Perry Mason (1957) s01e18 Episode Script
The Case of the Cautious Coquette
[BUZZER SOUNDS.]
Who is it? - Who is it? - You know who it is.
Harry.
You forgot to say come in, Elaine.
- That's bad manners.
- Hah.
Teach me manners, Harry.
Do that, will you? Oh, relax, honey.
I didn't come here to fight.
I know what you came for.
I don't have any money.
With all the dough you make as a model? I've got bills to pay.
That's simple.
Turn them over to Mr.
Ross Hollister.
You would think that.
Why not? He wants to marry you, doesn't he? Heh.
You ought to be worth a little something to him.
Get out.
You want me to go to Hollister? If you ever talk to him, I'll kill you.
I mean that, Harry.
Kill your own husband? Your own ever-loving, huh? - That was all over five years ago.
- Heh-heh-heh.
I made a mistake.
[CHUCKLES.]
You made a beaut.
You walked out on me.
Now that's desertion.
I know.
You've told me often enough.
Why can't you call an end to it now and let me have a divorce? Why, sure, honey.
I'd go to Vegas myself, but it takes money.
You think if I had it I'd give it to you? - Well, did Hollister give you this? - No.
That ought to be worth a grand at least.
Yes, sir.
Here's the first two weeks in Vegas.
That leaves you four to go.
When you die, Harry, I know exactly who will be at your funeral.
You.
[SNICKERS.]
Well, I guess I never did win any popularity contests.
But no one can ever say I wasn't a patient man.
This is Monday.
I'll give you a week, Elaine.
One week.
Make the most of it.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
- Oh.
- Hey, you quitter.
Come on back in, Elaine.
You hardly got wet.
Oh, I've had enough for today, Ross.
I have a slight headache.
You've had a slight headache for days.
What's bothering you, honey? Bothering me? Nothing.
Come on.
Can't you tell me? [EXHALES.]
Really, darling, I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.
Anybody home? I would have knocked but I couldn't find the door.
Sheila.
Come on in.
How about a swim? No, thanks.
I'm the working member of this firm, remember? I just came from the office.
Hello, Elaine.
I hope you'll forgive me but since Ross is leaving town, I thought I'd better drop by and pick up the company books he was working on.
Oh, don't hate me, Sheila, but I completely forgot about them.
That's perfectly understandable.
Look, I'll go over them tonight and then I'll drop the books and my report by your place in the morning.
But that will be taking you miles out of your way.
Why don't you drop them by Elaine's tomorrow, I'll pick them up.
I'll be in Hollywood anyway.
Would you mind, dear? Oh.
Of course not.
But I have to be at work very early so I-- I'll give you my key.
I have an extra one.
- And I'll leave it under the mat for you.
- That's good enough.
Oh, incidentally, Ross, this came for you in the mail this morning.
Oh, thanks.
You have a good trip.
I'll see you in two weeks.
Make lots of money for us.
- Goodbye, dear.
- Bye.
[SIGHS.]
She always manages to find some excuse to drop by, doesn't she? Darling, you really don't think that Sheila's interested in me.
When an attractive widow takes a good-looking man and makes him one of her business partners, she-- Oh, I-- I'm sorry, Ross.
I'm making noises like a jealous female.
What are we waiting for? Let's get married tonight.
- We can fly up to Vegas-- - No.
But you've been saying no for months.
Elaine, I don't understand you.
One second you're jealous and then the next you're-- Where's your ring? Oh, I left it at home.
It's been slipping off.
Heh.
Darling, it's getting late and you have an awful lot of work to do.
I better get dressed.
ROSS: "This is to inform you that we have finally identified the man who has been visiting Ms.
Elaine Barton at her apartment.
His name is Harry Pitkin.
We hope to have additional information for you in our next report.
" [DIALLING.]
Hello, Elaine? [CHUCKLES.]
Guess who this is.
Oh, now, sweetie, that's no way to talk.
You know your week is up.
I know, Harry, but I told you I haven't got any money.
I've got bills to pay.
Well, just to prove I'm not such a bad guy after all, tell you what I'll do.
I'll give you another couple of days.
If you don't have the dough by then, I'm gonna sit me down with Mr.
Ross Hollister when he gets back.
And guess what we're gonna talk about.
Special delivery just came.
You didn't open it? I didn't dare.
See what you mean.
Isn't she the bold one? Answer to our ad in yesterday's paper.
Did she see the Bob Finchley accident? "Dear Mr.
Mason.
This is an answer to your advertisement in The Chronicle.
If you're interested in the person who witnessed the hit-and-run accident in which a client of yours was injured on Monday, May 3rd at 10 p.
m.
, the party you want is Elaine Barton, who lives at 719 Fairmont.
Unfortunately, Ms.
Barton could not get in touch with you at this time.
However, you'll find the licence number of the hit-and-run car inside the back cover of a notebook in her desk.
Since Elaine is rarely at home, I am enclosing a key to her apartment.
A friend.
" Call the Drake Detective Agency.
Have Paul stand by.
We may need to have a licence number checked.
You aren't going to use that key? - Why not? - It looks like a trap.
It has all the earmarks.
Well, you're not gonna walk right into it.
What else is a trap for? [BUZZER SOUNDS.]
[BUZZER SOUNDS.]
ELAINE: Just a minute.
- Ms.
Barton? - Yes? My name is Mason.
Perry Mason.
Perry Mason? May I come in? If you'll forgive the way I look.
I'm not used to having famous lawyers turn up in my apartment at this hour.
I'm sorry I awakened you.
It's all right.
Oh, I guess I'm still half asleep.
- Will you excuse me a minute? - Of course.
I wanna put some water on for the coffee.
I'll be right back.
[FOOTSTEPS.]
Now, what can I do for you? - Don't you know? - No.
Didn't you see this ad in yesterday's paper? ELAINE: "Five-hundred dollars reward: If the party who witnessed the hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Hickman and Vermesillo Drive around 10 p.
m.
on Monday, the 3rd, will communicate with the office of Perry Mason.
" This doesn't mean a thing.
I assumed that you were that witness.
Obviously, I was misinformed.
- Obviously.
- Too bad.
A client of mine, a fellow by the name of Robert Finchley was badly hurt.
Well Oh, uh-- Just for the record, would you mind telling me where you were that night? That was a week ago Monday? That's right.
Oh, I had dinner with a friend named Ross Hollister.
By 8:00 I was back here.
Then this whole thing is a case of mistaken identity.
It got both of us out of bed too early.
I haven't even had my morning coffee yet.
Would you like to join me? You sure it isn't too much trouble? Not a bit.
ELAINE: I hope you like instant coffee.
MASON: Fine.
Do you take cream or sugar? No thanks.
Here we go.
Thank you.
Mr.
Mason, I don't know who gave you my name, but frankly, I'm delighted.
I need a lawyer.
Are you very expensive? Very.
Heh.
I'm not joking.
I need your help.
I'm being blackmailed.
And I thought, well, if someone like you could go and talk to this man, maybe you could frighten him off.
What do you think? I think you're an excellent actress, Ms.
Barton.
[PUTS CUP DOWN.]
Thank you for the fine performance.
And thank you for the coffee.
It was good too.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
I don't understand, Mr.
Mason.
I stood on that corner for at least 20 minutes, I didn't see it so.
From the way you described this Elaine Barton, I would have noticed her.
There's always a chance she came along as you crossed the street.
I suppose so.
When that car sent me flying, I wasn't in a mood to notice anything.
I gotta get out of here.
I got a mother to support.
Don't worry about it, Bob.
I do worry.
I have exactly $76.
41 in the bank.
That's hardly enough to retire on.
[PHONE RINGS.]
I'll get it.
- Hello.
- This is Paul Drake.
I'd like to speak to Mr.
Mason, please.
Oh, Perry, good.
I'm down at the licence bureau.
JPE 098 is registered to Stephen Argyle.
Good work, Paul.
You check out his insurance company.
I'll attend to Mr.
Argyle.
Get some sleep, young fellow.
I'll be in touch.
Thanks, Mr.
Mason.
Don't misunderstand me, Mr.
Mason.
I'm flattered by your call.
- You're puzzled by the reason for it? - Yes.
Your car was involved in a hit-run accident on Monday night, May 3rd at 10:00.
I beg your pardon.
There was a witness, Mr.
Argyle.
We have your licence number.
Oh, that's impossible.
Last Monday evening I was at the Broadmoor Country Club.
Around 8:30 I called my chauffeur and asked him to bring the car by.
He parked it in the driveway and returned home.
I didn't leave the club until, oh, after 11.
Would you arrange for me to see your chauffeur? Of course.
Would you come up to the study, please? I imagined you're representing the injured party.
His name is Robert Finchley.
- I hope he wasn't seriously hurt.
- He has a broken hip.
He'll be in the General Hospital - for at least a month.
- What a pity.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Come in.
You wanted me, Mr.
Argyle? Mr.
Mason, my chauffeur, Harry Pitkin.
- How do you do? - How do you do? ARG YLE: Mr.
Mason would like to ask you a few questions.
Sure.
You drove Mr.
Argyle's car last Monday night? Yeah, I took it to the club around 9:00.
Left it there.
How did you get home? Took the bus.
Say, what's this all about? Mr.
Mason thinks my car was involved in a hit-and-run accident at 10.
Oh, no, sir, that's-- That's impossible.
How did the right front fender become damaged? Oh.
I was parked on the street in Beverly Hills a couple of days ago.
Just stopped off for an errand.
When I got back I found the car that way.
Mr.
Argyle, did you ever hear of a girl named Elaine Barton? Elaine Barton? I don't think so.
I'm sorry to have taken up so much of your time.
Not at all.
I wish I could've been more help.
If you think of anything, get in touch with me.
Of course.
Perhaps, I should leave one with you too.
Thank you.
- Hi, Pat.
- Hello, Harry.
- How's the world treating you? - Swell, you? Okay.
Hey, where's Mr.
Argyle? Oh, he's home.
He sure is a swell guy.
Ha-ha.
He's the salt of the earth.
Say, Pat.
Remember Monday, you were mentioning to him about your rheumatism acting up.
Ha-ha.
Mr.
Argyle wasn't here Monday night.
Ha-ha-ha.
Then how would the boss know about your rheumatism? I'm always complaining.
Well, he wanted you to have this.
It's a new medicine.
Did wonders for the boss's arthritis.
Yeah, that's awfully nice of him.
That's what I've been telling you.
He's a great guy.
You better look in the bag again.
- A hundred bucks? - Heh-heh.
It's a little present.
You better spend it on a memory course.
You need one if you don't remember Mr.
Argyle being here Monday night.
- Now, who said he wasn't.
- Ha-ha-ha.
- It all comes back to you now.
- Sure.
Like it happened five minutes ago.
I remember Mr.
Argyle arriving about-- Six-thirty.
He didn't leave until after 11.
I dropped the car off here for him at 9.
That's just what I was gonna say.
[CHUCKLES.]
See you.
And when we received this call from the Drake Detective Agency enquiring about your automobile insurance, well, naturally we were disturbed.
We made some enquiries of our own.
- Now, see here, Mr.
Bates-- - Oh, now, now.
No reason to get upset, Mr.
Argyle.
Let's try to maintain a little perspective.
You realise what this accident could cost my company? Do you realise what it could cost me? I could go to jail.
Exactly.
You could go to jail.
You see, we both have a good deal to lose.
How do you think it would look to a jury if Perry Mason proved your chauffeur, Pitkin, tipped the doorman at the Broadmoor $100.
Well Mr.
Argyle, I'm gonna lay my cards on the table.
Now, I've got an angle on this thing that could make both of us look good.
But my company must never find out.
- Can I trust you? - Of course.
Good.
[CHUCKLES.]
We're gonna settle this thing out of court.
I don't know if I should sign.
I wish Mr.
Mason were here.
I'm sure Mason would never turn down $2500 settlement.
I think the insurance company is being very generous, Mr.
Bates.
Well, we try to be fair.
I'm ready to add my personal cheque for $1000 more.
- What? - To get this thing out of the way.
Well, that's $3500, Mr.
Finchley.
All you gotta do is just put the old John Hancock right there.
I don't know if I should, Mr.
Bates.
Well, if you're so rich that you can afford to throw away $3500 and take your chance with a jury Thirty-five hundred dollars.
No, I'll be talking to you.
You know, there's something about insurance adjusters like Bates.
They're so dependable you can always rely on them to stick a knife in your back.
What would happen if you called his company? If I did that, they've no more use for him than I have.
But what could they do? He came in waving Bob Finchley's signed release.
[PHONE BUZZES.]
Yes, Gertie? - Elaine Barton.
- No.
- Gertie, tell Ms.
Barton-- - No, no, wait, wait.
Put her on, Gertie.
Hello.
Well, this is a surprise.
What can I do for you? Oh, no, I'm sorry I couldn't possibly.
I've a dinner date tonight.
I know, but-- All right, I'll-- I'll be there at 8.
[BUZZER SOUNDS.]
You're late.
Thought you'd forgive me under the circumstances.
A little gift from a grateful client.
ELAINE: What's this for? Don't you think it's about time we ended this farce? You were a witness to that hit-run accident on May 3rd.
- No, I wasn't.
- Then how do you explain my finding the licence number in your address book? Next to the back cover.
I didn't write this.
Do you know Stephen Argyle? - He's Harry's boss.
- Harry? Harry Pitkin.
Let's go from the beginning.
Now, why did you call me? I told you I was in trouble.
What do you call trouble? Harry Pitkin, isn't it? Yes.
He's my husband.
Is that your gun? [SIGHS.]
You are in trouble.
[DIALLING.]
MASON: Homicide.
Lieutenant Tragg, please.
Is this your gun, Mrs.
Pitkin? - What? TRAGG: Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
I understood the victim was your husband.
- Then you are Mrs.
Pitkin.
- Yes.
And this is your gun.
Would you like to tell me how it happened? I don't know, lieutenant.
I went out for a walk about 4:00.
I left the front door open.
When I came back, he was there.
Yes, of course.
How did you and your husband get along? I wouldn't answer that if I were you.
Are you representing the lady? - No, I just-- - Yes, I am.
I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to come downtown.
I'll get my coat.
Yes, I'd pack a bag too.
MAN: There's no question about it, lieutenant.
The bullet came from this gun.
- What about the fingerprints? - Mrs.
Pitkin's.
Is that all? No, there's a right forefinger on here too.
It looks like a man's, huh? - You sure it isn't Pitkin's? - Positive.
I don't like this.
We've got a beautiful case against this gal.
I'd hate to lose it because of a fingerprint we can't account for.
Run it down.
[PLAYING MELANCHOLY TUNE.]
- What is it, Jimmy? - Excuse me.
There's a Mr.
Mason to see you.
Tell him I've gone to bed.
MASON: He wouldn't believe it.
- Good evening.
- All right, Jimmy.
I suppose I should apologise, but frankly, I just didn't feel up to seeing you tonight.
I shouldn't wonder.
Now look, Mason, I've done nothing I'm ashamed of.
You're very fortunate, Mr.
Argyle.
Most of us have a conscience.
I don't like that insinuation.
Everything considered, I think it was a handsome settlement.
A bullet in the head? What are you talking about? I was referring to your client Robert Finchley.
I was referring to your chauffeur, Harry Pitkin.
- He was murdered this afternoon.
- I don't believe it.
Would you care to check with the police? - Who did it? - Right now they're inclined to suspect Elaine Barton.
Elaine Barton? Didn't you mention that name before? Her legal name is Elaine Pitkin.
She was his wife.
I didn't know he was married.
Apparently there was more profit in keeping it secret.
Now, when was the last time you saw him? Last night.
This was his day off.
Thank you.
I believe the last time I was here, I gave you my card.
I'm still at the same address.
Did Pitkin ever mention a man by the name of Joe Raymond? No.
They roomed together.
Did he ever mention any other name? What did you two talk about? Money.
That's all he ever wanted.
Where did you get the ring you gave him? The police found the pawn ticket for it in his room.
Now, who gave you that ring? - Ross Hollister.
- Ross Hollister? - Did Hollister know you were married? - No.
Where can I find him? I don't know.
He's out of town.
Have you heard from him since you've been in here? How do you explain that? He hasn't heard about it.
He's in Canada somewhere.
There are plenty of newspapers in Canada, you know.
Does Hollister have a key to your apartment? Yes, I have two.
I loaned him one Monday night.
He was gonna drop some company records off for Sheila.
- Sheila? - Sheila Cromwell.
They're in business together.
- Did she pick those records up? - I suppose so.
There was nothing there Tuesday night.
But how did she get in? You told me Hollister had your other key.
He was supposed to leave it under the mat.
- Did he? - I don't know.
- That's it.
- Yes, it is.
- Someone mailed it to me.
- Who? That's what I'd like to know.
Now, where can I find Ross Hollister? How many times must I tell you? I don't know.
I just don't know.
Did you know Pitkin? I saw him several times at the office when he came by for Mr.
Argyle.
- How's this? - Fine.
By the way, thank you for meeting me here.
I so seldom get a chance to get away from the office.
Not at all.
I appreciate your seeing me, Mrs.
Cromwell.
- Frankly, I was curious.
- So was I.
Is Argyle a business associate of yours? Yes.
He certainly gets around.
Although not as much as Ross Hollister.
What's that supposed to mean? I take it you know Hollister fairly well.
Very well.
Don't you think it's strange he's made no effort to get in touch with Elaine? Oh, you're mistaken.
Ross called me this morning.
He's very much concerned about her.
- Where is he? - In Canada.
Where in Canada? I don't recall the name of the town.
I guess I was stupid not to ask.
Did he say anything about returning to Los Angeles? He wanted to.
I assured him there was nothing to worry about.
His girlfriend is charged with murder and you assured him there was nothing to worry about? Well, I follow your cases religiously.
I have a great deal of confidence in your ability.
I'm flattered.
However, I would like to have Mr.
Hollister here before the hearing.
- I'll tell him the next time he calls.
- Thank you.
But I wouldn't give Elaine any false hope.
I don't expect to hear from him for a week or two.
Shall we order? JUDGE: People v.
Elaine Barton Pitkin.
This is the time fixed for the preliminary hearing.
Are you ready, gentlemen? The prosecution is ready, Your Honour.
Ready for the defence, sir.
Then you may call your first witness, Mr.
Burger.
I call Frederick Arms, sir.
CLERK: Frederick Arms.
Raise your right hand, please.
Do you swear the testimony you're about to give - is the truth, the whole truth? - I do.
- State your name.
- Frederick Arms.
Be seated.
What is your occupation, Mr.
Arms? I'm employed by the Apex Detective Agency.
Tell the court your connection with Elaine Pitkin.
We were hired to keep her under surveillance for two weeks.
BURGER: Who hired you? ARMS: Mr.
Ross Hollister.
During those two weeks did the deceased, Harry Pitkin, ever visited the defendant? ARMS: Yes, sir, twice.
Once on April 28th, then again on May 1 st.
BURGER: What about May 10th, the day that Pitkin was murdered? I couldn't say.
We were no longer on the case.
I call your attention to the date of April 29th.
That's the morning after Mr.
Pitkin's first visit.
- Did anything unusual occur? - Yes, sir.
At 11:00 Mrs.
Pitkin went into a pawnshop on Main Street and bought a gun.
Did you question the pawnbroker after she left? Yes, sir, I did.
He gave me the serial number of the gun.
I copied it down.
I object, Your Honour.
This is pure hearsay.
If Mr.
Burger wishes the pawnbroker to testify, why--? Thank you, Mr.
Mason.
We'll do that.
We'll do that this afternoon.
Your witness.
Mr.
Arms, you say you'd been hired by Ross Hollister.
Yes, sir.
Did he tell you why he wanted the defendant shadowed? ARMS: No.
I just assumed he didn't trust her.
Have you ever been hired before by a man to shadow his wife or girlfriend? Yes, sir.
Hundreds of times.
And wouldn't you say that in a great many cases it was the man who should have been watched because of his unreasonable suspicion? That's not for me to say.
Isn't it possible that Ross Hollister was capable of killing anyone who became his rival? I object, Your Honour.
The witness is hardly an expert in psychiatry.
- Objection sustained.
MASON: No further questions.
All I can tell you is that I considered Pitkin a loyal employee.
I never found any fault with his work.
And how long had he been employed by you? Eight months.
During all this time he never had any trouble - with anyone as far as you know? - No, sir.
And he never had any quarrel with Ross Hollister? Not to my knowledge.
Thank you.
Your witness.
Mr.
Argyle, how well do you know the defendant? Why, I don't know her at all.
And you never heard Ross Hollister mention her name? ARG YLE: No, why should he? MASON: I understood you were in business together.
Well, that doesn't make me his confidant.
And you had no knowledge of the defendant's relationship with your chauffeur, Mr.
Pitkin? None at all until you told me.
That is all.
JUDGE: You may step down.
I call Mrs.
Sheila Cromwell.
BURGER: Mrs.
Cromwell, how long have you known the defendant, Mrs.
Pitkin? Almost a year and a half.
Mr.
Hollister introduced us.
Did she ever express an opinion to you about Mr.
Hollister? Several times.
Do you remember what she said? Well, I recall on one occasion Elaine told me that Ross meant everything in the world to her and she would never let anybody stop her from marrying him.
In other words, you felt that she was capable of anything even murdering anyone who interfered.
MASON: I object.
Counsel is leading the witness.
JUDGE: Sustained.
BURGER: You may cross-examine.
Mrs.
Cromwell, do you consider yourself a friend of the defendant? I do.
But you consider yourself a better friend of Mr.
Hollister's.
Well, I've known Ross longer.
Before my husband died, he brought him into the business.
Is that the only reason? I don't understand.
You are interested in Hollister, are you not? Of course.
My husband and I thought very highly of him.
- Where is Mr.
Hollister now? - I don't know.
Isn't that rather a peculiar way to run a business? No.
We're merchandising a new product.
Mr.
Hollister's on an extensive selling trip, he could be anywhere.
When was the last time you saw him? On the afternoon of May 3rd.
I dropped by his house.
Why? Been some discrepancies in the company's books.
Mr.
Hollister was checking them for me and I wanted his opinion before he left town.
And what was his opinion? He hadn't finished.
He was going to drop the books by Elaine's apartment and I was to pick them up the following day.
Did you? No, I couldn't get in.
He was supposed to leave the key under the mat but it wasn't there.
Where are those records now? I have no idea.
Didn't you attempt to reach Mr.
Hollister to find out? It wasn't that important.
It was important to him before he left town.
- No.
- Important enough for him to make complicated arrangements such us borrowing the defendant's key and having you make a trip to her apartment.
[CRYING.]
You don't understand.
Then we need clarification, Mrs.
Cromwell.
Would you please explain to this court why you as a close business associate of Hollister's wouldn't know his itinerary on this supposed business trip? And why when the woman he loves was charged with murder you failed to make one attempt to contact him? Stop.
Please stop.
[SOBBING.]
Don't let him do it.
[CROWD MURMURING, GAVEL BANGING.]
BURGER: Your Honour, I think this has gone quite far enough.
Mr.
Mason's cross-examination is highly improper.
MASON: If Your Honour please, I feel Mrs.
Cromwell's testimony shows her to be completely unreliable.
If you will allow me to continue, I believe I can present sufficient evidence to warrant a charge of perjury.
Your Honour, it must be obvious.
The witness is in no condition to continue.
- May I suggest an adjournment? - Mr.
Mason? If I may resume my cross-examination in the morning.
You may.
This hearing stands adjourned until 10:00 tomorrow morning.
[CROWD CHATTERING.]
CLERK: "Ross Hollister, Route One, Halsey, California"? Yes.
Four, five Thirteen words.
That will be a $1.
15 plus 12 cents tax.
How soon will it get there? Halsey? About two hours.
- Thank you.
- Your welcome.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
- Ready, sir? - Huh? Oh.
I can't think of enough to fill up 15 words.
Thank you very much.
[DOORKNOB RATTLING.]
When we adjourned yesterday, Mrs.
Cromwell was being cross-examined by defence counsel.
Since the witness has already been sworn in you may proceed, Mr.
Mason.
Thank you, Your Honour.
Are you feeling better this morning, Mrs.
Cromwell? - Yes.
- Then perhaps you'll be able to tell us where Mr.
Hollister is and why you neglected to get in touch with him.
I can only add one thing to what I said yesterday.
- Ross was upset when he left.
- About what? Those report from the detective agency.
He called me that night to talk about it.
He felt he had given Elaine every opportunity to tell him the truth about Harry Pitkin.
He didn't know what to do.
And what was your advice? It wasn't advice.
I merely suggested that he take a short vacation before he went away on the business trip to think things over.
And where did Mr.
Hollister go to think things over as you put it? I have no idea.
Mrs.
Cromwell, I have here a list of five telegrams dated May 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th and one dated yesterday, May 19th.
These telegrams were addressed to Ross Hollister, Route One, Halsey, California, and they were all sent by you.
Do you care to change your testimony now? He didn't kill Pitkin.
Is that your opinion or do you know it for a positive fact? - I know it.
- How? I just know it, that's all.
Mrs.
Cromwell, why is Hollister hiding? And why have you been constantly lying to protect him? Give me one good reason.
Just one.
Mrs.
Cromwell? [SIGHS.]
That's all.
JUDGE: Mr.
Burger, at the close of this hearing, I suggest you have your office examine this witness's testimony for possible charges of perjury.
You may step down.
Very well, Your Honour.
However, I may be able to clarify this situation with my next witness.
I call Sheriff Mark Daley.
CLERK: Sheriff Mark Daley.
Do you swear the testimony you're about to give - is the truth, the whole truth? DALEY: I do.
- State your name.
- Mark Daley.
CLERK: Be seated.
You are a deputy sheriff of Orange County? Yes, sir.
You investigated a call to your office last night at about 11:00? Yes, sir.
Will you please tell this court what you found? The body of a man hidden on the high rocks at Crane Beach.
Were you able to identify that body? Yes, sir.
It was the body of Ross Hollister.
[GASPS.]
BURGER: Has the county coroner examined the remains? A preliminary examination early this morning.
There was a bullet through his left temple.
And were you able to fix the approximate date of death? Yes, sir.
May the 3rd.
Sometime in the evening.
BURGER: How could you be so specific? DALEY: By medical examination.
And the fact that there were papers in his pocket that were badly smudged when his body was covered by water.
Now this could only have happened on the night of May the 3rd, when we had the highest tide of the year.
So Mr.
Hollister was killed a full week before the murder of Harry Pitkin.
Thank you, sheriff.
Your witness, Mr.
Mason.
Uh-- No questions.
[FOOTSTEPS.]
- Excuse me, sir.
- Yes, Jimmy? - Mrs.
Sheila Cromwell is here.
- Sheila? She say very important.
All right.
- Hello, Stephen.
- Sheila.
What a delightful surprise.
Will you join me? Well, that was quite a session you had in court.
SHEILA: Wasn't it? Have you seen a lawyer? - No.
- You should.
[SIGHS.]
At the moment, Stephen, perjury is the least of my worries.
You know how I felt about Ross.
No.
[SHEILA SIGHS.]
I was in love with him.
Only he couldn't see me for dust.
Oh, I had no idea.
I tried to hide it from everyone, including myself.
But Elaine Barton saw through it.
I'm sorry for you, Sheila.
- And I'm sorry for you.
- Me? I'm going to kill you.
[ARG YLE CHUCKLES.]
Oh, I'm perfectly serious.
- That's not funny, Sheila.
- I don't intend it to be.
No.
No, just stay right where you are.
You killed Ross.
Are you insane? You were in court.
You heard that sheriff testify that Ross was murdered on May the 3rd.
The very same time you were guilty of hit-and-run driving some 70 miles away.
- Yes.
- It was very clever of you, Stephen.
It was a wonderful alibi.
Who'd ever think that a man would deliberately frame himself.
What are you talking about? You didn't hit Mr.
Mason's client.
Though you purposely did everything you could to make yourself look guilty.
From mailing that letter with a key to Mr.
Mason to bribing the doorman at the club.
Don't be ridiculous, Sheila.
I was very fond of Ross.
- Not a $187,000 worth.
- What? That's how much the books show is missing.
Ross must have discovered it that night he called you.
That's when you realise you had to kill him.
You're wrong, Sheila.
Pitkin killed him.
Who killed Pitkin? It must have been Elaine Barton.
You heard all the evidence.
She was the one that you-- Be-- Now, if you'd care to finish your drink [GASPING, GRUNTING.]
The trouble with you, Sheila, you're far too clever for your own good.
I'm afraid this calls for rather drastic measures.
Same drastic measures you used on Ross and Harry Pitkin? Sorry, my dear, but you know what they say about self-preservation.
Sorry to break in this way, but we couldn't afford to let your boy announce us.
You don't think we'd be silly enough to load it.
No, a fella could hurt himself that way.
Come on.
SHEILA: Did you hear everything? - You were great, Mrs.
Cromwell.
Thanks for a wonderful job.
Don't thank me.
The pleasure was all mine.
That Sheila Cromwell is quite a gal.
Did you have trouble selling her the idea, Perry? No, none at all.
She was only lying to protect Hollister.
Once she learned he was dead, she wanted to help.
But how did you convince her that Argyle was guilty? First, I had to convince myself then Burger.
When I realised that Hollister had been murdered before Pitkin, then I knew where that key came from.
Hollister had it and Argyle removed it from his body.
And Argyle had the best motive to kill him.
Don't forget the discrepancy in the books.
What about Pitkin? MASON: He was murdered because he was blackmailing Argyle.
I guess he knew where the body was buried.
Well, my good friends, I give you-- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, excuse me.
My name is Bates.
Francis Bates.
I'm an insurance adjuster with Harvard Casualty.
Oh, yes.
There was no one outside at the reception so I-- Heh.
- I just came right in.
- Good.
There's a little matter I'd like to discuss with you.
You see, we paid your client, Robert Finchley, $2500.
So I understand.
Well, it-- It now develops that our insured, Mr.
Argyle, wasn't liable at all.
No, he wasn't.
Well, frankly, my firm doesn't approve of the way I handled the deal.
But I'm sure I could straighten everything if you'd only return our cheque.
Oh, I advised Mr.
Finchley to keep the money.
He can't.
Why, he wasn't injured by Argyle.
It'd be completely illegal.
You are familiar with your standard form of release.
The one that Finchley signed.
Yes, of course.
Then you should remember that you admitted no liability in the first place.
But that means we paid him $2500 for nothing.
I wouldn't say that.
He thinks the world of you.
Now there is still no one outside in the reception room so you can just go right out.
- But I-- I-- - Out.
- Now, where was I? - Ha-ha-ha.
Well, my good friends, I give you-- Hmm? Mr.
Bates.
- Mr.
Bates.
- Mr.
Bates.
Who is it? - Who is it? - You know who it is.
Harry.
You forgot to say come in, Elaine.
- That's bad manners.
- Hah.
Teach me manners, Harry.
Do that, will you? Oh, relax, honey.
I didn't come here to fight.
I know what you came for.
I don't have any money.
With all the dough you make as a model? I've got bills to pay.
That's simple.
Turn them over to Mr.
Ross Hollister.
You would think that.
Why not? He wants to marry you, doesn't he? Heh.
You ought to be worth a little something to him.
Get out.
You want me to go to Hollister? If you ever talk to him, I'll kill you.
I mean that, Harry.
Kill your own husband? Your own ever-loving, huh? - That was all over five years ago.
- Heh-heh-heh.
I made a mistake.
[CHUCKLES.]
You made a beaut.
You walked out on me.
Now that's desertion.
I know.
You've told me often enough.
Why can't you call an end to it now and let me have a divorce? Why, sure, honey.
I'd go to Vegas myself, but it takes money.
You think if I had it I'd give it to you? - Well, did Hollister give you this? - No.
That ought to be worth a grand at least.
Yes, sir.
Here's the first two weeks in Vegas.
That leaves you four to go.
When you die, Harry, I know exactly who will be at your funeral.
You.
[SNICKERS.]
Well, I guess I never did win any popularity contests.
But no one can ever say I wasn't a patient man.
This is Monday.
I'll give you a week, Elaine.
One week.
Make the most of it.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
- Oh.
- Hey, you quitter.
Come on back in, Elaine.
You hardly got wet.
Oh, I've had enough for today, Ross.
I have a slight headache.
You've had a slight headache for days.
What's bothering you, honey? Bothering me? Nothing.
Come on.
Can't you tell me? [EXHALES.]
Really, darling, I haven't the slightest idea what you're talking about.
Anybody home? I would have knocked but I couldn't find the door.
Sheila.
Come on in.
How about a swim? No, thanks.
I'm the working member of this firm, remember? I just came from the office.
Hello, Elaine.
I hope you'll forgive me but since Ross is leaving town, I thought I'd better drop by and pick up the company books he was working on.
Oh, don't hate me, Sheila, but I completely forgot about them.
That's perfectly understandable.
Look, I'll go over them tonight and then I'll drop the books and my report by your place in the morning.
But that will be taking you miles out of your way.
Why don't you drop them by Elaine's tomorrow, I'll pick them up.
I'll be in Hollywood anyway.
Would you mind, dear? Oh.
Of course not.
But I have to be at work very early so I-- I'll give you my key.
I have an extra one.
- And I'll leave it under the mat for you.
- That's good enough.
Oh, incidentally, Ross, this came for you in the mail this morning.
Oh, thanks.
You have a good trip.
I'll see you in two weeks.
Make lots of money for us.
- Goodbye, dear.
- Bye.
[SIGHS.]
She always manages to find some excuse to drop by, doesn't she? Darling, you really don't think that Sheila's interested in me.
When an attractive widow takes a good-looking man and makes him one of her business partners, she-- Oh, I-- I'm sorry, Ross.
I'm making noises like a jealous female.
What are we waiting for? Let's get married tonight.
- We can fly up to Vegas-- - No.
But you've been saying no for months.
Elaine, I don't understand you.
One second you're jealous and then the next you're-- Where's your ring? Oh, I left it at home.
It's been slipping off.
Heh.
Darling, it's getting late and you have an awful lot of work to do.
I better get dressed.
ROSS: "This is to inform you that we have finally identified the man who has been visiting Ms.
Elaine Barton at her apartment.
His name is Harry Pitkin.
We hope to have additional information for you in our next report.
" [DIALLING.]
Hello, Elaine? [CHUCKLES.]
Guess who this is.
Oh, now, sweetie, that's no way to talk.
You know your week is up.
I know, Harry, but I told you I haven't got any money.
I've got bills to pay.
Well, just to prove I'm not such a bad guy after all, tell you what I'll do.
I'll give you another couple of days.
If you don't have the dough by then, I'm gonna sit me down with Mr.
Ross Hollister when he gets back.
And guess what we're gonna talk about.
Special delivery just came.
You didn't open it? I didn't dare.
See what you mean.
Isn't she the bold one? Answer to our ad in yesterday's paper.
Did she see the Bob Finchley accident? "Dear Mr.
Mason.
This is an answer to your advertisement in The Chronicle.
If you're interested in the person who witnessed the hit-and-run accident in which a client of yours was injured on Monday, May 3rd at 10 p.
m.
, the party you want is Elaine Barton, who lives at 719 Fairmont.
Unfortunately, Ms.
Barton could not get in touch with you at this time.
However, you'll find the licence number of the hit-and-run car inside the back cover of a notebook in her desk.
Since Elaine is rarely at home, I am enclosing a key to her apartment.
A friend.
" Call the Drake Detective Agency.
Have Paul stand by.
We may need to have a licence number checked.
You aren't going to use that key? - Why not? - It looks like a trap.
It has all the earmarks.
Well, you're not gonna walk right into it.
What else is a trap for? [BUZZER SOUNDS.]
[BUZZER SOUNDS.]
ELAINE: Just a minute.
- Ms.
Barton? - Yes? My name is Mason.
Perry Mason.
Perry Mason? May I come in? If you'll forgive the way I look.
I'm not used to having famous lawyers turn up in my apartment at this hour.
I'm sorry I awakened you.
It's all right.
Oh, I guess I'm still half asleep.
- Will you excuse me a minute? - Of course.
I wanna put some water on for the coffee.
I'll be right back.
[FOOTSTEPS.]
Now, what can I do for you? - Don't you know? - No.
Didn't you see this ad in yesterday's paper? ELAINE: "Five-hundred dollars reward: If the party who witnessed the hit-and-run accident at the intersection of Hickman and Vermesillo Drive around 10 p.
m.
on Monday, the 3rd, will communicate with the office of Perry Mason.
" This doesn't mean a thing.
I assumed that you were that witness.
Obviously, I was misinformed.
- Obviously.
- Too bad.
A client of mine, a fellow by the name of Robert Finchley was badly hurt.
Well Oh, uh-- Just for the record, would you mind telling me where you were that night? That was a week ago Monday? That's right.
Oh, I had dinner with a friend named Ross Hollister.
By 8:00 I was back here.
Then this whole thing is a case of mistaken identity.
It got both of us out of bed too early.
I haven't even had my morning coffee yet.
Would you like to join me? You sure it isn't too much trouble? Not a bit.
ELAINE: I hope you like instant coffee.
MASON: Fine.
Do you take cream or sugar? No thanks.
Here we go.
Thank you.
Mr.
Mason, I don't know who gave you my name, but frankly, I'm delighted.
I need a lawyer.
Are you very expensive? Very.
Heh.
I'm not joking.
I need your help.
I'm being blackmailed.
And I thought, well, if someone like you could go and talk to this man, maybe you could frighten him off.
What do you think? I think you're an excellent actress, Ms.
Barton.
[PUTS CUP DOWN.]
Thank you for the fine performance.
And thank you for the coffee.
It was good too.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
I don't understand, Mr.
Mason.
I stood on that corner for at least 20 minutes, I didn't see it so.
From the way you described this Elaine Barton, I would have noticed her.
There's always a chance she came along as you crossed the street.
I suppose so.
When that car sent me flying, I wasn't in a mood to notice anything.
I gotta get out of here.
I got a mother to support.
Don't worry about it, Bob.
I do worry.
I have exactly $76.
41 in the bank.
That's hardly enough to retire on.
[PHONE RINGS.]
I'll get it.
- Hello.
- This is Paul Drake.
I'd like to speak to Mr.
Mason, please.
Oh, Perry, good.
I'm down at the licence bureau.
JPE 098 is registered to Stephen Argyle.
Good work, Paul.
You check out his insurance company.
I'll attend to Mr.
Argyle.
Get some sleep, young fellow.
I'll be in touch.
Thanks, Mr.
Mason.
Don't misunderstand me, Mr.
Mason.
I'm flattered by your call.
- You're puzzled by the reason for it? - Yes.
Your car was involved in a hit-run accident on Monday night, May 3rd at 10:00.
I beg your pardon.
There was a witness, Mr.
Argyle.
We have your licence number.
Oh, that's impossible.
Last Monday evening I was at the Broadmoor Country Club.
Around 8:30 I called my chauffeur and asked him to bring the car by.
He parked it in the driveway and returned home.
I didn't leave the club until, oh, after 11.
Would you arrange for me to see your chauffeur? Of course.
Would you come up to the study, please? I imagined you're representing the injured party.
His name is Robert Finchley.
- I hope he wasn't seriously hurt.
- He has a broken hip.
He'll be in the General Hospital - for at least a month.
- What a pity.
[KNOCK ON DOOR.]
Come in.
You wanted me, Mr.
Argyle? Mr.
Mason, my chauffeur, Harry Pitkin.
- How do you do? - How do you do? ARG YLE: Mr.
Mason would like to ask you a few questions.
Sure.
You drove Mr.
Argyle's car last Monday night? Yeah, I took it to the club around 9:00.
Left it there.
How did you get home? Took the bus.
Say, what's this all about? Mr.
Mason thinks my car was involved in a hit-and-run accident at 10.
Oh, no, sir, that's-- That's impossible.
How did the right front fender become damaged? Oh.
I was parked on the street in Beverly Hills a couple of days ago.
Just stopped off for an errand.
When I got back I found the car that way.
Mr.
Argyle, did you ever hear of a girl named Elaine Barton? Elaine Barton? I don't think so.
I'm sorry to have taken up so much of your time.
Not at all.
I wish I could've been more help.
If you think of anything, get in touch with me.
Of course.
Perhaps, I should leave one with you too.
Thank you.
- Hi, Pat.
- Hello, Harry.
- How's the world treating you? - Swell, you? Okay.
Hey, where's Mr.
Argyle? Oh, he's home.
He sure is a swell guy.
Ha-ha.
He's the salt of the earth.
Say, Pat.
Remember Monday, you were mentioning to him about your rheumatism acting up.
Ha-ha.
Mr.
Argyle wasn't here Monday night.
Ha-ha-ha.
Then how would the boss know about your rheumatism? I'm always complaining.
Well, he wanted you to have this.
It's a new medicine.
Did wonders for the boss's arthritis.
Yeah, that's awfully nice of him.
That's what I've been telling you.
He's a great guy.
You better look in the bag again.
- A hundred bucks? - Heh-heh.
It's a little present.
You better spend it on a memory course.
You need one if you don't remember Mr.
Argyle being here Monday night.
- Now, who said he wasn't.
- Ha-ha-ha.
- It all comes back to you now.
- Sure.
Like it happened five minutes ago.
I remember Mr.
Argyle arriving about-- Six-thirty.
He didn't leave until after 11.
I dropped the car off here for him at 9.
That's just what I was gonna say.
[CHUCKLES.]
See you.
And when we received this call from the Drake Detective Agency enquiring about your automobile insurance, well, naturally we were disturbed.
We made some enquiries of our own.
- Now, see here, Mr.
Bates-- - Oh, now, now.
No reason to get upset, Mr.
Argyle.
Let's try to maintain a little perspective.
You realise what this accident could cost my company? Do you realise what it could cost me? I could go to jail.
Exactly.
You could go to jail.
You see, we both have a good deal to lose.
How do you think it would look to a jury if Perry Mason proved your chauffeur, Pitkin, tipped the doorman at the Broadmoor $100.
Well Mr.
Argyle, I'm gonna lay my cards on the table.
Now, I've got an angle on this thing that could make both of us look good.
But my company must never find out.
- Can I trust you? - Of course.
Good.
[CHUCKLES.]
We're gonna settle this thing out of court.
I don't know if I should sign.
I wish Mr.
Mason were here.
I'm sure Mason would never turn down $2500 settlement.
I think the insurance company is being very generous, Mr.
Bates.
Well, we try to be fair.
I'm ready to add my personal cheque for $1000 more.
- What? - To get this thing out of the way.
Well, that's $3500, Mr.
Finchley.
All you gotta do is just put the old John Hancock right there.
I don't know if I should, Mr.
Bates.
Well, if you're so rich that you can afford to throw away $3500 and take your chance with a jury Thirty-five hundred dollars.
No, I'll be talking to you.
You know, there's something about insurance adjusters like Bates.
They're so dependable you can always rely on them to stick a knife in your back.
What would happen if you called his company? If I did that, they've no more use for him than I have.
But what could they do? He came in waving Bob Finchley's signed release.
[PHONE BUZZES.]
Yes, Gertie? - Elaine Barton.
- No.
- Gertie, tell Ms.
Barton-- - No, no, wait, wait.
Put her on, Gertie.
Hello.
Well, this is a surprise.
What can I do for you? Oh, no, I'm sorry I couldn't possibly.
I've a dinner date tonight.
I know, but-- All right, I'll-- I'll be there at 8.
[BUZZER SOUNDS.]
You're late.
Thought you'd forgive me under the circumstances.
A little gift from a grateful client.
ELAINE: What's this for? Don't you think it's about time we ended this farce? You were a witness to that hit-run accident on May 3rd.
- No, I wasn't.
- Then how do you explain my finding the licence number in your address book? Next to the back cover.
I didn't write this.
Do you know Stephen Argyle? - He's Harry's boss.
- Harry? Harry Pitkin.
Let's go from the beginning.
Now, why did you call me? I told you I was in trouble.
What do you call trouble? Harry Pitkin, isn't it? Yes.
He's my husband.
Is that your gun? [SIGHS.]
You are in trouble.
[DIALLING.]
MASON: Homicide.
Lieutenant Tragg, please.
Is this your gun, Mrs.
Pitkin? - What? TRAGG: Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
I understood the victim was your husband.
- Then you are Mrs.
Pitkin.
- Yes.
And this is your gun.
Would you like to tell me how it happened? I don't know, lieutenant.
I went out for a walk about 4:00.
I left the front door open.
When I came back, he was there.
Yes, of course.
How did you and your husband get along? I wouldn't answer that if I were you.
Are you representing the lady? - No, I just-- - Yes, I am.
I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to come downtown.
I'll get my coat.
Yes, I'd pack a bag too.
MAN: There's no question about it, lieutenant.
The bullet came from this gun.
- What about the fingerprints? - Mrs.
Pitkin's.
Is that all? No, there's a right forefinger on here too.
It looks like a man's, huh? - You sure it isn't Pitkin's? - Positive.
I don't like this.
We've got a beautiful case against this gal.
I'd hate to lose it because of a fingerprint we can't account for.
Run it down.
[PLAYING MELANCHOLY TUNE.]
- What is it, Jimmy? - Excuse me.
There's a Mr.
Mason to see you.
Tell him I've gone to bed.
MASON: He wouldn't believe it.
- Good evening.
- All right, Jimmy.
I suppose I should apologise, but frankly, I just didn't feel up to seeing you tonight.
I shouldn't wonder.
Now look, Mason, I've done nothing I'm ashamed of.
You're very fortunate, Mr.
Argyle.
Most of us have a conscience.
I don't like that insinuation.
Everything considered, I think it was a handsome settlement.
A bullet in the head? What are you talking about? I was referring to your client Robert Finchley.
I was referring to your chauffeur, Harry Pitkin.
- He was murdered this afternoon.
- I don't believe it.
Would you care to check with the police? - Who did it? - Right now they're inclined to suspect Elaine Barton.
Elaine Barton? Didn't you mention that name before? Her legal name is Elaine Pitkin.
She was his wife.
I didn't know he was married.
Apparently there was more profit in keeping it secret.
Now, when was the last time you saw him? Last night.
This was his day off.
Thank you.
I believe the last time I was here, I gave you my card.
I'm still at the same address.
Did Pitkin ever mention a man by the name of Joe Raymond? No.
They roomed together.
Did he ever mention any other name? What did you two talk about? Money.
That's all he ever wanted.
Where did you get the ring you gave him? The police found the pawn ticket for it in his room.
Now, who gave you that ring? - Ross Hollister.
- Ross Hollister? - Did Hollister know you were married? - No.
Where can I find him? I don't know.
He's out of town.
Have you heard from him since you've been in here? How do you explain that? He hasn't heard about it.
He's in Canada somewhere.
There are plenty of newspapers in Canada, you know.
Does Hollister have a key to your apartment? Yes, I have two.
I loaned him one Monday night.
He was gonna drop some company records off for Sheila.
- Sheila? - Sheila Cromwell.
They're in business together.
- Did she pick those records up? - I suppose so.
There was nothing there Tuesday night.
But how did she get in? You told me Hollister had your other key.
He was supposed to leave it under the mat.
- Did he? - I don't know.
- That's it.
- Yes, it is.
- Someone mailed it to me.
- Who? That's what I'd like to know.
Now, where can I find Ross Hollister? How many times must I tell you? I don't know.
I just don't know.
Did you know Pitkin? I saw him several times at the office when he came by for Mr.
Argyle.
- How's this? - Fine.
By the way, thank you for meeting me here.
I so seldom get a chance to get away from the office.
Not at all.
I appreciate your seeing me, Mrs.
Cromwell.
- Frankly, I was curious.
- So was I.
Is Argyle a business associate of yours? Yes.
He certainly gets around.
Although not as much as Ross Hollister.
What's that supposed to mean? I take it you know Hollister fairly well.
Very well.
Don't you think it's strange he's made no effort to get in touch with Elaine? Oh, you're mistaken.
Ross called me this morning.
He's very much concerned about her.
- Where is he? - In Canada.
Where in Canada? I don't recall the name of the town.
I guess I was stupid not to ask.
Did he say anything about returning to Los Angeles? He wanted to.
I assured him there was nothing to worry about.
His girlfriend is charged with murder and you assured him there was nothing to worry about? Well, I follow your cases religiously.
I have a great deal of confidence in your ability.
I'm flattered.
However, I would like to have Mr.
Hollister here before the hearing.
- I'll tell him the next time he calls.
- Thank you.
But I wouldn't give Elaine any false hope.
I don't expect to hear from him for a week or two.
Shall we order? JUDGE: People v.
Elaine Barton Pitkin.
This is the time fixed for the preliminary hearing.
Are you ready, gentlemen? The prosecution is ready, Your Honour.
Ready for the defence, sir.
Then you may call your first witness, Mr.
Burger.
I call Frederick Arms, sir.
CLERK: Frederick Arms.
Raise your right hand, please.
Do you swear the testimony you're about to give - is the truth, the whole truth? - I do.
- State your name.
- Frederick Arms.
Be seated.
What is your occupation, Mr.
Arms? I'm employed by the Apex Detective Agency.
Tell the court your connection with Elaine Pitkin.
We were hired to keep her under surveillance for two weeks.
BURGER: Who hired you? ARMS: Mr.
Ross Hollister.
During those two weeks did the deceased, Harry Pitkin, ever visited the defendant? ARMS: Yes, sir, twice.
Once on April 28th, then again on May 1 st.
BURGER: What about May 10th, the day that Pitkin was murdered? I couldn't say.
We were no longer on the case.
I call your attention to the date of April 29th.
That's the morning after Mr.
Pitkin's first visit.
- Did anything unusual occur? - Yes, sir.
At 11:00 Mrs.
Pitkin went into a pawnshop on Main Street and bought a gun.
Did you question the pawnbroker after she left? Yes, sir, I did.
He gave me the serial number of the gun.
I copied it down.
I object, Your Honour.
This is pure hearsay.
If Mr.
Burger wishes the pawnbroker to testify, why--? Thank you, Mr.
Mason.
We'll do that.
We'll do that this afternoon.
Your witness.
Mr.
Arms, you say you'd been hired by Ross Hollister.
Yes, sir.
Did he tell you why he wanted the defendant shadowed? ARMS: No.
I just assumed he didn't trust her.
Have you ever been hired before by a man to shadow his wife or girlfriend? Yes, sir.
Hundreds of times.
And wouldn't you say that in a great many cases it was the man who should have been watched because of his unreasonable suspicion? That's not for me to say.
Isn't it possible that Ross Hollister was capable of killing anyone who became his rival? I object, Your Honour.
The witness is hardly an expert in psychiatry.
- Objection sustained.
MASON: No further questions.
All I can tell you is that I considered Pitkin a loyal employee.
I never found any fault with his work.
And how long had he been employed by you? Eight months.
During all this time he never had any trouble - with anyone as far as you know? - No, sir.
And he never had any quarrel with Ross Hollister? Not to my knowledge.
Thank you.
Your witness.
Mr.
Argyle, how well do you know the defendant? Why, I don't know her at all.
And you never heard Ross Hollister mention her name? ARG YLE: No, why should he? MASON: I understood you were in business together.
Well, that doesn't make me his confidant.
And you had no knowledge of the defendant's relationship with your chauffeur, Mr.
Pitkin? None at all until you told me.
That is all.
JUDGE: You may step down.
I call Mrs.
Sheila Cromwell.
BURGER: Mrs.
Cromwell, how long have you known the defendant, Mrs.
Pitkin? Almost a year and a half.
Mr.
Hollister introduced us.
Did she ever express an opinion to you about Mr.
Hollister? Several times.
Do you remember what she said? Well, I recall on one occasion Elaine told me that Ross meant everything in the world to her and she would never let anybody stop her from marrying him.
In other words, you felt that she was capable of anything even murdering anyone who interfered.
MASON: I object.
Counsel is leading the witness.
JUDGE: Sustained.
BURGER: You may cross-examine.
Mrs.
Cromwell, do you consider yourself a friend of the defendant? I do.
But you consider yourself a better friend of Mr.
Hollister's.
Well, I've known Ross longer.
Before my husband died, he brought him into the business.
Is that the only reason? I don't understand.
You are interested in Hollister, are you not? Of course.
My husband and I thought very highly of him.
- Where is Mr.
Hollister now? - I don't know.
Isn't that rather a peculiar way to run a business? No.
We're merchandising a new product.
Mr.
Hollister's on an extensive selling trip, he could be anywhere.
When was the last time you saw him? On the afternoon of May 3rd.
I dropped by his house.
Why? Been some discrepancies in the company's books.
Mr.
Hollister was checking them for me and I wanted his opinion before he left town.
And what was his opinion? He hadn't finished.
He was going to drop the books by Elaine's apartment and I was to pick them up the following day.
Did you? No, I couldn't get in.
He was supposed to leave the key under the mat but it wasn't there.
Where are those records now? I have no idea.
Didn't you attempt to reach Mr.
Hollister to find out? It wasn't that important.
It was important to him before he left town.
- No.
- Important enough for him to make complicated arrangements such us borrowing the defendant's key and having you make a trip to her apartment.
[CRYING.]
You don't understand.
Then we need clarification, Mrs.
Cromwell.
Would you please explain to this court why you as a close business associate of Hollister's wouldn't know his itinerary on this supposed business trip? And why when the woman he loves was charged with murder you failed to make one attempt to contact him? Stop.
Please stop.
[SOBBING.]
Don't let him do it.
[CROWD MURMURING, GAVEL BANGING.]
BURGER: Your Honour, I think this has gone quite far enough.
Mr.
Mason's cross-examination is highly improper.
MASON: If Your Honour please, I feel Mrs.
Cromwell's testimony shows her to be completely unreliable.
If you will allow me to continue, I believe I can present sufficient evidence to warrant a charge of perjury.
Your Honour, it must be obvious.
The witness is in no condition to continue.
- May I suggest an adjournment? - Mr.
Mason? If I may resume my cross-examination in the morning.
You may.
This hearing stands adjourned until 10:00 tomorrow morning.
[CROWD CHATTERING.]
CLERK: "Ross Hollister, Route One, Halsey, California"? Yes.
Four, five Thirteen words.
That will be a $1.
15 plus 12 cents tax.
How soon will it get there? Halsey? About two hours.
- Thank you.
- Your welcome.
[DOOR CLOSES.]
- Ready, sir? - Huh? Oh.
I can't think of enough to fill up 15 words.
Thank you very much.
[DOORKNOB RATTLING.]
When we adjourned yesterday, Mrs.
Cromwell was being cross-examined by defence counsel.
Since the witness has already been sworn in you may proceed, Mr.
Mason.
Thank you, Your Honour.
Are you feeling better this morning, Mrs.
Cromwell? - Yes.
- Then perhaps you'll be able to tell us where Mr.
Hollister is and why you neglected to get in touch with him.
I can only add one thing to what I said yesterday.
- Ross was upset when he left.
- About what? Those report from the detective agency.
He called me that night to talk about it.
He felt he had given Elaine every opportunity to tell him the truth about Harry Pitkin.
He didn't know what to do.
And what was your advice? It wasn't advice.
I merely suggested that he take a short vacation before he went away on the business trip to think things over.
And where did Mr.
Hollister go to think things over as you put it? I have no idea.
Mrs.
Cromwell, I have here a list of five telegrams dated May 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th and one dated yesterday, May 19th.
These telegrams were addressed to Ross Hollister, Route One, Halsey, California, and they were all sent by you.
Do you care to change your testimony now? He didn't kill Pitkin.
Is that your opinion or do you know it for a positive fact? - I know it.
- How? I just know it, that's all.
Mrs.
Cromwell, why is Hollister hiding? And why have you been constantly lying to protect him? Give me one good reason.
Just one.
Mrs.
Cromwell? [SIGHS.]
That's all.
JUDGE: Mr.
Burger, at the close of this hearing, I suggest you have your office examine this witness's testimony for possible charges of perjury.
You may step down.
Very well, Your Honour.
However, I may be able to clarify this situation with my next witness.
I call Sheriff Mark Daley.
CLERK: Sheriff Mark Daley.
Do you swear the testimony you're about to give - is the truth, the whole truth? DALEY: I do.
- State your name.
- Mark Daley.
CLERK: Be seated.
You are a deputy sheriff of Orange County? Yes, sir.
You investigated a call to your office last night at about 11:00? Yes, sir.
Will you please tell this court what you found? The body of a man hidden on the high rocks at Crane Beach.
Were you able to identify that body? Yes, sir.
It was the body of Ross Hollister.
[GASPS.]
BURGER: Has the county coroner examined the remains? A preliminary examination early this morning.
There was a bullet through his left temple.
And were you able to fix the approximate date of death? Yes, sir.
May the 3rd.
Sometime in the evening.
BURGER: How could you be so specific? DALEY: By medical examination.
And the fact that there were papers in his pocket that were badly smudged when his body was covered by water.
Now this could only have happened on the night of May the 3rd, when we had the highest tide of the year.
So Mr.
Hollister was killed a full week before the murder of Harry Pitkin.
Thank you, sheriff.
Your witness, Mr.
Mason.
Uh-- No questions.
[FOOTSTEPS.]
- Excuse me, sir.
- Yes, Jimmy? - Mrs.
Sheila Cromwell is here.
- Sheila? She say very important.
All right.
- Hello, Stephen.
- Sheila.
What a delightful surprise.
Will you join me? Well, that was quite a session you had in court.
SHEILA: Wasn't it? Have you seen a lawyer? - No.
- You should.
[SIGHS.]
At the moment, Stephen, perjury is the least of my worries.
You know how I felt about Ross.
No.
[SHEILA SIGHS.]
I was in love with him.
Only he couldn't see me for dust.
Oh, I had no idea.
I tried to hide it from everyone, including myself.
But Elaine Barton saw through it.
I'm sorry for you, Sheila.
- And I'm sorry for you.
- Me? I'm going to kill you.
[ARG YLE CHUCKLES.]
Oh, I'm perfectly serious.
- That's not funny, Sheila.
- I don't intend it to be.
No.
No, just stay right where you are.
You killed Ross.
Are you insane? You were in court.
You heard that sheriff testify that Ross was murdered on May the 3rd.
The very same time you were guilty of hit-and-run driving some 70 miles away.
- Yes.
- It was very clever of you, Stephen.
It was a wonderful alibi.
Who'd ever think that a man would deliberately frame himself.
What are you talking about? You didn't hit Mr.
Mason's client.
Though you purposely did everything you could to make yourself look guilty.
From mailing that letter with a key to Mr.
Mason to bribing the doorman at the club.
Don't be ridiculous, Sheila.
I was very fond of Ross.
- Not a $187,000 worth.
- What? That's how much the books show is missing.
Ross must have discovered it that night he called you.
That's when you realise you had to kill him.
You're wrong, Sheila.
Pitkin killed him.
Who killed Pitkin? It must have been Elaine Barton.
You heard all the evidence.
She was the one that you-- Be-- Now, if you'd care to finish your drink [GASPING, GRUNTING.]
The trouble with you, Sheila, you're far too clever for your own good.
I'm afraid this calls for rather drastic measures.
Same drastic measures you used on Ross and Harry Pitkin? Sorry, my dear, but you know what they say about self-preservation.
Sorry to break in this way, but we couldn't afford to let your boy announce us.
You don't think we'd be silly enough to load it.
No, a fella could hurt himself that way.
Come on.
SHEILA: Did you hear everything? - You were great, Mrs.
Cromwell.
Thanks for a wonderful job.
Don't thank me.
The pleasure was all mine.
That Sheila Cromwell is quite a gal.
Did you have trouble selling her the idea, Perry? No, none at all.
She was only lying to protect Hollister.
Once she learned he was dead, she wanted to help.
But how did you convince her that Argyle was guilty? First, I had to convince myself then Burger.
When I realised that Hollister had been murdered before Pitkin, then I knew where that key came from.
Hollister had it and Argyle removed it from his body.
And Argyle had the best motive to kill him.
Don't forget the discrepancy in the books.
What about Pitkin? MASON: He was murdered because he was blackmailing Argyle.
I guess he knew where the body was buried.
Well, my good friends, I give you-- [KNOCK ON DOOR.]
[CHUCKLES.]
Oh, excuse me.
My name is Bates.
Francis Bates.
I'm an insurance adjuster with Harvard Casualty.
Oh, yes.
There was no one outside at the reception so I-- Heh.
- I just came right in.
- Good.
There's a little matter I'd like to discuss with you.
You see, we paid your client, Robert Finchley, $2500.
So I understand.
Well, it-- It now develops that our insured, Mr.
Argyle, wasn't liable at all.
No, he wasn't.
Well, frankly, my firm doesn't approve of the way I handled the deal.
But I'm sure I could straighten everything if you'd only return our cheque.
Oh, I advised Mr.
Finchley to keep the money.
He can't.
Why, he wasn't injured by Argyle.
It'd be completely illegal.
You are familiar with your standard form of release.
The one that Finchley signed.
Yes, of course.
Then you should remember that you admitted no liability in the first place.
But that means we paid him $2500 for nothing.
I wouldn't say that.
He thinks the world of you.
Now there is still no one outside in the reception room so you can just go right out.
- But I-- I-- - Out.
- Now, where was I? - Ha-ha-ha.
Well, my good friends, I give you-- Hmm? Mr.
Bates.
- Mr.
Bates.
- Mr.
Bates.