The File on Thelma Jordon (1949) - full transcript

No luck.

I've checked everywhere.

Something must have come up, Pamela.
There is nothing to worry about.

Maybe he is with the D.A.

Well, it's about time.

Your wife is on the phone.
- Tell her to forget it.

What's the matter with you?

Where have you been?

Yes, Pam. I'm listening.

Why does he do this to me every
time mother and father are here?

I've phoned everywhere, even
that nasty place across the street.



What is it, "Al's bar"?

You know Cleve doesn't drink.
He wouldn't be hanging around there.

He works too hard. That's all.

He probably forgot it.

She has her dear father the judge there.

What does she want me for?

Did someone come in?

Is there someone there, Miles?

Now look, Pam. I don't like to butt in.

But did it ever occur to you that Cleve
may like to celebrate an anniversary ..

With just you yourself sometime?

I know how he feels.

Especially about father, but ..

It's only once a year.



Yeah, Christmas and birthdays and
the 4th of July and Thanksgiving ..

And April Fool's day and
every other day in the year.

Now look, Pam. There is
really nothing I can do.

Well, if he is drunk you can just tell
him not to bother coming home at all.

Not until father has gone anyway.

The children are here.

The cake was brought in.
They sang Happy Anniversary to you.

I'm sorry.

Unforgivable. Unforgivable!

Why do you let him get away with it?
- Father, please.

I'll be in in a minute.

You're a dog, that's all.

Fed up.

Ever heard that phrase?

No, you wouldn't. You're not married.

If you ever did fall, a smart cookie
like you, you'd pick an orphan.

This is a little awkward, Cleve.
You know how I like Pam.

You know how I like Pam.

Well then?

I can't talk until I have another drink.

Okay.

But you ought to work up to this.
- I have.

Five years.

Five years drunk and I didn't know it.

What happened today? Where have
you been for the last few hours?

Down in The Pike.
- Yeah?

Not that part of The Pike.

There are some respectable sections.

I went down to an antique shop.

Yeah?

In that other part of The Pike
I wouldn't know what to do.

Go on, don't bare your soul.

It was for Pam's anniversary present.

She told me where it was.

A Whatnot she's been wanting.

What's a "Whatnot"?

Well, it's a thing you stick in a
corner and put junk and whatnot on it.

Ah, you're taking this too seriously.
You are too sensitive.

I like doing things for myself.

It's my wife.

My kids. My house.

For one thing, I can tell him
not to be there so often.

I can tell him to take his big car
out of my driveway and his big fat ..

Windbag out of my living-room.

What's this go to do with the Whatnot?

Well.

It does sound sort of picayune.

It's the basis of it really.

I drove down and went in.

No Whatnot.

The Honorable Calvin H
Blackwell, retired.

Bless his retired soul.

Had just been in this morning.

And bought it for his daughter.
For her anniversary present.

Does she happen to mention
to him that she wanted it too?

Does it all the time.

If I can't get something for her.

Father will.

You going someplace?

I've got to meet a train at ten.
That witness that's coming in.

Want to come with me?
- No.

Then I've got an idea for you.

If you're not going home.

I'm not going home.

Go out and get yourself really drunk.

And if there is a dame handy, tell her
how your wife doesn't understand you.

It's not bad.
They say it helps sometimes.

How my father-in-law
doesn't understand me.

I think I'll do it.

Look Cleve, everything will
be alright in the morning.

You've got too much
to lose to let go now.

That Denham trial is going
to the jury tomorrow.

The D.A.'s counting on you.
- And I'm his fair-haired boy.

You didn't remind me of that.

And who got me my job
with the District Attorney?

Who put me here?

Well.

Close up when you go, will you.

Yeah, sure.

Excuse me.

I beg your pardon.

Mr Scott, it was nice
of you to wait for me.

I phoned earlier in the
hope that you would.

Oh, I didn't wait for you.

Do you always work so late?

But then crime doesn't stop on the
dot so I suppose you can't either.

Aren't you going to ask me to sit down?

Won't you?

In fact, I wish ..

I wish so much of crime
didn't take place after dark.

It is most unnerving.

It's about my aunt, Miss Vera Edwards.
I guess you know her. Everyone does.

She is a character around here.

Am I disturbing you or something?

Obviously I am.

But don't do that on my account.

After a long, hard day,
if a man can't have a drink.

Or several drinks.

Oh, I'm drunk.

Extremely. Thank you.

Wouldn't you feel better?
It's awfully stuffy in here.

I'll manage.

Would you rather I'd come back?

Only this has happened before.

I don't seem to be able to get
any satisfaction out of the police.

I phoned you two weeks ago.
That first scare we had.

This is not the police department.

Yes. I know. What I meant to say was ..

There are reasons why I have stay
away from them and come to you.

My aunt is eccentric
and uniforms upset her.

Mr Scott.

Is that what you want to do?

Or is it that you just don't
want to listen to me?

What's your name?

Thelma Jordan. Miss Edwards' niece.

Well Miss Edwards' niece,
I am not Mr Scott.

So you can save your breath.

Oh.

However.

If I can be of any help.

A lady in distress.

A pretty lady.

Distress is my speciality tonight.

You help me and I'll help you.

Do I make myself clear?

No, not quite.

And now, if you'll excuse me.
- Wait.

Another time I'll hope to find Mr Scott
here and tell him my troubles.

I'm sorry if I disturbed you.
- You didn't disturb me.

I was just about to go out
and find myself a dame.

If you will pardon the expression.

Good luck.

Miss Jordan.

Is that right?

I used to know your aunt.

She caught me stealing oranges
in her orange grove once.

Did you ever get switched
with an orange branch?

I've still got the scars.

Ruined my legs permanently.

I notice that you have not
had the same experience.

I've only been here a few months.

I have passed the
orange-stealing age and I ..

Haven't yet reached the flattering one.

Goodnight.

I was just trying to make
a joke. Wait a minute.

I am a public servant. I am
supposed to hear your troubles.

You listen to my troubles
and I'll listen to yours.

Hey, wait a minute.

At least let me apologise.

Anything I can do?

If this isn't typical.

I come all the way down here to report
an attempted burglary and I get ticket.

Not only do I find a drunk sitting in
the Chief Investigator's office but I ..

The other cars don't have one.

That one is mine.

Will you move it please
so I can get out of here.

Miss Jordan.

I am really a very respectable citizen.

But you see, I've got
my troubles too tonight.

My name is Cleve Marshall.

I am 35 years old and
Assistant District Attorney.

So?

Well, I'm not just an ordinary drunk.

You see how fair this hair is?

The promise of a most brilliant future.

What is it you want of me?

Buy you a drink some place?

I'm harmless.

And I'm lonesome.

You are very appealing but ..

Thank you just the same.

Aren't you interested
in men with futures?

I have my own to look after.

Miss Jordan, at least let
me fix that ticket for you.

Oh, would you?

That's very kind.

See how handy it is to
know a man of influence.

Just for that, I suppose I ought
to have one drink with you.

Good. Back up.

In here on the condition that I drive.

If you insist.

You're the boss.

I'm glad you said that
because .. I am no ..

I am no "dame", remember.

So suddenly. I just don't understand it.

He didn't have anything but coffee.

That's what you think. Every time
you got up to play the jukebox.

That's what happened.

Come on, mister. It's closing-up time.

Beat you to it, didn't I.

Ah, there she is.

One more dance.
- Not now, Cleve. It's late.

Isn't she wonderful.

It's our anniversary.

How long has it been?

Three hours.

I'm going to buy you an anniversary
present. I've got the money right here.

The check has been paid. Let's go.
Would you get the car please?

Not until the music has finished.

Can't let the music go to waste.

Can't let anything beautiful
go to waste, can we Thelma.

The minute you walked into that office.
- I know, I know.

No buts, as-ifs, whereas's
and heretofores.

Party of the first part.

I love you, Thelma.

Where have I said that before?
- You have. The music has stopped.

Then why don't we get
out of this cheap joint?

Thank you.
- You're welcome.

I'd hate to have his
head in the morning.

You can try it on now
for size if you like.

Cleve. Cleve.

Thelma. Pretty Thelma.

Thelma with the light brown hair.

Let's not start that again.

Not even that I'm in love with you?
- Not even that. Get out, Cleve.

I haven't told you my troubles yet.
- They will have to wait.

Please, Mr Marshall.

You called me "Cleve" before.

One minute I feel like "Cleve".
The next "Mr Marshall".

Which way do you feel now?

"Mr Marshall" or "Cleve"?

I don't know.

Except I'm sorry.
- No, you're not.

Neither am I.

Maybe I am just a dame
and didn't know it.

Maybe I like being picked
up by a guy on a binge.

Can't you believe that things
happen when you're in love?

What is time? A day, a year?

I'm sorry. I can't say it conveniently.
That's just what it is: a binge.

No relationship between
yesterday and tomorrow.

That's all there is. There isn't
any more. Get out, Cleve.

You know, that kind of sobered me up.

You'll be alright then.

You will drive home to
whoever is waiting for you.

Goodnight, Cleve.

If I told you there is
no-one waiting for me?

I wouldn't believe you.

Drive carefully.

[ Car horn ]

Shush.

Cleve.

Where were you on the night of May 25th?

Oh Cleve, it is inexcusable.

I'm glad I didn't buy you that Whatnot.

It's horrible.

You are just trying
to change the subject.

Where were you?

Cleve.

[ Car horn ]

[ Car horn ]

Hello.
- Hello.

No ticket this time. I'm not wedged in.

I just waited.

I .. see you brought protection.

Did you come down to see Scott?

And you.

Worrying about you.
If you got home alright.

Sure. You know drunks and fools.

What did he say about your prowlers?

He's sending out a plain-clothes man.
He promised not to alarm aunt Vera.

If it's her jewels that are in danger,
don't you think she should know?

I explained that to you.

I guess you've forgotten
a lot about last night.

Well.

You don't like me in the daytime.

I didn't say that.

My crystal ball was right.
You are married.

You're way mad.
- I'm not.

Only I'm embarrassing you.

This is a small town. I understand.

I guess I got a little
out of hand last night.

I apologise.

Accepted.

So long, Cleve. Be seeing you.

Goodbye.

If he'll let me have the car.

Oh, around 8, I thought.

I'd like to get an early start.
It will be easier on the children.

Father, here is Cleve now.
I will call you back. Goodbye.

Is something bothering you?

A nice homely reception. You threatened
to do it, but I never thought you would.

Me leave you, Cleve?
Is that what you think?

After our fight this morning, I come in
and you're packing. What else to think?

Only that I love you very much.

Oh Cleve, darling.

Don't ever do that.

I scare easy.

Where you off to?

Ask not me.

June 1st to September 1st every year.

The beach? It's not June 1st yet.

But Mrs Perkins said we
could have the house early.

It gives us an extra weekend.

Wasn't that nice of her?

Why don't you change, darling?

I'll tell Esther we'll eat on the patio.
We can barbecue if you like.

Pam.

Let's not go to the beach this year.

Not go?

It's a nuisance really. Sunburn, worry
about the kids in the sea all the time.

A long drive for me back
and forth at weekends.

You sound as though there is some
blond after you and you're frightened.

Why don't you come down every night?

Sixty miles is too much night work.

Besides.

I don't like this house
when you're not in it.

That's the sweetest thing you could say.

But of course we're going.

The children love it so.

We have to think of them too.
We can't be selfish.

Anybody else you want
me to call before I go?

About what?
- About dinner.

You look like a lost penguin.

Some of the boys from the
paper are taking us out.

If you'd care to join ..

You'd be safe.

Well.

Don't forget those
to-dos for Mrs Marshall.

I wrote them down on your message sheet.

Mrs Marshall called to remind you ..

To stop the milk order and get
yourself a new pair of bathing trunks.

Bring down a beach ball for Timmy on
Friday. Eat three square meals daily.

She thinks of the inner man.

And phone Garden 8409.

I don't know what
that last one is about.

Somebody took it while I was out.

Well.

Bye now or I'll be late.

Goodnight, Dolly. Thanks.

"These fruits are not heated
or artificially colored."

"But are from nature to consumer."

"Gift packed in gay Mexican
and Chinese baskets."

"Or traditional California
redwood boxes."

There is a phone call for you.
Mr Thompson, that detective.

Thank you. Excuse me, aunt Vera.

Who? Who is calling Thelma?

Where is the rest of it, Sidney?

Doctor or no doctor, I want my brandy!

Hello. Mr Thompson?

A case of mistaken identity.

This is Cleve Marshall.

Hello, Cleve.

I've no excuse for calling you.
None whatsoever.

Just one of those things.

24 hours a day.

Lonesome and Vera not well.

In fact.

Time has been full of emptiness
since a certain May 25th.

Oh no.

No you can't. Not very well. Not here.

If you want.

I'll meet you down in
the road in about ..

Twenty minutes.

Yes, well ..

Thank you for calling, Mr Thompson.

And after that?

After painting scenery that summer
I stayed on at Lake Placid.

It's even more wonderful
there in the wintertime.

I got a job at the hotel as a hostess.

Strictly the genteel kind.

Doing what?

Tennis. Bingo games. Bridge.

I make a great extra partner.

I fill in at anything if I'm needed.

If the drink makes you feel like
this, you'd better leave it alone.

You asked about my past.
You should get to know her.

The pleasant, refined Miss Jordan.

Seen everywhere during the season.

Lake Placid, Virginia Beach, Saratoga.

Promoting other people's fun.

A great talent for it.

What a life.

Dumpy dowagers to
share the moonlight with.

Gouty old gents.

I haven't had the gout lately.

Would you like to dance?

Oh Cleve, it is just that I'm so tired
of being on the outside looking in.

It made a wreck of me finally.

And here I am again.

Doing the same thing with you.

Did you say dance?

Shall we have a drink at the bar first?
- Love to.

Sorry. Another time.

Waiter.
- Yes, sir?

Check, please.

Can we go out that way?
- If you are in a hurry.

Here. That will cover it.
- Thank you.

Well, it was a lovely evening.

That low gear you threw us into.

Who came in there? Was it your wife?
- No, she's away.

Temporarily or just for the season?

I'm sorry.

Well, you know where I live and
where I walk in the evening.

I don't care what happens.
I've got to see you often.

Tomorrow?

Tomorrow is a Friday. That's not good.

Monday. I'll call you.

Alright, but be careful.
Not as Mr Thompson again.

Who's he?

The plain-clothes man Scott sent out.

All he did was advise me to have
Sidney live in the house for protection.

Some protection.

But as there has been no
more trouble, say you are ..

Oh. Mr Smith or Mr Brown.

How about Dick Tracey?

Well, it's for your sake.
- I know.

Well.

Goodnight, Mr Tracey.

You know, you haven't
kissed me once this evening.

Yes I have.

Tony.

You scared me.

I didn't mean to.

I hate being an eavesdropper.

What are you ..?

What are you doing here?
- Don't worry.

I haven't been up there.

I phoned. You were out.

I knew you would be along soon.

Who was that?

[ Dog barking ]

Let me quiet him.

You wait here.
- Sure.

Sure, I can wait.

[ Dog barking ]

[ Dog barking ]

[ Dog barking ]

Why is it when you first meet
a woman she is only pretty?

After a few weeks she is beautiful.

Sometimes it's the other way around.

Not with you.

Well, now you know the whole story.

You feel as though
she let you down but ..

You let her down.
You should have told her.

You can't say to your wife:

"Don't leave me alone. I'm
falling in love with another woman."

If it's true you should have said it.

It's true.

So you said that first night.

There is a difference.

I'm drunk now. I wasn't then.

Somebody will be coming
up in a moment, as usual.

Thelma, I'm not going
down there this weekend.

I can't stand those weekends anymore.

Don't you think I feel guilty too?

Not daring to say your name to a soul.
Pretending you're a dozen other people.

Oh Cleve, what horrible luck.

Just when everything I hoped
was going right for me in life.

So sick and coming out
here to recuperate.

Some recuperation.

Head over heels with a man
I can't even be seen with.

Parking spots like
a couple of teenagers.

I told you.

Come on. We're being
driven out of here too.

Head over heels?

That doesn't say you love me.

I only know I think of you
all day and all night.

What I'll wear so you'll look at me
with that look in your eyes like now.

When I'll say to you.

I can't see you anymore.

And what I'll do the next time
you take me in your arms.

Isn't it up to me to take the chances?

Not entirely.

I'm married too.

I don't think I heard you right.

Just that.

I'm married.

I'm interested if you
feel like telling me.

It isn't much of a marriage.
Not like yours.

His name is Tony.
What does the last name matter.

I met him in Florida a year
ago at a roulette table.

Do you still love him?

There is so much I want to
tell you. You won't let me.

Remember I told you once
I wanted to be an actress?

Well, it was all part of
that glamor I thought.

Having a certain kind
of attention paid to you.

The right table at
expensive restaurants.

Dark blue tuxedo. Black fedora hat.

A gold cigarette case.

That's a good thing to get married for.

A gold cigarette case.

I don't expect you to understand.
I don't understand myself.

It was all shiny.

Until you opened the cigarette case
and found someone else's name inside.

To Tony from Dimples
or Debbie or someone.

And then you ran into him.

Out with them someplace.

How long did you stay with him?

He stayed with me until
my money gave out.

Where is he now?

I don't much care. Thanks to you.

Wherever he is there is
money, gambling and ..

Beautiful women.

Have you seen him lately?

No, and I don't want to.

I'll be free of him someday I suppose.

There is nothing to be
angry about, Cleve.

You ought to feel sorry for me.

You've got to say it differently.

That you don't think of him
anymore because of me.

I've said that.

Again.

I don't think of him
anymore because of you.

We've got to go away together somewhere.

Could you .. could you manage soon?

Friday.

I'll say I'm going up north
to see the State's Attorney.

We'll take the evening train.

People will see us.

I know. I'll only say
I'm taking the train.

We'll go in your car.

[ Banging noises ]

[ Banging noises ]

Thelma.

Thelma.

[ Banging noises ]

Thelma.

[ Gunshot! ]

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

Miss Edwards' residence.

Miss Jordan, please.

This is Mr Johnson calling.

I'll see. One moment.

[ Car horn ]

[ Car horn ]

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

Yes?

Hey, where is my driver?

Isn't it time?

Thank heaven you phoned. You've got to
come at once. Something has happened.

No, no, no. Don't talk, just come.

I'll meet you down on the road.

Please, please. Use the side gate.

What is it?

Cleve.

I think I know.

Tony has shown up.

No. Why would you say that?

Well if it isn't Tony, what is it?

You thought of him first too.

So did I.

It's aunt Vera.

I was alright until you came.

I don't know what's the matter with me.

You're alright now.
Come on, talk. What is it?

She's dead.
- What? - Shot.

I was just leaving to get
the car out. I heard it.

She's on the library floor there.

The gun beside her. The safe open.

Another burglary?

She had a valuable emerald necklace.
I didn't tell you. It's gone.

There's some things about
Tony too you didn't tell me.

I don't know. If he were
broke or desperate. Maybe.

I don't know. I'm afraid.

Don't go there, Cleve.
- Why not?

You don't seem to
understand why I'm afraid.

There was a letter I wrote
to him once ages ago.

I said aunt Vera might be
his type. She had emeralds.

If they find that letter.

It didn't mean anything,
did it Cleve? Just ..

Just female nasty.

I don't know whether it meant
anything or not. I don't know Tony.

Maybe I don't know you either.

I suppose I had that to look forward to.

I'm sorry darling.

I know how you feel.

But don't you see, if it was Tony.

They'll suspect me too.

Every place we've been.
Every phone call we've made.

We've been careful.

I'm not going to let them suspect you.

Then tell me what I should do.

What you should've done a half hour ago.
Go back in. Scream. Call the police.

Where is Sidney?
- Out back. Their house.

Did he know you were leaving?
- No.

What are you waiting for?

I was hoping you would
tell me to do something else.

You didn't do anything else.

You didn't change anything in there?

A little.

How little?

I rubbed off all the fingerprints.
- You what?

I was panicky. I didn't know what to
do in case they were Tony's prints.

And yours with them.
- I know I shouldn't have.

Dozens of times you were
in that room. From where?

The window where he came in.
The gun. The safe.

Burglars wear gloves on jobs like that.

Standard equipment. Did it occur to you?
- Not until later when I'd calmed down.

So you go around and make
it look like a nice inside job.

What else?
- I don't think.

I don't know.

Did you touch her?
- No.

How was she lying?
- Face down.

If you didn't turn her over how
did you know she was dead?

I could tell she wasn't breathing.

You've got to go back and do it over.

I couldn't.

Your fingerprints on the safe where you
looked. Found the jewels were gone.

On the body.
- Cleve, I can't.

Maybe I wasn't close to her but I ..

I liked her.

And that room.

It smells of death.

I'm going with you.
- No.

No .. I won't let you take that chance.

I'll do it.

And make more mistakes? No.

You wait for me by the side
door in case someone comes up.

I'll go douse the lights.

If you should get involved in this.

I won't get involved. I'd like to be
sure where Sidney is though.

You can only see their
house from upstairs.

Why is the light out in here?
- I turned it out after I cleaned up.

Was it on when you came in?
- No.

Unhurried killer. Turns the
light out when he leaves.

Are you sure?

No. I'm not sure.

Okay. Leave it dark.

But put your prints back on the
switch in case you took them off.

Go on!

No!

It's no help. It hasn't been fired.

Hers?

I never saw it before.

Put it down.

Now turn her over.
- Cleve.

Wouldn't it be a first instinct if it
hadn't been for Tony and the emeralds?

Aunt Vera, aunt Vera.

Turn her over.

Go on.

When Scott's man was here did you
tell him the safe was in this room?

Yes.

What happened those first two times?
- The side entrance was broken into.

The next time we just heard
somebody out back. The dog barked.

Where is the dog now?
- At the vets, being bathed.

You didn't think it might
be Tony before?

No, but ..
- But what?

When I saw the necklace was
gone, then I remembered.

Not many people knew about the emeralds.

Alright. Get your prints
back on the safe.

Put your hands on. Natural curiosity.

Is there anything left in there?
- Some more papers it looks like.

Papers? A will by any chance?

Who is her heir?

Maybe you're a rich woman.

No, Cleve.

No. She can't have.

It might be tough for you if she did.
- What would it look like?

Forget it. She'd have
told you about it I guess.

Yes.

Yes, anyway she wouldn't have ..

After I've gone, give me ten minutes.

Then scream and run for Sidney.

Cleve.

It may be days before we see each other.

Turn on the hall light.
Don't forget to take off that coat.

Oh.
- What is it?

I just remembered. I left a note
upstairs on her night-table.

Get it. Hurry.

What's this doing here?

I was carrying it when I ..
- Unpack it after I've gone.

Can I see Sidney's house
from that window?

Yes.

It's alright. It's dark.

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

[ Telephone ]

Thelma.

The phone was ringing.
- I didn't hear.

Get it. - No.
- Get it!

Miss Edwards is asleep.
Her phone isn't connected up there.

Certainly, doctor. It will take a
few minutes. I will call you back.

He's coming over.

When I called you earlier, how did you
know Sidney wasn't on that phone?

We haven't time.

He's turning on the light.

"Something's happened", you said. That's
all he had to hear. Over an hour ago.

Where was he? Where were you?
- I don't know. Please.

I called twice.

The first time he answers.
- Cleve, will you go.

Which way will he come in?
- I don't know.

Get to the window. Touch the sill. Fast.

Cleve. The lock on that
window has been forced.

Did you shut the door when we came in?

No.

Let me out the front door.
Lock it after me.

My pencil.

You held it.

If Scott gets the case
I'll try to get around.

In the meantime you don't know anything.
- Cleve.

The fingerprints on the safe.
If I haven't been there ..?

Too late now.

Get in bed and pretend
you were sleeping.

Go on now. Hurry.

Miss Jordan. Miss Jordan. Miss Jordan.

[ Telephone ]

I'll get it.

[ Telephone ]

Hello?

Hello, Miles.

But Cleve isn't feeling well. He was
supposed to go up north last night.

Can't you leave him alone for one day?

Alright, but he's on the beach sleeping.
I'll have him call you back.

I'll take it.

It's ridiculous the short time
you have down here. It's Miles.

Hello, Miles.

Don't you ever read the morning papers?

The front page. Big.

Vera Edwards?

Vaguely.

Why me? I work in courtrooms, remember.

Two hundred thousand dollars involved.

Emeralds. And a recently rewritten will.

Alright.

Her house? What's the address?

Yep.

It will take me a couple of hours. Okay?

Right. Bye.

You don't love me any
more like father says.

Father knows best.

Cleve, don't brush me off like that.

You're not yourself lately.
I can't keep track of you.

Once I had you down here ..

Business before pleasure.

You could have said
you're sick. You are.

I'm feeling better now.

You look better.

I think you were just lying
around waiting for an excuse.

Oh, you have company.

With trappings.

Oh Cleve, I'm sorry.

I asked them for the weekend because
I thought you weren't going to be here.

Then I woke up and you were.

What's the use.

It's alright. It works out perfectly.

I have work.

You have father to complain to.

I don't any more, Cleve.

I'll bet not.

What do you talk about then?

It's past talking now.

He already knows how distant you are.

Preoccupied.

The little I see of you.

If I didn't know you so well
and loved you so much.

I would ..

What?

I'd think as he does.

That you are playing around.

You have no courage, have you.

"Father says. Father thinks."

Alright, I'll say it.

There is someone, isn't there?

Yes.

Have you known her long?

I don't want to talk about her.

You don't want to marry her?

I am trying to be very
grown-up about this, Cleve.

You're still father's little girl.

A hair ribbon and shorts.

I know that's my trouble. I know it.

Do you want to marry her?

I am married to you, the
children and the years.

You haven't answered my question.

You can't divorce a child.

That isn't what I want to hear.

Cleve.

Yes, Pam?

I still love you.

Then what?

You've got to give me time.
I'm all mixed up.

Pamela!

Aren't you coming out to say hello?

Cleve, please don't
leave me. I love you.

Miles is waiting.

I'll call you.

When? Tonight?

In a day or two.

He seems to be a tall man.

Well.

Have the lab man take those
prints out and bake them.

Right.

What have we got so far?

Between six and six-two.

About 170-190 pounds.

Right heel worn down.
Drives a car a lot.

Go on, Miss Jordan.

I've told you all I can think of.

When I was in trouble, I naturally
thought of her, my mother's sister.

I had nowhere else to go.
I was in ill-health without funds.

I think after a while she was glad.

I did little things for her.

Fixed her hair in new
ways and read to her.

I was companionship she
hadn't had for a long time.

And so she changed her will.

That's what you keep telling me
but I had no knowledge of that.

Do you know to whom the money
was bequeathed in the original will?

I didn't even know there was a will.

To the county, Miss Jordan.

There was to be a park in her honor.

I'm sorry about that. It's not my fault.

Well, don't be too sorry.

There may still be that park.

Mr Scott.

In your dealings with me, your
questioning, your suspicions.

Don't be sarcastic.

I'm not a criminal. Don't treat me so.

You almost had me apologising.

But I will control myself.

Been trying to get that
call for you upstairs.

Thanks.

Got your call for you now, Scott.
- Thanks.

You tune in, in the pantry.

And Cleve, may I speak
to you for a minute?

You wait for me in the
sun-room, Miss Jordan.

What do you think?

It's too early.

What about those footprints?

I don't think they were the burglar's.

I don't think there was a burglar.

Cosy her up.

See what you can get out of her.

Cleve.
- One moment, please.

Be careful.

They're going to arrest me, aren't they?

Scott won't make a mistake like that.
- Don't lie.

Why? What happened?

I don't know too much myself.

Except whoever was here last
night apparently wasn't Tony.

How? I haven't even told them about him.

You didn't have to.

All that fuss and panic
last night for nothing.

He called you this morning from Chicago.

Tony? Are you sure?

"Laredo". That's his name isn't it?

Scott told me when I came in.

One of the detectives got the
call and reported it to him.

Well.

If he did call ..

Why?

It would be a good thing
to establish an alibi.

Another thing.

Auntie is dead.

A nice fat will.

Wouldn't he be interested in that?

Want to pick up again?
- But that still doesn't mean anything.

There are planes. He could
have made it by this morning.

That's what Scott is
getting a report on now.

He's had the Chicago
police on it for hours.

If his alibi is good.

What else did they find out about him?

For one thing, that you're
not married to him.

And never were.

Why did you lie to me?

I was ashamed.

I couldn't tell you the truth.

Why did you have to tell me anything?
- I don't know.

You forced me. It was always your
wife, your strings. I was second.

Alright, It's still my wife, my strings.

I know. I know. That's what
makes this whole thing so ..

Oh Cleve, we haven't time to quarrel.

I'll do anything possible.

Anything.

Lawyer first, I guess.

But I haven't any money.

I'll take care of it.

I'll pay you back.
- Don't talk like that.

There is a man in San Francisco.

Kingsley Willis.

He's the best.

Even more than that.

You will have to do more than that.

What more? You know
how my hands are tied.

Things are too close now for comfort.

Cleve.

Suppose the District Attorney
turns it over to you?

He won't .. he's not going to let a
thing like this get away from him.

That's what I mean.
He'll be after me. You won't.

Take the case myself?

Against you.

How better could you protect me?

Hold it up. Demand more evidence.

In the meantime they'll
find out who did it.

In the meantime anything can happen.

Don't give way.

It's something I feel, Cleve.

I know.
- Just because of the will?

People will ..

You wait there.

No signed confession? I'm surprised.

Mr Marshall has been very kind to me.

That's because he doesn't know
everything about you that I do.

Miss Jordan, I've just been talking
to an old friend of yours in Chicago.

Mr Laredo.

He says he'd like to help you out
but he's fresh out of money right now.

Help me? In what?

I told him we are
arresting you for murder.

There was a burglary last night.
Jewels are missing.

Oh, we'll find them around.

Sidney. I want you.

There was also a phone call last night.

I've been sort of saving it.

Tell her, Sidney.

I'm sorry, Miss Jordan.

That man who has been
calling you up lately.

Who you pretend has a
lot of different names.

A number of my friends call me.

That man you meet down at the gate.

Let's just call him "Mr X".

He phoned first a few minutes after
nine and we were disconnected.

He phoned back and you answered.

"Something has happened",
you said. "Come at once".

I didn't think much of
it at the time but ..

I do now.
- And so will a jury.

Since forty minutes later you
were pretending to be asleep.

Why, Miss Jordan?

I won't say anything else
until I see my lawyer.

Well.

Shall we go?

May I get my purse and a coat?
- You may get nothing.

Cleve. I'll book her.

Do me a favor. Take Sidney down to
headquarters so he can give a statement.

Sure.

I feel sorry.

Except, you know, she was
always sort-of strange, secretive.

And the way she insisted that someone
was trying to burglarize the house.

Like she was setting up for this one.

Still, she was always nice to me.

I guess I just still can't
believe it. Can you?

That's what we have trials for, Sidney.

Yes. That's right.

It's all over.

Well, that was open
and shut from the start.

Not the way the news
boys will play it out.

I told you we'd get her indicted.

Yeah, but have they got
enough to convict her?

Her fresh fingerprints
all over the place.

What more do you want?

Isn't that right, Mr District Attorney?

Finding those emeralds helped too.

Well.

Don't you have anything better to
do than hang around courthouses?

No. Not much.

I'm just meeting some
of the newsmen here.

I've got a story to spill.

So have we. An indictment.

I wish you luck.

What's that story?

Big grave snatcher.

Who is he?
- Jordan's lawyer. Willis.

Kingsley Willis? She got him?
- Yes. Worse luck.

But I'll handle him.

Mr Pierce.

Your brother has been calling.
He says it's important.

Get him back.
- Yes, sir.

You know.

I've been thinking, boss.

If you don't feel up
to handling this case ..

Oh, you'll get your
break someday, Cleve.

You haven't been
looking well lately and ..

Fishing is pretty good
this time of year.

Hunting is good too. Right here.

No, my boy. I like front pages.

Well, I just thought I'd ask.

Hello, Alex. How are you, boy?

How is the ambulance chasing?

In the Jordan case?

Sure, but she's got a lawyer.

You are kidding.

Alex, you wouldn't. Are you crazy?

You know what a case
like this means to me.

How dare you.

Why, you double-crossing little ..

I raise you, put you though law school
and then just for a little limelight ..

Whose idea was this?

You can go to .. Kingsley Willis.

That is the dirtiest ..

Well, I might be mad
with you if you'd tell me.

I'm out. Disqualified.

Kingsley Willis hired my
brother for his defence staff.

How is that for a shrewd move?

Why?

He is scared of me.

He knows I'd cook that dame.

I'm sorry, Pierce.

Come back here.

Eager beaver.

Here is your big break.

You'd better be up to it, boy.

Because we're going to get her.

We've got to get her.

Pierce is too popular in this town.

He carries too much weight with jurors.

This Marshall on the other hand. We
haven't so much to worry about with him.

You thought this all out for yourself?

No, to be honest.

I give credit where credit is due.

Your aunt Vera's friend. Anonymous.

The one that sent me $5,000 on account.

To defend you.

"Dear Mr Willis."

"A smart move would be to
disqualify the District Attorney."

"By hiring his brother, a local
lawyer, for your defence staff."

"Pierce, the D.A. has a
strong influence in this town."

"He commands too much
respect from jurors."

Your friend Anonymous has quite
a grasp of things, wouldn't you say?

You did take the idea?
- I like it.

It enables me to kill two
birds with one stone.

It gives me local
assistance which I need.

Small town jurors hate outsiders.

And a pinch at the prosecutor.

I'm partial to second-string
teams, Miss Jordan.

I don't have to work so hard.

Besides.

Marshall is not so sure that
you are guilty. I can tell.

He wouldn't have taken it.
- Well.

Don't be idealistic.

A job is a job.

You haven't asked me once if I'm guilty.

Why should I?

I know you're not.

I don't want to know.
That's the way I work.

To me the world is full
of innocent lambs.

And I am their lawyer.

But .. are there certain
things you should know?

To protect me.

Miss Jordan, there are
two types of criminals.

The conscious and the unconscious.

The latter we sometimes
call the "split personalities".

Schizophrenia.

That's when the left hand never lets
the right hand know what it's doing.

Yes. Go on.

I don't mean that you are
schizophrenic but that ..

We are, together.

I am the right hand and I must never
know what the left hand has done.

Or is doing.

If I should know.

I might start feeling guilty.

Acting guilty.

It is rudimentary. I am quite sure
that you can understand that.

Miss Jordan.

If I should be in trouble.

If there are any answers
that I should know.

Later on.

Are you satisfied?

I suppose.

And especially in a case like this when
we have so many lawyers on our side.

Well, haven't we?

Only a lawyer would have
thought of that trick.

If you're finished with
me now, Mr Willis.

Thelma.

There is just one thing
I would like to know.

Who is he?

Is he, "Mr X"?

The one they're looking for?

The footprints. The telephone call.

A split personality, remember.

The left hand never lets
the right hand know.

Okay.

I just wanted to know
how we stand. That's all.

Just how much we could count on him.

We can count on him.

I haven't been seeing her
lately if that's what worries you.

I haven't been home lately
because I've been busy.

Getting a jury for this
trial hasn't been easy.

Cleve, I went to the bank this morning.

You haven't sent me any checks.

The teller wanted to record the
new balance in my book too.

I see.

Five thousand dollars.

Did it cost you that to get rid of her
Cleve, or is that just the beginning?

The beginning. The end. I don't know.

Pam, please stay out of this.

It's my problem too if
she's that kind of woman.

The money wasn't for blackmail
if that's what you mean.

She's in trouble.

I had to help her.

Not the usual kind?

No.

Something else.

And you believe her of course?

Yes, I believe her.

She's not just taking advantage of
the fact that you are married?

The children, your position?

What are you driving at?

Maybe you ought to find out
something more about her.

We could.

Father put a detective on you.

You what?
- I didn't intend to tell you.

What I mean is we might find out
something about her you don't know.

What have you found out already?
- Nothing so far.

Except you parked with her
one night up at Lookout Point.

What else?
- Really.

It was dark. She wore a sequinned scarf.

That's all he could see
except it wasn't me.

Darling, I didn't approve.
I haven't spoken to father since.

That's right, Cleve.

I'm like Pamela.

I can't help you if you
don't give me a chance.

I don't need any help thank you.

Pam, you had better leave.

Cleve.

I only wanted to ..

Goodbye, Miles.

It's only that you don't seem to
have your mind on this Jordan case.

It's the biggest chance you've ever had.

I have my mind on it.

You wanted more evidence
and we gave it to you.

The emerald necklace.
And still you're waiting.

Like you wanted to get it over
with and get away somewhere.

That's right.
- That's different. I'm sorry.

But in the meantime,
don't muff this case.

You must always keep the jury with you.

Remember. Prosecuting
a woman is different.

Much more delicate.

I'll do my best.

You wouldn't like to go
over your opening speech?

You will hear it in the morning.

Hello, Mr Scott.

Well, tomorrow is the big day, huh?

Right.

See you in court.

Good luck, Mr Marshall.

The "why" of this crime.

The "how", the "where", the "when".

And the "what" that
should be its punishment.

Only of the latter have I
not yet spoken to you.

I remind you ladies and gentlemen ..

Of the long and arduous procedure of
jury selection we've just been through.

During that time, to
each prospective juror.

I put the same question.

Do you believe in capital punishment?

You particular twelve said that you did.

Otherwise you wouldn't be here.

Let's get her convicted first and
then worry about the penalty.

Maybe you said to
yourself she isn't guilty.

And I won't have to recommend death.

But you will, Mrs Asher.

And all the rest of you.

Because I am going to prove to
you that Thelma Jordan is guilty.

Watch Mrs Asher.

And you will have no qualms.

Religious, humane or otherwise.

About this death penalty.

I will expect you to be as
cold and unemotional.

In your verdict.

As Thelma Jordan was in passing
the sentence of death upon her aunt.

A life.

For a life.

That's all I ask you to remember.

The State calls its first
witness, Dr C.B. Griffith.

Too long. Confused.

That capital punishment angle.

The most controversial subject
in crime and you had to hit it.

You've antagonised the jurors.

Maybe I did get a little wound up.

I'll be more careful.

I always said I was partial
to second string teams.

You're sure?

He couldn't have picked out
our juror better if he'd tried.

Mrs Asher. She hates him.

Uncharitable, unchristian.

You ought to thank Mr Marshall
in your prayers sometime.

I will.

Well, we'll be back at it again in
an hour for the last session, I hope.

How do the press boys feel about it?

With the case about to close
they are all asking for Mr X.

Who isn't? Our one weak point.

Why did we ever have to
introduce him in the first place?

I didn't, certainly.

And finding him wasn't my department.

I may have handled some things
wrong. I am sorry about Mrs Asher.

But I've been buttering her up lately.

And she knows it.

So okay, stop riding me.

I didn't ask for this case.
- I know you didn't, Cleve.

I got all the evidence in, didn't I?

They'll cook her on that.

Well, unfortunately,
that's not all it takes.

And Willis has been
too clever combating it.

Did you get that this morning?

The gun and the necklace could have
been hidden in that smudge pot ..

By the fleeing bandit until he
could comeback for them later.

Who would believe that?

Except Mrs Asher.

Anyway, Cleve.

This afternoon is your big chance.

When you get her on the stand with
that new ammunition we've got.

Then you can really tie into her.

Don't worry.

Let her try and explain away her past.

That's all, brother.

My lawyer said not to talk to
anyone unless he was here.

If I do all the talking?

No blackjacks, no hidden
microphones. Come in.

Don't go far, Matron.
- Don't worry.

He's going to offer you leniency if
you confess. They always do that.

It's a chance, Jordan.

0h, Cleve.

Cleve, I've waited for this.

In court when you look
at me with such hate.

Or don't look at me.

I have to do that.

Sometimes I think that hate is real.

And I can't bear it.

Why do you think it might be real?

The evidence.

It has piled up, hasn't it.

Sort of.

But I don't believe
anything I don't see.

I thought maybe that was why you
were here. Losing confidence in me.

No. In myself.

There's no guarantee this
is going to turn out alright.

It's got to after all you've done.
I know the chances you are taking.

I'm frightened too.

Of anything special?

Being on the stand. The way you
are going to have to go after me.

If you tell the truth,
there's no need to worry.

I can't tell all of it.

What can't you tell?

What? You and me ..

Sidney coming in.

You .. you having to get out so fast.

That I'm going to handle in another way.

What other truth can't
you tell me about?

I don't know.

There are things I'm going to
have to ask you about your past.

That's no mystery. I already told you.

A prim repressed hostess in a hotel.

Yes, that's right.

Then this must be another Thelma Jordan.

Gambling-raid photos.

Miles got them from the Florida police.

That blond gave a phony name.

Is it you?

No.

Not very convincing.
- It's not me, Cleve.

As I was once maybe, but not now.
- How come you're quibbling?

In the days with Tony,
I told you. But not now.

The past is a pointer to the future.
Didn't you ever hear that, Miss Jordan?

For whose benefit have you
changed? Miss Edwards?

So she'd leave you her money?
- It's not true.

Perhaps we must call you
Sarah Bernhardt Jordan?

You told me you wanted to be an actress.
- Stop it, Cleve.

You can't tell me
"stop it, Cleve" in court.

That's why I'm petrified with
fear of going on the stand.

And I've just begun.

What else?

No more photos. Facts.

Coincidental, but still facts.

Your shiny life with Mr Laredo.

Odd. Wherever it's seen, there's whiffs
of blackmail, thefts, bar-room brawls ..

Rumors and hearsay!
You can't hold that against me.

The jury will.

Cleve.

Cleve, look at me.

I'm not like that, I'm not.

Unfortunately, the jury
doesn't look at you like I do.

What are we going to do?

A fast call from Mr X to Mr Willis.

I'm taking a chance.

Stick with it.

Matron.

Did you get anywhere, Mr Marshall?

I could have told you you wouldn't.

The defence calls its last
witness, Thelma Jordan.

There are no further
witnesses, Your Honor.

The prosecutor has an objection?

I should like to argue Your Honor
for our right to cross-examine.

Right? What right?

What law book did you study from?

I said to argue the right.

How can you argue the right of
something that doesn't exist?

If the defendant takes the
stand to be examined by me ..

Then you have the right to
cross-examine. Not otherwise.

If the prosecutor feels cheated Your
Honor then it is entirely his own fault.

Believe me there is nothing I would like
more than to put my client on the stand.

But to subject her to this prosecutor
whose vitriolic attack on her ..

The personalities of the
prosecution and defence ..

Must be kept out of this Your Honor.

Please tell him once and for all.

Mr Marshall. As I'm sure you know.

There is no law which requires
a defendant to take the stand.

She does not have to
prove her innocence.

Guilt must be proved against her.

Thank you, Your Honor.

As I was saying.

I cannot in conscience subject my client
to any furtherance of this trial.

There is anyway only one question that
I would ask her on the witness stand.

Did you kill your aunt, Miss Jordan?

But the answer to that is obvious.
She could not look at me so clearly.

All other questions would be irrelevant.

Except .. one.

The question that I see in your
eyes, ladies and gentlemen.

Just exactly what has
the prosecution proved?

That Miss Vera Edwards was robbed
and killed, or killed and robbed.

That I don't even know.

Beyond that too, your
prosecutor has failed you.

Mr Marshall at the
beginning of this trial.

Promised you the when, where, why ..

And how of this crime.

The one word he forgot ..

Was "who".

It's a word which circumstantial
evidence can never prove.

Here we go. Mr X again.

That's the question I see in your
eyes, ladies and gentlemen.

If she didn't do it, who did?

Who did?

Even I ask it. Even my client asks it.

"If I didn't do it, who did?"

The State has tried very
hard to prove to you.

That no-one else could
have committed this crime.

But I would like to refer you
to the State's own testimony.

May I have the transcript
Your Honor, please?

No worries. There is no loophole.

One of the points the prosecution
made was that as Mr X ..

Had phoned a few minutes after nine.

Mr X could certainly not have
been present at the house ..

At the time Miss Edwards was killed.

Because she was killed earlier.

Didn't Miss Jordan say to him on the
phone "something has happened"?

On the surface this could seem
quite clever of the prosecutor.

But I quote now that eminent
State medical witness ..

Dr Griffith.

Questioned by the prosecutor:

"In summation you would say that
the time of Miss Edwards' death .."

"Was not earlier than 8 pm."

"Not later than 9."

Answer by the doctor:

"I can and do."

Between 8 ..

And 9 o'clock, Mr Marshall.

So then, ladies and gentlemen.

Let us say that Mr X most
certainly couldn't have been ..

In the house earlier and
called back at 9, couldn't he?

He could have been the
murderer too, couldn't he?

And Thelma Jordan.

When she arrived, may have suspected
that it was Mr X that killed her aunt.

Why else was she in bed
later feigning sleep?

Sick at heart of her discovery.

Why has she been silent so long?

Was it out of some loyalty?

Or fear?

Or .. because she loves him?

Who knows ..

Just exactly what is in a woman's heart.

But, ladies and gentlemen.

If there is the slightest
doubt in your mind.

If you think for an instant that someone
else might have committed this crime.

Even if there was the slightest
physical possibility of it.

You cannot convict Thelma Jordan.

The defence rests its case.

A spellbinder.

Mr X.

Hooey.

Come on, Jordan. Judgement day.

Good luck, Thelma.

If you win, spit in
the prosecutor's eye.

Prosecutor? Persecutor.

And if you get together with your
"Mr X", bring him around sometime.

Well Jordan, if you don't
come back we'll miss you.

If you do, well then we'll drive
with you over to Tehachapi.

Maybe on the way I'll be able to
find out something about you.

Here she comes.
Now get ready, get ready.

Do you think you will be
acquitted, Miss Jordan?

Well, this is the last time
we'll have to make this trip.

Department A of the Superior
Court is now in session.

The Honorable Jonathan
David Hancock, Judge presiding.

Please be seated.

Mrs Asher has been crying.
There is some hope.

Ladies and gentlemen of the jury.

Have you reached a verdict?

We have, Your Honor.

The defendant will rise
and face the court.

"The people of the State of California
versus Thelma Jordan, defendant."

"Case 1-2-4-1-2-0-6."

"We, the jury in the
above entitled action."

"Find the defendant .."

"Not guilty."

So she got away with it.

Don't take it so hard.
It's only a lawsuit.

Next time you'll have
had the experience.

Cleve.

You look so tired.

Now that this is over
couldn't we talk soon?

I'll phone you tomorrow.

How about a statement, Mr Marshall?
- See Scott.

No leap over the tennis net? Bad sport.

You could have told
him the best man won.

Didn't we?

I don't know what you mean.

Maybe.

Maybe I'm wrong.

[ Telephone ]

Why don't you answer it?
- Why?

People calling to say they're glad.

Then at least take it off the hook.

[ Telephone ]

Now answer it.

I'd like to see how anxious this guy is.

"Hello Cleve."

Hello?

Yes, Cleve.

Yes, I ..

Yes.

Yes, they've gone.

You can't come here.

No, no. It's not safe.

No, Cleve.

I'll meet you somewhere.
I'll let you know in a few days.

Did he ask you if I was here?

No.

Why did you have to come here?

Weren't we supposed to meet afterwards?

Has anything happened
to change our plan?

Our plan was a long time ago.

Not so long.

My memory is not that short.

Except I gather that
our plan has changed.

That's why I came back the first time.

I didn't like that stall and
I don't like this one.

I'm not stalling.
I just don't want to face him.

Or him face me? Which?

Why don't you say what worries you?

I can't hope to make you understand.

I want to get away from here.

Hmm. Naturally.

This place has memories.

Tony, please.

Please don't let him find us here.

Why didn't you tell me that night
that you were in love with him?

I wasn't.

It was Scott you were
supposed to go after.

Make him tumble for your
charms over those burglaries.

Then all of a sudden there
was a guy named Marshall.

It just happened that way.

Wasn't it better the way it turned out?
- Sure.

An Assistant District Attorney.

Married. Got kids.

That's always the kind.

Well.

Just so you're not in love with him.

I'm not.

Then what is all this?

He's in love with me.

And you find that hard to resist.

I'm in love with you too.

Especially now.

Now that you're rich?

Yeah. I suppose that
does make a difference.

But you brought that on yourself.

I only asked you for the emeralds.

Instead I wind up with
a lifelong annuity.

Do you think I'm going to
let that get away from me?

I'll sign it over to you.

Everything. Any deal you want.

But we're finished.
I'm not going away with you.

Uhuh.

That might look like complicity.

Later. If you're so anxious
to get away from me.

But you will change your mind.

Come here a minute.
I'll help you change it now.

[ Buzzer ]

[ Buzzer ]

Go down and get rid of him.
I don't care how, just get rid of him.

Then we are leaving. You and me.

And keep in mind.

The district attorney would still like
to know about those footprints.

Who is "Mr X"?

Thelma.

Get me the bottle.

[ Buzzer ]

And you can leave that open.

I was worried. I had to come.

Someone is here.

Tony. Yes.

Tony?

Come with me, Cleve.

In here, Cleve.

In this room where I've
told you so many lies.

What is it? What's happened?

He's come after me.
I'm going away with him.

I don't believe that.
- You don't believe what you don't see.

I don't want to talk about
the trial. That's over.

Why is Tony here?

He's ..

Part of it.

He's all of it. I've always loved him.

That's not true.

You are lying.

No.

Listen to me. We've never had much
time together. We haven't now.

You must have known except
you didn't want to know.

Why didn't you put me on the stand?
- To strengthen your case.

You were afraid I'd break down.
You knew I would sometime.

Okay.

I killed her. Right from that corner.

I didn't know of the will. I was
getting the jewels for Tony.

I came out here with that plan.

Didn't I, Tony?

Go on.

Don't let me interrupt you.

You could help. It's not easy.

She found me at the safe.

She had a gun too.

I'd like to say I didn't
intend to kill her.

But when you have a gun.

You always intend, if you have to.

But you were the fall guy, Cleve.

Right from the beginning.

Yes, you are right.

I suppose as you said, I must have
known you killed her all along.

Though I did think it was you.

From Chicago I killed aunt Vera?

Or do you mean she
only pulled the trigger?

That soothing angle.

Whatever the angle.

Get out of her life and stay out of it.

You don't seem to understand.

We started this together.
We finish together.

You've got your chance, Laredo. Take it.

Otherwise what?

Thelma has been acquitted and can't be
tried again but you can for complicity.

And you.

Where would that put you, Mr X?

Let it go, Cleve. Don't you see ..
- He sees.

That's the convenient
part about a fall-guy.

Once you've got him hooked,
you've always got him hooked.

Don't Cleve! He has a gun.

Your tough luck.

It was supposed to be Scott
who could destroy evidence.

But you were so anxious.

Is that true?

Get your things.

After a nice ocean trip.

I thought we'd go to Europe.

Paris. The Riviera.

How'd you like that?

As far away as possible.

We'll stop in a few
minutes and get a drink.

You'll be alright.

I'm alright now.

Give me a cigarette, Tony.

You were right.

It was hard but it is better this way.

He's lucky to get off like he did.

Yes.

He only lost his wife and home.

He'll get them back.

And what will we get back, Tony?

For one thing, yourself.

Get the right clothes again.

Dye that mousy hair.

Get back that sexy look.

Get what we always had.

And better now.

No more problems.

No more problems.

You won't go away from me?

I won't leave you.

A new one?

No names inside.

It's pretty.

There is ..

No more to say.

What about this Tony?

How many ..

Confessions do you want?

It was no accident.

No accident, Mr Scott.

Now you've got ..

Two confessions.

She's confessed everything.

Except who Mr X is.

Why don't you tell him?

I love him.

That's why.

I couldn't go on with him, Cleve.

You did that for me.

I'm glad it's over.

All my life .. struggling.

The curtain .. comes down.

Save your strength, darling.

Willis said I was two people.

He was right.

You don't suppose they could ..

Just let ..

Half of me die?

Doctor.

It wasn't much use anyway, Mr Marshall.

You didn't have to go out.

Cleve, I knew.

I've known for an hour or so.

Funny how a few shiny little
sequins throw a lot of light.

The girl the detective saw
you with on Lookout Point.

The girl you prosecuted
and threw the case for.

I don't have to ask you why.
You believed in her.

I loved her.

Let's put it that way.

What are you going to do?

I don't know.

Go somewhere.

Try to start again.

I guess you know what it means.

Disbarment.

No more law practice anyway.

I'm sorry. I'll have to report it.

I already have.

I was with the D.A. when they found me.

I've always liked you, Cleve.

Miles.

Would you phone Pam?
- I already have.

I .. just wanted to tell her I'll ..

I will get in touch with her later.
- That's what she said too.

Later.

But she'll get over it.

Be seeing you, Cleve.

Good luck.

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