Mr. Kuzak, I need my job.

I could subpoena you.

Please, I have done all I can.

If I testify against the station, I'll get fired.

What- what kind of paper was the memo typed out?

Regular blue memo paper.

Thank you.

By any second waiting for...

- How do you feel... - No comment, no comment.

No comment, no comment.

Any offer to settle, Miss Gill?

Mr. Kuzak, Mr. Kuzak.

I'm sorry, not now.

Please, please, come on now, right here.

Everybody, right here.

Michael.

Where were you? You were supposed to meet me outside.

Too much Bran in the muffin.

- Where's the client? - He'll meet you there.

Division 16, excuse me for a second.

- Sure. - I really appreciate this.

It's just a simple little Muni court dog bite case.

Our guy's pet allegedly bit the plaintiff.

- Did he? - To the bone.

It's a loser and we're stalling.

Just tell the Judge, I'm in court.

Get a continuance for as long as possible.

Well, will it be a problem?

No, no. Just say unavailability of counsel.

He'll give you the continuance. No sweat.

Okay.

Victor, thank you. I owe you one.

Case Number 2, Sherell vs. Salter.

Reported settled.

Third on the list, Weeks vs. Stokes.

Erica Tuckman for the plaintiff.

Ready, Your Honor.

Victor Sifuentes for the defendant.

Your Honor, the defense will be requesting a continuance

at this time due to the unavailability

of defendant's counsel Michael Kuzak.

Mr. Kuzak is in trial in the Superior Court,

and I will therefore be seeking a stay of this action

until the conclusion of that proceeding.

Uh, both counselors step forward.

I'm chagrined.

Now, you have stalled, dragged,

and burdened this matter

with every dilatory measure known to mankind,

and I don't like lawyers who clog the system

just to put off paying a judgment.

Your Honor, I appreciate your sense of--

Don't yank me.

This case was marked no further continuances,

and the honorable Mr. Kuzak knew it.

And if he thinks this stunt

of sending in an unprepared attorney

is gonna buy him another minute, he's very wrong.

[chuckles] Well, what can I do, Judge?

I don't know the case.

Hm, then learn it,

because we're going to trial right now.

With all due respect, Your Honor,

that would be a travesty of justice.

You'd be forcing the defendant to proceed--

You have two answers, counselor.

Default judgment for plaintiff or ready for trial.

[scoffs] Ready for trial.

[theme music]

[theme music continues]

[music continues]

[upbeat music]

- Hi. - Hi.

Guess we're both running a little late today.

You're at McKenzie, Brackman, right?

- Yes. - I'm Peter Brosens.

I'm right upstairs at Sheer, Taft and Helbrauner.

Oh, sure. I think I've seen you in the elevator.

- I'm Abigail-- - Perkins, I know.

I asked around.

[sighs] I was glad to hear you made an associate.

Thank you.

So how's the search going?

For your son?

You really do ask around.

Well, the whole building kind of knows, sort of.

Oh, I see.

So?

Well, it's going.

There's nothing really concrete yet,

but it's um, it's going.

Well, if there's anything I could ever do to help or--

Thank you. I appreciate it.

Maybe we can get together sometime

for a drink after work or something?

I don't think so.

Oh, okay.

You seem very nice, Peter,

but I don't go out socially.

Do you mind if I ask why?

It's just that... well, I just, I don't.

But thank you.

[phone ringing]

It's the check for $87,000

and the note for your signature.

Stuart, I've been thinking about this.

- I just can't. - Ann...

I get the interest from you or I get it from the bank.

- What's the difference? - The difference's I don't sleep

I don't sleep with my banker.

He doesn't know what he's missing.

- Stuart. - Okay, okay. Give it back.

[sighs]

I can't.

You're damned if you do and damned if you don't.

Exactly.

Well, you know, there- there is another solution.

You could marry, uh, me.

Well, that way, half your assets become community property,

half your debts become community liability,

and the loan zeroes itself out.

Well, you know, it would get you off the hook.

I'll accept.

Oh, oh, the- the loan.

- The loan. - Yeah. Okay.

[door knocking]

Enter.

Douglas, I think we ought to talk about this.

There's nothing to talk about. I've resigned.

Why?

You made your opinion of my abilities

painfully clear at the partners meeting.

How can I command respect from the other partners

after a humiliation like that?

You don't command respect, Douglas.

You've got to earn it.

Someone's got to wear the black hat, do they not?

Well, it isn't a question of style, Douglas.

Weighing the needs of the individuals

against those of the firm.

I thought I did that.

You're hard on people.

You don't make them feel cared for or wanted.

They have you for that.

You know...

when your father was alive,

he was the spiritual leader of this firm,

and I was the lightning rod for peoples' discontent.

And partly because of that,

he was one of the most loved and respected men

that I've ever known.

He was a demanding tyrant.

The law according to Douglas Brackman, Sr.

God help anyone who questioned it

or fell short of its standard.

The man could carry a grudge.

He could punish with his silence.

I was never able to please him enough.

Then it's long past time you stopped trying to.

He's gone, Douglas. Be your own man.

I hope you'll reconsider.

Um... [sighs]

I'd hate to lose you.

- Do you mean that? - Sincerely.

Thank you, Leland.

Mellor: It was the most difficult decision

I ever had to make.

Personally, I consider Stacey Gill

to be a courageous and exceptional journalist,

but our ratings just dropped dramatically.

What do you mean by dramatically, Mr. Mellor?

Nielsen ratings showed a drop of two full points

after she came back from her treatment.

- Is that substantial? - Are you kidding?

A two point drop can cost the station $3 million a year

in lost advertising revenue.

Were there any other alternatives

besides discharging Ms. Gill

which could have remedied this problem?

Unfortunately, this is the news business,

and the only way to quickly boost ratings

is to replace your on-camera people.

I know it's unfair, especially in this case,

but our research showed that the ratings dropped

as a result of the lumpectomy bit

and because she showed her breast on camera,

and this was something we asked her to do.

We feel terrible about it.

Did you give any thought to...

letting her continue as your anchorwoman?

Absolutely, and believe me,

if we could have, we would have.

But the truth is with these ratings,

we would have been signing our own death certificate

by keeping her on the air.

I have nothing further.

You fired her two weeks after she'd been back

on the job, didn't you?

Well, yes, but by that time--

Two weeks?

Well, as I said, our ratings plunged

two full points in that period.

Kuzak: Didn't she come back at the beginning of the month?

On May 2, 1985, to be exact?

That's about right.

Isn't it true, Mr. Mellor,

that your ratings drop one full point

during the first 10 days of every month?

Mellor: Well, there's always some decline.

Kuzak: Because the new cable movies come out

at the beginning of each month and that affects your ratings.

- Doesn't it? - Yes.

So it's possible that one point of this two-point drop

was directly related to these new cable movies, isn't it?

Perhaps, but market research showed

that her ratings would continue to fall in the ensuing weeks.

Wait a minute.

So what you're saying is you fired her

not only because of this dip in the ratings,

but because of an anticipated dip that was yet to come?

That's correct.

And you couldn't even wait long enough to see

if it actually would happen?

This woman bares her breast and her cancer

to the viewing public at your request,

and you fire her after two weeks

because you think your ratings might drop

if you let her stay.

Objection. Argumentative.

Lucky for her she's such a courageous

and exceptional journalist.

It bought her an extra week.

- Objection. - Sustained.

Mr. Mellor, did you dictate a memo

to Vice President Scott Sawyer on May 18, 1985?

[chuckles] Possibly. That's a long time ago.

It concerned your decision to fire Stacey Gill.

Did you dictate such a memo?

Well, I'm not sure.

Mr. Mellor, did you dictate a memo

saying, and I quote, "How long can the public

accept an anchorwoman with a nicked boob?"

Crowd: Oh! - Who gave you that?

Kuzak: It makes no difference. Did you say it?

That- I- That's out of context.

I can explain that phrase.

Alright. Let me see that memo, please.

I haven't got it,

but you wrote it, didn't you, Mr. Mellor?

Is that a yes?

[sighs] Yes.

[crowd muttering]

No further questions, Your Honor.

Moving on to Gill vs. Barnett Broadcasting.

Well, one more defense witness, then closing arguments.

Excellent, word through the vine

is you're doing an outstanding job.

Congrats.

- Sorry I'm late. - It's quite all right, Victor.

As the hour is unusually early

due to respective trial schedules,

we can forgive a little tardiness.

Thanks, but I'm not supposed to have a trial scheduled.

What I'm supposed to have is a continuance.

- Donut? - You set me up.

You knew that Judge would make me go forward.

Brackman: Come now, Victor. Think of the client.

As a result of Michael's cagey maneuver,

Mr. Stokes has the benefit of being represented

by an exceptional defense attorney.

Arnold, anything to report on the Mishkin films?

Hillary's film opens soon. His bombed.

Keep us apprised.

Thank you all for attending.

And now, if there's nothing else,

we stand adjourned.

Don't forget your meeting with Mr. Taylor.

Thank you.

Mike, you could have told me.

I thought your not knowing was gonna give us a better chance

of getting the continuance.

The more unprepared you were, the better.

Yeah? Well, now what?

This case is a flat-out loser.

The dog bit him.

At least now we have a chance for an appeal.

We can say that it was an abuse

of judicial discretion to make you go forward.

Not to ruin your plans, but I'm gonna win this one.

You're good, but you're not that good.

Don't be so sure.

Victor, Clarence Darrow couldn't win this case.

You care to make a little wager?

Mm-hmm. Anything you want.

[scoffs] Your leather chair.

Except that. No.

No, you can't have my leather chair.

Come on, counselor.

A bet's not a bet unless the stakes are high.

Where's your guts?

Alright. My chair against...

your earring.

No, no, no, no. No way.

Aha!

Okay, you got a bet.

[laughing]

And upon completion of the sale,

all the tenants will be relocated

at Mr. Washington's expense to one of his other buildings.

Why are you doing this for me?

I'm not doing this for you those people shouldn't have

to spend another night in that building.

I agree, Andrew, and I swear I'm not looking

to make a single cent from the transaction.

[inhales deeply] If I could just break even or not lose my shirt,

I'll be grateful forever.

I'll see you this afternoon.

I look forward to it.

[door closes]

- [phone ringing] - Sure, I'll get it.

I'll send it back right away.

- Hi, Peter. Peter: Hi.

- Come on in. - Thanks.

Um, look, I'm not really very good at chit-chatting,

so, um, I was thinking about what you said

about not going out socially.

I once saw this film

about a man whose only son was kidnapped.

He spends every waking minute of his life trying to find him.

He loses his job, he loses his friends.

Finally he even loses his wife.

But he's so obsessed with finding his son

that nothing else matters.

And finally, years later, he thinks he's located him.

But as he gets closer and closer,

he begins to hesitate.

This search has taken up his whole life,

and when it ends, he realizes

that he'll lose his only reason for living.

The point being?

The point being, you've got to have a life

outside of this crisis.

How dare you presume to advise me?

My life inside or outside of this crisis

is none of your damn business!

I wasn't presuming. I was just--

You were just what, suggesting I lighten up a little?

Butt out of my life! You were not invited!

Uh, look, I- huh, I'm sorry.

I guess I should have kept my mouth shut.

Now there's some advice.

Each rating point represents 50,000 households.

A two point drop would mean that 100,000 families

were switching their dials to other stations.

Alright, and what does that translate to

in dollars and cents?

A news show with 24 spots a night

and a two point drop would lose $7,200 a night,

$50,000 a week, $2.6 million a year.

So her drop in ratings could cost the station

approximately $3 million annually?

Yes. And her Q score indicated a further drop.

Robertson: Q score?

Wiener: A formula we use to measure viewer appeal.

It factors in her recognizability

and her likeability, and we come out with a number.

80 is good, 60 is bad.

Hers was 43.

Thank you. Your witness.

Well, pretty extensive data, Mr. Weiner.

We research everything.

Does your research show

how many lives were saved by Stacey Gill's story?

Weiner: No. Kuzak: Does it show how many

women after having seen the story,

opted for a lumpectomy

rather than the more mutilating mastectomy?

[scoffs] No.

Does it measure the pain suffered by my client

having to expose herself to millions of people?

No.

In fact, sir, these factors

count for nothing in your research, correct?

Weiner: That's correct.

Thank you. That's all.

Tuckman: And calling your attention to the morning

of June 6, 1985,

did you then have occasion to see the animal?

Yes, I did.

I was manicuring my shrubs, one of which was turning yellow,

'cause it whiddled on it.

- Objection to the term "it." - Overruled.

Sifuentes: Cockapoo.

I beg your pardon?

"It" is a full-bred cockapoo.

Continue.

Could you tell us then, Mr. Weeks, what happened next?

Well, I said to him, "See what you did?"

These plants are my passion, my family really.

"See what you did?," I said.

Then the little mutt mauled me.

- Objection to the term "mutt." Judge: Counselor!

He is not an "it" or a "mutt."

He's a pet, and just because you hate animals doesn't--

Weeks: I didn't say I hated--

Tell the jury what you do to cats.

Judge: Mr. Sifuentes. - I'm sorry, Judge.

But I have no tolerance for animal abuse.

Judge: Mr. Sifuentes! Tuckman: Hey!

Maybe you can sit by and watch vindictive eccentrics

beat up on helpless little puppies--

Oh, for God sakes!

- Your Honor, please, I-- - Get up here now!

I know your game, cowboy.

You want a mistrial so you can buy more time.

Well, you're not gonna get it.

What you will get is sanctions.

What you will get is contempt.

What you will get is a directed verdict for the plaintiff.

Now you step back and act like a lawyer, big shot,

or you're gonna lose this case right now.

Yes, sir.

Tuckman: Now then, Mr. Weeks,

getting back to the day the dog bit you.

Objection to the term "bit."

I'm sorry, Your Honor, but the medical records indicate a nip.

A nip? It was a vicious bite.

- You're a liar! Judge: I'm warning you!

- A dog beater and a liar, too. - In my chambers, now!

Jury is excused till 1 P.M. Move it!

You left me no choice.

Do you think I won't order a verdict for the plaintiff?

You think I won't?

With all due respect, if you direct a verdict

before I even present my case

after already forcing an unprepared attorney

to go forward, I'm gonna have automatic grounds for an appeal,

and you know it.

You want it, just ask for it.

Go ahead. Take it. I'd love it.

Face it, the only way your guy can be a real winner

is to win this trial on the merits right here.

On the other hand, if you think I've got you,

take the directed verdict.

You'll lose money, but at least you'll save face.

No DV, no mistrial, Your Honor.

Let's go back in there.

[engine revving]

He's busy!

They loved it!

Brilliantly written and executed, "Rose Bush" looks like

the sleeper box office smash of the season.

You can't pay for a better review.

Eroticism so highly charged

you can feel the heat coming off of the screen.

Every teenager with raging hormones

will be lining up for this one.

[chuckling]

You were totally right about the sex scene, Arnie.

I never thanked you. You're a genius.

Aw, come on. I bet you say that to all the guys.

I'll make some reservations at Michael's.

We'll start the celebration there, continue at my place.

Oh, I can't.

- I already have a date. - Well, break it.

I can't.

I did for you.

Arnie, I'm having dinner with a highly bankable actor.

If I can get him interested in me and/or my script,

I've got a go project.

Anyway, I just wanted to tell you

that I love you a lot and when things are less crazed,

I'll call and we'll have lunch.

[exhales deeply]

Arnie?

Did that woman do something to you?

No, no, I did it to myself.

I let my guard down.

I let myself care.

Oh! Argh! I should be smarter about women by now.

All they see is the package,

the money, the clothes, the flash. That's all they want.

And when they've used you up, they just spit you out.

You go out with the wrong women, Arnie.

There's a sincere loving woman somewhere

who could really appreciate you for who you are.

Rox, I've never shown this to anyone.

I've never trusted anyone enough.

Can I trust you?

With your life.

Arnold Becker in high school.

You look different.

Fat. Fat boy with glasses.

A little stocky.

I went out on a blind date once, Roxanne.

Peggy Miller, daughter of one of my mother's friends.

[sighs]

When I got to the door, there was one of those

little peephole things,

this eyeball looking me over,

and I heard a lot of muffled voices moving around inside.

Finally, Peggy's friend let me in.

Peggy was standing there in a robe.

Her friend said that she was too sick to go out.

As I walked away from the door,

I heard them laughing in there.

They were laughing at me, Roxanne.

[sighs]

You have no idea what that felt like.

I know.

What you need is someone to...

to really love you, to hold you,

and take away all the hurt.

[sighs]

Rox, you ever been to Michael's?

No.

I really used to think the day that I could afford

to eat at a place like that,

then I'd be a happy man.

Where's the happiness if you haven't got somebody

to share it with, right?

Right.

[sighs]

So, it's difficult as it is,

I think the thing to do is to go to Michael's,

a beautiful companion on my arm,

and try to enjoy the pleasure of the moment, right?

Right.

So let's try Christina Amarelli.

If she's not there, Barbara St. John.

[mellow music]

Rox.

I don't know what I'd do without you.

Kuzak: So all I'm asking, ladies and gentlemen,

is that when you assemble all of this evidence,

you take a good long whiff of what they did,

because it stinks.

They asked her to showcase her cancer,

to bare her breast, her pain,

her humiliation,

and when she did, they fired her.

Sacrifice your personal privacy, they said.

Do it for the job, they told her.

And then they took away that job.

And now, after doing all of that to her,

they are asking you to say, "It's okay."

[inhales deeply]

This one reeks of unfairness, people.

Draw upon your sense of justice,

upon your sense of fairness,

and send a message loud and clear

that this sort of blatant prejudice

will not be tolerated.

Thank you.

Draw upon your emotion.

That's what Mr. Kuzak wants you to do.

Because emotion is blind, ladies and gentlemen.

And if he can blind you,

then you won't see the things that hurt his case like facts.

The fact that she had the worst ratings

of any anchorperson in the last four years.

The fact that she turned down a job

that would have paid her most of the money

she claims to have lost.

The fact that newscasters on every station

get fired all the time for bad ratings.

[sighs]

The only fact the plaintiff wants you to concentrate on

is the fact that this whole thing is unfair,

and to that charge, I say they're absolutely right.

It's unfair that outstanding news people

get fired for low ratings.

It's unfair that Stacey Gill in particular got fired.

It's grossly unfair that what caused her ratings to fall

was a piece that perhaps will end up saving women's lives.

And what really tips the scales of equity here

is that the station told her to do

what ultimately caused her ratings to drop.

If the question here were fairness,

I'll admit we wouldn't have much of a case.

But the issue in this court of law

is not whether Stacey Gill was treated fairly. She wasn't.

The question is whether Stacey Gill was treated legally.

Whether she has been denied any of her legal rights,

and the facts of this case say she hasn't.

Thank you.

[crowd muttering]

Judge Pehlman: And if you find, members of the jury,

that defendant's discharge of plaintiff

was motivated by any factor

concerning her physical anatomy or sexuality,

then you must find for the plaintiff.

But if you find that the discharge

was motivated solely by ratings,

as that term has been defined, then you must

- find for the defendant. - What?

Judge Pehlman: No matter how unfair or unpopular

you may consider that discharge to be,

given the particular circumstances of this case.

I don't understand. What happened?

The judge went with the other side's instructions.

- Not ours. - So, what's the difference?

Ours would have allowed them to consider fairness as an issue.

Mr. Kuzak, do you feel more or less--

Can I see you a minute?

Excuse me for a second, alright?

Come on, counsel. Just a couple of questions.

Are you settling now?

Alright, try this out.

Dismiss the sex discrimination claim.

Settle the breach of contract for 200,000.

You're offering $200,000

with that dream instruction you just got from the judge?

It's a jury, give them all the instructions in the world,

they could still say we got a big TV corporation

against a mother with a school-aged kid,

cancer, and no husband.

You know, the truth is, I think I made my case,

but a sex discrimination rap ain't good for a TV station.

We just can't take the risk.

Lump sum or structured?

All of it, payable today.

I'll recommend to my client that she accept this offer.

Alright then.

You ready for this?

They just offered us 200 grand

if we drop the discrimination claim.

- I don't believe it. - Believe it.

But let's not sit on it.

The jury could come back any minute.

Michael, I won't settle.

I've come too far.

Now hold on a minute.

There's a good chance...

No, no, make that a great chance

that we could lose and get nothing here.

And even if we win, it may not be $200,000.

But if I drop the sex discrimination claim,

it's like I'm selling out.

Stacey, listen. [chuckles]

I know that I counseled you to hold to your convictions,

and I think you did the right thing.

But now, in my professional opinion,

this is the best result we can hope for.

But what about upholding my principle?

[chuckles] Your principle won't get upheld if we lose.

I won't settle.

[sighs] I admire your fortitude,

but don't let it interfere with common sense.

Michael, you said it the other day.

If I settle, it's like telling them

it was okay for them to do what they did to me.

I won't tell them that.

[dog whimpers]

You hate this dog, don't you?

No, I don't hate the dog.

Come on, Mr. Weeks. Come clean.

The jury won't believe you unless you level with us.

- Objection! - Those shrubs are your passion.

You weed 'em, you prune 'em, you mulch, sprits 'em.

Then that little mutt comes over

and lifts his leg till all the leaves fall off.

- You like that dog? - I never said I liked him.

That's your family that he leaks on biweekly.

You hate that dog.

- I don't like the dog. - [dog growls]

- 'Cause he yellows your plants. - That's right.

- Cause he goes to the bathroom. - In my yard.

Well, why don't you just shoo him away?

I try. He growls.

That's right, he bit your bamboo rake

and punctured the shaft, didn't he?

Yes.

What were you doing with the rake when he bit it, sir?

- I was shooing him away. - You hit the dog with the rake!

- I didn't hit that dog! - I got three witnesses here.

Mr. Weeks, you wanna change that answer?

- Objection! - Overruled.

I just brushed him with it to shoo him.

You called the pound three times in the last year.

Tell us, Mr. Weeks, tell us.

Tell us why you called the pound.

[dog whimpers]

Answer the question, sir.

I called, I called

to suggest that they look into...

that they explore the possibility

of whether it would be appropriate

to put the dog humanely to sleep.

- In other words-- - Ah!

You beat on him with a rake, and now you want him dead

for no good reason.

- Objection! Weeks: For every reason!

That damn mutt is nothing but a bag of worms.

The damn dog destroyed my shrubs!

He deserves to die, doesn't he?

- Oh, you bet he does! Crowd: Ugh!

Oh!

Ah!

Sifuentes: No further questions, Your Honor.

[instrumental music]

[dog whimpers]

[upbeat music]

- Good night, Peter. - Hi.

You get off on the wrong floor?

Just the wrong foot.

You and me both.

- Look, I am really sorry-- - Peter, I wanted to--

I really am sorry. I had no business.

We were both out of line.

Look, for what it's worth,

you did give me something to think about,

and, well, I was kind of hoping

that maybe we could wipe the slate clean

and start all over.

Yeah, that sounds good.

[laughing]

So.

A beer after work.

Yeah.

Okay, Mr. Washington will purchase the building

at the agreed-upon price

and assume the cost of relocating the tenants.

In addition, he will pay $2,500 in settlement to each family.

In consideration of this arrangement,

the tenants agree to drop their suit against Mr. Brackman

and release him from all liability.

Are we agreed?

Agreed.

Oh, you guys really play hardball...

[sighs]

but... okay.

Alright, if you'll both initial,

I'll draw up full papers tomorrow for signature.

[sighs]

[upbeat music]

Gentlemen, good night.

Dwight, how's it going?

Oh, pretty good, sir. How about yourself?

A little lonely at this hour, isn't it?

Oh, I don't know, sir.

I like it quiet. Besides, I got my music.

How long have you been with us now, Dwight?

Well, it's been nine years now, sir.

Are you happy here?

I don't got no complaints.

That's incredible, Dwight.

There aren't many people able to say that.

Well, we all have our problems, sir.

But you seem to bear yours

with such dignity and good humor.

May I ask how much you earn in a week?

Uh, I take home about 285.

Hm! Now, I earn 10 times that.

But do you know something, Dwight?

You're the richer man.

Oh, I don't know. I ain't got much.

You've got peace of mind,

and that's what it's all about, my friend.

Well, if you say so.

I can learn much from a man like you.

Thank you, Dwight.

Thank you for your outlook, my friend.

Uh, I want you to have this.

Oh, no! I don't want your money, sir.

Take it. I want you to have it.

Thank you, sir. Thank you very much.

- Good night. - Good night.

Sir.

Woman: Here they are. They are coming in.

Judge Pehlman: Has the jury reached a verdict, Mr. Foreman?

We have, Your Honor.

Very well. What then say you, Mr. Foreman?

"We, the jury, find in favor of the plaintiff

"on count one and count two of the complaint.

"And order the defendant to pay damages

in the amount of $1.3 million."

Oh!

Congratulations. You were right.

Oh, thank you, thank you.

Were you surprised by the verdict, Ms. Gill?

Do you plan to go back to broadcasting?

- What do you think... - I don't know.

Will you ever go back to the station, Ms. Gill?

Ms. Gill, do you ever think

they'll let you back in to broadcasting?

What are you going to do with all that money, Ms. Gill?

Ms. Gill, is it true that you signed a book contract

for the Stacey Gill story

in the neighborhood of a half million dollars or so?

I have signed a book contract, yes.

And is it also true that the deal was conditioned

upon this case going to a final verdict?

I'd rather not talk about the book right now, if you don't...

Excuse me. Can I talk to you for a second?

What's this book deal?

It was something I was offered during the trial.

How much?

I don't think that's really your concern.

How much?

$450,000 advance.

Conditioned on your getting a jury verdict, right?

The publisher wanted an ending, win or lose.

So that's why you wouldn't settle

because you would have blown the book deal.

[scoffs] You lied to me.

I didn't lie.

Kuzak: Well, you omitted the truth. The same thing.

And if I had told you,

would you have been so passionate, so fired up?

- I doubt it. - That's right.

And it was your fire that won this thing.

It was your passion that got the jury.

It paid off in there,

and it's gonna pay off again when I capture it in my book.

[scoffs] In other words, anything for a story.

Oh, well, forgive me for thinking

that the livelihood of the client or the client's family

could ever come before the attorney's interest

in his tidy little trial.

[breathes deeply]

Grow up, Michael. You won and so did I.

And as far as results go,

I think that's a pretty good one.

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

You didn't.

Verdict for defendant in 17 minutes.

Congratulations yourself.

This is a great country, huh?

[scoffs] What happened to your foot?

The fleabag bit it.

- So sue. - No, it'll be okay.

I'll just keep it elevated

as I lean back in my nice soft chair.

[chuckles] Come on, Victor. I want it back.

A bet's a bet.

Victor, it took me a long time to break in that chair.

You know, you did a good job.

The soft spots, they're just in the right place.

Yeah, well, it's not just the time.

I've spent every day of my professional life in that chair.

It's... it's part of me.

These things happen, Mike.

You could use that one if you want.

Another four or five years,

and it'll be broken in... like this one.

Damn!

[instrumental music]

Kuzak: Damn! - Ha ha ha!

Reporter on TV: The Stacey Gill trial ended today

when a jury awarded her $1.3 million in damages.

- No! - No what?

I'm not letting you in until you agree with me.

- Huh! You stop it. - I'm serious.

You won a big case.

You're a hero in the news and with your client,

and you made $400,000 for your firm,

and you're telling me I can't get in under your sheets

unless I agree you were victimized?

Uh, she used me.

Oh! Look!

But I am most grateful to my attorney Michael Kuzak,

who was not only brilliant throughout,

but a great source of strength.

- During the very trying times. - Look!

How do you feel about the outcome?

Uh, we're happy that justice was done.

The verdict was fair

and we're grateful that the truth came out.

Hurray for justice.

Well...

Uh-uh. Tell the truth.

If you had to do it all over again

and she walked into your office

and she said "Take my case", would you?

- Well... - Of course you would.

Because it is juicy, newsy, exciting stuff.

Come on. Come on.

[grunts]

She may have used you to get her kicks as a journalist,

but you used her to get your kicks as an attorney.

To tell you the truth, I don't see the difference

between what she did to you and what you did to Victor.

Uh-huh.

So give me one good reason to be so upset.

[inhales deeply]

I lost my chair.

What?

I lost my chair.

You have my deepest sympathies, Mikey,

but don't worry.

As long as we're together, you'll always have

something to sit on.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]