Web of Deception (1994) - full transcript
A forensic psychatrist of the Police Department falls for a fatal attraction that threatens to terminate his marriage, his career and his life.
[HORN HONKING]
[TRAIN CHUGGGING]
[BELL DINGING]
MAN: He's got to be
a pretty good guy.
[AUDIENCE LAUGHING]
You know this doctor well.
He's one of the great voices
of forensic psychiatry today.
Dr. Philip Benesch.
How about a nice handclap?
[APPLAUDING]
[APPLAUDING CONTINUES]
PHILIP: Thank you.
The public is very angry
with the abuse
in our court system
where heinous crimes
are committed and excused
because of a plea
of temporary insanity.
Because their parents
or their spouses
or their friends or society
made them do it.
But the point to me is
there are evil people
in the world
who do terrible things.
And we have to run it.
How do we draw the line
for individual responsibility?
Yo, I'm
your fan, doc.
Yeah, right.
You were great.
Congratulations.
All right.
Congratulations.
Thanks for coming.
Hello.
Sheila, what are you
doing here?
I came to see McLeod.
I enjoyed your speech.
I disagree though.
PHILIP: Well...
You ready to get
out of here?
Yes.
[BELL DINGING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
So, what did you think?
How did I do?
It was fine.
No, really.
An A, B+, or...
You gave
a very good speech.
Yeah?
I thought
it went well.
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC PLAYING]
How's she doing?
Thanks for asking.
I'll see you soon.
GIRL: Good night!
[DOOR CREAKS]
Are you all right?
What's this?
I found it on the floor
of the closet.
It must've fallen out
of one of your jackets.
[SIGHING RUEFULLY]
It's over. It's been over
for five months now.
I haven't seen her--
But you saw her tonight,
didn't you?
That was her, wasn't it?
The black Chanel number?
She came with Neil McLeod.
It was just a coincidence.
Look, it didn't
mean anything--
It didn't
mean anything?
I know
that it meant.
You wanna know
what I hate most?
That you've made me feel
like some kind of stupid cliche.
You wanna talk about it?
No.
I don't think
I wanna talk about it.
Talking is your department.
If we talk about it now,
I'm sure
everything will
get twisted around
and we'll both
end up agreeing
the affair was my fault.
Hey.
Now, I'm not gonna
upset the girls
by having you
sleep somewhere else
But you don't touch me.
Do you understand?
[WIND BLOWING]
[KIDS CHATTERING]
Pass! Pass!
WOMAN: Over here.
Come on!
[SIREN WAILING]
[WOMEN CHATTERING]
WOMAN: I'm open, I'm open.
Come on!
[SWISHES]
[BASKETBALL BOUNCING]
Forgot how good
you are.
Well, I could
always take you on.
Your problem was,
you could never
admit I was better.
Oh, you're better than me
at a lot of things.
I want you.
I want us to work.
Even before
we were married?
Like she flashed
in my brain one day.
Believe half
of what he says
and most of what he does.
Why'd you
even marry me?
Love is
a many-splendored thing.
[SIGHING GRIMLY]
It seems I've
made you cynical.
But could you just
try to work
this thing out with me?
I keep picturing you
with her.
Thinking of all the lies
and the arrangements.
It won't happen again.
[BALL BOUNCING]
Okay, I'm gonna
just ask you this once.
Were there any others?
No.
I'll try.
And you knew
I would all along.
I'll see you at home.
[WHISTLES]
Well, well, here he is.
Psychiatrist from heaven.
Detective Fracinetti.
You know, doc,
I've been reading up
on Freud.
Good for you.
You explain it
to me someday.
Yeah, I'll do that.
You testifying this morning?
What, testifying? No.
We're here for the college boy.
[EXCLAIMING SMUGLY]
[CHUCKLING]
What a jerk.
Yeah, well,
he's our jerk though.
So you agree
Mr. Hogesh hears voices.
From time to time, yes.
And if I
understand you correctly,
your position is
even though
Mr. Hogesh hears voices,
a symptom
of acute psychosis,
you think he's sane enough
to die in the electric chair?
Many psychotics hear voices
telling them to kill.
Very few kill.
On the basis
of tests and interviews,
I believe Mr. Hogesh
knew the difference
between right and wrong
when he planted those bombs.
So, the fact that he's
hearing voices is irrelevant.
To be legally sane,
you only have to understand
that what you're doing
is wrong.
PHILIP: I'm convinced
Mr. Hogesh knew that.
WOMAN: It's okay.
They can't see you.
You take your time.
Just take a deep breath.
What do you think?
[WHISPERS]
WOMAN: [OVER RADIO]
Step forward,
number three, please.
Good.
It's okay.
You did good.
[SIGHS SOFTLY]
WOMAN: [OVER RADIO]
Step back.
WOMAN: What do you think,
doctor?
Oh, he's 41 or 42,
married, two children,
works as
a construction crew chief
or something blue-collar,
owns a shotgun and a 30 odd six,
drives an American car.
Sounds just like me.
[ALARM BUZZES]
So, how did I do?
Forty five.
No 30 odd six.
[CHUCKLING]
WOMAN: It's just
two nights ago, Earl.
Why can't you remember?
Because you're
making me nervous.
Dragging me out of bed.
Dragging me out here
for a lineup?
The type of thing
I've never been in
my entire life?
Implicating I'm
some kind of killer.
Who said anything
about being a killer, Earl?
You know the TV was full
with what you found out there
day before yesterday
on that river.
WOMAN: Well, we found out
there were coat fibers
matching your jacket--
Oh, bull!
Look, if you're charging me
with being out there
for some kind of reason,
I want a lawyer present.
I'm saying that
in front of everybody here.
I want a lawyer.
Then I guess we better
get you a lawyer, Earl.
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
Hi.
Are you Dr. Benesch?
Yes. Do I know you?
I was transcribing
in the interview room.
I know you from being
a minor functionary
than a stenographer
in the court system.
Corrie Calvin.
I saw you notice him
crack his knuckles.
Ah, what do you think
I made of that,
Ms. Calvin?
Well, he only did it
when he denied something.
CORRIE: When he
was being indignant
is more accurate.
I didn't
notice at first.
It was only
after I saw you noticing
that I concluded
there was a pattern.
But who wouldn't be nervous
under that kind of stress?
PHILIP: Exactly.
See, that's the danger
with presuming guilt
based on one interview.
Everyone's afraid
of the police.
Everyone but you, huh?
That's because
I work with them.
I get to see them
as human beings.
Well...
Nice to talk to you.
GIRL: Give it to me!
Give me the Teddy bear!
Yes, now.
ELLEN: Okay.
I've had enough. No, no.
I told you, if you
did this again,
you're gonna go upstairs.
Hey!
Hey Daddy.
Megan gets a kiss.
Hi, honey.
Hi.
You know that maths test
you helped me study for?
Yeah?
Got an A.
Oh, great.
Hi, sweetheart.
How was your day?
Complex.
I think we got a suspect
in the Russian river case.
Good!
Dad, when's
our next vacation?
[PHONE RINGING]
Why don't you get that?
Yeah. Some creep's been
calling and hanging up.
ELLEN: I think it's a good time
for everybody to go upstairs
and do their homework.
Go on now.
[PHONE RINGING]
Philip Benesch.
PHILIP: Hello?
Who is this?
[HANGS UP]
Did they hang up
when you answered?
Maybe it wasn't me
they wanted.
Well, they probably
won't call again.
You know, when they
hear a man's voice.
[RAIN PATTERING]
Did you think there was
some woman calling for me?
No! Why would
you say that?
Well, it had
to cross my mind.
It wasn't.
Okay.
I thought were gonna try
to work this thing out.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
I know.
I love you.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[BUZZING]
Hey, doc. Look.
They want him moved
to the bridge before we
complete our interviews.
Police have to just
keep him put here
another week.
They didn't
promise you anything.
You'll realize
as you go on.
This guy's
cut seven women.
We don't want some judge
sending him to psychiatry
before we could nail him!
I said, we'll see.
MAN: Why'd you try
to hurt yourself, Earl?
I was afraid on account
of what I know
you people can do.
So, when Bob said, "Do it,"
I cut myself.
No fear, no pain.
[CHUCKLING]
What else did Bob
tell you to do?
That's for me to know
and you to find out?
[EARL CHUCKLING]
You're the one in touch
with Bob. I'm not.
EARL: You're a loser, man.
You see this guy?
He's a loser.
EARL: Who's this?
How'd you look
with a smile across your neck?
[SCREAMING]
Who're you people
sending me?
It's not enough
you're wrecking me?
[SCREAMING]
EARL: [SCREAMING] No!
[SCREAMING]
No!
[SCREAMING]
Oh, God!
[SCREAMING]
[GRUNTING]
[SIGHS IN EXASPERATION]
Since you asked,
I think Mr. Stage
is borderline.
She says annoyingly...
with a healthy dose
of self-hate thrown in.
And don't ask me why, but,
I'm convinced he was
sexually abused as a child.
By the way,
I loved when you said,
"You're in touch with Bob.
I'm not."
How do you know so much
about abnormal
psychology, Corrie?
Both my parents
were analysts at Wisconsin.
I was supposed to be one too
but I ended up a patient.
Amazingly typical,
n'est ce pas?
Anyway, after I
got out of Radcliffe
I kind of petered out
of the occupational world.
San Francisco
was part of my
see-America-first program.
I fell into this job
because of my immense
typing skills.
[CHUCKLES]
But what's really interesting
is what you do.
Forensic psychiatry.
I remember in your paper,
"Healing and Deception"
You read "Healing
and Deception"?
Yes, I did.
Your thesis
that false cure
was the flip side
of the coin of false illness.
I never thought of that.
I'm...
I'm married, Corrie.
I can't, uh...
I'm married.
Everybody is.
I gotta go.
I gotta go
meet my wife. Uh...
PHILIP: We're both busy, so we
grab time
on every weekend.
Nice to see you.
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Hello, Corrie.
Hi.
Fancy meeting you here.
Well, not fancy.
[CHUCKLES]
I was working late.
On our friend Earl.
I had nothing
better to do so I
thought I'd get some air.
What's the point living
in the bay area
if you can't get air?
N'est ce pas?
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Well...
Oh, good night.
See you tomorrow.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Ellen.
[TAPE WHIRRING]
CORRIE: [OVER ANSWERING MACHINE]
Are you home, dear doctor?
Here's a funny coincidence.
I always knew I'd fall in love
with someone I could call,
"Dear Doctor."
Because that's what people
used to call my father.
I can smell the wood burning,
as you think "Oedipus complex."
Don't be mad at me.
Your little Rita Clerambault
can help me.
Rita Clerambault.
Corrie.
Hi.
Did I wake you?
[DOOR OPENS]
Got it?
Where's your lunch?
I'll get it.
Wendy, look!
Who're they for,
Alex?
I don't know!
"To the real Dr. B,
"from a secret admirer."
Ooh, la, la.
Way to go, Dad.
What?
From you?
No.
ALEX: Who sent them?
ALEX: Who sent them, Dad?
I don't know,
but we gotta go to school
because we're gonna be late.
So, let's rush, rush, rush.
[ENGINE REVVING]
[GONGS SOUNDING]
ELLEN: So, who is she, Philip?
This court reporter
I work with.
She's apparently
infatuated with me.
Is there something
going on?
Because if there is,
please have the decency
to tell me.
If there is,
it is completely
one-sided.
I can tell you that.
Just trust me,
will you?
If you let it low,
it'll go away.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
Why do they all
become infatuated with you?
[LAUGHS]
It has nothing
to do with me.
[WINGS FLAPPING]
The very fact
that he attempted suicide
indicates diminished capacity.
WITNESS: I doubt Mr. Stage
can appreciate the difference
between right and wrong
or helpful and unhelpful.
Thank you, Dr. Sanford.
Dr. Sanford always
says the same thing.
ATTORNEY: No questions,
your honor.
We call
Dr. Philip Benesch.
Wouldn't the extreme nature
of a suicide attempt
indicate an unbalanced
mental state?
Not necessarily.
PHILIP: And definitely not,
in this case.
Mr. Stage is...
Mr. Stage is coherent.
He answers questions logically.
And he can tell the difference
between right and wrong.
He may not be medically sane,
but if he is
having fantasies,
they in no way interfere
with his cognitive processes.
So, he can stand trial.
Mr. Lake.
MR. LAKE: Dr. Benesch,
what do you
make of the fact
that the defendant
was incarcerated
in a state mental hospital
for most of his adolescence?
When Mr. Stage
was growing up,
mental hospitals
often warehoused
difficult children.
But he was diagnosed
paranoid psychotic
by his doctors.
Diagnostic procedures
have changed considerably
in the last 20 years.
That he claims to be in touch
with an alter-ego named Bob
who tells him quote,
"to do things."
In my opinion, A,
Bob is a fabrication.
B, even if he is real
to Mr. Stage,
that in no way interferes
with his ability
to comprehend the real world.
What would he have to do
before you'll say he can't
comprehend the real world?
MR. LAKE: Walk on his head
and talk Urdu?
Here we have a man
who has been diagnosed!
ATTORNEY: Objection!
JUDGE: Sustained!
JUDGE: Save that
for your summation, Mr. Lake.
MR. LAKE: Well, score one
for your team.
PHILIP: I thought
he was legally sane.
MR. LAKE: Yeah, right.
MR. LAKE: So is it
rabbit or squirrel?
You know, what gets me is
you get two expert witnesses,
forty years experience
between them.
One says, "A."
The other, "Z."
Defendants' at the mercy
of one wearing
a more convincing...
PHILIP: Ah, bet you can say
the same thing about lawyers.
Lawyers try
to discover the truth.
Philip.
They don't
have to know it.
Dr. Prosser,
how are you?
Good. It's good
to see you.
Are you
on a case?
Yeah. Several.
How are you?
Good. How are you?
Good.
Well, Phil,
I'll see you later.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
Oh, Philip.
We have got
to find a way
to talk to another.
What do you mean?
We are talking.
Oh, that
is such crap!
People around here
don't know
anything about us.
You just draw attention
to the awkwardness
when you behave
so formally.
Let's talk
like friends
Oh, Sheila.
Sheila, look.
Look,
it's just that...
Things are difficult
for me right now.
I'm just trying
to normalize it all.
Does she really
want to be married to you?
I want to be
married to her.
For me?
Hope that's
not a subpoena.
Ah, me too.
Ms. Calvin?
Ms. Calvin.
Got a minute?
Sixteen to be exact.
I'm all yours.
They wanted $15
for the returned check
for 11/81.
I asked them why they
didn't just take the 319
from my credit line
if they're gonna
take the 15 from there
if I honored the check?
I wished you were
there to help me.
Corrie, do you own
a white Honda Accord?
But I wanted a Jaguar.
Were you the one
parked on my street
this morning
that delivered the flowers
to my doorstep?
Hope there's
a right answer.
Did you leave a message
on my answering machine
last night
as Rita Clerambault?
Shocking liberties.
CORRIE: Will you forgive her?
It upsets my wife
when you do things like that.
Frankly, I don't understand
why you are doing it. We...
We hardly know one another.
Oh, it's just admiration
bordering on love.
[CHUCKLING]
You can't be serious.
CORRIE: If you
meet and just know...
I knew the minute
I saw you in the hall
with that Italian detective.
Long before
we worked together.
I could've,
well, you know, if one
didn't believe in kismet,
one might've tried
to make something happen.
I knew there were
stronger forces that would
bring us together.
So, how do you think
I feel about you, Corrie?
Go ahead.
Put me on the spot.
Want me to tell you?
[GLASS BREAKING]
PHILIP: I'm kinda
getting the feeling that
you want something from me
that I just can't give you.
Look, I love my wife very much.
I'm not looking for anyone else.
Oh, well, it's
still new to you.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Ms. Calvin.
I'm gonna put you in contact
with another psychiatrist.
His name is Mike Dann.
He's a good man.
I think he can help you.
Go see him.
In the meantime,
I...
I want you to stop writing me,
stop calling me,
stop all contact with me.
Well, it was thoughtless...
I tend to go
too fast sometimes.
It won't happen again.
The problem is,
love is blind.
You haven't understood
a thing I've said to you,
have you?
I don't want you
to bother me anymore.
Don't write, don't call,
don't follow me.
If you want help,
I'll help you.
Otherwise, just leave me alone.
I'm always paying on the go.
Doesn't the man ever rest?
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
You didn't sleep with her,
and she's not paranoid.
Uh, she knows what she is.
She left a message
on my answering machine
as Rita Clerambault.
Clerambault?
The guy who did
the first work on erotomania?
She she's an erotomaniac
from hell
sent here
to punish you
for your sins.
Ellen would
see it like that.
Not for those sins.
For finding
every poor bastard
who talks to God sane.
Legally, most of them are.
And so is she.
But you can't
lock her up, so
you want me
to see her.
Okay.
What's her name?
How can I make an appointment
if I don't know her name?
Corrie.
PHILIP: Corrie Calvin.
Like John Calvin?
MIKE: Oh, brother.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[PHONE RINGING]
[CALVIN'S VOICE
ON ANSWERING MACHINE]
Hi! Leave a message.
[BEEPS]
PHILIP: Ms. Calvin.
I spoke to Dr. Dann.
He's expect to hear from you.
So, please call him.
[HANGS UP]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[KIDS LAUGHING]
[CHATTERING]
Hey, girls, go out
to the Patio, all right?
I want everybody out.
We don't want
to wreck the surprise.
Are you almost ready?
The neighbors are right there.
Yes, yes, yes.
I just have
to wipe the candles.
I'll be there.
Just get everybody ready.
ELLEN: No more kids
in the house.
Come on, girls!
All right, grab what you want
and go.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
I'll get it.
Is this the Benesch household?
Um, yeah.
You got it.
I am the singing rabbit.
And I have a delivery
for one Ms. Alex Benesch.
Yes, she right in here.
Come on in.
WENDY: Alex!
Happy birthday!
[CHEERING AND CLAMORING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
[CLAMORING]
ALEX: Aw.
ELLEN: Oh, sweetie. Thanks.
Oh, honey.
Wendy can you
get me some towels?
Please help us with this.
Let's go to the kitchen
and clean this up.
ELLEN: Oh, dear.
Get the hell away
from my house.
It's all right.
I can call Veneto's
and order in another one.
[GROANS]
I don't know.
It just slipped
out of my hands.
I gotta go
apologize to Alex.
Hey, Wendy.
Yeah, that's good, sweetie.
Could I have a towel here?
Doc, I read your report.
It's great.
We're gonna
fire this bastard.
I just wrote
what I found.
Exactly.
It's gonna fry, doc.
We've gotta stop
meeting like this.
What the hell do you think
you're doing, Ms. Calvin?
You may be malicious,
just plain delusional
but whatever it is,
you stay away from me
and my family.
Do you understand me?
[SIGHS IN EXASPERATION]
You pull stuff
like that again,
I'll get
a restraining order
against you.
I have, not now,
or ever been, interested
in this little
game of yours.
You take it
somewhere else.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Hello?
Hello?
Hello?
Is Dr. Benesch there?
No, he's not in right now.
Could I take a message?
No, thanks.
I'll call back.
[HANGS UP]
Oh, well.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[CLICKS]
[WATER FLOWING]
[VALVE CLOSES]
[TEARS]
[TEARS]
[FLUSHES]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
[RATTLING]
Well...
Aren't you ever gonna go...
[GUNSHOT]
[CREAKS]
[KNOCKING AT DOOR]
MAN: [YELLING] I know, I know.
I'll check it out.
WOMAN: Check from inside!
You okay in here?
WOMAN: Call the police.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
[TRAIN CHUGGING]
PHILIP: Well,
absolutely nothing.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
You see, when someone
creates a heinous crime,
we think that it is so bad
the person necessarily must
have been insane to create it.
All right?
Right. Wrong!
[STUDENTS LAUGHING]
PHILIP:Well, Fracinetti.
I didn't see your name
on the list for my class.
FRACINETTI: Well, no.
But I learned
a lot from you.
Do you know
Detective Geer?
How do you do?
How do you do?
You got a minute?
Yeah, sure.
We want to ask you
a few questions
about Corrie Calvin.
Considering her
psychological disposition?
Yes, and no.
How well did you
know her, doctor?
Not at all, really.
She took transcription
for me with Earl Stage.
What do you
mean, "Did?"
Were you
sleeping
with her?
What kind
of question
is that?
I just told you
I didn't
know her.
She left
a diary.
What do you
mean, "Left"?
It was very explicit
about sex with you.
Pages and pages.
If you did half the stuff
she said you did, doc,
you should be
in Playboy Advisor
or something.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Look.
Corrie's an erotomaniac.
That's someone who fantasizes
relationships that don't exist.
They pick an object,
in this case, me,
create a universe
that's coherent
except that it's
completely imagined.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
I never touched
Corrie Calvin.
So, you never
slept with her?
I would have to touch her
to do that, now, wouldn't I?
Why are you
asking me all this?
One more question.
Where were you between eight
and ten last night?
I said, why are you
asking me--
That's when
she was murdered, doc.
Murdered?
Now, wait a minute.
Who was murdered?
Corrie.
Helen doesn't know you
like I know you.
Corrie Calvin
was murdered?
How? By who?
She was shot.
So, if you have some place
that you can verify,
that'd be great.
I was...
I was with a friend
who has a report.
And you can
verify that, right?
FRACINETTI: Good. Thank you.
I think our minute's up.
And we'll be
on our way.
If we need you,
we'll be in touch.
Good to see you.
Thanks.
Thank you.
What'd you stop me for?
Well, we got
plenty of time.
Here you go, sir.
Thanks, Mike.
I assume you
heard about Corrie.
The cops woke me up
at 5 a.m.
They talk about me?
It's all
they talk about.
Who is this Helen Geer?
I told her I didn't give a damn
what kind of physical evidence
they found in the room
but you didn't
kill anybody.
Oh, wait a minute.
They actually implied
that I might have killed her?
They believe that?
They'd sooner tell you that
then me, buddy.
I wouldn't talk to her.
Not without a court order.
I'm not sure
what's going on here.
How do you mean?
The cops think
it's a homicide.
Where were you
last night, Phil?
Huh?
Just in case.
Uh, I was
at a friend's.
Have Fracinetti call me
when he gets in, will you?
Philip Benesch.
Right.
Thank you.
[RAIN PATTERING]
[ROARING PLAYFULLY]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Good night, sweetie.
Love you.
Love you too.
WENDY: Good night, Mom.
Good night. Dad.
ELLEN: Remember
to brush your teeth!
[GROANS]
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Is everything
all right at work?
You seem tired.
I'm not that tired.
[MUSIC PLAYING ON TV]
NEWSREPORTER ON TV:
Good evening, it's 9 'o clock.
Maybe we should
take this upstairs.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Good idea.
Her body has been found
in her apartment.
Police are searching
for clues.
I'm Connie Colla.
Join us for these stories
and more coming up
on the news at eleven.
[CLICKS]
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR OPENS]
I'll be right with you,
Mr. George.
[DOOR OPENS]
What the hell are you doing
coming here, Fracinetti?
I'd like to know where you were
between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
on February 8th.
Oh, is this
an official visit?
If it is, I already told you
what I know about--
Your fingerprints
are in her room.
I was never
in her room.
On a coffee cup.
We also found traces
of blood on her hands
which matches
your own.
Her will was
made out to you.
There was a letter
to your wife
under the kitchen linoleum
detailing your affair.
This is crazy.
Look.
Call Mike Dann, will you?
After I realized
she was following me,
I referred her to him.
He can tell you
how disturbed she was.
Could you tell us
where you were, doctor?
I was...
I was at Dr. Sheila
Prosser's apartment.
She can verify that?
No.
Someone left a message
on my answering machine
asking me
to meet Dr. Prosser
at her apartment
on the night
of the eighth.
But, she never arrived.
There was another message
saying she had been
called for an emergency.
Did she leave
the messages, doc?
No.
Did you
save the messages?
No, I had
no reason to.
How did you
get into her apartment.
I have a key.
Now if you'll excuse me,
I have a patient waiting.
[DOOR OPENS]
So, you think
she set you up?
[SCOFFS]
I feel like
I'm in a Kafka novel.
To deny something
that never happened.
All my friends
are my enemies,
and my enemies...
Not the way
it really ends.
Gee, Phil, there's
lots of lawyers out there.
Why not call
one of them?
I don't know.
I've never called
the criminal attorney before.
It's the last thing
I've imagined
having to do.
I guess I called you
because I know you.
Oh, hell, I'll just
give you the advice
I always give anyone.
Don't talk to them
without a lawyer.
Why would she
do this to me?
They already have
plenty of evidence
to arrest you.
If it was anyone else,
you'd have been arrested.
I hardly know this woman.
She had no reason--
Look,
I gotta run.
If you want
to retain me,
you can.
If not, I'll
recommend someone.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
Hey!
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Hey.
How was your day,
Sweetie?
Fine.
Good.
All right. Let's
get your seat belts on.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[ENGINE REVVING]
So you girls just settle down
and stay here in the car.
What are they
doing here, Dad?
I'll go find out.
Quiet, Alex.
[CRYING]
Alex, can't you see
something's happening?
PHILIP: What's going on?
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
What the hell
are you doing
in my house?
Could we
talk over there,
Dr. Benesch?
I'll remember your department.
Why are you
searching my house?
At least have
the courtesy to tell me
what's going on.
Who the hell
do you think you are?
You're under arrest, doctor.
Ah, this is ridiculous.
You know
I didn't kill her.
ALEX: What's going on?
Dad?
Girls, come here.
Come here.
Philip.
We don't want
to handcuff you
in front of your wife,
so I want you
to sit here, right here
and not make a sound
until I'm through.
[YELLING]
Nothing.
Not a sound!
[SIGHING IN EXHAUSTION]
Uh, it's kinda
confusing right now,
all right?
So, I want you two
to go upstairs.
Just go upstairs.
And I'll come up
and try to explain
what's happening. Okay?
[SCOFFS]
Look.
COP: Yeah, I'll be down
in a second.
Philip,
what is going on?
I don't know how
this whole stuff happened.
It's like some kind
of bad dream.
[BUZZING]
I talked to Lake,
and he said they have
a very strong case against you.
It's just circumstantial.
He's afraid
he can't get you bail.
We'll make bail.
Don't worry.
Don't worry?
This is murder
we're talking about.
I didn't kill her!
Look, we've known each other
more than half our lives.
You cannot believe
that I killed this woman.
You and your damn secrets.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
How're the kids
handling everything?
They're not talking
right now.
Well, uh...
Look, this is what
I think you
ought to do.
Oh, no.
No, don't.
Don't you tell me
how to deal with the kids.
You're not in a position
to be giving me orders.
I'm not giving you orders.
I'm just concerned--
You're concerned?
I'm the one
who has to deal with them.
You're not the only one
affected by this.
[BUZZING]
OFFICER: Time's up.
You gotta go.
Philip, I'm sorry.
Um...
I'm gonna
get the kids settled,
and then I'll...
I'll see
what I can do.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
MAN: Hey.
Hey!
You can't
put him in here.
There are no spies
allowed in here.
Bye, spy!
It's not easy here!
I have a camera
in my brain!
It's gonna come!
I need a gun to kill!
[SCREAMING]
God!
[BUZZING]
[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
Could you
do something for him?
Tranquilize him
or something?
[SCREAMING]
Anybody hear that man?
He needs some help!
[SCREAMING]
Oh, doc!
[DOOR CLOSES AND LOCKS]
[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
EARL: [SCREAMING]
I'm gonna die!
Have a seat.
This way.
JUDGE: People
vs. Philip Benesch MD
one count 1113.
Is Mr. Lake
representing you?
I am, your honor.
How do you plead?
Not guilty,
your honor.
And who's
trying the case?
I am, your honor.
We ask no bail.
This is a capital offense
with premeditation.
MR. LAKE: Your honor,
Dr. Benesch poses no threat
to himself or to others.
and including Ms. Rospel Hammon
whom he worked with
for seven years until yesterday.
The entire court community
knows Dr. Benesch.
They can vouch
for his past reliability.
Your honor.
JUDGE: No, I agree
with Mr. Lake, counselor.
I'm setting bail
in this case at $500,000.
JUDGE: Next.
[BUZZING]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[BUZZING]
Sorry. I got held up.
You okay.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
MR. LAKE: Where do you wanna go?
Is Ellen
at your office?
No, she
didn't make it.
Why not?
The kids
are pretty upset.
But she said
they'll call.
Les? Yeah,
this is Leslie White.
She's my second.
She'll take notes
as we go along.
You want
some coffee?
They feed you?
Yeah, coffee would be great.
Just one.
MR. LAKE: So,
the murder weapon
was in your name.
What?
She was killed
with your gun.
Any idea
how she might've
gotten it?
PHILIP: No, I...
I kept it
in my desk
at my office.
They recovered traces
of your blood in her hands
underneath her fingernails.
They, uh,
found her apartment
full of memorabilia
devoted to you
which suggest to them
that you knew each other well.
Were they
personal photographs?
Yeah, a couple.
What photographs?
You were seen
in each other's company,
bla bla bla...
We got coffee
once or twice
for lunch.
Yes, unimportant.
Okay.
You claim that you were
at Sheila Prosser's apartment
the night of the murder
but she can't verify.
She said she didn't
invite you.
Is that true?
She didn't
make the call.
Did you save
any messages?
Now, why would
I do that?
Why would I give myself
an alibi that I knew
wouldn't hold up?
I mean, if I killed her,
I wouldn't had said anything
that I knew
would be contradictory
Now, wouldn't I?
Look, I gotta tell you.
I think Corrie
had a history
of harassing people.
Corrie has no history.
What do you mean no history?
Just that. She doesn't exist
before 1990.
No name, no social security,
no nothing.
So, what about the blood?
[SCOFFS]
I don't know.
Also, your fingerprints were
found in her apartment
on a coffee cup.
Does the cup
match the ones
in Corrie's cupboard?
Yep.
If the coffee cup
matches the one
from the restaurant
where we had lunch,
maybe she stole it
and bought a set.
PHILIP: I gotta tell you.
I think
she planned this thing
very deliberately.
I'll say.
Well, so far,
we'll say she stole your gun,
your blood, your fingerprints.
Now, here's what they'll say.
You're having
an affair with Corrie.
She threatened
to tell your wife.
She wouldn't listen
when you begged her not to,
you know Ellen would leave you
if she found out about Corrie,
so you killed Corrie
to save your marriage
and your reputation.
Well, that all makes
perfect sense, doesn't it?
Except it is not true.
True? What's true?
The important thing
is, it'll play.
[RAIN PATTERING]
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[DIAL TONE]
[SNIFFLES]
[DIGITAL BEEPING]
[PHONE RINGING]
ELLEN: [OVER PHONE] Hello?
Yeah, hi, it's me.
Hi. You okay?
[SIGHS GRIMLY]
I'm okay.
Really?
I miss you.
How're the kids?
[SIGHS]
They're upset.
Look, tell 'em I'm, uh...
I'm sorry that they've
been hurt by all this. Okay?
I know.
They need to talk to you,
you know?
Can I see you?
Well, maybe...
Maybe you could
come out down Saturday.
Philip?
Philip?
What? Yeah, yeah.
I'm still here.
Uh...
Saturday.
Saturday.
I'll see you, Sweetie. Bye.
[HANGS UP]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[PLACES PHONE RECEIVER]
[TEARS]
MAN: Hey, buddy.
You busy?
[LAUGHS SARCASTICALLY]
On the contrary.
All my patients
seem to have the flu.
Come on in.
Phil, you made a bad mistake
sending the cops to me.
Yeah? Why's that?
They subpoenaed
the file.
There was a letter
from you in it?
I never wrote to her!
A love letter.
I hated like hell to give
it to them but I had to.
Was there a heading,
"Dear Corrie?
If there was,
we'll prove
she forged it.
No, there was
something else.
Photograph.
She brought it in
to prove you were
having an affair.
I could kick myself
for not destroying it.
I don't know
why the hell
I didn't.
Hey, Phil,
where're you going?
She had
to have stolen
the stuff from you.
How? How would she
even know about them?
I don't know.
She'd do anything.
Uh...
Look, people knew
we were having an affair.
They're all here.
There were only nine.
Are you positive?
Would you
like to count them?
The photos
are all here too.
At least the ones
I can remember.
Where were you
the night we were
supposed to meet?
The night
Corrie was killed.
I told
the police already.
I was
with a suicidal patient
in a bar.
Somebody new.
I hadn't been seeing her
for very long.
How old was she?
Mid twenties?
Anything odd
about her?
Yeah, her hair.
It was a wig.
A wig.
[SCOFFS]
You think
the patient...
Oh, my God.
And the bar
was that little place
around the corner block?
The Eldridge Arms.
Her name was June Lord.
Missed her
last two appointments.
She thought
of everything.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
Excited to see
your daddy, honey?
Yeah.
When's he coming?
He should
be here any minute.
Want a piece
of apple?
[ENGINE REVVING]
Your daddy's here.
Run, run, run, run.
Give him a big hug.
Wendy. Dad's here.
Hey, sweetheart!
Give me a hug,
will you?
[KISSES]
Are you staying
through the night?
I gotta be
back by midnight.
You can stay.
Where's Wendy? Huh?
PHILIP: Do you
know where she is?
Tell me
your new friend's name.
Her name's Deborah.
-Yeah?
-Her mother is good baker.
She makes great breads
with her mother.
Oh, did you
eat 'em all up?
Yes.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
How about you, Wendy?
Got any new friends
up here?
WENDY: They're okay.
Hey.
Remember that game
we used to play?
You'd tell me anything,
any problems you had
I'd just say the magic words,
and make everything all right?
I was a kid, then.
Besides, you haven't
played that with me
in years.
Okay, then
why don't you just
tell me what's wrong?
The kids up here
don't want
to be my friend.
They don't want
to be friends with...
Friends with kids
whose Dads...
[SIGHS WEARILY]
It's okay, Wendy.
You can say it.
Killed somebody.
Okay?
Okay, Dad?
Hey, I didn't
kill anyone.
Then how come
they arrested you?
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Go away.
The whole thing's
been hard on us all.
The whole family.
[TEARFULLY]
You hurt mom.
Why did you do that?
Well...
I can tell you this.
I didn't mean to.
[SIGHS]
Look.
The woman who died
wanted to hurt me
for some reason.
I don't know why.
PHILIP: But I want you
to understand something.
Nothing in the world is
more important to me right now.
And you believe me
when I tell you
I didn't do anything
to that woman.
Nothing.
Baby.
You've been drinking a lot.
Yeah, well,
what's a lot?
ELLEN: You know
what I mean.
You don't usually
have scotch for dessert.
Usually what?
Please don't use
that tone of voice with me.
And what tone
is that?
Cold, superior.
Look, I'm just
trying to help you.
You're not helping a lot
by staying up here.
Well, what do you
suggest I do?
Leave the girls here
by themselves?
[SIGHS]
You come in one day a week
just to show solidarity.
Solidarity?
You asked me to believe you
and I did.
Don't you talk to me
about solidarity
when the damn newspapers
know more about what's
going on in my life
than I do.
Because the papers
could handle it.
Look what happened
when you found out.
Oh, of course,
I forgot.
It's my fault you lied.
I never lied to you
about Corrie.
Oh, you left out
a few juicy details.
[YELLING]
What the hell
do you want me to do?
You want me
to hang myself?
Jesus!
Look.
My point is,
I need you
and you're not there.
The point is,
you need me when it's
convenient for you.
The girls need me.
Period.
[CHUCKLES]
You know what this is?
This is Corrie's revenge.
I saw all of this.
You know sometimes
I lay awake at night
hating her so much
I want to kill her
and hating her
even more because
she's already dead.
Hey.
Will you
stand up for me?
God, I'm
so sorry for you.
I really, really am.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[CRICKETS CHIRPING]
MR. LAKE: Oh,
Lake asked me
to have you call him
about what to wear
to the trial.
Philip.
Yeah, remember.
Look innocent.
Just look straight
at the person
asking you the question.
MR. LAKE: You'll be fine.
ATTORNEY: A Psychiatrist.
A wealthy respected member
of the community
meets a young woman,
vulnerable,
with no ties,
no power.
They have a brief affair.
Passionate for her.
Just a convenience,
for him.
When it's over,
he lets her go.
But she doesn't
go away.
This woman with nobody
to mourn her in the world.
She becomes a nuisance,
hangs around.
And so, this man.
This man
with everything to lose
did what he felt
he had to do
so that Corrie Calvin
wouldn't bother him anymore.
MR. LAKE: There was no murder.
So,
Dr. Benesch
cannot be a murderer.
A very sick woman,
angry with Dr. Benesch
because he wouldn't
respond to her advances
committed suicide
in a way that made it seem
like Dr. Benesch killed her.
MR. LAKE:She stole his gun.
She planted a cup
with his fingerprints
on it in her apartment.
She stole letters
he had written to others
to make it look
like he'd written them to her.
In other words,
ladies and gentlemen,
she engineered a plot
at the expense of her life
that if you fall into it,
it will make you the jury
guilty of the murder.
Not Dr. Benesch.
Detective Fracinetti, please.
Philip.
Doc?
Hi, Fracinetti.
How're you doing?
What don't I know?
You've got it all, doc.
Nothing. Nada.
Get me
into Corrie's apartment.
Doc, we went over that place
with a fine tooth comb.
There's nothing there.
We got everything.
I'll tell you what. Just...
I'll call you.
Don't call me,
all right?
ATTORNEY: The love letter
whose handwriting
was identified as Dr. Benesch's
and the photograph
came from Dr. Dann?
Yes, they were
in Dr. Dann's file
on Corrie
which we subpoenaed.
Could you describe
this photograph
for the jury?
Objection.
They've already seen--
JUDGE: Overruled.
Based on our analysis
of shell markings,
there is no doubt
whatsoever
that Benesch's gun
was the murder weapon.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[MOTOR REVVING]
[CLICKS]
[TEARING]
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[CLICKS]
[DOOR CREAKS]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
BC 14.
Clerambault was the psychiatrist
who did the initial research
on Erotomania.
So? What do you
got there?
One second.
So, by using that name,
it means she was
diagnosed by a doctor
as an erotomaniac
before she came here.
She used the name as a clue.
She expected me to know it.
No Rita Clerambault
on file at RC&P.
Well...
I don't know.
Try Corrie Calvin again.
You never know when someone
is asleep at the wheel.
LESLIE: I'm running a program
that will print out every
possible permutation
of the name Corrie Calvin.
Just in case that's
not her real name,
and she changed it.
[THUDS]
I think we just struck oil.
What?
No police complaints
in Vancouver
See if there are
any sealed complaints.
I can't get in.
Phil, you got a police
clearance number?
Sure.
Is it still any good?
LESLIE: Bingo.
Okay, in 1988,
a man named Robert Clarke
filed two complaints
with the Vancouver police
Callie Colvin
hanged his pet dog.
God. Who was this guy?
What do they
have on Clarke?
He's the psychiatrist.
How did yo know?
PHILIP: He's married
with two children.
How did you know?
Forty five years old.
White, an expert witness.
[LAUGHING]
[CHUCKLING]
ATTORNEY: How long
have you known
the defendant, Dr. Dann?
Eighteen years. I want
to make it clear
I'm here on subpoena.
Not because I want
to testify for you.
MIKE: I also want
to make it clear
that I'm not
Dr. Benesch's psychiatrist.
Just his friend.
During the twelve
of those years Dr. Benesch
was married,
how many affairs
did he confide in you?
MR. LAKE: Objection.
Your honor, Dr. Benesch's
sexual history is relevant
to our contention
he seduced Corrie.
Overruled.
Three.
[CLAMORING]
MR. LAKE: Was the knowledge
that Dr. Benesch
was a chronic philanderer--
MR. LAKE: Objection!
Your, honor.
ATTORNEY: I'll rephrase.
Did these affairs
change your mind
about whether Dr. Benesch
had slept with Corrie?
MIKE: They didn't
change my mind.
ATTORNEY: Then
what do you
call it, doctor?
When Dr. Benesch
referred Corrie to you,
you accepted his diagnosis
of her as an erotomaniac.
Someone who makes up
non-existent love affairs.
ATTORNEY: After she
showed you the photograph
and the letter,
you felt that she
and Dr. Benesch had had sex.
MIKE: No, I felt
it was possible.
ATTORNEY: You said,
in grand jury testimony,
I quote,
"The letter
and the photograph...
Clarke didn't
return my phone calls.
I left messages
for him in his home.
You mean, a passionate
love letter from Dr. Benesch
to the deceased was
only momentarily convincing?
What do you need,
Dr. Dann?
To be there?
MR. LAKE: What?
You want to what?
You can't leave the state
let alone the country.
Well, I am going.
I speak his language.
What, they don't
speak English
up there anymore?
Come on.
Look, I'll
wait for you.
Remember.
We need her.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[SIGHS WEARILY]
ELLEN: You lied to me.
Yeah, I did
You know what's
really amazing?
You've made me
so angry
I don't care
whether they
convict you or not.
You might be innocent,
and I don't give a damn.
A terrible thing to feel
about someone you love.
[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING]
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[ENGINE REVVING]
[TIRES SCREECHING]
Could I offer you
some coffee, Dr. Benesch?
No, thanks.
I had breakfast
on my way up.
Do you recognize
this woman?
Not off-hand.
A great many students
pass through BC.
But not a great many
that you complained
to the police about.
Can I see it again?
You're referring
to Callie Colvin.
Is this important,
doctor?
I'm on trial
for murdering her.
I see.
And did you?
She killed herself.
Made it look
as though I killed her.
Why would
anyone do that?
Because she
thought I was you.
Not literally,
of course.
CLARKE: Of course.
I think she was obsessed
with you for years.
I know she wanted
to hurt you.
But you
got beyond her
so she did
the next best thing.
She found someone
who resembled you
as closely
as possible.
A forensic psychiatrist,
married,
who had affairs.
A surrogate.
She left clues--
My wife.
She left clues
because she wanted me
to find you.
And tell you
how she constructed
her revenge.
I didn't kill her.
I hardly knew her.
She could kill me
because of what
she thinks you did to her.
That sounds paranoid.
Doesn't it, doctor?
[SCOFFS]
It would be,
if you hadn't lodged
those sealed complaints
with the police.
They're
in our files.
Did you sleep
with her?
No.
But, testifying for you,
it could destroy my marriage.
I'm on trial
for my life, doctor.
My family's life.
It was clever of Phil
to find you, Dr. Clarke.
To figure it out.
I rather wish he hadn't.
Even though
you may save his life?
An innocent man's life?
CLARKE: So, you say.
I wanted
to kill Carrie many times.
Dr. Benesch may not
have had my self-control.
Look, I don't
want to hurt you, doctor.
I also don't want
to let my client
die for nothing.
Now, I'm gonna ask you
some questions
the prosecution
is going to ask.
Don't be offended.
Did you
sleep with Corrie?
No.
You're under oath,
doctor.
She claims you did.
It's in her affidavit
to the police.
CLARKE: Nonetheless,
I did not.
MR. LAKE: So she lied.
CLARKE: Yes.
There was a department
of psychiatry hearing
into your problems
with Corrie, wasn't there?
Yes.
In it, they asked you
why you waited
eleven months
before you moved
to have her dismissed
as department secretary?
During those eleven months,
she called your house
at odd hours,
she camped out
on your door step,
she attacked your wife,
left piles of feces
in your car
broke windows
in your office
and hanged
your pet Schnauzer
from a tree
in your front yard.
So, why did you
wait eleven months?
Because clearly--
MR. LAKE: You didn't meet Corrie
as chairman of the department
of Psychiatry
You met her
as your patient, didn't you?
You couldn't
complain about Corrie
because what you knew
about her was in confidence.
But what she knew
about you wasn't.
You realized early on,
you'd made a terrible mistake
with Corrie
that you had
to wait eleven months
to extricate yourself
cause your only hope was
to accumulate enough evidence
that she was insane
that any normal person
would discount her claim
that you had slept with her.
But you had,
hadn't you?
Now, don't lie
to me, doctor.
My client could go
to the electric chair,
if you lie.
I slept
with her once.
PHILIP: What the hell
do you mean,
"We can't use her?"
She still harassed him,
the complaint is still
with the police.
No way. You put him on the stand
Rospel Hammon's gonna
break him within minutes.
Then she will argue
that you and Clarke
are peas in a pod.
Powerful shrinks who seduced
a sick, helpless girl,
humiliate her
when she begs for love
and dump her when you're done.
He fires her.
You kill her.
I'll have Les put him
on the next bus home.
Let's just pray
they don't find out
he exists.
Wait for me.
We'll get something to eat.
Phil, we gotta
call your wife.
I already
told you. No.
Look, juries expect
wives to testify
for their husbands.
They need that.
No. They'll crucify her.
I won't let 'em!
You won't be able to stop 'em.
Oh, you're afraid
they're gonna make her cry?
Is that it?
Is that what
you're worried about?
No, damn it.
I'm not afraid they're
gonna make her cry.
Then what?
You know what
I'm really afraid of?
I'm afraid
she thinks I did it.
That's what
I'm really afraid of.
[SIGHS SOFTLY]
Nonsense.
[SIGHS IN EXASPERATION]
See if you can
follow this, okay?
You write
a love letter
to Sheila
that ends up
in Mike Dann's files
as a letter
to Corrie.
Now, the handwriting
is genuine.
It means either
you wrote the letter
to Corrie,
or Corrie stole it
from someone you did
write it to, that is Sheila.
Yeah, yeah, we've
already been over all this.
If Sheila has
all the letters
you wrote her,
Corrie must've copied
the stolen letter
and left the copy
in Sheila's file.
[ENCHANTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
So if Sheila has
a forged letter
in her file,
we're home free, man.
[DOORBELL BUZZES]
[DOORBELL BUZZES]
It's Philip.
It's important, Sheila.
MR. LAKE: We need
to see a letter
that Phil wrote to you.
We're fairly certain
Corrie stole the original
and we'd really
like to take a look
at what you've got.
Oh, my God.
What's wrong?
I burned them.
You burned them?
What do you mean
you burned them?
After you came here,
I thought they were
compromising
to both of us, so
and I burned them.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Mrs. Benesch.
When did you first learn
your husband had affairs?
About a year ago,
I found a letter
from one of his lovers.
MR. LAKE: Sheila Prosser.
Yes.
Did you know
about his other affairs
before this trial?
No.
Did you know
about Corrie Calvin?
Not specifically.
What do you mean,
not specifically?
ELLEN: A woman
came to our house
to our daughter's
birthday party
dressed as a rabbit.
And later, I learned
that it was Corrie Calvin.
Later, meaning
after Corrie died.
Yes.
Did you
see her again?
I believe she was parked
in front of our house,
sitting in a car.
But I don't really remember
if that was before
or after the party
but she was in the car
just sitting.
Just... sitting.
Just sitting
and staring.
And the next thing you know,
Corrie had died and the police
were at your house.
Yes.
Mrs. Benesch, you've been
married to your husband
for twelve years.
Did he
ever hit you?
No.
Was he ever violent
with the children?
With animals?
No. No.
Pets?
Does he have a temper?
No, my husband
is very logical.
Does your husband lie,
Mrs. Benesch?
Yes.
ELLEN: But, mostly
by omission.
Meaning?
It's what he doesn't say
that's the lie,
not what he does.
MR. LAKE: Did you
ask your husband
if he killed Corrie Calvin?
Yes.
What did he say?
He said he didn't.
MR. LAKE: Do you
believe him?
Yes.
My husband isn't
the type of man to kill.
ELLEN: He doesn't
need to do that
to get what he wants.
He's a psychiatrist.
What if Corrie
threatened to tell you
they were having an affair,
even though they weren't?
What if Phil
couldn't stop her?
Would he kill her then?
No.
My husband
didn't love me enough
to kill for our marriage.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
MR. LAKE: No further questions.
Thank you, Mrs. Benesch.
[COUGHS]
ATTORNEY: Mrs. Benesch,
how long was your husband
sleeping with Dr. Prosser
before you
found out about it?
About a year.
And the one
before that?
I wouldn't know.
And the one
before that?
Objection. Your honor,
she's badgering the witness.
JUDGE: Overruled.
So you really know
very little
about your husband's
emotional life
in some ways.
Wouldn't you say?
Is your husband
the type of man
to write passionate
love letters?
I don't know exactly
what you're trying to say.
Is he,
in your experience of him
the type of man
who would write,
"When I think of you
standing naked--
Objection, your honor.
The witness has
nothing to add
to this letter.
Overruled.
ATTORNEY: Thank you,
your honor.
"Standing naked
in the middle of my office
Excuse me. I...
PHILIP: Why are you
doing this to her?
Why are you deliberately
humiliating her?
[SLAMS GAVEL]
JUDGE: Dr. Benesch
One more outburst
and I'll have you restrained.
Your honor,
the defense requests
a five minute recess.
Denied.
Continue, counsel.
It's obvious you don't
know your husband
very well at all.
MR. LAKE: Objection, your honor!
JUDGE: No gratuitous remarks,
counsel.
No further questions
at this time.
JUDGE: Fine. In that case,
we'll recess
for the rest of the day.
[SLAMS GAVEL]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[SIGHS]
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
You know, sometimes
it just dies.
And there's nothing
you can do
to get it back.
[SNIFFLES]
Why punish everybody
by trying?
Hey, look. I...
You know, I was
remembering this time
when you picked me up
after school.
It was
raining outside and
I had this impulse
to make you
pull away to the side
of the road
to make love to me.
But I didn't say anything
about it, because
I'd never done anything
like that before.
And part of me thought
you wouldn't want to.
You wouldn't want to.
I'm sorry I didn't
take that chance.
Because now I realize a lot
of other women were
living out my fantasy.
[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING]
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[TV COMMENTATOR COMMENTATING]
I don't know
what to do, Phil.
I mean, I can
put you on the stand.
I'm just afraid
she's gonna tear you
into pieces.
Maybe we gotta think
about cutting a deal here.
Look. She must've
slipped up somewhere.
Who?
Corrie.
She had to have
left something.
The trap wouldn't have
worked for her if she
hadn't have left a clue.
She needed people
to understand
how clever she was.
Larry.
Come on.
Let's go back over there.
Come back.
What are you, nuts?
Phil.
Well, this is grim.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[CLICKS]
[SIGHS WEARILY]
This is a waste
of time, Phil.
There's nothing here.
[MUSIC PLAYING ON TV]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
I'll take care
of both of them.
Get some rest.
Don't get your hopes
too high.
I have to.
I have to hope.
Dr. Benesch, you've been
forensic psychiatrist
for many years.
During that time,
how do you feel
about the legal system?
I thought
it was too lenient.
You thought people
who should've
been convicted got off.
I saw it happen.
Many times.
Have you changed your mind
since your recent experiences
with it?
Somewhat.
MR. LAKE: How?
Oh, I realize everyone
sees what they wanna see.
The police find
incriminating evidence,
the DA finds a case,
the defense
finds loopholes,
the defense psychiatrist
finds diminished capacity
and the State's psychiatrist
finds no diminished capacity.
And the truth?
Now, that's
harder to find.
Dr. Benesch, when did you
first meet Corrie Calvin?
PHILIP: About six months ago.
She was a court stenographer.
She first approached me
after a case
where she took notes.
What was
your impression of her?
PHILIP: She was very smart.
Very attractive.
Self-deprecating.
When did
your impression change?
Well, she...
She started
turning up everywhere.
On the ferry,
my house.
She kept calling
and leaving messages
on my answering service,
writing me letters.
You see, everywhere I looked,
there she was smiling
and flirting.
[MAN COUGHS]
Did you sleep
with her?
No.
Did you kill her?
No, I did not.
MR. LAKE: Did you ever
write her a love letter?
PHILIP: No.
Well...
Well, how do you
explain this letter
in your handwriting
which the state alleges
you wrote to Corrie?
I wrote that letter
to Sheila Prosser.
Corrie stole it
and made a copy.
And left the copy
in Sheila's apartment.
What happened
to the copy?
Sheila burned it
along with the other letters
that I wrote to her.
Burned it.
Dr. Benesch,
have you ever
broken the law?
PHILIP: Twice.
MR. LAKE: How?
PHILIP: I crossed
a police line to get
into Corrie Calvin's apartment.
I was looking for something,
for anything, that might
help to prove
my innocence.
Did you find it?
PHILIP: Yes, I did.
That blue book
you're holding.
Objection.
This wasn't
entered as evidence.
It was in the apartment
which is all states'
evidence.
The state had ample time
to find it, and would have
if it had
done its job.
Overruled.
This is the blue book.
PHILIP: Yes.
What does it contain?
Corrie Calvin's
attempt to duplicate
my handwriting.
Objection. Opinion.
Police graphologists confirmed
it was Corrie's handwriting.
Would you
read us this sentence?
PHILIP: "When I think of you
standing naked in the office--
In other words,
this is Corrie practicing
copying the letter
already entered
into evidence.
The letter that you wrote
to Dr. Prosser.
Objection. Opinion.
Withdrawn.
Withdrawn.
Your witness.
Dr. Benesch.
How do we know
you didn't plant this document
in Corrie's apartment?
You don't.
How do we know
even if you didn't
that Corrie wasn't simply
copying what you
had written to her
out of love trying to duplicate
the emotions you felt
when you'd written it?
You don't yet.
How do we know in fact
that this whole thing
isn't a ruse?
Because if I'm
telling the truth,
if Corrie stole the letter
from Sheila and made a copy,
Sheila's fingerprints
would be on the original.
I beg your pardon.
I asked--
I said, if Corrie
stole the letter
from Sheila,
Sheila's fingerprints
would be on the original.
And according to the State's
own fingerprint experts,
counselor,
Sheila's prints--
Your honor,
I request a recess.
Denied.
PHILIP: You saw what you
wanted to see, counselor.
PHILIP: You thought that I had
really written the letter
to Corrie
so you didn't look
for anything else.
But, in fact--
Your honor--
In fact, I didn't
write anything
to Corrie Calvin
and I didn't
murder her either.
This does not
belong in the record.
JUDGE: [GAVEL BANGING]
Order.
And I never helped her.
[SCOFFS]
I wish I had.
[ENGINE REVVING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
I'll be right back.
Doc. Doc!
[CHUCKLES]
Hey, how're you doing?
Good to see you.
Hi.
Congratulations.
I hear they're
not going to retrial.
Well, thanks.
We're all
really grateful.
Good. I bet.
Hey, girls.
Hi.
Can you give me one minute
with your dad, please?
It's okay.
Go ahead over there.
We'll be over there
in a minute.
So you and your wife
split up. I'm sorry
to hear that.
It's too bad.
Well, I don't think
too many marriages
could survive that trial.
It was a murderer
on marriage, huh?
Did you hear?
Earl's gonna fly away.
I saw it
on the news.
Well, there's
germ out there.
So what're you gonna do, doc?
You gonna come back
work for us, or what?
Well, you know,
I've been doing
some community work
and I
really like that.
I think my days of working
for the police are over.
No hard feelings though.
We're only human.
Even demons care,
you know.
Nah.
No hard feelings.
Well, maybe a few.
I'm human, too.
[CHUCKLES]
Doc, there's something
that always bothered me.
I gotta ask you.
I always thought
that she framed you.
But, what I could never
ever figure out
was why you?
Because she was crazy.
Doc, seriously.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
You know, at first
I thought it was
because she mistook me
for someone else.
But, now I think that
what she really wanted
was for someone in power,
like me, for instance,
to know something.
What did she want you
to know that she couldn't
just tell you, doc?
What if I
liked to beat her?
[CAPTIVATING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[TRAIN CHUGGGING]
[BELL DINGING]
MAN: He's got to be
a pretty good guy.
[AUDIENCE LAUGHING]
You know this doctor well.
He's one of the great voices
of forensic psychiatry today.
Dr. Philip Benesch.
How about a nice handclap?
[APPLAUDING]
[APPLAUDING CONTINUES]
PHILIP: Thank you.
The public is very angry
with the abuse
in our court system
where heinous crimes
are committed and excused
because of a plea
of temporary insanity.
Because their parents
or their spouses
or their friends or society
made them do it.
But the point to me is
there are evil people
in the world
who do terrible things.
And we have to run it.
How do we draw the line
for individual responsibility?
Yo, I'm
your fan, doc.
Yeah, right.
You were great.
Congratulations.
All right.
Congratulations.
Thanks for coming.
Hello.
Sheila, what are you
doing here?
I came to see McLeod.
I enjoyed your speech.
I disagree though.
PHILIP: Well...
You ready to get
out of here?
Yes.
[BELL DINGING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
So, what did you think?
How did I do?
It was fine.
No, really.
An A, B+, or...
You gave
a very good speech.
Yeah?
I thought
it went well.
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL
MUSIC PLAYING]
How's she doing?
Thanks for asking.
I'll see you soon.
GIRL: Good night!
[DOOR CREAKS]
Are you all right?
What's this?
I found it on the floor
of the closet.
It must've fallen out
of one of your jackets.
[SIGHING RUEFULLY]
It's over. It's been over
for five months now.
I haven't seen her--
But you saw her tonight,
didn't you?
That was her, wasn't it?
The black Chanel number?
She came with Neil McLeod.
It was just a coincidence.
Look, it didn't
mean anything--
It didn't
mean anything?
I know
that it meant.
You wanna know
what I hate most?
That you've made me feel
like some kind of stupid cliche.
You wanna talk about it?
No.
I don't think
I wanna talk about it.
Talking is your department.
If we talk about it now,
I'm sure
everything will
get twisted around
and we'll both
end up agreeing
the affair was my fault.
Hey.
Now, I'm not gonna
upset the girls
by having you
sleep somewhere else
But you don't touch me.
Do you understand?
[WIND BLOWING]
[KIDS CHATTERING]
Pass! Pass!
WOMAN: Over here.
Come on!
[SIREN WAILING]
[WOMEN CHATTERING]
WOMAN: I'm open, I'm open.
Come on!
[SWISHES]
[BASKETBALL BOUNCING]
Forgot how good
you are.
Well, I could
always take you on.
Your problem was,
you could never
admit I was better.
Oh, you're better than me
at a lot of things.
I want you.
I want us to work.
Even before
we were married?
Like she flashed
in my brain one day.
Believe half
of what he says
and most of what he does.
Why'd you
even marry me?
Love is
a many-splendored thing.
[SIGHING GRIMLY]
It seems I've
made you cynical.
But could you just
try to work
this thing out with me?
I keep picturing you
with her.
Thinking of all the lies
and the arrangements.
It won't happen again.
[BALL BOUNCING]
Okay, I'm gonna
just ask you this once.
Were there any others?
No.
I'll try.
And you knew
I would all along.
I'll see you at home.
[WHISTLES]
Well, well, here he is.
Psychiatrist from heaven.
Detective Fracinetti.
You know, doc,
I've been reading up
on Freud.
Good for you.
You explain it
to me someday.
Yeah, I'll do that.
You testifying this morning?
What, testifying? No.
We're here for the college boy.
[EXCLAIMING SMUGLY]
[CHUCKLING]
What a jerk.
Yeah, well,
he's our jerk though.
So you agree
Mr. Hogesh hears voices.
From time to time, yes.
And if I
understand you correctly,
your position is
even though
Mr. Hogesh hears voices,
a symptom
of acute psychosis,
you think he's sane enough
to die in the electric chair?
Many psychotics hear voices
telling them to kill.
Very few kill.
On the basis
of tests and interviews,
I believe Mr. Hogesh
knew the difference
between right and wrong
when he planted those bombs.
So, the fact that he's
hearing voices is irrelevant.
To be legally sane,
you only have to understand
that what you're doing
is wrong.
PHILIP: I'm convinced
Mr. Hogesh knew that.
WOMAN: It's okay.
They can't see you.
You take your time.
Just take a deep breath.
What do you think?
[WHISPERS]
WOMAN: [OVER RADIO]
Step forward,
number three, please.
Good.
It's okay.
You did good.
[SIGHS SOFTLY]
WOMAN: [OVER RADIO]
Step back.
WOMAN: What do you think,
doctor?
Oh, he's 41 or 42,
married, two children,
works as
a construction crew chief
or something blue-collar,
owns a shotgun and a 30 odd six,
drives an American car.
Sounds just like me.
[ALARM BUZZES]
So, how did I do?
Forty five.
No 30 odd six.
[CHUCKLING]
WOMAN: It's just
two nights ago, Earl.
Why can't you remember?
Because you're
making me nervous.
Dragging me out of bed.
Dragging me out here
for a lineup?
The type of thing
I've never been in
my entire life?
Implicating I'm
some kind of killer.
Who said anything
about being a killer, Earl?
You know the TV was full
with what you found out there
day before yesterday
on that river.
WOMAN: Well, we found out
there were coat fibers
matching your jacket--
Oh, bull!
Look, if you're charging me
with being out there
for some kind of reason,
I want a lawyer present.
I'm saying that
in front of everybody here.
I want a lawyer.
Then I guess we better
get you a lawyer, Earl.
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
Hi.
Are you Dr. Benesch?
Yes. Do I know you?
I was transcribing
in the interview room.
I know you from being
a minor functionary
than a stenographer
in the court system.
Corrie Calvin.
I saw you notice him
crack his knuckles.
Ah, what do you think
I made of that,
Ms. Calvin?
Well, he only did it
when he denied something.
CORRIE: When he
was being indignant
is more accurate.
I didn't
notice at first.
It was only
after I saw you noticing
that I concluded
there was a pattern.
But who wouldn't be nervous
under that kind of stress?
PHILIP: Exactly.
See, that's the danger
with presuming guilt
based on one interview.
Everyone's afraid
of the police.
Everyone but you, huh?
That's because
I work with them.
I get to see them
as human beings.
Well...
Nice to talk to you.
GIRL: Give it to me!
Give me the Teddy bear!
Yes, now.
ELLEN: Okay.
I've had enough. No, no.
I told you, if you
did this again,
you're gonna go upstairs.
Hey!
Hey Daddy.
Megan gets a kiss.
Hi, honey.
Hi.
You know that maths test
you helped me study for?
Yeah?
Got an A.
Oh, great.
Hi, sweetheart.
How was your day?
Complex.
I think we got a suspect
in the Russian river case.
Good!
Dad, when's
our next vacation?
[PHONE RINGING]
Why don't you get that?
Yeah. Some creep's been
calling and hanging up.
ELLEN: I think it's a good time
for everybody to go upstairs
and do their homework.
Go on now.
[PHONE RINGING]
Philip Benesch.
PHILIP: Hello?
Who is this?
[HANGS UP]
Did they hang up
when you answered?
Maybe it wasn't me
they wanted.
Well, they probably
won't call again.
You know, when they
hear a man's voice.
[RAIN PATTERING]
Did you think there was
some woman calling for me?
No! Why would
you say that?
Well, it had
to cross my mind.
It wasn't.
Okay.
I thought were gonna try
to work this thing out.
[THUNDER RUMBLING]
I know.
I love you.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[BUZZING]
Hey, doc. Look.
They want him moved
to the bridge before we
complete our interviews.
Police have to just
keep him put here
another week.
They didn't
promise you anything.
You'll realize
as you go on.
This guy's
cut seven women.
We don't want some judge
sending him to psychiatry
before we could nail him!
I said, we'll see.
MAN: Why'd you try
to hurt yourself, Earl?
I was afraid on account
of what I know
you people can do.
So, when Bob said, "Do it,"
I cut myself.
No fear, no pain.
[CHUCKLING]
What else did Bob
tell you to do?
That's for me to know
and you to find out?
[EARL CHUCKLING]
You're the one in touch
with Bob. I'm not.
EARL: You're a loser, man.
You see this guy?
He's a loser.
EARL: Who's this?
How'd you look
with a smile across your neck?
[SCREAMING]
Who're you people
sending me?
It's not enough
you're wrecking me?
[SCREAMING]
EARL: [SCREAMING] No!
[SCREAMING]
No!
[SCREAMING]
Oh, God!
[SCREAMING]
[GRUNTING]
[SIGHS IN EXASPERATION]
Since you asked,
I think Mr. Stage
is borderline.
She says annoyingly...
with a healthy dose
of self-hate thrown in.
And don't ask me why, but,
I'm convinced he was
sexually abused as a child.
By the way,
I loved when you said,
"You're in touch with Bob.
I'm not."
How do you know so much
about abnormal
psychology, Corrie?
Both my parents
were analysts at Wisconsin.
I was supposed to be one too
but I ended up a patient.
Amazingly typical,
n'est ce pas?
Anyway, after I
got out of Radcliffe
I kind of petered out
of the occupational world.
San Francisco
was part of my
see-America-first program.
I fell into this job
because of my immense
typing skills.
[CHUCKLES]
But what's really interesting
is what you do.
Forensic psychiatry.
I remember in your paper,
"Healing and Deception"
You read "Healing
and Deception"?
Yes, I did.
Your thesis
that false cure
was the flip side
of the coin of false illness.
I never thought of that.
I'm...
I'm married, Corrie.
I can't, uh...
I'm married.
Everybody is.
I gotta go.
I gotta go
meet my wife. Uh...
PHILIP: We're both busy, so we
grab time
on every weekend.
Nice to see you.
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Hello, Corrie.
Hi.
Fancy meeting you here.
Well, not fancy.
[CHUCKLES]
I was working late.
On our friend Earl.
I had nothing
better to do so I
thought I'd get some air.
What's the point living
in the bay area
if you can't get air?
N'est ce pas?
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Well...
Oh, good night.
See you tomorrow.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Ellen.
[TAPE WHIRRING]
CORRIE: [OVER ANSWERING MACHINE]
Are you home, dear doctor?
Here's a funny coincidence.
I always knew I'd fall in love
with someone I could call,
"Dear Doctor."
Because that's what people
used to call my father.
I can smell the wood burning,
as you think "Oedipus complex."
Don't be mad at me.
Your little Rita Clerambault
can help me.
Rita Clerambault.
Corrie.
Hi.
Did I wake you?
[DOOR OPENS]
Got it?
Where's your lunch?
I'll get it.
Wendy, look!
Who're they for,
Alex?
I don't know!
"To the real Dr. B,
"from a secret admirer."
Ooh, la, la.
Way to go, Dad.
What?
From you?
No.
ALEX: Who sent them?
ALEX: Who sent them, Dad?
I don't know,
but we gotta go to school
because we're gonna be late.
So, let's rush, rush, rush.
[ENGINE REVVING]
[GONGS SOUNDING]
ELLEN: So, who is she, Philip?
This court reporter
I work with.
She's apparently
infatuated with me.
Is there something
going on?
Because if there is,
please have the decency
to tell me.
If there is,
it is completely
one-sided.
I can tell you that.
Just trust me,
will you?
If you let it low,
it'll go away.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
Why do they all
become infatuated with you?
[LAUGHS]
It has nothing
to do with me.
[WINGS FLAPPING]
The very fact
that he attempted suicide
indicates diminished capacity.
WITNESS: I doubt Mr. Stage
can appreciate the difference
between right and wrong
or helpful and unhelpful.
Thank you, Dr. Sanford.
Dr. Sanford always
says the same thing.
ATTORNEY: No questions,
your honor.
We call
Dr. Philip Benesch.
Wouldn't the extreme nature
of a suicide attempt
indicate an unbalanced
mental state?
Not necessarily.
PHILIP: And definitely not,
in this case.
Mr. Stage is...
Mr. Stage is coherent.
He answers questions logically.
And he can tell the difference
between right and wrong.
He may not be medically sane,
but if he is
having fantasies,
they in no way interfere
with his cognitive processes.
So, he can stand trial.
Mr. Lake.
MR. LAKE: Dr. Benesch,
what do you
make of the fact
that the defendant
was incarcerated
in a state mental hospital
for most of his adolescence?
When Mr. Stage
was growing up,
mental hospitals
often warehoused
difficult children.
But he was diagnosed
paranoid psychotic
by his doctors.
Diagnostic procedures
have changed considerably
in the last 20 years.
That he claims to be in touch
with an alter-ego named Bob
who tells him quote,
"to do things."
In my opinion, A,
Bob is a fabrication.
B, even if he is real
to Mr. Stage,
that in no way interferes
with his ability
to comprehend the real world.
What would he have to do
before you'll say he can't
comprehend the real world?
MR. LAKE: Walk on his head
and talk Urdu?
Here we have a man
who has been diagnosed!
ATTORNEY: Objection!
JUDGE: Sustained!
JUDGE: Save that
for your summation, Mr. Lake.
MR. LAKE: Well, score one
for your team.
PHILIP: I thought
he was legally sane.
MR. LAKE: Yeah, right.
MR. LAKE: So is it
rabbit or squirrel?
You know, what gets me is
you get two expert witnesses,
forty years experience
between them.
One says, "A."
The other, "Z."
Defendants' at the mercy
of one wearing
a more convincing...
PHILIP: Ah, bet you can say
the same thing about lawyers.
Lawyers try
to discover the truth.
Philip.
They don't
have to know it.
Dr. Prosser,
how are you?
Good. It's good
to see you.
Are you
on a case?
Yeah. Several.
How are you?
Good. How are you?
Good.
Well, Phil,
I'll see you later.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
Oh, Philip.
We have got
to find a way
to talk to another.
What do you mean?
We are talking.
Oh, that
is such crap!
People around here
don't know
anything about us.
You just draw attention
to the awkwardness
when you behave
so formally.
Let's talk
like friends
Oh, Sheila.
Sheila, look.
Look,
it's just that...
Things are difficult
for me right now.
I'm just trying
to normalize it all.
Does she really
want to be married to you?
I want to be
married to her.
For me?
Hope that's
not a subpoena.
Ah, me too.
Ms. Calvin?
Ms. Calvin.
Got a minute?
Sixteen to be exact.
I'm all yours.
They wanted $15
for the returned check
for 11/81.
I asked them why they
didn't just take the 319
from my credit line
if they're gonna
take the 15 from there
if I honored the check?
I wished you were
there to help me.
Corrie, do you own
a white Honda Accord?
But I wanted a Jaguar.
Were you the one
parked on my street
this morning
that delivered the flowers
to my doorstep?
Hope there's
a right answer.
Did you leave a message
on my answering machine
last night
as Rita Clerambault?
Shocking liberties.
CORRIE: Will you forgive her?
It upsets my wife
when you do things like that.
Frankly, I don't understand
why you are doing it. We...
We hardly know one another.
Oh, it's just admiration
bordering on love.
[CHUCKLING]
You can't be serious.
CORRIE: If you
meet and just know...
I knew the minute
I saw you in the hall
with that Italian detective.
Long before
we worked together.
I could've,
well, you know, if one
didn't believe in kismet,
one might've tried
to make something happen.
I knew there were
stronger forces that would
bring us together.
So, how do you think
I feel about you, Corrie?
Go ahead.
Put me on the spot.
Want me to tell you?
[GLASS BREAKING]
PHILIP: I'm kinda
getting the feeling that
you want something from me
that I just can't give you.
Look, I love my wife very much.
I'm not looking for anyone else.
Oh, well, it's
still new to you.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Ms. Calvin.
I'm gonna put you in contact
with another psychiatrist.
His name is Mike Dann.
He's a good man.
I think he can help you.
Go see him.
In the meantime,
I...
I want you to stop writing me,
stop calling me,
stop all contact with me.
Well, it was thoughtless...
I tend to go
too fast sometimes.
It won't happen again.
The problem is,
love is blind.
You haven't understood
a thing I've said to you,
have you?
I don't want you
to bother me anymore.
Don't write, don't call,
don't follow me.
If you want help,
I'll help you.
Otherwise, just leave me alone.
I'm always paying on the go.
Doesn't the man ever rest?
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
You didn't sleep with her,
and she's not paranoid.
Uh, she knows what she is.
She left a message
on my answering machine
as Rita Clerambault.
Clerambault?
The guy who did
the first work on erotomania?
She she's an erotomaniac
from hell
sent here
to punish you
for your sins.
Ellen would
see it like that.
Not for those sins.
For finding
every poor bastard
who talks to God sane.
Legally, most of them are.
And so is she.
But you can't
lock her up, so
you want me
to see her.
Okay.
What's her name?
How can I make an appointment
if I don't know her name?
Corrie.
PHILIP: Corrie Calvin.
Like John Calvin?
MIKE: Oh, brother.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[PHONE RINGING]
[CALVIN'S VOICE
ON ANSWERING MACHINE]
Hi! Leave a message.
[BEEPS]
PHILIP: Ms. Calvin.
I spoke to Dr. Dann.
He's expect to hear from you.
So, please call him.
[HANGS UP]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[KIDS LAUGHING]
[CHATTERING]
Hey, girls, go out
to the Patio, all right?
I want everybody out.
We don't want
to wreck the surprise.
Are you almost ready?
The neighbors are right there.
Yes, yes, yes.
I just have
to wipe the candles.
I'll be there.
Just get everybody ready.
ELLEN: No more kids
in the house.
Come on, girls!
All right, grab what you want
and go.
[DOORBELL RINGS]
I'll get it.
Is this the Benesch household?
Um, yeah.
You got it.
I am the singing rabbit.
And I have a delivery
for one Ms. Alex Benesch.
Yes, she right in here.
Come on in.
WENDY: Alex!
Happy birthday!
[CHEERING AND CLAMORING]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
[CLAMORING]
ALEX: Aw.
ELLEN: Oh, sweetie. Thanks.
Oh, honey.
Wendy can you
get me some towels?
Please help us with this.
Let's go to the kitchen
and clean this up.
ELLEN: Oh, dear.
Get the hell away
from my house.
It's all right.
I can call Veneto's
and order in another one.
[GROANS]
I don't know.
It just slipped
out of my hands.
I gotta go
apologize to Alex.
Hey, Wendy.
Yeah, that's good, sweetie.
Could I have a towel here?
Doc, I read your report.
It's great.
We're gonna
fire this bastard.
I just wrote
what I found.
Exactly.
It's gonna fry, doc.
We've gotta stop
meeting like this.
What the hell do you think
you're doing, Ms. Calvin?
You may be malicious,
just plain delusional
but whatever it is,
you stay away from me
and my family.
Do you understand me?
[SIGHS IN EXASPERATION]
You pull stuff
like that again,
I'll get
a restraining order
against you.
I have, not now,
or ever been, interested
in this little
game of yours.
You take it
somewhere else.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[PHONE RINGING]
Hello?
Hello?
Hello?
Is Dr. Benesch there?
No, he's not in right now.
Could I take a message?
No, thanks.
I'll call back.
[HANGS UP]
Oh, well.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[CLICKS]
[WATER FLOWING]
[VALVE CLOSES]
[TEARS]
[TEARS]
[FLUSHES]
[SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING]
[RATTLING]
Well...
Aren't you ever gonna go...
[GUNSHOT]
[CREAKS]
[KNOCKING AT DOOR]
MAN: [YELLING] I know, I know.
I'll check it out.
WOMAN: Check from inside!
You okay in here?
WOMAN: Call the police.
[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]
[TRAIN CHUGGING]
PHILIP: Well,
absolutely nothing.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
You see, when someone
creates a heinous crime,
we think that it is so bad
the person necessarily must
have been insane to create it.
All right?
Right. Wrong!
[STUDENTS LAUGHING]
PHILIP:Well, Fracinetti.
I didn't see your name
on the list for my class.
FRACINETTI: Well, no.
But I learned
a lot from you.
Do you know
Detective Geer?
How do you do?
How do you do?
You got a minute?
Yeah, sure.
We want to ask you
a few questions
about Corrie Calvin.
Considering her
psychological disposition?
Yes, and no.
How well did you
know her, doctor?
Not at all, really.
She took transcription
for me with Earl Stage.
What do you
mean, "Did?"
Were you
sleeping
with her?
What kind
of question
is that?
I just told you
I didn't
know her.
She left
a diary.
What do you
mean, "Left"?
It was very explicit
about sex with you.
Pages and pages.
If you did half the stuff
she said you did, doc,
you should be
in Playboy Advisor
or something.
[CLEARS THROAT]
Look.
Corrie's an erotomaniac.
That's someone who fantasizes
relationships that don't exist.
They pick an object,
in this case, me,
create a universe
that's coherent
except that it's
completely imagined.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
I never touched
Corrie Calvin.
So, you never
slept with her?
I would have to touch her
to do that, now, wouldn't I?
Why are you
asking me all this?
One more question.
Where were you between eight
and ten last night?
I said, why are you
asking me--
That's when
she was murdered, doc.
Murdered?
Now, wait a minute.
Who was murdered?
Corrie.
Helen doesn't know you
like I know you.
Corrie Calvin
was murdered?
How? By who?
She was shot.
So, if you have some place
that you can verify,
that'd be great.
I was...
I was with a friend
who has a report.
And you can
verify that, right?
FRACINETTI: Good. Thank you.
I think our minute's up.
And we'll be
on our way.
If we need you,
we'll be in touch.
Good to see you.
Thanks.
Thank you.
What'd you stop me for?
Well, we got
plenty of time.
Here you go, sir.
Thanks, Mike.
I assume you
heard about Corrie.
The cops woke me up
at 5 a.m.
They talk about me?
It's all
they talk about.
Who is this Helen Geer?
I told her I didn't give a damn
what kind of physical evidence
they found in the room
but you didn't
kill anybody.
Oh, wait a minute.
They actually implied
that I might have killed her?
They believe that?
They'd sooner tell you that
then me, buddy.
I wouldn't talk to her.
Not without a court order.
I'm not sure
what's going on here.
How do you mean?
The cops think
it's a homicide.
Where were you
last night, Phil?
Huh?
Just in case.
Uh, I was
at a friend's.
Have Fracinetti call me
when he gets in, will you?
Philip Benesch.
Right.
Thank you.
[RAIN PATTERING]
[ROARING PLAYFULLY]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Good night, sweetie.
Love you.
Love you too.
WENDY: Good night, Mom.
Good night. Dad.
ELLEN: Remember
to brush your teeth!
[GROANS]
Are you okay?
Yeah, I'm fine.
Is everything
all right at work?
You seem tired.
I'm not that tired.
[MUSIC PLAYING ON TV]
NEWSREPORTER ON TV:
Good evening, it's 9 'o clock.
Maybe we should
take this upstairs.
[CHUCKLES SOFTLY]
Good idea.
Her body has been found
in her apartment.
Police are searching
for clues.
I'm Connie Colla.
Join us for these stories
and more coming up
on the news at eleven.
[CLICKS]
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR OPENS]
I'll be right with you,
Mr. George.
[DOOR OPENS]
What the hell are you doing
coming here, Fracinetti?
I'd like to know where you were
between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
on February 8th.
Oh, is this
an official visit?
If it is, I already told you
what I know about--
Your fingerprints
are in her room.
I was never
in her room.
On a coffee cup.
We also found traces
of blood on her hands
which matches
your own.
Her will was
made out to you.
There was a letter
to your wife
under the kitchen linoleum
detailing your affair.
This is crazy.
Look.
Call Mike Dann, will you?
After I realized
she was following me,
I referred her to him.
He can tell you
how disturbed she was.
Could you tell us
where you were, doctor?
I was...
I was at Dr. Sheila
Prosser's apartment.
She can verify that?
No.
Someone left a message
on my answering machine
asking me
to meet Dr. Prosser
at her apartment
on the night
of the eighth.
But, she never arrived.
There was another message
saying she had been
called for an emergency.
Did she leave
the messages, doc?
No.
Did you
save the messages?
No, I had
no reason to.
How did you
get into her apartment.
I have a key.
Now if you'll excuse me,
I have a patient waiting.
[DOOR OPENS]
So, you think
she set you up?
[SCOFFS]
I feel like
I'm in a Kafka novel.
To deny something
that never happened.
All my friends
are my enemies,
and my enemies...
Not the way
it really ends.
Gee, Phil, there's
lots of lawyers out there.
Why not call
one of them?
I don't know.
I've never called
the criminal attorney before.
It's the last thing
I've imagined
having to do.
I guess I called you
because I know you.
Oh, hell, I'll just
give you the advice
I always give anyone.
Don't talk to them
without a lawyer.
Why would she
do this to me?
They already have
plenty of evidence
to arrest you.
If it was anyone else,
you'd have been arrested.
I hardly know this woman.
She had no reason--
Look,
I gotta run.
If you want
to retain me,
you can.
If not, I'll
recommend someone.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
Hey!
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
Hey.
How was your day,
Sweetie?
Fine.
Good.
All right. Let's
get your seat belts on.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[ENGINE REVVING]
So you girls just settle down
and stay here in the car.
What are they
doing here, Dad?
I'll go find out.
Quiet, Alex.
[CRYING]
Alex, can't you see
something's happening?
PHILIP: What's going on?
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
What the hell
are you doing
in my house?
Could we
talk over there,
Dr. Benesch?
I'll remember your department.
Why are you
searching my house?
At least have
the courtesy to tell me
what's going on.
Who the hell
do you think you are?
You're under arrest, doctor.
Ah, this is ridiculous.
You know
I didn't kill her.
ALEX: What's going on?
Dad?
Girls, come here.
Come here.
Philip.
We don't want
to handcuff you
in front of your wife,
so I want you
to sit here, right here
and not make a sound
until I'm through.
[YELLING]
Nothing.
Not a sound!
[SIGHING IN EXHAUSTION]
Uh, it's kinda
confusing right now,
all right?
So, I want you two
to go upstairs.
Just go upstairs.
And I'll come up
and try to explain
what's happening. Okay?
[SCOFFS]
Look.
COP: Yeah, I'll be down
in a second.
Philip,
what is going on?
I don't know how
this whole stuff happened.
It's like some kind
of bad dream.
[BUZZING]
I talked to Lake,
and he said they have
a very strong case against you.
It's just circumstantial.
He's afraid
he can't get you bail.
We'll make bail.
Don't worry.
Don't worry?
This is murder
we're talking about.
I didn't kill her!
Look, we've known each other
more than half our lives.
You cannot believe
that I killed this woman.
You and your damn secrets.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
How're the kids
handling everything?
They're not talking
right now.
Well, uh...
Look, this is what
I think you
ought to do.
Oh, no.
No, don't.
Don't you tell me
how to deal with the kids.
You're not in a position
to be giving me orders.
I'm not giving you orders.
I'm just concerned--
You're concerned?
I'm the one
who has to deal with them.
You're not the only one
affected by this.
[BUZZING]
OFFICER: Time's up.
You gotta go.
Philip, I'm sorry.
Um...
I'm gonna
get the kids settled,
and then I'll...
I'll see
what I can do.
[DOOR CLOSES]
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
MAN: Hey.
Hey!
You can't
put him in here.
There are no spies
allowed in here.
Bye, spy!
It's not easy here!
I have a camera
in my brain!
It's gonna come!
I need a gun to kill!
[SCREAMING]
God!
[BUZZING]
[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
Could you
do something for him?
Tranquilize him
or something?
[SCREAMING]
Anybody hear that man?
He needs some help!
[SCREAMING]
Oh, doc!
[DOOR CLOSES AND LOCKS]
[SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY]
EARL: [SCREAMING]
I'm gonna die!
Have a seat.
This way.
JUDGE: People
vs. Philip Benesch MD
one count 1113.
Is Mr. Lake
representing you?
I am, your honor.
How do you plead?
Not guilty,
your honor.
And who's
trying the case?
I am, your honor.
We ask no bail.
This is a capital offense
with premeditation.
MR. LAKE: Your honor,
Dr. Benesch poses no threat
to himself or to others.
and including Ms. Rospel Hammon
whom he worked with
for seven years until yesterday.
The entire court community
knows Dr. Benesch.
They can vouch
for his past reliability.
Your honor.
JUDGE: No, I agree
with Mr. Lake, counselor.
I'm setting bail
in this case at $500,000.
JUDGE: Next.
[BUZZING]
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[BUZZING]
Sorry. I got held up.
You okay.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
MR. LAKE: Where do you wanna go?
Is Ellen
at your office?
No, she
didn't make it.
Why not?
The kids
are pretty upset.
But she said
they'll call.
Les? Yeah,
this is Leslie White.
She's my second.
She'll take notes
as we go along.
You want
some coffee?
They feed you?
Yeah, coffee would be great.
Just one.
MR. LAKE: So,
the murder weapon
was in your name.
What?
She was killed
with your gun.
Any idea
how she might've
gotten it?
PHILIP: No, I...
I kept it
in my desk
at my office.
They recovered traces
of your blood in her hands
underneath her fingernails.
They, uh,
found her apartment
full of memorabilia
devoted to you
which suggest to them
that you knew each other well.
Were they
personal photographs?
Yeah, a couple.
What photographs?
You were seen
in each other's company,
bla bla bla...
We got coffee
once or twice
for lunch.
Yes, unimportant.
Okay.
You claim that you were
at Sheila Prosser's apartment
the night of the murder
but she can't verify.
She said she didn't
invite you.
Is that true?
She didn't
make the call.
Did you save
any messages?
Now, why would
I do that?
Why would I give myself
an alibi that I knew
wouldn't hold up?
I mean, if I killed her,
I wouldn't had said anything
that I knew
would be contradictory
Now, wouldn't I?
Look, I gotta tell you.
I think Corrie
had a history
of harassing people.
Corrie has no history.
What do you mean no history?
Just that. She doesn't exist
before 1990.
No name, no social security,
no nothing.
So, what about the blood?
[SCOFFS]
I don't know.
Also, your fingerprints were
found in her apartment
on a coffee cup.
Does the cup
match the ones
in Corrie's cupboard?
Yep.
If the coffee cup
matches the one
from the restaurant
where we had lunch,
maybe she stole it
and bought a set.
PHILIP: I gotta tell you.
I think
she planned this thing
very deliberately.
I'll say.
Well, so far,
we'll say she stole your gun,
your blood, your fingerprints.
Now, here's what they'll say.
You're having
an affair with Corrie.
She threatened
to tell your wife.
She wouldn't listen
when you begged her not to,
you know Ellen would leave you
if she found out about Corrie,
so you killed Corrie
to save your marriage
and your reputation.
Well, that all makes
perfect sense, doesn't it?
Except it is not true.
True? What's true?
The important thing
is, it'll play.
[RAIN PATTERING]
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[DIAL TONE]
[SNIFFLES]
[DIGITAL BEEPING]
[PHONE RINGING]
ELLEN: [OVER PHONE] Hello?
Yeah, hi, it's me.
Hi. You okay?
[SIGHS GRIMLY]
I'm okay.
Really?
I miss you.
How're the kids?
[SIGHS]
They're upset.
Look, tell 'em I'm, uh...
I'm sorry that they've
been hurt by all this. Okay?
I know.
They need to talk to you,
you know?
Can I see you?
Well, maybe...
Maybe you could
come out down Saturday.
Philip?
Philip?
What? Yeah, yeah.
I'm still here.
Uh...
Saturday.
Saturday.
I'll see you, Sweetie. Bye.
[HANGS UP]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[PLACES PHONE RECEIVER]
[TEARS]
MAN: Hey, buddy.
You busy?
[LAUGHS SARCASTICALLY]
On the contrary.
All my patients
seem to have the flu.
Come on in.
Phil, you made a bad mistake
sending the cops to me.
Yeah? Why's that?
They subpoenaed
the file.
There was a letter
from you in it?
I never wrote to her!
A love letter.
I hated like hell to give
it to them but I had to.
Was there a heading,
"Dear Corrie?
If there was,
we'll prove
she forged it.
No, there was
something else.
Photograph.
She brought it in
to prove you were
having an affair.
I could kick myself
for not destroying it.
I don't know
why the hell
I didn't.
Hey, Phil,
where're you going?
She had
to have stolen
the stuff from you.
How? How would she
even know about them?
I don't know.
She'd do anything.
Uh...
Look, people knew
we were having an affair.
They're all here.
There were only nine.
Are you positive?
Would you
like to count them?
The photos
are all here too.
At least the ones
I can remember.
Where were you
the night we were
supposed to meet?
The night
Corrie was killed.
I told
the police already.
I was
with a suicidal patient
in a bar.
Somebody new.
I hadn't been seeing her
for very long.
How old was she?
Mid twenties?
Anything odd
about her?
Yeah, her hair.
It was a wig.
A wig.
[SCOFFS]
You think
the patient...
Oh, my God.
And the bar
was that little place
around the corner block?
The Eldridge Arms.
Her name was June Lord.
Missed her
last two appointments.
She thought
of everything.
[BIRDS CHIRPING]
Excited to see
your daddy, honey?
Yeah.
When's he coming?
He should
be here any minute.
Want a piece
of apple?
[ENGINE REVVING]
Your daddy's here.
Run, run, run, run.
Give him a big hug.
Wendy. Dad's here.
Hey, sweetheart!
Give me a hug,
will you?
[KISSES]
Are you staying
through the night?
I gotta be
back by midnight.
You can stay.
Where's Wendy? Huh?
PHILIP: Do you
know where she is?
Tell me
your new friend's name.
Her name's Deborah.
-Yeah?
-Her mother is good baker.
She makes great breads
with her mother.
Oh, did you
eat 'em all up?
Yes.
[BOTH LAUGHING]
How about you, Wendy?
Got any new friends
up here?
WENDY: They're okay.
Hey.
Remember that game
we used to play?
You'd tell me anything,
any problems you had
I'd just say the magic words,
and make everything all right?
I was a kid, then.
Besides, you haven't
played that with me
in years.
Okay, then
why don't you just
tell me what's wrong?
The kids up here
don't want
to be my friend.
They don't want
to be friends with...
Friends with kids
whose Dads...
[SIGHS WEARILY]
It's okay, Wendy.
You can say it.
Killed somebody.
Okay?
Okay, Dad?
Hey, I didn't
kill anyone.
Then how come
they arrested you?
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Go away.
The whole thing's
been hard on us all.
The whole family.
[TEARFULLY]
You hurt mom.
Why did you do that?
Well...
I can tell you this.
I didn't mean to.
[SIGHS]
Look.
The woman who died
wanted to hurt me
for some reason.
I don't know why.
PHILIP: But I want you
to understand something.
Nothing in the world is
more important to me right now.
And you believe me
when I tell you
I didn't do anything
to that woman.
Nothing.
Baby.
You've been drinking a lot.
Yeah, well,
what's a lot?
ELLEN: You know
what I mean.
You don't usually
have scotch for dessert.
Usually what?
Please don't use
that tone of voice with me.
And what tone
is that?
Cold, superior.
Look, I'm just
trying to help you.
You're not helping a lot
by staying up here.
Well, what do you
suggest I do?
Leave the girls here
by themselves?
[SIGHS]
You come in one day a week
just to show solidarity.
Solidarity?
You asked me to believe you
and I did.
Don't you talk to me
about solidarity
when the damn newspapers
know more about what's
going on in my life
than I do.
Because the papers
could handle it.
Look what happened
when you found out.
Oh, of course,
I forgot.
It's my fault you lied.
I never lied to you
about Corrie.
Oh, you left out
a few juicy details.
[YELLING]
What the hell
do you want me to do?
You want me
to hang myself?
Jesus!
Look.
My point is,
I need you
and you're not there.
The point is,
you need me when it's
convenient for you.
The girls need me.
Period.
[CHUCKLES]
You know what this is?
This is Corrie's revenge.
I saw all of this.
You know sometimes
I lay awake at night
hating her so much
I want to kill her
and hating her
even more because
she's already dead.
Hey.
Will you
stand up for me?
God, I'm
so sorry for you.
I really, really am.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[CRICKETS CHIRPING]
MR. LAKE: Oh,
Lake asked me
to have you call him
about what to wear
to the trial.
Philip.
Yeah, remember.
Look innocent.
Just look straight
at the person
asking you the question.
MR. LAKE: You'll be fine.
ATTORNEY: A Psychiatrist.
A wealthy respected member
of the community
meets a young woman,
vulnerable,
with no ties,
no power.
They have a brief affair.
Passionate for her.
Just a convenience,
for him.
When it's over,
he lets her go.
But she doesn't
go away.
This woman with nobody
to mourn her in the world.
She becomes a nuisance,
hangs around.
And so, this man.
This man
with everything to lose
did what he felt
he had to do
so that Corrie Calvin
wouldn't bother him anymore.
MR. LAKE: There was no murder.
So,
Dr. Benesch
cannot be a murderer.
A very sick woman,
angry with Dr. Benesch
because he wouldn't
respond to her advances
committed suicide
in a way that made it seem
like Dr. Benesch killed her.
MR. LAKE:She stole his gun.
She planted a cup
with his fingerprints
on it in her apartment.
She stole letters
he had written to others
to make it look
like he'd written them to her.
In other words,
ladies and gentlemen,
she engineered a plot
at the expense of her life
that if you fall into it,
it will make you the jury
guilty of the murder.
Not Dr. Benesch.
Detective Fracinetti, please.
Philip.
Doc?
Hi, Fracinetti.
How're you doing?
What don't I know?
You've got it all, doc.
Nothing. Nada.
Get me
into Corrie's apartment.
Doc, we went over that place
with a fine tooth comb.
There's nothing there.
We got everything.
I'll tell you what. Just...
I'll call you.
Don't call me,
all right?
ATTORNEY: The love letter
whose handwriting
was identified as Dr. Benesch's
and the photograph
came from Dr. Dann?
Yes, they were
in Dr. Dann's file
on Corrie
which we subpoenaed.
Could you describe
this photograph
for the jury?
Objection.
They've already seen--
JUDGE: Overruled.
Based on our analysis
of shell markings,
there is no doubt
whatsoever
that Benesch's gun
was the murder weapon.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[MOTOR REVVING]
[CLICKS]
[TEARING]
[DOOR OPENS]
[DOOR CLOSES]
[CLICKS]
[DOOR CREAKS]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
BC 14.
Clerambault was the psychiatrist
who did the initial research
on Erotomania.
So? What do you
got there?
One second.
So, by using that name,
it means she was
diagnosed by a doctor
as an erotomaniac
before she came here.
She used the name as a clue.
She expected me to know it.
No Rita Clerambault
on file at RC&P.
Well...
I don't know.
Try Corrie Calvin again.
You never know when someone
is asleep at the wheel.
LESLIE: I'm running a program
that will print out every
possible permutation
of the name Corrie Calvin.
Just in case that's
not her real name,
and she changed it.
[THUDS]
I think we just struck oil.
What?
No police complaints
in Vancouver
See if there are
any sealed complaints.
I can't get in.
Phil, you got a police
clearance number?
Sure.
Is it still any good?
LESLIE: Bingo.
Okay, in 1988,
a man named Robert Clarke
filed two complaints
with the Vancouver police
Callie Colvin
hanged his pet dog.
God. Who was this guy?
What do they
have on Clarke?
He's the psychiatrist.
How did yo know?
PHILIP: He's married
with two children.
How did you know?
Forty five years old.
White, an expert witness.
[LAUGHING]
[CHUCKLING]
ATTORNEY: How long
have you known
the defendant, Dr. Dann?
Eighteen years. I want
to make it clear
I'm here on subpoena.
Not because I want
to testify for you.
MIKE: I also want
to make it clear
that I'm not
Dr. Benesch's psychiatrist.
Just his friend.
During the twelve
of those years Dr. Benesch
was married,
how many affairs
did he confide in you?
MR. LAKE: Objection.
Your honor, Dr. Benesch's
sexual history is relevant
to our contention
he seduced Corrie.
Overruled.
Three.
[CLAMORING]
MR. LAKE: Was the knowledge
that Dr. Benesch
was a chronic philanderer--
MR. LAKE: Objection!
Your, honor.
ATTORNEY: I'll rephrase.
Did these affairs
change your mind
about whether Dr. Benesch
had slept with Corrie?
MIKE: They didn't
change my mind.
ATTORNEY: Then
what do you
call it, doctor?
When Dr. Benesch
referred Corrie to you,
you accepted his diagnosis
of her as an erotomaniac.
Someone who makes up
non-existent love affairs.
ATTORNEY: After she
showed you the photograph
and the letter,
you felt that she
and Dr. Benesch had had sex.
MIKE: No, I felt
it was possible.
ATTORNEY: You said,
in grand jury testimony,
I quote,
"The letter
and the photograph...
Clarke didn't
return my phone calls.
I left messages
for him in his home.
You mean, a passionate
love letter from Dr. Benesch
to the deceased was
only momentarily convincing?
What do you need,
Dr. Dann?
To be there?
MR. LAKE: What?
You want to what?
You can't leave the state
let alone the country.
Well, I am going.
I speak his language.
What, they don't
speak English
up there anymore?
Come on.
Look, I'll
wait for you.
Remember.
We need her.
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[SIGHS WEARILY]
ELLEN: You lied to me.
Yeah, I did
You know what's
really amazing?
You've made me
so angry
I don't care
whether they
convict you or not.
You might be innocent,
and I don't give a damn.
A terrible thing to feel
about someone you love.
[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING]
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[ENGINE REVVING]
[TIRES SCREECHING]
Could I offer you
some coffee, Dr. Benesch?
No, thanks.
I had breakfast
on my way up.
Do you recognize
this woman?
Not off-hand.
A great many students
pass through BC.
But not a great many
that you complained
to the police about.
Can I see it again?
You're referring
to Callie Colvin.
Is this important,
doctor?
I'm on trial
for murdering her.
I see.
And did you?
She killed herself.
Made it look
as though I killed her.
Why would
anyone do that?
Because she
thought I was you.
Not literally,
of course.
CLARKE: Of course.
I think she was obsessed
with you for years.
I know she wanted
to hurt you.
But you
got beyond her
so she did
the next best thing.
She found someone
who resembled you
as closely
as possible.
A forensic psychiatrist,
married,
who had affairs.
A surrogate.
She left clues--
My wife.
She left clues
because she wanted me
to find you.
And tell you
how she constructed
her revenge.
I didn't kill her.
I hardly knew her.
She could kill me
because of what
she thinks you did to her.
That sounds paranoid.
Doesn't it, doctor?
[SCOFFS]
It would be,
if you hadn't lodged
those sealed complaints
with the police.
They're
in our files.
Did you sleep
with her?
No.
But, testifying for you,
it could destroy my marriage.
I'm on trial
for my life, doctor.
My family's life.
It was clever of Phil
to find you, Dr. Clarke.
To figure it out.
I rather wish he hadn't.
Even though
you may save his life?
An innocent man's life?
CLARKE: So, you say.
I wanted
to kill Carrie many times.
Dr. Benesch may not
have had my self-control.
Look, I don't
want to hurt you, doctor.
I also don't want
to let my client
die for nothing.
Now, I'm gonna ask you
some questions
the prosecution
is going to ask.
Don't be offended.
Did you
sleep with Corrie?
No.
You're under oath,
doctor.
She claims you did.
It's in her affidavit
to the police.
CLARKE: Nonetheless,
I did not.
MR. LAKE: So she lied.
CLARKE: Yes.
There was a department
of psychiatry hearing
into your problems
with Corrie, wasn't there?
Yes.
In it, they asked you
why you waited
eleven months
before you moved
to have her dismissed
as department secretary?
During those eleven months,
she called your house
at odd hours,
she camped out
on your door step,
she attacked your wife,
left piles of feces
in your car
broke windows
in your office
and hanged
your pet Schnauzer
from a tree
in your front yard.
So, why did you
wait eleven months?
Because clearly--
MR. LAKE: You didn't meet Corrie
as chairman of the department
of Psychiatry
You met her
as your patient, didn't you?
You couldn't
complain about Corrie
because what you knew
about her was in confidence.
But what she knew
about you wasn't.
You realized early on,
you'd made a terrible mistake
with Corrie
that you had
to wait eleven months
to extricate yourself
cause your only hope was
to accumulate enough evidence
that she was insane
that any normal person
would discount her claim
that you had slept with her.
But you had,
hadn't you?
Now, don't lie
to me, doctor.
My client could go
to the electric chair,
if you lie.
I slept
with her once.
PHILIP: What the hell
do you mean,
"We can't use her?"
She still harassed him,
the complaint is still
with the police.
No way. You put him on the stand
Rospel Hammon's gonna
break him within minutes.
Then she will argue
that you and Clarke
are peas in a pod.
Powerful shrinks who seduced
a sick, helpless girl,
humiliate her
when she begs for love
and dump her when you're done.
He fires her.
You kill her.
I'll have Les put him
on the next bus home.
Let's just pray
they don't find out
he exists.
Wait for me.
We'll get something to eat.
Phil, we gotta
call your wife.
I already
told you. No.
Look, juries expect
wives to testify
for their husbands.
They need that.
No. They'll crucify her.
I won't let 'em!
You won't be able to stop 'em.
Oh, you're afraid
they're gonna make her cry?
Is that it?
Is that what
you're worried about?
No, damn it.
I'm not afraid they're
gonna make her cry.
Then what?
You know what
I'm really afraid of?
I'm afraid
she thinks I did it.
That's what
I'm really afraid of.
[SIGHS SOFTLY]
Nonsense.
[SIGHS IN EXASPERATION]
See if you can
follow this, okay?
You write
a love letter
to Sheila
that ends up
in Mike Dann's files
as a letter
to Corrie.
Now, the handwriting
is genuine.
It means either
you wrote the letter
to Corrie,
or Corrie stole it
from someone you did
write it to, that is Sheila.
Yeah, yeah, we've
already been over all this.
If Sheila has
all the letters
you wrote her,
Corrie must've copied
the stolen letter
and left the copy
in Sheila's file.
[ENCHANTING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
So if Sheila has
a forged letter
in her file,
we're home free, man.
[DOORBELL BUZZES]
[DOORBELL BUZZES]
It's Philip.
It's important, Sheila.
MR. LAKE: We need
to see a letter
that Phil wrote to you.
We're fairly certain
Corrie stole the original
and we'd really
like to take a look
at what you've got.
Oh, my God.
What's wrong?
I burned them.
You burned them?
What do you mean
you burned them?
After you came here,
I thought they were
compromising
to both of us, so
and I burned them.
[SOMBER INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
Mrs. Benesch.
When did you first learn
your husband had affairs?
About a year ago,
I found a letter
from one of his lovers.
MR. LAKE: Sheila Prosser.
Yes.
Did you know
about his other affairs
before this trial?
No.
Did you know
about Corrie Calvin?
Not specifically.
What do you mean,
not specifically?
ELLEN: A woman
came to our house
to our daughter's
birthday party
dressed as a rabbit.
And later, I learned
that it was Corrie Calvin.
Later, meaning
after Corrie died.
Yes.
Did you
see her again?
I believe she was parked
in front of our house,
sitting in a car.
But I don't really remember
if that was before
or after the party
but she was in the car
just sitting.
Just... sitting.
Just sitting
and staring.
And the next thing you know,
Corrie had died and the police
were at your house.
Yes.
Mrs. Benesch, you've been
married to your husband
for twelve years.
Did he
ever hit you?
No.
Was he ever violent
with the children?
With animals?
No. No.
Pets?
Does he have a temper?
No, my husband
is very logical.
Does your husband lie,
Mrs. Benesch?
Yes.
ELLEN: But, mostly
by omission.
Meaning?
It's what he doesn't say
that's the lie,
not what he does.
MR. LAKE: Did you
ask your husband
if he killed Corrie Calvin?
Yes.
What did he say?
He said he didn't.
MR. LAKE: Do you
believe him?
Yes.
My husband isn't
the type of man to kill.
ELLEN: He doesn't
need to do that
to get what he wants.
He's a psychiatrist.
What if Corrie
threatened to tell you
they were having an affair,
even though they weren't?
What if Phil
couldn't stop her?
Would he kill her then?
No.
My husband
didn't love me enough
to kill for our marriage.
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
MR. LAKE: No further questions.
Thank you, Mrs. Benesch.
[COUGHS]
ATTORNEY: Mrs. Benesch,
how long was your husband
sleeping with Dr. Prosser
before you
found out about it?
About a year.
And the one
before that?
I wouldn't know.
And the one
before that?
Objection. Your honor,
she's badgering the witness.
JUDGE: Overruled.
So you really know
very little
about your husband's
emotional life
in some ways.
Wouldn't you say?
Is your husband
the type of man
to write passionate
love letters?
I don't know exactly
what you're trying to say.
Is he,
in your experience of him
the type of man
who would write,
"When I think of you
standing naked--
Objection, your honor.
The witness has
nothing to add
to this letter.
Overruled.
ATTORNEY: Thank you,
your honor.
"Standing naked
in the middle of my office
Excuse me. I...
PHILIP: Why are you
doing this to her?
Why are you deliberately
humiliating her?
[SLAMS GAVEL]
JUDGE: Dr. Benesch
One more outburst
and I'll have you restrained.
Your honor,
the defense requests
a five minute recess.
Denied.
Continue, counsel.
It's obvious you don't
know your husband
very well at all.
MR. LAKE: Objection, your honor!
JUDGE: No gratuitous remarks,
counsel.
No further questions
at this time.
JUDGE: Fine. In that case,
we'll recess
for the rest of the day.
[SLAMS GAVEL]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
[SIGHS]
[SLOW INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
You know, sometimes
it just dies.
And there's nothing
you can do
to get it back.
[SNIFFLES]
Why punish everybody
by trying?
Hey, look. I...
You know, I was
remembering this time
when you picked me up
after school.
It was
raining outside and
I had this impulse
to make you
pull away to the side
of the road
to make love to me.
But I didn't say anything
about it, because
I'd never done anything
like that before.
And part of me thought
you wouldn't want to.
You wouldn't want to.
I'm sorry I didn't
take that chance.
Because now I realize a lot
of other women were
living out my fantasy.
[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING]
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[TV COMMENTATOR COMMENTATING]
I don't know
what to do, Phil.
I mean, I can
put you on the stand.
I'm just afraid
she's gonna tear you
into pieces.
Maybe we gotta think
about cutting a deal here.
Look. She must've
slipped up somewhere.
Who?
Corrie.
She had to have
left something.
The trap wouldn't have
worked for her if she
hadn't have left a clue.
She needed people
to understand
how clever she was.
Larry.
Come on.
Let's go back over there.
Come back.
What are you, nuts?
Phil.
Well, this is grim.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
[CLICKS]
[SIGHS WEARILY]
This is a waste
of time, Phil.
There's nothing here.
[MUSIC PLAYING ON TV]
[STEALTHY INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
I'll take care
of both of them.
Get some rest.
Don't get your hopes
too high.
I have to.
I have to hope.
Dr. Benesch, you've been
forensic psychiatrist
for many years.
During that time,
how do you feel
about the legal system?
I thought
it was too lenient.
You thought people
who should've
been convicted got off.
I saw it happen.
Many times.
Have you changed your mind
since your recent experiences
with it?
Somewhat.
MR. LAKE: How?
Oh, I realize everyone
sees what they wanna see.
The police find
incriminating evidence,
the DA finds a case,
the defense
finds loopholes,
the defense psychiatrist
finds diminished capacity
and the State's psychiatrist
finds no diminished capacity.
And the truth?
Now, that's
harder to find.
Dr. Benesch, when did you
first meet Corrie Calvin?
PHILIP: About six months ago.
She was a court stenographer.
She first approached me
after a case
where she took notes.
What was
your impression of her?
PHILIP: She was very smart.
Very attractive.
Self-deprecating.
When did
your impression change?
Well, she...
She started
turning up everywhere.
On the ferry,
my house.
She kept calling
and leaving messages
on my answering service,
writing me letters.
You see, everywhere I looked,
there she was smiling
and flirting.
[MAN COUGHS]
Did you sleep
with her?
No.
Did you kill her?
No, I did not.
MR. LAKE: Did you ever
write her a love letter?
PHILIP: No.
Well...
Well, how do you
explain this letter
in your handwriting
which the state alleges
you wrote to Corrie?
I wrote that letter
to Sheila Prosser.
Corrie stole it
and made a copy.
And left the copy
in Sheila's apartment.
What happened
to the copy?
Sheila burned it
along with the other letters
that I wrote to her.
Burned it.
Dr. Benesch,
have you ever
broken the law?
PHILIP: Twice.
MR. LAKE: How?
PHILIP: I crossed
a police line to get
into Corrie Calvin's apartment.
I was looking for something,
for anything, that might
help to prove
my innocence.
Did you find it?
PHILIP: Yes, I did.
That blue book
you're holding.
Objection.
This wasn't
entered as evidence.
It was in the apartment
which is all states'
evidence.
The state had ample time
to find it, and would have
if it had
done its job.
Overruled.
This is the blue book.
PHILIP: Yes.
What does it contain?
Corrie Calvin's
attempt to duplicate
my handwriting.
Objection. Opinion.
Police graphologists confirmed
it was Corrie's handwriting.
Would you
read us this sentence?
PHILIP: "When I think of you
standing naked in the office--
In other words,
this is Corrie practicing
copying the letter
already entered
into evidence.
The letter that you wrote
to Dr. Prosser.
Objection. Opinion.
Withdrawn.
Withdrawn.
Your witness.
Dr. Benesch.
How do we know
you didn't plant this document
in Corrie's apartment?
You don't.
How do we know
even if you didn't
that Corrie wasn't simply
copying what you
had written to her
out of love trying to duplicate
the emotions you felt
when you'd written it?
You don't yet.
How do we know in fact
that this whole thing
isn't a ruse?
Because if I'm
telling the truth,
if Corrie stole the letter
from Sheila and made a copy,
Sheila's fingerprints
would be on the original.
I beg your pardon.
I asked--
I said, if Corrie
stole the letter
from Sheila,
Sheila's fingerprints
would be on the original.
And according to the State's
own fingerprint experts,
counselor,
Sheila's prints--
Your honor,
I request a recess.
Denied.
PHILIP: You saw what you
wanted to see, counselor.
PHILIP: You thought that I had
really written the letter
to Corrie
so you didn't look
for anything else.
But, in fact--
Your honor--
In fact, I didn't
write anything
to Corrie Calvin
and I didn't
murder her either.
This does not
belong in the record.
JUDGE: [GAVEL BANGING]
Order.
And I never helped her.
[SCOFFS]
I wish I had.
[ENGINE REVVING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
I'll be right back.
Doc. Doc!
[CHUCKLES]
Hey, how're you doing?
Good to see you.
Hi.
Congratulations.
I hear they're
not going to retrial.
Well, thanks.
We're all
really grateful.
Good. I bet.
Hey, girls.
Hi.
Can you give me one minute
with your dad, please?
It's okay.
Go ahead over there.
We'll be over there
in a minute.
So you and your wife
split up. I'm sorry
to hear that.
It's too bad.
Well, I don't think
too many marriages
could survive that trial.
It was a murderer
on marriage, huh?
Did you hear?
Earl's gonna fly away.
I saw it
on the news.
Well, there's
germ out there.
So what're you gonna do, doc?
You gonna come back
work for us, or what?
Well, you know,
I've been doing
some community work
and I
really like that.
I think my days of working
for the police are over.
No hard feelings though.
We're only human.
Even demons care,
you know.
Nah.
No hard feelings.
Well, maybe a few.
I'm human, too.
[CHUCKLES]
Doc, there's something
that always bothered me.
I gotta ask you.
I always thought
that she framed you.
But, what I could never
ever figure out
was why you?
Because she was crazy.
Doc, seriously.
[SIGHS WEARILY]
You know, at first
I thought it was
because she mistook me
for someone else.
But, now I think that
what she really wanted
was for someone in power,
like me, for instance,
to know something.
What did she want you
to know that she couldn't
just tell you, doc?
What if I
liked to beat her?
[CAPTIVATING INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
PLAYING]
[INDISTINCT CHATTER]
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PLAYING]