All language subtitles for Perry Mason s01e18 Cautious Coquette.eg

[BUZZER SOUNDS]

Who is it?

- Who is it?
- You know who it is.

Harry.

You forgot to say come in, Elaine.

- That's bad manners.
- Hah.

Teach me manners, Harry.
Do that, will you?

Oh, relax, honey.

I didn't come here to fight.

I know what you came for.

I don't have any money.

With all the dough you make
as a model?

I've got bills to pay.

That's simple.
Turn them over to Mr. Ross Hollister.

You would think that.

Why not? He wants to marry you,
doesn't he? Heh.

You ought to be worth
a little something to him.

Get out.

You want me to go to Hollister?

If you ever talk to him, I'll kill you.

I mean that, Harry.

Kill your own husband?
Your own ever-loving, huh?

- That was all over five years ago.
- Heh-heh-heh.

I made a mistake.

[CHUCKLES]
You made a beaut.

You walked out on me.
Now that's desertion.

I know.
You've told me often enough.

Why can't you call an end to it now
and let me have a divorce?

Why, sure, honey.
I'd go to Vegas myself,

but it takes money.

You think if I had it I'd give it to you?

- Well, did Hollister give you this?
- No.

That ought to be worth
a grand at least.

Yes, sir.
Here's the first two weeks in Vegas.

That leaves you four to go.

When you die, Harry, I know
exactly who will be at your funeral.

You.

[SNICKERS]

Well, I guess I never did win
any popularity contests.

But no one can ever say
I wasn't a patient man.

This is Monday.

[DOOR CLOSES]

- Oh.
- Hey, you quitter.

Come on back in, Elaine.
You hardly got wet.

Oh, I've had enough for today, Ross.
I have a slight headache.

You've had a slight headache
for days.

What's bothering you, honey?

Bothering me?

Nothing.

Come on. Can't you tell me?

[EXHALES]

Really, darling, I haven't the slightest
idea what you're talking about.

Anybody home?

I would have knocked
but I couldn't find the door.

Sheila.

Come on in.

How about a swim?

No, thanks. I'm the working member
of this firm, remember?

I just came from the office.
Hello, Elaine.

I hope you'll forgive me
but since Ross is leaving town,

I thought I'd better drop by

and pick up the company books
he was working on.

Oh, don't hate me, Sheila,
but I completely forgot about them.

That's perfectly understandable.

Look, I'll go over them tonight
and then I'll drop the books

and my report by your place
in the morning.

But that will be taking you miles
out of your way.

Why don't you drop them
by Elaine's tomorrow, I'll pick them up.

I'll be in Hollywood anyway.

Would you mind, dear?

Oh. Of course not.

But I have to be at work very early
so I-- I'll give you my key.

I have an extra one.

- And I'll leave it under the mat for you.
- That's good enough.

Oh, incidentally, Ross,

this came for you
in the mail this morning.

Oh, thanks.

You have a good trip.
I'll see you in two weeks.

Make lots of money for us.

- Goodbye, dear.
- Bye.

[SIGHS]

She always manages to find
some excuse to drop by, doesn't she?

Darling, you really don't think
that Sheila's interested in me.

When an attractive widow
takes a good-looking man

and makes him one of her
business partners, she--

Oh, I-- I'm sorry, Ross.

I'm making noises
like a jealous female.

What are we waiting for?
Let's get married tonight.

- We can fly up to Vegas--
- No.

But you've been saying no
for months.

Elaine, I don't understand you.

One second you're jealous
and then the next you're--

Where's your ring?

Oh, I left it at home.

It's been slipping off.

Heh. Darling, it's getting late

and you have an awful lot
of work to do.

I better get dressed.

ROSS: "This is to inform you
that we have finally identified the man

who has been visiting
Ms. Elaine Barton at her apartment.

His name is Harry Pitkin.

We hope to have additional
information for you in our next report. "

[DIALLING]

Hello, Elaine?

[CHUCKLES]

Guess who this is.

Oh, now, sweetie,
that's no way to talk.

You know your week is up.

I know, Harry, but I told you
I haven't got any money.

I've got bills to pay.

Well, just to prove I'm not such
a bad guy after all, tell you what I'll do.

I'll give you another couple of days.

If you don't have the dough by then,

I'm gonna sit me down with
Mr. Ross Hollister when he gets back.

And guess what
we're gonna talk about.

Special delivery just came.

You didn't open it?

I didn't dare.

See what you mean.

Isn't she the bold one?

Answer to our ad
in yesterday's paper.

Did she see
the Bob Finchley accident?

"Dear Mr. Mason. This is an answer to
your advertisement in The Chronicle.

If you're interested in the person who
witnessed the hit-and-run accident

in which a client of yours was injured
on Monday, May 3rd at 10 p.m.,

the party you want is Elaine Barton,

who lives at 719 Fairmont.

Unfortunately, Ms. Barton could not
get in touch with you at this time.

However, you'll find the licence
number of the hit-and-run car

inside the back cover
of a notebook in her desk.

Since Elaine is rarely at home,

I am enclosing a key
to her apartment.

A friend."

Call the Drake Detective Agency.

Have Paul stand by. We may need
to have a licence number checked.

You aren't going to use that key?

- Why not?
- It looks like a trap.

It has all the earmarks.

Well, you're not gonna walk
right into it.

What else is a trap for?

[BUZZER SOUNDS]

[BUZZER SOUNDS]

ELAINE:
Just a minute.

- Ms. Barton?
- Yes?

My name is Mason. Perry Mason.

Perry Mason?

May I come in?

If you'll forgive the way I look.

I'm not used to having famous lawyers
turn up in my apartment at this hour.

I'm sorry I awakened you.

It's all right.

Oh, I guess I'm still half asleep.

- Will you excuse me a minute?
- Of course.

I wanna put some water on
for the coffee.

I'll be right back.

[FOOTSTEPS]

Now, what can I do for you?

- Don't you know?
- No.

Didn't you see this ad
in yesterday's paper?

ELAINE:
"Five-hundred dollars reward:

If the party who witnessed
the hit-and-run accident

at the intersection of Hickman and
Vermesillo Drive around 10 p.m.

on Monday, the 3rd, will communicate
with the office of Perry Mason."

This doesn't mean a thing.

I assumed
that you were that witness.

Obviously, I was misinformed.

- Obviously.
- Too bad.

A client of mine, a fellow by the name
of Robert Finchley was badly hurt.

Well...

Oh, uh-- Just for the record,

would you mind telling me
where you were that night?

That was a week ago Monday?

That's right.

Oh, I had dinner with a friend
named Ross Hollister.

By 8:00 I was back here.

Then this whole thing
is a case of mistaken identity.

It got both of us out of bed too early.

I haven't even had
my morning coffee yet.

Would you like to join me?

You sure it isn't too much trouble?

Not a bit.

ELAINE:
I hope you like instant coffee.

MASON:
Fine.

Do you take cream or sugar?

No thanks.

Here we go.

Thank you.

Mr. Mason,
I don't know who gave you my name,

but frankly, I'm delighted.

I need a lawyer.
Are you very expensive?

Very.

Heh. I'm not joking.

I need your help.

I'm being blackmailed.

And I thought, well,

if someone like you
could go and talk to this man,

maybe you could frighten him off.

What do you think?

I think you're an excellent actress,
Ms. Barton.

[PUTS CUP DOWN]

Thank you for the fine performance.

And thank you for the coffee.

It was good too.

[DOOR CLOSES]

I don't understand, Mr. Mason.

I stood on that corner
for at least 20 minutes,

I didn't see it so.

From the way you described
this Elaine Barton,

I would have noticed her.

There's always a chance she came
along as you crossed the street.

I suppose so.

When that car sent me flying,
I wasn't in a mood to notice anything.

I gotta get out of here.
I got a mother to support.

Don't worry about it, Bob.

I do worry.
I have exactly $76.41 in the bank.

That's hardly enough to retire on.

[PHONE RINGS]

I'll get it.

- Hello.
- This is Paul Drake.

I'd like to speak
to Mr. Mason, please.

Oh, Perry, good.

I'm down at the licence bureau.

JPE 098 is registered
to Stephen Argyle.

4225 Rosslyn Lane.

4225 Rosslyn Lane.

Good work, Paul.

You check out his insurance company.

I'll attend to Mr. Argyle.

Get some sleep, young fellow.
I'll be in touch.

Thanks, Mr. Mason.

Don't misunderstand me, Mr. Mason.
I'm flattered by your call.

- You're puzzled by the reason for it?
- Yes.

Your car was involved
in a hit-run accident

on Monday night, May 3rd at 10:00.

I beg your pardon.

There was a witness, Mr. Argyle.
We have your licence number.

Oh, that's impossible.

Last Monday evening
I was at the Broadmoor Country Club.

Around 8:30 I called my chauffeur
and asked him to bring the car by.

He parked it in the driveway
and returned home.

I didn't leave the club until,
oh, after 11.

Would you arrange for me
to see your chauffeur?

Of course.

Would you come up
to the study, please?

I imagined you're representing
the injured party.

His name is Robert Finchley.

- I hope he wasn't seriously hurt.
- He has a broken hip.

He'll be in the General Hospital

- for at least a month.
- What a pity.

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

Come in.

You wanted me, Mr. Argyle?

Mr. Mason, my chauffeur,
Harry Pitkin.

- How do you do?
- How do you do?

ARG YLE: Mr. Mason would like
to ask you a few questions.

Sure.

You drove Mr. Argyle's car
last Monday night?

Yeah, I took it to the club around 9:00.
Left it there.

How did you get home?

Took the bus.
Say, what's this all about?

Mr. Mason thinks my car was involved
in a hit-and-run accident at 10.

Oh, no, sir, that's--
That's impossible.

How did the right front fender
become damaged?

Oh. I was parked on the street
in Beverly Hills a couple of days ago.

Just stopped off for an errand.

When I got back
I found the car that way.

Mr. Argyle, did you ever hear of a girl
named Elaine Barton?

Elaine Barton? I don't think so.

I'm sorry to have taken up
so much of your time.

Not at all.
I wish I could've been more help.

If you think of anything,
get in touch with me.

Of course.

Perhaps, I should leave one
with you too.

Thank you.

- Hi, Pat.
- Hello, Harry.

- How's the world treating you?
- Swell, you?

Okay. Hey, where's Mr. Argyle?

Oh, he's home.

He sure is a swell guy.

Ha-ha. He's the salt of the earth.

Say, Pat.

Remember Monday,

you were mentioning to him
about your rheumatism acting up.

Ha-ha. Mr. Argyle wasn't here
Monday night.

Ha-ha-ha. Then how would the boss
know about your rheumatism?

I'm always complaining.

Well, he wanted you to have this.

It's a new medicine.
Did wonders for the boss's arthritis.

Yeah, that's awfully nice of him.

That's what I've been telling you.
He's a great guy.

You better look in the bag again.

- A hundred bucks?
- Heh-heh.

It's a little present. You better
spend it on a memory course.

You need one if you don't remember
Mr. Argyle being here Monday night.

- Now, who said he wasn't.
- Ha-ha-ha.

- It all comes back to you now.
- Sure.

Like it happened five minutes ago.

I remember Mr. Argyle
arriving about--

Six-thirty.
He didn't leave until after 11.

I dropped the car off here
for him at 9.

That's just what I was gonna say.

[CHUCKLES]

See you.

And when we received this call
from the Drake Detective Agency

enquiring about
your automobile insurance,

well, naturally we were disturbed.

We made some enquiries
of our own.

- Now, see here, Mr. Bates--
- Oh, now, now.

No reason to get upset, Mr. Argyle.

Let's try to maintain
a little perspective.

You realise what this accident
could cost my company?

Do you realise what it could cost me?
I could go to jail.

Exactly. You could go to jail.

You see,
we both have a good deal to lose.

How do you think it would look to a jury
if Perry Mason proved

your chauffeur, Pitkin, tipped
the doorman at the Broadmoor $100.

Well...

Mr. Argyle, I'm gonna lay
my cards on the table.

Now, I've got an angle on this thing
that could make both of us look good.

But my company
must never find out.

- Can I trust you?
- Of course.

Good.

[CHUCKLES]

We're gonna settle this thing
out of court.

I don't know if I should sign.

I wish Mr. Mason were here.

I'm sure Mason would never turn down
$2500 settlement.

I think the insurance company
is being very generous, Mr. Bates.

Well, we try to be fair.

I'm ready to add my personal cheque
for $1000 more.

- What?
- To get this thing out of the way.

Well, that's $3500, Mr. Finchley.

All you gotta do is just put the old
John Hancock right there.

I don't know if I should, Mr. Bates.

Well, if you're so rich that
you can afford to throw away $3500

and take your chance with a jury...

Thirty-five hundred dollars.

No, I'll be talking to you.

You know, there's something about
insurance adjusters like Bates.

They're so dependable
you can always rely on them

to stick a knife in your back.

What would happen
if you called his company?

If I did that, they've no more use
for him than I have.

But what could they do? He came in
waving Bob Finchley's signed release.

[PHONE BUZZES]

Yes, Gertie?

- Elaine Barton.
- No.

- Gertie, tell Ms. Barton--
- No, no, wait, wait.

Put her on, Gertie.

Hello.

Well, this is a surprise.
What can I do for you?

Oh, no, I'm sorry I couldn't possibly.

I've a dinner date tonight.

I know, but--

All right, I'll-- I'll be there at 8.

[BUZZER SOUNDS]

You're late.

Thought you'd forgive me
under the circumstances.

A little gift from a grateful client.

ELAINE:
What's this for?

Don't you think it's about time
we ended this farce?

You were a witness to that hit-run
accident on May 3rd.

- No, I wasn't.
- Then how do you explain

my finding the licence number
in your address book?

Next to the back cover.

I didn't write this.

Do you know Stephen Argyle?

- He's Harry's boss.
- Harry?

Harry Pitkin.

Let's go from the beginning.

Now, why did you call me?

I told you I was in trouble.

What do you call trouble?

Harry Pitkin, isn't it?

Yes.

He's my husband.

Is that your gun?

[SIGHS]

You are in trouble.

[DIALLING]

MASON:
Homicide. Lieutenant Tragg, please.

Is this your gun, Mrs. Pitkin?

- What?
TRAGG: Oh, I'm terribly sorry.

I understood the victim
was your husband.

- Then you are Mrs. Pitkin.
- Yes.

And this is your gun.

Would you like to tell me
how it happened?

I don't know, lieutenant.

I went out for a walk about 4:00.

I left the front door open.

When I came back, he was there.

Yes, of course.

How did you and your husband
get along?

I wouldn't answer that if I were you.

Are you representing the lady?

- No, I just--
- Yes, I am.

I'm afraid I'll have to ask you
to come downtown.

I'll get my coat.

Yes, I'd pack a bag too.

MAN: There's no question about it,
lieutenant.

The bullet came from this gun.

- What about the fingerprints?
- Mrs. Pitkin's.

Is that all?

No, there's a right forefinger
on here too.

It looks like a man's, huh?

- You sure it isn't Pitkin's?
- Positive.

I don't like this.

We've got a beautiful case
against this gal.

I'd hate to lose it because of
a fingerprint we can't account for.

Run it down.

[PLAYING MELANCHOLY TUNE]

- What is it, Jimmy?
- Excuse me.

There's a Mr. Mason to see you.

Tell him I've gone to bed.

MASON:
He wouldn't believe it.

- Good evening.
- All right, Jimmy.

I suppose I should apologise,

but frankly, I just didn't feel up
to seeing you tonight.

I shouldn't wonder.

Now look, Mason,
I've done nothing I'm ashamed of.

You're very fortunate, Mr. Argyle.
Most of us have a conscience.

I don't like that insinuation.

Everything considered,
I think it was a handsome settlement.

A bullet in the head?

What are you talking about? I was
referring to your client Robert Finchley.

I was referring to your chauffeur,
Harry Pitkin.

- He was murdered this afternoon.
- I don't believe it.

Would you care to check
with the police?

- Who did it?
- Right now they're inclined

to suspect Elaine Barton.

Elaine Barton?

Didn't you mention
that name before?

Her legal name is Elaine Pitkin.
She was his wife.

I didn't know he was married.

Apparently there was more profit
in keeping it secret.

Now, when was the last time
you saw him?

Last night. This was his day off.

Thank you.

I believe the last time I was here,
I gave you my card.

I'm still at the same address.

Did Pitkin ever mention a man
by the name of Joe Raymond?

No.

They roomed together.

Did he ever mention
any other name?

What did you two talk about?

Money. That's all he ever wanted.

Where did you get the ring
you gave him?

The police found the pawn ticket
for it in his room.

Now, who gave you that ring?

- Ross Hollister.
- Ross Hollister?

- Did Hollister know you were married?
- No.

Where can I find him?

I don't know. He's out of town.

Have you heard from him
since you've been in here?

How do you explain that?

He hasn't heard about it.
He's in Canada somewhere.

There are plenty of newspapers
in Canada, you know.

Does Hollister have a key
to your apartment?

Yes, I have two.
I loaned him one Monday night.

He was gonna drop some
company records off for Sheila.

- Sheila?
- Sheila Cromwell.

They're in business together.

- Did she pick those records up?
- I suppose so.

There was nothing there
Tuesday night.

But how did she get in?

You told me Hollister
had your other key.

He was supposed to leave it
under the mat.

- Did he?
- I don't know.

- That's it.
- Yes, it is.

- Someone mailed it to me.
- Who?

That's what I'd like to know.

Now, where can I find
Ross Hollister?

How many times must I tell you?
I don't know.

I just don't know.

Did you know Pitkin?

I saw him several times at the office
when he came by for Mr. Argyle.

- How's this?
- Fine.

By the way,
thank you for meeting me here.

I so seldom get a chance
to get away from the office.

Not at all.

I appreciate your seeing me,
Mrs. Cromwell.

- Frankly, I was curious.
- So was I.

Is Argyle a business associate
of yours?

Yes.

He certainly gets around.

Although not as much
as Ross Hollister.

What's that supposed to mean?

I take it you know Hollister
fairly well.

Very well.

Don't you think it's strange he's made
no effort to get in touch with Elaine?

Oh, you're mistaken.

Ross called me this morning.
He's very much concerned about her.

- Where is he?
- In Canada.

Where in Canada?

I don't recall the name of the town.

I guess I was stupid not to ask.

Did he say anything about returning
to Los Angeles?

He wanted to.

I assured him there was
nothing to worry about.

His girlfriend is charged with murder

and you assured him
there was nothing to worry about?

Well, I follow your cases religiously.

I have a great deal of confidence
in your ability.

I'm flattered.

However, I would like to have
Mr. Hollister here before the hearing.

- I'll tell him the next time he calls.
- Thank you.

But I wouldn't give Elaine
any false hope.

I don't expect to hear from him
for a week or two.

Shall we order?

JUDGE:
People v. Elaine Barton Pitkin.

This is the time fixed
for the preliminary hearing.

Are you ready, gentlemen?

The prosecution is ready,
Your Honour.

Ready for the defence, sir.

Then you may call your first witness,
Mr. Burger.

I call Frederick Arms, sir.

CLERK:
Frederick Arms.

Raise your right hand, please.

Do you swear the testimony
you're about to give

- is the truth, the whole truth?
- I do.

- State your name.
- Frederick Arms.

Be seated.

What is your occupation, Mr. Arms?

I'm employed
by the Apex Detective Agency.

Tell the court your connection
with Elaine Pitkin.

We were hired to keep her
under surveillance for two weeks.

BURGER: Who hired you?
ARMS: Mr. Ross Hollister.

During those two weeks
did the deceased, Harry Pitkin,

ever visited the defendant?

ARMS:
Yes, sir, twice.

Once on April 28th,
then again on May 1 st.

BURGER: What about May 10th,
the day that Pitkin was murdered?

I couldn't say.
We were no longer on the case.

I call your attention
to the date of April 29th.

That's the morning
after Mr. Pitkin's first visit.

- Did anything unusual occur?
- Yes, sir.

At 11:00 Mrs. Pitkin went into
a pawnshop on Main Street

and bought a gun.

Did you question the pawnbroker
after she left?

Yes, sir, I did.

He gave me the serial number
of the gun. I copied it down.

I object, Your Honour.

This is pure hearsay.

If Mr. Burger wishes
the pawnbroker to testify, why--?

Thank you, Mr. Mason.

We'll do that.
We'll do that this afternoon.

Your witness.

Mr. Arms, you say you'd been hired
by Ross Hollister.

Yes, sir.

Did he tell you why he wanted
the defendant shadowed?

ARMS: No. I just assumed
he didn't trust her.

Have you ever been hired before
by a man

to shadow his wife or girlfriend?

Yes, sir. Hundreds of times.

And wouldn't you say that
in a great many cases

it was the man who
should have been watched

because of his
unreasonable suspicion?

That's not for me to say.

Isn't it possible that Ross Hollister
was capable of killing anyone

who became his rival?

I object, Your Honour. The witness
is hardly an expert in psychiatry.

- Objection sustained.
MASON: No further questions.

All I can tell you is that
I considered Pitkin a loyal employee.

I never found any fault
with his work.

And how long had he
been employed by you?

Eight months.

During all this time
he never had any trouble

- with anyone as far as you know?
- No, sir.

And he never had any quarrel
with Ross Hollister?

Not to my knowledge.

Thank you.

Your witness.

Mr. Argyle, how well do you know
the defendant?

Why, I don't know her at all.

And you never heard Ross Hollister
mention her name?

ARG YLE:
No, why should he?

MASON: I understood you were
in business together.

Well, that doesn't make me
his confidant.

And you had no knowledge
of the defendant's relationship

with your chauffeur, Mr. Pitkin?

None at all until you told me.

That is all.

JUDGE:
You may step down.

I call Mrs. Sheila Cromwell.

BURGER:
Mrs. Cromwell,

how long have you known
the defendant, Mrs. Pitkin?

Almost a year and a half.
Mr. Hollister introduced us.

Did she ever express an opinion
to you about Mr. Hollister?

Several times.

Do you remember what she said?

Well, I recall on one occasion

Elaine told me that Ross
meant everything in the world to her

and she would never let anybody
stop her from marrying him.

In other words, you felt
that she was capable of anything

even murdering anyone
who interfered.

MASON:
I object.

Counsel is leading the witness.

JUDGE:
Sustained.

BURGER:
You may cross-examine.

Mrs. Cromwell, do you consider
yourself a friend of the defendant?

I do.

But you consider yourself
a better friend of Mr. Hollister's.

Well, I've known Ross longer.

Before my husband died,
he brought him into the business.

Is that the only reason?

I don't understand.

You are interested in Hollister,
are you not?

Of course. My husband and I
thought very highly of him.

- Where is Mr. Hollister now?
- I don't know.

Isn't that rather a peculiar way
to run a business?

No. We're merchandising
a new product.

Mr. Hollister's on an extensive
selling trip, he could be anywhere.

When was the last time
you saw him?

On the afternoon of May 3rd.
I dropped by his house.

Why?

Been some discrepancies
in the company's books.

Mr. Hollister was checking them
for me

and I wanted his opinion
before he left town.

And what was his opinion?

He hadn't finished.

He was going to drop the books
by Elaine's apartment

and I was to pick them up
the following day.

Did you?

No, I couldn't get in.

He was supposed to leave the key
under the mat but it wasn't there.

Where are those records now?

I have no idea.

Didn't you attempt to reach
Mr. Hollister to find out?

It wasn't that important.

It was important to him
before he left town.

- No.
- Important enough for him

to make complicated arrangements
such us borrowing the defendant's key

and having you make a trip
to her apartment.

[CRYING]
You don't understand.

Then we need clarification,
Mrs. Cromwell.

Would you please explain
to this court

why you as a close business associate
of Hollister's

wouldn't know his itinerary
on this supposed business trip?

And why when the woman he loves
was charged with murder

you failed to make one attempt
to contact him?

Stop.

Please stop.

[SOBBING]
Don't let him do it.

[CROWD MURMURING,
GAVEL BANGING]

BURGER: Your Honour,
I think this has gone quite far enough.

Mr. Mason's cross-examination
is highly improper.

MASON:
If Your Honour please,

I feel Mrs. Cromwell's testimony
shows her to be completely unreliable.

If you will allow me to continue,
I believe I can present

sufficient evidence
to warrant a charge of perjury.

Your Honour, it must be obvious.

The witness is in
no condition to continue.

- May I suggest an adjournment?
- Mr. Mason?

If I may resume my cross-examination
in the morning.

You may.

This hearing stands adjourned
until 10:00 tomorrow morning.

[CROWD CHATTERING]

CLERK: "Ross Hollister, Route One,
Halsey, California"?

Yes.

Four, five...

Thirteen words.

That will be a $1.15
plus 12 cents tax.

How soon will it get there?

Halsey? About two hours.

- Thank you.
- Your welcome.

[DOOR CLOSES]

- Ready, sir?
- Huh?

Oh. I can't think of enough
to fill up 15 words.

Thank you very much.

[DOORKNOB RATTLING]

When we adjourned yesterday,

Mrs. Cromwell was being
cross-examined by defence counsel.

Since the witness
has already been sworn in

you may proceed, Mr. Mason.

Thank you, Your Honour.

Are you feeling better this morning,
Mrs. Cromwell?

- Yes.
- Then perhaps you'll be able to tell us

where Mr. Hollister is and why you
neglected to get in touch with him.

I can only add one thing
to what I said yesterday.

- Ross was upset when he left.
- About what?

Those report from
the detective agency.

He called me that night
to talk about it.

He felt he had given Elaine
every opportunity

to tell him the truth
about Harry Pitkin.

He didn't know what to do.

And what was your advice?

It wasn't advice.

I merely suggested that he
take a short vacation

before he went away on
the business trip to think things over.

And where did Mr. Hollister go
to think things over as you put it?

I have no idea.

Mrs. Cromwell,
I have here a list of five telegrams

dated May 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th
and one dated yesterday, May 19th.

These telegrams were addressed
to Ross Hollister,

Route One, Halsey, California,
and they were all sent by you.

Do you care to change
your testimony now?

He didn't kill Pitkin.

Is that your opinion
or do you know it for a positive fact?

- I know it.
- How?

I just know it, that's all.

Mrs. Cromwell,
why is Hollister hiding?

And why have you been
constantly lying to protect him?

Give me one good reason. Just one.

Mrs. Cromwell?

[SIGHS]

That's all.

JUDGE: Mr. Burger,
at the close of this hearing,

I suggest you have your office
examine this witness's testimony

for possible charges of perjury.

You may step down.

Very well, Your Honour.

However, I may be able to clarify
this situation with my next witness.

I call Sheriff Mark Daley.

CLERK:
Sheriff Mark Daley.

Do you swear the testimony
you're about to give

- is the truth, the whole truth?
DALEY: I do.

- State your name.
- Mark Daley.

CLERK:
Be seated.

You are a deputy sheriff
of Orange County?

Yes, sir.

You investigated a call to
your office last night at about 11:00?

Yes, sir.

Will you please tell this court
what you found?

The body of a man hidden
on the high rocks at Crane Beach.

Were you able to identify that body?

Yes, sir.

It was the body of Ross Hollister.

[GASPS]

BURGER: Has the county coroner
examined the remains?

A preliminary examination
early this morning.

There was a bullet
through his left temple.

And were you able to fix
the approximate date of death?

Yes, sir. May the 3rd.

Sometime in the evening.

BURGER:
How could you be so specific?

DALEY:
By medical examination.

And the fact that there were
papers in his pocket

that were badly smudged when
his body was covered by water.

Now this could only have happened
on the night of May the 3rd,

when we had the highest tide
of the year.

So Mr. Hollister was killed a full week
before the murder of Harry Pitkin.

Thank you, sheriff.

Your witness, Mr. Mason.

Uh-- No questions.

[FOOTSTEPS]

- Excuse me, sir.
- Yes, Jimmy?

- Mrs. Sheila Cromwell is here.
- Sheila?

She say very important.

All right.

- Hello, Stephen.
- Sheila.

What a delightful surprise.

Will you join me?

Well, that was quite a session
you had in court.

SHEILA:
Wasn't it?

Have you seen a lawyer?

- No.
- You should.

[SIGHS]

At the moment, Stephen,
perjury is the least of my worries.

You know how I felt about Ross.

No.

[SHEILA SIGHS]

I was in love with him.

Only he couldn't see me for dust.

Oh, I had no idea.

I tried to hide it from everyone,
including myself.

But Elaine Barton saw through it.

I'm sorry for you, Sheila.

- And I'm sorry for you.
- Me?

I'm going to kill you.

[ARG YLE CHUCKLES]

Oh, I'm perfectly serious.

- That's not funny, Sheila.
- I don't intend it to be.

No. No, just stay
right where you are.

You killed Ross.

Are you insane?

You were in court.
You heard that sheriff testify

that Ross was murdered
on May the 3rd.

The very same time you were guilty
of hit-and-run driving

some 70 miles away.

- Yes.
- It was very clever of you, Stephen.

It was a wonderful alibi.

Who'd ever think that a man
would deliberately frame himself.

What are you talking about?

You didn't hit Mr. Mason's client.

Though you purposely did everything
you could to make yourself look guilty.

From mailing that letter
with a key to Mr. Mason

to bribing the doorman at the club.

Don't be ridiculous, Sheila.

I was very fond of Ross.

- Not a $187,000 worth.
- What?

That's how much the books
show is missing.

Ross must have discovered it
that night he called you.

That's when you realise
you had to kill him.

You're wrong, Sheila.
Pitkin killed him.

Who killed Pitkin?

It must have been Elaine Barton.

You heard all the evidence.
She was the one that you-- Be--

Now, if you'd care
to finish your drink...

[GASPING, GRUNTING]

The trouble with you, Sheila,
you're far too clever for your own good.

I'm afraid this calls
for rather drastic measures.

Same drastic measures you used
on Ross and Harry Pitkin?

Sorry, my dear, but you know
what they say about self-preservation.

Sorry to break in this way,

but we couldn't afford to let
your boy announce us.

You don't think
we'd be silly enough to load it.

No, a fella could hurt himself
that way.

Come on.

SHEILA: Did you hear everything?
- You were great, Mrs. Cromwell.

Thanks for a wonderful job.

Don't thank me.

The pleasure was all mine.

That Sheila Cromwell is quite a gal.

Did you have trouble
selling her the idea, Perry?

No, none at all.

She was only lying
to protect Hollister.

Once she learned he was dead,
she wanted to help.

But how did you convince her
that Argyle was guilty?

First, I had to convince myself
then Burger.

When I realised that Hollister
had been murdered before Pitkin,

then I knew where that key
came from.

Hollister had it
and Argyle removed it from his body.

And Argyle had the best motive
to kill him.

Don't forget the discrepancy
in the books.

What about Pitkin?

MASON: He was murdered
because he was blackmailing Argyle.

I guess he knew
where the body was buried.

Well, my good friends, I give you--

[KNOCK ON DOOR]

[CHUCKLES]
Oh, excuse me.

My name is Bates.

Francis Bates.

I'm an insurance adjuster
with Harvard Casualty.

Oh, yes.

There was no one outside
at the reception so I-- Heh.

- I just came right in.
- Good.

There's a little matter
I'd like to discuss with you.

You see, we paid your client,
Robert Finchley, $2500.

So I understand.

Well, it-- It now develops that
our insured, Mr. Argyle,

wasn't liable at all.

No, he wasn't.

Well, frankly,

my firm doesn't approve
of the way I handled the deal.

But I'm sure
I could straighten everything

if you'd only return our cheque.

Oh, I advised Mr. Finchley
to keep the money.

He can't.

Why, he wasn't injured by Argyle.

It'd be completely illegal.

You are familiar
with your standard form of release.

The one that Finchley signed.

Yes, of course.

Then you should remember that you
admitted no liability in the first place.

But that means we paid him $2500
for nothing.

I wouldn't say that.

He thinks the world of you.

Now there is still no one outside
in the reception room

so you can just go right out.

- But I-- I--
- Out.

- Now, where was I?
- Ha-ha-ha.

Well, my good friends, I give you--

Hmm?

Mr. Bates.

- Mr. Bates.
- Mr. Bates.

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