All language subtitles for L.A.Law.S06E21.Double-Breasted.Suit.1080p.HULU.WEB-DL.DDP5.1.H.264-BurCyg_track3_[eng]

[footsteps]

Sorry, pal, I didn't see you.

We're even.

[indistinct chatter]

Why, thank you, Ms. Lamb.

Okay, so how
did you know it's me?

The blind have
mysterious powers.

Also, I recognized
your perfume.

Actually, I know
a great deal about you.

Like what?

- Would you like to know?
- Hm.

I know World Wide Studios had
a helluva short list

before deciding on you
to represent them.

I know our male jurors
find you very appealing,

but you don't seem
to have alienated the women.

I know you are wearing
a pink jacket

with a vest and no blouse.

And Judge Lobel doesn't approve
of the length of your skirt.

Hm? [laughs]

And I know you're a blusher.

How do you know that?

I can feel your heat.

[laughing] And I know
a good line when I hear one.

Is this how you throw
opposing Counsel off her game?

No.

My curiosity about
you is special.

Isn't this a little improper?

Not unless our resolve
to win our respective cases

is somehow compromised.

Oh, well, there's
no chance of that.

Agreed.

So, did your assistant mention
the warts on my nose?

[laughs] No.

There are limitations
to my method of research.

Then why don't
you see for yourself.

[indistinct chatter]

[laughs] Now what?

- Nothing.
- Really?

Until this case is over.

Alright. We'll put it on hold.

Until I win.

- Until you win?
- Uh-huh.

Are you sure
you want to wait that long?

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

Moving on.
Brennen vs. World Wide Studios.

Yeah. Our settlement offer
was rejected.

- The trial's continuing.
- McCoy's playing hard to get?

- It's nothing I can't handle.
- Are you sure?

Beautiful, young actress maimed
by breast implants?

Look, Cheryl Brennen
is sympathetic.

But she's suing
the wrong party.

I think the jury will see that.

Next up, Bob Steinlage versus

Florence Leach,
a.k.a. Madame Eldemira?

- I'm afraid to ask.
- Madame Eldemira?

Psychic to the stars?

That's the one. [laughs]

My client went to her
Beverly Hills Center

of Psychic Understanding
for help with his love life.

She took him for $160,000...

[chuckles]
in cash and merchandise.

So now he's suing her for fraud.

Oh, come on. Any
guy who forks over six figures

to a psychic deserves
what he gets.

Now, she convinced
him he was being

controlled by
his dead wife's spirit.

Oh, well, why
didn't you say so?

Look, we've tried to
settle this but Madame Eldemira

seems determined
to have her day in court.

Well, maybe she knows
something you do not know.

Why doesn't she just tell you

the outcome of the trial now

and save everyone
a lot of time and money?

- Do-do-do-do. Do-do-do-do.
- This meeting is over.

How did you know that? [laughs]

Mr. Steinlage, why did
you go to see Madame Eldemira?

My wife had been
dead about a year

and so I thought I should
start dating again.

In three months I must've
asked out fifty women.

None of them would even agree
to a cup of coffee.

It was very weird.

What did Madame Eldemira
say was wrong?

She said that my wife didn't
want me seeing anyone else

so she was sabotaging my love
life from beyond the grave.

And did you believe her?

Naturally, I was
skeptical at first, but...

my wife had resented my luck

with the ladies
when she was alive

so Madame Eldemira
got me thinking.

And then, uh, and then
she did that chicken thing.

Could you please describe

the "chicken thing"
to the court, Mr. Steinlage?

She had me breathe
into he mouth of this chicken.

And then, uh,
a couple of minutes

later the chicken was dead.

And what did
she say that meant?

She said the evil presence
of my dead wife was inside me

and that's what
killed the chicken.

And what did Madame
Eldemira tell you

you had to do to get rid
of your wife's spirit?

Give her the two hundred
and fifty grand

from Julie's life insurance.

She said that
evil lived in money

and she'd bless it
and give it back to me.

And did she give it back?

Most of it.
She kept fifty thousand.

She said it was still cursed.

What else did
Madame Eldemira ask for?

Stuff to appease
Julie's vengeful spirit.

Gourmet foods,
designer clothing.

And a, uh, a Lincoln Town Car.

To drive my wife's spirit
out of town.

[laughs] Quiet down.

Well, Mr. Steinlage,
did Madame Eldemira

solve your dating problem?

No.

But did she promise
that she would?

Absolutely.

Do you think I'd drop
that kinda dough on a maybe?

Thank you, Mr. Steinlage.
No further questions.

Mr. Steinlage, did
my client at any time

force you to give
her money or gifts?

She said something awful
might happen

if I didn't do what she said.

What kind of awful thing?

She wasn't specific.

Before coming to see
Madame Eldemira

didn't you seek out
the help of a psychotherapist?

Objection. Relevance?

Establishing a pattern,
Your Honor.

I'll allow it.

You can answer
the question, Mr. Steinlage.

Yeah, I went to see a shrink.

I thought maybe it
was something I was doing

that was scaring the girls off.

And how much did
you spend on psychotherapy?

About $7000 bucks.

And did your psychotherapist
solve your problem?

Obviously not, or I wouldn't
have gotten

mixed up with Madame Voo Doo.

Move to strike the
"voodoo" reference, Your Honor.

Granted.
The jury will disregard.

When you terminated
your treatment

did your
psychotherapist suggest

that you would be better off
if you continued to see him?

He maybe have said
something like that. But I--

- And are you suing him?
- It's not the same thing.

She played me for a fool.

So, you can't get a date.

You can't solve
your own problems.

You feel like a fool.
And that makes client a fraud?

- Objection.
- Withdrawn, I'm finished.

They'd read me for
the role twice.

Then my agent
called and told me

Jeffrey Stern wanted
to take me to lunch.

And what happened
when you met Mr. Stern?

He said how much he wanted me.

But there was a problem.

He'd always pictured the
character as more voluptuous.

Fuller. Riper.
That's how he put it.

Unless, I could solve
his problem,

they'd have
to find somebody else.

At which point
he suggested implants?

Yes, he said there was
a great doctor

in Beverly Hills who
would take care of everything,

and then he looked
me right in the eyes and told me

how much he believed in me

and about all
the wonderful pictures

we were going to make together.

But I had to agree

to the implants
within 48 hours.

And what was your reaction
to all of this, Cheryl?

I didn't know what do to.

This was the chance
of a lifetime.

But I was scared
to have the surgery.

Then why did you
go through with it?

What would you do if somebody
offered you your dream?

Could you just walk away?

- No.
- Objection.

Counsel is now
testifying, Your Honor.

I'm sorry, Your Honor.

Cheryl, in the years after
the operation you suffered

multiple capsular contractures,
four separate surgeries

to remove and replace
the silicone,

and finally a ruptured implant.

Were you able to work
during this period?

Barely. I was
in and out of hospitals.

I had to drop out of
two pictures

and since, the mastectomy,
I haven't had a single offer.

Not even from Jeffrey Stern,
The man who believed in you?

No. He said
his hands were tied.

I make audiences feel uneasy.

Thank you, Cheryl.

Cheryl, you
didn't always regret...

Thank you, Ms. Lamb.

You didn't always
regret your decision

to get implants,
did you, Cheryl?

I never wanted them.

Isn't it true that one year

after the surgery
you said in an interview,

"I've never been happier". I
owe everything to Jeff Stern?

"Jamaica Rain" had just opened.

It was a big success.

But then you made two films
that failed at the box office.

Now, isn't that the real reason
no one will hire you?

No.

After I got sick,
I wasn't offered

the best scripts anymore.

Do you blame everything
on the implants?

I was fine with my body
the way it was. He forced me.

Well, did he also force you

to get your teeth capped,

your nose done, your eyebrows
reshaped, the liposuction--

Those things didn't make
me sick!

They didn't leave me looking
like a freak!

- Objection. Relevance.
- Overruled.

You're right, I look hideous!

- I can barely look at myself!
- Unresponsive. Move to strike.

So, ordered.
The jury will disregard.

Ms. Brennen, please stick
to answering the questions.

Cheryl, if he'd asked you,

would you have had sex with
Jeffrey Stern to get that role?

Objection. That calls
for speculation.

Your Honor, Ms. Brennen
has testified

my client wielded so much power

she was helpless to resist.

I'm trying
to establish the limits

of Mr. Stern's
supposed influence.

Ms. Lamb has a point.
I'm going to allow it.

So, Cheryl, if
the choice had been

sex or no role, no dream,

would you have slept
with him or walked away?

I would have walked away.

But you didn't choose
to walk away from implants?

- No, that was--
- Thank you.

I have nothing further.

You may step down.

This court is adjourned until

10 o'clock tomorrow morning.

[indistinct chatter]

See you at 9:30
tomorrow morning.

Good work.

Don't ever do that again.

What, neutralize your
client's testimony?

Don't treat me like an invalid.
I can find my own chair.

Oh, come on.
I was only helping.

You were showing the jury that
even as you attacked

Ms. Brennen, you are basically
a decent and caring person.

And you accomplished that
at my expense.

You're the one playing
the sympathy angle, David.

My case can be won
on its merits.

[door knock]

- Sarah.
- Hi.

I went to pick up
Matty at day care

but the Haileys had
already gotten him.

That's right.

Don't you want me
to babysit for you anymore?

Sarah, you haven't
been home since Friday night.

When your mother called you
at Brian's you hung up on her.

You hadn't notified me or Ann.

That's because this
is between my mom and me.

I don't have any
problem with you.

You've been
playing us off against

your mother
over this boyfriend.

I have not. You
liked Brian. [sighs]

Why are you taking her side?

Because she's your mother

and she know what's best
for you.

I'm seventeen years old

and she keeps treating
me like I'm a child.

Yeah, well,
if you behave like a child,

you're going to get treated
like one.

You drop into my life
after seventeen years

and suddenly you
think you know everything

there is to know
about being my father!

I don't give a damn what
you call me. I am your father.

And if you insist on
living with this boy

and disregarding
your mother's advice,

you will not be welcome
in my house.

- Fine.
- Fine.

[door close]

- You're up early.
- Yeah.

I, uh, I think
I'm gonna call her.

Well, honey, honey, she's not
going to make the first move.

She's kind of painted
herself into a corner.

That's exactly what she did.

And that's why we have
to let her stay there.

I think we were too
tough on her.

We could have
said no babysitting

but at least she
could come and visit.

But we didn't.

Look, I'm as bad as you are.

I drove by Brian's on
the way home yesterday

to see if her car was there
and I almost stopped.

You remember when Matty
had colic

when he was a little baby?

You told me not to worry.

They would grow up.
It'll gets easier.

I lied.

[sighs]

I know it's hard,
but you know...

you were right.

More than anything
else right now

Sarah needs for us
to give her some room

to make her own decisions.

I'll wait one more day.

Mr. Gerard, were you
Cheryl Brennen's agent in 1987?

That's right. We parted
ways three years ago.

Did Mr. Stern
ever tell you Cheryl

would have to
get breast implants

before he'd put her
in his movie?

All Jeff said was
she'd be more castable

if she got the implants.

And have you ever
known, Mr. Stern to use

his position to exert

inappropriate influence
on a subordinate?

No,
Jeff's one of the most decent

and respected executives
in town.

He's got integrity and vision.

Do you remember
Cheryl Brennen being reluctant

to have breast implant surgery?

No, I remember her being

enthusiastic about
the break she was getting.

Thank you. Nothing further.

Mr. Gerard, do you
recall a phone conversation

in which Jeffrey
Stern brought up

a plastic surgeon,
a, uh, Dr. Ludwig?

Jeff and I have had hundreds
of conversations.

I can't remember each one.

Here's a copy of your phone log

for March 15th, 1987.

Please note the call
from J. Stern at 2:03.

Note also your scribbled
reference to Dr. Ludwig

next to a doodle of two
large bosoms and a dollar sign.

Now, would this have been when

Mr. Stern offered to pay
for Cheryl's surgery?

Maybe. I vaguely
remember the call.

And didn't you tell
Cheryl that if she didn't get

the implants
she may as well just

get on the bus back
to Minnesota?

That was a joke.

But the reality is girls
with more up top get more work.

But if Mr. Stern
never expressed

this as an ultimatum,
why did you

imply to Cheryl that it did?

Look, he gave me
the doctor's number,

and he said he saw
the part going to a big girl.

He didn't have to say anymore.

So, you understood
Mr. Stern as saying

if Cheryl didn't get
the implants,

she would not get that role.

That was my
understanding, but--

Mr. Gerard, isn't it true

that you are
currently negotiating

two multi-million dollar

film packages with
Mr. Stern's studio?

We're discussing two
projects, yes.

So you are,
in a very direct way,

beholden to Mr. Stern
for your livelihood.

Our relationship
is based on mutual respect.

- Jeff is a man of--
- Don't tell me.

A man of integrity and vision.

And you're scared
to death of him, aren't you?

Afraid of Jeff? That's crazy.

Then why during your
testimony have you been looking

to Mr. Stern for approval?

And if the kind of subtle
pressure which Jeffrey Stern

exerts can intimidate
an experienced agent,

imagine what kind of influence
he might have over a naive,

eighteen-year-old girl.

Objection. Your Honor.

Withdrawn.
Nothing more, Your Honor.

I hear your group's concern,

but thousands of people
need low-income housing.

We've got to build it somewhere.

Alright, how's 11:30 tomorrow?

Great. I'll look forward to it.

[phone hang]

[on intercom]
Councilman Vance on three.

I'll call him back. I'm late.

[door knocks]

Is this Councilman
Rollins' office?

Zo, baby. I tried to call.
I have to cancel lunch.

I've got a press conference
with the Mayor in one minute.

I thought your
constituents came first.

They do.
But he-- he's the mayor.

Besides, you
don't live in my district.

[laughs]

- What is that?
- Bourbon.

For you to put in your desk.

Isn't that what
politicians drink,

bourbon and branch water?
[laughs]

Maybe in Kentucky, yeah.
[laughs]

[door knocks]

Hello.

Uh, Paul, Zo.

Zo, Paul Gimbel, Special
Assistant to the Mayor.

- Zoey Clemmons.
- Sorry, we are on the run.

I understand. Oh, what time
is that dinner on Thursday?

Invitation says 6:00.

Uh. Well, I'll have
to reschedule a hearing.

If you're talking about
the Brotherhood Awards,

they never start on time.

Well, I'm hoping I don't
miss Jonathan's first speech.

- You got to get going.
- Yeah, I'm out of here.

Listen, I'll see you tonight.

Mrs. Leach, do you
believe in evil spirits?

I believe in
spirits good and evil.

And you honestly believe

that an evil spirit
is interfering

with Mr. Steinlage's happiness?

Yes. His late wife
is very angry with him.

Move to strike.

My client's wife is dead.

Granted, the jury will disregard

Mrs. Leach's last remark.

Mrs. Leach,
to the average person,

uneducated in the ways
of the spirit world,

your methods may
seem rather unorthodox.

Why the gourmet food?
The designer clothing? The car?

Mrs. Steinlage never
got what she wanted

from her husband
when she was alive.

Now that she's dead she
is determined to change that.

- Your Honor.
- Mrs. Leach.

I warned you about speaking
for Mrs. Steinlage.

Mrs. Leach, if Mr. Steinlage

had stuck with your program
and completed his treatment,

what would have happened?

His wife would be satisfied and

he'd be dating someone
wonderful by now.

Thank you.
No further questions.

Mrs. Leach, do the
names Lady Wanda,

Madame Solane, and Miss Loreena
mean anything to you?

They are some of the, uh,

personas who have
helped me in the past.

Aren't those, in fact, aliases

that you have used
in other states?

Yes, but alias is such
a judgment-laden term.

Mrs. Leach,
why didn't you return

all of Julie Steinlage's
life insurance money

to Mr. Steinlage
as you said you would?

The curse was still
on the portion I kept.

I was able to condense

the negative energy
into a smaller sum.

But you can never
get rid of it completely.

Did you threaten my client that

terrible things would happen
if he did not

meet your demands?

They weren't my demands.

Mr. Steinlage's wife.

Mr. Steinlage's wife
is dead, Mrs. Leach.

What can she
do with designer clothes,

caviar, champagne,
and a Lincoln Town car?

Loan them to you?

Objection! This is badgering.

Overruled.

Witness will answer
the question.

Spirits are unable to rest

when they pass over
to the other side,

if their earthly desires
were left unsatisfied.

I allow myself to be the vessel
for these spirits.

If they can experience
the fulfilment

of their desires through me,

then they rest.

I may have drunk the champagne,

but Mrs. Steinlage enjoyed it.

Does she also
enjoy the Mercedes 300SL

and the diamond bezel Rolex,

and the Faberge egg

that you have gotten
from your other clients?

- Objection. Irrelevant.
- Sustained.

The spirit world
is obviously not a reality

for you, Ms. Van Owen.

I don't expect
you to understand.

But I do understand, Mrs. Leach.

No further questions.

Hi. Are you sure you
have time for dinner?

You bet. Just let me
get rid of this stuff.

[on telecom]

This is Frank Kittredge.
Leave a message after the beep.

[beep sound]

Frank? Frank, are you there?

Pick up, you son-of-a-bitch.

If you think your help
with Mother's estate

- is all you owe me...
- What are you doing?

think again, call me or--

That's Laura McConnell.

You did tell
her about the letter.

You used me and
you lied to everyone!

Listen, I do know
Laura McConnell,

but I did not tell
her about that letter.

You expect me to believe that?

It sounds like you were
sleeping with her.

It started long before
I came here, and it's over.

You asked me about
the case, Frank.

You working
on nothing else for days.

What else were we
going to talk about?

- I don't know.
- Gwen, please.

Settle down and listen to me.

I didn't expect to feel this way
for you, but I do.

I care
about you very much.

You erased the tape.

It could be misunderstood.

I think it's very clear.

Before you run off
telling any wild story,

you should consider how
it's going to make you look.

You're the one who's discussing
her boss' business in bed.

You son-of-a-bitch. [slam]

[instrumental music]

No one's disputing
Cheryl's beauty.

She had a unique
softness and vulnerability.

But the truth was she
looked like a child.

I wanted to go with Cheryl.

But for that picture

I felt I had to have
a woman up on the screen.

So, you discussed
implants with her?

Yes, it was discussed.

But the decision
was hers and hers alone.

But you only gave
her 48 hours to decide?

We were on a tight
production schedule.

But there was never any mention
of 48 hours.

I told her we'd talk
after the weekend.

What if she had refused,

would you still have
given her the role?

I don't know.
I never had to face that.

The next thing I knew,
I got a call

saying that
she was having the surgery.

And were you ever told
by the late Dr. Ludwig

that breast augmentation
was anything

but a simple,
cosmetic procedure?

No. "Perfectly safe".

Those were
the exact words he used.

Thank you. Your witness.

Are you saying you
might have cast Ms. Brennen

even if she'd refused
the surgery?

As I said, I don't know.

In some circumstances we can pad

costumes or employ
a body double.

Well, did you mention
exploring these options

when you had lunch
with Ms. Brennen?

I don't recall.

You testified that Dr. Ludwig

advised you that
the implants were safe.

Now, did you rely solely
on his advice

or did you seek out
other medical opinions?

Why would I seek
other opinions?

The man was
a first-class plastic surgeon,

we'd used him before
without any trouble,

and he never once said
anything about complications.

No? Hadn't he
notified you the year

before Cheryl's
operation in a letter

that implants could rupture?

Objection, Your Honor.

And cause scarring
and disfigurement?

May we have a sidebar?

Just exactly how it happened
with Cheryl Brennen?

Counsel, approach.

Your Honor, this "document"

is hear say
and without foundation.

The letter was written
on Dr. Ludwig's letterhead

and was found in his files.

It's not signed, Your Honor.

It was addressed
to Mr. Stern and warns

of precisely the kinds
of complications

my client is suffering.

You can't prove it was ever sent

or that my client
ever received it.

Why would the doctor write
a letter if not to send it?

Why would he continue
to perform implant surgery

for four years after it's
dated if he was so concerned?

- I think that he--
- Stop.

I have to agree with Ms. Lamb.

This cannot be connected
to Dr. Ludwig.

Anyone could have written it.

But it was found in his files.

- That's not enough.
- Your Honor.

Sorry, Counselor.
You cannot use it. Step back.

Mr. Stern, is it your testimony

that Dr. Ludwig never warned you
in writing?

Your Honor,
look what he's doing.

The jury should know that this

piece of paper
in Mr. McCoy's hand

is in no way relevant and
should be totally disregarded.

Did Dr. Ludwig
warn you, in writing,

that implants
could cause scarring

and painful hardening
and might rupture,

as they did in
Cheryl Brennen's case?

He never warned me
in writing or any other way.

[paper shredding] I have nothing
further for this witness.

You're listening to the
unfounded accusations

of some frustrated young woman?

I'm listening
to someone I trust.

Give it up, Kittredge.

Just pack up your office
and get out.

Aren't you
forgetting I don't work for you?

I work for Susan Bloom.

But you work on McKenzie
Brackman property.

And at five o'clock
this afternoon

I'll have your office
locked up tight.

If you attempt to return
to these premises,

I will have you removed.

And I intend to report you
to the bar.

Careful, gentlemen.
The McConnell conservatorship

isn't the only
McKenzie Brackman case

I'm well acquainted with.

If I'm the man you're
accusing me of being,

I could bring this
firm crashing down.

Cross me and you
won't know what hit you.

[door open]

[door close]

[foot steps]

Jonathan, got a sec?

Don't tell me. It's the
Pico Development.

Paul, I've got business
interests chewing my right ear,

I've got community
leaders chewing the left.

- Which side do you want?
- Neither.

The mayors
taking a courageously

neutral stance on this one.

I wondered if you wanted a ride

to the awards dinner tomorrow.

Thanks, but I've
got to pick up Zoey.

Jonathan, it's
not really my business,

but considering that
this is going to be your

first major public appearance,

do you think that's
a good idea?

Paul, are you
saying I should hide

the fact that I'm seeing
a white woman?

Of course not.

But you might want
to consider the timing

of this kind of
personal revelation.

Just so you know,
girlfriends, black or white,

aren't generally included
at political events.

Wives, yes. Fiancées, maybe.

How serious are you two,
if you don't mind?

We're pretty serious.

- Do you live together?
- Not yet.

Look, who you bring
or don't bring is up to you.

I just wanted
you to know what you might

be getting yourself into.

I understand.

The defense calls the late
Julie Steinlage to the stand.

What?

Mrs. Leach has agreed to act

as medium for Mrs. Steinlage.

Your Honor! This is ridiculous.

Counsel, approach the bench.

Your Honor, this
whole case hinges

on whether or not
my client is a fraud.

The jury has
a right to see what she does

and judge for themselves.

The jury wouldn't know
Julie Steinlage

from Eleanor Roosevelt!

But your client would.

- This is asinine.
- Be quiet, both you!

Frankly, Counselors,
I'm still trying to figure out

why this case wasn't settled
a long time ago.

Maybe in another life?

However, since we've
come this far, Mr. Pavlik,

I'm going to give
you some leeway.

- But--
- Your Honor.

If you turn my
courtroom into a sideshow,

I'm going to bounce you out
of here on your crystal ball.

Now, step back.

- Mrs. Steinlage?
- Yeah?

Could you please
state your name for the court?

Julie Steinlage.

And who is this man?

A lousy, philandering pig!

- Objection!
- Sustained.

Mr. Pavlik, if you can't
control Mrs. Stein--

your witness...

We're gonna end this right now.

What are you going to do,

throw me into purgatory
for contempt?

[laughs]

It's great being dead.

You don't have
to listen to anybody.

- Mr. Pavlik.
- I'm sorry, Your Honor.

Mrs. Steinlage,
if you could just,

please tell the court
something about

Mr. Steinlage that
only his wife would know?

Bobby Steinlage likes
to wear women's underwear.

You said it didn't bother you!

I guess we both said things
we didn't mean, eh, buddy boy?

- Your Honor!
- Counselors,

- get control of your clients!
- You are ruining my life!

At least you've
still got a life!

Everybody, shut up!

Mr. Steinlage, sit down.

Thank you.

Mr. Pavlik, do you
have anything more?

Nothing, Your Honor.
I'm finished.

Ms. Van Owen?

We thoroughly
questioned Mrs. Leach

when she took the witness
stand yesterday, Your Honor.

We have no further questions
for her today.

Boots, you're
still as stubborn as ever.

Who's boots?

I don't know.

[door open]

What in the hell do you think
you're doing

with Frank Kittredge?

He stole privileged
information from this firm

and used it against
one of our clients.

You can't prove that!

And you cannot fire a man who
represents

thirty percent
of my bottom line!

Susan, you and Frank
Kittredge have brought

a lot of money into his firm,

but I would shut my doors
and sit on my front porch

before I would continue to do
business

with an unethical attorney.

I am not defending
Frank Kittredge.

Hell, I almost fired
him myself a couple of times.

But I cannot accept you
going over my head with this.

Frank is my associate.
He is my responsibility!

You should have
come to me with this!

Susan, anytime

I have ever come
to you expecting cooperation

I have received
nothing but trouble.

Why would I bring
any matter to you?

You are without a doubt
the most obnoxious, arrogant--

You're a self-righteous,
high-handed windbag.

Are you planning to change?

Not on your life!

Well, neither am I.

Frank's history.

[door open]

[instrumental music]

In 1987, Movie Times magazine

ranked Jeffrey
Stern the sixth most

powerful man
in all of Hollywood.

Cheryl Brennen was
an eighteen-year-old actress

just starting her career.

Today, she has no career.

And numerous painful
surgeries have left her

permanently disfigured.

And all because the sixth most

powerful man in Hollywood
made her get breast implants.

Now, Jeffrey
Stern claims that it was

just a suggestion,

but he knew precisely
what he was doing

when he promised her
a part in his movie.

He told her he would pay
for the surgery,

and then he gave her
48 hours to make up her mind.

That was no suggestion.
It was an ultimatum.

By making it he assumed
a duty to warn Cheryl about

possible complications
from this procedure.

A duty he
clearly failed to perform.

Now, today when Cheryl looks
in the mirror, she sees

one breast missing,
the other mis-shapen.

None of us can know
the pain she feels.

If it weren't for Jeffrey Stern

Cheryl Brennen's tragedy
would never have happened.

Cheryl Brennen is a young woman

who has endured
a terrible tragedy.

And we can't help
but feel compassion

for her suffering
and for her lost dreams.

But the hard truth is,

Cheryl made the decision
to have her breasts enlarged.

And I don't doubt that
as an 18 year old actress

she felt tremendous pressure.

But Cheryl wasn't coerced
by Jeffrey Stern.

She was seduced
by her own desire

to be part
of a glamorous industry

that prize is sensual
beauty above all else.

An industry supported
by an entire society

obsessed with
physical perfection.

We can't hold Jeffrey Stern

responsible for our obsession.

Nor did he make Cheryl Brennen's
tragic decision.

She made that choice herself.

[elevator open]

[indistinct chatter]

Above.

[elevator close]

Nice closing, Counselor.

You changed your perfume.

Well, I can't let you have
the upper hand.

No, I've noticed.

Tell me, C.J.

do you really think
Jeffrey Stern had no duty

to warn Cheryl Brennen?

I think she'll have a stronger
case with the manufacturer.

You're right. Forward.

[indistinct chatter]

So, how sore a loser are you?

I don't know. It's been
a long time since I've lost.

Do you think we'll be able
to call a truce?

Only one way to find out.

If I wind up running late,
you go on and I'll take a cab.

You know, there'll
be plenty of other speeches.

It's the kick off
of your political career!

Well, my part will only
last about ten minutes.

Then you'll have
to sit through about two hours

of boring acceptance speeches.

Plus, the fact that it's
a bad neighborhood ,

and I don't want you
going down there by yourself.

You don't want me to go.

- Of course, I do.
- But?

Okay.

It was mentioned that
it might be

a better idea if I went alone.

I told you this was
going to come up.

It's not that,
it's just a matter

of picking the right time.

And this isn't the right time?

Zoey, come on, don't
make a big deal out of this.

I already feel I'm being pulled
in six different directions.

And I'm just another
thing pulling at you?

- No. Of course not.
- Yes, I am.

This won't be the last dinner.

It's not gonna get
any easier to bring me along.

Your job is going
to be pulling us apart.

And I don't want
to be the only one

trying to put us
back together.

[sobs lightly]

Zoey.

Hey.

I love you.

[signs] Then why is it so hard

for you to make a choice

that includes me?

Just let me
settle into the job, and

when we're ready,
then we'll take a public stand.

I'm ready now.

[cries]

Obviously, you still
have some questions.

I think...

you should call me when you
have sorted out what you want.

Has the jury
reached a decision?

- We have, Your Honor.
- What say you?

On both the claims
of negligence

and negligent infliction
of emotional harm,

we find for the defendant,
Jeffrey Stern.

Ladies and gentlemen
of the jury, thank you.

We are adjourned.

There was never any
doubt in my mind.

I'm glad you were so confident.

Any chance you're free
for a celebration lunch?

Uh, I'm sorry. I have
an another engagement.

I heard you stopped
by while I was out.

Yeah, I just wanted
to tell you again

how sorry I am about all this.

Arnold told me you
gave him your resignation.

It was really stupid
of me to pillow talk.

Well, it was a big mistake.

But I'm betting that
you learned from your mistakes.

That's why Arnold and I
are in agreement

that you should stay on.

Well, that's very generous.

But I don't think I can work
for Arnie again.

Well, that's good. Because
Arnold doesn't want you back.

Your heart really isn't
into being a secretary.

Arnold suggested, and I agree,

that with your law school
training we'd be putting

your talents to better work
as a law clerk.

Well, take a few days to think
about it if you need to.

No. Yes. Yes. I mean,
I want the job.

I'm, uh...

Thank you, Leland.

We're glad you're still
on board.

[door knock]

- Can I come in?
- Sarah.

Is everything okay? [cries]

[sobbing]
Sarah, what's wrong?

Is it Brian? Did
he do anything?

No. No. Brian's
trying to be so nice.

But it's just so obvious.

I don't know what I
was thinking.

[signs] Just because
we liked each other.

Maybe it was a little bit early

for you to move in
with each other, huh?

Brian's so great.
But living together...

Yeah, well. It's not such
an easy thing, even for family.

[cries]

I screwed that up too.

I won't blame my mom
if she never lets me come back.

Listen, if you go home,

your mom's gonna be just
as relieved to see you as I am.

She'll probably
ground me forever.

Yeah, well, maybe.

But whatever she does it's
gonna be because she loves you.

But it's like she doesn't
see I'm grown up.

[sobbing]

Yeah, well, maybe running away

wasn't the best way
to convince her.

[laughs]

But what you're
doing right now,

talking to me very honestly

openly, I think
that will impress her.

It sure as hell impresses me.

Thanks, Dad.

Has the jury reached a verdict?

We have, Your Honor.

In the matter
of Steinlage versus Leach,

we find in
favor of the plaintiff

and order Mrs. Leach
to pay damages

in the amount
of 50,000 dollars.

Jury is dismissed.

And this court is adjourned.

Uh, yes! He was right!

- Who was right?
- My astrologer.

He was the one who advised me
to sue her.

Thanks a lot, Ms. Van Owen.

[indistinct chatter]

At first, they thought
I needed glasses.

But then it got worse.

- You were sixteen?
- Uh-huh.

I'd just got
my driver's license.

Suddenly there I am
back at square one,

completely dependent.

You've over compensated nicely.
[laughing]

Still couldn't beat you.

Because you didn't have a case.

Oh, like hell.

Now, if the jury
had seen that letter--

- Oh, sour grapes.
- What?

If I had lost--

Well, I wouldn't
be gloating over it.

I am not gloating.

And if you could see me,

you would see
that I am not gloating.

What are you doing?

I'm admiring your cheekbones.

- David.
- What?

I want to tell you
something about me.

Something my
research has overlooked?

I don't apologize for who I am,

and I'm not looking
to reform myself.

But I've had my share
of relationships with men.

I assumed you weren't a virgin.

And I've had my share
of relationships with women.

Does that bother you?

That surprises me.

Are you saying that
if we start seeing other

you'll be seeing women too?

No. No, I wouldn't
see other men either...

I'm pretty bad
at playing the field actually.

Oh, me too.

Now, if we get involved,

you'll have my
undivided attention.

And you'll have mine.

For as long as it's right.

Oh and that's another thing.

I don't seem
to settle down for long.

- Any other warnings?
- [laughs] No, that's about it.

[laughs]

Well, let's take this slow.

How slow?

[instrumental music]

[door open]

Come in, Ms. Van Owen.

I normally close at six,
but I hoped you were coming.

Have a seat.

I didn't come
here for a reading.

I just want to know
how you knew about Boots.

I don't. Do you?

It's my nickname. My
mother used to call me that.

[sighs] Ahh, so that's
your mother who's so worried.

My mother died four years ago.

She wanted me to
tell Boots to stop feeling sad.

I'm not sad.

It has something
to do with a man.

Tall, dark.

Is he Latino?

[laughs]

This is crazy. I'm sorry.

Thanks anyway.

He's coming back.

What?

He's coming back.

[theme music]