Heavens Fall (2006) - full transcript

I'm 17 years old. Never
I've been away from home before.

What...

Wait!

Let's get him.

Behind the black!

I will not tell
send the black man to jail.

I will not say to condemn you to death.

"You raped that girl!"
- I was in a fight.

I was just fighting with white boys.

"You raped that girl!"
"I did not see any girl.

He held a knife against her neck.
"I did not rape anyone.



Guilty or innocent, let's go
get rid of these blacks.

Good day sir. O
Mr. Wolcoff is looking for you.

"Do you remember Leonard George?"
"Yes, of course I remember.

"How are you, Lenny?"
- Very well.

I saw that the verdict of
Coll became headline.

If I were to receive a penny
to every case that wins ...

Would stay on the Ferris wheel
of Coney Island all summer long.

I want you to meet a friend of mine.

- How are you?
- Pleasure.

William is the head of an organization ...

known as Defense
International Labor Office.

That is, Communist Party.
Let me ask you a question.

Why DIT is so
interested in these boys?

They represent a nation of
millions of people oppressed ...



fighting against dehumanization,
and inequality that ...

I'm not interested
politician here, Mr. Patterson.

We win cases with facts, not rhetoric.

These boys pick up
of the guards every day.

And to make matters worse, they think
that the world has forgotten them.

We do not have the money to pay it.

I would not take any money for this case.

And you do not have to like
me nor of what I defend.

But for these boys ...

may be the only way out.

It is the transcript of the
Scottsboro trial.

A jury of twelve white farmers ...

took twenty minutes to
consider him guilty.

Take a look. I expect
talk to you again.

"It was good to see you, Sam.
"Lenny, too.

Twenty minutes.

We're talking from the south.

You will never find a
twelve-man jury ...

to absolve nine boys
blacks from a rape charge.

You can not win in Alabama.

Honey, how was your day?

The usual.

The boys can hardly wait
let baseball begin.

Marjorie thinks that piano
it's a waste of time.

She wants to tap. Is that you?

"I could not put my shoes on."
- Very funny.

Leonard George came to see me today.

He asked me if I want
work in the case of Scottsboro.

If you go there, come back
with one head less.

"Where is Mr. Earl?"
- It was coffee.

Can you take a look at my article?

And then?

The composition is good,
but the model is wrong.

- As well?
He put the word black in quotation marks.

When you use colloquialism,
Do not call attention to it, Calvin.

"That makes you look pretentious."
"Maybe I want to look pretentious."

Mr. Earl?

Remember the story we publish
a year ago about the Scottsboro case?

- Yes I recall.
- Look this.

The Scottsboro verdict was overturned.

The Federal Supreme Court has ordered
a new trial for the nine defendants.

And the vote for a new
trial was seven to two.

Seven to two, Mr. Earl.

It is unprecedented that
the Supreme Federal Court ...

It's a great story, sir.
Someone has to go over there to cover it.

Someone has to do this.

I agree.

This story has to be covered.

You can go, William.

I doubt I'll find support there, but
if you send the story, we will publish it.

One of them held a knife in my
neck while the others raped me.

As soon as one ended,
the other began.

It seemed to last for hours.

I was with Victoria when
they got into the freight car.

They took off my overalls.

I got stuck...

while they ...

they had relations with me.

I do not know how much time
it took. I have no idea.

I can only say ...

to hide it.

Hide them all.

"We, the jury ...

we consider the defendants
guilty of charges ...

and we sentenced them to
death in electric chair.

May the Lord have
mercy of their souls. "

The kids are sleeping.

The press in the south arrived
at its peak, Belle.

And they continue.

Each article, each subject is
more cruel than the last.

Listen to this.

"The charge against the nine blacks
seems to be the most revolting ...

in the criminal records of our state.

The girls attack has
Such horrible details ...

that facts can not be printed.

Looks like there are still savages on the loose.

Let us have the comfort of knowing ...

that we are at least up
of the justice of the savages. "

And this continues. Those
boys did not even have a chance.

The twins want to know if
can go to a Dodger game ...

when you go to Alabama.

Do not say.

I have to go. I mean...

I asked you not to tell me.

What can I do?

Belle, can I read this to you?

Belle, what are you doing?

One page is missing.

That's it, a page is missing.

- What are you doing?
- A pair of extra socks.

Socks?

Belle, I'm sure
that there are socks in Alabama.

What kind of socks?

And if there is a storm
or a flood?

I'll never get tired of seeing this.

I work with insurance.

You can get insurance
against almost everything nowadays.

Fire, theft, tornadoes, floods.

Yes, say and you will be assured.

- It is true.
"I'm talking like an old street man.

Do not.

- What is your job?
- I'm a lawyer.

A lawyer? Why did not you say it before?

- Now I feel silly.
- Because?

Trying to sell you something
which will not be useful to you.

"What good would it do?"
- Do not know. It's all right.

Do you know the true
of the word security?

- Which is?
- "It's a game of chance ...

in which the player can take advantage
the comfortable conviction ...

... that he's winning.
the man who has the bench. "

What a northern lawyer
does it in the south of Mason-Dixon?

I'm on my way to Decatur, Alabama.

I'm going to defend the boys from Scottsboro.

The blacks who raped
two girls on the freight train.

- No, that's what everyone says, but ...
"They do not need defense."

They need a rope stuck in
their necks until they die.

All of them.

Anyone who says otherwise is
lover of blacks and a damn idiot.

But I hope you find out for yourself.

I expected it.

"How are you, Wade?"
- Magnificent.

My son grows like grass.

Those blacks are
receiving more attention ...

than a blind man in a gallery of shots.

I'm afraid it's just the beginning, Wade.

Before they are finished, they will be
selling tickets in front of the court.

I never thought it would come to that, Tom.

I need a good right arm.

Someone familiar, someone who understands
the finer points of Alabama law.

You're not going to drag me into this case, Tom.

I will not leave any
northerner come to my city ...

and tell me how to care
of my business.

This will not happen.

Great!

He's Jewish.

As?

The northerner is called
Leibowitz. He's Jewish.

Of course yes.

I thought you should know.

Excuse.

Can you tell me where it is?
the Cornelian Arms Hotel?

That way, on the edge of town.

For there?

On the edge of town.

"Good morning, Elizabeth.
- Good morning, Judge.

Good morning, Judge.

The newspapers ...

It's ok.

It's twenty cents.

I think these locks are
here from Jefferson Davis.

I can try?

- I appreciate it.
- Clear.

Yes.

It's very hot.

Can you repeat that, son?

I'm looking for men like you
to sign my petition.

Your what?

I write for a newspaper.

They said that I need
signatures of workers ...

to enter court.

Yes, put the hay there.

I just got back from Chicago.

- I need signatures.
- Subscriptions?

To sit in a
white men's court?

I hoped so.

The people here are not going to give it to you.
your names just because you asked.

In addition, it is not advisable to
a Negro walk in Sunday clothes ...

on a weekday. The whites
they'll think you're arrogant.

Okay then.

Sorry to bother you.
I did not want to disrespect them.

Have a good day.

Wait. Come back here, my friend. Come here.

Let me see that.

I'll sign it.

Everyone here.

I appreciate it.

- Mr. Leibowitz, I'm Joe Brodsky from DIT.
- How are you?

- This is Mr. George Chamlee.
- How are you?

- Nice to meet you.
- Equally.

We told the boys that
and they were very excited.

Lets go in?

Yes sir.

Time to get up.

I will not talk again, son.

My name is Sam Leibowitz,
I'm from new york.

I will take care of the defense of
you from now on.

The farmers and merchants of
Scottsboro put them here ...

but they do not have the last word.

Good.

Your judgment will be the first.

Followed by Clarence ...

... and Eugene will be the
last. Where is Eugene?

Right here.

He does not talk much.

No one from his family came to see him ...

almost two years ago.

Let's make a very good defense.
The truth will appear in court.

I promise. Everyone will have
a fair trial.

Mr. Leibowitz?

Yes.

There are not enough blacks
to defend in New York?

I'll let you get this one, but
Do not you ever talk to me like that again.

Now I want you to calm down ...

and try not to worry ...

and we will do everything for you.

How long have you been giving candy
and cigarettes to prisoners?

Since we arrived.

I understand.

Is this how DIT operates?

Leave the boys happy
because they signed your contract.

I do not mind to facilitate
a little life for them.

I'll tell you what the
Bad on it, Mr. Brodsky.

If the promoter comes here
and to see the prisoners ...

receiving special treatment, will
use this information in court.

And you will not find a
only jury in Alabama ...

to vote for the acquittal. This is evil.

Mr. Leibowitz, we've been here for weeks.

I think we know what it is.
best for our customers.

Mr. Brodsky, I suggest that you find
a better way to be useful.

Good.

Now, listen to me.

I have come from New York here so that these
boys have a fair trial.

This can be done
there and here in Alabama ...

if done correctly.

Right.

How did you get the scar on your face?

"A soldier did this to me.
- Soldier?

Yes sir.

It happened at the Scottsboro trial.

During the trial?

I was in court ...

while one of the girls
was witnessing ...

and an officer leaned over me and
asked me if I would testify.

I said no.

Who knew nothing about the trial.

So they took me to a
room behind where the judge sits ...

and they beat me up.

They hit me so hard
I thought they were going to kill me.

While they beat me,
they said, "Now you're going to talk?

And they kept repeating.

After a while, no
I bore and said yes.

And on the way out ...

a soldier hit me with the bayonet.

Welcome to Montgomery, lawyers.

- It is a pleasure to be here.
"Why do not you sit down?"

What can I do for you?

We met up with Leroy
Wright, in the Birmingham prison.

He states that he was assaulted
by an officer in Scottsboro.

Apparently a soldier started a
piece of her chin with a bayonet.

I did not hear anything about it.

As a former public prosecutor ...

and esteemed member of the Superior
Alabama court ...

we think maybe
order an investigation.

Investigation?

Do not you think we should leave the black
to identify the man who cut it off?

Bring the boy.

I will see to it that justice is done.

Is good to hear that.

I'm sure he'll be happy.
to travel along with the white officer ...

that left a scar on his face.

Mr. Leibowitz, ...

some of us read and write ...

and wear one leg at a time, like you.

Sir, I do not have
intolerance and racial hatred.

But believe me when I tell you ...

that we understand black ...

and we know how to deal with it.

Let me ask you something.

Why Blacks in Alabama
can not be on the jury?

"We do not need to talk about it.
- I need. I am compelled to do so.

The New York Bar Association will
accuse me of professional negligence ...

unless I claim that
the indictment was flawed.

But I'll tell you what you can
do. You can avoid this question.

As?

All you have to do is remove
the charges and cancel all that.

You can go straight to hell.

If I go, sir ...

You will come with me.

I assure you that.

With all due respect, Mr. Leibowitz,
I do not think it's appropriate ...

talk to a member of the Supreme
Alabama court that way.

Why not, George?
Is he going to judge the case?

"No, but your son does.
- Exactly.

I'm not a student of
first year of law.

I'm not a soldier for the cause.

Mr. Chamlee and I debated this
case in the Federal Supreme Court.

And we got a new one.
trial for these boys.

I'm sorry if I offended you.

This is a list of doctors,
teachers and professionals ...

who live and work
in Morgan County.

Everyone on this list is
qualified to be on the jury.

And everyone on the list is black.

Thanks.

How are you today, Haywood?

The girls said that
they took the freight train ...

from Huntsville to Chattanooga
to look for work.

They said they
night in a hostel on the road.

When they did not find work
in the mills the next day ...

They took the train back home.

Down below is the Walker's Grove.

Yes, the wanderers go there
when they need a place ...

to spend the night
and set up a campfire.

Does anyone live there?

Spent the night there some
years and never left.

Mr. Lewis?

Can I talk to you for a minute?

We just want to help those
boys And just what we want to do.

Help those kids.

How are you?

I thought it would be good to go over
some things this afternoon.

This is the freight car.

You know I do not want to condemn
no one who is not guilty.

I just want the truth.

I already told you the truth.

What was Victoria Price wearing?

A coat...

men's overalls, a dress ...

and panties underneath.

I need to understand that right.

The train leaves.

45 min later, a
of workers back ...

to report a fight in which
they'd been involved minutes before.

And they called the sheriff,
who called his officer ...

and ordered him to arrest all
blacks who left the train at the station.

It makes no sense.

Do you remember how it went?

Tell Mr. Knight what
happened in the freight wagon.

Come on, count.

Ladies. How are you?

Can you sign it for me, please?

Here it is.

- Go ahead, sign it.
- Thank you.

In between!

My name is William Lee.

I write for the Chicago National.

They told me that I needed a petition
with names of Alabama residents ...

to enter the court.

Here is the petition, sir.

Did you come from Chicago?

Yes, sir, I came.

A young man like you
can scare a jury.

Not to mention the scare that
this city can give it to you.

I'm aware of that, Judge.

"And you want to go to court?"
- Yes, sir, I do.

- Because?
- Good...

I believe that people deserve to hear
more than one side of the story, sir.

Good...

I'll see what we can do.

Is the catfish biting?

First, I tried liver
of chicken and crayfish.

Now I'm out of bait.

I do not know why I come
Here. I never catch fish.

I just burn.

Mom said I wanted to ...

What?

- She said she wanted to see me.
"Give me the metal bucket."

Yeah, you better be prepared, boy.

They will attack you with force.

The court will be full of
journalists and nervous neighbors.

Let's show that the
Justice in Alabama ...

is so fair and impartial
as elsewhere.

I do not want this to come back.
to the Supreme Court.

The governor is watching you, Tom.

Sir?

As far as I know, he does not
to re-elect.

If you take good care of this case ...

may be your ticket to Montgomery.

Good morning, Judge.

Welcome to Alabama.

All standing.

Please sit down.

Before we start the selection of the jury ...

the defense has a motion
to do, Mr. Leibowitz?

Yes, Excellency. Thank you.

I want to call a witness and
ask that Mr. James Benson ...

be under oath this time.

The State does not object.

Mr. Benson.

Place your left hand over
the Bible and lift the right.

Solemnly swears to tell
truth, the whole truth ...

and nothing more than
Truth, may God help you?

- Swear.
- Sit down.

- Mr. Benson.
- Yes.

He is one of the commissioners of the jury.
Jackson County, correct?

Yes sir.

I am also the editor of
"Scottsboro Progressive Age" ...

and member of the Association
of Alabama Press.

I'm the president.

- Congratulations.
- Thank you.

Do you recognize this book?

Yes sir.

It's the list of jurors
of Jackson County.

For all you know, there are names
of black people who live ...

and work in the county of
Jackson on this list of jurors?

Not that I know of, sir.

It's a great book.

"There are several names here, right?"
- Yes sir.

But no black. Can you explain...

why the blacks were
excluded from this book?

It is question of selection,
sir, not exclusion.

Some black people have a good reputation ...

but were not well trained
to act as jurors.

Because?

They have no capacity for judgment.

And I would say the same about
of the women of the people.

I understand.

Let me ask you a question.
The trial of a black man, ...

pastor, teacher or deacon ...

is worse than a
illiterate white man?

No, sir, many blacks
have a good education

... but they lack character.

When speaking character,
Does it mean honesty?

Yes, sir, some blacks steal.

- I did not know that.
- Yes.

Did not know. I told you before that you were
who were not trained.

What does it mean? Can you tell
court what do you mean training?

They are trained every day
of your life in what you do.

Are they trained with what they do in life?

But this has nothing to do
with the jury service ...

because this is something that any
citizen who lives in the USA ...

of suitable age and without
criminal record can do.

I'd say it's a
fair interpretation of the code?

Yes sir.

So, in fact, there could be
in this book, but there is not.

- Right.
- Thank you, that's all.

Yes sir.

You may withdraw, sir.

Excellence,...

the defense motion ...

is canceling the indictment ...

because blacks were excluded from
jury lists of Jackson County.

Motion denied. Please,
call your first candidate.

Your Excellency, I ask the Court to examine
the list of Morgan County jurors.

For what purpose?

For the purpose of determining
how many blacks were selected ...

- to serve as jurors.
- Judge?

If you permit me...

Mr Leibowitz, I see that there are
members of the black community ...

in court today.

I suggest that we start the procedure,
calling these candidates first.

After all, it looks like it's going
follow that same path.

Thank you, Your Excellency.

I would like to introduce
my first candidate.

Sir, I want to ask if it's a
professional if you have a job.

Yes sir.

- And you're over 18 years old?
- Yes sir.

- Any criminal convictions?
- No sir.

Okay, you've already been invited.
to participate in a jury?

- No sir.
- Because?

One by one, the blacks
were called to testify ...

businesspeople, doctors,
educators, civil leaders.

Many had higher education
complete. Some, more than one.

More than a dozen of the best
of Morgan County ...

presented himself to the court,
the press and the nation.

Above all, Leibowitz proved
that qualified blacks ...

were deliberately excluded
of the jury service in Alabama.

And they continued to be excluded.

How is today?

I can not help it if
not help yourself.

You will not talk.

All right, Haywood, it will be
your way. Sheriff!

How are you, sir? Good to see you.

Remember, son, who are your
neighbors and this is your yard.

All standing up!

The Honorable Judge James
Edwin Horton chairs.

Please bring the jury.

Let the indictment be read.

The grand jury accuses Haywood Patterson ...

to rape Victoria
Price and Ruby Bates ...

against peace and dignity
of the State of Alabama.

Thank you.

Please call your
first witness.

The State calls for Miss. Victoria Price.

Solemnly swears to tell
truth, the whole truth ...

and nothing more than
Indeed, may God help her?

- Swear.
- Please sit down.

"Your name is Victoria Price?"
- Yes sir.

On March 25, 1931, where did he live?

That day I was on a freight train,
traveling through Jackson County?

Yes sir.

Was there anyone else with you on that train?

Where was the train?

In the freight wagon.

While the train
he continued his journey ...

Did anyone else get into the freight wagon?

Some black people entered.

And what did the defendant do?

He helped me get undressed.

What clothes were you wearing?

Overalls, shirt ...

dress, panties ...

a coat and a feminine hat.

MS. Price ...

Please, check out these clothes.

Were you wearing those panties?

Yes sir.

"We present it as evidence.
- Excellency, objection.

The panties were not shown on the
first Scottsboro trial.

But now, yes.

This court will not allow clutter.

I'll empty the court.
if necessary.

If they can not contain their
feelings, the right place is out there.

Did this defendant have a relationship with you?

Yes sir.

MS. Price ...

resisted the defendant?

I fought while I could.

The witness is yours.

Good.

O...

I should call her Miss.
Price or Mrs. Price?

Mrs. Price.

It is very similar to a
freight car, right?

No sir.

Does not it look like a freight car for you?

No sir.

Like your
load is different from that?

The freight wagon on which
I was much older.

This is a toy.

Right.

Yes, of course.

How old was he ...

... on March 25, 1931?

He was 21 years old.

Where was born?

Lincoln County, Tennessee.

- What day and year?
- On the 20th of January.

What year?

Do you have to think about it?

To discover?

I do not remember what day I was born.

Do not you remember the day you were born?

What's it? Can not
Think fast enough?

Find out how much is 1931 minus 21?

- Protest.
- Protest maintained.

MS. Price ...

came here today, prepared ...

to say that this defendant ...

- You raped her?
- Protest.

Yes.

"Have you ever been raped before?"
- No sir.

I did not go.

At?

No, sir, I did not go.

Do you know a man named Jack Tiller?

Yes sir.

She was your boyfriend, was not she?

Yes sir.

And you two have been convicted
together for obscenity?

Protest.

It does not matter if she has been convicted
for 40 crimes, the charge is rape.

She has never been convicted of
commit adultery with a Negro.

Is that what the defense wants to show?

Protest maintained.

I will prove, Your Excellency, that Mrs Price
had relations with blacks several times.

And I'll prove it without a shadow of a doubt.

So try instead of saying.

Excellency, I present as evidence ...

an attestation of conviction
case number 5437 ...

town of Huntsville.

Protest. It's insignificant
and irrelevant.

It is a certified copy and
shows that Mrs. Price ...

was convicted of adultery.

Yes, it's the code of the city of Huntsville.

And it's adultery.

- Protest denied.
- Excellency ...

I do not know if the witness understands
the meaning of adultery.

Yeah, I'll explain to her.

I explain to her,
Thank you, Mr. Leibowitz.

Adultery means
live with a man

without being married.

It means having sex
with him without being married to him.

You see?

- You see?
- Yes sir.

You can go on.
"Thank you, Your Excellency.

So we all know that Mrs. Price ...

has already been convicted of adultery.

MS. Price, you know one
man named Lester Carter?

No sir.

Never heard of him in your life?

No sir.

Wait a minute.

Has...

Are you sure about that?

I'm sure.

MS. Price, I'll ask again.

... and I'll give you a chance
to change your response if you want.

He knew Lester Carter before
of March 25, 1931?

At?

I think I met him on the
Scottsboro Prison.

Sorry, you think you met him ...

or did you meet him at the Scottsboro jail?

I met him in Scottsboro jail.

So you know Lester Carter.

I know one thing!

That those blacks and Haywood
Patterson raped me.

I think you're a bit of an actress, Mrs. Price.

- Excellency ...
- You're a good actor, too ...

Mr. Leibowitz.

Let me see if I can
refresh your memory ...

about what
happened in Chattanooga.

Arrived there with Ruby and Lester
on the afternoon of March 24.

They walked along the rails, where
found Orville Gilley.

So you four went down
even a grove of trees ...

called the Walker's Grove.

I've never been to a place.
called Grove of Walkers.

Nor is it true, Ms. Price ...

who is known to have spent the night ...

in the hut of a black man named Lewis ...

on several occasions beyond
of that? In the same forest?

Protest. This line of interrogation
is a discussion with the witness.

Excellency, the promoter
public asked me to prove ...

Mrs Price's association with
the blacks. I'll prove it now.

Are you hoping to continue and prove the call?

I'll continue to where
You allow me to.

Protest denied.

Is it a picture of you and Ruby Bates?

- It's me and Ruby Bates.
- Wait a minute.

Excellency, the public prosecutor
said he could not prove ...

her association with blacks.
Here's a picture of that.

Protest.

- It does not show when or where ...
"And you and Ruby Bates?"

Yes sir.

Okay, I present this
photo as evidence.

Mrs. Price, who's Callie Brochie?

A woman in Chattanooga.

And what does she have to do with you?

She hosted me and Ruby Bates
when we went to Chattanooga.

Are you sure?

I'm sure.

As he was sure about Lester Carter,
before I give you a chance ...

to correct the record, because
actually knew him, right?

I...

I should have said that
the name Callie Brochie ...

which was presented as
the girl who hosted it ...

is actually the name of
a pension girl

used in a fictional story
of the "Saturday Evening Post".

"Is not that where you got the name?"
- That's absurd!

I want to make a statement.

I do not think the court should
allow the use of this photograph.

Are you sure you do not
Want to change your story?

Can change the story
about Callie Brochie ...

Being seen close to a non-black
it means having relations with him ...

- How did you change your story about Lester?
"As the defense wants us to believe."

- Change your story!
- It's a rape case!

- Gentlemen, please.
- You can change your story several times ...

- But this photo ...
- Mr. Leibowitz.

Speak for yourself.

MS. Price, ...

the reason for making these accusations ...

it's because I was wandering on a train ...

and thought she would be arrested
for vagabondage ...

for being in the company of blacks?

And to save himself, he alleged rape?

No sir.

I have no further questions.

Do you have socks?

Yes, under the sweets,
in the drawers down there.

- They're soft.
- It's all right.

Right.

- Good afternoon.
- Judge.

Mr. Leibowitz.

- Good afternoon, Judge.
- Good afternoon.

Taking advantage of the rain?

Beautiful rain.

Can you give me a can
of grease, please?

You are having trouble
to find what you want?

Not...

You want to tell me something?

Yes, I have something in mind, Judge, and
I hope you do not consider it inappropriate.

Why did you accept this case?

It's a strange question coming from you.

Could have refused for reasons
and avoided this confusion.

Just like you.

After this is over,
I'm going back to New York.

You live here.

Let me ask you for
that you accepted this case.

Those boys never
had a chance of truth.

Not adequately defended
in the first trial.

So I thought ...

good...

To answer your question ...

I come from a long line of
lawyers and judges, Mr. Leibowitz ...

and if you wanted to avoid this
confusion, as he called it ...

would have chosen another occupation.

I'm here listening to this case,
tried to find out the truth ...

and that's what I'm going to do.

My only interest is
doubt my obligation ...

is to get justice done.

In short, that's it.

"It's good to see the sun again, is not it?"
- Yes.

- See you later.
- Bye, Judge.

Is it cold lemonade?

I think so.

Would you like to drink with me?

Clear.

A bit of...

Do not.

Thank you.

Beautiful night.

Yes, beautiful night.

It's a quiet moment.

When the sun goes down, we can
smell of eucalyptus in the air.

A Famous Southern Writer
was referring to this ...

like the secret shadow
of the approaching night.

Gave a show both in
court today, Mr. Leibowitz ...

and I do not remember the last one
I got a beating.

Yes well...

we're just in the beginning.

I bet the little dogs
they saw the belly for you.

The little dogs, yes.

This is good, I have to remember it.

Things are slower.
here, Mr. Leibowitz ...

and I do not know if Alabama is ready
for a city guy like you.

But I have to admit that
I admire your tenacity.

And I say it as a compliment.

So, I accept.

It was a long day. Thanks for the drink.

"Under rigorous interrogation,
Samuel S. Leibowitz, of New York ...

Victoria Price clung to the
story of Haywood Patterson ...

was one of the six blacks who
attacked her with savagery ...

... on a freight train
of Alabama two years ago. "

Yes, that was ...

There is also a letter
of a local minister.

"Mr. Leibowitz, you
dirty reputation

of one of the best young people in Alabama.

What a shame."

Got it ...

like the trees ...

seem to grow in
different directions here?

- The trees?
- Yes, the trees.

I mean,...

it's like...

each branch ...

I tried to reach ...

the sun, but in different directions.

I mean, it's ...

a variety of trees and ...

There are a variety of trees.

Mr. Leibowitz.

Good Morning.

Yes, I saw him in court,
making notes on his desk.

It seems like the good people of Alabama
They want to keep us in our places.

Yes,...

but made some friends here.

Thank you.

I see now, Governor.

Do not worry, we have a case
strong. We'll get a conviction.

So far, no problem.
nor a sign of violence.

Where were they? In the same room.

Good,...

When did you attack Victoria?
Price attacked her honor.

"And everything they stand for here."
- Wait, her honor?

Mr. Knight, sir.

Yes.

- Ruby Bates is missing.
- What?

How are you missing?

You can not come to the south ...

and hope to win such a case.

I said what I wanted, but cases are
overdue with evidence and facts.

You do not need it, son.

Victoria Price already gave her
story and the jury heard loud and clear.

Defend the boys.

Make them see you
as human beings ...

and maybe they have a chance.

It was a pleasure to meet you.

And I hope we can discuss
this again, in the future.

Let's go over there.

How are you, sir?

The State calls Dr. R. R. Bridges.

On March 25, 1931, the
Have you examined Victoria Price?

Yes sir.

And when he examined Victoria
Price on that occasion ...

it was evident to you that
Had she had sex?

- Yes sir.
- And it is possible, in your opinion ...

that nine men had
had relations with her?

- Protest.
- Denied.

It's possible.

Thank you, doctor.

Dr. Bridges, when these two
women went to your office ...

Were any of them hysterical?
- No sir.

As a doctor ...

can conceive, imagine,
that two women ...

through the horrible experience
of being raped by nine blacks ...

and being thrown from a freight wagon ...

and appear in the office
no sign of hysteria?

Protest.

Dr. Bridges, the male egg
is called a sperm.

- Yes sir.
"And he moves like a tadpole."

"It has a head, a body, and a tail."
- Right.

And if you removed a spermatozoon
or tadpole of a woman's womb ...

and put it in a
microscope, would you see it move?

Yes sir.

Under favorable conditions, how much
time can a sperm ...

live inside a woman?

About 24 h.

You have removed a
sperm from Victoria Price?

- Yes sir.
- When?

The afternoon of the 25th.

And put the spermatozoon
in a microscope?

- Yes sir.
"Was he moving?"

No sir. He was without mobility.

In other words, he was dead.

- No mobility means dead.
- Yes sir.

So the most you can say is that
the two women had sex.

With how many men and when it happened ...

"No one can say.
- No sir.

- Not a doctor.
- No sir.

Thank you very much.

You may withdraw, sir.

Excellency, the State calls
Dr. Marvin H. Lynch.

Judge,...

... Dr. Lynch should be
our next witness, ...

but his testimony would be only one
repetition of Dr. Bridges' testimony.

I do not see why to call him ...

and I ask that he be
exempt from the testimony.

Very well.

- It's all right?
- Yes.

"If you know what's best for you ...

buy a ticket
for the first train.

We do not need your justice here.

Leave our blacks alone. "

It is not signed, of course.

Can I call and ask what
Be here taking care of you.

"No, it's just a letter.
"Just call me." Only that.

Yes.

Thank you.

The defense calls Lester Carter.

Who introduced you to Ruby Bates?

And where did you and Ruby Bates meet?

On the rails of Huntsville.

And he spent that night with
Ruby in an enclosed car.

- Yes sir.
"How would you travel to Chattanooga?"

In the freight train.

And who would?

The three of us decided to go it alone.

"Victoria, Ruby, and you."
- Yes sir.

When he got back on the train in the morning
Next went to Paint Rock?

I stayed on the train until
blacks are arrested.

I want you to look at us.
Eyes and tell me the truth.

He saw the defendant, or another
person that day ...

attack or rape Victoria
Price or Ruby Bates?

No sir.

Thank you, Lester.

Thank you.

No further questions, Your Excellency.

He was chasing an ass in the
pasture when the freight train passed?

That's when I saw the "blacks" and the
white girl in the freight wagon.

One of them grabbed her and tossed her into the wagon.

"This picture from your farm?"
- Yes sir.

Right.

I studied it ...

and from that position,
side of the stack of firewood ...

it seems that the barn blocked
the view of the rails on one side ...

and the house blocked on the other side.

are you sure of
Did you see a girl on the train?

I think so. She
wore women's clothing.

Wore women's clothes?

She did not wear overalls.
or a female coat?

No, a dress.

Do you own a car?
"Yes, sir, a Ford pickup."

A great vehicle. He
Can you run?

Of course yes.

Tell me something.

If you saw a white woman being attacked ...

by a Negro on a train ...

Why did not you jump in?
your powerful pickup truck ...

and informed the police
or complained to anyone?

Why did not you do that?

I have no further questions.

Willie, why was he in that
freight train two years ago?

Well I...

I was going to the clinic.

For what purpose?

Did you suffer from any illness at the time?

Yes, sir, he suffered.

I had syphilis ...

and gonorrhea.

Willie, I do not want to embarrass you, ...

but if you can count
to the jury, please ...

the condition of their
intimate parts at the time.

Protest, Excellency.
We do not want to hear that.

I hold the protest.

Could you walk that day, Willie?

No sir. I had to use my cane.

Had relations with
woman that day?

No, sir, I did not.

Thank you,...

Mr. Roberson.

The defense calls E.L. Lewis.

Mr. Lewis, I want to show you a photo.
and ask if you recognize this house.

- Yes sir.
- It's your house?

Yes, sir.

Know Victoria Price?

- Yes sir.
"Can you describe it to the court?"

She looks ordinary.

I remember that she had
a scar on his lip.

I understand.

I'll show you another photo and
I want to know if you recognize Victoria.

- Yes sir.
- With you?

- Yes.
- In front of your house.

Right here.

Had she seen Victoria before this time?

About four months
Before, she and her friend ...

appeared in the woods with some men.

Black men?

Black and white.

I understand.

There she is, Victoria Price.

Thank you, Your Excellency. Your witness.

Do you wear glasses, Mr. Lewis?

No sir.

Are you sure it was?
Victoria Price the woman you saw?

- Yes sir.
"Who was with her?"

Ms. Ruby Beats.

As you know?

I saw the names in the paper.

Yes, in the newspaper.

Yes sir.

Said he saw some black men
and white, on the train tracks.

- It is true?
- Yes sir.

Some men. One of them came to me.

As he was?

"He was young, about 20 years old ..."
- High or low?

A little taller than me.

Lester, can you come over here, please?

Was that the man you saw?

Yes sir.

Stand with your back to one another.

She had a difficult life.

Do you believe her?

I believe that if it had been treated
with respect, would not be on that train.

Yes, but the same can be
said about Haywood Patterson.

Yes but...

is a different matter.

No, why?

Because it's different?
Why is he black?

You're not from the South so do not
I hope you understand how we think.

All I am, everything I believe in ...

I was taught when
was crawling.

My father learned that way, the father
him before him and so on.

Things are like this.

But it does not make them right.

When I was eleven, I memorized
the Gettysburg Address.

I can recite them from behind to
front, anyway.

Most Americans can
recite a line or two ...

and remember the reason why
what the speech was made.

But they do not know if
Lincoln was invited ...

to talk about something he thought about.

The main speaker of the day was famous.

His speech took two hours.
No one remembers his name today.

Lincoln, his speech ...

his speech lasted two minutes.

I carry this with me and ...

It's from Lincoln.

"The world will not even notice
remember for a long time

Whatever we say here ...

but will never forget
what they did here. "

Stay.

"That's right.
- Let's kill them.

Let's finish them!

- Let's settle this!
- Let's kill them now!

That's it!

What happened to you?

Is this Alabama?

This is our home.

If we believe that this
boy should be run ...

Let justice take its course.

If someone thinks
Tell me now.

Because if that's how we think ...

we do not need lawyers or judges.

We do not need courts,
we just need our weapons ...

our sticks and ropes
and of that tree there.

Go home.

Let us take care of it.

All right, go home.

Let's go.

It's all right.

Good evening, sir.

Let's split up.

Something wrong with the sauce?

What is your problem?

All standing.

This will be off the record.

Before we continue
I want to talk to the court.

This defendant has the right to a
fair and decent trial.

Any man who tries
solve that outlaw ...

do not need protection
of the State of Alabama ...

and the citizenship they enjoy.

I have no patience with
the spirit of gentalha.

And if there are meetings where
such matters are discussed ...

those who attend these meetings
they should be ashamed of themselves.

Civilization depends on the execution
of laws in an orderly manner.

Sirs, I hope not.
there are more such activities.

You can bring the jury.

Mr. Leibowitz, please,
call your next witness.

Clear.

We call the defendant, Haywood Patterson.

Place your left hand over
the Bible and lift the right.

Solemnly swears to tell
truth, the whole truth ...

and nothing more than
Truth, may God help you?

- Swear.
- Sit down.

Haywood, was one of nine
boys stuck in Paint Rock?

Yes sir.

How old was she that day?

He was 18 years old.

On that day, there was a fight;
got into a fight.

Yes sir.

"Where did you go after the fight?"
I sat on top of the closed car.

At the top of the closed car.

"That wagon here?"
- Yes sir.

Sat on the top of the wagon
closed and stayed there until Paint Rock?

- Yes sir.
"Did not you go somewhere else?"

No sir.

You fought with a
boy named Gilley.

Did you hate this Gilley kid?

No sir.

Hated any of the others
boys you fought with?

No sir.

Do you hate anyone in this court today?

No sir.

Do you think some of them hate you?

Yes sir.

Do you know why? Because it's black.

Protest, Excellency, this
line of interrogation ...

has nothing to do with the facts of the case.

Go somewhere with
That, Mr. Leibowitz?

Yes, I'm sorry.

I...

... I apologize,...

... lawyer.

Haywood, have you been black all your life?

- Protest.
- As long as I remember.

I suggest you go straight to the
matter, Mr. Leibowitz.

Yes, Your Excellency, I will
straight to the point now.

In your opinion,...

would be sitting here today and would
by this judgment if it were white?

Protest. Excellence...

I will deny the objection. It's his opinion.

Would not be.

Where would I be?

Going to school, maybe.

Somewhere far from here.

May I ask you a question
very important;...

perhaps the most important of your life?

Did you rape Victoria Price?

No sir.

I certainly did not rape her.

Thank you.

Good.

Yes sir.

Do you consider rape a serious crime?

Yes sir.

He was tried for this
crime in Scottsboro?

I was charged in Scottsboro.

Who told you to use
the word "incriminated"?

Nobody.

I meant.

Good,...

I do not know what this means.

But I know what that means.

Let me read something for you.

When asked in Scottsboro ...

"You saw the other blacks
rape that girl? "...

you answered, "I saw all but three"?

It's wrong.

They asked you ...

"Say the names of those who
raped that girl "...

and you answered, "I do not know your names"?

It's wrong.

I told Ozzie Powell at Kilby Prison ...

"If I had killed those
girls, I would not be here. "

Protest.

The witness was coerced under pressure ...

during that trial,
before the trial ...

since the trial, and
right now, right now.

"You said it or not ..."
- No sir! Did not say!

All right, Haywood.

So I think this
registration is wrong.

Mr. Knight, just because he made a
It does not mean it's true.

With all due respect, Mr. Chamlee.

But I would not ask the question
if he could not prove it.

They forced me to
say those things!

I have no further questions, Your Excellency.

I should not have come.

But how good it was.

I have to tell you something.

Since I've been here, you know what I think?

Without fail. That summer in Pines.

You playing the piano, it was a girl ...

Waiting on the side of
out of my cabin.

Waiting outside of
your cabin the next morning ...

you appeared and I said:
"I'll tell your parents ...

... that I love their daughter and that ... "

That she was going to marry
she. Did you forget that part?

I did not forget. I remembered
of what his father said.

"Get a number and wait in line."

And I said, "Yes, but the difference ...

... I'm going to marry her. "

You know...

be prepared when you go to court.

It's not very good. IS...

Everyone is talking about this case.

"You must be proud of Sam," they tell me.

"It should be nice to know that
he fights for a good cause. "

To say the truth,
I feel safer here ...

than at home, waiting
the phone rings.

Wait and not know what goes
happening is the hard part.

I'm sorry to make you go through that.
I made both of us go through this.

I do not regret it.

Are you sorry you accepted?

Do not.

- All right, let's go ...
- All up!

Sit down.

Please call your
first witness.

- Mr. Leibowitz?
- Excellency.

Please call your
first witness.

We have no more witnesses
at the moment, Your Excellency.

Does the defense end?

No, sir, we are solving
the procedures now.

Lawyer?

Your Excellency, may I approach you?

I have been informed that there will be
another witness to testify.

Proceed.

The defense calls Ruby Bates.

Place your left hand over
the Bible and lift the right.

Solemnly swears to tell
truth, the whole truth ...

and nothing more than
Indeed, may God help her?

- Swear.
- Sit down.

Have you seen me before?

Not that I know.

Know Victoria Price?

Yes sir.

And she's in court today?

She's right there.

How long before you were on the train
Do you know Victoria Price?

Two years ago.

- We worked on the sugar mill together.
- I understand.

You know a man named Lester Carter?

Yes sir. That's it.

On the morning of March 25, 1931, ...

climbed on the freight train with
Victoria, Lester and Orville Gilley?

Yes.

Please tell us, in your own way ...

What happened on the train.

The train left the station
just after 10:00 a.m.

And what happened next?

Then when the train
arrived at Paint Rock ...

- Get them!
- Hold us!

- Get off me!
"Do not let him get away.

Victoria told me to cooperate with her.

- Hold us!
- If they meet here, ...

"... they will arrest us for sure."
"No, they will not."

Shut up!

- Get him!
- Hold him!

Somebody help me.

We were not doing anything.

Shut up!

What happened?

- What's it?
- Do not know.

MS. Bates was attacked
by a Negro on that train?

No sir.

Saw Victoria Price ...

be attacked on that train?

No sir.

Thank you.

You're wearing a gorgeous dress today, Ruby.

Where did you get it?

I bought.

Who gave you money to buy it?

A minister from New York.

Why did you go to New York?

Because I was afraid of what
could happen to the defendants.

- I was afraid?
- Yes sir.

He feared that his testimony in the
Scottsboro Trial ...

was the reason for these
boys be damned?

Yes sir.

Do not want to see boys.
innocent in the electric chair?

No sir.

So he lied to
witness in Scottsboro.

I did as Victoria told me.

Little sister does what
Does the older sister rule?

Would you call Victoria a friend?

- We were friends.
"A friend you'd lie to?"

- Protest.
- Protest maintained.

When he had relations with
Lester in the empty car ...

Did he rape her or did you plan everything?

- Protest.
"Ruby, do you have syphilis?"

I ... Excellency, the
judgment must be canceled.

Judge, the defense showed that
Willie Roberson had syphilis ...

- ... and I'll prove she has it.
- Motion denied.

Do you have or have you ever had syphilis?

Yes, sir, I had syphilis.

And did you get treatment for that?

Yes sir.

When?

In May of 1931.

Repeat.

I was treated for syphilis
in May of 1931.

Less than two months after
stay on the train with those blacks!

- Protest.
- I'll take the question!

Ruby, you testified in Scottsboro
that these boys had raped her!

Actually, I did not find myself
with you and Victoria ...

in the lobby of Hotel Thomas
Jefferson, where did you tell me that?

I was lying there or
Are you lying now?

Victoria never told you what to say, ...

because you were raped
by those boys.

And now you're ashamed of
admit. Is not that the truth, Ruby?

It's not the truth, so
How are you sitting here?

No sir.

I've never been raped by anyone in my life.

I have no further questions for
this witness, Your Excellency.

You can withdraw.

Excellency, the defense ends.

Very well.

The court will be in recess
until 10:00 am on Monday.

The Haywood Patterson Trial
should never have happened.

The State did not
no concrete evidence ...

Sirs, soon ...

they will have to decide the guilt
or innocence of this defendant.

You think Ruby Bates would come in here ...

and beg for the life of this man?

No. She would ask for your blood!

They should assess all
influences that move men.

This man is a human being and
deserves a fair chance in life!

These men ...

... were purchased
by Northern Communists.

I'm southern

born and raised.

My father was a Confederate soldier.

They want them to believe Haywood
Patterson is the victim in this case.

The State did not
no concrete evidence, nothing.

Attacking the sovereignty of our State!

No matter what
Tell them or where they are from ...

The society in which they
everything that makes them men.

"She's a pathological liar.
- Jewish money from New York.

Prejudice and intolerance.

"You must look in their hearts ..."
"We all know the truth.

It is a great responsibility, a burden.

We do not say that.

- This innocent kid ...
- This man...

He asks that the court ...

- Make the right decision.
That justice prevails.

- Show them ...
- Courage ...

The verdict ...

Thank you.

Gentlemen...

we are not judging
the lawyers in that case.

We are not judging
the state limits ...

nor whether the defendant is black or white.

Your only duty ...

is to determine if Haywood
Patterson is guilty ...

or not...

beyond any doubt.

I know you will do your duty.
as honest citizens ...

the great state of Alabama ...

where is your freedom.

Let justice be done,
nor that the sky falls.

All standing up!

Please sit down.

Has the jury reached a verdict?

The jury considers the defendant
guilty of charges ...

and sentenced him to death in an electric chair.

May the Lord have
mercy of his soul!

Tom, we did it!

It's the law of Alabama. IS
the justice of Alabama.

Thank you.

Yes, may the Lord have
mercy. Thank you.

Yes!

MS. Price!

Is it a defeat for communism?

These verdicts will not be kept
by the Federal Supreme Court.

I'm happy with the result
of judgment, yes.

MS. Bates, why did you change your story?

I did not want to see kids.
innocent suffering.

Haywood Patterson, will have another
trial in Alabama in a year or two.

Victoria, did Ruby tell you the truth?

Lord, how they condemned him
with such fragile evidence?

Sir, speak to us.

- Can you make a comment?
"Why do not you look around?"

Will not you comment?

Lawyer, take care of yourself.

- You too.
- Mr. Leibowitz.

Please, sir, make a comment.

- Excuse.
"Is there going to be an appeal?"

Before you go, I wanted you to know
my wife, Belle Leibowitz.

Ms. Leibowitz.

Mr. Lee.

- What is it?
- A few words of encouragement.

Thank you, William.

You're a good man, William.

In a few years, people
will hear "Scottsboro" ...

and it will mean something.

A great man said ...

"If somewhere in this
whirlwind and chaos of things ...

who resist the Eternal Good ...

unhappy, but masterfully ...

in good time, the
prisoners will be released.

In God, I hope it's true.

The social order is based on the law ...

and its perpetuity, in its
fair and impartial administration.

The story, sacred and profane ...

and the common experience of humanity ...

show us that women
presented in this case ...

they used selfish motives
to make false accusations ...

of rape and insult by
a minimal provocation.

Therefore, it is this court's decision ...

that the verdict of the jury
if put aside

and a new judgment is ordered.

THE JUDGE JAMES HORTON NEVER AGAIN
IT WAS ELECTED FOR THE COURT.

HE HAS PASSED THE LAST 40 YEARS OF LIFE ...

IN ITS FARM TO THE NORTH OF ALABAMA ...

AND YOU NEVER REPENTED FROM THE DECISION ...

THAT REVOLVED THE CONVICTION
DE HAYWOOD PATTERSON.

HAYWOOD PATTERSON, AFTER BEING
CONSIDERED GUILTY TWO MORE TIMES ...

... FUGIU OF THE CHAIN ​​IN 1948,
17 YEARS AFTER YOUR PRISON.

HE DIE OF CANCER TWO YEARS LATER.

THE OTHER REORTS WERE
REJECTED AGAIN ...

AND CONSIDERED GUILTY.

SOME WERE IN THE CHAIN ​​FOR YEARS.

CLARENCE NORRIS, THE LAST
SCOTTSBORO SURVIVOR ...

RECEIVED TOTAL FORGIVENESS
GOVERNOR OF ALABAMA ...

... GEORGE WALLACE IN 1.976.

THE PUBLIC PROMOTER THOMAS KNIGHT JR ...

... IT HAS BEEN ELECTED GOVERNOR
OF ALABAMA, IN 1934.

HE DIED OF INFARCTION IN
1,937, AT 38 YEARS OF AGE.

SAMUEL LEIBOWITZ MADE ONE
SPEECH IN YOUR FUNERAL.

SAMUEL LEIBOWITZ CONTINUES TO FIGHT
FOR THE FREEDOM OF THE BOYS, ...

AS A LAWYER IN NEW YORK.

He did not lose any more
NO CAPITAL CASE ...

AND ENDED ITS CAREER AS A JUDGE ...

IN KINGS COUNTY, BROOKLYN.

THE EFFORTS OF LEIBOWITZ
TO EXPORT CORRUPTION ...

IN THE SELECTION OF JURIES IN ALABAMA ...

MAINTAIN THE CASE LIVING IN THE HIGH COURTS.

IF THERE WERE NO EFFORT,
THE REASONS HAD BEEN PERFORMED.

HE DIED IN 1978.

RUBY BATES WORKED INCAMELY ...

FOR THE DEFENSE
WORKING INTERNATIONAL ...

TO HELP YOU RELEASE THE
REMAINING REMAINS OF SCOTTSBORO.

VICTORIA PRICE MAINTAINED YOU
ESTÓRIA UNTIL ITS DEATH, IN 1982.

THE SEARCH FOR JUSTICE