An American Tragedy (1931) Movie Script
Front!
For Mrs. Adams, 310.
- Thank you.
Shall I put the bags in the bedroom?
- Yes, please.
Excuse me.
Is there anything else you want, madam?
- No, thank you. Wait a minute...
Marian, have you some change?
Say...thanks! If there's anything else
you want, call for me. I'm Number 7.
Number 7. I'll remember that.
What possessed you to give him so much?
I rather liked his looks.
- Marian! A bellboy?
Didn't you notice
what a fine face he had?
No, I noticed nothing of the kind.
I wonder how a boy of his type
comes to be doing this kind of work?
Sssss....ears burning!
Listening, eh? That's a nice trick
for a first-class bellhop!
You won't tell anyone, will you Katie?
Tommy's picking up the crown at 8.
He's going to swipe his old man's car.
I don't think I can make it tonight.
- Why not?
I don't feel like it.
- You don't, eh?
No, I don't.
- Hey, wait a minute...
I know what's the matter with you.
- Yeah?
You're getting high head all of a sudden
because that girl took a shine to you.
Don't kid yourself, Number 7!
You ain't got a chance with a classy
dame like that or anyone like her!
Well, I'm not going to be a
bellhop all my life.
Clyde, have a heart. You made a date
with me for tonight.
I've been looking forward to it
all week.
Come on, be a sport!
Step on it, boy! We're late!
- What do you think I'm doing?
Look out!
Get in before the cops get here!
What are you doing?
- I'm going away.
Why? Has anything happened?
We ran over a kid. Tommy was at
the wheel. He must have been drunk.
Was the child killed?
- I guess so.
Didn't you stay to find out?
- No, we beat it.
Clyde, you shouldn't have run away!
But they all ran away! I wasn't going
to stay and take all the blame!
Clyde, why did you go out with
girls and boys like that?
I didn't want to go out with them,
but they're the only friends I've got!
The police will get us all for this.
I've got to get away before they come.
Go to the police and tell them
it wasn't your fault.
Oh, no!
- I'll go with you.
They will put me in jail.
I'll get sent up for years.
Clyde, where are you going?
- I don't know.
What will you do?
You have no money.
I'll get along.
I'll drop you a line tomorrow.
Goodbye, mother.
Don't worry.
God, thou knowest how I love my boy!
I've done all I could to guide
his steps to thee.
But I've been weak and helpless.
We've always been so terribly poor.
We've never been able to give him
the happiness...
the simple joys and pleasures that
should come to every young boy.
All his life long...
his young eyes have seen
only misery and evil.
Even the very strongest
among us...
will stray from thy path without
happiness or contentment.
Bestow some of thy manifold
blessings upon him,
so that the light may fold into
his troubled spirit...
that he may be led aright.
Oh God, watch over my boy
all the days of his life...
and keep him...
Hey! Beat it before
I have you locked up!
Where do you think you're
working at, The Ritz?
Get going or I'll throw you out
on your ear!
Beat it, boys!
The cops!
Ever been a bellboy before?
Yes, sir.
Where? - In San Francisco,
the California Hotel.
Why did you quit?
- My folks moved to Chicago.
Folks moved to Chicago, eh?
- Yes, sir.
Tell the bell captain
I'm taking you on.
Thank you, sir.
I just took a guy named Griffiths
up to 417.
From some town in New York..Lya...
Lycurgus?
- That's it.
I've got some wealthy relations
in Lycurgus.
I wonder if it could be my uncle?
Here's a girl that might do for you.
Better give her a tryout.
Will you sit down?
What is your name?
Roberta...
Your address?
228 Tellis Street.
Is your home here?
No, I come from a farm upstate.
I'm staying here with a friend.
But you're going to live in Lycurgus
if you get work here?
Yes.
I haven't lived in Lycurgus
so long myself.
Has Mr. Liggett told you about
the work here?
No, he hasn't.
It's piecework, you know.
Stamping collars.
I'll show you if you'll just
step over here.
Watch this girl.
Do you think you could do it?
It's quite easy.
Yes, I'm sure!
You can start after lunch if you want.
- If I may.
I'll show you where to put your things.
Miss Todd?
Miss Todd!
Will you let Miss Alden have a locker?
Well, I hope he doesn't think because
we asked him to dinner tonight...
that we're going
to take him up socially.
I don't suppose he thinks
anything of the kind.
Maybe not, but I can't help but think
that his real idea in coming here...
is that you would do more for him
than you would for someone else.
Just because he's your nephew!
Well, if he does, he's wrong.
He seems a nice chap.
- He was a bellboy, wasn't he?
Yes, he was working at a hotel in
Chicago when I met him.
But that's nothing against him.
In any case, it wouldn't look right
if we didn't invite him here at all.
Mr. Griffiths.
My nephew, I believe.
Yes, I'm Clyde Griffiths.
I'm very glad to see you and welcome
you to our home.
Thank you.
- Hello, Clyde.
Nice to see you here.
- Thank you, Mr. Griffiths.
And this is my daughter, Myra.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
Of course, you know my son.
Sorry I couldn't see you before...
but I've been away most of the time
since your arrival.
So they out you in charge of
the Stamping Dept., eh?
Yes, sir. I know I owe it all to you.
I've done nothing to deserve it.
Well, we couldn't have a relative of
ours working in the shrinking room....
like a common laborer.
Goodnight, Dad.
Goodnight, Mother.
Goodnight, Myra.
Sorry I can't be with you tonight.
Well, Clyde...
I hope you like the collar business
by now.
Yes, sir. Very much.
Sit down, won't you?
Tell me something about
your father and mother.
Where are they living?
My parents live in Denver now.
What are your parents doing?
Well, they...
they run a kind of a mission.
Yes, I forgot to tell you.
They run a kind of a mission.
I see.
Let's go over to my house, shall we?
That's going to be a good show tonight.
Which one?
Oh, you know...
Good evening, Miss Alden!
- Good evening, Mr. Griffiths!
Out for a walk?
- This is Mr. Clyde Griffiths!
This is Grace Morrow.
- How do you do, Mr. Griffiths?
How do you do, Miss Morrow?
- I guess we better be going!
Don't look back!
Miss Alden, it is you, isn't it?
Yes it is, Mr. Griffiths!
- Just out for a walk?
Yes.
Do get in.
Will it be safe?
- Sure!
I've never been in a canoe!
Don't you love the water?
- I do!
But I'm afraid of it too.
Why?
- I can't swim!
Can't you? That's too bad.
I've been swimming quite a lot out here.
I'm getting to be quite expert!
Maybe I oughtn't be seen with you!
- Maybe you ought!
I've been thinking of you all day.
I was wishing I might meet you somewhere
this morning and bring you out here.
Mr. Griffiths, you don't mean that.
I don't think I ever saw
you look so pretty.
Mr. Griffiths, you mustn't
begin that way.
You're a dreadful flatterer!
Besides, I'm afraid I'll have to go.
We might be seen.
Don't go.
I've been trying to get a word with
you ever since you came to the factory.
There's a rule there that says the head
of a department...
can't have anything to do with
a girl that works for him.
Outside, I mean.
- Yes, I know.
But I want you to see me just the same.
Will you?
You know Roberta, this is the happiest
day I ever had in my life!
How about you?
- Me too.
Somebody will see us!
Nobody will see us!
Besides I can't help it!
There's something about a day like this
that makes me want to love somebody!
Any girl would do, I suppose?
Sure!
If she were half as sweet as you are!
Then I might as well start home.
I was just kidding.
I liked you from the start.
It just came over me today
how crazy I am about you.
How will you feel tomorrow?
Crazier still!
You like me, don't you?
Yeah, but what's the good?
What do you mean "what's the good"?
- I'm only a factory hand.
You're Mr. Griffiths nephew.
You get invited to their house and meet
lovely girls with money and education.
There isn't one of them
as nice as you are, Roberta.
You're different now from the way
you are in the factory.
How am I different?
- You always go around looking so cross.
As if you had no use for any of
the girls.
Sometimes when the pressman comes up
to you and you're not expecting it...
you jump and look kind of scared.
I don't do anything of the kind!
- Yes, you do!
But now you really seem happy,
Mr. Griffiths.
I guess you better start
calling me Clyde.
But in the factory it'll have to be
Mr Griffiths, won't it?
Yeah, we'll have to
watch our step there.
That might not be so easy.
I'll tell you what...
if I feel I have to say something like,
"I love you,"
I'll just walk by and say...
"Pretty slow today, Miss Alden."
And that will mean, "I love you"?
And that will mean, "I love you".
If you're thirsty, you better
have some of mine!
I don't know what we're going to do
from now on. It's getting cold and...
it won't be very pleasant walking along
the streets like this every night.
I guess it is getting colder.
I'll soon have to get a heavier coat.
You don't suppose we could go to your
room once in a while, do you?
No...no.
Couldn't do that.
Wouldn't be right.
Besides, someone might see us. You'd
lose your job and I'd lose mine too.
Alright, if you don't want to
you don't have to!
I'm not going to walk the streets
like this every night.
Please Clyde, don't be angry with me!
I'd let you come to my room if I could!
Be easy enough to do if you wanted to.
You don't want to.
I can't, Clyde! I can't!
It wouldn't be right!
Suits me, if that's the way
you feel about it.
Clyde!
Clyde!
Clyde, please don't go!
Please don't go.
Please don't go.
There's nothing to be frightened about.
They won't hear us.
If they find out,
we'll get into trouble!
I don't care.
Bert, I love you so.
I've been crazy about you
ever since I first saw you.
I'm afraid! I've never done anything
like this before!
There's nothing to be afraid of.
Clyde...
promise me you'll never leave me.
Of course I won't, darling
Never?
- Never.
I don't know what I'd do
if you did.
Kill myself, I think.
I'll never leave you, Bert,
Honest, I won't.
Bert...
I swear I'll never leave.
Out walking tonight?
Oh, I beg your pardon.
I thought you were someone else.
Yes, I know you must gave thought
I was someone else, Miss Finchley.
I'm Clyde Griffiths.
- Oh, yes.
I've heard a lot about you
from your cousin.
How did you know my name?
I've seen your picture so often
in the society column.
Oh, you have? Well, I won't detain you
any longer, Mr. Griffiths.
I suppose you're on your way
to see your girl?
I haven't got a girl.
We will have to remedy that!
Can I take you anywhere?
I wasn't going anywhere in particular.
I'm just on my way home.
I'll drop you off on the way.
How do you do?
How do you do?
May I have this dance?
Yes, I have been looking forward
to this.
How do you do, Miss Finchley?
Miss Finchley...
...Miss Finchley...
May I call you Sondra?
How is the potato salad?
How are you?
Here's Sondra now!
She'll be looking to see if you notice
her Parisian dress!
Don't disappoint her!
Hello, Sondra darling!
Late as usual!
Here's Mr. Griffiths!
Take my plate, I'll get another.
Good evening, Mr. Griffiths.
Do you like being here?
I wouldn't have missed this
for the world!
You don't know how I love all this.
This music.
This kind of life!
You left me out!
I haven't stopped thinking about you
since the first time I saw you.
Want a puff?
You are nice when
you're intense like that.
You like gardenias?
- I like everything about you!
What would you do if
I were to give you one?
Would you keep it forever?
- I'd keep it forever!
Well, I think I'll give you one.
Hey, get this!
I don't see anyway out of this
unless you marry me.
That's alright for you, Bert. That fixes
everything for you without any trouble.
But what about me? You know
I haven't got any money.
All I have is my job and if we got
married, they'd find out all about this.
I'd have to go.
- I know, Clyde.
I don't see any other way
out of this.
Why couldn't we get married right away
and keep it a secret for awhile?
I don't want to get married now.
It means too much for me at this time.
I haven't got any money to get married
and I'm not taking a chance with my job.
It isn't your position so much as it's
that society you're running around with.
That's why you don't care
for me anymore.
You don't want to give up
those other people!
You're wrong.
You don't see what the trouble is.
It's my future here.
I want to get someplace first.
If we do this, I'll never get anywhere.
I won't be left this way, Clyde.
I can't.
I can't, I tell you!
I've no one to turn to but you
and you've got to help me!
You can leave me after awhile
if you want to.
I've heard of a lot of this.
I can't stop you from doing that
and I wouldn't want to!
But you can't leave me now!
Please Bert, don't take it like that!
If you could go away by yourself for
awhile and go through this alone...
I could send you the money to do it on,
I know!
You want me to go off all by myself?
Just so you can stay here
and get along?
Marry someone else.
That Finchley girl, maybe.
I won't do it.
It's not fair.
To think that all our love
for each other has come to this.
Alright, Bert. I'll do what you want,
but I can't now. I haven't any money.
Why don't you go up to your family and
I'll save and then we'll get married?
I'll go back home
if you promise to marry me.
Alright, Bert. I promise.
I'm going now.
You'll write me...
won't you, Clyde?
Sure, I will. I can reach you
by telephone too, can't I?
The neighbors have a telephone.
I'll write down the number.
What is it about me
that's so different, Clyde?
What is it about me that's
made you act like this?
Up until a few months ago you were
as nice as any human being could be!
You don't know how glad I am
to see you again, Sondra!
Come on, let's get away
from all this crowd!
You should have seen Mama's face
when she found out you were up here!
We'll have to be more careful than ever
until October when we're back in town!
I'll be of age then.
I've never loved anyone before
and I do love you.
I won't give you up, that's all!
And they can't make me, either!
Sondra darling, I want you so much!
Your mother's not likely to want you
to marry me anyhow.
If we go away now, she couldn't
help herself, could she?
Afterward, she wouldn't mind.
Why can't you run away with me now?
I would if I didn't think it best not
to now. It's too soon. Don't you see?
You can come up here as often
as you choose.
Then in the Fall, if I can't make Mama
be nice to you, I'll run away with you.
Yes, I will!
Really and truly, darling!
If I could just tell you everything!
If you only knew!
It's just that I need you so much now.
All the time. That's it, just that.
Seems at times I couldn't be away from
you another minute!
It's only until October. When you
aren't here, I'll write you every day.
We better get back now. I don't want
them to wonder where we are.
Tragedy at the Lake!
Fatal Results of the Accident!
Read all about it!
Paper, mister?
Evening Sentinel!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Evening Sentinel?
Read all about it!
Latest edition paper!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Evening Sentinel here!
Latest edition paper!
Hello, Clyde.
I'm so glad you called me up!
I'm terribly nervous!
Did you get my letter?
Why didn't you write?
Be sure and come and get me by the 3rd.
Or should I meet you somewhere else?
I've been busy.
I don't get much time to write.
I may have to postpone it another week.
I haven't enough money saved up.
I can't wait any longer than the 3rd.
I won't! I won't!
I can't stay here any more.
I'll go back to Lycurgus.
Don't be angry with me!
You talk as though I have no troubles
in connection with this either.
I'm doing the very best I can now
and please be patient!
I'll either come for you
or arrange for you to meet me, and...
don't be using my name like you did now!
Someone may be listening!
Everyone's out.
No, Clyde. I don't want to do
anything to hurt you.
It's because things are so bad with me.
I can't help myself now!
I know, Bert. I want to do
everything I can to help you.
I call you often and if I can't get
there by the 3rd, I'll let you know.
Evening Sentinel!
Last edition paper!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Last edition paper!
Evening Sentinel here!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Last edition paper here!
Evening Sentinel!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Read all about it!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Evening Sentinel!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Last edition paper!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Last edition paper!
Evening Sentinel!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Last edition Sentinel!
Let's be sure and not miss that bus
back to Gun Lodge, Clyde.
There's only one more train from there.
And we told the man at the inn
we wouldn't stay over night.
We won't miss it.
Besides, you told me to leave
my bag there.
I know.
It's alright. We didn't need it.
We have the lunch and camera in mine.
Water's cold, isn't it?
Is it?
Then don't put your hand in it.
You know, it seems so odd to be
registering as Mr. and Mrs. Carl Graham...
and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Golden
in those places.
It made me feel as though you didn't
want to marry me at all.
We've been gone 2 days now.
You mean to marry me, don't you Clyde?
Of course I do, Bert!
I told you I did!
I know, Clyde. I don't mean to hurry
you, but you know how I feel.
I said we'd get married on this trip,
but we might as well have some fun!
There will be enough to worry about
afterward. You like it here, don't you?
I think it's beautiful here.
Please don't be angry with me.
I'm so happy with you, but...
couldn't we have our lunch now?
I'm so hungry!
Oh, Clyde!
I'm so happy you brought me up here!
Can't you stand still
for a second, Roberta?
I think we'd better be going.
It's getting late.
I want to take a few more pictures
of you on the water while there's light.
Alright, but let's hurry.
We'll leave the things here,
and just row out a little way.
Take the camera down.
I'll leave the tripod here.
Come on.
Clyde, I love you so!
Clyde, hadn't you better
take those pictures now?
Why, Clyde...
Clyde, what is it?
What's the matter with you?
I've never seen you
look like this before!
What is it, Clyde?
What is it, Clyde?
What is it, Clyde?
It's nothing now. I'm alright.
Just leave me alone.
I brought you up here to drown you,
but I'm not going to do it now.
Just stay where you are.
Nothing will happen to you.
I'll marry you!
I'll go through with it!
Just leave me alone!
- Clyde!
Stay where you are!
Don't come near me!
Stay where you are! Look out!
You'll dump the boat!
Help!
Clyde, help!
Yeah?
This is Coroner Heit speaking.
Young couple drowned, huh?
Put this down, Earl.
Alright now.
Body of the woman found,
but not that of the man.
Yeah...
Straw hat without any lining.
Boat turned over on the south shore.
Marks about her mouth and eye.
Letter found in the pocket of her coat.
Addressed to whom?
Mrs. Titus Alden?
Blitz, did you say Blitz?
Mimico County.
Still dragging for the man's body.
I see.
Yeah...
You're Mr. Titus Alden, aren't you?
Yes, sir. That's my name.
Sit down, Mr. Alden.
My name is Mason, District Attorney.
You're the father of a girl
named Roberta, aren't you?
Yes, sir.
Do you know a young man around here
named Clifford Golden?
No, sir.
- Or Carl Graham?
No, sir. Why do you ask?
How long is it since you
last saw your daughter?
She left here last Tuesday morning
to go back to Lycurgus.
She works down there.
Is that your daughter's handwriting?
Yes, sir. That's her handwriting.
How do you come to have this letter,
Mr. District Attorney?
Mr. Alden, I hesitate to tell you...
I am a man who has seen something
of life and I know how you will suffer.
Is she hurt?
She's not dead, is she?
For goodness sakes...
whatever is the matter?
It's Roberta.
What about her?
What about her, Titus?
What about her?
Mrs. Alden, your daughter
has been drowned.
Gardenia.
Roberta Alden.
Well, here's our motive it seems!
Sondra Finchley.
THE Finchley's.
I begin to see why he wanted
the other girl out of the way.
Yes...
Alright.
He's with some friends...
about 6 miles north of here.
Somewhere on the lake.
We'll separate into 3 groups
and surround the camp...
to prevent his possible escape.
The first man to sight the camp
will fire a shot.
Then we'll close in.
Kraut, you take Jack. You go with Mack,
and I'll take the other 2 boys.
What's that?
I'll be back in a minute.
I want to get some cigarettes.
You won't be long, will you?
- No.
Hold on there, mister.
We're looking for you.
Come here, son!
Come on!
Your name don't happen to be
Clyde Griffiths, does it?
Yes, sir. That's my name.
You're with a camping party here,
aren't you?
Yes sir, I am.
Alright, Mr. Griffiths.
My name is Kraut.
I'm Deputy Sheriff of this county.
I've got a warrant here
for your arrest.
I suppose you know what it's for
and will come along peaceably?
Why no sir, I don't know what it is for!
But if you have a warrant,
I'll go with you.
I don't understand why
you want to arrest me!
You don't, huh?
Well, Mr. Griffiths,
that's all I got to say!
All I'm supposed to do is to arrest you
for the murder of Roberta Alden!
Don't put those on me, mister!
I go with you without them!
Alright then, come on!
So you're Clyde Griffiths?
Yes, sir!
- My name is Orville Mason...
District Attorney of the county in which
Roberta Alden was drowned.
Do you know what you're charged with?
- Yes, sir. I heard from this man.
And you admit it?
- No, of course I don't admit it!
Do you deny being at Grass Lake at
Big Bittern last Wednesday and Thursday?
Yes, sir!
Come here.
Sit down.
Is this your tripod?
No, sir.
- Have you got a camera?
No, sir. I never had a camera.
I suppose you're going to deny
knowing Roberta Alden?
Are that these are letters from Roberta
and Miss Finchley found in your trunk?
My name's Clyde Griffiths, but...
the rest of this isn't true! I don't
know anything about the rest of it!
I suppose we should take him over to
that camp and see what his friends know.
Oh please, no!
Please don't!
You don't want to go? That would
hurt your pride, wouldn't it?
Then you better talk and quickly
or off you go!
Of course, I knew Roberta Alden!
Of course, I did!
Sure, those letters show that but...
I'll go over to the camp and join you
later. Take him along.
Come on! We're going to take
you for a nice, long walk!
Can you tell me where
Mr. Griffiths tent is?
This is it. Why do you want to know?
My name is Mason, District Attorney.
I'm here to take possession
of his property.
What?
Are you Miss Finchley?
- Yes, I'm Sondra Finchley.
I'm sorry, Miss Finchley.
Clyde Griffiths is under arrest.
Under arrest?
What's he done?
He's charged with drowning a girl
named Roberta Alden.
He admits having been
in the boat with her.
She was drowned.
Her letters were found in his room.
I'm sorry to be the bearer
of this news.
He couldn't have done anything
like that. It isn't true!
Let's hope it isn't.
Well, I hope he isn't guilty!
I want every proper step taken
to find out whether he is or not!
If he isn't, to defend him to the limit
of the law, but no more than that!
Not even if he is my nephew!
If the boy's guilty,
he'll take the consequences!
Mrs. Griffiths, we're from the press!
Are they right about your son?
- No!
Please go away! - Have you seen this
paper? Are you going to the trial?
I haven't seen anything!
Please go away!
What's this in your hand?
- Are you going to the trial or not?
I don't know. I want to go to him,
but his lawyers won't let me.
I understand my brother-in-law
doesn't want me!
He's rich, isn't he?
I give thanks to thee...
Have you any other children?
I have another son and 2 daughters.
What does your husband do?
- He helps me with the mission.
He's upstairs.
He isn't strong.
Is it true your son used to go with you
when you preached on the street?
If he's done anything wrong,
I am to blame.
Steady!
I'm amazed, my dear!
Accused of murder!
And with letters in your own handwriting
in his possession!
Your mother's been talking to me
for months about this!
And I've been taking your word
against hers!
Why couldn't you have talked
this over with me before going so far?
Did you say you loved him?
You've been very foolish, Sondra!
Very foolish!
I thought you had better sense.
A murder case!
And you connected with it!
Let's keep those letters
out of the papers...
and out of the trial too
if we can!
I'll call Attleberry.
He'll be able to fix it, I'm sure!
Dad, you've got to help him!
You've got to!
I'll be lucky if I can help you!
And for that reason, we've invented this
other story about a change of heart.
It's not quite as true as yours...
but it is true that you experienced
a change of heart in that boat!
And that's our justification!
We merely bring that change of heart
up a little, see?
You're not guilty!
You've sworn to me that you did not
intend to strike her there at the last...
whatever you might have been provoked
to do at first!
That's enough for me!
You're not guilty!
Leave it to us.
We'll get you out of this.
Full house, isn't it?
Order in the court.
Everybody please rise!
All persons having business before
the honorable court,...
State of New York,
County of Cataraqui...
Come and give attention!
This court is now in session!
The State of New York against
Clyde Griffiths!
The People are ready.
The defendant is ready.
Simeon Dinsmore.
How old are you, Mr. Dinsmore?
- 51.
Do you believe in capital punishment?
- I do.
For some people.
Get the story of Clyde Griffiths here!
With all the letters of Roberta Alden!
25 cents here!
No doubt many of you have been wearied
during the past week...
by the exceeding care with which
the lawyers in this case...
have passed upon the panels from which
you 12 men have been chosen.
But let us proceed to the facts.
There are two women in this action.
One is dead.
The other, by agreement between
the prosecution and the defense,
is to be nameless...
since no good can come from inflicting
unnecessary injury.
Let us call her, "Miss X".
The people of the State of New York
charge that the crime of murder...
in the 1st degree has been committed
by the prisoner, Clyde Griffiths.
They charge that he willfully and with
malice, cruelty and deception...
murdered and then sought to conceal
forever from the knowledge...
and justice of the world,
the body of Roberta Alden.
The daughter of a farmer who has for
years resided in Mimico County.
They charge that this same
Clyde Griffiths...
before this crime was committed,
had for weeks...
plotted the plan and then in cold blood,
executed it!
Gentlemen...
it will not take me long to picture
the type of girl this was...
whose life was so cruelly
blotted out!
All the 20 years of her life...
She was not 20 years old, your honor!
She was 23 years old!
Older than this defendant!
Have the District Attorney note!
- I resent this interruption!
Counsel will please not interrupt.
All the 20 years of her life...
no person who knew her
criticized her character!
Over a year ago, she went to
the city of Lycurgus.
In order that by working
with her own hands...
she might help her family!
There was a rule of the company
for which he worked...
that no head of any department
was to have anything to do...
with any of the girls working
for the factory.
But did that deter him?
Not in the least!
Nothing deterred him from anything!
Gentlemen of the jury...
Roberta Alden loved this defendant
with all the strength of her soul!
She loved him with that love which is
the crowning mystery of the human brain...
and the human heart!
It transcends in all its strength
and its weakness...
all fear of shame...
or punishment even from the
immortal throne above!
And so loving him...
in the end she gave him all any woman
can give the man she loves.
Friends, this has happened millions of
times in this world of ours.
And it will happen millions of times
in the days to come.
It is not new,
and it will never be old.
But, in January last...
this girl, who is now dead
in her grave...
was compelled
to come to this defendant...
and tell him she was about
to become a mother.
We shall prove to you
that then and later...
she begged him to go away with her
and make her his wife.
But did he?
Would he?
Oh, no!
For by now a change had come over
the dreams and affections...
of Clyde Griffiths!
For he had found another girl.
To whom because of her beauty,
wealth and her position,
he had become
enormously attached!
And beside her, a little factory girl,
in the pathetically shabby room...
to which he had assigned her,
looked poor indeed!
Good enough to betray...
but not good enough to marry!
Gentlemen...
Clyde Griffiths killed Roberta Alden
before he ever put her in that lake!
He beat her over the head and face
with a camera!
With this camera!
And he believed that no eyes saw him!
Don't worry.
We'll get you off.
With 20 years at the worst.
Gentlemen of the jury...
the individual who is on trial here
for his life...
is a mental as well as a moral coward.
Not a criminal...
of a crime so product of the
darkest vomiting of Hell...
that the District Attorney
would have you believe.
Do you slay a man because he's
a victim of fear?
It was mental and moral cowardice...
that prevented him
once the waters of the lake...
accidently closed over her...
from making public her death.
Mental and moral cowardice...
and nothing more and nothing less!
He was only thinking
of his wealthy relatives.
And besides...
there was Miss X.
The brightest star
in the brightest constellation...
of all his dreams.
Did he kill Roberta Alden?
No!
The prosecution has no one
to prove that!
But we can prove that he did not
kill Roberta Alden!
We have an eyewitness!
Clyde Griffiths,
take the witness chair!
Raise your right hand.
Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth, so help you God?
I do!
Clyde, the first thing we want to do
is to make sure...
that the jury understands you and
the kind of character you have.
You're going to begin with your life
as you remember it.
Where you were born,
where you came from...
Why did you leave Kansas City?
On account of an accident.
- What kind of an accident?
I was working in the Green Davidson
Hotel as a bellboy.
Another bellboy asked me out on a ride
in a car that a friend of his borrowed.
We were hurrying back to work, and
he ran over and killed...
a little girl and...
then he got frightened
and kept on going and...
the car got smashed and....
after that I was afraid
to stay in Kansas City, so I ran away.
Do you mean to tell me that you ran away
even though you were not responsible?
Yes, sir!
I was afraid I might be arrested!
In other words, you were a mental and
moral coward as previously stated!
I object to that interpretation
of the defendant's testimony.
This defendant's testimony needs
no interpretation!
It's very plain and honest
as anyone can see!
Objection sustained.
Proceed.
Then you went to Peoria, Bloomington,
Milwaukee, Chicago!
Hiding away in small rooms!
Living in back streets!
Working as dishwashers, soda fountain
men or drivers! Didn't you?
Yes, sir! I did.
You really loved Roberta Alden
at first, didn't you?
Yes, sir.
You must have known that she was
a good, innocent and religious girl.
Yes, sir.
That's the way I felt about her.
If you felt so highly of her at first...
how is it that so soon you could descend
into this evil relationship?
Didn't you know that all men and women
view it as wrong?
And outside of marriage, unforgivable!
A crime!
Yes sir, I suppose I did.
Certainly.
But I was in love with her
- You were in love with her!
Yes, sir!
Very much?
- Very much!
And was she as much in love with you?
Yes, sir. She was.
Now Clyde, we'll have to go into this
matter of Miss X.
You met her in Lycurgus sometime in
November or December last year.
Is that correct?
- Yes, sir.
And at once you fell very much
in love with her?
Yes, sir. That's true.
She was rich.
Yes, sir.
Beautiful!
Yes, sir.
And had you two...
yourself and Miss Alden, I mean...
at the time you met this Miss X...
already become intimate?
Yes, sir.
And what were your plans
or your future with Miss Alden?
I mean before you met this Miss X?
You must have thought of that?
Well, not exactly.
You see, I never had any real plans
to do anything.
Did you ever tell her
that you would marry her?
No, sir.
I don't recall that I did.
Not in so many words.
But once Roberta got into trouble,
did you or did you not...
feel that it was your duty
under the circumstances to marry her?
No, not if I could get her out of it.
And why not?
I thought it would be fair enough
if I helped her and then...
told her I didn't love her
as I once did.
Couldn't you help her out of it?
- No, sir.
You went to that druggist
who testified here?
Yes, sir.
Did you got to the haberdasher
who testified here?
Yes, sir.
Did he give you the name of a doctor?
- Yes, sir.
And did you send Miss Alden
to that doctor? - Yes, sir.
Did she go alone or did you go with her?
- I went with her...to the door.
And why only the door?
I didn't have too much money
and I thought...
he might be willing
to help her for less....
if she went by herself.
And now from there on,
just what happened?
Don't try to make yourself any better
or any worse...
she is dead and you may be
eventually....
if these 12 gentlemen so decide.
The truth for the peace
of your own soul is the best!
After she got into trouble
and you couldn't help her, then what?
What was it you did?
How did you act?
What was your salary at that time?
$25.00 a week.
No other source of income?
- No, sir.
Exactly. I wish you'd stop leading
this parrot here!
I wish the honorable District Attorney
would mind his own business!
I'm examining this defendant!
As for parrots, we've heard quite a few
the last few weeks!
Coached like schoolboys
by the District Attorney!
That's a lie!
I demand an apology!
The apology is to me and this defendant
if your Honor pleases!
And it would be exacted quickly if Court
were adjourned for a few minutes!
I'll be able to obtain it
without any judicial aid!
Gentlemen!
You are both in contempt of Court!
Apologize to the Court and to each other
or I'll declare a mistrial...
and confine you both for 10 days
and fine you $500 each!
Under the circumstances,
I apologize.
Under the circumstances, your Honor,
I apologize.
I'm sorry.
- So am I.
Proceed!
You know, Clyde...
some here have the opinion
that it was a bluff on your part...
which originated in your mind
about this time...
to conceal your identity and hers...
and to lure her up to one of those
lonely lakes in the Adirondacks...
and drown her in cold blood!
In order that you might be free
to marry this Miss X!
Any truth in that?
Tell the jury yes or no!
No, I did not plot to kill her!
Clyde, it has been charged here...
that you took Miss Alden
out on that lake...
with the sole, premeditated intent
of killing her...
of finding some quiet
and unobserved spot...
and first striking her
with a camera or an oar...
and then drowning her!
Is that true or isn't it?
No, sir! It is not true!
I only went to the lake to please her!
And had you made up your mind by then
just what you wanted to do?
I was going to tell her the real reason
for changing as I had.
That I was in love with another girl
and couldn't help it!
And that if she still wanted me after
that, I'd quit my job and marry her.
Just what happened in that boat?
Now tell the jury!
Well...
We drifted...
and then I told her
what I had in mind.
Then she began crying and said maybe it
was best for her not to live any longer.
Then I told her I was sorry
and willing to do the right thing!
Then she suddenly became cheerful
and started toward me.
She stumbled and I tried to catch her!
I had my camera in my hand
and I guess her face struck the camera!
Then the boat overturned
and we were in the water!
Now Clyde, you swear you did not strike
Roberta Alden in that boat?
I swear I did not!
- Or throw her into that lake?
I swear I did not!
Or willfully or willingly in any way,
upset that boat?
Or in any other fashion bring
about the death she suffered?
I swear!
- Do you swear it was an accident?
Unpremeditated and undesigned by you?
- I do!
Sit down, my boy.
Prosecution may take the witness.
You had a camera in your hand
when she came toward you in the boat.
Yes, sir.
And she stumbled and fell
and you accidently struck her with it?
Yes.
I don't suppose you remember
in your honest and truthful way...
telling me in the woods
that you never had a camera?
Yes, I remember.
- That was a lie, of course?
Yes.
- And told with all the force...
with which you are telling
this other lie?
I'm not lying!
I explained why I said that!
Because you lied there,
you expect to be believed here?
It's the truth!
You testified that in that boat,
in the center of Big Bittern...
you had in your hand the camera
that you once denied owning.
Yes, sir.
- And that girl, who is now dead...
was in the stern of the boat?
- Yes, sir!
Would you bring in that boat
and the other exhibits also?
Well, Griffiths, here you are!
Here's the boat!
There's the camera
that you never owned!
Which we fished
from the bottom of the lake!
Where you thought it was hidden forever,
like so many other things!
Step down here into the boat.
Take this camera in your hand.
Show the jury just where you sat...
and just where Miss Alden sat....
and exactly how and where
you struck Miss Alden.
I didn't strike her with it!
Yes, we heard you testify that way.
Step into the boat!
Newcomb, will you come
and take Miss Alden's position?
Show Newcomb just how Miss Alden came
towards you and stumbled. Go ahead!
Well, I told her I'd marry her
and she got up and...
she stumbled. I guess over that.
- I object to this!
Objection overruled.
But how will a demonstration
on a man of Mr. Newcomb's build...
going to show what happened in the case
of a girl the size of Miss Alden?
Well, then we'll have a girl
the size and weight of Miss Alden.
Miss Sanders, step into the boat.
And what of that?
- The conditions aren't the same.
This boat isn't on the water!
No two people are alike in their
resistance to accidental blows!
Then you refuse to allow
this demonstration?
Make it if you choose.
It doesn't mean anything
as anyone can see.
Miss Sanders, stand up
and stumble.
And that caused the boat to upset?
- Yes, sir!
Sit down, Mr. Griffiths.
And that caused the boat
to upset, gentlemen.
When the boat was upset after that
accidental blow of yours...
and you and Miss Alden fell into
the water, how far apart were you?
I didn't notice.
- Pretty close, weren't you?
Not more than a foot or two,
the way you stood in the boat.
When I came up, she was some distance
away. - How far exactly?
As far as from here to the jury box,
halfway or what?
About as far as from here to the end,
I guess.
Not really?
This boat turns over and you both
fall into the water close together...
and when you come up,
you're nearly 20 feet apart?
Don't you think your memory's faulty?
That's the way it looked to me
when I came up!
Well now, after the boat turned over
and you came up...
just where were you in relation
to the boat?
As I say, I didn't notice
when I first came up!
About as far as from here
to the railing, I guess.
About 30 to 35 feet then?
Yes sir, about that maybe.
I couldn't be sure.
Well, with you there
and the boat here...
where was Miss Alden at that time?
About half that distance, not more.
Then, not 15 feet from you?
Not more than 15 feet from this boat.
Maybe not. I guess not.
Do you mean that you couldn't have
swum that little distance...
and buoyed her up until you reached
this boat just 15 feet behind her?
I was dazed when I came up and...
besides she was striking about and
screaming so...
Do you mean to say that when you could
swim 500 feet to shore Afterward...
that you couldn't have swum to this
boat and pushed it to her...
in time for her to save herself?
She was struggling to keep herself up,
wasn't she?
Yes sir, but I was rattled besides...
I was afraid to go near her!
- Yes, I know.
A mental and moral coward, eh?
You didn't want her to live!
In spite of your alleged
change of heart, isn't that so?
Isn't that the proof?
She was drowning,
as you wanted her to drown!
And you let her drown!
Isn't that so?
I wanted to save her, but I was dazed...
- Don't you know that you're lying?
That you deliberately
and with cold-hearted cunning...
allowed that poor. tortured girl
to die there...
when you might have rescued her?
- I object, your Honor!
My client is being unfairly prejudiced
in the eyes of the jury!
Objection overruled!
Why not kill the dirty snake now
and be done with it?
Bring that man here!
You will be held with $1000 bail for
your appearance in this court!
Take him away!
When you left Lycurgus to start
on the trip, how much did you have?
About $50.
- Don't you know exactly?
I had $50, yes sir.
While you were in Utica and Grass Lake,
how much did you spend?
I spent $20 on the trip, I think.
Don't you know?
Not exactly, it was about $20.
Let's see if we can't find out
about that exactly.
What was the fare from
Fonda to Utica for yourself?
$1.25
How much was the hotel in Utica
for you and Roberta?
That was...$4.00.
And of course, you had dinner and
breakfast there which was how much?
About $3.00 for both meals.
That's all you spent at Utica?
Yes. sir.
How about that straw hat it's been
proved you purchased there?
I forgot about that. That was $2.00.
Then your fares to Grass Lake were
$5.00, is that right?
Yes, sir.
And you had a boat at Grass Lake.
How much was that?
That was...
35 cents an hour.
- You had it how long?
3 hours.
- Making $1.05
Isn't it too bad there were
too many people at Grass Lake?
You might have saved yourself some
money by drowning Roberta there!
I object, your Honor!
This isn't cross-examination!
Objection sustained.
Please be careful.
Then that night at the hotel,
they charged you how much?
$5.00, wasn't it?
- Yes, sir!
And didn't you buy that lunch that you
carried out to the lake?
Yes, sir. I think it was 60 cents.
And how much did it cost
to get to Big Bittern?
A dollar for the train to Gun Lodge
and a dollar for the bus to Big Bittern.
You know these figures well, I see.
Naturally, you would.
You didn't have much money,
so it was important.
How much was the boat
at Big Bittern?
The same as at Grass Lake.
35 cents an hour, the boatman said.
It was, was it?
So the boatman told you, did he?
Yes, sir!
Don't you recall that you never
even asked the boatman at all?
It was not 35 cents an hour,
but 50 cents!
But you don't know that because you
were so anxious to get out on the water!
And you didn't expect to come back
and pay for it anyway!
So you never even asked, do you see?
Do you recall that now?
Well, any explanation for that?
Doesn't it strike even you as strange...
that you can remember
all your other expenditures correctly?
I don't know how I forgot that!
Of course you don't!
A man who is plotting to kill
a girl on a lone lake...
has a lot of things to think of!
It's no wonder he forgets
a few of them!
The kid hasn't enough courage.
It just isn't in him, that's all.
He must have really killed her.
- I wouldn't be a bit surprised.
Griffiths, only yesterday on the stand
you swore that you personally...
had no plan to go to Big Bittern
when you left Lycurgus.
No sir, I hadn't!
But when you two got in that
hotel room in Utica...
and you saw how tired she looked...
you suggested a vacation of some kind?
A little one?
Something you could afford?
Yes, sir!
But up until that time, you hadn't
even thought of the Adirondacks?
No, sir! No particular lake!
And after you suggested it, it was she
who said you better get some maps?
Yes, sir!
- And you went downstairs and got them?
Yes, sir!
- In the Renfrew House in Utica?
Yes, sir!
- I see.
Do you remember these?
They look like the ones I had there.
They are the ones you had there!
They were found in your bag!
And you say you got these at the Renfrew
House in Utica? - Yes, sir!
Them will you explain to me
or this jury if you can...
under your solemn oath
which you respect so much...
how it is that
these circulars are marked...
"Compliments of the Lycurgus House"?
Lycurgus, New York?
I don't know!
I got them in Utica!
They must have been in
the Renfrew House rack!
And if I bring 2 witnesses to swear
that on July 3...
3 days before you left Lycurgus...
you were seen by them to go into
the Lycurgus House...
and take 4 or 5 circulars
from the rack there?
Will you still say it must have been
the Renfrew House in Utica?
It must have been!
I didn't get them in Lycurgus!
Very good.
You didn't get them in Lycurgus.
Meanwhile, we'll let these gentlemen
look at them.
That's all gentlemen. I don't think we
need to hear him lie anymore.
I ain't convinced that he's guilty!
I don't believe his lawyers
would let him lie about it!
And I don't like the
District Attorney's politics!
We'll fix you for this, Sutton!
- That's threatening him.
I'll fix you too!
Run you both out of town!
The idea of sympathizing
with that dirty murderer!
You better vote guilty
or you'll regret it!
Well, I don't want to seem obstinate.
Maybe you're right.
Then we're all agreed!
- You bet!
I'm surprised at you!
- He has a right to his opinion.
He changed his mind, didn't he?
Take off your hats.
Take off your hats.
Order in the court!
Everybody please rise!
Gentlemen of the jury,
will you please rise?
The defendant will please rise
and face the jury.
Gentlemen of the jury,
have you agreed upon a verdict?
We have. We find the defendant
guilty of murder in the 1st degree.
I move the verdict be set aside
as contrary to the evidence.
Denied. - May I ask your Honor to
defer sentence for a week to 10 days?
If council desires, I will listen to
arguments on the matter tomorrow.
Please remove the prisoner
before anyone leaves!
Mother, I'm glad you came!
Did you come alone?
- Yes, your father couldn't come.
He isn't strong and there
was no money.
How'd you get the money, Ma?
- You mustn't think harshly of me.
There was no other way. One of the
newspapers sent me here as a reporter!
I, your mother!
There was no other way!
Your rich uncle has abandoned you!
"Still has not he guided us
thus far?"
Clyde, I must know the truth.
Nothing else matters.
You are not guilty.
I'm not guilty, Mother.
I've sworn to the truth.
"Thou wilt not require of a Mother in
her darkest hour to doubt her child."
Order in the court! His Honor,
everyone please rise!
Is the prisoner ready
to hear the sentence? - He is.
The prisoner will please rise
and face the court.
Have you any cause to show why the
judgment of death...
should not be pronounced
against you according to law?
I'm innocent. I did not kill
Roberta Alden...
and therefore this sentence
should not be passed.
Is there anything else you care to say?
- No.
The judgment of the court is that you,
Clyde Griffiths...
for the murder in the 1st degree of
Roberta Alden...
whereof you are convicted,
you are hereby sentenced
to the punishment of death.
It is ordered that within 10 days
after this day's session of court...
the Sheriff of this county deliver you,
together with the warrant of this court...
to the Warden of the State Prison
at Auburn....
where you shall be kept
in solitary confinement...
until the week beginning
Monday, the 28th day of January.
And upon some day
in the week so appointed...
said agent and Warden of the
State Prison of the State of New York...
is commended to do
execution upon you, Clyde Griffiths....
in the mode and manner prescribed
by the laws of the State of New York.
May God have mercy upon your soul.
Clyde.
Mother, don't cry.
All my life I've done nothing
but make you miserable.
Don't say that, Clyde.
You don't believe all those things
they said about me, do you?
No, never. Listen to me...
I've got friends now. We'll get another
trial. I'll go to the Governor.
Don't worry, I'll get you out.
Will you?
Yes, I'll prove to the
whole world that you're innocent.
But I'm not...really.
Lie!
Mother...come here. Close.
I'm going to tell you something
I couldn't tell the court.
I didn't kill Roberta but when she fell
in the water, I could have saved her.
Even when she went down for the
last time, I could have saved her.
But I didn't. I swam away.
Because in my heart,
I wanted her to die.
Clyde!
I wanted to tell the jury,
but I couldn't!
I...I was too ashamed.
But that's just the same as killing her,
isn't it?
But I'm not a murderer, Mother!
I don't know how I
could have done this thing!
It's not your fault, Clyde.
We never gave you the right start.
We brought you up around
ugly, evil surroundings.
And while we were trying
to save the souls of others...
we were letting you go astray.
We never taught you to be brave
and fight sin like a man.
Mother!
- What is it, dear?
Are they really going to...
- Clyde...
Be brave.
Face your punishment like a man.
I'll try.
I know that somehow...
somewhere...
you'll be given the right start.
For Mrs. Adams, 310.
- Thank you.
Shall I put the bags in the bedroom?
- Yes, please.
Excuse me.
Is there anything else you want, madam?
- No, thank you. Wait a minute...
Marian, have you some change?
Say...thanks! If there's anything else
you want, call for me. I'm Number 7.
Number 7. I'll remember that.
What possessed you to give him so much?
I rather liked his looks.
- Marian! A bellboy?
Didn't you notice
what a fine face he had?
No, I noticed nothing of the kind.
I wonder how a boy of his type
comes to be doing this kind of work?
Sssss....ears burning!
Listening, eh? That's a nice trick
for a first-class bellhop!
You won't tell anyone, will you Katie?
Tommy's picking up the crown at 8.
He's going to swipe his old man's car.
I don't think I can make it tonight.
- Why not?
I don't feel like it.
- You don't, eh?
No, I don't.
- Hey, wait a minute...
I know what's the matter with you.
- Yeah?
You're getting high head all of a sudden
because that girl took a shine to you.
Don't kid yourself, Number 7!
You ain't got a chance with a classy
dame like that or anyone like her!
Well, I'm not going to be a
bellhop all my life.
Clyde, have a heart. You made a date
with me for tonight.
I've been looking forward to it
all week.
Come on, be a sport!
Step on it, boy! We're late!
- What do you think I'm doing?
Look out!
Get in before the cops get here!
What are you doing?
- I'm going away.
Why? Has anything happened?
We ran over a kid. Tommy was at
the wheel. He must have been drunk.
Was the child killed?
- I guess so.
Didn't you stay to find out?
- No, we beat it.
Clyde, you shouldn't have run away!
But they all ran away! I wasn't going
to stay and take all the blame!
Clyde, why did you go out with
girls and boys like that?
I didn't want to go out with them,
but they're the only friends I've got!
The police will get us all for this.
I've got to get away before they come.
Go to the police and tell them
it wasn't your fault.
Oh, no!
- I'll go with you.
They will put me in jail.
I'll get sent up for years.
Clyde, where are you going?
- I don't know.
What will you do?
You have no money.
I'll get along.
I'll drop you a line tomorrow.
Goodbye, mother.
Don't worry.
God, thou knowest how I love my boy!
I've done all I could to guide
his steps to thee.
But I've been weak and helpless.
We've always been so terribly poor.
We've never been able to give him
the happiness...
the simple joys and pleasures that
should come to every young boy.
All his life long...
his young eyes have seen
only misery and evil.
Even the very strongest
among us...
will stray from thy path without
happiness or contentment.
Bestow some of thy manifold
blessings upon him,
so that the light may fold into
his troubled spirit...
that he may be led aright.
Oh God, watch over my boy
all the days of his life...
and keep him...
Hey! Beat it before
I have you locked up!
Where do you think you're
working at, The Ritz?
Get going or I'll throw you out
on your ear!
Beat it, boys!
The cops!
Ever been a bellboy before?
Yes, sir.
Where? - In San Francisco,
the California Hotel.
Why did you quit?
- My folks moved to Chicago.
Folks moved to Chicago, eh?
- Yes, sir.
Tell the bell captain
I'm taking you on.
Thank you, sir.
I just took a guy named Griffiths
up to 417.
From some town in New York..Lya...
Lycurgus?
- That's it.
I've got some wealthy relations
in Lycurgus.
I wonder if it could be my uncle?
Here's a girl that might do for you.
Better give her a tryout.
Will you sit down?
What is your name?
Roberta...
Your address?
228 Tellis Street.
Is your home here?
No, I come from a farm upstate.
I'm staying here with a friend.
But you're going to live in Lycurgus
if you get work here?
Yes.
I haven't lived in Lycurgus
so long myself.
Has Mr. Liggett told you about
the work here?
No, he hasn't.
It's piecework, you know.
Stamping collars.
I'll show you if you'll just
step over here.
Watch this girl.
Do you think you could do it?
It's quite easy.
Yes, I'm sure!
You can start after lunch if you want.
- If I may.
I'll show you where to put your things.
Miss Todd?
Miss Todd!
Will you let Miss Alden have a locker?
Well, I hope he doesn't think because
we asked him to dinner tonight...
that we're going
to take him up socially.
I don't suppose he thinks
anything of the kind.
Maybe not, but I can't help but think
that his real idea in coming here...
is that you would do more for him
than you would for someone else.
Just because he's your nephew!
Well, if he does, he's wrong.
He seems a nice chap.
- He was a bellboy, wasn't he?
Yes, he was working at a hotel in
Chicago when I met him.
But that's nothing against him.
In any case, it wouldn't look right
if we didn't invite him here at all.
Mr. Griffiths.
My nephew, I believe.
Yes, I'm Clyde Griffiths.
I'm very glad to see you and welcome
you to our home.
Thank you.
- Hello, Clyde.
Nice to see you here.
- Thank you, Mr. Griffiths.
And this is my daughter, Myra.
- How do you do?
How do you do?
Of course, you know my son.
Sorry I couldn't see you before...
but I've been away most of the time
since your arrival.
So they out you in charge of
the Stamping Dept., eh?
Yes, sir. I know I owe it all to you.
I've done nothing to deserve it.
Well, we couldn't have a relative of
ours working in the shrinking room....
like a common laborer.
Goodnight, Dad.
Goodnight, Mother.
Goodnight, Myra.
Sorry I can't be with you tonight.
Well, Clyde...
I hope you like the collar business
by now.
Yes, sir. Very much.
Sit down, won't you?
Tell me something about
your father and mother.
Where are they living?
My parents live in Denver now.
What are your parents doing?
Well, they...
they run a kind of a mission.
Yes, I forgot to tell you.
They run a kind of a mission.
I see.
Let's go over to my house, shall we?
That's going to be a good show tonight.
Which one?
Oh, you know...
Good evening, Miss Alden!
- Good evening, Mr. Griffiths!
Out for a walk?
- This is Mr. Clyde Griffiths!
This is Grace Morrow.
- How do you do, Mr. Griffiths?
How do you do, Miss Morrow?
- I guess we better be going!
Don't look back!
Miss Alden, it is you, isn't it?
Yes it is, Mr. Griffiths!
- Just out for a walk?
Yes.
Do get in.
Will it be safe?
- Sure!
I've never been in a canoe!
Don't you love the water?
- I do!
But I'm afraid of it too.
Why?
- I can't swim!
Can't you? That's too bad.
I've been swimming quite a lot out here.
I'm getting to be quite expert!
Maybe I oughtn't be seen with you!
- Maybe you ought!
I've been thinking of you all day.
I was wishing I might meet you somewhere
this morning and bring you out here.
Mr. Griffiths, you don't mean that.
I don't think I ever saw
you look so pretty.
Mr. Griffiths, you mustn't
begin that way.
You're a dreadful flatterer!
Besides, I'm afraid I'll have to go.
We might be seen.
Don't go.
I've been trying to get a word with
you ever since you came to the factory.
There's a rule there that says the head
of a department...
can't have anything to do with
a girl that works for him.
Outside, I mean.
- Yes, I know.
But I want you to see me just the same.
Will you?
You know Roberta, this is the happiest
day I ever had in my life!
How about you?
- Me too.
Somebody will see us!
Nobody will see us!
Besides I can't help it!
There's something about a day like this
that makes me want to love somebody!
Any girl would do, I suppose?
Sure!
If she were half as sweet as you are!
Then I might as well start home.
I was just kidding.
I liked you from the start.
It just came over me today
how crazy I am about you.
How will you feel tomorrow?
Crazier still!
You like me, don't you?
Yeah, but what's the good?
What do you mean "what's the good"?
- I'm only a factory hand.
You're Mr. Griffiths nephew.
You get invited to their house and meet
lovely girls with money and education.
There isn't one of them
as nice as you are, Roberta.
You're different now from the way
you are in the factory.
How am I different?
- You always go around looking so cross.
As if you had no use for any of
the girls.
Sometimes when the pressman comes up
to you and you're not expecting it...
you jump and look kind of scared.
I don't do anything of the kind!
- Yes, you do!
But now you really seem happy,
Mr. Griffiths.
I guess you better start
calling me Clyde.
But in the factory it'll have to be
Mr Griffiths, won't it?
Yeah, we'll have to
watch our step there.
That might not be so easy.
I'll tell you what...
if I feel I have to say something like,
"I love you,"
I'll just walk by and say...
"Pretty slow today, Miss Alden."
And that will mean, "I love you"?
And that will mean, "I love you".
If you're thirsty, you better
have some of mine!
I don't know what we're going to do
from now on. It's getting cold and...
it won't be very pleasant walking along
the streets like this every night.
I guess it is getting colder.
I'll soon have to get a heavier coat.
You don't suppose we could go to your
room once in a while, do you?
No...no.
Couldn't do that.
Wouldn't be right.
Besides, someone might see us. You'd
lose your job and I'd lose mine too.
Alright, if you don't want to
you don't have to!
I'm not going to walk the streets
like this every night.
Please Clyde, don't be angry with me!
I'd let you come to my room if I could!
Be easy enough to do if you wanted to.
You don't want to.
I can't, Clyde! I can't!
It wouldn't be right!
Suits me, if that's the way
you feel about it.
Clyde!
Clyde!
Clyde, please don't go!
Please don't go.
Please don't go.
There's nothing to be frightened about.
They won't hear us.
If they find out,
we'll get into trouble!
I don't care.
Bert, I love you so.
I've been crazy about you
ever since I first saw you.
I'm afraid! I've never done anything
like this before!
There's nothing to be afraid of.
Clyde...
promise me you'll never leave me.
Of course I won't, darling
Never?
- Never.
I don't know what I'd do
if you did.
Kill myself, I think.
I'll never leave you, Bert,
Honest, I won't.
Bert...
I swear I'll never leave.
Out walking tonight?
Oh, I beg your pardon.
I thought you were someone else.
Yes, I know you must gave thought
I was someone else, Miss Finchley.
I'm Clyde Griffiths.
- Oh, yes.
I've heard a lot about you
from your cousin.
How did you know my name?
I've seen your picture so often
in the society column.
Oh, you have? Well, I won't detain you
any longer, Mr. Griffiths.
I suppose you're on your way
to see your girl?
I haven't got a girl.
We will have to remedy that!
Can I take you anywhere?
I wasn't going anywhere in particular.
I'm just on my way home.
I'll drop you off on the way.
How do you do?
How do you do?
May I have this dance?
Yes, I have been looking forward
to this.
How do you do, Miss Finchley?
Miss Finchley...
...Miss Finchley...
May I call you Sondra?
How is the potato salad?
How are you?
Here's Sondra now!
She'll be looking to see if you notice
her Parisian dress!
Don't disappoint her!
Hello, Sondra darling!
Late as usual!
Here's Mr. Griffiths!
Take my plate, I'll get another.
Good evening, Mr. Griffiths.
Do you like being here?
I wouldn't have missed this
for the world!
You don't know how I love all this.
This music.
This kind of life!
You left me out!
I haven't stopped thinking about you
since the first time I saw you.
Want a puff?
You are nice when
you're intense like that.
You like gardenias?
- I like everything about you!
What would you do if
I were to give you one?
Would you keep it forever?
- I'd keep it forever!
Well, I think I'll give you one.
Hey, get this!
I don't see anyway out of this
unless you marry me.
That's alright for you, Bert. That fixes
everything for you without any trouble.
But what about me? You know
I haven't got any money.
All I have is my job and if we got
married, they'd find out all about this.
I'd have to go.
- I know, Clyde.
I don't see any other way
out of this.
Why couldn't we get married right away
and keep it a secret for awhile?
I don't want to get married now.
It means too much for me at this time.
I haven't got any money to get married
and I'm not taking a chance with my job.
It isn't your position so much as it's
that society you're running around with.
That's why you don't care
for me anymore.
You don't want to give up
those other people!
You're wrong.
You don't see what the trouble is.
It's my future here.
I want to get someplace first.
If we do this, I'll never get anywhere.
I won't be left this way, Clyde.
I can't.
I can't, I tell you!
I've no one to turn to but you
and you've got to help me!
You can leave me after awhile
if you want to.
I've heard of a lot of this.
I can't stop you from doing that
and I wouldn't want to!
But you can't leave me now!
Please Bert, don't take it like that!
If you could go away by yourself for
awhile and go through this alone...
I could send you the money to do it on,
I know!
You want me to go off all by myself?
Just so you can stay here
and get along?
Marry someone else.
That Finchley girl, maybe.
I won't do it.
It's not fair.
To think that all our love
for each other has come to this.
Alright, Bert. I'll do what you want,
but I can't now. I haven't any money.
Why don't you go up to your family and
I'll save and then we'll get married?
I'll go back home
if you promise to marry me.
Alright, Bert. I promise.
I'm going now.
You'll write me...
won't you, Clyde?
Sure, I will. I can reach you
by telephone too, can't I?
The neighbors have a telephone.
I'll write down the number.
What is it about me
that's so different, Clyde?
What is it about me that's
made you act like this?
Up until a few months ago you were
as nice as any human being could be!
You don't know how glad I am
to see you again, Sondra!
Come on, let's get away
from all this crowd!
You should have seen Mama's face
when she found out you were up here!
We'll have to be more careful than ever
until October when we're back in town!
I'll be of age then.
I've never loved anyone before
and I do love you.
I won't give you up, that's all!
And they can't make me, either!
Sondra darling, I want you so much!
Your mother's not likely to want you
to marry me anyhow.
If we go away now, she couldn't
help herself, could she?
Afterward, she wouldn't mind.
Why can't you run away with me now?
I would if I didn't think it best not
to now. It's too soon. Don't you see?
You can come up here as often
as you choose.
Then in the Fall, if I can't make Mama
be nice to you, I'll run away with you.
Yes, I will!
Really and truly, darling!
If I could just tell you everything!
If you only knew!
It's just that I need you so much now.
All the time. That's it, just that.
Seems at times I couldn't be away from
you another minute!
It's only until October. When you
aren't here, I'll write you every day.
We better get back now. I don't want
them to wonder where we are.
Tragedy at the Lake!
Fatal Results of the Accident!
Read all about it!
Paper, mister?
Evening Sentinel!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Evening Sentinel?
Read all about it!
Latest edition paper!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Evening Sentinel here!
Latest edition paper!
Hello, Clyde.
I'm so glad you called me up!
I'm terribly nervous!
Did you get my letter?
Why didn't you write?
Be sure and come and get me by the 3rd.
Or should I meet you somewhere else?
I've been busy.
I don't get much time to write.
I may have to postpone it another week.
I haven't enough money saved up.
I can't wait any longer than the 3rd.
I won't! I won't!
I can't stay here any more.
I'll go back to Lycurgus.
Don't be angry with me!
You talk as though I have no troubles
in connection with this either.
I'm doing the very best I can now
and please be patient!
I'll either come for you
or arrange for you to meet me, and...
don't be using my name like you did now!
Someone may be listening!
Everyone's out.
No, Clyde. I don't want to do
anything to hurt you.
It's because things are so bad with me.
I can't help myself now!
I know, Bert. I want to do
everything I can to help you.
I call you often and if I can't get
there by the 3rd, I'll let you know.
Evening Sentinel!
Last edition paper!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Last edition paper!
Evening Sentinel here!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Last edition paper here!
Evening Sentinel!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Read all about it!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Evening Sentinel!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Last edition paper!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Last edition paper!
Evening Sentinel!
Double Tragedy at Lake!
Fatal Results of Accident!
Last edition Sentinel!
Let's be sure and not miss that bus
back to Gun Lodge, Clyde.
There's only one more train from there.
And we told the man at the inn
we wouldn't stay over night.
We won't miss it.
Besides, you told me to leave
my bag there.
I know.
It's alright. We didn't need it.
We have the lunch and camera in mine.
Water's cold, isn't it?
Is it?
Then don't put your hand in it.
You know, it seems so odd to be
registering as Mr. and Mrs. Carl Graham...
and Mr. and Mrs. Clifford Golden
in those places.
It made me feel as though you didn't
want to marry me at all.
We've been gone 2 days now.
You mean to marry me, don't you Clyde?
Of course I do, Bert!
I told you I did!
I know, Clyde. I don't mean to hurry
you, but you know how I feel.
I said we'd get married on this trip,
but we might as well have some fun!
There will be enough to worry about
afterward. You like it here, don't you?
I think it's beautiful here.
Please don't be angry with me.
I'm so happy with you, but...
couldn't we have our lunch now?
I'm so hungry!
Oh, Clyde!
I'm so happy you brought me up here!
Can't you stand still
for a second, Roberta?
I think we'd better be going.
It's getting late.
I want to take a few more pictures
of you on the water while there's light.
Alright, but let's hurry.
We'll leave the things here,
and just row out a little way.
Take the camera down.
I'll leave the tripod here.
Come on.
Clyde, I love you so!
Clyde, hadn't you better
take those pictures now?
Why, Clyde...
Clyde, what is it?
What's the matter with you?
I've never seen you
look like this before!
What is it, Clyde?
What is it, Clyde?
What is it, Clyde?
It's nothing now. I'm alright.
Just leave me alone.
I brought you up here to drown you,
but I'm not going to do it now.
Just stay where you are.
Nothing will happen to you.
I'll marry you!
I'll go through with it!
Just leave me alone!
- Clyde!
Stay where you are!
Don't come near me!
Stay where you are! Look out!
You'll dump the boat!
Help!
Clyde, help!
Yeah?
This is Coroner Heit speaking.
Young couple drowned, huh?
Put this down, Earl.
Alright now.
Body of the woman found,
but not that of the man.
Yeah...
Straw hat without any lining.
Boat turned over on the south shore.
Marks about her mouth and eye.
Letter found in the pocket of her coat.
Addressed to whom?
Mrs. Titus Alden?
Blitz, did you say Blitz?
Mimico County.
Still dragging for the man's body.
I see.
Yeah...
You're Mr. Titus Alden, aren't you?
Yes, sir. That's my name.
Sit down, Mr. Alden.
My name is Mason, District Attorney.
You're the father of a girl
named Roberta, aren't you?
Yes, sir.
Do you know a young man around here
named Clifford Golden?
No, sir.
- Or Carl Graham?
No, sir. Why do you ask?
How long is it since you
last saw your daughter?
She left here last Tuesday morning
to go back to Lycurgus.
She works down there.
Is that your daughter's handwriting?
Yes, sir. That's her handwriting.
How do you come to have this letter,
Mr. District Attorney?
Mr. Alden, I hesitate to tell you...
I am a man who has seen something
of life and I know how you will suffer.
Is she hurt?
She's not dead, is she?
For goodness sakes...
whatever is the matter?
It's Roberta.
What about her?
What about her, Titus?
What about her?
Mrs. Alden, your daughter
has been drowned.
Gardenia.
Roberta Alden.
Well, here's our motive it seems!
Sondra Finchley.
THE Finchley's.
I begin to see why he wanted
the other girl out of the way.
Yes...
Alright.
He's with some friends...
about 6 miles north of here.
Somewhere on the lake.
We'll separate into 3 groups
and surround the camp...
to prevent his possible escape.
The first man to sight the camp
will fire a shot.
Then we'll close in.
Kraut, you take Jack. You go with Mack,
and I'll take the other 2 boys.
What's that?
I'll be back in a minute.
I want to get some cigarettes.
You won't be long, will you?
- No.
Hold on there, mister.
We're looking for you.
Come here, son!
Come on!
Your name don't happen to be
Clyde Griffiths, does it?
Yes, sir. That's my name.
You're with a camping party here,
aren't you?
Yes sir, I am.
Alright, Mr. Griffiths.
My name is Kraut.
I'm Deputy Sheriff of this county.
I've got a warrant here
for your arrest.
I suppose you know what it's for
and will come along peaceably?
Why no sir, I don't know what it is for!
But if you have a warrant,
I'll go with you.
I don't understand why
you want to arrest me!
You don't, huh?
Well, Mr. Griffiths,
that's all I got to say!
All I'm supposed to do is to arrest you
for the murder of Roberta Alden!
Don't put those on me, mister!
I go with you without them!
Alright then, come on!
So you're Clyde Griffiths?
Yes, sir!
- My name is Orville Mason...
District Attorney of the county in which
Roberta Alden was drowned.
Do you know what you're charged with?
- Yes, sir. I heard from this man.
And you admit it?
- No, of course I don't admit it!
Do you deny being at Grass Lake at
Big Bittern last Wednesday and Thursday?
Yes, sir!
Come here.
Sit down.
Is this your tripod?
No, sir.
- Have you got a camera?
No, sir. I never had a camera.
I suppose you're going to deny
knowing Roberta Alden?
Are that these are letters from Roberta
and Miss Finchley found in your trunk?
My name's Clyde Griffiths, but...
the rest of this isn't true! I don't
know anything about the rest of it!
I suppose we should take him over to
that camp and see what his friends know.
Oh please, no!
Please don't!
You don't want to go? That would
hurt your pride, wouldn't it?
Then you better talk and quickly
or off you go!
Of course, I knew Roberta Alden!
Of course, I did!
Sure, those letters show that but...
I'll go over to the camp and join you
later. Take him along.
Come on! We're going to take
you for a nice, long walk!
Can you tell me where
Mr. Griffiths tent is?
This is it. Why do you want to know?
My name is Mason, District Attorney.
I'm here to take possession
of his property.
What?
Are you Miss Finchley?
- Yes, I'm Sondra Finchley.
I'm sorry, Miss Finchley.
Clyde Griffiths is under arrest.
Under arrest?
What's he done?
He's charged with drowning a girl
named Roberta Alden.
He admits having been
in the boat with her.
She was drowned.
Her letters were found in his room.
I'm sorry to be the bearer
of this news.
He couldn't have done anything
like that. It isn't true!
Let's hope it isn't.
Well, I hope he isn't guilty!
I want every proper step taken
to find out whether he is or not!
If he isn't, to defend him to the limit
of the law, but no more than that!
Not even if he is my nephew!
If the boy's guilty,
he'll take the consequences!
Mrs. Griffiths, we're from the press!
Are they right about your son?
- No!
Please go away! - Have you seen this
paper? Are you going to the trial?
I haven't seen anything!
Please go away!
What's this in your hand?
- Are you going to the trial or not?
I don't know. I want to go to him,
but his lawyers won't let me.
I understand my brother-in-law
doesn't want me!
He's rich, isn't he?
I give thanks to thee...
Have you any other children?
I have another son and 2 daughters.
What does your husband do?
- He helps me with the mission.
He's upstairs.
He isn't strong.
Is it true your son used to go with you
when you preached on the street?
If he's done anything wrong,
I am to blame.
Steady!
I'm amazed, my dear!
Accused of murder!
And with letters in your own handwriting
in his possession!
Your mother's been talking to me
for months about this!
And I've been taking your word
against hers!
Why couldn't you have talked
this over with me before going so far?
Did you say you loved him?
You've been very foolish, Sondra!
Very foolish!
I thought you had better sense.
A murder case!
And you connected with it!
Let's keep those letters
out of the papers...
and out of the trial too
if we can!
I'll call Attleberry.
He'll be able to fix it, I'm sure!
Dad, you've got to help him!
You've got to!
I'll be lucky if I can help you!
And for that reason, we've invented this
other story about a change of heart.
It's not quite as true as yours...
but it is true that you experienced
a change of heart in that boat!
And that's our justification!
We merely bring that change of heart
up a little, see?
You're not guilty!
You've sworn to me that you did not
intend to strike her there at the last...
whatever you might have been provoked
to do at first!
That's enough for me!
You're not guilty!
Leave it to us.
We'll get you out of this.
Full house, isn't it?
Order in the court.
Everybody please rise!
All persons having business before
the honorable court,...
State of New York,
County of Cataraqui...
Come and give attention!
This court is now in session!
The State of New York against
Clyde Griffiths!
The People are ready.
The defendant is ready.
Simeon Dinsmore.
How old are you, Mr. Dinsmore?
- 51.
Do you believe in capital punishment?
- I do.
For some people.
Get the story of Clyde Griffiths here!
With all the letters of Roberta Alden!
25 cents here!
No doubt many of you have been wearied
during the past week...
by the exceeding care with which
the lawyers in this case...
have passed upon the panels from which
you 12 men have been chosen.
But let us proceed to the facts.
There are two women in this action.
One is dead.
The other, by agreement between
the prosecution and the defense,
is to be nameless...
since no good can come from inflicting
unnecessary injury.
Let us call her, "Miss X".
The people of the State of New York
charge that the crime of murder...
in the 1st degree has been committed
by the prisoner, Clyde Griffiths.
They charge that he willfully and with
malice, cruelty and deception...
murdered and then sought to conceal
forever from the knowledge...
and justice of the world,
the body of Roberta Alden.
The daughter of a farmer who has for
years resided in Mimico County.
They charge that this same
Clyde Griffiths...
before this crime was committed,
had for weeks...
plotted the plan and then in cold blood,
executed it!
Gentlemen...
it will not take me long to picture
the type of girl this was...
whose life was so cruelly
blotted out!
All the 20 years of her life...
She was not 20 years old, your honor!
She was 23 years old!
Older than this defendant!
Have the District Attorney note!
- I resent this interruption!
Counsel will please not interrupt.
All the 20 years of her life...
no person who knew her
criticized her character!
Over a year ago, she went to
the city of Lycurgus.
In order that by working
with her own hands...
she might help her family!
There was a rule of the company
for which he worked...
that no head of any department
was to have anything to do...
with any of the girls working
for the factory.
But did that deter him?
Not in the least!
Nothing deterred him from anything!
Gentlemen of the jury...
Roberta Alden loved this defendant
with all the strength of her soul!
She loved him with that love which is
the crowning mystery of the human brain...
and the human heart!
It transcends in all its strength
and its weakness...
all fear of shame...
or punishment even from the
immortal throne above!
And so loving him...
in the end she gave him all any woman
can give the man she loves.
Friends, this has happened millions of
times in this world of ours.
And it will happen millions of times
in the days to come.
It is not new,
and it will never be old.
But, in January last...
this girl, who is now dead
in her grave...
was compelled
to come to this defendant...
and tell him she was about
to become a mother.
We shall prove to you
that then and later...
she begged him to go away with her
and make her his wife.
But did he?
Would he?
Oh, no!
For by now a change had come over
the dreams and affections...
of Clyde Griffiths!
For he had found another girl.
To whom because of her beauty,
wealth and her position,
he had become
enormously attached!
And beside her, a little factory girl,
in the pathetically shabby room...
to which he had assigned her,
looked poor indeed!
Good enough to betray...
but not good enough to marry!
Gentlemen...
Clyde Griffiths killed Roberta Alden
before he ever put her in that lake!
He beat her over the head and face
with a camera!
With this camera!
And he believed that no eyes saw him!
Don't worry.
We'll get you off.
With 20 years at the worst.
Gentlemen of the jury...
the individual who is on trial here
for his life...
is a mental as well as a moral coward.
Not a criminal...
of a crime so product of the
darkest vomiting of Hell...
that the District Attorney
would have you believe.
Do you slay a man because he's
a victim of fear?
It was mental and moral cowardice...
that prevented him
once the waters of the lake...
accidently closed over her...
from making public her death.
Mental and moral cowardice...
and nothing more and nothing less!
He was only thinking
of his wealthy relatives.
And besides...
there was Miss X.
The brightest star
in the brightest constellation...
of all his dreams.
Did he kill Roberta Alden?
No!
The prosecution has no one
to prove that!
But we can prove that he did not
kill Roberta Alden!
We have an eyewitness!
Clyde Griffiths,
take the witness chair!
Raise your right hand.
Do you solemnly swear to tell the truth,
the whole truth, so help you God?
I do!
Clyde, the first thing we want to do
is to make sure...
that the jury understands you and
the kind of character you have.
You're going to begin with your life
as you remember it.
Where you were born,
where you came from...
Why did you leave Kansas City?
On account of an accident.
- What kind of an accident?
I was working in the Green Davidson
Hotel as a bellboy.
Another bellboy asked me out on a ride
in a car that a friend of his borrowed.
We were hurrying back to work, and
he ran over and killed...
a little girl and...
then he got frightened
and kept on going and...
the car got smashed and....
after that I was afraid
to stay in Kansas City, so I ran away.
Do you mean to tell me that you ran away
even though you were not responsible?
Yes, sir!
I was afraid I might be arrested!
In other words, you were a mental and
moral coward as previously stated!
I object to that interpretation
of the defendant's testimony.
This defendant's testimony needs
no interpretation!
It's very plain and honest
as anyone can see!
Objection sustained.
Proceed.
Then you went to Peoria, Bloomington,
Milwaukee, Chicago!
Hiding away in small rooms!
Living in back streets!
Working as dishwashers, soda fountain
men or drivers! Didn't you?
Yes, sir! I did.
You really loved Roberta Alden
at first, didn't you?
Yes, sir.
You must have known that she was
a good, innocent and religious girl.
Yes, sir.
That's the way I felt about her.
If you felt so highly of her at first...
how is it that so soon you could descend
into this evil relationship?
Didn't you know that all men and women
view it as wrong?
And outside of marriage, unforgivable!
A crime!
Yes sir, I suppose I did.
Certainly.
But I was in love with her
- You were in love with her!
Yes, sir!
Very much?
- Very much!
And was she as much in love with you?
Yes, sir. She was.
Now Clyde, we'll have to go into this
matter of Miss X.
You met her in Lycurgus sometime in
November or December last year.
Is that correct?
- Yes, sir.
And at once you fell very much
in love with her?
Yes, sir. That's true.
She was rich.
Yes, sir.
Beautiful!
Yes, sir.
And had you two...
yourself and Miss Alden, I mean...
at the time you met this Miss X...
already become intimate?
Yes, sir.
And what were your plans
or your future with Miss Alden?
I mean before you met this Miss X?
You must have thought of that?
Well, not exactly.
You see, I never had any real plans
to do anything.
Did you ever tell her
that you would marry her?
No, sir.
I don't recall that I did.
Not in so many words.
But once Roberta got into trouble,
did you or did you not...
feel that it was your duty
under the circumstances to marry her?
No, not if I could get her out of it.
And why not?
I thought it would be fair enough
if I helped her and then...
told her I didn't love her
as I once did.
Couldn't you help her out of it?
- No, sir.
You went to that druggist
who testified here?
Yes, sir.
Did you got to the haberdasher
who testified here?
Yes, sir.
Did he give you the name of a doctor?
- Yes, sir.
And did you send Miss Alden
to that doctor? - Yes, sir.
Did she go alone or did you go with her?
- I went with her...to the door.
And why only the door?
I didn't have too much money
and I thought...
he might be willing
to help her for less....
if she went by herself.
And now from there on,
just what happened?
Don't try to make yourself any better
or any worse...
she is dead and you may be
eventually....
if these 12 gentlemen so decide.
The truth for the peace
of your own soul is the best!
After she got into trouble
and you couldn't help her, then what?
What was it you did?
How did you act?
What was your salary at that time?
$25.00 a week.
No other source of income?
- No, sir.
Exactly. I wish you'd stop leading
this parrot here!
I wish the honorable District Attorney
would mind his own business!
I'm examining this defendant!
As for parrots, we've heard quite a few
the last few weeks!
Coached like schoolboys
by the District Attorney!
That's a lie!
I demand an apology!
The apology is to me and this defendant
if your Honor pleases!
And it would be exacted quickly if Court
were adjourned for a few minutes!
I'll be able to obtain it
without any judicial aid!
Gentlemen!
You are both in contempt of Court!
Apologize to the Court and to each other
or I'll declare a mistrial...
and confine you both for 10 days
and fine you $500 each!
Under the circumstances,
I apologize.
Under the circumstances, your Honor,
I apologize.
I'm sorry.
- So am I.
Proceed!
You know, Clyde...
some here have the opinion
that it was a bluff on your part...
which originated in your mind
about this time...
to conceal your identity and hers...
and to lure her up to one of those
lonely lakes in the Adirondacks...
and drown her in cold blood!
In order that you might be free
to marry this Miss X!
Any truth in that?
Tell the jury yes or no!
No, I did not plot to kill her!
Clyde, it has been charged here...
that you took Miss Alden
out on that lake...
with the sole, premeditated intent
of killing her...
of finding some quiet
and unobserved spot...
and first striking her
with a camera or an oar...
and then drowning her!
Is that true or isn't it?
No, sir! It is not true!
I only went to the lake to please her!
And had you made up your mind by then
just what you wanted to do?
I was going to tell her the real reason
for changing as I had.
That I was in love with another girl
and couldn't help it!
And that if she still wanted me after
that, I'd quit my job and marry her.
Just what happened in that boat?
Now tell the jury!
Well...
We drifted...
and then I told her
what I had in mind.
Then she began crying and said maybe it
was best for her not to live any longer.
Then I told her I was sorry
and willing to do the right thing!
Then she suddenly became cheerful
and started toward me.
She stumbled and I tried to catch her!
I had my camera in my hand
and I guess her face struck the camera!
Then the boat overturned
and we were in the water!
Now Clyde, you swear you did not strike
Roberta Alden in that boat?
I swear I did not!
- Or throw her into that lake?
I swear I did not!
Or willfully or willingly in any way,
upset that boat?
Or in any other fashion bring
about the death she suffered?
I swear!
- Do you swear it was an accident?
Unpremeditated and undesigned by you?
- I do!
Sit down, my boy.
Prosecution may take the witness.
You had a camera in your hand
when she came toward you in the boat.
Yes, sir.
And she stumbled and fell
and you accidently struck her with it?
Yes.
I don't suppose you remember
in your honest and truthful way...
telling me in the woods
that you never had a camera?
Yes, I remember.
- That was a lie, of course?
Yes.
- And told with all the force...
with which you are telling
this other lie?
I'm not lying!
I explained why I said that!
Because you lied there,
you expect to be believed here?
It's the truth!
You testified that in that boat,
in the center of Big Bittern...
you had in your hand the camera
that you once denied owning.
Yes, sir.
- And that girl, who is now dead...
was in the stern of the boat?
- Yes, sir!
Would you bring in that boat
and the other exhibits also?
Well, Griffiths, here you are!
Here's the boat!
There's the camera
that you never owned!
Which we fished
from the bottom of the lake!
Where you thought it was hidden forever,
like so many other things!
Step down here into the boat.
Take this camera in your hand.
Show the jury just where you sat...
and just where Miss Alden sat....
and exactly how and where
you struck Miss Alden.
I didn't strike her with it!
Yes, we heard you testify that way.
Step into the boat!
Newcomb, will you come
and take Miss Alden's position?
Show Newcomb just how Miss Alden came
towards you and stumbled. Go ahead!
Well, I told her I'd marry her
and she got up and...
she stumbled. I guess over that.
- I object to this!
Objection overruled.
But how will a demonstration
on a man of Mr. Newcomb's build...
going to show what happened in the case
of a girl the size of Miss Alden?
Well, then we'll have a girl
the size and weight of Miss Alden.
Miss Sanders, step into the boat.
And what of that?
- The conditions aren't the same.
This boat isn't on the water!
No two people are alike in their
resistance to accidental blows!
Then you refuse to allow
this demonstration?
Make it if you choose.
It doesn't mean anything
as anyone can see.
Miss Sanders, stand up
and stumble.
And that caused the boat to upset?
- Yes, sir!
Sit down, Mr. Griffiths.
And that caused the boat
to upset, gentlemen.
When the boat was upset after that
accidental blow of yours...
and you and Miss Alden fell into
the water, how far apart were you?
I didn't notice.
- Pretty close, weren't you?
Not more than a foot or two,
the way you stood in the boat.
When I came up, she was some distance
away. - How far exactly?
As far as from here to the jury box,
halfway or what?
About as far as from here to the end,
I guess.
Not really?
This boat turns over and you both
fall into the water close together...
and when you come up,
you're nearly 20 feet apart?
Don't you think your memory's faulty?
That's the way it looked to me
when I came up!
Well now, after the boat turned over
and you came up...
just where were you in relation
to the boat?
As I say, I didn't notice
when I first came up!
About as far as from here
to the railing, I guess.
About 30 to 35 feet then?
Yes sir, about that maybe.
I couldn't be sure.
Well, with you there
and the boat here...
where was Miss Alden at that time?
About half that distance, not more.
Then, not 15 feet from you?
Not more than 15 feet from this boat.
Maybe not. I guess not.
Do you mean that you couldn't have
swum that little distance...
and buoyed her up until you reached
this boat just 15 feet behind her?
I was dazed when I came up and...
besides she was striking about and
screaming so...
Do you mean to say that when you could
swim 500 feet to shore Afterward...
that you couldn't have swum to this
boat and pushed it to her...
in time for her to save herself?
She was struggling to keep herself up,
wasn't she?
Yes sir, but I was rattled besides...
I was afraid to go near her!
- Yes, I know.
A mental and moral coward, eh?
You didn't want her to live!
In spite of your alleged
change of heart, isn't that so?
Isn't that the proof?
She was drowning,
as you wanted her to drown!
And you let her drown!
Isn't that so?
I wanted to save her, but I was dazed...
- Don't you know that you're lying?
That you deliberately
and with cold-hearted cunning...
allowed that poor. tortured girl
to die there...
when you might have rescued her?
- I object, your Honor!
My client is being unfairly prejudiced
in the eyes of the jury!
Objection overruled!
Why not kill the dirty snake now
and be done with it?
Bring that man here!
You will be held with $1000 bail for
your appearance in this court!
Take him away!
When you left Lycurgus to start
on the trip, how much did you have?
About $50.
- Don't you know exactly?
I had $50, yes sir.
While you were in Utica and Grass Lake,
how much did you spend?
I spent $20 on the trip, I think.
Don't you know?
Not exactly, it was about $20.
Let's see if we can't find out
about that exactly.
What was the fare from
Fonda to Utica for yourself?
$1.25
How much was the hotel in Utica
for you and Roberta?
That was...$4.00.
And of course, you had dinner and
breakfast there which was how much?
About $3.00 for both meals.
That's all you spent at Utica?
Yes. sir.
How about that straw hat it's been
proved you purchased there?
I forgot about that. That was $2.00.
Then your fares to Grass Lake were
$5.00, is that right?
Yes, sir.
And you had a boat at Grass Lake.
How much was that?
That was...
35 cents an hour.
- You had it how long?
3 hours.
- Making $1.05
Isn't it too bad there were
too many people at Grass Lake?
You might have saved yourself some
money by drowning Roberta there!
I object, your Honor!
This isn't cross-examination!
Objection sustained.
Please be careful.
Then that night at the hotel,
they charged you how much?
$5.00, wasn't it?
- Yes, sir!
And didn't you buy that lunch that you
carried out to the lake?
Yes, sir. I think it was 60 cents.
And how much did it cost
to get to Big Bittern?
A dollar for the train to Gun Lodge
and a dollar for the bus to Big Bittern.
You know these figures well, I see.
Naturally, you would.
You didn't have much money,
so it was important.
How much was the boat
at Big Bittern?
The same as at Grass Lake.
35 cents an hour, the boatman said.
It was, was it?
So the boatman told you, did he?
Yes, sir!
Don't you recall that you never
even asked the boatman at all?
It was not 35 cents an hour,
but 50 cents!
But you don't know that because you
were so anxious to get out on the water!
And you didn't expect to come back
and pay for it anyway!
So you never even asked, do you see?
Do you recall that now?
Well, any explanation for that?
Doesn't it strike even you as strange...
that you can remember
all your other expenditures correctly?
I don't know how I forgot that!
Of course you don't!
A man who is plotting to kill
a girl on a lone lake...
has a lot of things to think of!
It's no wonder he forgets
a few of them!
The kid hasn't enough courage.
It just isn't in him, that's all.
He must have really killed her.
- I wouldn't be a bit surprised.
Griffiths, only yesterday on the stand
you swore that you personally...
had no plan to go to Big Bittern
when you left Lycurgus.
No sir, I hadn't!
But when you two got in that
hotel room in Utica...
and you saw how tired she looked...
you suggested a vacation of some kind?
A little one?
Something you could afford?
Yes, sir!
But up until that time, you hadn't
even thought of the Adirondacks?
No, sir! No particular lake!
And after you suggested it, it was she
who said you better get some maps?
Yes, sir!
- And you went downstairs and got them?
Yes, sir!
- In the Renfrew House in Utica?
Yes, sir!
- I see.
Do you remember these?
They look like the ones I had there.
They are the ones you had there!
They were found in your bag!
And you say you got these at the Renfrew
House in Utica? - Yes, sir!
Them will you explain to me
or this jury if you can...
under your solemn oath
which you respect so much...
how it is that
these circulars are marked...
"Compliments of the Lycurgus House"?
Lycurgus, New York?
I don't know!
I got them in Utica!
They must have been in
the Renfrew House rack!
And if I bring 2 witnesses to swear
that on July 3...
3 days before you left Lycurgus...
you were seen by them to go into
the Lycurgus House...
and take 4 or 5 circulars
from the rack there?
Will you still say it must have been
the Renfrew House in Utica?
It must have been!
I didn't get them in Lycurgus!
Very good.
You didn't get them in Lycurgus.
Meanwhile, we'll let these gentlemen
look at them.
That's all gentlemen. I don't think we
need to hear him lie anymore.
I ain't convinced that he's guilty!
I don't believe his lawyers
would let him lie about it!
And I don't like the
District Attorney's politics!
We'll fix you for this, Sutton!
- That's threatening him.
I'll fix you too!
Run you both out of town!
The idea of sympathizing
with that dirty murderer!
You better vote guilty
or you'll regret it!
Well, I don't want to seem obstinate.
Maybe you're right.
Then we're all agreed!
- You bet!
I'm surprised at you!
- He has a right to his opinion.
He changed his mind, didn't he?
Take off your hats.
Take off your hats.
Order in the court!
Everybody please rise!
Gentlemen of the jury,
will you please rise?
The defendant will please rise
and face the jury.
Gentlemen of the jury,
have you agreed upon a verdict?
We have. We find the defendant
guilty of murder in the 1st degree.
I move the verdict be set aside
as contrary to the evidence.
Denied. - May I ask your Honor to
defer sentence for a week to 10 days?
If council desires, I will listen to
arguments on the matter tomorrow.
Please remove the prisoner
before anyone leaves!
Mother, I'm glad you came!
Did you come alone?
- Yes, your father couldn't come.
He isn't strong and there
was no money.
How'd you get the money, Ma?
- You mustn't think harshly of me.
There was no other way. One of the
newspapers sent me here as a reporter!
I, your mother!
There was no other way!
Your rich uncle has abandoned you!
"Still has not he guided us
thus far?"
Clyde, I must know the truth.
Nothing else matters.
You are not guilty.
I'm not guilty, Mother.
I've sworn to the truth.
"Thou wilt not require of a Mother in
her darkest hour to doubt her child."
Order in the court! His Honor,
everyone please rise!
Is the prisoner ready
to hear the sentence? - He is.
The prisoner will please rise
and face the court.
Have you any cause to show why the
judgment of death...
should not be pronounced
against you according to law?
I'm innocent. I did not kill
Roberta Alden...
and therefore this sentence
should not be passed.
Is there anything else you care to say?
- No.
The judgment of the court is that you,
Clyde Griffiths...
for the murder in the 1st degree of
Roberta Alden...
whereof you are convicted,
you are hereby sentenced
to the punishment of death.
It is ordered that within 10 days
after this day's session of court...
the Sheriff of this county deliver you,
together with the warrant of this court...
to the Warden of the State Prison
at Auburn....
where you shall be kept
in solitary confinement...
until the week beginning
Monday, the 28th day of January.
And upon some day
in the week so appointed...
said agent and Warden of the
State Prison of the State of New York...
is commended to do
execution upon you, Clyde Griffiths....
in the mode and manner prescribed
by the laws of the State of New York.
May God have mercy upon your soul.
Clyde.
Mother, don't cry.
All my life I've done nothing
but make you miserable.
Don't say that, Clyde.
You don't believe all those things
they said about me, do you?
No, never. Listen to me...
I've got friends now. We'll get another
trial. I'll go to the Governor.
Don't worry, I'll get you out.
Will you?
Yes, I'll prove to the
whole world that you're innocent.
But I'm not...really.
Lie!
Mother...come here. Close.
I'm going to tell you something
I couldn't tell the court.
I didn't kill Roberta but when she fell
in the water, I could have saved her.
Even when she went down for the
last time, I could have saved her.
But I didn't. I swam away.
Because in my heart,
I wanted her to die.
Clyde!
I wanted to tell the jury,
but I couldn't!
I...I was too ashamed.
But that's just the same as killing her,
isn't it?
But I'm not a murderer, Mother!
I don't know how I
could have done this thing!
It's not your fault, Clyde.
We never gave you the right start.
We brought you up around
ugly, evil surroundings.
And while we were trying
to save the souls of others...
we were letting you go astray.
We never taught you to be brave
and fight sin like a man.
Mother!
- What is it, dear?
Are they really going to...
- Clyde...
Be brave.
Face your punishment like a man.
I'll try.
I know that somehow...
somewhere...
you'll be given the right start.