All language subtitles for She Said No (1990) - Full Movie - Veronica Hamel - Lee Grant - Ray Baker - Judd Hirsch

(Multicom Jingle)

(atmospheric orchestral music)

(dishes clattering)

- Good morning.
- Hi.

- I had a good time last night.

How 'bout you?

- You want some coffee, Doug?
(coffee trickling)

- What's the matter?

- Nothing.

- What do you mean, nothing?

- It was a mistake.

- What?

- Last night.

- Why?

- Becau, it just was.

- You can't fault a guy for trying.

- I'm sorry.

(atmospheric orchestral music)

(Beth sighing)

I didn't know anybody at the party

and all of sudden, there he was.

That's the first time I've seen
him since we were divorced.

We started to talk.

- [Woman] You should have
left the second you saw him.

- [Beth] Yeah, I know, I know.

- [Woman] So how did he
end up spending the night?

- [Beth] You know how charming he can be.

Hmm, I guess I was feeling
a little lonely and--

- Hey, just don't be
hard on yourself, Beth.

What happened, happened.

You know what your real problem is?

You're too isolated.

You need to get out more.

Meet some new people.

Take up skydiving.

- (laughing) Skydiving?

Oh. (laughing)

- Okay, windsurfing.

- Oh, yeah, okay, watch.
- Just to have some

fun for a change.
(Beth laughing)

- I started my French classes.

I have my second lesson tonight.

- Well, that's, that's great.

That's a positive step.

(atmospheric orchestral music)

- [Man] Alright, thanks.

- See anything interesting?

- Good morning.

- I have a 10 o'clock meeting
on the Selby Layne account.

How we doing with the new animation?

- Oh, I promised it by Friday.

- Better lean on 'em.

The Selby people are getting very antsy.

- Sandy, I just heard about Lisa.

It sounds like a great opportunity.

Did you have any idea she
was planning to leave?

- Not this soon.

- I guess you know I'd
like to be considered.

- You will be.

I just told JW I want to
fill the job from within.

But that's another
discussion for another day.

- Right
- Okay.

(atmospheric synthesizer music)

- [Beth] Hi, mind if I join you?

- No, please do.

Interesting.

- I was thinking of going
to Paris this summer,

so I thought I better
learn a little French.

How 'bout you?

- I figured this would be a
good class to meet some men.

Speaking of the devil.

- Bonsoir, Maidemoiselle.

- Bonsoir.
- Bonsoir, Messieurs.

- [Martin] What looks good tonight?

- They've got a fish special but it's...

- I think I'll stick
with the fruit serving.

Can I get anybody anything?

- No.
- No, thanks.

- What do you think of him?

- He's cute.

- Hmm.

- [Instructor] Repeat after me.

(speaking in foreign language)

(speaking in foreign language)

What did she say?

- May I have a glass of juice?

- No, no, no, that's what I said.

But the word for juice is
(speaking in foreign language).

Elizabeth pronounced it as
(speaking in foreign language).

So what she really asked
for was a glass of skirt.

(students laughing)

Please, do not be embarrassed.

We're here to learn and to
learn, we must make mistakes.

(students chattering)

- [Martin] Elizabeth?

- See ya.
- Oh, hi.

- [Martin] Car trouble?

- No, I always take the bus.

That way I avoid the hassle

of parking.
- Well hope in,

I'll give ya a lift.

- No, it's okay, really.

- It will be my pleasure, Madamoiselle.

You still hungry?

I know a great little French
bistro, just opened up.

- Oh, really, I can't.

- I'm not gonna take no for an answer.

(speaking in foreign language)

(atmospheric piano music)
- I started out

as a photographer but the
travel finally got to me.

- [Martin] Well, that must
have been quite an adjustment.

Getting into management.

And working in an office everyday.

- It was but I kinda like it now.

Our creative director just resigned.

That's the job I really want.

- And you'll get it.

(glasses clinking)
- We'll see.

- So tell me about
yourself. Are you married?

Single?

Celibate?

(Beth laughing)

- Divorced.

- You have a very pretty smile.

- Thank you.

- I'm a dentist.

- Really?
- No, I'm an attorney.

(Beth laughing)
What do you call

500 lawyers at the bottom of the ocean?

A very good start.

(Beth laughing)
(Martin laughing)

- [Waiter] Would you like some more?

- Ah, no, I think we've had quite enough.

Um, too much, in fact.

- May I tell you about our
dessert specials this evening?

- Oh, we have to go.

- [Martin] No, we'll just
take a check, thank you.

Wear this.

- Thank you.
- Oh, gosh.

- What's the matter?
- I left a few

important papers at the office.

Would you mind if we just swung by?

- Oh, it's getting late, I--

- It's just a few blocks from here.

We'll be in and out in a minute.

(speaking in foreign language)

Please?

- Okay.
- All set?

- Thank you.
- Ma'am.

- You sure you're not lost?
- Down here. (Beth chuckling)

- [Beth] There's some
very special pieces here.

- Yeah, well, we don't do too badly.

- Do you select any of 'em?

- I do.

Madamoiselle.

- Thank you.

- Have a seat. (humming)

I have a big job.

Let me check.

(humming)

(speaking in foreign language)
(Beth chuckling)

- Do you have any lights in here?

- [Martin] I'll be with you in a minute.

(humming)

♪ Sonnez les matines ♪

♪ Sonnez les matines ♪
(zipper unzipping)

♪ Ding dang dong ♪
(pants rustling)

♪ Ding dang dong ♪

♪ Ding dang dong ♪

♪ Ding dang dong ♪

♪ Ding dang dong ♪

- What are you doing?

- [Martin] May I have
this dance, Mademoiselle?

(speaking in foreign language)

- No, c'mon, (speaking
in foreign language).

Why don't you put your pants back on.

- [Martin] My pants, no.

(speaking in foreign language)

- What are you talking about?

- [Martin] (speaking in
foreign language), your skirt.

Don't tell me you've
forgotten the lesson already.

No, no, no.
(door clacking)

It's, it's locked.
(ominous synthesizer music)

- [Beth] No, no, please, let me go.

- Now that's not what
- Yeah.

- you really want.
- No, this is wrong, no.

- No, no, no!
- Take off your clothes.

- No, no.
- I said

take off your clothes.
- No.

- Yes.
- No, please.

- Say yes.
- No.

- You know what you really
- No.

Want, yes, you do.
- No, I'm going to scream.

- Do it, the office is empty, anyway.

- No, No!

Oh, God, no! (sobbing)

- It makes me very angry.
(Beth sobbing)

I'm very angry.

And when I get angry, I get really nasty.

(Beth sobbing)
You know what I mean?

(Beth screaming)

- No, please, stop.
- Oui? Oui?

- Yes. (sobbing)

- [Martin] Say oui.

Say oui.

Oui, Messieur.
- No.

Come on, say it.
(Beth sobbing)

- No, oui. (screaming)

- [Martin] Shh, shh.

- Oh, God, no, please, stop.

Please, don't!

Please, don't!

(Beth sobbing)
- Don't, don't...

This is really what you wanna do.

(ominous synthesizer music)
Do you understand me, huh?

(speaking in foreign language)
(Beth sobbing)

- Yes, no. (sobbing)

Yes.
- Say oui.

Say oui, Messieur.
- Yes.

- That's better.
(Beth sobbing)

- [Beth] No, please don't.

- Calm down.
- Please, ah, don't.

(screaming)

- They always turn the air off at night.

Oh, you wanna talk about heat.

I was working in Phoenix.

Oh, it was incredible.

In the summer, you could really fry an egg

on the hood of a car.

No, really.

I saw people do it.

On the hood of a car.

Madamoiselle.

(coin clattering)

(phone beeping)

- [Dispatcher] 911.

Hello?

- Yes, I was just raped.

(sobbing) Just raped.

- [Dispatcher] Where are you?

- I, I'm in a phone booth.

- [Dispatcher] Well, stay
where you are and we'll--

- A block from my home.

I didn't want him to know...

- Okay...
- Where I really lived.

- [Dispatcher] That's fine,
we'll send a patrol car to you

and we'll get you to a
hospital right away, okay?

Can you give me your location?

- I don't...(sobbing)

- [Dispatcher] Miss, we're gonna have

to know where you are.
- I'm so...(sobbing)

No, just send them to my house.

I can't wait here.

- [Dispatcher] Okay, we'll send

a police officer to your home

but you're gonna have
to give me your address.

- 224 Calipso Drive.

- [Dispatcher] Okay, we'll
send someone right away.

- (sobbing) Oh, God.

- Hey, what's the matter?

Are you okay?
(Beth screaming)

(police siren wailing)
- Don't touch me.

Don't touch me, don't touch me. (sobbing)

Will this take long?

- Between my interview here and your exam,

it'll be a couple hours.

- I know this may seem
like another intrusion

or a lot of red tape.

- But someday this could
mean the difference

between a conviction and an acquittal.

- [Beth] I'm sorry, this is all--

- Hey, please, please, there's
no reason to apologize.

- Sergeant Igus' job is
to gather information.

He'll be asking you a lot of questions.

Some of them may be very
difficult to answer.

- [Frank] Right this way.

May I please have your full name?

- Elizabeth Ann Early.

- [Frank] Okay, and I
already have your address.

- What about my name?

They won't put it in the paper, will they?

- No, the press has a code on this.

They'll protect you.

- I still can't believe this happened.

I feel like I was just hit by a train.

- Well then, why don't we take
it from the very beginning.

- If I only hadn't accepted that ride.

- [Dr. Flores] You said he wore a condom.

- [Beth] Yes.

- [Dr. Flores] When was
your last menstrual period?

- I don't know, ah, two weeks ago.

- [Dr. Flores] Did you
have consenting intercourse

within the last 72 hours?

Did you have sex with anybody else

in the last couple of days?

- No.

(ominous synthesizer music)

(kettle whistling)

- [Tom] Hi, yeah, this is Tom the roofer.

You called me for an estimate.

I couldn't make it out today,

but I'll definitely make it tomorrow.

Thanks a lot.

(answering machine beeping)

- Beth, it's Sandy.

Nothing urgent, but give
me a call when you get in.

(answering machine beeping)

- Bonsoir, Madamoiselle.

I just wanted to thank
you for a lovely evening,

and I hope we can do it again some time.

(speaking in foreign language)

(ominous synthesizer music)

- I slept on the couch last
night with all the lights on.

The only person I've told is my sister.

I called her, she lives in Chicago.

She wanted to fly right out but I said no.

Her little girl's been very sick.

She's got her own problems.

- [Gail] Did you feel better

talking about it with your sister?

- (sighing) At first.

And then I felt dirty. (sobbing)

- [Gail] Because you
feel somehow responsible?

- How could I have been so gullible?

I should have known when he
didn't turn the lights on.

I should have known.

- Why?

Now wasn't he a perfect
gentleman up until that point?

He's the one that changed
the rules, not you.

- I know, but I should have known.

- This guy's a real sicko. (whistling)

- Sergeant Igus, I'm Martin Knapek.

- [Frank] Mr. Knapek, I have
a warrant for your arrest

for the forcible rape last
night of Elizabeth Early.

- What?
- Your car

is being impounded.

We also have a warrant
- No, wait a minute.

- to search these premises.
- Wait, wait, wait,

what is this, some kind of practical joke?

What, are you an actor?

One of those hidden video
things or something?

- [Frank] Would you
please place your hands

behind your back.
- Hey, now, look.

This joke has gone far enough.
(handcuffs clacking)

What's going on here?
- You have the right

to remain silent.

If you give up that right,
- Would you please, now look,

- anything you say, can and
- This is ridiculous, this is

- will be used against you
- absolutely crazy.

- in a court of law.

You have the right to
speak with an attorney.

- [Martin] I am an attorney.

You're the one that's
gonna need an attorney.

- Come on, now you can call
yourself from the station.

Doris has only been with the
D.A. for a couple of years,

but she's got a hell
of a conviction record.

Rumor has it, she wants to be a judge.

Doris Cantore, this is Elizabeth Early.

- Hello, hello.

- [Beth] Hi, everybody calls me Beth.

- Beth, I'm sorry the
office is such a mess.

Sit down, make yourself comfortable.

Frank, would you get the door?

Alright.

You like that?

- It's lovely.

- It's simple.

Now Beth, it is very important

that we be totally honest with each other.

I never want you to come back to me

and say why didn't you tell me that?

Nor do I want to have to do that with you.

- Fine.
- If I file this case,

it's going to be one
hell of an uphill fight.

- If?

I thought he was in jail?

- Well, he's been arrested

but he hasn't been formally charged.

He's already out on bail.

He's probably back at work.

We have defendant here who has

one hell of a lot going for him.

- Are you saying he's going to get off?

- No, I'm saying that the
system is tilted in his favor.

His defense is going to be
that you wanted to have sex

with him and he was only
too happy to oblige.

- But that's not true.

- Well, what is true?

You lied about having
sex with someone else.

You told the E.R. doctor you didn't

but semen was found
during the examination.

A lie like that can destroy your case.

It becomes a hurdle that
the jury can never get over.

- Am I on trial here?

- [Doris] Yes, yes, it will
be your word against his.

- You think I made this all up?

- Why did you lie?

- It was my ex-husband.

- Why did you lie?

- Because.
- Because why?

- Because I was ashamed of
what people might think.

Look, I went to have a drink

with what I thought was a nice man.

Who turned into a monster.

I didn't ask to be
humiliated and degraded.

I was raped.

You don't believe that?

- Yes, I do.

I do.

And I will do everything in my power

to see that man is convicted.

(customers chattering)
(upbeat synthesizer music)

(ominous synthesizer music)

- Lady, you forgot your package.

- I went out with her once.

She's crazy.

(people chattering)

- [Woman] Excuse me, can you
tell me where small claims is?

- [Man] Ah, yes, you see that gentleman?

- What are you doing here?

- I just wanted to hear
what they're going to say.

- We know what he's gonna say.

You shouldn't be here.

- But you said I--

- I said that it was an open hearing

and that you had a right to be here,

but that it was a bad idea.

Why subject yourself to this?

- I'm not trying to be difficult.

I can't explain it. I just
felt I should be here.

- [Judge Gondon] I've
got a lot of stuff no my

calendar today, c'mon, let's go.

- You know how I feel?
- Yes.

- It's your decision.
- All rise.

The Honorable Anna Gondon presiding.

Please be seated.

- Mr. Knapek, you have been charged

with one count of forcible rape.

What, sir, is your
response to this charge?

- Not guilty, Your Honor.

- [Judge Gondon] Well, now
I'll get a people's motion

for revocation of bail.

- In addition to the
violent nature of this crime

and the fact that most
rapists are repeat offenders,

the defendant has harassed Miss Early

on two separate occasions.

- Now, that is a total lie, Your Honor.

It's not true.
- Excuse me,

excuse me, Mr. Knapek.

Were you planning to defend
yourself at this trial?

- Ah, no, Your Honor.

But I have practiced criminal
law for a number of years,

and I do intend to
assist in my own defense.

- Assist is fine.

This court will not
entertain a chorus of voices

speaking on your behalf.

- Your Honor, as my client started to say,

the people's charges and
the claims of harassment

are a total fabrication.

Mr. Knapek is a highly respected member

of our legal community.

He is active in civic affairs
and charitable organizations,

and he continues to carry a full workload

while trying to clear his good name

of these outrageous accusations.

- Bail will remain at $25,000.00.

(gavel banging)

- Your Honor, the people
request a stay away order,

prohibiting the defendant from any direct

or indirect contact with
the victim, Elizabeth Early.

- Granted.

Defendant is herby instructed

that any violation of this order

could result in the
immediate revocation of bail.

- Your Honor, the defense also
requests a stay away order.

The truth is my client is the one

who continues to be harassed.

The alleged confrontation in the mall

was initiated by Miss Early,

and Mr. Knapek has received a
number of crank phone calls.

- You alright?

- I can't believe some
of the things they said.

They twisted everything.

- Wait until the trial.

Which you will attend
only when you testify.

You should not have been there today.

- Alright, you were right and I was wrong.

- I'd like to think that
I know what I'm doing

but if you can't trust me,

maybe you should find
yourself another prosecutor.

- I do trust you.

- Then please take my advice.

You don't have to hear and know

about all their dirty tricks.

That's my job.

I have to run.

- Doris, I'm sorry.

It won't happen again.

- Good.

- [Frank] How are you
doing with the counseling?

- [Beth] I stopped going.

- [Frank] Those folks can
make a real difference.

- You know what it's like
telling a complete stranger

your most private thoughts?

- I sure do.

My wife and I spent a long
time in therapy together.

She was raped, too.

- [Beth] I'm sorry.

- My, my, ex-wife, I should say.

I was in homicide at the time,

and she got jumped in a parking lot.

This animal had a ski mask on,

so there was no way to even identify him.

Our marriage was pretty shaky
anyway and we never recovered.

- So now you do this kind of work?

Day in and day out, it must be...

- What, pretty depressing?

- Yeah.

- Well, I'm a cop, that's what I do.

I mean, yeah, it can get
pretty scuzzy out there,

but I guess I'm still
just a Boy Scout at heart.

I like to help people.

Nice people like you.

That's what the job is really all about.

I'm gonna give you the
best advice that I know.

No matter how bad things are,

and no matter how bad they may become,

never ever forget to feed the ducks.

(ducks quacking)

(Beth laughing)

You promise?
(Beth laughing)

- (sighing) Promise.

- Yeah, it was two
weeks ago, Monday night.

Ah, we were sitting at that
table right over there.

That one.

- No offense, but I serve a lot of people.

All tend to blur together.

- Yeah, I understand.

Maybe this will help.

I left you a very nice tip.

It was about 30%.

And you actually went out of
your way to thank me for it.

- Okay, yeah, that was a nice tip.

- Do you remember the lady I was with?

She was very pretty, dark,
curly hair, light green eyes.

She had had a little too much to drink,

and you asked us we wanted
another bottle of wine

and I said, no, I think we've had enough.

She was kind of in a hurry
for us to leave together.

- Yeah, yeah, I remember
that now, that's right.

- Well, you're not gonna believe

what that bimbo turned
around and did to me.

- I should have put two and two together

when he didn't turn the lights on,

but by the time I realized
what was happening

it was too late, he was all over me.

It was like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

I tried to break away and he grabbed me

and he pulled me down

and he said he'd kill me if I didn't...

(Doug sighing)

I just needed somebody to talk to.

You're the only man I could...

- I'm glad you still feel that way.

- We're still friends.

- Of course we are.

- Why would a man do something like this?

- What were you wearing?

- Huh, believe me, I didn't ask for it.

- I didn't say

you asked for it.
- Then what are you saying?

- What I'm saying is that maybe he felt

you gave him some mixed messages.

You said you didn't need a ride,

then you went out to dinner with him.

You said you'd wait in the car,

and then you went up to his office.

- You're saying it was my fault?

- No.
- What are you saying?

- I'm, you said you
wanted a male perspective

and I'm just trying to--

- To justify what he did?

That's not why I came here.

- Dammit, Beth, will you stop this?

- No, I, I'm sorry.

Maybe I'm overreacting
- Just...

- but I just can't...
- Just sit down, please.

- Look, I gotta go.

I'm sorry that I bothered you.

- Beth, Beth, would you come, come...

(door clacking)

(phone ringing)

- Hello?
- Doug, it's Beth.

- Hi.
- Thank you for the roses.

I really appreciate it.

Ah, I am sorry about last night.

Ah, maybe I'm too sensitive.

- [Doug] Beth, I didn't send any roses.

(ominous orchestral music)

- I just thought, I'm sorry.

(dramatic synthesizer music)

(customers chattering)

(typewriter clattering)

I still love you.

(phone ringing)

- Hello?

Hello?

Hello?

(dog barking)

(ominous synthesizer music)

(phone ringing)

Oh, God, please, stop it. (sighing)

Stop it.

(phone ringing)

(ominous synthesizer music)

(crying) Why, why are
you doing this to me?

Why is he so important?

- He's what we call a fresh complaint.

Someone who saw you right after the rape.

Can testify about how upset you were.

- Something the matter,
you seem a bit off?

- Yeah, we got thrown a little bit

of a curve ball this morning.

That anonymous love letter.

- What about it?

- [Frank] Knapek's claiming
that you wrote it to yourself.

- That I wrote it?

- He says it's obvious that
it was typed on a portable,

so he wants your machine checked.

- How does he know I have a portable?

It's in my den.

Does that mean he's been in my house?

Oh, God.

- No, I doubt that's the case.

- Then how did he know?

- Is there a window in the
den somebody could see in?

- Yes, there's a window.

What if he climbed in

and he typed that note on my typewriter?

- Now, let's not run away with this.

He's way too smart to risk
a breaking and entering.

- Too smart, he's insane. You
know what he's trying to do?

He's trying to drive me over the edge

and you have to stop him.

- We will stop him.

Just relax.

- I want police
protection, 24 hours a day.

- I can't do that.

- Why not?

- It's just not realistic.

(Beth scoffing)

- That one's perfect.

Not too heavy and takes no prisoners.

You need protection, you don't want a toy.

Some crack head breaks into your bedroom,

you wanna make sure his
next stop is the morgue.

- [Beth] How much is it?

- By itself or with ammo and
a couple of shooting lessons?

- I guess everything.

(atmospheric synthesizer music)

I remember when my mother died,

I used to come here everyday
and it gave me strength.

And I need strength now.

I need you to help me get through this.

Nobody can even imagine
what I'm going through

and it's not their fault.

It's a nightmare.

And I wanna wake up.

And I wanna stop crying.

I feel like I'm all full of holes

and I just can't plug them up.

- Our motion is to
challenge the admissibility

of the adult magazines found in

the police search of my client's car.

- These are hardcore
pornographic magazines

that glorify sexual
violence towards women.

- Your Honor, the people may wish

to turn this trial into a debate

over the definition of pornography,

but the introduction of this evidence

will only serve to confuse the jury.

- Or enlighten them.

The defendant's attitude towards women

is at the heart of this case.

- I have to agree with the defense.

This is improper character evidence.

Prejudicial value clearly
outweighs the probative.

Shall we bring in the jury?

- Yes, Your Honor.
- Yes, Your Honor.

They say no probative

value over the judicial.
- Hmm?

- How many rape cases have
you investigated, Sergeant?

- [Frank] Over a hundred.

- Over a hundred.

And have many of them been
so called acquaintance rapes?

- Yes, ma'am.

- Did you find them to be as violent

and traumatic as so called stranger rapes?

- In some respects they're worse.

- [Doris] Why is that?

- When a woman says she's been raped

by someone that she knows,

people always wonder if she's lying.

They always second guess.

And the victim's whole sense
of judgment is shattered.

- [Doris] How would you describe

Elizabeth Early's demeanor
when you first saw her?

- [Frank] She was very upset.

She was quiet one minute,
almost hysterical the next.

She was struggling to
maintain her dignity.

- In your professional judgment,
was she telling the truth?

- Objection, Your Honor.

- Absolutely.

- Sustained.

The jury will disregard that answer.

- In her denial, Miss Early lied to you.

You did find evidence of
recent sexual activity

prior to the alleged incident,

did you not, Dr. Flores?

- Yes.

- No surprises as expected.

He won't risk taking the stand.

- What about the surfer at the phone?

- No luck yet but Frank
is still there looking.

Look, the most important thing

is for you just to tell the truth.

Try to relax.

And don't be afraid to show
some emotions, some feeling.

Remember, the jury is your audience.

Try to win them over.

Okay?

- Yes.

- You sure?
- Yeah.

- [Doris] Did you try to
talk him out of his advances?

Did you try in anyway to resist him?

- At first I thought he was kidding

but when I realized he wasn't,

I tried to get away
but he dragged me back.

I tried to scream but he covered my mouth.

I begged him to let me go,

but he said I wasn't in a
position to ask him for anything

and that he was giving the orders.

- Let me go back to the
hospital for one second.

What was your state of mind

during your examination by Dr. Flores?

- I was very upset.

Especially when they told me
I had to be tested for AIDS.

- You knew he was wearing a condom.

That there was very little chance

of your contracting the disease.

- I wasn't thinking straight.

I just heard the word AIDS and I panicked.

- You panicked.

You were extremely upset.

Overwhelmed, that was your state of mind

during the examination by Dr. Flores?

- Yes.
- And that was

your state of mind when
Dr. Flores asked you about

your sexual activity in
the previous 72 hours?

- Yes.

- Thank you.

- [Susan] Your single.

He's charming, successful.

- [Beth] I don't have sex
with men on the first date.

- So you do admit that this was a date?

- No, that's not what I meant.

- [Susan] How much wine did
you have to drink that night?

- A glass or two.

- Where you intoxicated?

- No.
- A little bit high?

- No.

- But your waiter remembers you

drinking several glasses of wine.

Do you mean to say that all of that wine

wouldn't make you even a little bit tipsy?

- Objection, argumentative.

The witness already answered the question.

- Sustained.

- In your earlier testimony,

you admitted that you lied

about having consenting sexual relations

within 72 hours of this alleged incident.

You said that you lied
out of a sense of shame.

That you were concerned about

what people would think of you.

Is that correct?

- Yes.

- And your consenting sex
partner was your ex-husband.

Someone from whom you
had been legally divorced

for over a year, is that correct?

- Yes.

- So you were ashamed you had
sex with him and you lied.

Are you often ashamed after having sex?

Is that why you lied to
police about Martin Knapek?

Accusing him out of some
twisted sense of guilt

of a rape which he did not commit?

- Objection.

I find it outrageous defense council

would raise moral doubts about

the sexual history of the witness.

- Your Honor, I'm not trying
to raise any moral doubts,

but if our witness has a
psychological problem with sex--

- Sustained.

The jury's instructed to disregard

the previous two questions.

Miss Finn, I'd be very careful

with this line of questioning.

- I have no further questions, Your Honor.

- [Beth] He just kept staring at me.

He made me so nervous, I
couldn't think straight.

- Hey, you did fine.

- I know Doris was disappointed.

She didn't think I was emotional enough.

She wanted me to break down and cry

but I couldn't, I couldn't give him

the satisfaction of seeing me like that.

- Believe me, you did just fine.

Just fine.

- I hired Martin right out of law school,

and he's been a major asset
to our firm ever since.

- [Susan] So you were
shocked when he was arrested?

- [Man] Beyond shocked.

It's inconceivable that
a man of his character

could have done something like this.

- [Susan] And what did she say?

- He's cute.

- [Susan] And what did
you take that to mean?

- That she found him attractive.

- There was nothing about this
man to be suspicious about.

He was personable, gracious,
obviously successful.

Not the menacing stereotype
of what a rapist should be.

But nice men do rape.

Especially men like Martin Knapek.

Men who seek power and control

over their victims through intimidation

and threats of bodily harm.

Men who see rape as test
of their own virality.

Who convince themselves that when a woman

screams no, she really means yes.

And that once overpowered,

she will submit gracefully and joyfully

to his sexual embrace.

That was not the case
with Elizabeth Ann Early.

She said no and she meant no.

And now she will have to spend

the rest of her life
trying to forget the rage

and the sexual brutality
that she was subjected to.

(knocking on door)

(Doris sighing)

- He was acquitted?

- A hung jury.

But they voted seven
to five to convict him.

- Seven to five?

- A group of women on
the jury, older women,

who couldn't believe
that a professional man,

a successful attorney
would have to rape a woman

to have sex.

They voted five times, nobody would budge.

The judge had no choice.

She had to declare a mistrial.

- What does that mean?

- We're back to square one.

Have to start all over again.

New judge, new jury.

- No.

I won't.

Not again.

- Beth, two out of three jurors
voted for his conviction.

- Almost half thought I was guilty.

I can't, I'm not going to
go through another trial.

I'm not strong enough.

I can't take another four months

of waiting and being picked
apart on a witness stand

and forced to beg like a
dog for simple justice.

And chances are, they
still won't convict him.

- The problem was on the jury.

The next time we'll get him.

- There's no next time.

I gotta put this behind me now.

I'm going to move away from here

and start over.

I, ah, I can't go through this again.

You have to understand that.

- [Doris] Beth?

(people chattering)

- [Martin] Oh, Miss Cantore?

- Um, I know my attorney
was planning to call you,

but, um, well, here we are.

- You wanna know if we plan
to refile charges against you?

- I am a little curious.

What, no professional courtesy?

- Not for you.

Have your attorney call me.

- [Kim] Let's go.

Miss Early, I'm Kim
Shimata from Channel 10.

- What is this?

What are you doing here?

- [Kim] We'd like your reaction

to Martin Knapek's new conference today.

- What news conference?

What are you talking about?

- We have it on tape.

In an unusual turn of events,

a man accused of rape has filed

a multimillion dollar slander suit

against his alleged victim.

Attorney Martin Knapek's trial

for the acquaintance rape

of advertising executive Elizabeth Early

ended yesterday in an hung jury.

Today, Knapek filed a ten million dollar

malicious prosecution and
libel suit against her.

- Well, if you really wanna
know, it's been a living hell.

Everybody always talks about
the victims in these cases,

but I'm the real victim.

My reputation, my professional
lifeblood has been destroyed.

Now this woman must be held accountable

for what she has done to me.

- You used my name and you're
not supposed to use my name.

- I'm sorry, but that courtesy

only applies in criminal cases.

This is now a civil matter.

It's a different set of rules.

- Rules, you people.

It's unbelievable.

- Again, I'm sorry, I
understand how you feel,

but that's why it's important

we get your point of view on this.

- You wanna know how I feel about this?

I feel like I've been raped again

and again and again.

(dramatic orchestral music)

No, I don't know what
you're trying to tell me.

- I can refer you to some good attorneys

but as much as I'd like to help,

I can't get directly involved.

- It's all connected.

None of this would have happened

if you and Frank hadn't
convinced me to press charges.

Now you're going to leave me high and dry?

- Whether we refile
criminal charges or not

is no longer my decision.

- Why not?

It was the other day.

- No, that was your decision.

You told me you couldn't go
through with another trial.

- That's before I became the defendant.

If he's not convicted on
criminal charges, I'm dead.

I'm not a wealthy woman.

I could lose everything I own.

- That's not gonna happen.

- How do you know?

Who could have imagined this would happen?

(phone ringing)

- Yes?

I'll be right up.

It's the D.A., he wants
to see me about your case.

- [Beth] Let me go with you.

- [Doris] No, no, no, no, I'll handle it.

- Seven to five under normal
circumstances is a tough call.

Throw in a bad witness.

- She is not a bad witness.

- Well, I hear she is.

And then yesterday you tell the press

you're not going to refile.

- I did not tell the press.

I told Knapek's attorney it
looked like we wouldn't refile.

- Same thing.

We refile now, we look
indecisive, reactive.

The press will say we're trying

to take sides in the slander suit.

- Can we forget about
the press for a second?

- No, we can't.

- The fact is Martin
Knapek raped this woman.

- Are you sure of that?
- I'm positive.

- Are you absolutely certain
you can get a conviction?

- You want a guarantee?

We're dealing with a very
savvy defendant here.

- That's exactly my point.

This thing will turn into a media circus

and everybody's going to lose.

No new trial.

Let 'em slug it out in civil court.

(employees chattering)

- [Doris] Sorry it took so long.

I had to stop and make a couple of calls.

- What happened?

- [Doris] He won't refile.

- Why?

- Because he's a
spineless political animal

up for reelection next year.

- Oh, God, God.

- This isn't the time to fall apart.

This is not the time for defeat.

We can still win.

- How?

- I found you a lawyer.

Ex-prosecutor.

Familiar with the case, totally committed.

The firm will handle it pro bono

so you won't have to worry
about the legal expenses.

- Is she a friend?

- I know her very well.

So do you.

- You?

- I'm joining my husband's law firm.

I can't wait to hand in my resignation.

- Are you sure you wanna do this?

- Believe me, I'm doing
this as much for myself

as I am for you.

Oh, and Frank Igus is also gonna help us.

- Don't tell me Frank's quit his job, too.

- No, he's got a lot
of stored up vacation.

- [Beth] Doesn't it take
years for these civil suits

to come to trial?

- Let's take him up on his offer

and use a judge pro tem.

We find a formal judge
that we both respect,

and we insist on a jury trial.

That way we'll be back in
court in a couple of months.

But first, we'll file a
cross complaint against him.

We can play hardball, too.

- Yeah, love it, just love it.

Has she ever handled a civil trial before?

- [Susan] I think it's
been a long, long time.

- That's great.

We'll talk when I get back to the office.

- [Susan] I'll be here.

- [Martin] Thanks.

- Oh, my God.

(dramatic synthesizer music)

(tires screeching)

Oh, God.

(tires screeching)

Okay, if that's the way you want it.

(car door banging)

(Beth sighing)

- [Man] Thanks for
meeting with us, you need

to fill out a couple of questions.

First of all, your name...

- Thanks.

Look, what's this all about, man?

I didn't do anything to that woman.

- [Frank] Yeah, I know,
but someone else did.

(atmospheric orchestral music)

- I hired Martin right out of law school.

- I once worked in Phoenix.
Oh, it was incredible.

In the summer, you could fry
an egg on the hood of a car.

I once worked in Phoenix.

(phone ringing)

- [Frank] Hello?

- Frank?
- You again?

- All of his eyewitnesses, they talk like

he's lived here forever,

but I remember he once
said he lived in Phoenix.

- [Frank] You never know.

That's the kind of thing
worth checking out.

Now, try to get some sleep.

Don't push yourself too hard on this.

- Thanks, goodnight.

- [Frank] Goodnight.

(ominous synthesizer music)

(typewriter clattering)

(dramatic synthesizer music)

- Stop it.

Stop it.

- Beth.

Hey, what are you doing?

Come on, put that down.

I was hoping we could forget about

all this and be friends again.

Beth, I really do love you.

(gun firing)

(body thudding on floor)

(Beth crying)

(dramatic synthesizer music)

(gun firing)
- No!

(atmospheric synthesizer music)

(bullets clattering)

(bullets clacking in waist basket)

(Beth sobbing)

What's so scary about the dream

was how logical it seemed
just to kill myself.

Like that was the only way out.

You know, I have, I've
denied a lot of things

and I've, I've been kidding myself.

He's, he's more than a rapist,

he's like a, a terrorist and
he's gotten inside of me.

Every time the phone rings,

every time I answer the
door, I think it's him.

I've given him all of this
control and it's gotta stop.

And I realize that now.

I've gotta take that back.

Regardless of what happens with the trial.

I can't go on just being a victim.

- No, no, don't, don't, don't.

- I really appreciate you
coming over here like this.

I put up so many walls.

I've cut myself off from my old friends.

And I just needed somebody to talk to.

- I'm glad it was me.

- Taking all of those days
off to go to the doctor.

Why didn't you tell me truth?

- [Beth] I thought it
was a private matter.

- Now everybody knows
and it's very awkward.

- That's putting it mildly.

- Well, I'm sure you can imagine

the problems it's causing here.

I mean, the news coverage
always mentions JW Rule.

- And of course, JW is very upset.

- It makes clients uneasy.

You should have told me about this.

We all know your performance
has suffered recently.

- I don't think that's true.

- Well I do and that's
part of the problem.

Whether we like it or not,

this whole thing is not about to go away.

- So maybe I should?

- Well maybe you should
take a leave of absence.

Just until this whole thing is settled.

- Or better yet, maybe you could offer me

one of your attractive severance packages.

- If that's what you want,
I'm sure it can be arranged.

- What I want is some
common human decency.

I've been here eight years.

Just because good ole JW is
embarrassed that I was raped,

I am not going to make
things easy for you or him.

You wanna fire me, go ahead.

I'll go to the press and you can explain

to the evening news all about the loyalty

and family spirit at JW Rule.

(dramatic synthesizer music)

- [Pat On Radio] Oh, Phoenix, I love ya.

This is Pat Patterson coming
to ya, 97.1 The Eagle.

We got a weather report for you.

It's gonna be another hot one here

in Phoenix at 90 degrees plus mark.

But don't let that bother you though...

- [Frank] Alright, thanks a lot.

- [Pat On Radio] Here's
another hot tune...

Coming at you, right here...

- [Frank] We think he lived
here about 10 years ago.

He spent the summer
defending a mail fraud case.

He got a traffic ticket.

That's how we got the address.

- [Woman] Yeah, the bigshot lawyer.

- [Frank] Oh, you remember him?

- He complained about everything.

He couldn't stand being around us yocals.

- Do you remember if
he had any social life?

If he went to the clubs?

- No, he spent all his free time

at the pool eyeing the girls.

- Did he just eye them or did
he go out with any of 'em?

- Well, he started dating this
nice girl in apartment six.

But that was over before it started.

I mean, the reason I remember

is that she just upped and moved away.

There was talk.

- What kind of talk?

- Oh, you know, like he'd
done something to her.

I never heard any specifics

but there definitely was some talk.

- This girl, you wouldn't happen

to remember her name, would ya?

- No, but if you're not in a hurry,

I bet I can find it.

I got records inside going
back to the day we opened.

- [Frank] Sure.

- So, where you from?
- L.A.

- [Woman] What county?

- [Beth] How will you find her?

- I'll put a tracer on her
social security number.

Kilroy is not that common a name,

so unless she moved to Cuba or something,

we'll track her down.

- You know, I've been
meaning to thank you.

For everything.

- Well, it's my pleasure.

- You're a good guy.

It's been very important to me.

If it hadn't been for you,

I might think all men were like him.

- We're not.

- [Beth] I know.

- Do you like baseball?

- Not really.

- [Frank] Football?

- Mm.

- What do you like?

- Museums, hiking, why?

- I was just curious, goodnight.

- Goodnight.

- My first announcement is that

former appellant court
judge, Arthur Stone,

has agreed to serve as
judge pro tem in this case.

I think I can speak for the defense

in saying that both
parties are very thrilled

that a jurist of Judge Stone's
reputation was available.

Secondly, I've informed the court

of my intention of acting as
my own attorney in this case.

Now this is no reflection on Miss Finn,

she did a terrific job
in the criminal trial

and she will continue as my co-counsel.

- [Reporter] Isn't that a little risky?

- What about the old saying,

a man who serves as his own
lawyer has a fool for a client?

- Well I like to think of myself

as neither a gambler nor a fool.

But I am a damn good litigator.

And I'm certainly motivated to
win a judgment for my client.

(reporters laughing)

(customers chattering)

- Hi, I'm sorry I'm late.
- Hello.

It's okay.

- But I just had to pick
up something for you.

I think you'll like it.

- What have you got here?
- Well, go on and look.

(Beth laughing)

- [Beth] Oh, thank you.

- [Doris] Remember in a civil case,

the verdict doesn't have to be unanimous.

All you need is a nine to
three in our favor to win.

- Today for the first time I realized

he's the prosecutor, I'm the defendant.

He'll be able to cross-examine me.

- [Doris] We'll also be
able to cross examine him.

- On top of everything else,
I have to find a new job.

I can't stay there any longer.

- [Doris] Oh.

- I know this sounds crazy,

but I was thinking of maybe
going to law school at night.

- Hmm, you're kidding?

- Ah, you think it's crazy?

- [Doris] You know how long
I've been a full time attorney?

- 20, 25 years?

- Try six.

- [Beth] Really?

- I met my husband in law school.

He went right into private practice.

He loved it.

I thought corporate law was so boring.

And then I got pregnant, so I decided

to stay home and raise a family.

It was a really good life.

(atmospheric piano music)

And then one night, my husband died.

Heart attack.

Gone.

Yeah, I couldn't believe it.

I expected any minute the door would open,

he'd say, hey, it was just a joke.

Anyway, the kids were
grown and there I was

all alone in that big, empty house,

so I decided to go back to work.

I heard there was a position
open in the D.A.'s office,

and I told them my goal was to become

the oldest living prosecutor.

- You're something else.

- Biggest risk of all is standing still.

Take your case.

If we win, I'm in a position
to challenge the D.A.

in the next election.

- Are you serious?

- Why not?

But if we lose, my next
step could be the mall.

I could be sitting in a little
booth handling divorces,

auto accidents.

(Beth laughing)

- Oh, we're not going to lose.

- You're damn right.

So whatever you wanna be,
whether it's a lawyer,

or a gourmet chef.

- Mm, well, not the way I cook.

- (chuckling) Don't you let
anything stand in your way.

Okay?

- Okay.

(phone ringing)

- [Frank] Beth, this is
Frank, are you there?

I got some information.

- Hi, it's Beth.

- [Frank] Listen, I got some news.

Knapek did rape this Kilroy woman.

The same M.O. he used on you,

but Beth, she will not testify.

She knows there's been a lot of publicity.

- Is that her only reason?

- [Frank] Yeah, she's afraid her picture

will appear in the paper,
you know how that is.

- We gotta get her to testify.

- [Frank] I tried, Beth.

Believe me, I really tried.

- I know you did, Frank.

I know you did.

- This is the other suite
I was telling you about.

It's perfect for a breakfast meeting.

Is this more along the lines
of what you were looking for?

- That's not why I'm here.

I'm Elizabeth Early.

The woman Martin Knapek
is suing for slander.

- How dare you come in here like this?

I told that police
officer, you have no right

to come to my place
- And he had no right

- of business.
- to rape you and me,

and God knows how many
other women in-between.

I'm sorry I tricked you,
but I had to talk to you.

You have to understand how
important this is, please.

- He was older than I was
but charming and very funny.

He asked me out a couple of
times before I finally said yes.

We went to see a movie.

I remember it was Jaws.

And on the way home, he said

that there was something
he wanted to show me

and the next thing I knew,

we were on a dirt road
and he just attacked me.

He made me take off all of my clothes and

it was all so sick.

- Why didn't you press charges?

- I was a graduate student.

He was a lawyer.

Nobody would have believed me.

I just moved back on campus.

- Did he try to contact you after that?

- Hmm, I think so.

I would get these late night phone calls

but he'd just hang up.

- What's really scary is how many others

like you and me are out there.

That's why it's so important to testify.

It's not just for me.

It's for all of us.

- I, I just couldn't
bear to see him again.

It would reopen too many old wounds.

(atmospheric orchestral music)

You know, I've never been able

to have a successful
relationship since then?

I always wanted children and a family.

- Then stop running away.

Finally confront him.

I know how you feel.

I, ah, I wanted to run away.

Go someplace where nobody knew me.

But he wouldn't let me.

And it's probably for the best.

Because you know what?

You know what would have happened?

- (crying) Yes, I do.

You would have ended up like me.

(reporters shouting)

- [Reporter] One question,
please, one question.

- [Woman] I worked part
time as a fashion model

and also at an auto leasing company.

- [Martin] And that's where we first met?

- [Woman] Yes.

- [Martin] Tell me, how
many times would you say

we've gone out together?

- [Woman] Three, maybe four times.

- And had we ever been sexually intimate?

- Yes, once.

- And on that occasion,

did you ever feel in jeopardy

or think that there was
something weird or abnormal

about my sexual appetite
or my performance?

- No.

- [Martin] No further questions.

- You were a very good lover, Marty.

- Thank you.

- Councilor.

- You voluntarily had sex with
Mr. Knapek, is that correct?

- Yes.

- So you never resisted him.

Not even in the slightest way.

- [Woman] No.

- So you have no idea
how he would have reacted

if you had resisted him.

You really don't know, do you?

- I guess not.

- [Doris] I have no further questions.

- You may step down.

- [Doris] So between them
they drank one bottle of wine?

- [Waiter] That's right.

- [Doris] Did you warn
them that when they ordered

that one bottle of wine,
that by drinking it,

they might become perhaps intoxicated

and too impaired to drive?

- No.

- [Doris] Why not?

- Well there's only like two
glasses each in a bottle.

- [Doris] And that couldn't
do that much harm to anyone.

- No.

- [Doris] I see.

- [Susan] Two glass each, what do we do?

- [Bailiff] Do you solemnly
swear that the testimony

you are about to give shall be the truth,

the whole truth and nothing
but the truth, so help you God?

- [Martin] I do.

- [Susan] And then you offered her a ride.

- That's right.

Ah, she got in the car
and I said, whereto?

And she said, she was very hungry

and she would like to go someplace to eat.

And I said, sounds good to me.

- So in other words, it
was Miss Early not you,

who suggested that you go out to dinner?

- That's correct.

- And then?
- Doris, that's not...

- Well, she started
drinking a little heavily,

and I started to realize
she wasn't exactly

the goody two-shoes she came off as.

- [Susan] And what made you realize that?

- Well, many things.

Her body language.

She liked to talk dirty.

- [Susan] So in other words
this friendly get together

was turning into a hot date?

- Yes, very hot.

Come right up.

- Thank you.

- Now it'll just take me one minute.

(atmospheric synthesizer music)

Now who did that?

I can't see anything.

- [Beth] Don't tell me
you're afraid of the dark.

(Martin chuckling nervously)

'Cause I got something here
I think you're gonna like.

- Um, I don't...

- [Beth] You won't need these.

- Now, I gotta...
(Beth laughing)

- [Beth] Mm, yeah.

- Well, with that, one
thing led to another

and we finally made love.

- And then?

- She wanted to start all over again.

It had been a long day for me,

- Can't you stop this?
- and frankly I was

worn out.
- Do something?

See, I'm not used to a woman
being so aggressive about sex.

So when I said that I
would take a rain check,

she got this attitude.

She started taunting me and
making fun of my manhood.

So I said to myself, this broad is crazy.

Anyway, by the time I dropped her off,

she was, well, she seemed okay again,

and I thought that scene back at my office

was just a put on.

That she had some weird sense of humor.

Then I got arrested.

Now I realize, she really is crazy.

You know, like that woman in the movie,

ah, Fatal Attraction.

It is still beyond my comprehension

why she would make all of this up.

It's just, it's just too bizarre.

- Do you remember this profile of you

published in the County Law
Journal about two years ago?

- [Susan] Objection,
Your Honor, irrelevant.

- No, it's alright, I'll answer that.

Ah, yes, I do.

- Were you pleased with article?

- [Martin] Well, it was
extremely favorable.

- And accurate?

- As much as can be expected.

- Martin always needs to beat somebody,

one of his colleague's said.

He's driven, almost possessed
to win no matter what.

You remember that quote?

- Ah, that was an unnamed colleague.

And you're taking it
totally out of context.

I mean, totally out of context.

99% of that article is so positive,

it's almost embarrassing.

- Let's go back to the night of the sixth.

What was your reason again

that you had to stop by the office?

- [Martin] I had to pick
up some important papers.

- At 11:30 at night?

- [Martin] I had a court
date in the morning

and I wanted to review a few things.

- Can we assume that you went straight

from your house to the court?

- [Martin] You may
assume anything you like.

- Fine, then we'll assume
that you're a liar.

- Your Honor?
- Sustained,

counsel for the defendant

is warned not to get
involved in the name calling.

The jury's to disregard this outburst.

- Your Honor, the reason for my outburst

is because Mr. Knapek had no
scheduled court appearance

either in the morning or
the afternoon of March 7th.

His sole reason for stopping at the office

was to forcibly rape Elizabeth Early.

- That's total nonsense.

- This is your appointment book.

Your day by day schedule
kept by your secretary.

Show me, show this court

any scheduled court
appearance for March 7th.

- Now this proves nothing.

I often make appointments
without my secretary knowing.

I'm in and out of that
courthouse all the time.

This doesn't prove a thing.

- You wore a condom during intercourse?

- Yes.

- [Doris] Was that your
suggestion or hers?

- It was mine.

- [Doris] Why?

- I believe in safe sex.

- Especially with strangers.

- Especially with a stranger like this.

- Where do you keep your condoms?

In your wallet, in your jacket pocket?

- In my desk.

- In your desk.

Is that because you often
use your office to have sex?

- Ah, no, I work long hours.

My office is the center of my life.

I keep many things there.

Shaving cream, tennis racket.

- How was sex with Miss Early?

- Good.

- But you found her a little aggressive,

isn't that what you said?

- [Martin] Yes.
- I would think a man like you

would like a woman to
be a little aggressive.

- But not in bed.

- Why?

- The same reason I don't
like ketchup on my hamburger.

It's a matter of personal choice.

- [Doris] In your earlier testimony,

you referred to Miss Early as this broad.

Do you often refer to women as broads?

- Um, that was an expression.

- An expression or an attitude?

- An expression.

- What do you think of woman, Mr. Knapek?

- I like women.

I enjoy them very much.

- You enjoy them?

Is that another expression?

Prior to March 6th, had
you ever been accused

of raping or sexually assaulting a woman?

- Never.

- Would you repeat your answer?

- Yes, no, never.

- That will be all, thank you.

- [Martin] Can you tell us where you were

earlier that evening?

- [Man] At a party.

And at this party, did
you smoke any marijuana?

Any other kind of drugs?

- Objection, irrelevant.

- Ah, this goes to the impeachment

of the witness, Your Honor.

The defense is asking the jury

to accept his judgment
and his perceptions.

Now I feel it's more than relevant

to ascertain the mental
well being of the witness

at the time of the alleged encounter.

- Overruled.

It's a legitimate question.

- What was the question again?

(jury members laughing)

- Did you take any drugs
including alcohol that night?

- (chuckling) Look, man, I was at a party.

Probably had a couple of
hits off something, okay?

- [Martin] No further questions.

- [Judge Stone] Then
I suggest at this time

we recess for lunch.

(atmospheric synthesizer music)

- I wonder if you wanted to afterwards...

- [Martin] Where was this
witness in discovery?

- Your Honor, there was
no intent to deceive him.

My investigator just found this witness.

A woman who had once
been sexually assaulted

by the plaintiff.
- That is hearsay

and you know it.

- Mr. Knapek, restrain yourself.

- Your Honor, is not only too late

to introduce a witness
like this at this time,

we're talking about an incident,

an alleged incident 10 years ago.

- I agree.
- But Your Honor,

he opened the door

when he had his woman friend testify.

This is a credible witness.

And her testimony centers on his conduct

which is the heart of our case.

Conduct is always admissible.

- This is 352 of the
evidence code, councilor.

It's too remote in time.

This woman's testimony would
unduly inflame the jury.

I'm afraid I have to
exclude her testimony.

Motion granted.

- Thank you, Your Honor.

(Doris sighing)

- Sorry you had to come
all the way for this.

- How can a judge do this?

- 'Cause he's a jerk.

- It's his decision and that's that.

- I wanna talk to him.

- You can't.
- I'm going in there.

- [Frank] Hey, hey.

- [Beth] Don't touch me.

You leave me alone.

- I'm sorry, Beth.

I wasn't thinking.

But you can't do this.

You'll jeopardize the whole trial.

- We have our witness.

We put her on the stand, we win.

We win.

- Right, and we'll just
have to win another way

because you can't talk to the judge.

- [Doris] What was your immediate reaction

when you heard that he was suing you?

That he was actually filing
a civil suit against you?

- That he was incredibly sick

and that this was just
another form of rape.

I still have no idea
why he, he picked me up.

After it happens, you
think of all the things

you might have done differently,

but at the time you're,
you can't think straight.

You're so scared and shocked.

You just give up.

- What did you think would
happen if you didn't give in,

if you fought back?

- I think he would have killed me.

- I have no further questions.

- [Judge Stone] Mr. Knapek,
you may cross-examine.

- If I may, I would like to refer back

to the clothing you were wearing
on the night of March 6th.

Now as established, none
of this clothing was torn

or ripped in even the slightest way.

Is that correct?

- That's because you
ordered me to take them off.

- [Martin] But you did
take them off by yourself.

- I didn't volunteer.

You made me do it.

- But I did not tear them
from you or rip them from you.

Isn't that correct?

- Yes, but you ordered me--

- Just answer the question, yes or no?

- [Beth] It's not a
simple yes or no answer.

- Your Honor, the witness
is being non-responsive.

- I'm not going to let you
paint me into a corner.

- I would request the
court admonish the witness

to answer the questions as asked.

Whether she likes them or not.

- Sustained, strike the last answer.

Just answer the question, please.

- Would you mind repeating the question?

- Now Miss Early, we know you're divorced.

Have you ever lived with
a man outside of marriage?

- Yes.

- [Martin] How many men?

- One when I was in college.

- Well, you certainly must have had

more than two lovers in your life.

Isn't that true?
- Your Honor,

may I approach the bench?

- [Judge Stone] Come.

- I can't believe that
he's trying to imply

that my client is sexually promiscuous.

[Martin] May I remind you this is a civil,

not a criminal trial.

The rules of evidence allow me to--

- We're back in the 352 area on this one.

I agree with Miss Cantore.

You've gone far enough with
this line of questioning.

No more, now let's get on with it.

- Miss Early, were you ashamed

after we had sex that night?

- Yes.

- [Martin] And you were angry?

- Of course I was angry.

- No further questions.

- I was angry and ashamed

because what you did to
me was so disgusting.

- I said, no further questions.

- If my face was disfigured
or I was missing a limb,

- Your Honor?
- this would be so much easier

- Your Honor?
- for you to understand.

- Your Honor?
- Miss Early,

please step down.

- With all due respect, Your Honor,

I think the court's been overly protective

of Mr. Knapek's rights.

I was not only raped by this man,

- Motion to strike,
- My

- Your Honor.
- entire life was violated.

- Motion to strike.
- Granted.

The jury will disregard.

Miss Early, I am asking
you for the last time,

please, step down.

(atmospheric orchestral music)

- Do you know what it's been like

to be undressed in public?

- [Martin] Your Honor?

- To be called a liar.
- Your Honor, please.

- A whore?

Worse?
- Miss Early?

- I said no.

- Your Honor.
- To this man

and he wouldn't listen.
- The defendant

should be silenced.
- But can I speak

- Silence her for contempt,
- out

- For contempt, Your Honor.
- in our legal system?

- Your Honor?
- That system put me,

the victim, on trial.
- Miss Early,

I'm asking you to sit down.

- The defendant should be
sighted for contempt, Your Honor.

Contempt.
- Don't be fooled

by this clever man.

Please, do not tell me that any woman,

- Your Honor?
- Miss Early.

- I had no right to say no.

- [Judge Stone] Council,
will you take control

of your client right now?

Or I'll have to hold her in the contempt.

(dramatic orchestral music)

- [Doris] Can we request a
short recess, Your Honor?

- [Judge Stone] I'll
grant a 10 minute recess.

(gavel banging)

(Beth sobbing)

- Would you believe the
word of a respected attorney

or accept the reckless,
unproven allegations

of a sexually active,
emotionally unstable woman?

A woman who admits being upset

at a disastrous one night
stand with her ex-husband.

A woman who found me attractive.

Had too much to drink.

Wanted to have sex.

And then, out of some neurotic
sense of shame and guilt,

decided to destroy my good name

and my reputation by crying rape.

Ladies and gentlemen, when
you return to the jury room,

you are sworn to render a decision

based solely on the facts.

Not on emotion or the
histrionics of the defendant.

Was my good name libeled?

The answer is a resounding yes.

By a malicious prosecution.

A witch hunt the district attorney himself

couldn't wait to wash his hands of.

And just as in the aborted criminal trial,

the most important fact remains,

there was never any evidence
to justify my prosecution.

My persecution by a politically motivated,

totally irresponsible
deputy district attorney.

Ladies and gentlemen, I did
not rape Elizabeth Early.

I didn't ask for this fight.

I'm not the Frankenstein monster

they tried to create for
you in this courtroom.

I'm a human being.

You can't imagine my, my pain

at seeing my name splashed
across the newspapers.

When I'm shunned by old friends
and ridiculed by strangers.

My background, my success

was nurtured in the American Dream.

My father was a poor
refugee from Eastern Europe.

Who slaved away in a modest tailor shop

to make sure that his only son

got a good education and made
a better life for himself.

And I did that.

But I had to work very hard for that.

My entire professional career

was built stone by stone on a reputation

of integrity, honesty,
fairness, and accomplishment.

And now that reputation is in tatters.

Soiled, perhaps forever,

by the false charges
of an unbalanced woman.

A renowned British jurist once said,

reputation and honor are no
less precious to good men

than bodily safety and freedom.

And in some cases, maybe
even dearer than life itself.

Ladies and gentlemen, in my case

they are my life.

I thank you.

- The reason we failed to get

a unanimous verdict in the
criminal trial is simple.

The jury never got to know this man.

He wasn't obligated to take the stand,

so all they saw was the facade.

The successful, professional man.

But you, ladies and gentlemen,

you have the met the real Martin Knapek.

A man who likes to
dominate in the courtroom

and the boardroom and in the bedroom.

He told us, he enjoys a woman.

Like he enjoys a good piece of steak.

He doesn't like broads
who are too aggressive.

He likes to give the orders

and see that they're
obediently carried out.

Take of your clothes,
bitch, and do what I say.

Can you imagine him saying that?

I can.

Can you imagine him
turning cruel and violent

if he didn't get his way?

I can.

And can you imagine him thinking,

what an easy prey he found.

In a lovely, trusting
woman like Elizabeth Early.

(sighing) Martin Knapek did not

have to stop by his office that night

to get important papers.

We know that.

He had to go there to get a quick fix

for his psychotic sexual needs.

And his office, the center of his life,

was the perfect place to do it.

By conservative estimates,

one out of every 10 women will be raped

during her lifetime.

That could mean your wife.

That could mean your daughter.

That could be your mother.

And what if it were you?

What if it were you?

Would you like the system to treat you

the way it's treated my client?

The night Martin Knapek
raped Elizabeth Early,

she cried for help and nobody heard her.

But you, ladies and
gentlemen, you have heard her.

You must help her.

And you must stop Martin Knapek

from using our legal
system to rape her again.

(atmospheric orchestral music)

Thank you.

- The jury is now entering

it's sixth day of deliberations

in the celebrated
Knapek/Early libel trial.

According to courthouse sources,

the jury has again requested

key testimony be reread,

fueling speculation that this civil trial

may also end in a hung jury.

Live from the county courthouse,

Kim Shimata, News Report 10.

(car horn beeping)

- We got a verdict.

- Do you have any idea?

- No, let's go, they want
us there in 15 minutes.

- I gotta change, I gotta shower.

- Well, there's no time.

Just freshen up.

Go on.

- [Judge Stone] In the matter
of Knapek versus Early,

let the record show that
all parties are present

and 12 members of the jury
are seated in the jury box.

I understand that you've
reached a verdict.

Please hand all the verdict
forms to the bailiff.

Read the verdict.

(atmospheric orchestral music)

- We the jury of the above titled action

find on the issue of defamation

in favor of the defendant,
Elizabeth Ann Early.

(attendees gasping)
And the cross complaint

against Martin Knapek
for assault and battery,

intentional infliction
of emotional distress,

we also find in favor
of Elizabeth Ann Early.

(attendees cheering)

(dramatic orchestral music)

- We did it, we did it.

- How do I feel? Exhausted.

Angry, relieved, frustrated.

- [Kim] Why frustrated?

Don't you think the jury will come back

with a big cash reward?

- This wasn't about money.

He still walks out of here a free man.

- In light of the unanimous verdict,

do you think that the D.A.
will refile criminal charges?

- Yes.
- [Kim] Why are you so sure?

- Because it would be
politically expedient

for him to do so.

- [Kim] But what if he refuses?

- Well, that's something you'll have

to take up with the voters.

- [Frank] You know what
I'd do if I were you?

- [Beth] Wash my hair.

- Yeah, yeah, I'd definitely do that.

And after that, I'd take
a nice long vacation.

- I can't, I'm planning
on starting a new job,

and I just signed up for
all those law courses.

- Well, you could take a week.

Go somewhere exciting.

- Mm, like where?

- Oh, I don't know.

How about Paris?

- Someday.

- I'll go with ya.

- Someday.

- What, someday you'll go to Paris

or someday you'll go with me to Paris?

- Someday we'll see.

(atmospheric synthesizer music)

Let's feed the ducks.

(atmospheric synthesizer music)

(Multicom jingle)