Original subtitles

- Okay. - Thanks.

[door shuts]

Your wife is one of the biggest stars in series television.

She must be pulling down easy 50 grand an episode

and she thinks she can discard you

like a piece of used Kleenex?

Arnie: Forget it.

Now, what sort of work did you do

before your marriage, Mr. Sapin.

Uh. I was a personal trainer.

Mm-mm, I take it that's where you two met?

She was my best client.

She blimped up over a hiatus,

and, uh, I had to get her back in shape

before the start of production.

[light chuckle] Look, I know this is hard

to believe but this was me.

[Mr. Sapin sighs]

Mr. Sapin: Runner up, Mr. Sacramento-1982.

[sniffles] And look at me now.

Mr. Sapin: I really loved this woman.

[sniffles] For five years,

I devoted my whole life to her

and without warning she just dumps me.

I still can't believe it.

[Mr. Sapin sniffles] I deserve better.

Here, here.

Yeah, yeah, sorry. [sniffles]

Arnie: Don't be. You've been deeply hurt.

And I think, uh, 2-3 million dollar settlement

plus some spousal support.

- Alimony? [Arnie] Absolutely.

Look, the feminist door swings both ways

and it's not as if you don't deserve it.

Yeah, well, thank you, Mr. Becker.

- Arnie. - Arnie.

Look, uh, there is one other question I'd like to ask you.

Yeah, anything.

I go to the gym,

I use the machines three times a week,

but I can't seem to get any definition right here.

Well, let's have a look. Take off your shirt.

Do you use any supplements at all?

Uh.

Crystallized sublingual amino acids.

Lots of C&Es, zinc- dolomite.

Acidophilus, ah, wheat grass, spirolina.

What about the free weights?

No, just the machines.

Well, if you're going to bulk up here

you're going to have to use free weights.

You're going to have to work these pecs till they burn

and quite frankly I'd shave off all that ugly chest hair.

Arnie, I can't figure out your scribbles here.

Rox! Roxanne!

[Roxanne giggles]

Sorry.

[giggles]

[door shuts]

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[theme music]

[music continues]

Victor: I'm stuck in traffic,

suddenly smoke is pouring out of the rear,

then the oil light goes on.

By the time I get the car off the freeway

the engine block has crashed.

Didn't you just drop a new transmission into it last month?

Yeah, I've had it, I'm selling that damn thing

and I'm getting me some basic transportation.

Victor: No frills, no statement. Just a car.

- I agree. - Oh, I don't know.

We spend so much time driving, why not have a little fun?

Like it or not, Victor, you are what you drive.

- It's nonsense. - No, it isn't.

The car you drive is as personal as the clothes you wear.

Victor: Guys, I'm not looking to make a statement with my car.

I just want to get to work.

Douglas: Lest we forgot, the luxury to indulge

in or turn up our noses at pricey automobiles

and other symbols of our professional standing

depends wholly on our capacity to generate fees.

In which spirit, Miss Kelsey,

Hamilton versus Arcan Life & Casualty.

Settlement papers are being drawn.

Miss Hamilton has agreed to drop her suit

in consideration of a lump sum payment of $500,000.

That's excellent, Ann.

Perhaps it will offset the cost of litigating

O'Brien versus Leheigh Tobacco.

Douglas: Mr. Kuzak, where do we stand?

Opening arguments were yesterday.

And how much longer may we expect this

crusade to occupy your time?

[inhales] This may be a long shot, Douglas

but cigarettes are as addictive as heroin

and as deadly as poison and if the government

won't put them out of business, somebody has got to.

Go get them, Mike.

How can you advocate suing a tobacco company

while you sit there eating that poison?

What are you going to do when your arteries harden?

Sue the bakery?

No one ever died from eating a jelly doughnut, Ann.

- So, far. - What's with you?

Douglas: For future reference, Michael, in view

of the most recent appellate court decisions,

I fail to see the point of pursuing

this type of long shot litigation.

The point is that my mother smoked

two packs of cigarettes a day for 40 years

and finally died of lung cancer.

Michael: That's the point, Douglas.

Douglas, why don't we move on to another item?

Arnold, Sapin versus Miller.

Yeah, as you may have read in the tabloids,

Jocelyn Miller dumped her husband last month.

But we're seeking to set aside the pre-nup

and get him some spousal support.

Are you telling us that a healthy guy in his 30s

is going to have trouble supporting himself?

Mr. Sapin set aside a successful career

to become a full time homemaker.

How is that different from women who've done the same

in the service of their high powered husbands?

Sounds like a truly liberated man to me.

Sounds to me like a cheap gigolo looking to extend

a free ride on the gravy train.

That's it! I'm out of here!

[door opens]

Lastly, on an administrative note...

Douglas: After battling for two weeks

with building management I finally secured

parking for our new--

Douglas: For our new associates.

[door opens] Hence beginning tomorrow, Mr. Gianelli

and Ms. Kleinberg may park on lower level C.

Head-in only.

Douglas: Well, as that seems to conclude our agenda,

shall we adjourn?

I found that extremely embarrassing, Stuart.

Oh! You found that embarrassing, really?

I say black and you say white!

I say tomato and you say tomahto!

You found that embarrassing.

Look, ever since we decided against this

quickie wedding approach--

You have been racing around like you were planning a coronation.

Hey, you were the one who always dreamed about

having a wedding at the Bel Air Hotel, honey, not me.

Well, then why don't you let me handle it, Stuart?!

Instead of doing what you always do,

which is to take over everything?

Because every time I bring up anything to do

with the wedding, you pick a fight!

Hogwash!

Stuart: Ann, you want me to read your mind!

And when I can't, or pardon me,

you change and I'm left holding the bag.

Stuart, whatever you want just let me know.

That's what I'm talking about, you're doing it again.

[sighs]

Alright.

What do you want me to do?

I want us to see a therapist.

Stuart: Somebody with an objective point of view

and somebody who can help us sort through

some obviously complicated stuff here.

That's not my style, Stuart.

- You afraid? - No.

I just believe in working out my own problems.

Ann: Besides, where would we even look for one?

I've compiled a list.

Stuart: I did a little research, Ann.

Typical Markowitz.

First you figure out what's wrong between us,

then you decide how to fix it.

Ann: Where do I fit in? - Right here.

[paper ripping] You're gonna take half the list

and I'm gonna take half the list.

If you want to find some names of your own, be my guest.

I just want to deal with this.

[sighs]

- Fine. - Fine.

[door opens]

[door slams]

announcer over P.A: Andy Breech, line two.

This one is nice.

What are we looking at in terms of budget?

Uhh.

I just want basic transportation.

I can do that.

I can put you in something very cheap.

Remember to change the oil every 5,000 miles,

you'll probably never have a problem.

- That sounds great. - Sounds great.

I just happen to have a different philosophy.

Which is?

I don't believe in depreciating assets

in an inflationary economy.

The minute you hit the streets

in that so-called cheap car, it drops 30% in value.

After four years, it depreciates 80%,

but to me, if you want true value

you go top of the line.

This, Mr. Sifuentes is top of the line.

[indistinct announcements over P.A.]

This is a $52,000 car!

It's a $52,000 investment.

Four years out, you'll have an option to buy

and it's still going to yield

85% of its value...

[car door slams] On resale.

[sighs]

I got to admit, it's really comfortable.

I can put you in this car today.

It's loaded, top of the line, chrome wheels,

custom sound system.

And believe me, six months from now you don't like it,

I'll have a line stretching to the sidewalk

waiting to take it off your hands.

Would you like to drive it?

[footsteps departing]

Mr. O'Brien, would you state

your age and occupation, please?

Forty-six. Construction foreman.

Till I had to stop three years ago.

What have you been doing since then?

In and out of hospitals.

When I'm home with this...

I'm not good for much,

but lying down and watching the T.V.

Michael: Mr. O'Brien...

Are you in pain?

[clicks lips] I have to say... it's real bad.

[struggling to breathe] O'Brien: Like I'm choking.

And it keeps getting worse.

Did you ever smoke cigarettes, Mr. O'Brien?

O'Brien: Two, three packs a day, since I was 16 years old.

Michael: Do you still smoke cigarettes?

Four years ago,

[sniffles] I started having trouble breathing.

O'Brien: The doctors said I have emphysema.

That if I didn't stop smoking, I was going to die.

Michael: And so you stopped right then?

I went to one of those classes and stopped for a while.

O'Brien: But I ended up starting it again.

My breathing got worse and worse.

Finally...

[breathes heavily] I got so scared

[choking]

I just quit cold turkey.

Michael: And did your health improve after that?

No, just kept getting sicker.

Thank you.

Nothing further at this time.

Mr. O'Brien...

[man in audience coughs]

Were you ever aware of the controversy

about the health effects of smoking?

Not when I started.

Just my mother saying it would stunt my growth,

that kind of thing.

But you did know in recent years that

some medical groups believe there

are risks associated with smoking?

Mathers: And you were aware of the warnings

carried on cigarette packages?

Mathers: Did anyone ever force you to smoke, Mr. O'Brien?

O'Brien: No.

Did anyone ever try to convince you to quit smoking?

My wife did.

Mathers: Yet you chose to smoke anyway?

Because you wanted to, because you enjoyed it, is that right?

When I knew it was going to kill me, I quit.

Really?

[sighs]

[O'Brien coughs]

Is this a picture of you sitting outside

this courtroom yesterday morning?

Yes.

Is that a lit cigarette in your mouth?

[sighs] Yes.

Mathers: So if actions speak louder than words,

what this says to me is you're the kind of guy

who does exactly what he wants, no matter what the doctors

or anyone else says.

Objection! Argumentative.

Mathers: Withdraw.

I have nothing further.

[O'Brien sighs]

Mr. O'Brien, could you tell us

how you came to be smoking a cigarette yesterday morning?

I was waiting for the trial to start.

I was sweating with nerves.

[O'Brien groans]

O'Brien: I had this terrible craving for a smoke...

Like some kind of damned junkie.

I saw this burning bud in the ash can...

And I picked it up.

And you did this even though you had been warned

that smoking would make your condition worse?

I know it was stupid but I thought, "what the hell,"

doctors give me a year tops,

[inhales] why deprive myself now?

Michael: Thank you, Mr. O'Brien.

Judge Neiman: You're excused, sir.

[whispering]

[people chattering]

So does this qualify as a power breakfast?

I wouldn't know, I usually have

peanut butter on toast with my 5-year old.

Check please. Waiter: Right away, Sir.

Hey, I really appreciate you taking the time to meet with me.

My mother always says if you want to learn about a firm,

get asking the partners,

they'll just tell you what you want to hear.

Go to the associates.

Well, I probably sound like

some kind of corporate cheerleader.

I really love it at McKenzie Brackman.

Everybody is basically supportive.

They are very responsive to your needs.

It's not like some of those big cut throat firms

I've heard about, where everybody

is trying to get ahead by climbing over the dead bodies.

Sounds almost too good to be true.

Well, the pay isn't as good as some of the bigger firms.

That's okay. There are things that matter more than money.

The quality of your life, your work.

I don't want to give you the wrong impression.

Um, I mean about issue cases, pro bono.

They will let you take some on,

McKenzie particularly but Brackman,

he's basically pretty bottom line about billable hours.

It's no problem.

I was looking toward a more general practice anyway.

A-a-and it's not that I'm not unconcerned about

social issues, black issues.

Damn it, I'm an individual first.

And the whole idea that I have to carry

some kind of banners is...

[both laughing]

I don't sound too defensive, do I?

Uh, believe me, I didn't mean anything.

Yeah.

Anyway, my interview is next Tuesday. Any words of advice?

I think you'll knock them dead and if I had to vote...

Let me get this.

You don't have a job yet.

Okay, but only on condition

that when my employment status does change...

You'll let me take you to dinner?

Sounds great.

[tires screeching]

Is that Victor?

Yeah, I think so.

[Victor's car door opens]

Arnie: Come on, let's get him.

[car door slams]

Douglas: Mr. Sifuentes?

So, this by you is basic transportation, huh?

This is an investment.

Long-term value instead of short-term savings.

Yeah, definitely going to make a major dent

in your short term savings.

We're talking about lifestyle investment here, Stuart.

This car is going to attract a certain kind of woman in droves.

Douglas: Second best, Mr. Sifuentes.

Probably just as well. Gives you something to aspire to.

[pats]

[footsteps]

Douglas: He seems to be adjusting

to his new status with Mackenzie Brackman.

Victor, think about a car phone.

I've got a guy that can give you a

great deal on the new Mitsubishi.

Whoa, you're going to put a dimple on my door.

[laughing]

[car door slams]

Mm-mm.

No, it wasn't exactly a mutual decision.

Man on phone: Then what exactly was it?

Well, I do think he can be a little

controlling and manipulative.

Man on phone: How's your relationship with your father?

My relationship with my father was fine, why?

No. No, I don't think I'm being defensive at all.

Man on phone: What do you do?

Uh, I'm a lawyer.

He's a lawyer too.

What do you mean I sound like a lawyer?

What's that supposed to imply?

Are you telling me that I've been on the phone

for 10 minutes spilling my guts

and you don't even treat attorneys?

What?!

Let me tell you something, buster,

you could use some therapy yourself!

[slams receiver]

[scratching]

No, it really, really has a lot to do

with control I think, you know.

No, I... I don't think we're looking for a way out.

We're really looking for a way back in, you know.

What, you don't see couples who want to stay together?

Yeah, I've heard of specialist but...

Yeah, look, I think we should look for somebody else.

Oh, you've written a book.

Hey, well, what's it called? I'll look for it.

"Creative Uncoupling."

Thank you, thank you very much.

Linsey: I'm not exactly certain I understand our problem.

We have here a signed, witnessed,

and notarized prenuptial agreement.

Paragraph 1, your client waves

all right to community property

in lieu of a $25,000 cash settlement.

Here is the check.

Paragraph 2,

my client retains her separate property,

your client retains his separate property,

to wit, a single family dwelling in Beachwood Canyon.

Yeah, which I had to sell to meet expenses

I don't even own my own place anymore.

I know. I'll take care of it.

Linsey: So since my client is in total good faith here

and since she's starting a film in Paris in 5 weeks,

if we could just get these papers signed.

Afraid not, your client caused my client to sign this agreement

while under duress and without

sufficient knowledge of the facts.

You can forget about your 25 grand,

my client is entitled to one half of all community property

which according to our preliminary investigation

puts us somewhere in the neighborhood

of two to three million.

[chuckles] This is absolutely ludicrous.

Plus spousal support in the amount of $7,500 per month.

You should be ashamed of yourself, you big tub.

Jocelyn: For five years he spends my money--

Spend your money? I managed it.

You managed to spend it as fast as I could make it!

It's very simple, Mr. Becker.

Your client has had a nice ride at my client's expense.

Now it's time he hitched his wagon to a new star.

I resent that characterization and frankly,

I see no purpose in continuing this meeting.

We'll see you ladies in court.

Come on.

[people chattering]

Ah, Miss Miller, may I have your autograph?

Yeah, I'd love it too.

They thought they can embarrass you into a bad settlement.

Believe me, they are going to pay the price in court.

I have total confidence in you, Arnie.

Come on.

[office telephone ringing]

[door shuts]

I am going to need a retainer in addition

to the contingency to take this to trial.

Yeah, of course. How much?

$10,000 should do it.

Believe me, it will seem very modest by the time I'm finished.

You're going to be a wealthy man.

Well, look, I have a favor to ask.

If you cash this immediately, it will clean me out.

I'd appreciate it if you held it a day or two

until, ah, escrow closes on my Beachwood house.

I have no problem with that.

[rips check]

Rox, come in a minute?

Thanks, Arnie, have a nice day.

Hey, we're going to get them.

And you have a nice day too.

[office telephone ringing]

Rox, take this to the bank

and deposit it immediately.

[people chattering in office]

Yeah, i-it has a lot to do

with control, I-I think.

Anal retentive?

[chuckles] I don't know about that...

Anal retentive.

When can we see you?

Oh, look, I-I don't think it can wait three months.

Stuart: No, can't you shift something around?

[office telephone ringing]

Well, yeah, I'm sorry too, I'm real sorry.

Yeah, thank you.

Thanks for your time.

[hangs up receiver]

I've been grinding into a brick wall here.

I just got off the phone with a woman

who calls herself a feminist therapist.

She said she has to see me alone first

to resolve my need to be exploited.

Stuart, I'm just not comfortable telling

the intimate personal details of my life to strangers.

Yeah, but we got to do something, Ann.

Our communication stinks.

Stuart, we're not children, we don't have to run to daddy

every time we have a problem.

That's childish, Ann.

You got to give it a chance first before you say no.

[sighs]

- Fine. - Fine.

[door opens and closes]

Mr. Fredericks, you are the president

of the Lehigh Tobacco company, is that correct?

Yes, since 1967.

Michael: Your industry spends a great deal of money

on advertising, doesn't it?

Something like $2 billion a year, is that correct?

Well, I'm not personally familiar with the total amount,

but I wouldn't argue it with you.

Michael: Mr. Fredericks, is this one of your company's ads?

Fredericks: Yes, sir.

Would it be fair to say that this ad is meant to convey

that smoking is something that young, attractive,

healthy people would enjoy, sort of like skiing?

Well, I hope so.

That's what advertising is all about, Mr. Kuzak.

To get people to buy your product.

Mr. Fredericks, does your company manufacture

this brand of cigarettes?

Yes, it does.

Would you please read for the court, Mr. Fredericks,

what it says there under "Surgeon's General Warning."

"Smoking causes lung cancer, heart disease, emphysema,

and may complicate pregnancy."

So contrary to your ad, smoking isn't something

that young healthy people ought to do,

that is if they want to stay healthy.

Fredericks: Well, the government requires us

to print those warnings on our packages,

but that doesn't necessarily mean that we believe them.

Michael: So you're saying that you dispute

the conclusions of the Surgeon General?

Well, I guess what I'm saying is

that I have a hard time believing a lot of things

the government tells me these days.

Mr. Fredericks, do you encourage people

that you know to smoke, say friends or family members?

Oh, I wouldn't presume to recommend one way or the other.

Fredericks: I don't know what it means to you, Mr. Kuzak,

but to me, being an adult American citizen

means having the right to make your own choices.

How about murder, Mr. Fredericks,

do you want that right too?

- Objection! - Withdraw the question.

Michael: Nothing further.

Mr. Fredericks, how old are you?

I'm 66, I'll be 67 next month.

Are you a smoker?

I am, two packs a day ever since I was 19.

Mathers: And how is your health?

Well, in my last physical my doctor told me

I'll live to be 100, unless I get hit by a bus first.

So you haven't experienced any ill effects from smoking?

For me at least, I find it to be a benefit.

Mathers: In what way, Mr. Fredericks?

It helps to alleviate stress

which in my opinion is really

what's killing people these days.

[pleasant music]

Mm.

I am so excited about Victor's new car.

Have you seen it? It's so elegant.

It's such a power statement, and he's so cute with it too.

[giggling]

Sherry, it's only a car.

Oh, who is he kidding?

He thinks it's sexier than I am.

[awkward chuckling]

So, Mike, how's the trial going?

Well, I'm holding my own.

[clears throat] Do you really have to smoke?

Oh, come on, Mickey, it's only my second one today.

Grace: It isn't going to kill me.

It's not just you, it's everyone around you that it affects.

Okay, fine.

Excuse me, I'm going to the Little Girls.

Grace: Wait. I'll go with you.

[pleasant music continues]

I'll sneak one in there.

- Excuse me. - Boy.

Does he always rag on you

like that about your smoking?

I mean, everybody has got something, right?

I mean, I get around a man that, that I really want to impress

and all I do is eat and talk, eat and talk.

I hate it!

- But I can't stop myself. - Mmm.

Don't be silly, Sherry. You were fine.

Besides with a figure like yours, why worry?

Now if I ate the dessert you just ate,

I'd gain 5 pounds.

What's your secret?

- Do you really want to know? - Yeah.

[gagging]

[laughingly] You're kidding.

Hey. It's not a major problem.

I just do it when I eat too much.

I'll wait outside, okay?

Sherry: Okay, see you in a sec.

Fine.

[pleasant music continues]

Sherry will be along in a minute.

I'm, uh, parked in the street.

I don't trust valet parking.

So, why don't I get the car and meet you guys out front?

[car alarm blaring]

[suspenseful music]

Hey! Hey you, that's my car!

Hey, you come back here!

Give me that!

[car engine revving]

[tires squealing]

[car tires screeching]

Oh, no.

[glass crackling]

Oh.

[slams car door]

Yeah.

[theme music]

Roxanne: The good news is that escrow on

Mr. Sacramento's Beachwood house closed.

Oh, great.

The bad news is that his share of the proceeds

came to $3,452.

Come on, Rox. He refinanced the house and took out a second.

By the time everyone was paid up,

that was all that was left.

W-what about the check for $10,000?

Pure rubber.

Do you want to petition the court

to have a new lawyer assigned?

[sighs] Uh, no. No.

No, look he's a swine, Rox, but he's my swine

and all my best instincts tell me that there is money there.

I just have to figure out how to shake the tree.

[office telephone ringing]

Arnie: Rox? - Mm-mm?

How about this?

She starts shooting a movie in Paris in five weeks, right?

Arnie: If we file for an accelerated trial,

it may just be Au Revoir Gay Paree.

Hello Oxnard.

Let's see if that gives us a little more leverage.

[office telephone ringing]

[indistinct chattering]

Ann. Ann, I found the answer.

Intelligent, reasonable, no psycho-babble,

plus they can see us tomorrow at 5.30.

- They? - It's a married therapist team.

Stuart, I'm have enough trouble with one person,

don't you think two is overkill?

Think about it, Ann, makes a lot of sense.

We get the wisdom of two therapists instead of one.

Plus they are married, you know,

they know the territory intimately.

And there's a balance, no ganging up two against one.

Maybe we should just take this to a jury, Stuart.

That way we get the benefit of 12 opinions.

Ann, one shot, it's all I'm asking.

Fine. I'll tell them everything.

I'll tell them about how my mother never breastfed me

and about how I had a crush on my father

from the time I was four.

You never told me about that.

Mathers: Finally, Dr. Saxon, will you describe for the court

the research which you have done

on the effects of smoking tobacco?

In more than two dozen experiments on laboratory rats

pumping the equivalent of three packs of cigarettes a day

into their lungs, I was never able to induce

emphysema or any other disease.

Your witness, Mr. Kuzak.

I want some water. Pour me up.

Mmm.

Dr. Saxon, do you agree or disagree

with the Surgeon General's conclusion

that one in four smokers will die prematurely

from diseases caused by cigarettes?

I don't believe a cause or relationship between

smoking and disease has been established by anyone

including the Surgeon General.

And can you name any reputable

medical organization that shares your view?

I don't keep lists.

Michael: What about a statistical correlation

between smoking and disease?

There's an old saying... "There are liars,

damned liars and statisticians."

Which means you can make statistics prove anything.

You don't smoke, do you, Dr. Saxon?

Dr. Saxon: No, I don't.

And is one reason for that because you feel

that smoking is bad for your health?

It just never interested me.

You didn't answer my question, Dr. Saxon.

Dr. Saxon: Smoking may carry some risk,

so does breathing the air in Los Angeles.

Every day we're exposed to all kinds of risks

from carcinogens in our environment

and there's no way of avoiding it

unless you want to live in a cave somewhere.

Michael: Where do you get your funding for your research?

The Council for Tobacco Research.

Which is funded entirely

by the tobacco companies, isn't that true?

Dr. Saxon: I believe that's essentially correct

but that has no bearing on how

I conduct my research. I'm a scientist.

How many times have you given depositions or testified

on behalf of the tobacco companies in suits like this?

Dr. Saxon: I can't say exactly.

A dozen, perhaps 15 times.

Seventeen times exactly. Isn't that true?

If you say so.

[scoffs] I say so.

No further questions.

At this time, Your Honor, the defense

would like to call Phyllis O'Brien.

- I can't. - It's alright. Trust me.

Mrs. O'Brien, you're seeking damages in this matter

for the loss of your husband's companionship, is that right?

Yes.

Did you ever try to convince your husband to quit smoking?

Phyllis: A million times.

After the doctors told him

he had emphysema, I begged him to stop.

At which time, as I understand it,

he went to a quit smoking class

and did manage to stop for a while, right?

Yes.

And then as soon as he did,

you walked out on him, didn't you?

Objection! Irrelevant.

Mathers: Your Honor, it goes to the issue

of liabilities and damages.

Not to mention the numerous studies indicating

that stress is an important concomitant in many diseases,

including emphysema.

I'll allow you a little more latitude.

Mathers: Mrs. O'Brien, did you or didn't you walk out

on your husband just two weeks after he stopped smoking?

I-it was a hard time for both of us.

And isn't it true that you had an affair during that period?

Mathers: And that you became pregnant and had an abortion

because you weren't sure who's baby it was?

Michael: Objection, Your honor! - Please don't do this to him.

...without foundation.

Counsel approach.

[man in audience coughs]

Mr. Mathers, where is this going?

Till to the issues of stress

liability and damages, Your Honor.

If I could be allowed the indulgence

of just one last question.

One.

Mrs. O'Brien.

Yes.

Mathers: I want you to remember that you're under oath.

Isn't it true that you left your husband

because you wanted a divorce,

and the only reason you went back was

because you figured he was going to die soon?

Mathers: And you could make some money off his corpse?

Michael: I'd ask the counsel

be censured and the jury be--

Oh, my God! You are trying to kill him right now!

Mr. O'Brien, are you alright?

He needs a doctor.

Judge Neiman: We're in recess.

Mr. Kuzak, you'll let me know

when and if we are able to proceed.

[O'Brien breathing heavily]

Yes, Your Honor.

Officer Goodman?

Sergeant Wilkins?

The judge is getting real antsy back there.

Are you ready to go with anything yet?

I'm still calling witnesses, okay?

Mrs. Malory? Bernice Malory.

Victor Sifuentes, witness on the Cochran, madam.

Victor, you did not have to come down.

- I could have put you on call. - It's okay.

I thought it might be interesting to see this stuff

from the witnesses point of view.

[chuckles] Great, huh?

Hey. How did this guy get busted anyway?

The routine traffic stop, your radio was in his trunk.

Can I look at the rest of the report?

Yeah, you'll enjoy his rap sheet.

Five auto burglary priors, a couple of GTA's.

By the way, have you seen Sherry again?

[mumbles]

You know, they always seem so normal when I first meet them.

Uh.

Officer Durslag?

Officer Varian? Oh, great.

Grace, it looks to me like there's going to be a problem

with probable cause on the search of the trunk.

Victor: I mean, I think this guy is going to walk.

Victor, trust me, I am not going to let the guy

who ripped you off skate out of here.

Now believe me, I know what it's like.

Even though it is just a radio, i-i-it's like this

personal violation when it happens to you, right?

And this PD, he's brand new,

he's even more swamped than I am

and I'll just make him an offer he can't refuse.

Goodman: Excuse me.

Officer Goodman on the Rodrick's 459.

Where the hell have you been?

Victor, go back to work.

I'll take care of your thing.

I'll call you with the disposition.

Okay.

Responsibility, ladies and gentleman.

That's what this case really boils down to.

These huge tobacco companies are selling addiction

suffering, disease, death,

and they are not being held accountable.

Tragically, absent a miracle...

There's nothing we can do to save my client's life.

Michael: But all you can do for Mr. O'Brien

is to compensate him for

his medical bills, his lost wages.

You could even attempt to compensate him

for the terrible pain and suffering

that he's been through.

You could even attempt to compensate his wife

for all of the years that she's gonna be

deprived of his company.

But there is one more very important thing that you can do.

By awarding Mr. O'Brien substantial damages,

you can send a powerful message

to the tobacco industry...

That if you insist on marketing this insidious product,

be prepared to pay dearly for that right.

[man in audience clears throat]

[woman coughs]

To paraphrase a great American patriot,

I may not agree with a single word

of what Mr. Kuzak says,

but I would defend to my death his right to say it.

And in the end, isn't that what this case is really about?

Freedom, those precious rights guaranteed

under the constitution to every American citizen.

Mathers: To express himself as he chooses

in thought, speech and action.

You've heard a lot of conflicting testimony here.

Maybe smoking is dangerous, maybe it isn't.

But if smoking is dangerous, then so is flying an airplane

or skiing down a mountain.

All of us, everyday

measure risks and make choices.

That's exactly what Mr. O'Brien did.

Only now, he's asking to have it both ways.

He wants the freedom to do as he wants,

but he also wants someone else

to take the responsibility

if he doesn't like the outcome.

As much compassion as we may feel for Mr. O'Brien,

that does not entitle him to seek out

scapegoats or financial windfalls.

Ladies and gentleman,

in the furtherance of your oath as jurors,

I ask you to set aside your emotions,

and draw that important distinction.

[woman in audience coughs]

Thank you.

Are you sure you won't join me in champagne?

Not when I'm doing business.

I ought to tell you, Miss Miller,

I'm uncomfortable being here at all.

As I told you over the phone, it's highly unethical

for me to see you without your attorney present.

And I told you on the phone I fired my attorney.

I'm representing myself.

Fair enough, but I have to warn you my client

has been deeply wounded.

They are not the kind of wounds

that are easily healed by a settlement.

You forced my hand with this motion

for an accelerated trial, Mr. Becker.

But there's no cliche I believe in

when it comes to cutting a deal.

A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

Excuse me.

[footsteps]

[briefcase thudding]

Jocelyn: Coin of the realm, Mr. Becker.

$500,000. Cash.

In return Dan Sapin is out of my life forever

by sundown tomorrow.

You should have been a lawyer, lady.

[laughs] You couldn't afford the pay cut.

Well?

I, uh, I think I can sell this to my client.

Then have we consummated our deal, Mr. Becker?

[sighs]

I believe that we have.

Good.

[glass clanks] To us then.

[inhales deeply]

[zipper rolling down]

[car door opens]

[car door slams]

[cars rumbling on road]

Pardon me.

Excuse me, I'm here about Cochran.

[office telephone ringing]

Uh, I think you should petition

to get his guilty plea set aside.

Cochran?

Yeah, uh, he ripped off my car radio,

you let him cop out to a misdemeanor theft?

And what, you think he deserves the gas chamber?

I think he should have been dismissed.

There was no probable cause to search the trunk of the car.

What are you, some kind of lawyer?

Yeah, I used to be a P.D.

For four years.

Oh, and you think I screwed up?

No, I... Look, I know it's a tough job.

I mean, they throw you in with piranhas

when you're still real green, but

this was pretty obvious from the arrest report.

When did you get to see it anyway?

Yesterday the D.A. showed it to me.

Yesterday?

You mean, you wait until I'm totally

sandbagged and then you tell me?

I think I got my priorities screwed up.

I mean, some stupid car radio meant more to me

than your client's fourth amendment rights.

It was only after being up all night that I realized

that if his rights get trampled on, who knows,

maybe yours and mine are next.

Anyway, I did some research for you

on getting the plea set aside.

I think if you can do that and get the case dismissed...

That will make us both feel a whole lot better.

Thanks.

[truck rumbling]

[car honks]

Hey!

[clanks]

Hey.

My car.

Someone stole my car, man.

[woman clears throat]

Has the jury reached a verdict?

Yes, Your Honor .

Foreman: In the case of O'Brien versus Lehigh Tobacco,

we the jury find in favor of the plaintiff.

[all celebrating]

In the matter of damages,

we order the defendant to pay

the plaintiff the sum of $1,000.

[all mumbling]

And how long do you anticipate that appeal process taking?

However long it takes.

Mr. Kuzak, how do you interpret the verdict?

Maybe later.

A moment of your time.

Excuse us.

Alright.

I have a proposal to make.

I'm listening.

We both know how harmful it is for your client

for this precedent to remain on the books.

I have every confidence we will prevail on appeal, counselor.

On the federal preemption issue alone, you're dead.

In this circuit maybe, maybe not,

but I'm sure your client will prefer a sure thing.

In consideration of Mr. O'Brien's ill health,

we are prepared not to contest your appeal

or to pursue our own.

In consideration of?

$250,000 payable immediately.

No public disclosure of the terms.

I'm afraid not, Mr. Kuzak.

As a matter of policy we never settle these cases.

And believe me, we don't lose them either.

If your client thinks he got put through the wringer this time,

I assure you that was just a rinse.

The heavy duty cycle is coming up.

I don't take kindly to threats.

Then consider this a statement of fact instead.

My client is prepared to litigate this case

into the 21st century and beyond

if that's what it takes.

Between you and me, Mr. Kuzak,

I don't believe it will.

Jan: How dare you use that condescending male

manipulating tone with me, you arrogant chauvinist!

Robert: Go kill yourself, you frigid, chop busting bitch!

I just can't stand the thought that we could be them

and there could be another couple like us

out here listening.

Well, you can't really hear what they are saying.

What, are you deaf?

Robert: It doesn't mean the whole world is frigid!

Jan: Roosevelt doesn't think I'm frigid!

Robert: Why don't you scream it a little louder, you...

You know, uh, if you're going to yell,

hey, this is the place to do it.

[door opens]

Uh, Mr. Markowitz and Ms. Kelsey,

I'm Dr. Robert Ingram,

and I'm afraid this is not an ideal time to see you.

Ideal? How about lousy?

Jan, stop this right now.

Oh, stick it, you anal retentive sociopath!

Do you know the only reason I married him to begin with

was because my mother hated his lousy guts!

Jan, I'm going to lose my temper in a moment.

Jan: Oh, I quake with terror!

That's it! We can't see you. I'm getting a divorce!

I wish you two the best of luck.

[door slams]

[indistinct shouting]

Sorry. [door slams]

Hey, Arnie.

I brought you some arginine supplements.

We're going to build up these pecs yet.

Would you come into my office for a minute?

Sure. [office telephone ringing]

Listen, there was a problem with your check.

Oh, that. Look, I'm sorry if the bank screwed up.

Well, it bounced again when we tried to redeposit.

Look, don't worry. Your confidence has inspired me.

You know, at this point I wouldn't consider

anything less than three million.

Funny you should mention that.

I had a meeting with your wife.

She fired her attorney.

So you got her on the ropes.

Actually she made a settlement offer I...

I think it's one worth considering.

Well, it better be at least two million.

[grunts]

[thudding]

Good God, how much is that?

Half a million. Cash.

Where do I sign?

[laughs]

[main door opens]

[main door shuts] Mickey, hi.

I heard you won.

Yeah, some win.

Jury came back with a lousy $1,000 in damages.

Tobacco company has all the money and time in the world.

My clients don't have the stomach

to fight out the appeal.

Come on, get up.

I'll buy you some dinner.

Grace...

I really think I ought to be alone tonight.

Well, what am I supposed to do?

Disappear until you decide I can come back?

I really don't feel very social tonight.

Grace: And I'm not your date.

Mickey... I know how much this meant to you,

but under the circumstances did you really expect to win?

What do you say we put a hold on the postmortem, alright?

You're looking for a fight, aren't you?

No, I'm looking for sympathy,

and if you can't give me that then

why don't you just leave me alone?

Why are you putting all of this on me?

You tilt at windmills and then you beat us

both up because you lose.

Thank you for pointing out what a jerk I have been.

I really appreciate the insight, Grace.

You're welcome.

We should have kept the appointment

and offered to reverse roles,

maybe we could have helped them.

Typically, I got this one guy last week, he said,

"I'm sorry, Mr. Markowitz, I'm going away on vacation

to Hawaii next week."

I said, "hey, no problem,

we could use a couple of weeks in the sun ourselves.

We'll join you." He didn't get it.

[both laugh]

I had it down to a little set piece.

He's controlling and manipulative.

I'm distant and withholding.

[inhales] Or was it vice versa?

[people chattering at bar]

I think I've actually figured

what this is all about for me.

It's pretty basic stuff.

I was terrified to lose you, Ann.

I just...

[sighs]

I never quite believed that you chose me

so I'm always half expecting you to leave.

The harder you try to hold on,

the more I look for excuses to pull away.

It's a perfect neurotic match. I've missed it.

Me too.

You know what, Markowitz?

Maybe the lesson is we just have

to paddle our own canoe.

Yeah, well.

If we are going to do that I think we should, uh...

Paddle it right on up to room 604.

I have very fond memories of room 604.

Well. I'm really glad to hear that because I reserved it.

[chuckles]

You know, just on the off chance that this conversation

might take this little turn.

[soft music]

Controlling.

Manipulative.

I'm not sorry for that.

What about prepared?

[outro theme music]