Defenseless (1991) Movie Script
1
Yeah.
Hey.
No girls in the locker room.
Have you see my pompoms?
No.
Would you like to?
It's a big game today.
We're out of sync.
I'm trying to get pumped
up.
That's what I'm here for.
Come on, guys. Come on.
We're out of sync.
We are out of sync.
Yeah.
Hey.
No girls in the locker room.
Have you seen my pompoms?
No.
Would you like to?
No.
It's a big game today.
I'm trying to get pumped up.
That's what I'm here for.
I'd do anything to win big game.
Hey.
You're looking for someone?
Jack Hammer?
Who the hell wants to know?
She's my daughter, you son of a
bitch.
What are you doing?
Oh, god.
Security, success,
happiness.
Look, it all comes down to love,
right?
So sweetie, tell me.
How's it going?
Tepid.
Oh, it's going OK.
But sometimes I feel out of
control.
You really can overdo
it.
Sometimes a little chaos can be
good for you.
I think this woman is a genius.
How do I know I'm
making the right choice?
Easy.
If you make it a trend.
You can't just sit
around waiting for Mr. Perfect.
How about Mr. OK for the time
being?
Listen, sweetie.
Loneliness can make us do some
really stupid things.
You've got to take a good look
at yourself
and say, what am I really
looking for?
My briefcase.
It's there.
You'll find it.
And you deserve it.
Is there anybody else
here in my scene?
Something talking maybe.
Yeah, I'm the only who
works here.
No one else arrived.
But you were less than 10
feet away when this one...
Do you want some coffee?
Now, huh.
I mean, the shape, was this guy
big, tall, heavy?
I'm telling you, I didn't
see the dude.
Well, did you hear
anything?
- Did anybody say...
- Hi.
I'm looking for Mr. Hammer.
So?
I understand he makes movies
here.
Sometimes.
Do you expect him?
He's in and out.
Do you have a phone?
Down the hall.
Look, man.
It's just a job for me.
I just project the stuff.
I don't actually watch it.
See, it's really not my style.
I'm more of a family man-type,
you know.
Well, let's see.
You were 20 feet away when the
shit went down.
You didn't see anything huh?
Excuse me.
The phone.
OK.
I guess it's a craft beer.
Then he fixed himself up and
split.
Now, where did he go?
Who?
What?
Jack Hammer?
Do I know you?
Do you mind?
This is private.
Yeah.
Well, the phone's public.
You work for Hammer?
I have an appointment with him.
Audition?
He's a witness in the case I'm
representing.
You represent these
scumbags?
I represent the man who owns
the building.
Jack Hammer's gone?
Yoo-hoo.
Yeah. Yeah.
I mean, he was all bloody and
stuff.
And the guy just ran out of
here, you know.
I didn't want no doctor and
enough, you know.
I just...
Hello. Hello.
Yeah, Russell. It's me.
It's about time.
Shut up.
Now, you got a lot of
messages.
Forget the messages.
We have a problem with the
Seldes case.
The problem was taking
the case in the first place.
By the way, three of the calls
were him.
Russell, Russell.
I've got no time for this.
- Our key witness has disappeared.
- Great.
What do we do now?
Yeah.
Well, what about the police?
Check with them.
- Anybody else?
- And the hospitals.
He had his face smashed, for
God's sake.
Look, I got to go. I'm having
lunch with a client.
Uh-huh. Restaurant?
Never mind which restaurant.
I'll call you later.
Bye.
Hi.
Counselor.
What you got?
Punch.
Table for two with a view.
This hand-roll is fantastic.
Where did you find this place?
Here, take another one.
Steven, don't worry.
He's not our only witness.
We'll find others who'll
testify.
What I want to know is
how
you could rent a property to
anybody
calling himself Jack Hammer.
That's what I want to know.
I have buildings all over town.
I don't know what goes on in
half of them.
He was casting minors.
I got a teenage daughter, for
Christ's sake.
If this thing drags on much
longer...
No, the hearing is next week.
We'll win.
You'll see.
Well, I may pick a lousy
tenant.
But boy, when it comes to
lawyer, huh, the best.
Few rules in my life.
Never get involved with a
client.
Never get involved with a
married man.
Married in name only, pie face.
Never get involved with anyone
who calls me pie face.
How much time do you have?
Nope, this is a business lunch.
You're going to bill me for
this?
Yep.
Anyway, I have to track down a
new witness, don't I?
How about tonight?
I don't know when I'll be home.
I'll wait.
I can let myself in, you see.
Come here.
Liability here.
You can't show fraud by the
officers when your...
Hi, Nina.
Hello.
This is Bodeck here.
Is that her?
You don't want her to get
it all, do you?
Well, they're going to get it
anyway, aren't they?
Well, we don't quite see it
that way.
Your last offer is no longer on
the table.
Mrs. Bodeck.
Yes.
I'm Steven Seldes' lawyer.
I really don't think you should
be here.
Neither do I. You're a woman.
Time's changed.
They keep saying some things
don't change, having children.
The pain that caused, that
doesn't change.
I know.
You have children?
No.
Then how can you say that?
What is it, the money?
Is that what you're trying to
get him off?
My client is innocent.
The state brought charges simply
because he owns the warehouse
where the film was...
God, you're lying.
I'm not.
Ask him.
I have.
Mrs. Bodeck, using minors and
material like that is a crime.
And it should be punished.
It will be.
I went there to see it.
I sat there.
It made me sick.
It made me... somehow, some way,
we will get over this.
God will see to it.
I know He will.
But if my husband does
something, something that can't
be forgiven, if my husband kill
someone,
I brought these photographs.
He doesn't like to have his
picture taken.
He's gone crazy, just plain
crazy.
And I can't talk to him anymore.
That Mr. Seldes, you tell him to
protect himself.
You tell him to be careful.
And if he has any feelings about
what he's done,
any feelings at all, you...
Thank you for waiting.
May I take that message now?
Yes.
For tomorrow's deposition.
Good morning.
Rutherford, Randall, Braddock
and Dunn.
I'm sorry, Mr. Taylor. He's in
court this morning.
Would you like to leave a
message?
This is a deposition of
Harold Weinstein, a.k.a.
Bull Dozer.
Present is my client.
Steven Seldes is a defendant in
case number A036258,
People versus Seldes, et al.
How did you find out about
Weinstein?
Bull.
Call me Bull.
Bull Dozer.
Mr. Dozer, slash, Weinstein has
agreed
to have his deposition taken.
And he's here on his own
volition without counsel.
That's right.
Mr. Dozer, you appeared in a
film released last year
called "Nudes On The Moon."
Or starring in it.
Released through Blue
Screen Productions.
Yeah.
Could you tell me where the
movie was shot?
Sure.
In a warehouse on Third Street
downtown.
The address?
Oh, I do not...
God, I've been going there so
long, I forget.
It's brown.
Could it be 849 East Third?
Next to Momma's takeout Mexican
deli?
The address is 849 East Third
Street.
I had lunch there.
Try the chorizo.
Regarding other cast members,
did you work
with an actress named Cindy?
Sure.
She's in the scene where I
turned in the dildo.
Cindy Bodeck.
I guess so.
She's mostly with the Dykes in
the beginning.
Did you see the picture?
No.
It's a fantasy.
Or special effects.
And Cindy Bodeck was in that
scene?
With some others.
Is that a yes?
Yeah.
Is she really only 14?
Her old man practically killed
Jack.
Yikes.
Um, well, at any time during
filming
or before or after filming,
during editing,
did you ever see the man on my
left?
No.
Did you ever hear the name
Steven Seldes connected
to Blue Screen Productions?
No.
You don't recognize his
face?
I've never seen him.
Thelma?
Thelma Knudsen?
Thelma Knudsen Katwuller?
T.K. Say it's you.
- Say it.
- Ellie?
Yeah.
God.
Ah, hang on.
I can't believe.
What in the world?
Oh, it sure is small, isn't it?
Well...
Yeah.
- We should sit down.
- Yes.
Over there?
Yeah.
Would you... I mean, would you
believe it?
No, I don't believe this.
This is really funny.
I mean, I have never in this
part of town.
Well, hardly ever, just when I
hit the sales at Bullocks.
Their linen department is
unbeatable.
It is unbeatable.
And I thought, well, I'll just
have lunch here for a change.
You know, just a bite.
Then home to Woodland Hills.
It's incredible.
I've been hearing a lot about
you.
Oh, really?
Is your office in the
neighborhood?
- Yeah.
- I bet it is.
Isn't it? Yeah.
- How long has it been?
- Oh.
Ages.
Not since I left school and got
married.
- Someone from Philly, right?
-
I knew it.
Oh, you look great.
You look great.
No.
But I mean, really, you do.
Really?
I don't believe what they
charge for this salad.
You haven't changed a
bit.
Oh, yes, I have.
You can't raise a child and keep
a marriage glued together
for 20 years without changing.
20 years?
20 years, yes.
Guess it's time for pictures,
You know, come to dinner
tomorrow night.
Oh, I can't.
I have a date.
- You're not married?
- Nope.
Prospects?
No, not really.
Well, I'm not surprised.
No.
I mean, at Smith, you hardly had
time for boys.
Oh. Yeah.
- Well...
- Oh, well, never mind.
Here.
- This is Janna.
- Uh-huh.
Beautiful.
Thank you.
And here's Steven.
Isn't it a riot?
Excuse me.
What is it, your contacts?
I don't know.
My lash, maybe.
All of the sudden there was this
horrific pain.
OK, let me see.
Tilt your head back toward the
light.
You shouted like a scalded cat.
Ain't it a hoot about Steven?
What a coincidence.
Isn't it?
There's a little bitty speck
right there in the corner.
- Really?
- Mm-hmm.
Use lots of water.
When he finally got around to
mentioning who is representing
him... oh, when was it?
Saturday. Yeah, Saturday.
In this awful mess.
I think I got it.
Good.
You could have knocked me over
with a feather.
Oh, what the heck?
Long as we're here.
You never answered me.
About what?
Steven.
Oh, yeah.
A hoot.
Isn't he?
Yeah.
After all this time.
And you being my best friend,
even after all this time,
you've got to come to dinner.
Bring your date.
You can see the house and get to
know Steven better.
Meet Janna.
She's the light of our lives.
I'm not taking no for an answer.
Work.
Old lady.
The green, too masculine.
The black, too guilty.
The orange, too flashy.
The brown, why did you ever buy
the brown?
The yellow, too yellow.
The print, too young.
The red... too young?
The prints, too young.
Just sign the confession and
skip dinner.
Welcome to Casa Serene.
Oh, Eleanor.
Where is he?
Your date, where is he?
Oh, he couldn't make it.
Hello.
Hi.
Can I get you another one?
Yes, please.
Thanks.
The room is stunning.
It's a... it's a stunning room.
Thank you.
You must keep it hermetically
sealed.
What?
Spotless.
It's just absolutely spotless.
It's amazing.
Have you tried my
guacamole?
No, it looks great.
You look fabulous.
Doesn't she look great?
Yeah, she does.
Thanks.
Come on, honey.
This is Janna.
Hello.
Hi.
Janna is going to Smith like
us.
Oh, is she?
You found us OK?
Uh, there's a lake.
There's a golf course too.
I didn't know there was a lake.
There's one.
It's new.
Everything is very well
thought out.
I can see that.
Smith, huh?
So what are you majoring in?
She's going to be an architect.
Oh, are you?
She'll design where daddy will
build them.
Seldes and Seldes.
We'll set the world on fire.
Come, pie face.
I don't believe I did that.
Let me get something.
Don't bother.
You're not going to do
anything?
Let's go into dinner.
More?
Oh, no. Thanks.
It's delicious.
It was too delicious.
Your daddy's lawyer?
Yeah.
What are you doing here?
What?
Is everything all right?
Janna, I think you've been...
Well, is it?
I don't think we have to worry.
- Then why are you here?
- She's my friend.
I told you she'd be coming
back...
I know what you told me.
I just think that we should get
someone
a little bit more professional.
That's all.
- That's enough.
- I don't like the way...
I said that's enough.
I'll help you clear.
Do you remember Mr.
Crowder?
English list.
First thing Monday morning.
The one covered in chalk dust
and dandruff
and farted all the time?
God.
That was terrible.
I had to skip breakfast.
You know, I hardly ever
remember back then.
Was it fun?
It was fun, wasn't it?
Not so much.
But you maybe, you were
brighter.
I don't know about bright.
Did you ever get married?
To John?
Yes.
Yes, I did, as a matter of fact.
He flirted all the time.
They usually do eventually.
Wait.
Which do you think is worse?
When they just slip it by or
they just flat out do it?
Oh, gee.
I don't know.
Slipping it by always strikes me
as slightly effeminate.
Steven just... mm.
Steven what?
Here.
Put this in the dishwasher.
Like we are roommates again,
isn't it?
Yeah.
Yeah, it's nice.
It was fine.
I really got to be going.
Did you ever have any children?
No.
Not really.
I had, um, an abortion.
We were young, I guess. I'm
kidding.
Not so young.
And I had to make a decision.
John was OK in the long run.
It's been a long run.
I love you.
Yeah.
You better put your top up.
It's cold.
I don't have a top.
What happened?
I had lunch on Third Street.
Well, I'll get one of Ellie's
sweaters.
No, thanks.
You'll freeze.
Here.
I'll pick it up later.
Look, I know how you feel.
I'm sorry. We'll talk about it
tomorrow.
No, we won't.
I'll call you.
Don't.
You are so silly.
Stupid.
I think the word is stupid.
Come on.
World is full of creeps.
You son of a bitch.
Why is it always the same?
The same god damn thing always.
Why don't I learn?
Have I ever really been
in love?
Oh, yeah, him.
What's his name?
Why can't I remember names
anymore?
No more.
Never ever.
The end, finished.
Lyle.
Jesus, what's wrong with me?
His name was Lyle.
God, I was crazy about him.
Why do I do it?
What, am I talking to myself?
One of the reasons I never
looked you up,
Ellie, is you always had this
knack
for making me feel guilty.
She's so sweet.
Used to drive me crazy.
Nobody could be that sweet.
I'd be dead of hypoglycemia.
Stop it.
God, how did I get myself into
this?
Why don't we just...
You're dodging.
Listen, pie face.
- I'm really sorry.
- My key.
I want my key.
Well, what about my
case?
You want me to continue
representing you,
that we can discuss.
Yeah.
Hang on a minute.
Uh, no.
Jimmy's handling that.
I'm back.
Look, I'm just going to
come over to your place.
No, not my place.
Your office.
When?
Whenever, as long as it's
today.
This afternoon?
No, I can't do it this
afternoon.
All right.
After work, tonight.
Steven?
Shalom.
Russell. Haven't you gone home
yet?
No.
I'm swamped.
Look, will you do me a favor?
I'm running late for my dinner
with Cavinoff.
I didn't bring his number.
Now, where is it?
Uh, it's on my Rolodex. Do you
mind?
Now, hold on.
Cavinoff.
All right.
Have a good time.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Sorry I'm late.
We won't have much time.
Expecting someone?
Yes.
To audition?
For what?
Blue Screen Productions.
What's the problem?
Where are you going?
Liar!
Hey, what are doing?
Liar!
You pervert!
What is wrong with you?
What's wrong?
What's wrong?
Hey.
Will you... goddammit.
Would you calm down, for
Christ's sake?
You're going to jail.
You stupid...
Shit.
My keys.
Oh, shit!
You have reached the
office of Steven Seldes.
The machine does not take
messages.
Please call back, if you
remember, during office hours.
Oh, god.
OK, now.
Steven, can you hear me?
Pick it up.
Oh, god.
Steven, are you all right?
God, what did I do?
Steven?
Steven!
I've got a few questions.
Look, I already... they took my
statement, OK?
Yeah, I know.
You came here on business,
right?
He's... he was my client.
- And we were going to trial.
-
What business?
What?
What business?
Uh, the... the usual, the loose
ends that we were...
Uh, he was worried.
About what?
That's why I came to find out.
Well, he was right to be
worried.
And?
I found him.
Here.
Thanks.
I found him.
And I called you.
And you came.
You used the phone on his desk?
I've been... um, you know, I've
been through all this.
I can't...
You saw the office.
You looked in the men's room.
Why did you do that?
I don't know.
The blood, I... um, I thought he
might be hurt.
How was he hurt?
Well, we have to wait for
the coroner's report.
But you did see the blood,
though, right?
In the hallway?
And then you followed it to the
men's room.
Yeah, yeah.
No.
No, it was dark.
Dim.
I heard running water.
How's your head?
It's fine.
I just, um...
I slipped.
It was, um...
I panicked.
Ice cubes.
Well, you can go. Are you OK to
drive?
Yeah.
I'm fine.
You're going to be around,
right?
Hey.
For the road.
Good morning.
Rutherford, Randall, Braddock
and Dunn.
One moment please.
I'm sorry, Mr. Hampton.
There's no answer.
One moment.
Hi, Nina.
- Rutherford wants you.
- Shit.
Cops were here earlier.
Lay peaceful.
Go ahead, Mr. Hampton.
Yeah, Nina.
Mrs. Seldes is on the line.
She says it's important.
Thanks.
Beutel.
Were you the arresting officer?
Guilty.
Did you get any sleep,
counselor?
I want to see my client.
Seldes?
Yes.
Does she know the charges?
Well, they are pretty easy to
figure out.
Like?
Dead husband.
And how did he die?
Unwillingly.
Do we have an attitude problem
here?
Not that I know of.
Then what's going on?
Look, here's a copy of the
report.
It's all preliminary, pretty
general stuff.
Stab wounds, broken nose.
Possibly choked on his own
blood.
And possibly not.
The weapon?
Oh, there will be a weapon.
I promise.
You didn't find it?
Well, they generally don't
leave them laying around,
people who do stuff like this.
Send Seldes into 308, please.
All right.
Thanks.
Uh, Russell Paige.
Yeah?
How many calls did you make
last night?
What?
Russell Paige, an assistant in
your office, received a call.
Yeah, sure.
About a dinner appointment?
Sure.
Where did you make that call?
From my car.
Right.
Busy woman.
Very.
Did they say why they arrested
you?
They just came.
I had to take Janna next door.
They weren't even up yet.
We just stood around the front
yard, half naked.
What did they say?
That I killed Steven.
All right, look.
Last night when it happened,
where were you?
Driving.
Just driving alone?
Is that a crime?
No.
Of course not.
When you were driving, did you
stop
anywhere for gas, cigarettes?
I didn't stop anywhere.
All right.
When you got home, did you make
any phone calls?
Did you speak to anyone?
Someone could've called.
I fell asleep.
You don't suppose I could get a
cigarette somewhere, do you?
I'll arrange bail.
You'll represent me, then.
No, I can't.
My being a material witness
makes that difficult,
to say the least.
I'll find someone.
If it's a question of money,
I...
Money is not the point.
Money is always the point.
With you, it is.
Where was Janna during all this?
Out.
Well, when she came home, did
she wake you?
The sun... the sun woke me.
How do you suppose the sweater
got there?
That's why they came?
They found my sweater.
Fax this, will you?
Can it be done in the morning?
I want to file it first thing
in the morning.
Do you really think they're
going to give her bail?
Do it, Russell.
Just do it.
Hey.
Don't take your guilt out on me.
What guilt?
You were sleeping with her
husband.
So what?
It's my fault. I'm responsible.
For what?
You didn't kill the guy.
I'm responsible for everything
else.
Did you tell the police about
the affair?
Now, you're material witness,
they could haul you down there.
Arrest me, disbar me.
I know.
I thought of me, that's all.
I just... I was scared.
I'm confused.
All I could think of was how
I'd, uh...
How I'd ruined myself.
And they arrested Ellie.
What are you going to do?
Call the police.
Get it over with.
Now, that's a terrific
idea if you're
into self-destruction.
Then you're no good to Mrs.
Seldes or yourself.
Boy, it was a mess.
We had a hell of a time getting
an accurate count.
What?
The wounds.
Same angle, same area.
We finally came up with 18.
It was like he just sat there
when it happened.
Hello?
Decrease his peripheral
IV to 75 CC per hour.
Sorry.
We were just leaving.
Did you guys forget something?
I told you everything.
Do you remember me?
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, sure.
You're the lawyer.
I thought you were the cops.
Can you tell me if this is the
man who hurt you?
Who is he?
That motherfucking son of a
bitch tried to kill me.
It was Sherman Bodeck.
Like the kid's
father?
That's just he had said.
Said.
Then he was... he must have been
the one who was calling me.
When?
I didn't pay any attention.
Because he was just breathing
and then nothing.
And I get these all the time.
And he changes the number that
he got.
How?
How did they get it?
At work.
How the fuck am I supposed to
work
when nobody he can reach me?
Oh, my god.
Look, can you go...
Can you... can you leave me
alone?
Well, it's harder when somebody
see me like this.
Sure.
They put in a prostheses, they
call it.
I got to be able to sue for
that, don't I?
Yeah.
I'm sure you can.
Hi.
Are you Cindy?
Is your mom home?
Mrs. Bodeck?
Mrs. Bodeck.
Leave me alone.
Are you all right?
Can I help?
I'm T.K...
I know who you are.
He'll kill us both if he comes
back.
Why would he kill us?
Because he knows I talk to you.
He knows you'll come after him.
He's gone off again.
I don't know how soon he's
coming back.
Did he kill Steven?
Go away.
Will you help me?
I'll try.
Talk to Jack for me.
Jack Hammer.
I want to say I'm sorry.
It wasn't my fault my father
found out.
And ask him if maybe I can come
back.
They were real nice to me.
I'm really sorry about Steven.
You knew Steven?
I've never been treated so good
before.
I'm going crazy right now.
In court all day, campaigning
after night.
There's a 4 o'clock deadline or
the pollsters
won't make the fundraiser.
How's the Seldes case coming?
Uh, it's getting there.
Am I going to have anything to
prosecute?
I wouldn't bet on it.
Here, check these out.
Which do you think?
Well, you look younger
when you smile.
Yeah, I know.
But maybe I can get a delay.
What, until after the election?
The DA has handed me a real
turn, you know.
Well, he's afraid you're going
to beat McGuire.
So you got anything on Seldes?
Mm, she's clean.
And she's Southern.
Christ.
It's going to look like I'm
still marching on Thelma.
Beutel. Beutel.
I have been calling your office.
Oh, hi, Bill.
Which one?
For posters?
You look younger when you smile.
Did they tell you?
What?
That I called.
I shouldn't be listening to
this.
Bodeck's disappeared.
So?
So put out an APB.
Well, you need, for God's sake.
He's already beating his wife
and another...
He didn't strike me as the kind
of guy
who's going to give somebody
time out
before he finishes the job.
I'm sure all this makes perfect
sense to you.
Ice cubes.
Seldes' nose was busted.
He used them to stop the
bleeding.
Now, Bodeck was going to allow
him to do that?
Or there were two people.
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Look, whatever happened, you've
got the wrong person.
Well, prove it.
That's your job description.
You mean, you're not going to
do anything?
Yeah.
I'm going lunch.
Hello?
Mr. Bodeck?
Is that you?
Who is this?
You're looking great.
Mr. Monroe, you claim to
have the best conviction
- rate in the DA's office.
- It's not a claim.
It's a fact.
I don't give them taxpayers'
money if I'm
not going to get a conviction.
Two double Martinis, rocks, no
olives.
Scotch and water.
Oh, there you are.
I have a date at 10.
You'll never make it.
11?
Better.
Watch my drink.
Ladies and gentlemen,
thank you.
Thank you so much.
I promise the speech will be
later.
But that doesn't mean you're off
the hook.
Thank you.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
Right now, I'd like to introduce
a very special guest, a lady
who you'll probably remember
from the city
comptroller's office.
Ms. Mary Lee Drummond.
Thank you.
It's wonderful to be here
tonight.
- This is great, isn't it?
- Yeah, it is.
- It's great.
- This is great.
It is. It's great.
Eat your heart out, McGuire.
Uh, Katwuller.
I may call on you as a material
witness.
Go ahead.
We've already resolved this
between my client
and the court. Put me on the
stand.
Choose my testifying as a basis
for appeal.
Smile.
You look younger.
And you
already know
he's the only one for the job.
So it just makes sense that the
vote for Bill Monroe is...
So I take it, uh, Monroe can't
count on your vote, huh.
Oh, I'm sure yours will make up
for it.
No, I'm just here for the free
drinks.
Right.
Let's celebrate while my client
sits in jail
and her daughter's in some
foster home some place.
Your boss is using this case to
get himself elected.
I find that obscene.
Hey, look.
I don't work for Monroe.
I'm a cop.
My job is to find out what
happened, whether it helps
his case or not, or yours.
You understand?
Ellie.
What?
The bail hearing is Thursday.
- What then?
- Bail.
You're not a danger to the
general public.
Ellie.
- Hmm?
- Damn it.
Every time I say something, I
either
have to repeat myself or waive
my hand in front of your face.
Sorry.
Listen to me.
When I first saw you, met you
again...
Oh, damn it.
Steven and I were...
I didn't know about you.
I'm sorry.
I do things sometimes...
Often, without thinking, without
asking too many questions.
I look at you, and I see how
much of my life has passed.
Don't get me wrong.
You look great.
You do look great.
It's me.
I want to put an end to this.
No.
The night I was at your house,
when I was with Steven...
Don't.
Will you please shut up and
listen?
I killed him.
Are you nuts?
I could be.
Insanity is a popular defense
these days.
What are you doing?
Pleading guilty.
Oh, no, you're not.
Then I'll get another lawyer.
Great.
I'll recommend one.
And how much will they be?
Face it, Eleanor.
You're cheap.
- Cheap?
- Yeah.
Cheap.
In school, all I remember were
drawers full of panties
with the elastic shot.
Get out of here.
Fine.
I am pleading guilty.
And nothing you can say or do is
going to change that.
Who are you protecting?
No one.
You're lying.
You always were a lousy actress.
I was not.
Oh, please.
I saw the junior play.
I thought that's why you left
college.
Do not leave this room until
you tell me the truth.
I was very good in that play.
I saved the reviews to prove it.
Who are you protecting?
And what makes you think you're
so smart?
What makes you think you know
everything, miss smarty pants,
miss everybody's favorite?
You haven't changed that hair.
Hi.
Oops, wait a minute.
Cut the phone.
I thought we'd go to the beach.
I brought some suits.
Aren't you embarrassed by this
car?
I'm having it painted.
It's a mess.
Your mother said...
She must be a mess.
She is.
I'm not a mess.
But she's...
I'm living with people I don't
even know.
It won't be for long.
I hate it.
What's that noise?
They still make these things?
Probably not.
My girlfriends have better cars
than this.
What is it?
A classic.
Here.
We can change under our towels.
Like surfers, huh.
Does momma know you're screwing
Steven?
Did he tell you that?
He didn't have to.
I could tell by the way he
ignored you at dinner.
I'm a mess.
My girlfriend's father is a
lawyer.
And he has a Mercedes.
She has a BMW.
Let me ask you a question.
The night your dad died, where
were you?
He didn't die.
He was murdered.
Where were you?
A movie.
By yourself?
Why are you asking?
Your mom just said...
My mother killed him.
No.
She hasn't told you?
She didn't kill him.
What makes you so fucking sure?
Jesus.
Just raise the red ones.
That's all?
Now, the blue.
What color you call this?
Brown.
I already got a brown.
It's kind of brownish purple-y.
It's puce.
When's lift up?
We're getting there.
Puce, huh.
I got to give up
smoking.
Oh, shit.
Hello?
Himself.
And so are you.
Mr. Bodeck?
You defended him.
You know better than he was.
Mr. Bodeck, what do you want?
I want to talk.
Where can we meet?
Uh, some place public.
Where are you?
Hollywood.
Near Western.
All right.
Uh, there's a restaurant near
you.
Um, Gino's on Vine.
It's almost to Willoughby.
And I'll be there.
You know, it will more than half
an hour.
And I'll be there.
Wait, OK?
OK?
Hello?
Detective Beutel.
He's not here.
- Can I help you?
- Oh.
Uh, no.
Never mind.
Wait.
Um, if he calls in, let him know
I heard from Bodeck.
B-O-D-E-C-K. I'm Katwuller.
K-A-T...
Hang on.
Don't try it.
No.
Bodeck!
Can you reach your arm?
Reach your arm.
OK, hold on.
I got you.
Now, look.
You're going to have let go.
You understand?
Not now.
Now now.
When I tell you.
Ready?
OK.
Now.
This was a setup?
That's what this was?
But what the hell, huh?
At least we got Steven's
murderer, right?
You better go see Monroe.
Bodeck's not the guy.
Oh, come on.
The guy tried to kill me.
He tried to kill a police
officer.
That doesn't mean he killed
Seldes.
This is stupid.
What's going on?
Hey, I'm not going to drop the
charges.
I'm three points ahead in the
polls.
You know something, Monroe.
What is it?
Mrs. Bodeck, you've
testified that your husband
promised he would kill the man
whom he held
responsible for involving your
daughter in the making
of a pornographic film.
Yes, sir.
That person being Mr. Seldes?
Yes, sir.
He introduced her to the
director.
And had had sexual relations
with her prior
to that introduction.
Yes.
Mrs. Bodeck, had he also
threatened
to kill a Luthers Svoboda?
Yes, sir.
Who is Mr. Svoboda?
His mechanic.
And what was the basis for that
threat?
He fixed the clutch in our van.
And it didn't work right.
Had he also threatened
the life of a Mr. Henley?
Yes, sir.
Your next door neighbor.
He kept a lot of trash lying
all around.
And it would blow into our yard.
Mrs. Bodeck, did you ever
discuss the night of May 17th,
the night Mr. Seldes was killed
with your husband?
No, there wasn't much to
discuss.
Why not?
Sherman had been out all night.
He was drunk.
And he didn't remember
anything...
Anything that happened.
Hello?
It's Beutel.
How about a drink tonight?
At 9:30?
Don't worry.
I'll pay the tab.
Glad you can make
it.
Great choice for a big night
out.
What's this all about?
Hey, you want to go sit at the
bar?
Yeah, sure.
We can see the fight better.
Don't tell me you're a regular
in this place.
No.
I know what this is.
Monroe's got you working on me.
He must really be desperate.
You look pretty sharp in court
today.
Oh, yeah?
Why were you there?
I like to watch you work.
You back again?
I knew you were a regular.
Still think I'll testify
tomorrow?
Yeah.
I got to take a leak.
Testify to what?
Jeez, the guy is dead.
Let him be.
Who's dead?
Sherman Bodeck.
What are you drinking?
I'll have what he's having.
What about Sherman Bodeck?
Like I'm supposed to remember
something happened
three, four months ago.
You know where you were in May
17th?
Twist?
Yes, sure.
Except that night, I
remember.
Why?
Was he here?
Yeah.
6:30 until closing.
I threw him out personally.
How can you be so sure?
I mean, I don't even remember
last Tuesday.
May 17th.
NBA championship.
The Lakers 103, Celtics 100.
I have 50 bucks in the Lakers
with Sherman.
Think that bastard ever paid me?
Oh, boy.
Why did you do that for me, hmm?
You know, I don't like
the way Monroe plays politics.
Anyway, I owed you one.
How did you find him?
Bodeck was in the Merchant
Marines.
It was his local hangout.
He was my whole case.
I'll have to start over.
Well, thanks for letting me in
on it.
I just want to know the truth.
That's all.
Detective Beutel,
describe what you
saw when you found the body.
Uh, body was slumped on the
toilet in the third booth.
Fully dressed?
Yes, sir.
Was there any indication the
body had been moved?
No.
What was the cause of death?
Objection.
Detective Beutel is not a
medical expert.
Sustained.
You're instructed to disregard
that last statement.
What was the condition of the
bathroom?
The office men's room when you
first entered it.
Uh, sink was splattered with
blood.
There was paper towels scattered
around and remains
of ice cubes on the floor.
Ice cubes?
Yes, sir.
Was there a refrigerator
at Mr. Seldes' office?
In the hallway.
The ice tray was empty.
What are these circumstances
lead you to conclude?
That Mr. Seldes' nose was
broken in his office.
He used ice cubes to stem the
blood.
He went to men's room for cold
water and sat on the John
leaning his head back.
Where he was struck by
his assailant.
Yes, sir.
Any evidence of a
struggle?
At that point?
Yes.
No.
Leading you to conclude?
That he knew the person who
killed him.
That's all.
Detective Beutel, do you know
me?
Yes, I do.
How many people do you suppose
we know in a lifetime?
I couldn't guess.
Well, try.
A thousand?
Probably more, 2,000.
Three?
Something like that.
So it would be fair to say my
client is one among 3,000 who
knew Steven Seldes.
Yeah.
Describe the condition of Mr.
Seldes' office.
Things were shoved around.
Nothing else?
There was some blood.
A lot, a little?
Some.
So there had been a struggle?
Objection, your honor.
That's calling for speculation.
Sustained.
In your years of experience,
what would you
generally conclude if things
were shoved around in an office
and you found blood, some blood?
That there had probably been a
struggle.
Were there any traces leading to
the men's room?
Yes, ma'am.
Regarding the sweater
identified as pupil seven,
where was it found?
About 30 feet south of the
building on a pile of trash.
It was in plain sight?
Yes.
Have you found the murder
weapon?
- No.
- You've looked?
Yes.
What were you looking for?
The murder weapon.
Which was?
A knife.
What kind of knife?
We never found it.
Uh, the office...
Which office?
Detective Beutel, wait for the
question before responding.
Mr. Seldes' office.
We're back.
Do you find it peculiar that the
struggle took place
there and the murder elsewhere?
Somewhat.
Which side of peculiar does
somewhat fall on?
Very or not worth mentioning?
Oh, it's worth mentioning.
How tall was the victim?
About 6 foot.
And how much did he weigh?
Uh, 175, maybe more.
According to the coroner's
report, defendant's Exhibit C,
Mr. Seldes was 6 feet, 2 and 1/2
inches and 182 pounds.
Would you please stand up,
Ellie?
Could you look at the defendant
and tell me what
you estimate her height to be?
5'4 ", 5'6" maybe.
Weight?
110, 115.
It's not bad.
Give or take a few pounds.
Now, let me see if I get the
picture how...
How you and your department and
the prosecution
reconstructed the crime.
We have a woman who's 5' 4 and
1/2" beating up a man
who's 6'2" and weighs a ton.
Your honor...
Causing him to what?
Flee her superior strength, take
refuge in the men's room,
sit down to catch his breath and
allow his wife in hot pursuit,
I suppose, to strike him
repeatedly
with a weapon, whatever it was.
By the way, how many times was
he struck?
18 times.
All about the neck and
shoulders?
No.
There were two wounds in the
left arm.
How do you count for that?
For what?
That a man would allow himself
to be
struck with a deadly instrument
18 times
without defending himself.
It could have been the first
blow that killed him.
Or the 9th, or the 18th.
When you arrested Mrs. Seldes
the next morning,
were there any signs of her
being
in a violent struggle, a
struggle with a man fighting
for his life?
No.
No cuts, bruises?
A broken nail perhaps?
No.
None of the above.
No.
So we are to assume Mr. Seldes
exhausted himself
in the struggle while never
laying a hand on her,
fled to the men's room while
stopping off for ice,
sat down on the nearest thing at
hand and... help me here,
simply gave up, threw his head
back and allowed
her to hack him to death?
Objection, your honor.
Compound and argumentative.
Detective Beutel, do you
understand the question?
Yes, I do.
Overruled.
You may answer.
I don't assume anything.
Of course, you don't.
I understand that.
But doesn't it seem peculiar to
you
that my client, supposedly
having done this deed,
carelessly places a
devastatingly incriminating
piece of evidence in plain sight
in front of the building that
was the scene of the crime?
And yet has the presence of mind
to hide
a murder weapon so cleverly that
it's
never been found to this day.
Objection.
It's all very logical. It's
compelling.
No.
- Really, it's fascinating.
- Your honor, objection.
- Sustained.
- That's all for now.
Eager for more blood?
I had to go after you.
You know that.
Yeah, it was very professional.
I didn't particularly enjoy it.
Well, I sort of enjoyed it.
Is this some kind of apology?
I want to thank you for helping
me with Bodeck.
It's not over yet.
I still haven't found Jack
Hammer.
Well, the funny thing about
evidence, you know,
it cuts both ways.
It proves innocence as well as
guilt.
I've made some terrible
mistakes.
I'm not going to make them
again.
You and Seldes, how close were
you?
He was my client.
See you in court.
The one on top's from the
sweater.
The bottom's the one you gave
me.
Do they match?
Do they match?
Hello?
I think this might be
an excellent time
to talk about my raise.
What?
It's Russell.
Guess what?
I found your missing sleazeball.
He's made a very interesting
career move.
In fact, more movie stars are
buried
here than in any other cemetery
in LA.
OK, folks.
If you could just step lively
into the chapel.
We're running a little behind
schedule.
So I'd appreciate it, OK?
Jack Hammer?
Yeah.
Who are you?
I want to talk about Steven
Seldes.
You're the lawyer?
Yeah.
Fuck you.
Fine.
Tell it in court.
I can have you subpoenaed.
You knew that.
What the hell?
I'm still giving people what
they want.
Sex, death, fans entertainment.
I want to know who he owed, who
was after him,
anything, anything you can tell
me.
You mean, who might have killed
him?
Yeah.
Me.
I got him into the business.
It was a recession-proof gig.
You know what I mean?
Oh, man, I should've known
better.
Once a fuck up, always a fuck
up.
I don't know who killed him.
It could have been anybody.
I want names.
I can make you testify.
What was it with you two?
He was strictly into jailbait.
You really didn't know what was
going on, did you?
I thought that's what turns you
on.
No?
It doesn't turn you on?
What are you talking about?
Ask his daughter.
Check into his private stock.
You might get to like it.
Hi, Janna.
Tell me about the tapes.
What tapes?
I talked to Jack Hammer.
He's a geek.
Why do you want to bother with
him?
To find out.
About what?
Steven.
What would he know?
Nobody knew anything about
Steven.
- Did you?
- What?
Know about him?
Why don't you go?
What's wrong with you?
I'm not interested, OK?
This doesn't interest me.
It's boring.
Then I'll go.
Not until you tell me.
Who are you anyway?
You were nothing to Steven.
You were just some hag he was
sleeping with,
some cheap piece of thread.
You don't have the right to do
that.
You're not my mother.
Then why doesn't she do it?
Ask her.
You ask her why.
I just want to get this whole
thing over with.
You ask her who killed daddy.
Ask her.
Oh, god.
Why can't I get somebody to help
me?
I'll help you.
You can't.
I will.
I'll help.
You'll hate me.
No.
Oh, you will.
Who is it?
It's Janna.
How long have you known?
What?
Which?
When she started hating me, then
I guess I knew.
Then she hated me because I
knew.
She began to flaunt it,
replacing me.
She replaced me.
But do you know the worst part?
I let her do it.
What would you have done?
Oh, forget that.
Forget I asked it.
I should have ended it.
But I had nowhere to go.
Steven was all I had.
Ever.
She made him happy.
She killed him, didn't
she?
If you allow me to show the
tape, you'll be acquitted.
Ellie, allow me.
The court's extremely protective
of abused children.
And no one in their right mind
will blame her for killing him.
The jury will understand.
As long as there is breath in
my body,
I will not allow my daughter to
be exposed to this.
She needs to confess.
It would be terrible to make her
bury this.
She'd never ever recover from
it.
You cannot do this.
I forbid it.
Listen to me, damn you.
I forbid it.
I forbid it!
Would you read the verdict,
please?
Title of court and cause.
We, the jury, in the above
entitled action,
find the defendant Eleanor
Seldes not guilty
of first degree murder in
violation
of penal code section 187A.
A felony is charged in count one
of the information.
I had to this.
Please understand.
Bye.
Steven's case.
Guess you're more than
just his lawyer, huh.
This was in your car.
Somebody called the station,
didn't leave a name.
Better get dressed.
Someone put it in my car.
Someone's lying.
Who?
I'm not sure.
I don't...
I'll check the knife for
prints.
If you're being set up, you've
got nothing to worry about.
My prints are on the knife.
I didn't tell you everything
that night.
Steven and I fought.
But look, I didn't kill him.
That's the truth.
You haven't told the truth from
day one about anything.
You got this all screwed
around.
I don't think so.
I wish I did.
But I don't think so.
Well, I bought you some
cigarettes.
You haven't quit, have you?
Ain't this place awful?
You feel so at the mercy of
things.
When I was here...
Why are you here?
To offer my help.
It may seem strange under the
circumstances but I'm grateful.
For me, there'll be no more
judges or juries.
They could never try me again,
thanks to you.
So tell me, how can I help?
You need money?
Maybe I...
Who put the knife in my car?
Who called the police?
Who killed Steven?
If you think you're protecting
Janna, you're completely...
She's going to be fine.
Janna doesn't need protecting
anymore.
I knew you were sleeping with
Steven the night
you came to our house for dinner
the minute I saw you standing
there dressed in white.
We were miles from summer.
You know, for a Phi Beta Kappa,
you really are fairly stupid.
Call me if you need me.
How about the truth this
time?
Go upstairs, please, Janna.
Go upstairs.
How did you get out?
You want to kill me too?
You know I didn't kill Steven.
Why did they arrest you?
I think you know why.
Can't you leave us alone?
Haven't you hurt this family
enough?
Get out of here.
I have to fix dinner.
Was he worth all this?
Steven?
Don't make me laugh.
Steven, I will laugh.
Steven wasn't worth anything.
Nothing.
Don't you think I know that?
Worth 20 years?
He got 20 years out of my life!
But he was all I had.
Get out.
Why are you still here?
Why don't you leave?
And I'm sick of potatoes.
But I'm still fixing them.
Am I not a joke?
Stop it.
How many ways can you fix
potatoes?
Ask me how many ways.
Ask me how many.
Lots.
Stop it!
People have to eat.
You're acting like you weren't
even a part of it.
Part of what?
Your life, for one thing.
Steven, Janna, part of me.
Oh, god.
Why do I even bother?
I don't even like you.
I have never liked you, Eleanor.
From the moment I met you,
blaming the world,
blaming the weather for
anything,
everything that happens.
Christ!
If they don't hurt us, why you
hurt us?
You want to see what hurt is?
This is hurt!
See it? This is it.
Hurt. Hurt.
Eleanor, don't.
That's hurt.
See it?
I just want to talk to you.
Stay away from me.
Am I supposed to feel sorry for
you?
You killed Steven, didn't you?
Didn't you?
Leave me alone!
Move away from...
No.
I'm not going to stop you.
You can't do this anymore.
You used me.
You even used your daughter.
No.
I wanted her free, free of
Steven, free of me.
went there that night to do
this.
And then I saw you.
I killed him.
I stabbed him over and over.
There's no one left to blame.
Just you.
Time to end it, Ellie.
End it.
Enough!
I'm so sorry.
I'll take care of you.
It's my idea.
Sorry you had to go through all
that.
For the road.
Yeah.
Hey.
No girls in the locker room.
Have you see my pompoms?
No.
Would you like to?
It's a big game today.
We're out of sync.
I'm trying to get pumped
up.
That's what I'm here for.
Come on, guys. Come on.
We're out of sync.
We are out of sync.
Yeah.
Hey.
No girls in the locker room.
Have you seen my pompoms?
No.
Would you like to?
No.
It's a big game today.
I'm trying to get pumped up.
That's what I'm here for.
I'd do anything to win big game.
Hey.
You're looking for someone?
Jack Hammer?
Who the hell wants to know?
She's my daughter, you son of a
bitch.
What are you doing?
Oh, god.
Security, success,
happiness.
Look, it all comes down to love,
right?
So sweetie, tell me.
How's it going?
Tepid.
Oh, it's going OK.
But sometimes I feel out of
control.
You really can overdo
it.
Sometimes a little chaos can be
good for you.
I think this woman is a genius.
How do I know I'm
making the right choice?
Easy.
If you make it a trend.
You can't just sit
around waiting for Mr. Perfect.
How about Mr. OK for the time
being?
Listen, sweetie.
Loneliness can make us do some
really stupid things.
You've got to take a good look
at yourself
and say, what am I really
looking for?
My briefcase.
It's there.
You'll find it.
And you deserve it.
Is there anybody else
here in my scene?
Something talking maybe.
Yeah, I'm the only who
works here.
No one else arrived.
But you were less than 10
feet away when this one...
Do you want some coffee?
Now, huh.
I mean, the shape, was this guy
big, tall, heavy?
I'm telling you, I didn't
see the dude.
Well, did you hear
anything?
- Did anybody say...
- Hi.
I'm looking for Mr. Hammer.
So?
I understand he makes movies
here.
Sometimes.
Do you expect him?
He's in and out.
Do you have a phone?
Down the hall.
Look, man.
It's just a job for me.
I just project the stuff.
I don't actually watch it.
See, it's really not my style.
I'm more of a family man-type,
you know.
Well, let's see.
You were 20 feet away when the
shit went down.
You didn't see anything huh?
Excuse me.
The phone.
OK.
I guess it's a craft beer.
Then he fixed himself up and
split.
Now, where did he go?
Who?
What?
Jack Hammer?
Do I know you?
Do you mind?
This is private.
Yeah.
Well, the phone's public.
You work for Hammer?
I have an appointment with him.
Audition?
He's a witness in the case I'm
representing.
You represent these
scumbags?
I represent the man who owns
the building.
Jack Hammer's gone?
Yoo-hoo.
Yeah. Yeah.
I mean, he was all bloody and
stuff.
And the guy just ran out of
here, you know.
I didn't want no doctor and
enough, you know.
I just...
Hello. Hello.
Yeah, Russell. It's me.
It's about time.
Shut up.
Now, you got a lot of
messages.
Forget the messages.
We have a problem with the
Seldes case.
The problem was taking
the case in the first place.
By the way, three of the calls
were him.
Russell, Russell.
I've got no time for this.
- Our key witness has disappeared.
- Great.
What do we do now?
Yeah.
Well, what about the police?
Check with them.
- Anybody else?
- And the hospitals.
He had his face smashed, for
God's sake.
Look, I got to go. I'm having
lunch with a client.
Uh-huh. Restaurant?
Never mind which restaurant.
I'll call you later.
Bye.
Hi.
Counselor.
What you got?
Punch.
Table for two with a view.
This hand-roll is fantastic.
Where did you find this place?
Here, take another one.
Steven, don't worry.
He's not our only witness.
We'll find others who'll
testify.
What I want to know is
how
you could rent a property to
anybody
calling himself Jack Hammer.
That's what I want to know.
I have buildings all over town.
I don't know what goes on in
half of them.
He was casting minors.
I got a teenage daughter, for
Christ's sake.
If this thing drags on much
longer...
No, the hearing is next week.
We'll win.
You'll see.
Well, I may pick a lousy
tenant.
But boy, when it comes to
lawyer, huh, the best.
Few rules in my life.
Never get involved with a
client.
Never get involved with a
married man.
Married in name only, pie face.
Never get involved with anyone
who calls me pie face.
How much time do you have?
Nope, this is a business lunch.
You're going to bill me for
this?
Yep.
Anyway, I have to track down a
new witness, don't I?
How about tonight?
I don't know when I'll be home.
I'll wait.
I can let myself in, you see.
Come here.
Liability here.
You can't show fraud by the
officers when your...
Hi, Nina.
Hello.
This is Bodeck here.
Is that her?
You don't want her to get
it all, do you?
Well, they're going to get it
anyway, aren't they?
Well, we don't quite see it
that way.
Your last offer is no longer on
the table.
Mrs. Bodeck.
Yes.
I'm Steven Seldes' lawyer.
I really don't think you should
be here.
Neither do I. You're a woman.
Time's changed.
They keep saying some things
don't change, having children.
The pain that caused, that
doesn't change.
I know.
You have children?
No.
Then how can you say that?
What is it, the money?
Is that what you're trying to
get him off?
My client is innocent.
The state brought charges simply
because he owns the warehouse
where the film was...
God, you're lying.
I'm not.
Ask him.
I have.
Mrs. Bodeck, using minors and
material like that is a crime.
And it should be punished.
It will be.
I went there to see it.
I sat there.
It made me sick.
It made me... somehow, some way,
we will get over this.
God will see to it.
I know He will.
But if my husband does
something, something that can't
be forgiven, if my husband kill
someone,
I brought these photographs.
He doesn't like to have his
picture taken.
He's gone crazy, just plain
crazy.
And I can't talk to him anymore.
That Mr. Seldes, you tell him to
protect himself.
You tell him to be careful.
And if he has any feelings about
what he's done,
any feelings at all, you...
Thank you for waiting.
May I take that message now?
Yes.
For tomorrow's deposition.
Good morning.
Rutherford, Randall, Braddock
and Dunn.
I'm sorry, Mr. Taylor. He's in
court this morning.
Would you like to leave a
message?
This is a deposition of
Harold Weinstein, a.k.a.
Bull Dozer.
Present is my client.
Steven Seldes is a defendant in
case number A036258,
People versus Seldes, et al.
How did you find out about
Weinstein?
Bull.
Call me Bull.
Bull Dozer.
Mr. Dozer, slash, Weinstein has
agreed
to have his deposition taken.
And he's here on his own
volition without counsel.
That's right.
Mr. Dozer, you appeared in a
film released last year
called "Nudes On The Moon."
Or starring in it.
Released through Blue
Screen Productions.
Yeah.
Could you tell me where the
movie was shot?
Sure.
In a warehouse on Third Street
downtown.
The address?
Oh, I do not...
God, I've been going there so
long, I forget.
It's brown.
Could it be 849 East Third?
Next to Momma's takeout Mexican
deli?
The address is 849 East Third
Street.
I had lunch there.
Try the chorizo.
Regarding other cast members,
did you work
with an actress named Cindy?
Sure.
She's in the scene where I
turned in the dildo.
Cindy Bodeck.
I guess so.
She's mostly with the Dykes in
the beginning.
Did you see the picture?
No.
It's a fantasy.
Or special effects.
And Cindy Bodeck was in that
scene?
With some others.
Is that a yes?
Yeah.
Is she really only 14?
Her old man practically killed
Jack.
Yikes.
Um, well, at any time during
filming
or before or after filming,
during editing,
did you ever see the man on my
left?
No.
Did you ever hear the name
Steven Seldes connected
to Blue Screen Productions?
No.
You don't recognize his
face?
I've never seen him.
Thelma?
Thelma Knudsen?
Thelma Knudsen Katwuller?
T.K. Say it's you.
- Say it.
- Ellie?
Yeah.
God.
Ah, hang on.
I can't believe.
What in the world?
Oh, it sure is small, isn't it?
Well...
Yeah.
- We should sit down.
- Yes.
Over there?
Yeah.
Would you... I mean, would you
believe it?
No, I don't believe this.
This is really funny.
I mean, I have never in this
part of town.
Well, hardly ever, just when I
hit the sales at Bullocks.
Their linen department is
unbeatable.
It is unbeatable.
And I thought, well, I'll just
have lunch here for a change.
You know, just a bite.
Then home to Woodland Hills.
It's incredible.
I've been hearing a lot about
you.
Oh, really?
Is your office in the
neighborhood?
- Yeah.
- I bet it is.
Isn't it? Yeah.
- How long has it been?
- Oh.
Ages.
Not since I left school and got
married.
- Someone from Philly, right?
-
I knew it.
Oh, you look great.
You look great.
No.
But I mean, really, you do.
Really?
I don't believe what they
charge for this salad.
You haven't changed a
bit.
Oh, yes, I have.
You can't raise a child and keep
a marriage glued together
for 20 years without changing.
20 years?
20 years, yes.
Guess it's time for pictures,
You know, come to dinner
tomorrow night.
Oh, I can't.
I have a date.
- You're not married?
- Nope.
Prospects?
No, not really.
Well, I'm not surprised.
No.
I mean, at Smith, you hardly had
time for boys.
Oh. Yeah.
- Well...
- Oh, well, never mind.
Here.
- This is Janna.
- Uh-huh.
Beautiful.
Thank you.
And here's Steven.
Isn't it a riot?
Excuse me.
What is it, your contacts?
I don't know.
My lash, maybe.
All of the sudden there was this
horrific pain.
OK, let me see.
Tilt your head back toward the
light.
You shouted like a scalded cat.
Ain't it a hoot about Steven?
What a coincidence.
Isn't it?
There's a little bitty speck
right there in the corner.
- Really?
- Mm-hmm.
Use lots of water.
When he finally got around to
mentioning who is representing
him... oh, when was it?
Saturday. Yeah, Saturday.
In this awful mess.
I think I got it.
Good.
You could have knocked me over
with a feather.
Oh, what the heck?
Long as we're here.
You never answered me.
About what?
Steven.
Oh, yeah.
A hoot.
Isn't he?
Yeah.
After all this time.
And you being my best friend,
even after all this time,
you've got to come to dinner.
Bring your date.
You can see the house and get to
know Steven better.
Meet Janna.
She's the light of our lives.
I'm not taking no for an answer.
Work.
Old lady.
The green, too masculine.
The black, too guilty.
The orange, too flashy.
The brown, why did you ever buy
the brown?
The yellow, too yellow.
The print, too young.
The red... too young?
The prints, too young.
Just sign the confession and
skip dinner.
Welcome to Casa Serene.
Oh, Eleanor.
Where is he?
Your date, where is he?
Oh, he couldn't make it.
Hello.
Hi.
Can I get you another one?
Yes, please.
Thanks.
The room is stunning.
It's a... it's a stunning room.
Thank you.
You must keep it hermetically
sealed.
What?
Spotless.
It's just absolutely spotless.
It's amazing.
Have you tried my
guacamole?
No, it looks great.
You look fabulous.
Doesn't she look great?
Yeah, she does.
Thanks.
Come on, honey.
This is Janna.
Hello.
Hi.
Janna is going to Smith like
us.
Oh, is she?
You found us OK?
Uh, there's a lake.
There's a golf course too.
I didn't know there was a lake.
There's one.
It's new.
Everything is very well
thought out.
I can see that.
Smith, huh?
So what are you majoring in?
She's going to be an architect.
Oh, are you?
She'll design where daddy will
build them.
Seldes and Seldes.
We'll set the world on fire.
Come, pie face.
I don't believe I did that.
Let me get something.
Don't bother.
You're not going to do
anything?
Let's go into dinner.
More?
Oh, no. Thanks.
It's delicious.
It was too delicious.
Your daddy's lawyer?
Yeah.
What are you doing here?
What?
Is everything all right?
Janna, I think you've been...
Well, is it?
I don't think we have to worry.
- Then why are you here?
- She's my friend.
I told you she'd be coming
back...
I know what you told me.
I just think that we should get
someone
a little bit more professional.
That's all.
- That's enough.
- I don't like the way...
I said that's enough.
I'll help you clear.
Do you remember Mr.
Crowder?
English list.
First thing Monday morning.
The one covered in chalk dust
and dandruff
and farted all the time?
God.
That was terrible.
I had to skip breakfast.
You know, I hardly ever
remember back then.
Was it fun?
It was fun, wasn't it?
Not so much.
But you maybe, you were
brighter.
I don't know about bright.
Did you ever get married?
To John?
Yes.
Yes, I did, as a matter of fact.
He flirted all the time.
They usually do eventually.
Wait.
Which do you think is worse?
When they just slip it by or
they just flat out do it?
Oh, gee.
I don't know.
Slipping it by always strikes me
as slightly effeminate.
Steven just... mm.
Steven what?
Here.
Put this in the dishwasher.
Like we are roommates again,
isn't it?
Yeah.
Yeah, it's nice.
It was fine.
I really got to be going.
Did you ever have any children?
No.
Not really.
I had, um, an abortion.
We were young, I guess. I'm
kidding.
Not so young.
And I had to make a decision.
John was OK in the long run.
It's been a long run.
I love you.
Yeah.
You better put your top up.
It's cold.
I don't have a top.
What happened?
I had lunch on Third Street.
Well, I'll get one of Ellie's
sweaters.
No, thanks.
You'll freeze.
Here.
I'll pick it up later.
Look, I know how you feel.
I'm sorry. We'll talk about it
tomorrow.
No, we won't.
I'll call you.
Don't.
You are so silly.
Stupid.
I think the word is stupid.
Come on.
World is full of creeps.
You son of a bitch.
Why is it always the same?
The same god damn thing always.
Why don't I learn?
Have I ever really been
in love?
Oh, yeah, him.
What's his name?
Why can't I remember names
anymore?
No more.
Never ever.
The end, finished.
Lyle.
Jesus, what's wrong with me?
His name was Lyle.
God, I was crazy about him.
Why do I do it?
What, am I talking to myself?
One of the reasons I never
looked you up,
Ellie, is you always had this
knack
for making me feel guilty.
She's so sweet.
Used to drive me crazy.
Nobody could be that sweet.
I'd be dead of hypoglycemia.
Stop it.
God, how did I get myself into
this?
Why don't we just...
You're dodging.
Listen, pie face.
- I'm really sorry.
- My key.
I want my key.
Well, what about my
case?
You want me to continue
representing you,
that we can discuss.
Yeah.
Hang on a minute.
Uh, no.
Jimmy's handling that.
I'm back.
Look, I'm just going to
come over to your place.
No, not my place.
Your office.
When?
Whenever, as long as it's
today.
This afternoon?
No, I can't do it this
afternoon.
All right.
After work, tonight.
Steven?
Shalom.
Russell. Haven't you gone home
yet?
No.
I'm swamped.
Look, will you do me a favor?
I'm running late for my dinner
with Cavinoff.
I didn't bring his number.
Now, where is it?
Uh, it's on my Rolodex. Do you
mind?
Now, hold on.
Cavinoff.
All right.
Have a good time.
Yeah.
Thanks.
Sorry I'm late.
We won't have much time.
Expecting someone?
Yes.
To audition?
For what?
Blue Screen Productions.
What's the problem?
Where are you going?
Liar!
Hey, what are doing?
Liar!
You pervert!
What is wrong with you?
What's wrong?
What's wrong?
Hey.
Will you... goddammit.
Would you calm down, for
Christ's sake?
You're going to jail.
You stupid...
Shit.
My keys.
Oh, shit!
You have reached the
office of Steven Seldes.
The machine does not take
messages.
Please call back, if you
remember, during office hours.
Oh, god.
OK, now.
Steven, can you hear me?
Pick it up.
Oh, god.
Steven, are you all right?
God, what did I do?
Steven?
Steven!
I've got a few questions.
Look, I already... they took my
statement, OK?
Yeah, I know.
You came here on business,
right?
He's... he was my client.
- And we were going to trial.
-
What business?
What?
What business?
Uh, the... the usual, the loose
ends that we were...
Uh, he was worried.
About what?
That's why I came to find out.
Well, he was right to be
worried.
And?
I found him.
Here.
Thanks.
I found him.
And I called you.
And you came.
You used the phone on his desk?
I've been... um, you know, I've
been through all this.
I can't...
You saw the office.
You looked in the men's room.
Why did you do that?
I don't know.
The blood, I... um, I thought he
might be hurt.
How was he hurt?
Well, we have to wait for
the coroner's report.
But you did see the blood,
though, right?
In the hallway?
And then you followed it to the
men's room.
Yeah, yeah.
No.
No, it was dark.
Dim.
I heard running water.
How's your head?
It's fine.
I just, um...
I slipped.
It was, um...
I panicked.
Ice cubes.
Well, you can go. Are you OK to
drive?
Yeah.
I'm fine.
You're going to be around,
right?
Hey.
For the road.
Good morning.
Rutherford, Randall, Braddock
and Dunn.
One moment please.
I'm sorry, Mr. Hampton.
There's no answer.
One moment.
Hi, Nina.
- Rutherford wants you.
- Shit.
Cops were here earlier.
Lay peaceful.
Go ahead, Mr. Hampton.
Yeah, Nina.
Mrs. Seldes is on the line.
She says it's important.
Thanks.
Beutel.
Were you the arresting officer?
Guilty.
Did you get any sleep,
counselor?
I want to see my client.
Seldes?
Yes.
Does she know the charges?
Well, they are pretty easy to
figure out.
Like?
Dead husband.
And how did he die?
Unwillingly.
Do we have an attitude problem
here?
Not that I know of.
Then what's going on?
Look, here's a copy of the
report.
It's all preliminary, pretty
general stuff.
Stab wounds, broken nose.
Possibly choked on his own
blood.
And possibly not.
The weapon?
Oh, there will be a weapon.
I promise.
You didn't find it?
Well, they generally don't
leave them laying around,
people who do stuff like this.
Send Seldes into 308, please.
All right.
Thanks.
Uh, Russell Paige.
Yeah?
How many calls did you make
last night?
What?
Russell Paige, an assistant in
your office, received a call.
Yeah, sure.
About a dinner appointment?
Sure.
Where did you make that call?
From my car.
Right.
Busy woman.
Very.
Did they say why they arrested
you?
They just came.
I had to take Janna next door.
They weren't even up yet.
We just stood around the front
yard, half naked.
What did they say?
That I killed Steven.
All right, look.
Last night when it happened,
where were you?
Driving.
Just driving alone?
Is that a crime?
No.
Of course not.
When you were driving, did you
stop
anywhere for gas, cigarettes?
I didn't stop anywhere.
All right.
When you got home, did you make
any phone calls?
Did you speak to anyone?
Someone could've called.
I fell asleep.
You don't suppose I could get a
cigarette somewhere, do you?
I'll arrange bail.
You'll represent me, then.
No, I can't.
My being a material witness
makes that difficult,
to say the least.
I'll find someone.
If it's a question of money,
I...
Money is not the point.
Money is always the point.
With you, it is.
Where was Janna during all this?
Out.
Well, when she came home, did
she wake you?
The sun... the sun woke me.
How do you suppose the sweater
got there?
That's why they came?
They found my sweater.
Fax this, will you?
Can it be done in the morning?
I want to file it first thing
in the morning.
Do you really think they're
going to give her bail?
Do it, Russell.
Just do it.
Hey.
Don't take your guilt out on me.
What guilt?
You were sleeping with her
husband.
So what?
It's my fault. I'm responsible.
For what?
You didn't kill the guy.
I'm responsible for everything
else.
Did you tell the police about
the affair?
Now, you're material witness,
they could haul you down there.
Arrest me, disbar me.
I know.
I thought of me, that's all.
I just... I was scared.
I'm confused.
All I could think of was how
I'd, uh...
How I'd ruined myself.
And they arrested Ellie.
What are you going to do?
Call the police.
Get it over with.
Now, that's a terrific
idea if you're
into self-destruction.
Then you're no good to Mrs.
Seldes or yourself.
Boy, it was a mess.
We had a hell of a time getting
an accurate count.
What?
The wounds.
Same angle, same area.
We finally came up with 18.
It was like he just sat there
when it happened.
Hello?
Decrease his peripheral
IV to 75 CC per hour.
Sorry.
We were just leaving.
Did you guys forget something?
I told you everything.
Do you remember me?
Oh, yeah.
Yeah, sure.
You're the lawyer.
I thought you were the cops.
Can you tell me if this is the
man who hurt you?
Who is he?
That motherfucking son of a
bitch tried to kill me.
It was Sherman Bodeck.
Like the kid's
father?
That's just he had said.
Said.
Then he was... he must have been
the one who was calling me.
When?
I didn't pay any attention.
Because he was just breathing
and then nothing.
And I get these all the time.
And he changes the number that
he got.
How?
How did they get it?
At work.
How the fuck am I supposed to
work
when nobody he can reach me?
Oh, my god.
Look, can you go...
Can you... can you leave me
alone?
Well, it's harder when somebody
see me like this.
Sure.
They put in a prostheses, they
call it.
I got to be able to sue for
that, don't I?
Yeah.
I'm sure you can.
Hi.
Are you Cindy?
Is your mom home?
Mrs. Bodeck?
Mrs. Bodeck.
Leave me alone.
Are you all right?
Can I help?
I'm T.K...
I know who you are.
He'll kill us both if he comes
back.
Why would he kill us?
Because he knows I talk to you.
He knows you'll come after him.
He's gone off again.
I don't know how soon he's
coming back.
Did he kill Steven?
Go away.
Will you help me?
I'll try.
Talk to Jack for me.
Jack Hammer.
I want to say I'm sorry.
It wasn't my fault my father
found out.
And ask him if maybe I can come
back.
They were real nice to me.
I'm really sorry about Steven.
You knew Steven?
I've never been treated so good
before.
I'm going crazy right now.
In court all day, campaigning
after night.
There's a 4 o'clock deadline or
the pollsters
won't make the fundraiser.
How's the Seldes case coming?
Uh, it's getting there.
Am I going to have anything to
prosecute?
I wouldn't bet on it.
Here, check these out.
Which do you think?
Well, you look younger
when you smile.
Yeah, I know.
But maybe I can get a delay.
What, until after the election?
The DA has handed me a real
turn, you know.
Well, he's afraid you're going
to beat McGuire.
So you got anything on Seldes?
Mm, she's clean.
And she's Southern.
Christ.
It's going to look like I'm
still marching on Thelma.
Beutel. Beutel.
I have been calling your office.
Oh, hi, Bill.
Which one?
For posters?
You look younger when you smile.
Did they tell you?
What?
That I called.
I shouldn't be listening to
this.
Bodeck's disappeared.
So?
So put out an APB.
Well, you need, for God's sake.
He's already beating his wife
and another...
He didn't strike me as the kind
of guy
who's going to give somebody
time out
before he finishes the job.
I'm sure all this makes perfect
sense to you.
Ice cubes.
Seldes' nose was busted.
He used them to stop the
bleeding.
Now, Bodeck was going to allow
him to do that?
Or there were two people.
Maybe.
Maybe not.
Look, whatever happened, you've
got the wrong person.
Well, prove it.
That's your job description.
You mean, you're not going to
do anything?
Yeah.
I'm going lunch.
Hello?
Mr. Bodeck?
Is that you?
Who is this?
You're looking great.
Mr. Monroe, you claim to
have the best conviction
- rate in the DA's office.
- It's not a claim.
It's a fact.
I don't give them taxpayers'
money if I'm
not going to get a conviction.
Two double Martinis, rocks, no
olives.
Scotch and water.
Oh, there you are.
I have a date at 10.
You'll never make it.
11?
Better.
Watch my drink.
Ladies and gentlemen,
thank you.
Thank you so much.
I promise the speech will be
later.
But that doesn't mean you're off
the hook.
Thank you.
Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.
Right now, I'd like to introduce
a very special guest, a lady
who you'll probably remember
from the city
comptroller's office.
Ms. Mary Lee Drummond.
Thank you.
It's wonderful to be here
tonight.
- This is great, isn't it?
- Yeah, it is.
- It's great.
- This is great.
It is. It's great.
Eat your heart out, McGuire.
Uh, Katwuller.
I may call on you as a material
witness.
Go ahead.
We've already resolved this
between my client
and the court. Put me on the
stand.
Choose my testifying as a basis
for appeal.
Smile.
You look younger.
And you
already know
he's the only one for the job.
So it just makes sense that the
vote for Bill Monroe is...
So I take it, uh, Monroe can't
count on your vote, huh.
Oh, I'm sure yours will make up
for it.
No, I'm just here for the free
drinks.
Right.
Let's celebrate while my client
sits in jail
and her daughter's in some
foster home some place.
Your boss is using this case to
get himself elected.
I find that obscene.
Hey, look.
I don't work for Monroe.
I'm a cop.
My job is to find out what
happened, whether it helps
his case or not, or yours.
You understand?
Ellie.
What?
The bail hearing is Thursday.
- What then?
- Bail.
You're not a danger to the
general public.
Ellie.
- Hmm?
- Damn it.
Every time I say something, I
either
have to repeat myself or waive
my hand in front of your face.
Sorry.
Listen to me.
When I first saw you, met you
again...
Oh, damn it.
Steven and I were...
I didn't know about you.
I'm sorry.
I do things sometimes...
Often, without thinking, without
asking too many questions.
I look at you, and I see how
much of my life has passed.
Don't get me wrong.
You look great.
You do look great.
It's me.
I want to put an end to this.
No.
The night I was at your house,
when I was with Steven...
Don't.
Will you please shut up and
listen?
I killed him.
Are you nuts?
I could be.
Insanity is a popular defense
these days.
What are you doing?
Pleading guilty.
Oh, no, you're not.
Then I'll get another lawyer.
Great.
I'll recommend one.
And how much will they be?
Face it, Eleanor.
You're cheap.
- Cheap?
- Yeah.
Cheap.
In school, all I remember were
drawers full of panties
with the elastic shot.
Get out of here.
Fine.
I am pleading guilty.
And nothing you can say or do is
going to change that.
Who are you protecting?
No one.
You're lying.
You always were a lousy actress.
I was not.
Oh, please.
I saw the junior play.
I thought that's why you left
college.
Do not leave this room until
you tell me the truth.
I was very good in that play.
I saved the reviews to prove it.
Who are you protecting?
And what makes you think you're
so smart?
What makes you think you know
everything, miss smarty pants,
miss everybody's favorite?
You haven't changed that hair.
Hi.
Oops, wait a minute.
Cut the phone.
I thought we'd go to the beach.
I brought some suits.
Aren't you embarrassed by this
car?
I'm having it painted.
It's a mess.
Your mother said...
She must be a mess.
She is.
I'm not a mess.
But she's...
I'm living with people I don't
even know.
It won't be for long.
I hate it.
What's that noise?
They still make these things?
Probably not.
My girlfriends have better cars
than this.
What is it?
A classic.
Here.
We can change under our towels.
Like surfers, huh.
Does momma know you're screwing
Steven?
Did he tell you that?
He didn't have to.
I could tell by the way he
ignored you at dinner.
I'm a mess.
My girlfriend's father is a
lawyer.
And he has a Mercedes.
She has a BMW.
Let me ask you a question.
The night your dad died, where
were you?
He didn't die.
He was murdered.
Where were you?
A movie.
By yourself?
Why are you asking?
Your mom just said...
My mother killed him.
No.
She hasn't told you?
She didn't kill him.
What makes you so fucking sure?
Jesus.
Just raise the red ones.
That's all?
Now, the blue.
What color you call this?
Brown.
I already got a brown.
It's kind of brownish purple-y.
It's puce.
When's lift up?
We're getting there.
Puce, huh.
I got to give up
smoking.
Oh, shit.
Hello?
Himself.
And so are you.
Mr. Bodeck?
You defended him.
You know better than he was.
Mr. Bodeck, what do you want?
I want to talk.
Where can we meet?
Uh, some place public.
Where are you?
Hollywood.
Near Western.
All right.
Uh, there's a restaurant near
you.
Um, Gino's on Vine.
It's almost to Willoughby.
And I'll be there.
You know, it will more than half
an hour.
And I'll be there.
Wait, OK?
OK?
Hello?
Detective Beutel.
He's not here.
- Can I help you?
- Oh.
Uh, no.
Never mind.
Wait.
Um, if he calls in, let him know
I heard from Bodeck.
B-O-D-E-C-K. I'm Katwuller.
K-A-T...
Hang on.
Don't try it.
No.
Bodeck!
Can you reach your arm?
Reach your arm.
OK, hold on.
I got you.
Now, look.
You're going to have let go.
You understand?
Not now.
Now now.
When I tell you.
Ready?
OK.
Now.
This was a setup?
That's what this was?
But what the hell, huh?
At least we got Steven's
murderer, right?
You better go see Monroe.
Bodeck's not the guy.
Oh, come on.
The guy tried to kill me.
He tried to kill a police
officer.
That doesn't mean he killed
Seldes.
This is stupid.
What's going on?
Hey, I'm not going to drop the
charges.
I'm three points ahead in the
polls.
You know something, Monroe.
What is it?
Mrs. Bodeck, you've
testified that your husband
promised he would kill the man
whom he held
responsible for involving your
daughter in the making
of a pornographic film.
Yes, sir.
That person being Mr. Seldes?
Yes, sir.
He introduced her to the
director.
And had had sexual relations
with her prior
to that introduction.
Yes.
Mrs. Bodeck, had he also
threatened
to kill a Luthers Svoboda?
Yes, sir.
Who is Mr. Svoboda?
His mechanic.
And what was the basis for that
threat?
He fixed the clutch in our van.
And it didn't work right.
Had he also threatened
the life of a Mr. Henley?
Yes, sir.
Your next door neighbor.
He kept a lot of trash lying
all around.
And it would blow into our yard.
Mrs. Bodeck, did you ever
discuss the night of May 17th,
the night Mr. Seldes was killed
with your husband?
No, there wasn't much to
discuss.
Why not?
Sherman had been out all night.
He was drunk.
And he didn't remember
anything...
Anything that happened.
Hello?
It's Beutel.
How about a drink tonight?
At 9:30?
Don't worry.
I'll pay the tab.
Glad you can make
it.
Great choice for a big night
out.
What's this all about?
Hey, you want to go sit at the
bar?
Yeah, sure.
We can see the fight better.
Don't tell me you're a regular
in this place.
No.
I know what this is.
Monroe's got you working on me.
He must really be desperate.
You look pretty sharp in court
today.
Oh, yeah?
Why were you there?
I like to watch you work.
You back again?
I knew you were a regular.
Still think I'll testify
tomorrow?
Yeah.
I got to take a leak.
Testify to what?
Jeez, the guy is dead.
Let him be.
Who's dead?
Sherman Bodeck.
What are you drinking?
I'll have what he's having.
What about Sherman Bodeck?
Like I'm supposed to remember
something happened
three, four months ago.
You know where you were in May
17th?
Twist?
Yes, sure.
Except that night, I
remember.
Why?
Was he here?
Yeah.
6:30 until closing.
I threw him out personally.
How can you be so sure?
I mean, I don't even remember
last Tuesday.
May 17th.
NBA championship.
The Lakers 103, Celtics 100.
I have 50 bucks in the Lakers
with Sherman.
Think that bastard ever paid me?
Oh, boy.
Why did you do that for me, hmm?
You know, I don't like
the way Monroe plays politics.
Anyway, I owed you one.
How did you find him?
Bodeck was in the Merchant
Marines.
It was his local hangout.
He was my whole case.
I'll have to start over.
Well, thanks for letting me in
on it.
I just want to know the truth.
That's all.
Detective Beutel,
describe what you
saw when you found the body.
Uh, body was slumped on the
toilet in the third booth.
Fully dressed?
Yes, sir.
Was there any indication the
body had been moved?
No.
What was the cause of death?
Objection.
Detective Beutel is not a
medical expert.
Sustained.
You're instructed to disregard
that last statement.
What was the condition of the
bathroom?
The office men's room when you
first entered it.
Uh, sink was splattered with
blood.
There was paper towels scattered
around and remains
of ice cubes on the floor.
Ice cubes?
Yes, sir.
Was there a refrigerator
at Mr. Seldes' office?
In the hallway.
The ice tray was empty.
What are these circumstances
lead you to conclude?
That Mr. Seldes' nose was
broken in his office.
He used ice cubes to stem the
blood.
He went to men's room for cold
water and sat on the John
leaning his head back.
Where he was struck by
his assailant.
Yes, sir.
Any evidence of a
struggle?
At that point?
Yes.
No.
Leading you to conclude?
That he knew the person who
killed him.
That's all.
Detective Beutel, do you know
me?
Yes, I do.
How many people do you suppose
we know in a lifetime?
I couldn't guess.
Well, try.
A thousand?
Probably more, 2,000.
Three?
Something like that.
So it would be fair to say my
client is one among 3,000 who
knew Steven Seldes.
Yeah.
Describe the condition of Mr.
Seldes' office.
Things were shoved around.
Nothing else?
There was some blood.
A lot, a little?
Some.
So there had been a struggle?
Objection, your honor.
That's calling for speculation.
Sustained.
In your years of experience,
what would you
generally conclude if things
were shoved around in an office
and you found blood, some blood?
That there had probably been a
struggle.
Were there any traces leading to
the men's room?
Yes, ma'am.
Regarding the sweater
identified as pupil seven,
where was it found?
About 30 feet south of the
building on a pile of trash.
It was in plain sight?
Yes.
Have you found the murder
weapon?
- No.
- You've looked?
Yes.
What were you looking for?
The murder weapon.
Which was?
A knife.
What kind of knife?
We never found it.
Uh, the office...
Which office?
Detective Beutel, wait for the
question before responding.
Mr. Seldes' office.
We're back.
Do you find it peculiar that the
struggle took place
there and the murder elsewhere?
Somewhat.
Which side of peculiar does
somewhat fall on?
Very or not worth mentioning?
Oh, it's worth mentioning.
How tall was the victim?
About 6 foot.
And how much did he weigh?
Uh, 175, maybe more.
According to the coroner's
report, defendant's Exhibit C,
Mr. Seldes was 6 feet, 2 and 1/2
inches and 182 pounds.
Would you please stand up,
Ellie?
Could you look at the defendant
and tell me what
you estimate her height to be?
5'4 ", 5'6" maybe.
Weight?
110, 115.
It's not bad.
Give or take a few pounds.
Now, let me see if I get the
picture how...
How you and your department and
the prosecution
reconstructed the crime.
We have a woman who's 5' 4 and
1/2" beating up a man
who's 6'2" and weighs a ton.
Your honor...
Causing him to what?
Flee her superior strength, take
refuge in the men's room,
sit down to catch his breath and
allow his wife in hot pursuit,
I suppose, to strike him
repeatedly
with a weapon, whatever it was.
By the way, how many times was
he struck?
18 times.
All about the neck and
shoulders?
No.
There were two wounds in the
left arm.
How do you count for that?
For what?
That a man would allow himself
to be
struck with a deadly instrument
18 times
without defending himself.
It could have been the first
blow that killed him.
Or the 9th, or the 18th.
When you arrested Mrs. Seldes
the next morning,
were there any signs of her
being
in a violent struggle, a
struggle with a man fighting
for his life?
No.
No cuts, bruises?
A broken nail perhaps?
No.
None of the above.
No.
So we are to assume Mr. Seldes
exhausted himself
in the struggle while never
laying a hand on her,
fled to the men's room while
stopping off for ice,
sat down on the nearest thing at
hand and... help me here,
simply gave up, threw his head
back and allowed
her to hack him to death?
Objection, your honor.
Compound and argumentative.
Detective Beutel, do you
understand the question?
Yes, I do.
Overruled.
You may answer.
I don't assume anything.
Of course, you don't.
I understand that.
But doesn't it seem peculiar to
you
that my client, supposedly
having done this deed,
carelessly places a
devastatingly incriminating
piece of evidence in plain sight
in front of the building that
was the scene of the crime?
And yet has the presence of mind
to hide
a murder weapon so cleverly that
it's
never been found to this day.
Objection.
It's all very logical. It's
compelling.
No.
- Really, it's fascinating.
- Your honor, objection.
- Sustained.
- That's all for now.
Eager for more blood?
I had to go after you.
You know that.
Yeah, it was very professional.
I didn't particularly enjoy it.
Well, I sort of enjoyed it.
Is this some kind of apology?
I want to thank you for helping
me with Bodeck.
It's not over yet.
I still haven't found Jack
Hammer.
Well, the funny thing about
evidence, you know,
it cuts both ways.
It proves innocence as well as
guilt.
I've made some terrible
mistakes.
I'm not going to make them
again.
You and Seldes, how close were
you?
He was my client.
See you in court.
The one on top's from the
sweater.
The bottom's the one you gave
me.
Do they match?
Do they match?
Hello?
I think this might be
an excellent time
to talk about my raise.
What?
It's Russell.
Guess what?
I found your missing sleazeball.
He's made a very interesting
career move.
In fact, more movie stars are
buried
here than in any other cemetery
in LA.
OK, folks.
If you could just step lively
into the chapel.
We're running a little behind
schedule.
So I'd appreciate it, OK?
Jack Hammer?
Yeah.
Who are you?
I want to talk about Steven
Seldes.
You're the lawyer?
Yeah.
Fuck you.
Fine.
Tell it in court.
I can have you subpoenaed.
You knew that.
What the hell?
I'm still giving people what
they want.
Sex, death, fans entertainment.
I want to know who he owed, who
was after him,
anything, anything you can tell
me.
You mean, who might have killed
him?
Yeah.
Me.
I got him into the business.
It was a recession-proof gig.
You know what I mean?
Oh, man, I should've known
better.
Once a fuck up, always a fuck
up.
I don't know who killed him.
It could have been anybody.
I want names.
I can make you testify.
What was it with you two?
He was strictly into jailbait.
You really didn't know what was
going on, did you?
I thought that's what turns you
on.
No?
It doesn't turn you on?
What are you talking about?
Ask his daughter.
Check into his private stock.
You might get to like it.
Hi, Janna.
Tell me about the tapes.
What tapes?
I talked to Jack Hammer.
He's a geek.
Why do you want to bother with
him?
To find out.
About what?
Steven.
What would he know?
Nobody knew anything about
Steven.
- Did you?
- What?
Know about him?
Why don't you go?
What's wrong with you?
I'm not interested, OK?
This doesn't interest me.
It's boring.
Then I'll go.
Not until you tell me.
Who are you anyway?
You were nothing to Steven.
You were just some hag he was
sleeping with,
some cheap piece of thread.
You don't have the right to do
that.
You're not my mother.
Then why doesn't she do it?
Ask her.
You ask her why.
I just want to get this whole
thing over with.
You ask her who killed daddy.
Ask her.
Oh, god.
Why can't I get somebody to help
me?
I'll help you.
You can't.
I will.
I'll help.
You'll hate me.
No.
Oh, you will.
Who is it?
It's Janna.
How long have you known?
What?
Which?
When she started hating me, then
I guess I knew.
Then she hated me because I
knew.
She began to flaunt it,
replacing me.
She replaced me.
But do you know the worst part?
I let her do it.
What would you have done?
Oh, forget that.
Forget I asked it.
I should have ended it.
But I had nowhere to go.
Steven was all I had.
Ever.
She made him happy.
She killed him, didn't
she?
If you allow me to show the
tape, you'll be acquitted.
Ellie, allow me.
The court's extremely protective
of abused children.
And no one in their right mind
will blame her for killing him.
The jury will understand.
As long as there is breath in
my body,
I will not allow my daughter to
be exposed to this.
She needs to confess.
It would be terrible to make her
bury this.
She'd never ever recover from
it.
You cannot do this.
I forbid it.
Listen to me, damn you.
I forbid it.
I forbid it!
Would you read the verdict,
please?
Title of court and cause.
We, the jury, in the above
entitled action,
find the defendant Eleanor
Seldes not guilty
of first degree murder in
violation
of penal code section 187A.
A felony is charged in count one
of the information.
I had to this.
Please understand.
Bye.
Steven's case.
Guess you're more than
just his lawyer, huh.
This was in your car.
Somebody called the station,
didn't leave a name.
Better get dressed.
Someone put it in my car.
Someone's lying.
Who?
I'm not sure.
I don't...
I'll check the knife for
prints.
If you're being set up, you've
got nothing to worry about.
My prints are on the knife.
I didn't tell you everything
that night.
Steven and I fought.
But look, I didn't kill him.
That's the truth.
You haven't told the truth from
day one about anything.
You got this all screwed
around.
I don't think so.
I wish I did.
But I don't think so.
Well, I bought you some
cigarettes.
You haven't quit, have you?
Ain't this place awful?
You feel so at the mercy of
things.
When I was here...
Why are you here?
To offer my help.
It may seem strange under the
circumstances but I'm grateful.
For me, there'll be no more
judges or juries.
They could never try me again,
thanks to you.
So tell me, how can I help?
You need money?
Maybe I...
Who put the knife in my car?
Who called the police?
Who killed Steven?
If you think you're protecting
Janna, you're completely...
She's going to be fine.
Janna doesn't need protecting
anymore.
I knew you were sleeping with
Steven the night
you came to our house for dinner
the minute I saw you standing
there dressed in white.
We were miles from summer.
You know, for a Phi Beta Kappa,
you really are fairly stupid.
Call me if you need me.
How about the truth this
time?
Go upstairs, please, Janna.
Go upstairs.
How did you get out?
You want to kill me too?
You know I didn't kill Steven.
Why did they arrest you?
I think you know why.
Can't you leave us alone?
Haven't you hurt this family
enough?
Get out of here.
I have to fix dinner.
Was he worth all this?
Steven?
Don't make me laugh.
Steven, I will laugh.
Steven wasn't worth anything.
Nothing.
Don't you think I know that?
Worth 20 years?
He got 20 years out of my life!
But he was all I had.
Get out.
Why are you still here?
Why don't you leave?
And I'm sick of potatoes.
But I'm still fixing them.
Am I not a joke?
Stop it.
How many ways can you fix
potatoes?
Ask me how many ways.
Ask me how many.
Lots.
Stop it!
People have to eat.
You're acting like you weren't
even a part of it.
Part of what?
Your life, for one thing.
Steven, Janna, part of me.
Oh, god.
Why do I even bother?
I don't even like you.
I have never liked you, Eleanor.
From the moment I met you,
blaming the world,
blaming the weather for
anything,
everything that happens.
Christ!
If they don't hurt us, why you
hurt us?
You want to see what hurt is?
This is hurt!
See it? This is it.
Hurt. Hurt.
Eleanor, don't.
That's hurt.
See it?
I just want to talk to you.
Stay away from me.
Am I supposed to feel sorry for
you?
You killed Steven, didn't you?
Didn't you?
Leave me alone!
Move away from...
No.
I'm not going to stop you.
You can't do this anymore.
You used me.
You even used your daughter.
No.
I wanted her free, free of
Steven, free of me.
went there that night to do
this.
And then I saw you.
I killed him.
I stabbed him over and over.
There's no one left to blame.
Just you.
Time to end it, Ellie.
End it.
Enough!
I'm so sorry.
I'll take care of you.
It's my idea.
Sorry you had to go through all
that.
For the road.