Count the Hours

DOG BARKS AND WHINES

DESK SQUEAKS

Aaargh!

SHE SCREAMS

SHE SCREAMS

George!

George! George!

< George!

< George!

Yeah?

Good morning, Mr Taylor.

Mr Morgan!

Morgan, who did it? Who shot you?

Save your breath, Gill. We were too late. He'd been there all night.

Why didn't you report this sooner?

I didn't know until now. You live here.

Surely you heard the shots. No, I didn't.

My wife did.

A woman was shot on your doorstep and you heard nothing?

-He's telling you. I heard shots.

-I thought someone was hunting.

How long have you worked here? From the 1st. And before that?

Here and there.

GILL: Doing what?

-Fruit picking, harvesting, anything I could.

-What's wrong with that?

Did you know he kept a lot of money in the house?

I told my uncle he should be more careful.

Gill! >

Here. That's what killed her. A .32 calibre. Same as the ones in Morgan.

Got a gun?

I said, have you got a gun?

GEORGE: No, no.

What were you going to say? Nothing.

Come inside.

-You have a gun.

-We're strangers. It's no use sticking our necks out.

GILL: Come here, Braden.

GILL: Taylor says he saw you shoot a weasel the other day.

It wasn't my gun. You know what'll happen

if we find you DO have one, don't you?

Search that cottage for a .32.

PAPERS RUSTLE

There's no gun here.

Sorry about the mess.

COP SLAMS THE DOOR

If your gun didn't fire those shots, you're in the clear.

It didn't!

I don't understand it. That's where I've always kept it.

Ellen!

< Ellen!

The girl's thrown a gun in the lake.

What?!

We searched the house. I didn't know she had it.

-Ellen!

-I threw the gun in the lake.

-You what?

-I threw it in the lake.

-Oh, Ellie!

-George, George, what's the matter?

I found these.

.32 calibre.

Well, that's enough for me.

Take them both down to headquarters.

Anything doing? I just froze solid.

Must be a tough cookie, if Gillespie's on him for 16 hours.

-Ellen!

-Oh, George, I can't stand this!

-What have they done to you?

-They won't believe me.

I've told them and told them, but they won't believe me!

They think we're lying.

They ask and they ask. I feel sick.

Oh, darling.

Oh, what do we do?

All we can do is tell the truth. We didn't know about those two being killed.

-Maybe they'll believe us, if we keep on telling them.

-I can't.

I just can't any more!

Oh, darling!

Let her go.

You'll sign this confession? I didn't kill anybody!

You don't expect us to believe this nonsense?

You didn't hear those shots. I was asleep!

You couldn't see a woman lying five feet away. She was behind the hedge!

You tell us you haven't got a gun.

I was afraid.

Suddenly, you remember you have a gun and it happens to be a .32.

You want to prove it didn't fire those shots.

It disappeared! You told her to throw it in the lake.

-He didn't!

-She was only trying to help.

She knew it was the murder weapon.

We'll get her to admit that. >

Lock him up!

George, I'm sorry.

Now, Mrs Braden, why don't you tell us the truth?

I've told you the truth.

George was sleeping. I woke him when I heard the shots. How could he have fired them?

Yet he did nothing about it. Come on, Mrs Braden!

What was there to do? He went outside and looked around.

He said people hunted possum at night, that that's what I heard.

That's what happened! What do you want me to tell you?

Leave me alone!

Stop it! Let her go!

I'll sign your confession. I'll sign anything.

Let me out of here! I'll sign your confession!

Braden, he just confessed!

-I'm sorry. I can't do it.

-Doug, you've taken County cases before.

Not like this. I'm not a criminal lawyer.

-Baxter is the public defender.

-He's in hospital.

Waiting on the public defender's office will tie me up for weeks.

No.

I don't like it.

You have a lot of clients,

but since all you can do is plea "guilty", it shouldn't take up too much time.

It's not the time and if there were any doubt as to Braden's guilt, I'd defend him.

It's just routine. I hate to put this as a favour, but...

You've done a lot of them for me?

OK.

Since you didn't put it as a favour, I'll get on over to the jail.

Sit down.

I'm Doug Madison. The County's asked me to take your case.

You have certain rights. If I take your case, I'll protect your rights.

-You enter a plea of guilty and I think I can get you off with life.

-But I'm NOT guilty!

You confessed.

Who wouldn't after 16 hours? They had Ellie. I'd have done anything.

You're going to stick to that story?

It's true!

I didn't kill anybody, but I had to get Ellie out of there.

She's going to have a baby.

It's one thing to plead guilty, but if you're going to pretend you're innocent, I'm not your man.

Mr Madison!

Would you go and see Ellie?

Tell her I'll be OK and that they can't do nothing to a man that did nothing wrong.

I'll see her, Braden.

Call Gillespie and tell him that I'm not going to take the case.

Sure, Mr Madison.

Mrs Braden? I'm Doug Madison, an attorney. I've seen your husband.

-You're going to help him?

-I don't believe I can.

From what he tells me, these athletics can't help you any.

He asked me to see you to tell you that...he'd be all right.

SHE STARTS TO CRY

Please, Mrs Braden, don't. It won't help any.

I'm to blame!

I threw away his one chance to clear himself.

I threw the gun in the lake.

Is that what you've been doing, looking for that gun?

You WANT to find it?

I've GOT to find it!

The police couldn't. They gave up.

I've got to prove it didn't fire those shots.

You're that sure it didn't? But your husband confessed.

They had him up there for 16 hours.

They had me up there. They let him know it.

What do you expect him to do?

If I thought for one minute that he was innocent...

Whether you believe me or not, I'm going to prove he didn't do it.

I'm going to find that gun in spite of you, the police or anybody!

You weren't going to take the case. Why the interest in his confession?

-I might change my mind.

-It does a young attorney no good to take a case he's bound to lose.

-Maybe he's clean.

-You can read, can't you?!

Maybe he made it, so you'd leave his wife alone.

Or to get in the papers.

It's the off-season. All these harvest tramps are on their uppers.

Every year at this time, we have trouble.

-Braden had a good job.

-How do you know Morgan hadn't given him his walking papers?

-Find the stolen money on him?

-He stashed that away somewhere.

You don't believe he's innocent?

I believe his wife believes he is.

What gave you that idea?

-She's diving for that gun...

-What?!

-..to prove it didn't fire the shots.

She wants to hide it in a safer place. That gun is evidence.

-If she tries to dispose of it...

-It's safe where it is.

-You stopped looking for it.

-We can get a conviction without it.

Are you going to take the case?

I don't know.

I don't know.

-That'll be 4.73.

-You must have forgotten the carton of cigarettes.

They're a present. Cigarettes are comforting. You could stand a little comfort now.

That's very kind. They're not for me. They're for George.

1.79.

Yes, of course.

Oh, those hoodlums! My glass!

What is it?

It's for you.

They want me to go away.

-I'm sorry. I forgot.

-Forget it, Mrs Braden.

Like I said, the cigarettes are a present.

(Thank you.)

-So you went to see Braden.

-That's right.

-Are you taking the case?

-Why?

Because he's a dirty, low-down murderer!

A man's innocent till he's proven guilty.

It's a waste of taxpayers' money.

-Fred and Sarah were our friends.

-They were my friends too.

Good friends, I bet, if you defend their killer!

-Even if he is, he deserves a fair trial.

-So you're taking the case?

I had some doubts, but you've made up my mind.

Hi, Doug. Anything new?

Yeah. I've learnt that if a man looks guilty, hang him.

If he wants a trial, hang IT!

PAULA: "This is Exhibit A, Counsellor.

"On September 4, you did wilfully hold one Paula Mitchener in your arms.

"Therefore you are hereby sentenced to the bonds of holy matrimony."

Hi.

Well? How about it?

Idiot(!) You know I'd marry you, if only you weren't so filthy rich.

Don't go looking down your nose at money.

I just want something of my own to offer you.

How about a thriving law business and a man who's devoted to you?

It's...possible,

but coax me.

Excuse me... I'm sorry.

YOU'RE sorry! You don't know how hard this guy is to get.

This is my fiancee, Paula Mitchener. ..Ellen Braden.

Braden... Not the... Doug, don't get mixed up in that. It'll ruin you.

-I shouldn't have come.

-What is it, Mrs Braden?

This note was wrapped around a rock thrown through the grocery store window.

Oh, here. Sit down.

I'm frightened.

There will always be crackpots who do things like this.

But the hate...

It's terrible to be hated.

To sit alone and feel it outside...

thick and heavy, and all around George.

George never hurt anybody.

But they hate him so, they'll make it look like he did.

Then they'll hang him... and we can't do anything about it.

There isn't anything we can do about it.

Yes, there is.

We can find that gun.

I've tried, Mr Madison...

-I've tried and tried.

-We'll have someone else try.

Listen to me. If your husband killed those people,

that gun will prove it. There'll be no second chance.

He'll go straight to the gallows.

Are you willing to bank his life

on what we'll find?

Yes, of course I am.

-I'm taking this case, Paula. I know how you feel...

-No, Doug. How I FELT.

You see? I'm a fool too.

I believe her.

Sorry about that two-cent mistake.

What's two cents to a guy like you, getting 50 bucks a day diving for that gun?

I rate it. Skin-diver, ain't you?

Must be kinda interesting.

THIS job is, and I don't mean looking for the gun.

This job is VERY interesting.

Maybe he'll find it tomorrow.

How come the mud's so deep?

-You're not leaving?!

-Mr Madison can't keep paying me.

-He has to let me go.

-We've got to find that gun!

I know you're in a spot, but I got to live too.

Oh, look... You're a fine diver.

-I'm the best.

-Then do me a favour and don't go.

Please stay. It means so much to me.

-You ain't suggesting I work for free, are you?

-I...I guess not.

It's just that I'd do anything to get that gun.

Maybe I... Wait a minute.

This is my grandmother's brooch.

It's...

-You want me to keep working for you, don't you?

-Yes, I...

No! Please don't come any closer!

-Please don't!!

-SHE SCREAMS

SCREAMING

I wish I had a picture of this. No wonder you're footing the bills.

Are you all right, Mr Madison?

If my jaw's still hooked on.

That'll teach me to stick to the law.

How do YOU feel?

I'm all right. I just...

SHE WEEPS

There's no hope.

Tell me the truth. There isn't any hope, is there?

Not much, Ellen.

I'm not even sure I can get him off with life.

You've spent so much money.

I wish I had more.

But the kind of clients I did have

don't seem to want the kind of lawyer I am now.

Miss Mitchener was right. It HAS ruined you.

I had to let the private detectives go, too. They turned up nothing.

If George didn't commit those murders, SOMEBODY did.

The gun was our only hope. Now it'll never be found.

Maybe it will. I can raise another hundred. We'll offer it as a reward.

Dozens of high-school kids would dive day and night for that.

Off kinda early tonight, ain't you?

I quit. That lawyer's run out of dough.

That woman don't care who pays the bills.

Mrs Braden? She always seemed such a...

Sorta nice. ..Say, you don't think...

That's right, Mac. I don't think, I KNOW.

Give me some gas. Sure.

PHONE RINGS I'll be right with you.

Briney's Super Service?

Oh, hello, Marge.

Yeah... Yeah, sure, I'll be home.

Say, Marge...

I just heard the funniest thing.

I don't know if it's true or not,

but the fella sure seemed to know.

He said that Mrs Braden over at the lake,

the lawyer's run out of money,

and she doesn't care who pays the bills.

I wouldn't say he looked surprised,

more like he was pretending to.

Objection. Witness's suppositions are not admissible evidence.

Objection sustained. Strike that out.

In layman's language, the primary cause of death was the bullet wounds.

To the best of my knowledge, the shots were fired at or about midnight.

Yes, I recognise it. It's a box of .32-calibre bullets

that I found in George Braden's tool shed.

Sure I saw her. I wasn't 50 feet away when she threw the gun in the lake.

Yes, sir. This is the confession

George Braden made and signed in my presence.

BUZZ OF EXCITEMENT

-Did you believe George Braden knew he was dead?

-No...but he musta, seeing as how he'd shot him!

LAUGHTER

Mr Madison! Mr Madison! We found it!

Mr Madison! We found the gun!

BUZZ OF CONVERSATION

I ask for an adjournment until ballistics can determine this is not the murder weapon.

I object! The defence attorney may not inform the technicians what they are to find.

Then you take the gun. YOU superintend the test.

I withdraw the objection.

Court is recessed.

Do you swear that the testimony you shall give shall be the truth,

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

-I do.

Please state your name and occupation.

Howard Combs. I'm a technician in the ballistics laboratory.

-You are considered an expert, are you not?

-I am.

Is this the gun that sworn testimony

-has determined was found in Ownham Lake this morning?

-It is.

And did you perform tests to compare it with the gun used to kill Fred Morgan and Sarah Watson?

I was unable to.

-Why were you unable to?

-The barrel is rusted. The characteristic markings

are obliterated. There is no way of telling

whether or not it fired the fatal shots.

George Braden, stand up and face the jury.

Have you reached a decision?

- We have, your honour. - And how do you find the defendant?

Your honour, we find the defendant guilty.

No! No, you can't!! He's innocent!

I thought I saw a light.

Hi, Doc.

Thanks for your testimony.

-You tried to help.

-Only told the truth.

-Here's a prescription... Should quiet your nerves.

-What is it?

-Acetylsalicylic acid.

-What's that?

Aspirin.

It's not that kind of a headache.

-What will happen to Ellen?

-I'll get her a job as housekeeper.

-Who'd have her?

-Me. Mrs Matthews leaves next month.

Going to live with her daughter. Decided she was tired of working.

-I think you've got a client.

-I could use one!

-You Madison?

-That's right.

Come in.

The name's Beatty. Jeff Beatty.

-I operate a little saloon here in town.

-So?

I need a lawyer, one that er... won't ask too many questions.

Do you think we can do business?

What do you sell in this saloon? Mickeys?

No! Bar business, on the level,

but confidentially, we do operate a private enterprise in the back room.

Lately the cops have gotten nosy...

Why are you telling ME all this?

Well, you're er... Braden's mouthpiece, ain't you?

Oh! Sure.

Sure! I get it.

You want me to put the fix in so you can operate a wheel in the back.

-You're smart.

-And I get a cut of the profits.

Yes, sir. A slice every week.

Monday morning, on the dot.

Well, Counsellor, what do you say?

Well, sir...

Like this!

You did all you could, Doug.

They still sentenced Braden to hang.

Why don't you just relax? We'll play tennis and have dinner together.

I've got to get over to Ellen Braden's.

-To tell her we're going to appeal.

-Appeal?!

Braden didn't commit those murders. I've got to appeal.

I...I suppose so.

You sound as if you didn't expect me to do it.

Of course I want you to do everything you can,

-but I don't believe it will do any good.

-Maybe not, but I've got to.

You're making this into a crusade!

Paula, when I became a lawyer,

I took an oath to uphold my fellow man's rights.

It's hardly realistic.

You've already lost a practice that took years to build up.

And what about us?

We haven't had any time together for months,

and this case could go on for years.

-I can't drop it if I believe he's innocent.

-I wouldn't want you to

if I thought there was a chance he'd get off. But there isn't!

Oh, Doug. You're fighting windmills.

I'd rather do that than fight with you. But the man's innocent.

-I suppose you've heard what people are saying.

-About you and Ellen? Yes.

It's very cruel.

You're all right, Paula.

Not many women would understand like you.

Not many women have had so much practice.

-Mrs Braden...

-I'm glad you've come.

-So am I.

I want her off my property. I inherited under my uncle's will,

-and I won't have his killer's wife squatting here.

-She's paid her rent.

You mean YOU have. Anyhow, I want her off. I got plans for this place.

-I bet you had them before your uncle died.

-Maybe I did.

-But I had nothing to do with his dying.

-Just hoped he would.

-That's a lie!

-Why, when Max Vern threatened to kill him, I...

-Who?

-Max Vern.

-The hired man ahead of George.

-He threatened to kill your uncle?

-Sure.

He was hollering and screaming...

-Why didn't you tell the sheriff?

-Why?

-What's it got to do with anything?

-Maybe a lot. Where is this man?

-How should I know?

And don't try your lawyer tricks to confuse me. I liked my uncle,

and I want this murderer's wife off my place.

She stays until her rent's up.

Well, she'd better be off the 1st.

-Maybe I'd better go now.

-Forget it.

I came to tell you we're going to appeal. Maybe now we won't have to.

-Because of Max Vern?

-Why not?

Somebody killed those people and the guy who threatened Morgan is worth checking. Keep your chin up.

Hi. Does Max Vern live here?

Why?

Because I'd like to talk to him.

He ain't here.

-But he does live here?

-Yeah. When he's around.

You're his daughter?

My old man lives down the road.

-I got a sick of raising nine brothers and sisters.

-Oh!

-Oh, your husband.

-What's up? Surprised?

Frankly, yes. It's hard to see why a girl with your looks

and erm...attributes

-would be interested...

-He bought me a pair of shoes.

With high heels?

-Wanna see 'em?

-Sure. What do they look like?

What colour?

No say! It isn't every girl that can wear those. Had 'em long?

Max never had any money till a few months ago. That's when I moved here.

Didn't he get you a dress to go with it?

HE WOLF WHISTLES

I'd like to see you in that outfit.

I wear it down at Blinky's every Saturday night.

Thanks for the word.

Get him to buy you a green dress too. It would go with your eyes.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

Why not start working on him as soon as he gets home?

He ain't coming tonight.

He said he wouldn't be back till Monday or Tuesday.

That long, huh?

-He's working.

-Where?

I don't know.

-Shouldn't you keep better track of him?

-Why? He's nothing to me, the stir-crazy bum.

Stir crazy?

-Here it is.

-I knew you had a record on him when I heard he'd been in prison.

If it's the Braden case, shouldn't your county sheriff handle it?

The Segar farm's in yours. Just pick up Vern for questioning.

His time was served for breaking and entering.

He's only had money since the robbery and he did threaten Morgan's life.

That's good enough for me.

We'll pick him up when he gets back.

Give me a shot.

35 cents.

35 cents.

35 cents.

He hasn't shown up yet, huh?

-He will.

-This is Wednesday. He may never come back.

-He's got a reason to.

-Yeah, I've seen her.

I'll give him a couple more days.

Wait! Stop!

Max!

Stop or I'll shoot!

Stop, Vern!

-He's making for the highway.

-Head him off.

He hopped the truck.

Call from the car and stop that truck. Right, Chief.

A DOG WHIMPERS

All right, Vern. Come on out and you won't get hurt.

Come on out.

Put those hands in the air.

-Get 'em up.

-I ain't got no gun.

-Put your hands up. Come on.

I didn't kill him. I didn't kill nobody.

You threatened to kill Fred Morgan.

I didn't. I never did.

-There's an Alvin Taylor who says you did.

-He's a liar.

I might have said... I was sore. I don't know what I said.

-You were sore because he was firing you for stealing.

-No, that ain't why!

Come clean. We know all about it.

You booted over Morgan's firing you, then you sneaked up to the house to kill him...

-I never would have, if he hadn't...

-..What? Caught you at the desk?

No. I'm sick. I don't know what I'm saying.

Yes, you do. You said you wouldn't have killed Morgan if he hadn't caught you.

You went there for money.

Well, it was mine, wasn't it?

I worked by the month. When he fired me, he only gave me a week's pay.

-He done wrong. I had the right to it!

-So you got mad and shot him.

I wasn't mad, I was scared! He had a gun and was going to kill me!

Then that old woman. I had to stop her.

Well, didn't I? She was going to tell on me.

-Can I have a drink?

-Sure.

I hope you like water.

-Got it?

-Every pretty word.

-I want to tell Braden's wife.

Where is the money, Vern?

You'll never find it on account of I'll never tell!

Hi, Mr District Attorney.

I'm busy... ..Never mind the brush off.

This is a switch. I'm not getting news, I'm giving it.

Braden's innocent. That's ridiculous.

It will make you look like a sap. Braden is guilty.

Madison doesn't think so. In fact, he has a confession.

From whom? From the guy who says he did it.

He robbed the house. Morgan caught him. Then he shot him.

Who did? He used to work for Morgan.

Max Vern. Yeah.

Madison has a confession from him?

They're holding him in Fairview County.

This is going to make quite a story for my paper.

You think so? So run along and write it.

That I will.

Get me Sheriff Bell.

Sheriff, I have a little joke for you.

Madison has a confession from Max Vern.

Simmer down. I want you to go to Judge Hale and get a writ of habeus corpus.

And order us a car to get to Fairview County.

It seems in order. Where is he?

Right in here.

Vern, did you make this confession?

Yeah, I guess so. My arm hurts.

Sheriff, the murder occurred in my county. He's my prisoner.

-I'll take charge.

-Oh, no, you don't. There's a little matter of a habeus corpus first.

OK, Doug?

All right, Vern. Come along.

See you in court, counsellor.

Braden.

Are you awake?

Yeah.

A man at Fairview just confessed to the Morgan-Watson murder.

Confessed?!

It's on the wires now. It'll be in all the papers in the morning.

Who was it? The name's Vern. Do you know him?

No. No.

He used to work for Morgan. He made a full confession.

If it's on the level, you'll be out of here.

You'll be going home.

Home.

Sure. Pretty soon too.

There'll be a court hearing but they'll rush it.

I shouldn't be doing this. Night.

Ellie.

You made this confession?

Did you make this confession?

Yeah. I made it.

-You admit you killed Fred Morgan and Sara Watson on October 15th?

-No, I don't.

You made this confession.

-You signed it.

-I didn't kill those people. I wasn't even there.

-Your honour,

the defence can prove this confession was made in good faith.

Mr Vern, do I understand that you did make this confession?

Yeah, I guess so, but it ain't true.

-If it isn't true, why did you make it?

-They made me do it.

-They beat me up.

-That's a lie.

You beat me up - you and that there sheriff.

-Ridiculous, your honour. The deputies present will testify.

-If the court pleases,

-this can be cleared up if I may call a witness.

-Out of order!

If it will save time... call your witness.

Dr Ronald Seabright.

Do you swear that the testimony you are about to offer in this court

shall be nothing but the truth, so help you?

-I do.

-State your name.

-Dr Ronald Seabright.

Be seated, please.

-You are Dr Ronald Seabright?

-I am.

-You are acquainted with the man last in the stand.

-Well-acquainted.

-The circumstances?

-For two years, he was my patient

at the state hospital for the insane.

Would you consider him dangerous?

Dangerous? Why, no.

You aware that Max Vern has confessed to an inhuman crime.

Max Vern would confess to anything

-if it were properly suggested to him.

-Thank you.

< Your honour...

I think the counsel has fallen into a trap.

In every publicised murder case, a psychopath confesses to the police.

-His being insane doesn't prove he didn't do it.

-True.

But the witness has shown to be incompetent.

His confession is invalid. Have you any hard evidence

to substantiate his statements?

We had no reason to doubt him. He admitted taking the money.

Can you produce it, prove that it was in his possession?

-We haven't found it.

-What about the gun?

We'll find it. If you grant a motion for a new trial.

I have no authority to grant such a motion except on the most convincing evidence.

In this case,

the court has no recourse but to deny it.

Case is dismissed!

Court is adjourned.

Well, you're free now.

You can go.

What did you do?

-No, they let me go.

-They said you didn't do it?

That's right. They said I was nuts.

-I could have told 'em that.

-You got no call to talk like that. You like me.

-Hm!

Well, you do like me, all right.

Let go.

-Say you like me.

-Baby.

You was waiting on me cos you was worried.

Yeah, I was worried.

Maybe you have some money on you.

I come to get it before they lock it up.

-Don't you never think of nothing except money?

-Sure I do.

I think a lot about clothes.

It ain't true you come here just the money!

Let me go, you pig!

Let go! Let go! >

I'll say it...

Wait a minute, Vern. There's no use getting sore at her.

Take your hands off her. Leave her alone.

Take it easy, Vern.

Come on home. I'll fry us some beans.

-How's Mrs Braden?

-Doc's taking her to the hospital.

Don't take it so hard, Doug.

You did all you could. I wish I had you with me.

We could use your integrity and tenacity.

-Braden's innocent.

-That's what I mean.

-I think Vern did it.

Find the money. I'm all for you.

-Or the murder weapon.

-That was found in the lake.

Why didn't you come to me about Vern? I could have told you.

You could have told me at Fairview.

It was ready to hit the papers then.

It would have looked as if I had put the lid on it.

-I suppose so.

-I can see how you were fooled.

Vern was a prime suspect with us.

That day the bartender from Sullivan's came in.

Vern was screaming around before it opened.

He needed a drink. The murders had shaken him.

Then we found out he had worked for Morgan and had been fired.

Did you follow it up?

Like bloodhounds. Vern comes unglued if ever anything exciting happens.

Even a parade gives him the screaming-meemies.

He had money after the killings.

We checked that too. He had been working out of Three Mile. Wilton had paid him.

Then when we looked up Dr Seabright, well...

-Don't take it too hard, Doug.

-You said that.

Doug... Doug...

It's a fine little boy. Only 4lb but he'll be all right.

So is Ellen. She certainly appreciated you being here.

That's little enough to do.

-Should I see her?

-I've just given her a sedative.

I'll make it tomorrow. I'm going to Paula's.

-At this hour?

-It's nine, isn't it?

Doug, you've been asleep.

-Sorry about the dinner party.

-Think nothing of it.

We ought to be used to you not showing up.

How did it go at the hospital?

A boy. He'll be OK, even if he did come early.

-And Ellen?

-She's all right.

Shouldn't you have stayed? She may need a hand held.

Oh, that was a low blow, wasn't it?

My femininity's showing.

-Paula, you're not...

-Jealous? No. Not in the conventional sense.

The world is full of unfortunate, unhappy people.

There'll always be an Ellen Braden.

And a husband I come first with.

-Stinking of me, isn't it?

-So this is it?

That's right. This is the scene where I return the ring.

If you'd ever found time to get me one.

Oh, Doug, it's not your fault.

You're like you and I'm like me.

I can't even reproach you for asking me to marry you.

-You didn't.

-That was my mistake.

-This is yours.

-Be a love now and say good night.

Before it gets sloppy.

Good night, Paula.

He only weighs 10lb? Why I weighed that when I was born!

He might have if he'd waited.

-He'll be crazy about baseball.

-He will. He's so like you.

-I'll bet you he looks more like you.

-He does not.

-Did I tell you the doctor put him on cereal?

-So soon?

By next summer we'll be able to take him...

We'll take him to the circus. He'll love the clowns.

He laughed out loud. That's wonderful for his age.

-Mrs Henderson...

-Time's up.

I'll see you soon, darling. Mr Madison has new plans.

Sure, sure.

Tell little George that his daddy loves you both...

..very much.

-Hiya, Doug.

-Hi, Doc. I'll be with you in a minute.

You know, I had a patient once, prettiest girl you ever saw.

I fell in love with her.

She was only five and loved everybody,

but we played a lot of games until I lost her.

I couldn't save her but I felt responsible.

I wanted to quit, to hide, to go away.

I don't want to go away to hide.

I've got to start over again.

It's a few months since the Braden trial. You've stuck them out.

People soon forget. You'll find new clients.

Let's say I'd rather start over again.

You can't run away from how you feel, Doug.

We've been over it and over it.

Yes, I do get boring, don't I?

-Is this the stuff that's going to storage?

-Yes.

They'll pick it up tomorrow.

I'll let you know when I decide where I'm going to settle.

-Let's go to the depot.

-It's not train time.

-I'd like to get there.

-I'll buy you a whiskey sour.

It beats penicillin all hollow.

Have you got any unpaid bills?

Bills you didn't have time to take care of?

-I'd be glad to...

-You're the greatest.

I've sold everything and paid everything.

-I don't owe anybody anything, except Braden.

-Come on.

You did everything you could.

There must have been something I didn't think of.

You shadowed Vern night and day and he didn't lead you to the money.

Your appeal was denied. The governor wouldn't grant a stay.

What more could you do? Hang for him?

Yeah, yeah.

Well, say goodbye to Ellen for me.

She'll be with us,

not that I was afraid to leave at home alone,

but I thought tonight...

Well, I had her with me on my calls.

Mrs Matthews is taking care of the baby.

Open up.

Did Mr Madison see the governor again?

But it wasn't any use. We're changing your cell, George.

The death cell?

I'll run to the depot and pick up your ticket.

That isn't necessary, Doc.

That's to leave us alone together.

-I'm supposed to talk you out of going away.

-Poor Doc.

I'd like to try...if I can.

I know how you feel.

Maybe it will be easier somewhere else.

DOUG KNOCKS ON BAR

Oh, sorry, folks.

What'll it be?

One whiskey sour.

You're George Braden's wife. I've seen your picture.

And you're that lawyer. I've sure been a friend to you.

I tried to pin it on that creep Vern.

-Do you think he did it?

-How can you tell when they're sly?

He's no good to himself

or anybody else, so why shouldn't he take the rap?

-I feel...

-Mrs Braden would rather not discuss it.

Why not?

Say, that's right.

They hang him tomorrow.

Would you rather we waited at the station, Ellen?

I'm OK. Go ahead and have your drink.

Gosh, I'm sorry, Mrs Braden.

It's only that that psycho gripes me.

The way he acted, I went straight to the cops.

It seems he gets into a tizzy over anything,

-let alone a couple of murders.

-I see your point. Now, please...

Oh, sure.

I get a bang out of needling him.

The way he goes for anything, he's a yuck.

But I don't like him screaming around

at six in the morning. I live upstairs and I need my sleep.

-6am?

-He knew about the murders at 6am?

Ain't that what I said?

Think. How can you be sure it was six o'clock?

My missus was getting up then.

She has done since the kids were born.

Why? What's eating you both?

The bodies weren't discovered until 7.30.

Holy cow!

Then Vern did do it.

If you're only right. Now, wait a minute.

I read the statement you made.

You said Max Vern was around before the bar opened.

Well, wasn't he?

Are you sure it was 6am? Are you really sure?

I got a wife who will swear to it.

Find Doc. Tell him I'm taking his car. I'm going to find Vern.

Phone the sheriff. Tell him what you told us, where I'll be and to hurry.

This I'm going to like.

Hello. Is Sheriff Bell there?

-Hello...

-Give me a shot.

35 cents.

Friend of yours was in. Too bad you missed him.

Who? Who was in?

That lawyer, Madison, the one who tried to railroad you.

Nobody railroaded me. They know I didn't do nothing.

I guess he just wanted to check, make sure you were here.

Why did he want to do that?

Maybe it's because of that woman of yours.

What about her? What's he got to do with her?

Plenty, to hear him talk.

Anyhow, he's on his way out there.

He ain't. You're making it up.

That's where he said he was going.

I don't know how you could protect your interests,

keep your woman...

I'll keep my woman all right. I'll keep my woman.

Hello. Sheriff Bell. Quick.

KNOCK AT DOOR

Oh! You!

-Is Vern here?

-You can see he ain't.

-Where is he?

-Why would I tell you?

You'd try to send him up the river.

What do you care? You don't like him.

It's better than raising my old man's kids.

Look, it's important. Tell me where he is.

Maybe I will.

And maybe I won't.

-What's your name?

-Gracie.

Listen to me, Gracie. Vern did kill those people.

You wouldn't want an innocent man to hang.

If he's a man, he ain't innocent. Most of them need hanging.

Gracie, listen to me.

-I'm listening.

-I've got to find Vern.

So you can sling him up? Who'd buy me things?

-I will. What do you want?

-A cream dress, and earrings.

-Big ones.

-You've got them. Now, tell me. Where's Max Vern?

-Let me see the earrings.

-A man dies tomorrow for a crime he didn't do.

You can save him.

Why should I?

I think I understand.

You've had it rough.

Nobody ever did anything for you so you don't care about anybody.

Maybe I could.

Tell me where Vern is, and I'll buy what you want tomorrow.

Can I pick the earrings?

And the dress, too. We'll shop together.

-Will you take me dancing.

-Anywhere, only tell me.

You get rough and I won't tell you nothing.

I'm not sore, I'm desperate.

-If Vern's out of town, I might not find him.

-He ain't.

-He'll be back here tonight?

-Maybe.

You can wait. Want some coffee?

CAR DOORS BANG Drop it, Vern.

Fred Morgan. That's what he did it for all right.

And this is what he did it with.

Get him on his feet, sheriff.

Give me the money. The money's mine.

He owed it to me. I had to kill him.

I'll kill you, too. I'll kill all of you.

I'm glad you ain't shot.

You might have forgot the earrings.

I want my money. Give me my money. I want my money.

Get in the car!

Doug, I don't know how to thank you.

I've been wrong. You've saved me from hanging an innocent man.

Get a stay of execution.

I've done that. I saw to it as soon as I was notified.

Thank you, Doug.

Ellen called me. I was worried.

Braden's getting a reprieve.

If you want a reprieve, all you have to do is ask.

Move over.

Subtitles by ITFC for BBC Subtitling - 2000

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