Original subtitles

[ theme music playing ]

[ train whistle blows ]

Ladies and gents, here she comes, and she's right on time!

What's all the excitement?

This isn't election year, is it?No, I don't think so.

The last time the Limited stopped here,

Grover Cleveland was stumping for president.

There's somebody on that train.Yo.

[ people applauding ]

That's what I'd call a mighty fine-looking woman.

Welcome to Medicine Bow, Miss Haldeman.

I'm Mayor Kingston. This is the committee.

I'm so glad to know you all.

Oh, this is my secretary, Karen Osterling.

Hello, miss.

Well, I hope you find the suite

I reserved for you at the hotel comfortable, Miss Haldeman.

I'm sure I will.

I don't care what she's running for,

but she's sure got my vote.

I'll cast a ballot or two myself.Yo.

Elena.

Elena.

Elena.

Elena.

Kelly, who's that woman?

Elena.

She's gonna be singing at the opera house come Saturday night.

What opera house?Cattleman's Association.

Mayor's got it all fixed up for the occasion,

replete with seats

and a big sign over the door

and posters and...

Where you boys been all week?

Opera singer?

That's what he said.

I thought they were supposed to weigh about 300, 400 pounds.

Steve, uh, how about me borrowing that new shirt of yours?

Buy your own shirt.

Wonder how she is in Rigoletto?

A woman like that would look good in anything.

Let's go pick up that, uh...

Bailing wire.Bailing wire.

ELENA: Bye.MAN: Bye, Elena.

Bye.MAN #2: Nice meeting you.

Good luck.

[ exhales ] I thought they'd never leave.

When's, uh... When's Carl coming?

I don't know.

Look, is there anything wrong between you two?

I mean, every time I mention his name--

Karen, we've had a long, tiring ride.

Do you mind?

Who's it going to be this time, Elena?

Or haven't you been in town long enough to pick the man out?

Isn't it exciting? An opera star in Medicine Bow!

What's even more surprising is these two coming along.

I'd have bet hard cash you couldn't drag 'em to anything like this.

Comes a time in every man's life, Judge,

when he feels the need for a little culture.

Working for an educated man like you, Judge,

us cowhands feel we should try and better ourselves.

Well, we're a little early.

Betsy and I will meet you inside.

Yes, sir.

I still don't believe it.

Ladies and gentlemen...Shh!

Ladies and gentlemen, it is my proud pleasure to present to you

for the first time in Medicine Bow,

and direct from successful engagements

in Chicago, St. Louis and New York,

that great international beauty

and singing star, Elena.

♪♪

[ singing in French ]

Oh, isn't she wonderful?

Daddy, is something wrong?

No, nothing.

Pretty good, isn't it?Wonderful.

[ song ends ]

♪♪

♪ On wings of song

♪ My beloved

♪ I send affection

♪ To thee

♪ I sing of love

♪ My beloved

♪ A love for eternity

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

Daddy?

You go on ahead. I'll meet you at the buggy.

Where are you going?

Backstage. I, uh...

I think I know her.

You hear? Daddy thinks he knows her.

Won't do him any good. That's the oldest line there is.

No harm in trying.

Come on, Bets. I'll buy you a sarsaparilla.

[ knock at door ]

Yes?I'd like to see Miss Elena.

Oh, well, she's dressing. If you'd care to wait...

All right. My name is Garth. Henry Garth.

Henry?

Henry Garth!

Come in, Henry. Do come in.

Well, who says the world isn't small? Helen Haldeman.

Here in Medicine Bow. Heard you sing. I couldn't believe my ears.

Or my eyes.[ chuckles ]

Helen Haldeman. "Elena"?

Professional name. You know.

What in the world are you doing in this wilderness?

Well, I own a ranch not far from here.

Oh.

Do you mind?No.

So, a rancher.

Well, whatever happened

to that young lawyer I knew back in Fayesville?

[ chuckles ] That's a long story.

Do you like it out here? Ranching, I mean?

Well, it's a living.

Did you ever collect on that damage suit from old Hank Potts?

[ chuckles ] Don't tell me you've forgotten

Hank Potts and the mule.

Oh! [ laughs ] No.

The one who kicked in all the windows in the Elite Hat Shop?

Fourth of July when that boy threw the firecracker under him?

[ laughing ] Yes.

What was that mule's name?

Uh, Old Ironsides.

Yeah. Oh, he was more ornery than Potts.

I remember he ate up half a dozen hats from that window

before they could drag him away.

[ both laughing ]

Wasn't that your first case?

No, but...

I was glad to get the money.

You know, that case never came to court.

Potts shot the mule.

[ laughing ] Oh, no.

You were always a... beautiful woman.

And you still say it beautifully.

Well, you probably have things to do,

and I've kept my daughter waiting, and...

"Daughter"?

Oh, yes. You would be married, wouldn't you?

Oh, I was, but...

I lost my wife some years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry to hear that.

It's good to see you, Helen. Elena.

How long are you gonna be staying in Medicine Bow?

I'll be here till the end of next week,

and then I have an engagement in San Francisco.

You know, Betsy'd love to meet you.

I'd like to show you Shiloh.

"Shiloh"?My ranch.

Oh, yes.

Well, I think that would be nice.

Staying at the hotel?Mm-hmm.

Pick you up in the morning.

Oh, Sunday I have an evening performance.

I'll see you get back in time.

Didn't waste much time, did you?

He's just a friend, Karen. An old friend.

Are you sure, Daddy? Now, you're not teasing me? She is coming here?

Mm-hmm.

How in the world did you ever meet a woman like that?

Well, there are a lot of things

about me you don't know, young lady.

Just imagine-- Paris, Rome, Madrid. She's been everywhere!

Yes, been a lot of places in this country too.

Oh, we knew each other

a long time ago when we were both quite young.

Childhood sweethearts.

Well, I wouldn't call it

"childhood," exactly.

Daddy, how exciting and romantic! Why didn't you tell me?

A man's entitled to some secrets. Now,

it's getting late and I did say I'd pick her up early.

Here.Thank you.

Bye.

This is all such beautiful country.

When do we get to the ranch?

We've been on it for the past two hours.

[ horses whinny ]

[ whistling, shouting ]

JUDGE: There's Shiloh.

ELENA: You own all this?

What's so amusing?Oh, Henry.

Last night I felt so sorry for you.

I remembered that struggling young lawyer,

and somehow I pictured you in a little shack,

a sort of log cabin with maybe an acre or two.

Oh, that's beautiful.

You've done very well, Henry. I'm happy for you.

And I'm very pleased you've made your dreams come true too.

Yes.

We've both done very well.

[ "Beautiful Dreamer" ]

Do you like Stephen Foster's music, Elena?

It's one of my favorites.

I guess I didn't play it very well, did I?

Oh, you played very well.

Well, I've had a marvelous day.

But I really have to be going now.

Oh, is it getting so late already?

I'll get your coat.

You and Betsy seem to have hit it off.

Oh, Betsy's a lovely girl.

You must be very proud of her.

Yeah.

I hope you enjoyed yourself.

Very much.

You know, I haven't felt so relaxed in years.

All this and, well,

makes me realize how much I've been missing.

I hope you come again, Miss Elena.Thank you, Betsy.

Oh, yes. You said you'd be here for a week.

Better show you the rest of Shiloh.

You know, it isn't often I run into an old friend.

All right, Henry. I'll be free all day tomorrow.

Oh, good.

Have a good day?

Mm.

I'm glad you're here. You can help me dress.

Oh, this came for you while you were out.

It's a telegram from Carl.

"Will join you soon. Carl."

Betsy made the sandwiches, but...

I packed this myself.

Oh.

Bardonne Chablis,

1856.

Was that a good year for Chablis?

Oh, well, I...

I wouldn't know. [ laughs ]

Mm. Listen, Henry.

Do you hear them?[ chirping ]

Cicadas.

End of summer.

Cicadas.

I haven't heard them since I left Fayesville.

Well, you... you've had other things.

Oh, yes.

Cities, people,

theaters, dressing rooms.

Constantly moving around.

You know, I'd trade them all in

just for...

For what?

Well, I'll be honest.

I think I envy you.

Envy is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, isn't it?

Aren't you happy, Elena?

Well, I have what I want.

I've got my career.

Been very busy.

And all these years, you... never married?

No.

No, I guess I just...

never got over you, Henry.

I didn't want to disturb you, but I'm going to bed.

It's pretty early, isn't it?

Well, you have your work to do,

and, well, I've been trying to finish the book "Vanity Fair."

Mm.

Must get pretty lonely for you here, huh?"Lonely"?

Well, I mean, I...

I'm not much company for a young lady.

Ranch business tying me up.

Daddy, you're the best company in the whole world.

I can't think of anybody I'd rather be with.

Of course, then there's Trampas and Steve...

Oh, well, I didn't mean that.

See, if your mother were still alive...

A young girl growing up needs more than just

men around her.

She needs... feminine company,

someone to-to confide in.

The sort of thing that women talk about to each other.

Well, I don't suppose it would ever work out any...

Daddy, what are you thinking about?

Two women at Shiloh...

Huh? Oh, nothing, nothing.Yes, you were.

I've often thought about hiring a housekeeper and a cook.

What's wrong with the way Andy cooks?

And I think he keeps house fine. You mean you'd fire him?

No, no. No.

No, just thinking about you.

Whether you might enjoy the...

company of another woman.

Daddy, I like everything just the way it is.

Mm, well, I'm sure that's the way it's gonna stay.

Good night, Daddy.

Um, the, uh, only girl that I know

that would fit in here at Shiloh is, uh, Elena.

Good night.

Yes, sir?

Good evening. I'd like a room, please.

Sure thing.

Won't do you no good. See there?

"Final performance."

Oh, she was great.

Ah, everybody in town's fallen in love with her.

I'm sorry I missed her.

You just get into town?That's right.

Mm. Commercial man, huh?

It's number seven. Top of the stairs, turn right.

Oh, Mr. Elston, will you be staying long?

Well, that depends on how well I do in Medicine Bow.

Good night.Good night.

[ knock at door ]

Carl!

Karen. How are you?

I'm fine. Where've you been? I kept asking Elena...

Just business problems. Nothing serious.

I have a room down the hall.

Well, she's still down at the town hall. You know, last performance.

I know. I thought I'd wait here.

You don't mind, do you?

Well, no.

I'm glad you could come, Henry.

Oh, I wouldn't have missed your last performance.

I've got my buggy at the livery stable.

This country is beautiful in the evening.

Thank you for the happiest time I've spent anywhere.

Doesn't have to end tonight, Elena.

I'm afraid it does.

Elena,

why don't you cancel the San Francisco engagement,

come out to Shiloh for a week or two, you and your secretary?

Don't become infatuated with memories.

Oh, I'm not.

The past is past, but...

why don't we at least give the present a chance?

All right, Henry. One week.

Until tomorrow.

Evening, Mark.Evening, Judge.

Oh, Judge.Hey.

Talk to you a minute?Everything quiet, Mark?

Yeah, the quietest time I can remember.

Shows you what culture will do for Medicine Bow.

Say, I got a little problem, Judge.

About that ruckus damage Trampas did here at Jake's place.

He missed paying this month.

Hmm.

Well, he bought himself a new shirt.

I'll take this out of his wages.

Thanks, Judge.

This should quiet Jake a bit.

Good night.Good night.

[ shots fire ]

[ woman screams ]

[ murmuring ]

All right, please?

How is she?

[ door opens ]

She'll be all right, Judge. I've given her a sedative.

She ought to be in bed.

JUDGE: Help her get dressed.

I'm taking you both back to Shiloh with me.

Well, that won't be necessary, Henry.

You can't stay here. Not in this room, anyway.

Possibly not, but it's so late, and...

I'm not up to such a long trip.

Feel up to answering a few questions, Miss Haldeman?

If not, they can wait till tomorrow.

Well, if it won't take too long.

I'd just as soon get it over with.

There's really not much to tell.

You say this man broke into your room?

That's right.

I was getting ready for bed,

and then there was a knock on the door.

Like a fool, I went and opened it.

Well, he, uh,

he pushed his way inside before I could stop him.

At first I thought it was someone

who had been drinking too much

and had wandered to my room by mistake.

And then...

then he started to make advances,

and he pushed me into the bedroom.

I couldn't handle him.

I did break free long enough to...

to reach my pistol in the bedside table.

And you'd never seen this man before?

No.

And you, Miss Osterling, you were in your room?

Um, yes.

I can't tell you how sorry we are something like this

had to happen in our town, Miss Haldeman.

The only excuse we have to offer is that he was a stranger to us too.

Oh, Judge, I'll let you know about the hearing. I'm sure you'll want to be there.

ELENA: Hearing?

Oh, it's just

a legality, Elena, nothing formal.

The sheriff tells the county prosecutor the facts, and...

it'll be all over in five minutes.

You can block the whole thing from your memory.

Miss Haldeman will be staying with us at Shiloh, Mark.

Good. Well, I'm very sorry to have bothered you, Miss Haldeman.

Mrs. Abbott and I enjoyed your singing very much.

Thank you.Good night.

I, uh, wish

you'd come with me tonight.

At least let me get you another room.

Don't bother, Henry.

I'm-I'm so tired.

I imagine it's the sedative.

I can always sleep in Karen's room.

Well, I'll be here early in the morning.

[ door shuts ]

Why?

Why, Elena?

Why did you murder him?

"Carl Elston, salesman."

That's how he signed in.

This is the only luggage he had with him.

I brought it down from his room last night for safekeeping.

[ chuckles ] He never even took the lock off of it.

You gonna open it?

Yeah. Maybe I can find out

who his next of kin are so I can ship it to 'em.

I'll need a court order first.

You say he checked in last night?Mm-hmm.

Yeah, he seemed like a nice enough fellow.

You never know what kind of people you can get in a hotel.

Yeah. Well, I'll give you a receipt for this later.

What about the hearing, Mark?

Elliott Powers is on his way back from Fall River now, Judge.

I'll talk to him as soon as he gets in.

Karen,

you could show better manners.

Now, Judge Garth will be here in a few minutes.

I'm not going with you.

I can't very well leave you alone.

Well, I've been alone before.

I'm not leaving you behind.

Stop pouting and try to be pleasant.

Morning, ladies.Good morning.

We're just finishing breakfast. Won't you have some coffee?

Thank you.

Waitress, another cup.

Well, I have some things to do. Excuse me.

Uh, she's very young,

and last night upset her terribly.

I'd better have a little talk with her.

We'll be ready in a few minutes.

You have some coffee.

Oh, did you remember to send the wire to San Francisco?

San Francisco?

Oh, my engagement.

I completely forgot.

We'd better send it while we're here.

Morning, Judge, Miss Haldeman.

Miss Haldeman would like to send a telegram.

The form's over there on the table.

Terrible thing to happen, wasn't it?

And right here in Medicine Bow.

She seems to be taking it real well, though.

"Harold Lowry, San Francisco Opera House,

San Francisco."

This'll go out right away, Miss Haldeman.

Let me know how much it is.Yes, Judge.

"Signed, Elena Haldeman."

Halde...

[ whistling, shouting ]

You should've warned me.

I can't remember the last time I went riding.

Well, we've seen only a small part of Shiloh.

Oh, please. I've seen enough for one day.

Are those more of your cows?

JUDGE: Cattle. Beef, Elena.

Meat for the dining tables of the East.

You know, Henry, I never thought you'd amount

to any more than a small-town lawyer.

You know, I've got a confession to make too.

When you left Fayesville,

I thought you'd be back within a year.

Oh, no. Not me.

You should've known me better than that.

No, when I left, I said I'd never come back

to Fayesville.

I never have.

But I found out that it's a...

hard, scrambling world.

It's nice occasionally to be with friends.

You both look hot. I've got some lemonade in the icebox.

[ hoof beats ]

Mark, what brings you here?

I'd like to talk to Miss Haldeman.

Well,

let's go in the house.

I'll get some lemonade.

Bring some coffee too.

I'm afraid this isn't a social call, Judge.

Miss Haldeman, something's come up,

something I feel needs explaining.

Yes?

Does the name Carl Elston mean anything to you?

ELENA: No.

MARK: That was the name of the stranger.

JUDGE: Why should she know him?

Here's a copy of a telegram you received a couple of days ago, Miss Haldeman.

Do you recall getting that?

Yes.

But I didn't know anyone by the name of Carl.

I thought it was some unknown admirer.

I threw it away.

You came all the way from town just for this?

It bothered me.

"Will join you soon. Carl."

I receive many telegrams, Sheriff.

Some from admirers and some from cranks,

like this.

I'm sorry I can't help you.

Well, in that case, I'm sorry I bothered you.

Good day.

Oh, Judge, the hearing is set for 4:00 tomorrow.

The county prosecutor's office.

If you don't mind, I think I'll freshen up a bit.

Lovely meal, Betsy.

Well, it's been a long day. I'd like to retire early.

Did, um, the sheriff's visit upset you?

No, no. I'm just tired.

Good night.Good night. Elena...

Sheriff Abbott is an old friend of mine.

I'm sure he didn't mean to disturb you.

Isn't it possible that the man who broke into your room

might've been someone you met casually,

perhaps some time ago?

What I'm trying to do is to

prepare you for the hearing, Elena.

The county prosecutor's gonna ask you these same questions.

I told you, Henry. I'd never seen the man before.

Good night.

Where's Betsy?

In the kitchen.

How long have you been Elena's secretary?

Three months.

You take care of her appointments, answer her mail.

You're aware that she received a wire from Carl Elston.

Yes.

Did he ever try to see her before?

Not that I know of.

Good night, Judge.

[ knock at door ]Come in.

Morning, Sheriff.Elliott.

Your court order came through.

This is Elston's suitcase. I opened it this morning.

I think you'd better have a look.

Shirt,

socks,

all the essentials of a traveling man.

There's something else.

Theatrical playbills.

All of them featuring Elena.

He must've been following her around collecting these things.

Wait.

A theatrical contract?Yeah.

There's more.

[ knocking ]

Sorry we're a little late.

Elena, this is Elliott Powers, county prosecutor.

Will you sit down, Miss Haldeman?

Mark.Judge.

No need to go into a formal routine on this, Elliott.

Just let Miss Haldeman state the facts.

The sheriff filled me in on Miss Haldeman's story, Judge.

There's some questions I'd like to ask.

Playbills?

They were found in Carl Elston's suitcase.

I'm sure you'll recognize

the name on this theatrical contract,

as you admitted receiving a telegram

from a Carl Elston.

It's the contract through which Mayor Kingston

arranged for your engagement here, isn't it?

Yes.

POWERS: The man you killed in your room was no stranger, was he?

On the contrary, he was quite

well known to you as your theatrical manager.

Isn't that true, Miss Haldeman?

Isn't it?

Yes.

Yes, Carl Elston was my manager

for five years.

Then he began to fancy himself

as more than that.

He was always making advances.

Finally I had to fire him after my last engagement

in St. Louis.

I thought that ended it.

But he showed up here that night.

He must've been drinking. He was like a maniac. He tried to attack me.

He would've killed me. I had to do something.

I had to kill him.

But why did you lie?

I didn't mean to at first.

I just didn't know what to say.

To admit that I knew Carl would've meant

more questioning and more explanations.

I just didn't feel up to them.

And later, it just seemed easier to...

lie.

If you'd told us,

it would've made things easier.

Is that all, Miss Haldeman?

Yes.

Then I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask Sheriff Abbott

to place you under arrest

on suspicion of murder.

[ knock at door ]Come in.

Morning.Morning, Judge.

Well, have you satisfied yourself yet, Powers?

About what?Elena Haldeman. Her innocence.

You've had two days. I think you should've made a decision--

release her or bring her to trial.

I've spent two days questioning witnesses, Judge.

And you don't have a case.

I don't agree. In fact, I've asked for an indictment.

On what grounds? What evidence?

Well, I'm afraid that'll have to wait

until the proper time and the proper place.

Till then, if I were you I'd get her a good lawyer.

I've already seen to that. She'll have the best if it's necessary.

It'll be necessary. I intend to go to trial as soon as possible.

You realize if this goes to court

all she has to do is take the stand and tell her story.

A woman who killed in defense of her honor?

No jury in this territory would convict her.

It's been some time since you retired from the bench, Judge.

I'm afraid that times have changed.

Perhaps they have.

Morning, Judge. I seen your buggy setting here.

This just came for you over the wire.Thanks.

Just a little service of the telegraph company.

[ door shuts ]

I thought you were never coming.

Have you seen Powers?

They can't keep me in here, can they? You said...

You said he would need an indictment.

I'm afraid he has one, Elena.

He's bringing you to trial.

Oh, they can keep me in here.

I'm afraid they don't allow bail

in the case of a first-degree murder charge.

But why a murder charge, Henry?

Why?

Because I was upset that night and confused?

Because I lied about knowing Carl?

Powers must have something more than that.

He's talking, he's interrogating people in town.

He's... I understand he's even talking to your secretary.

Is there anything that Karen might know that

you may have forgotten?

No. No, Karen's only been with me a short while.

She hardly knew Carl.

Why, Henry, I guess

I'll be needing that lawyer,

the one you wired in Cheyenne.

He's not coming, Elena.

His wife answered the wire.

He's up in Chicago. Won't be back for another month.

I was still on the bench when Tom Jenkins tried his first case.

He's... Oh, he's a brilliant lawyer.

I just won't settle for second best, but...

but I don't know who else.

I knew a brilliant lawyer back in Fayesville.

I want you to have the best, Elena.

But you are the best attorney for me.

Times have changed, Elena.

Times have changed.

But not that much.

All right, Elena.

All right.

Mark?

Mark, I'm representing Miss Haldeman.

I'll be seeing her every day.

You're gonna defend her?

Jenkins wasn't available.

There are other lawyers, Henry. Get someone else.

No, I couldn't do that now.

Is there anything that Powers has that, uh,

I should know about?

I couldn't tell you even if I knew.

And the evidence will prove to you

beyond any reasonable doubt

that the killing of Carl Elston by Elena Haldeman

was a deliberate, coldly planned,

premeditated act of murder

committed by Elena Haldeman

for her own personal gain.

I wasn't far from the hotel when I heard the shot.

I ran upstairs.

In a bedroom I found the defendant, his secretary, and--

Miss Karen Osterling?That's right.

Go on, Sheriff.The defendant had a gun in her hand.

On the floor was a man we later identified as Carl Elston.

He was dead.

What was Carl Elston's occupation?

ABBOTT: Theatrical manager.

POWERS: And who was he employed by?

ABBOTT: The defendant.

POWERS: Sheriff, you questioned Miss Haldeman immediately after the shooting, did you not?

Yeah, that's right.Did she identify Carl Elston?

She said she'd never seen him before.

She stated to you that he was a total stranger?

Yes.No further questions.

Your witness.

How would you say you found the defendant

when you questioned her after the shooting?

Was she upset?

Was she in a state of emotional shock?POWERS: Objection.

The emotional state of the defendant is irrelevant to the issue.

JUDGE: Your Honor, the prosecutor's questioning of this witness

was directed to show that the defendant

made a mis-statement to the sheriff concerning the deceased.

More than a mis-statement.

Well, lied to the sheriff about knowing the deceased, if you will.

My questions will have a direct bearing

on this line of testimony.

Objection overruled. Proceed.

Well, would you say the defendant

was under a great emotional strain when you questioned her?

Yes. Yeah.

Isn't it likely that the defendant,

Miss Haldeman,

may have been too distraught to think clearly

under such circumstances?

Objection. Defense counsel is asking the witness for an opinion.

Objection sustained.

No further questions.

You were instrumental in bringing Elena Haldeman

to Medicine Bow, is that correct, Mayor?

Well, I, uh, made the final arrangements.

With the defendant?

No. With Carl Elston.

Did you meet the deceased?No, sir.

No, he was just a name on a contract.

POWERS: You signed that contract in good faith,

Mayor Kingston?Yes, sir.

This was to be a cultural coup for Medicine Bow,

an international singing star who had recently

completed a tour of the Continent?Yes, sir.

POWERS: And in this country had appeared in

New York, St. Louis, Chicago.

Is that correct?Yes, sir. That's right.

POWERS: And her next engagement was to be San Francisco?

KINGSTON: Yes, yes.

No further questions. Your witness.

No questions.

You may step down.

Thank you, sir.

Your Honor, I'd like to call Nathaniel Eastman to the stand.

HIS HONOR: Will Nathaniel Eastman step up here, please?

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but?I do.

Be seated.

You are the telegrapher for the Medicine Bow telegraph office?

Yes, sir, I am.Do you recognize these?

Uh, yes, sir.

I took these messages down over the wire.

Answers to my queries, are they not?

Yes, sir.

Would you read the first one aloud, please?

Uh, it says, "From Harold Lowry,

San Francisco Opera House, San Francisco.

No Elena Haldeman signed for singing engagement here."

And the one from St. Louis, represented

by the defendant to Mayor Kingston

as the place of her last engagement?

EASTMAN: Uh, yeah. It says, uh,

"Find no record of Elena Haldeman

singing here within past five years."

POWERS: The one from London.

Uh, London. Oh, it says,

"Elena Haldeman has not appeared with our company

in more than ten years."

There are more telegrams, Your Honor, but I don't wish to waste the court's time.

You may enter them on the record, Mr. Powell.

Thank you. Your witness.

No questions.

...whole truth and nothing but?I do.

Be seated.

You examined Miss Haldeman

shortly after the killing, did you not?Yes.

Could you describe her injuries?

She had a number of bruises low on the throat

and one on the right arm near the shoulder.

POWERS: How serious were these bruises?

DOCTOR: They weren't serious at all.

POWERS: Would you call them superficial?

You could.

Doctor, in your opinion, could these bruises

have been self-inflicted?

Objection!

Your Honor,

this witness is testifying as an expert,

and therefore I believe his opinion should be admissible.

HIS HONOR: Overruled.

You go ahead.

Doctor?

They could've been self-inflicted.

Thank you. Your witness.

No questions.

How long have you worked for the defendant,

Miss Osterling?

Three months.

And you knew Carl Elston?Yes.

Yet you lied about knowing him.Yes.

POWERS: Why?

KAREN: I wanted to protect her.

We can't hear you, Miss Osterling. What did you say?

I said I wanted to protect her.

You wanted to protect her.

You're Miss Haldeman's

private secretary, are you not?

Yes.

It's logical then to assume that you had

an intimate knowledge of her personal affairs.Yes.

Were you aware, Miss Osterling,

that the defendant was seeing a good deal

of a prominent local citizen,

Judge Henry Garth?

I was.

Did the defendant ever discuss Judge Garth with you?

Your Honor, I can't see where this line of questioning is going to take us.

If the court please and counsel will bear with me,

I'll make my point very shortly.

Proceed.

POWERS: Did the defendant confide in you, Miss Osterling?

Did she express the extent of her liking for Judge Garth?

She liked him very much.

POWERS: In fact, she was considering marrying the judge, wasn't she?

Your Honor.I think you'd better make your point now, Mr. Powers.

The defendant was considering marriage, wasn't she, Miss Osterling?

Well, she didn't say it in those exact words.

All right, Miss Osterling, in her exact words

or as nearly as you can remember, what did she say?

Well, um, she said that...

that the last few days she'd spent with the judge

were the happiest she had ever known, and...

and that, uh...

that she wished they didn't have to come to an end.

POWERS: She wished that they would never have to end.

Thank you.

Your Honor, I still fail to see what bearing

this testimony has on the case before the court.

A good deal of bearing, Your Honor,

for this witness has just provided us with a motive,

a motive for willful and premeditated murder!

Your witness.

No questions.

I'd like to recall Sheriff Abbott to the stand.

Sheriff?

Sheriff, your previous oath is still binding.

Sheriff Abbott, I have here in my hand a legal document,

and I ask you, have you ever seen it before?

Yes, I have.POWERS: Where?

ABBOTT: I found it in a suitcase belonging to Carl Elston.

POWERS: Your Honor, it is my intention

to offer this document in evidence

and to ask this court and this jury

to think of it in connection with the facts already known--

that the defendant came to Medicine Bow as a fraud;

that she met and fell in love with a wealthy man;

that in her own words, words repeated by her secretary,

she wished that association would never end.

And yet when Carl Elston appeared in Medicine Bow,

she knew it would have to end,

and so she killed him.

Your Honor, Exhibit "E" for the prosecution--

a certificate of marriage

made out to the defendant, Elena Haldeman,

and her husband,

Carl Elston.

Your Honor, the prosecution rests.

Your Honor,

in view of this latest development,

I believe a short recess...

HIS HONOR: Very well, Judge Garth.

[ gavel raps ]This court is recessed

until 10:00 tomorrow morning.

I'm sorry, Henry.

I hurt you, and I didn't mean to.

You made fools of us both. Lied to me about everything. Why?

I had to.

Why did you kill him?

I told you, I fired Carl in the last place I sang.

He came to the hotel, he tried to force his way in--

He was your husband!No, he--

I told you the truth. Why don't you leave me alone?

What are you holding back, Elena?Nothing.

What really happened in that room? Where was Karen when you shot him?

I don't know.She was in the room when I got there.

Where was she when you shot him?

She had nothing to do with this.

Mark?

Oh, good afternoon, Judge.

Miss Osterling in her room?She just went out.

Have any idea where I could find her?

Well, she asked me how to get to the cemetery.

Everybody rise.

This court is now in session,

the honorable Judge Benson presiding.

Be seated.

If you're ready, Judge Garth, let's proceed.

Your Honor, I would like to recall Miss Karen Osterling

to the stand.

HIS HONOR: Miss Osterling, would you take the stand, please?

I had to.

Miss Osterling, you're aware you're still under oath.

You understand what that means?Yes.

What is your full name?

Karen Osterling.

Is your father living?

No, he, uh...

he died in Europe when I was about five.

And you've been living with your mother ever since?

Well, mostly in private schools.

I visited her every now and then, though.

Is your mother still alive, Miss Osterling?

Yes.

Her name?

No.

JUDGE: What is her name?

Elena Haldeman.

[ people murmuring ]

[ gavel raps ]

Miss Osterling, you knew the deceased, Carl Elston.

You were in love with him.

No.

You were distraught when he was killed. You went to the cemetery.

You cried at his grave.

You loved him.

Miss Osterling, you're aware that while you were at school,

your mother remarried?

She... She never told me.

JUDGE: You did find out, though.Henry--

[ gavel raps ]

You found out the night of the shooting.

You went to your mother's room. You found them there together,

and in a rage of jealousy,

you shot the man you knew you couldn't have.

No! No!Your mother tried to protect you.

She tore her dress, took the gun from your hand.

When the sheriff and I came running into the room,Leave her alone!

she told the first foolish story that came into her head!

No! She didn't kill him!

You want the truth?

I'll tell it now.

[ murmuring ][ gavel rapping ]

You may step down,

Miss Osterling.

Clerk, will you please swear in Mrs. Haldeman?

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear to tell the whole truth and nothing but?

I do.

Tell the whole story, Elena.

From the beginning.

The beginning.

Well, it's hard to say where that was.

It could've been in any one of a number of small towns

when I finally realized I would never be a big star.

Or...

maybe one particular small town.

When we were stranded without a penny

and Carl had his idea.

He introduced me to a local man.

I invited him to my room.

A few minutes later, Carl broke in

claiming to be my husband.

Soon after that,

we had enough money to move on.

This scheme, this fraud we used

to help us out of one tight spot

became a way of life.

Our main source of income.

I was never married to Carl Elston.

That marriage license is a forgery.

It's very convincing,

especially if a man has been indiscreet

and has a wife and a family.

Anyway,

Karen was graduated from school,

and she came to join us on tour.

And then she began to fall in love with Carl.

That's when I told him he would have to leave,

that it was over.

And he left.

But he came back for Karen.

She would've gone with him.

She thought she loved him.

She didn't know what kind of man he was.

But I did.

I'd lived his kind of life.

I couldn't let him do that to her.

When I tried to stop him from going to her,

he turned on me

and he started to beat me.

I was afraid he'd kill me.

So I shot him!

[ people murmuring ]

[ gavel raps ]

Goodbye, Judge Garth.

Goodbye, Karen.

Thank you, Henry.

It almost happened-- our second chance.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Elena.

Well, the ranch

has been going to pot lately.

Well, let's get back to work.