All language subtitles for L.A.Law.S06E06.Badfellas.1080p.DSNP.WEB-DL.DDP5.1.H.264-NTb_track4_[eng]

My client is
a respected businessman.

This hearing
is prosecutorial harassment.

Is it true you expected
Ms. Thomas to drop

the murder one charge against
Mr. Viola?

Well, let's put it this way.

It's gonna take our new
District Attorney sometime

to get her bearings,
but, if she'll look at a map,

she'll find that Hollywood
is north off the one-oh-one.

Hollywood is where
this Mafia fiction belongs.

Vincent Stefanini
wasn't whacked

by mobsters in a movie.

He was executed
in his own garage.

And Paulie, The Boss Viola
was indicted for that crime

by a grand jury.
He should be in custody.

On what grounds do you hope
to revoke Mr. Viola's bail?

Reporter 1: There he is!

- Hey!
- Mr. Viola.

Paul: In answer
to your many questions--

it's a boy!
Seven pounds, six ounces.

Congratulations.

Mr.Viola, is this a big event
for your family?

Oh, Yes. And I'm still not
answering to godfather, Sally.

But as of today,
you can call me gramps.

How do you feel about
today's hearing, Mr. Viola?

I just want to get it over with
so I can go home

and bounce my new grandson
on my knee.

So you expect the bail decision
to be upheld?

I'd give four-to-one
over the prosecution.

If he were a gambling man.

[indistinct chatter]

Clerk: Case number one-seven
five-three-seven.

People vs. Viola.

Your Honor, the people move
that the court

reconsider it's decision
to grant bail to the accused.

Your Honor, this is an
outrageous request

on the eve of a trial.

Nothing's changed since
the original bail hearing,

except the personnel in
the District Attorney's office.

Mr. Viola's no flight risk.
Here he sits.

The prosecution's already
exhausted its attempts

to paint him as a threat
to the community.

What are we doing here?

When Mr. Viola posted his bail

of two million dollars

it was said to come from
legitimate business assets--

primarily
the Three V Trucking Company.

That is correct, Ms. Thomas.

Ruby: My inquiries reveal
that only a small portion

of the money came
from this business.

Most could be traced
to deposits

in off-shore accounts.

Bail monies cannot be the result
of criminal activity.

Your Honor,
I'd like to show this deed

as proof of
Mr. Viola's ownership

of his ancestral home
in Palermo, Sicily.

Please note the signature
of Mr. Antonio Viola

attesting to the mortgaging
of this farmland

for two billionlire--

roughly one and a half
million dollars.

And what distant relation

is this Antonio Viola
to the accused?

I hope Ms. Thomas
isn't suggesting

it's criminal to be part
of a large family.

Your Honor, it's human nature

to resent Mr. Viola's
prosperity.

I don't resent
Mr. Viola's wealth.

The people resent his murder
of Mr. Stefanini.

Judge Shubow: Let's save that
for the trial, shall we?

Ms. Thomas,

the bench doesn't wanna hamper

your vigorous pursuit
of this case.

But this document satisfies
the court.

Mr. Viola's bail is continued.

He's free to go pending
the outcome of his trial.

I couldn't have done better
myself.

[laughs]

Don't smoke that yet,
Mr. Kittredge.

When I'm finished,
your new family

will have nothing to celebrate.

[theme music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

Next, the Shooting Stars versus
the Hollywood Hoopsters,

wrongful termination.

I don't believe
you took this on.

All you do
is handle their taxes.

Yeah, and I'm not a litigator.

This is really getting old,
Douglas.

You have no case, Stuart.

These women breached
their contract.

They were hired to perform
with the Hoopsters.

Yes and they had
the unmitigated gall

to actually win a game.

Everybody knows
they are supposed to lose.

That is part of the show.

Yeah, but it doesn't have
to be that way.

Arnie,
the Stars get carried away.

Both teams start
to play basketball

and the crowd goes crazy.
To me, that's entertainment.

And the fact that the Stars win
is no reason to dump them.

- I agree.
Douglas: I don't.

I think that you have
major problems.

Oh, my God.

- Speaking of problems.
Douglas: Oh, no.

Don't tell me,
our new tenant offered you

rent you couldn't refuse.

This isn't a laughing matter.

I can't believe we're sharing,

offices with a mob lawyer.

It's not clear
he's a mob lawyer.

Susan Bloom assures me
Mr. Kittredge

doesn't make a practice
of defending these types.

That is not the point.
This is organized crime.

And if he wins, they're gonna
want him on retainer.

And they don't like to hear no
for an answer.

Are saying that Viola isn't
entitled to representation?

No, we're saying our firm could
be jeopardized

by this association.

Obviously we don't as yet know
Mr. Kittredge.

We know he's ambitious.

And he bills in
the high six figures.

On that note, we're adjourned.

[instrumental music]

Wait, you can't go in there.

It's alright, Sarah.
I was expecting Mr. Kittredge.

I got your messages.

Pardon the mess.
I'm still moving in.

Where are you putting
the trophy you expect

for framing my client?

[chuckles] Trophies
are kind of a male thing.

I'm planning this whole wall

for Mr. Viola's
ugly head itself

stuffed and mounted.

Too bad your case
isn't stronger.

My client didn't care
about Vincent Stefanini.

He was nothing but
a low-level employee.

He was an old rival.

And he was marrying his daughter
into a drug empire.

That kind of power play
enraged Viola.

If you could prove that,
you wouldn't need to lean on me

the first day of trial.
What is this garbage?

Every client I have
with a plea bargain pending

has been turned down.

A 17-year-old kid has been
denied his juvie status?

- This is extortion.
- Not at all.

Now, I'm new here.
Getting to know people.

I've gathered you're
an important man.

An asset to Mr. Viola
and his friends.

And in light of that,
I have decided

to review all of your cases.

And screw
with my clients' rights.

If you're so concerned
about your clients,

tell them to get
other representation.

Are you trying to threaten me
into pleading this case out?

I'm trying to
get your attention.

If I wanted to threaten you

I would mention a conversation
between you and Mr. Viola,

which the FBI may have on tape.

Whatever conversation
you're referring to,

it's protected
by attorney-client privilege.

Not if it suggests conspiracy
to commit perjury.

Like inventing a cousin
in Palermo.

[chuckles]

Are you charging me
with something, Ms.Thomas?

Not at the moment.

Then excuse me.
I'm due in court.

[door shuts]

- Stan.
- Stan: Good morning, Stuart.

- How are you?
- Mm-hmm.

How are you? I think you all
know each other. Right?

Um-hmm, yeah, look,
we're all a little short--

time-wise. So, maybe
we should just get started.

Yeah. Right.

Which...
which one is Mr. Lipscomb?

- Right here.
- Dan Lipscomb--

Eddie "Fastbreak" Foster.

- Stan: Jeff Kramer.
- Okie-dokie.

Mr. Lipscomb,

you're the general manager
of the Hoopsters.

So it was your decision
to hire my clients, wasn't it?

Yeah, girls were a novelty.

To help spice up the act.

And at the first show
they were fine.

They did just
what they were supposed to.

And what, exactly, was that,
Mr. Lipscomb?

To look good,
help with the trick shots,

then back off
and let the Hoopsters shine.

In other words,
they were supposed to lose.

But it doesn't specifically
state that anywhere

in the contract, does it?

It don't state anything about
a game, either.

Page four.

"The Shooting Stars agree
to participate

in an exhibition
of basketball wizardry,

performed by the incredible
Hollywood Hoopsters."

But there was a clock
and referees and time periods.

I mean this could be construed

as an exhibition game,
couldn't it.

Nope, in the definition section,

page 34,
we define the term "wizardry"--

i.e. "the demonstration
of extreme Hoopsterism,

preferably at the expense
of the opposing team."

Does that sound like
a real game to you?

Well, you could
under certain circumstances.

Then you don't know
the definition

of "Hoopsterism," huh?

No I don't.
What page is that on.

This one.

Yeah, show him
how it's done, boy.

Here we go, here we go.

Yeah, uh, huh,

do it, baby.
Yeah, Alright, alright.

- Yeah.
- Here we go.

- Oh, yeah.
- Is it coming back?

Alright. Is it comin'?

- It's comin'.
Stuart: Alright. I'm ready.

- Aah!
- Ahh.

Hah. Ho. Hah. Hah.

Hah.

- Woah.
- Psyche.

[laughs]

I woke up to what I thought was
a car back firing.

It was 4:30 in the morning
of my wedding day.

Were you surprised
that your father

was getting home so late?

Not really. He'd been
at the bachelor party.

Margaret: What did you do
after you woke up?

My father didn't come inside,
so I went out to the garage.

I thought may be he'd had
too much to drink.

What did you find
in the garage?

My father was lying
on the floor

beside the open car door.

Blood was spattered
inside the car

and I saw the bullet holes
in his chest.

Margaret: Just a few more
questions.

What did you do next?

I ran inside and called
an ambulance and our priest.

A few minutes later,
Uncle Nick,

my father's brother
who lives with us,

got home
from the bachelor party.

Did your father ever
regain consciousness?

Yes.

Father Joseph was giving
last rites

while I was trying
to stop the bleeding.

And Uncle Nick kept asking him,
"Who did this to you?"

And finally my father
opened his eyes.

Did your father say anything?

Objection. Calls for hear say.

Dying words exception,
Your Honor.

Overruled.

There's no evidence
the man knew he was dying.

Yes he did. He asked Father
Joseph to take care of me.

Ms. Stefanini,
the objection is overruled.

Continue, Ms. Flanagan.

What did your father say?

He said,
"Paulie. Paulie did it."

Margaret: Where any
of your father's associates

called Paulie?

Yes.

Paul Viola.

Nothing further.

Ms. Stefanini,
Paul Viola wasn't just

an associate
of your father's, was he?

Carmella: No, he's my godfather.

Frank: And would you
have wanted to hear

your father accuse your
godfather with his dying words?

Margaret: Objection.
- I'll rephrase.

Isn't it true
that you've had a grudge

against Paul Viola
for 15 years?

We barely speak to each other.

Because you ran away
from home when you were 16.

- Objection. Relevance.
- Establishing bias, Your Honor.

I'll allow it.

Did you resent your godfather

for bringing you home after
you'd ran away?

Yes.

And also, didn't you know
that your godfather

was apposed
to your upcoming marriage?

He was unhappy that
I was marrying a Colombian.

Frank: So at the moment
of your father's death,

you knew that your godfather
did not endorse your marriage?

I'm a grown woman.
It was nobody's business.

Right, you resented
Paul Viola's interference

and now you allege you heard
your father say, "Paulie."

You're twisting what happened.
I heard what I heard.

I have nothing further.

Carmela,
can you tell us more about

what happened when you were 16?

I'd run off with a guy
who worked at a carnival

and my godfather came
and got me.

And did you ever see
your boyfriend again?

I wasn't supposed to but...

he found me at my girlfriend's
a week later.

His arm was in a cast.

He'd said my godfather's men
had broken it!

Objection!
This is complete hearsay!

The jury will disregard.

Please, Ms. Stefanini,

just stick to the facts
that you know.

I know his arm was
in a cast, Your Honor.

Margaret: So rather than
resenting your godfather,

wouldn't you say
that you were afraid of him?

Yes, I am afraid of him.

Then why are you here?

Because this was my father,
Ms. Flanagan.

I can't bring him back

but I know who killed him.

Move to strike!

Judge Fiorelle: So ordered.

Margaret: I have
nothing further.

See the golden flame
at the base of your spine.

Breathe in slowly.

Feel the glow rise up

into your solar plexus.

Sorry. I was thinking about
my case while I was shaving.

It's good you didn't wait.

Feel the glow
at the base of your skull

like the moon shining
on the calm lake

which is your mind.

You know, I've been going
at this wrong.

Leland doesn't see it
but I think

I can get sex discrimination.

Let everything go.

Feel in harmony
with the universe.

I love yoga.

[phone rings]

That could be the office,
is the machine on?

Might be important.
I'd better get it.

You guys go on without me.
Hi Mattie.

Ned: And breathe in...

Should I be in there?

Emergency meeting.
Partners only.

Oh. What's Jonathan
doing in there?

Don't ask.

To me it's dollars and cents.

If Jonathan is gonna
take over Frank's clients...

Susan, I've taken them on.

Kittredge asked for my help
because the D.A.

was freezing him out
and I said yes.

Yeah. Well, the problem is you
said yes to more than that.

Kittredge has asked Jonathan
to represent him

if the DA pursues
criminal charges.

What charges?

Suborning perjury,
maybe conspiracy.

I don't want this firm tainted.

Leland, she's blowing smoke.

She's got nothing and she's
trying to strong-arm him.

More power to her!
The woman's got...

I'm, I'm looking for
a genderless term here.

Guts. That's what it takes to
go after somebody like Viola.

Wait a minute. Whatever happened
to due process?

Thank you.

That's not our concern
right now.

You are, Jonathan.

You locked horns last year with
the District Attorney's Office.

And I was right.

So why should we poison our
relationship with the new DA

over a guy who's ethics
are anybody's guess?

He's your associate.

How close are his ties
with Viola.

Frank's an independent.

Now I chewed him out
when he took Viola on

but I could not get him
to back down.

Well, he must know
they're auditioning him

for a permanent job.

Well, I don't think
he'd take it.

Look, if anybody
can defend these guys

without getting sucked in,
it's Frank.

That still doesn't address

how it looks
to our corporate clients.

I don't care how it looks.

I care that clients rights
are being jeopardized.

I care that the DA
is using her power

to influence
the outcome of a trial.

And I care, Douglas,

that my firm is buying
right into it.

Alright, provided you don't
compromise our relationship

with the DA's office,

I'm willing to let you continue
for now.

Unless another partner
has a strong objection.

Well, there you have it,
Jonathan.

Our under whelming support.

Mr. O'Hearn, how long did you
direct surveillance

of Paul Viola for the FBI?

For seven years.

I ask you and the jury
to turn to page 178

of the FBI's transcript
of that surveillance.

And beginning with
paragraph number 98,

who were the parties talking?

Mr. Viola is talking
to Stefanini's brother, Nick.

I got this from a bug
we planted at Viola's club.

Could you read aloud
and explain to us

the first three exchanges?

Objection. This man has
no foundation for explaining--

This man is an expert
at interpreting these tapes.

- Overruled. Proceed.
Margaret: Please.

Viola says, "These Gonzalez'
are luridiporci"

that means evil pigs.

Who are the Gonzalez'?

The family Stefanini's daughter
was gonna marry into.

Viola goes on,

"The Gonzalez' swim
in la robba,"

that means stuff or drugs.

"La polvere, rocks, coca--"

terms for heroin and cocaine.

Then Nick says,
"The cola can make trouble."

That's probably
another reference to coke.

Viola answers,

"Vinnie doesn't know trouble.
You hear what I'm saying?"

Everybody's coming
to me asking for the job.

Tell Vinnie that.

Ask how long does he expect me
to say no

to guys who want him clipped."

Margaret: "Clipped?"
- Killed.

Margaret: When did this
conversation take place?

Two months before Vincent
Stefanini was shot to death.

And when was the last time
you saw Vincent Stefanini?

On the night
of the bachelor party.

We were watching from a van

outside of the base
social club.

Around 1 a.m.,
Viola and Stefanini came out

and drove off together.

And a little less than
four hours later,

Vincent Stefanini
was found bleeding to death

on the floor of his garage.

- Isn't that correct?
- Yes, it is.

Margaret: I have
nothing further.

Mr. O'Hearn, can you explain
to me the FBI's goal

in collecting these wire taps?

O'Hearn: Yes, they've been
used to convict

Twenty five members
of organized crime

on various federal charges.

And was my client
one of those convicted?

No.

In fact, these tapes have never
been successfully used

to prove an criminal activity
by Paul Viola, have they?

That's right.

Well, I can see
why you're so eager

to recycle them here.

Margaret: Objection.
Frank: Withdrawn.

Let's talk some more
about paragraph 98

which I'd now like
the jury to find

in the defense's transcript.

Can you explain to the jury
why they've gotten

two different transcripts
from the same tape?

In a trial like this,
each side prints

their version of what's
on the tapes.

Because different people can
hear vastly different things.

Sometimes.

Frank: Now in paragraph 98,

don't we simply have
two men agreeing

that drugs are
a distasteful business?

As a prelude to Viola
making a threat

on Vincent Stefanini's life.

Threat?

I ask the court's permission
to play

this section of the tape.

Proceed. Bailiff.

[on tape]
"La polvere, rocks, coca--"

the cola can make trouble...

[laughs]
Vinnie doesn't know trouble,

you hear what I'm saying?

Everybody's coming to me
asking me for the job.

Tell Vinnie that.

Ask him how long
does he expect me to say no

to guys who want him clipped?

I've really got to
congratulate you.

I can barely hear
that conversation.

But Mr. Viola's tone is clear.

Would you call it threatening?

A lot of times people mask
a threat in a friendly tone.

So you would describe
Mr. Viola's tone as friendly?

He sounded concerned.

I agree.

And didn't he say
that he had declined

invitations to "clip"

Mr. Stefanini?
Whatever that means.

Right. But Viola--

And isn't it fair
to say that paragraph 98

is the most damning exchange
you could come up with

out of seven years
eaves dropping on my client?

Yes. As we interpret it,
the context--

Exactly.

As you interpret it.

Nothing further.

The problem is, you're going
after Frank Kittredge

and my clients
are paying the price.

Okay.

I came on strong with him.

But it burns my ass when
a lawyer who defends scum

starts playing
a civil rights violin.

I'm not here to talk you
out of prosecuting Viola.

Good. Because I got him
and I'm not letting go.

He's wiggled through the cracks
too many times

thanks to the Kittredges
of this world.

Viola has a right to counsel.

I didn't interfere with
Mr. Viola's miserable rights.

I only let his lawyer know
I'm watching him.

Harassing him from where I sit.

Now look, I respect you,
I respect where you came from

and the fact
that you may end up

on the state supreme court
someday.

Can we skip the flattery?

The point is, you're important

to the African-American
community,

which is very sensitive
to due process.

This could hurt you.

You seem pretty ambitious
yourself, Mr. Rollins.

Don't you worry about your
relationship with Zoey Clemmons.

How that might be perceived in
the African-American community?

Look. Can we just
stick to business?

Then don't pull out my race
and put it on the table!

I appreciate your concern

for the clients you inherited
from Kittredge.

Don't worry about them.

You'll find us cooperative.

Thank you.

But understand me.

I'm going to go on looking
into Mr. Kittredge himself.

And if I find enough,
I will go after him

with a big smile on my face.

[instrumental music]

My days are endless, too.

You're a busy man.

Went well today.

I think I neutralized
the wiretap evidence.

Congratulations.

You know, I wanted to ask you
to take over my clients.

I figured
you'd never consider it.

- You were right.
- I almost asked you anyway.

I wanted to hear what you'd say.

I'd have said get out now.

Your client problems
are only the beginning.

Viola isn't worth it.

I know. I've prosecuted
these people.

So have I.

I was a U.S. attorney
for five years.

I know what I'm dealing with.

A few years ago
a man like Viola

tried to enlist me.

I said no.

And then he was shot to death
right in front of me.

And you know something?
I was relieved.

Got him out of my life.

Once these people have you,
they never let go.

Well, the trick is not
to let them have you.

I've never seen
that trick work.

[instrumental music]

The Shooting Stars
are a pickup team, right?

We were all
first string in college.

Two of us went to the Olympics.

But nobody ever paid you

to play basketball
competitively.

No.

So you were well aware,
weren't you,

that when your team signed
the contract

with the Hoopsters,

you were being hired
as performers.

It was a job.
That's all we cared about.

It was a job with a script.

And the night
that you were fired,

you didn't follow the script,
did you?

Look, we got carried away!

We were out there.

We were hot.
The crowd was with us.

Answer the question, Ms. Sprung!

Take it easy, Stan.
She's not on trial for murder.

Well, I'll ask again.

On the night in question,

did you perform as the
Hoopsters expected you to?

They played us.

When the game got serious,
they were just as pump--

Stan: Did you perform
as they expected?

Angela: There was
no performing!

For a few minutes,
it was a real game!

- Stay calm, Angela.
Angela: No.

I have something to say.

You know, in college
we worked just as hard

as the guys did.

Playing basketball meant
just as much to us

as it did to them.

When they got out,

they were looking
at million dollar salaries

for doing what they love
and we got told,

"Sorry,
you're only entertainment."

So we were motivated.
You understand?

We worked hard.
We got real good.

And that night
with the Hoopsters,

our reflexes took over.

When we saw we had a chance,

we knew we had to play.

Play to win.

And you know what happened?

When it was all over,

the crowd gave all of us
a standing ovation.

Your Honor, the People have
one more witness to call.

Sidebar, Your Honor.

Approach.

What's going on here?

Explain, Miss Flanagan.

An ex-parte application
was made

to protect the anonymity
of this witness.

This is an unfair surprise.

I don't have
grand jury testimony--

Take it easy, Mr. Kittredge.

You'll have sufficient time
to prepare.

You may call the witness,
Ms. Flanagan.

The people
call Michael Maceina.

Please, tell us,
what is your occupation?

I run a bar, The Wayfarer
in San Pedro.

And who came into the bar

on September 9th
of last year?

Paul Viola came in
with Vincent Stefanini.

It was close to last call.

Did you know these two men?

I had seen them.

They used to be regular
customers 20 years ago

when my dad ran the place.

Can you describe their arrival

on this particular night?

They came in with their arms
around each other.

They'd already had a few
and Mr. Viola told me

that Mr. Stefanini's daughter

was getting married
the next day.

Then they ordered a set
for old time's sake.

So initially,
the two men were congenial.

- Did that change?
- What do you mean?

Did their mood alter
as the two men drank together?

Well, I couldn't really tell.

They were sitting
at a back table.

I was busy cleaning up.

Mr. Maceina,
did you hear the two men argue?

Not really.

Didn't you hear Mr. Viola pound
on the table

and threaten Mr. Stefanini?

Objection.
She's leading her own witness.

Request permission
to treat this witness

as hostile, Your Honor.

- Granted.
- Mr. Maceina.

Didn't you testify to the
grand jury that you quote,

"Heard the two men
argue violently?"

Then you checked
on your own gun

because you feared
for your life.

I did say that but I was lying.

Your previous statement
was sworn testimony.

Maceina: I know.

But the Deputy DA told me

that if I cooperated
it would be good for me.

I had tax problems.

Told me he could
make them go away.

You are saying,
you were asked to lie?

No, no, I lied on my own.

But I'm telling you
the truth now.

The two guys came in.
They had a drink.

I didn't hear anything.

You are under oath,
Mr. Maceina.

Did you talk to anyone
who suggested

to you change your testimony?

No.

You didn't talk to your father?

Your father who ran the bar
in the old days?

The one who knew Paul Viola

when he was called
"Paul the Trigger?"

- Objection.
- Judge Fiorello: Overruled.

I wanna hear the answer.

Yeah, I talked to my dad.

To tell him my conscience
wouldn't let me lie.

You lied under oath before?

But now you expect us
all to believe

that you are telling the truth.

That's right.

I have nothing more
for this man.

Mr. Maceina, you understand

that by contradicting
your earlier testimony,

you're admitting to perjury
and could face a jail sentence?

Yes.

And the DA's offer to fix your
tax trouble will evaporate?

I know.

And you still swear that my
client only had a friendly drink

with Mr. Stefanini and they had
their arms around each other?

- That's true.
- Nothing further.

That can't happen again.

Frank?

You're an attorney.

You know if I'd impeached
that guy on the witness stand,

it would have been
a lot more convincing.

You think a recanting witness
bothers the jury?

It bothered me.

I'm running this case
and I was blindsided.

Paulie told you...

Are you asking if we got
to the witness, Frank?

No. I'm telling you
I don't need outside help.

I have my own investigators.

And how is their progress?

Any news from brother Nick?

His alibi's full of holes.

He clearly benefited
from his brother's death.

When I get him on the stand,
we'll make reasonable doubt.

Pappas: Doubt
is only a beginning.

A guilty man hopes
that his lawyer

will make reasonable doubt.

This jury has heard
vivid details.

A death bed accusation.

They need something
more than doubt.

Frank, I told you when
I hired you, I'm not guilty.

Sometimes I sense
you don't believe me,

so I'll say it again.

I'm not guilty.

Then act like it.

Get out of my way
and let me win.

Anything less will be
unacceptable, Frank.

- Hey.
- Hi.

I just buzzed you.

I'm done with the Kravitz
due diligence.

Do the tax returns go back
to you or the general files?

General files is fine.

Everything okay?

No. I'm thinking about my case.

You think
it's a loser, too, right?

Ah, I don't know.

I like the Stars, though.

I saw them burn up the boards
in San Diego last year.

Oh, yeah?

Did you notice the
power forward, Angela Sprung?

- Yeah.
- She's incredible, right?

She led the country in scoring
in her senior year.

She deserves
to play basketball.

I just can't get these guys
to admit it.

Well, I know how she feels.

I was the best guard
in my junior high.

Then everybody grew
and I didn't.

They laughed me when I tried
out for the high school team.

You grew more than I did.

I used to play, too.

I could consistently score

eight out of ten free throws.

You know
what I always wanted to do?

Drive the lane.

Yeah, right.
Take it right to their faces.

Not past the ball off,

not shoot from the perimeter,

power drive right to the board.

Oh, me too, man.

I knew their egos would get
in their way.

[sighs]

[Nick on tape]
La polvere, rocks, coca--

Cola can be trouble.

[Nick on tape]
Vinnie doesn't know trouble.

You hear what I'm saying?

Everybody's coming to me
asking me for the job.

Tell Vinnie that.

Ask him how long
does he expect me

Frank? How's it going?

It isn't.

I'm trying to find
enough reasonable doubt

to save my neck.

You think you're in that deep?

I'm damned if I win

and damned, or worse,
if I lose.

And if you try to get out,
assuming you could,

it tells Ruby Thomas
that her tactics work.

Frank: I don't wanna lose
or get out.

I took this because I thought
I could win and walk away.

Now, I don't know.

And it scares the hell
out of me.

Frank,
you know how to litigate.

When you got here,
your reputation said killer.

Just... just concentrate
on the case.

Now, what do they really have
on your guy?

Too much.
And it doesn't make sense.

Paul Viola is way to smart

to drive off in front of
a hundred witnesses

with a man he planned
to have killed.

Unless that's what he wanted
everybody to think.

It's too risky. The families
don't operate that way.

Alright.
Well, who else had motives?

A dozen hoods.

Stefanini's own brother stood
to take over his business.

Listen to this.

[sighs]

[on tape]
La polvere, rocks, coca--

[on tape]
"...coca. make trouble."

What 'cola? What did he say?

"Vinnie doesn't know trouble.
You hear what I'm saying?"

What did he say?

[Nick on tape]
"La polvere, rocks, coca--"

[on tape]
"...coca. make trouble."

"Cola."

"Cola."

Maybe it doesn't mean
drugs at all.

What does it mean?

- Where is that statement?
- Something I can do to help?

Yes, look for the phone records
from the Stefanini house.

They're over on the floor
someplace

or we can order up
another copy.

Alright, what am I looking for?

September 9th, last year.

We're gonna need some luck
to put this together.

Your Honor, the people rest.

Mr. Kittredge, you may
call your first witness.

Your Honor,
we recall Carmela Stefanini.

Come forward, Miss Stefanini.

I remind you
that you're still under oath.

Frank: Miss Stefanini,

was your father
a religious man?

Not really, no.

And yet,
what were his dying words

when he asked the priest
to take care of you?

"Predicura Della miapicola."

- Picola?
- My little one.

His name for me.

Pi-cola,

which is not slang for cocaine?

[laughs]
Of course not.

So when your Uncle Nick
said on the tape

that Picola could make trouble.

- He meant you?
- I don't know.

But your father knew,
didn't he?

When he was dying he knew
you had made trouble.

That's why he asked
the priest to take care of you.

No, he knew I was religious.

And yet you refused
to attend your own

matrimonial instruction classes
with your fiancé ?

Or did you have
reservations about

marrying a man
you hardly knew?

Objection, this is irrelevant.

Move on, Mr. Kittredge.

Why did you telephone
the priest

on the night that your father
was killed?

To ask him to come help.

But the telephone records
from that night

show that you and Father Joseph
spoke for 15 minutes

before you bothered
calling an ambulance.

I was upset.
Father Joe calmed me down.

For 15 minutes?

While your father bled to death?

I was... I don't remember.

I thought my father
was already dead.

In fact, didn't you think
you'd killed him?

- Margaret: Objection!
- Overruled.

You killed him because
you were desperate

not to marry Eduardo Gonzales,
weren't you?

That's not true!

Your father wasn't forcing you?

No.

You were a happy
and willing bride?

Your Honor,
this is outrageous!

Asked and answered!

Alright. Move on Mr. Kittredge.

Miss Stefanini,
I have something

I would like you to look at.

- Is this your signature?
- It looks like it.

Isn't this your signature
on the receipt

for the purchase
of a 38 caliber pistol.

The same kind of gun somebody
bought to kill your father?

I didn't buy it
to kill my father.

I bought it to kill myself!

Why, Carmela?

You were marrying the man
you loved, weren't you?

I bought it a month before.

I was confused then.

Where's this gun today?
This gun you bought--

I threw it away!

I changed my mind
and threw it in the ocean!

Come on, Carmela, confession
is good for the soul!

- I didn't do anything.
- Objection, this is badgering!

Judge Fiorello: Sustained.

Maybe you did buy
the gun for yourself.

You were desperate.
You didn't want this marriage.

But your father
was controlling you

the way he always
controlled you.

You tried to plead with him,
didn't you?

He wouldn't listen.
The gun went off.

I loved my father!

And when he was dying,
when he accused Viola,

wasn't he protecting you?

- Objection!
- I didn't kill him!

Judge Fiorello: That's enough,
Mr. Kittredge.

Carmela,
if I asked Father Joseph

wouldn't he tell me
that you confessed to him--

He can't do that!

Right.

He can't.

I have no more questions.

We have no questions
at this time.

Frank: No more witnesses,
Your Honor.

The defense rests.

So, even though you hired
these women to play basketball,

you didn't really want them
to play basketball, did you?

They were there
to put on a show.

We're the Hollywood Hoopsters,
man. We're entertainers.

Right, and it wasn't very
entertaining

for them to actually play you,
was it?

It's not what
we hired them to do.

No, you hired them to lose.

- You got it.
Stuart: Okay. Fine.

Let's go to that night
in Bakersfield.

Now you had done
all your showboating,

made all your trick shots.

There's two minutes left on
the clock and all of a sudden,

the Shooting Stars
made it a game.

All of a sudden, they got off

eight unanswered points,
didn't they?

It was a fluke,
they took us by surprise.

But you continued to play,
didn't you?

You missed a lay-up. Then you
missed a three pointer.

They weren't supposed
to play real defense.

But they did play defense.

They shut you down
is what they did.

Then they got off
two fast breaks.

Oh, no way!

Angela Sprung, drove down
the lane,

faked you out your jock strap

and scored the winning basket.

I could have blocked her shot
but I backed off.

The Stars didn't win
on they're own?

They won because
you let them win?

Hell, yeah!

Five women did not beat
the Hollywood Hoopsters!

So, my clients did not
breach their contract

by winning the game,
you're team breached it

by allowing them to win.

Your client just admitted
wrongful termination, Stan.

Psyche!

Paul Viola
is a professional criminal

at the top of his field.

That's why they call him
"The Boss."

He's spent a lifetime laughing
at the law.

Big Paulie, why,
he's a virtuoso.

He plays our legal system
like a violin.

You saw a dramatic display
by Mr. Viola's lawyer.

But it proved nothing

except that
Mr. Kittredge is capable

of wildly creative scenarios.

And of brow beating
a young woman into hysterics.

It cast no doubt
on Mr. Viola's guilt.

Today, Mr. Viola sits before you

on a charge
of pre-meditated murder.

His motive was clear
and cold blooded.

You heard the tapes.

Having personal problems

with an unruly employee
like Vincent Stefanini.

Have him clipped, rub him out.

That is the solution
in Mr. Viola's line of work.

The only hitch was

that after he was shot,

Vincent Stefanini lived
long enough

to tell witnesses who did it.

Paulie,
Paul Viola committed murder.

Do not let him
get away with this.

Ladies and gentlemen has the
prosecution met its burden?

Have they proven to you beyond
a reasonable doubt

that Paul Viola must
have killed Vincent Stefanini

or do you think it's possible

that Carmela Stefanini
killed her father

because he was forcing her
to marry a man

she didn't love?

Forget the gangster nicknames.

Forget the references
to Mr. Viola's business.

Our legal system
doesn't allow you

to convict
a man for his reputation.

Your job is clear and specific.

And your conclusion is clear
if you stick to the facts.

Carmela had motive.
Carmela had a gun.

Carmela heard the dying man's
alleged accusation

and knew it was a lie.

The prosecution
has pursued Paul Viola

with all the urgency
of a runaway train.

Luckily, we have
a breaking system

on runaway prosecutions
in this country.

You are those breaks,
ladies and gentlemen.

Slow this train down
to the plain facts.

Bring back the only verdict
you can.

Not guilty.

[sighs]
We can go for damages you know.

The Hoopsters are in the red.
You can check it out.

A big settlement
could put them out of business.

We're aware of that.

My clients don't want
the money, Stan.

They wanna play.
They deserve it.

Attendance was up 20%

when they were touring
with the Stars.

What do you want me to do?

I want you to talk them
into honoring the contract

and let them really play
basketball.

The Hoopsters have nothing
to lose.

And it could be
the best deal they ever made.

Okay.

Maybe I can get them
to go for it.

You know,
you were great in there.

Well,
they didn't waste any time.

- Good. I like that.
- Mmm.

Have you reached a verdict?

Foreperson: We have, Your Honor.

Judge Fiorello: What say you?

Foreperson: In the matter

of the people vs. Paul Viola

on the charge
of first degree murder,

we find the defendant
not guilty.

Judge Fiorello: Thank you
ladies and gentlemen.

You are dismissed.

This court is adjourned.

Miss Thomas,
it's been a pleasure.

Don't get too comfortable
with your new lawyer.

He's only won the first round.

[indistinct chatter]

Ann: Hi, I just got back
from the Bhodi Tree

and I found a yoga book
that even you are gonna love.

- What's this?
- I was just playing

a little one on one
with Billy during lunch time.

Not too bad for an old guy.

You look very sexy.

- I won my case.
- You're kidding?

The Shooting Stars
have a new contract

with the Hollywood Hoopsters

for ten exhibition games win,
lose or draw.

- That case was unwinnable.
- Mm-hmm.

I'm unbelievably proud of you.

You are a true hero.

Yes, I am.

I may not be in harmony
with the universe,

but I'm definitely
learning the tune.

Where's my Mustang?

I thought you might feel
more comfortable in this.

You paid for my services.

This is an extra thank you.

[chuckles]
Well,

I appreciate the thought...

To turn down such a gesture

would be to slight
a man's heartfelt gratitude.

I'm old fashioned.

I'm fond of my Mustang.

You're a good lawyer

but you still have
a lot to learn.

Frank, you should have
implicated Nick

instead of Carmela.

Nick didn't kill anybody.
Carmela did.

But it's too bad to see
a woman indicted.

And it's of no use to us.

[laughs]

But you'll do better next time.

[keys clinging]

Take a test drive, Frank.

See how she responds.

With all due respect,

I'll walk.

[instrumental music]

[theme music]