Midnight (1934) - full transcript

(dramatic music)

[Ethel] You see, I loved him.

I mean, I loved him when
he didn't love me anymore.

Day-in and day-out,
watching him get further

and further away from me.

I could see it in his
eyes when he looked at me.

I could see he hated me.

Hated me because I needed him.

Oh, I was so frightened, so mixed up.

It's so horrible to see someone who's

become part of you, slipping away slowly.



To feel helpless and empty, lonely.

And frantic, wanting to
do something, anything.

Anything to bring him back,

to patch things up, to try

to tie together the few
remaining bits of happiness.

And then, that awful day

when he drew the money from the bank,

and I knew the end I'd
been waiting for had come.

That all my fears were realized.

That he was going away.

I went mad.

He mustn't go away, he mustn't go.

Anything to stop him, anything.

That's all I wanted to do.



I didn't mean to Kill him.

I only meant to stop him.

To stop him from going away.

I want to ask you one question.

Did you take the money
after you killed him?

[Judge] You may answer
that, Mrs. Saxton.

Yes.

[Man] The question is,
is she guilty or isn't she?

Then, was it premeditated?

Did she know what she
was doing at the time?

As I see it, we've got a
big responsibility in this.

We ought to make sure it's all clear

in our own minds before we vote.

Well, Mr. District Attorney,
what do you think of it?

Justice will be done, of course.

- I mean, privately.
- I never

have a private opinion.

Okay.

Governor?

- Think so?
- Why not?

On the front page for weeks.

On the wires all over the country?

- You become a household word.
- Naturally,

there's been considerable interest.

The public is always interested

in anything that affects public models.

Public models. It's
just good entertainment.

Too bad she didn't
have the right lawyer.

Oh, you don't think they'll”?

Sure.

They couldn't. It
was a crime of passion.

That jury doesn't know what passion is.

Bunch of saps.

My father is the foreman.

- (both laughing)
- Sorry.

- He's really awfully nice.
- You're awfully nice.

- You're awfully fresh.
- That's right.

[Judge] Well, gentlemen,
are we ready to vote?

Any objections?

All right, let's vote
on the first question.

Guilty of murder in the first degree.

Write yes or no.

Guilty of murder in the first degree.

(dramatic music)

[Warden] And on the
days following, was placed

on trial for the murder of John Saxton

in the said county of this state

on the fourth day of December.

And upon said trial was
found guilty of murder

in the first degree for said killing.

And on the 18th day of April,

was sentenced to be put to death

in the manner provided by the law,

on Sunday in the week beginning
the 15th day of August.

Now, it is hereby ordered that execution

on the said sentence be done

upon said Ethel Saxton by you,

the said agent and warden
of the state prison

in the manner provided by the law,

on such day of the week beginning

on the 15th day of August,
as you shall determine,

within the walls of your said prison,

or the yard, or enclosure
thereto adjoining.

[Nolan] Don't be silly, (indistinct).

It's a lucky break for both of us.

You get the money and I get
the story. Nobody loses.

It's open and shut. Why, it's
a walk away for both of us.

Well, I don't know. It
ain't as simple as all that.

Old man Weldon had a lot

of trouble with you newspaper reporters.

He's liable to, I don't know,

he's liable to take a poke at ya

or slap us both into jail or something.

See, I'm in a funny position, eh.

Him being my father-in-law
and me living at the house.

Just temporary, you understand.

Like that.

How do I know you won't cross me up?

Listen to me, boy.

What's your first name? Joe, isn't it?

Yeah, call me Joe.

That looks like we knew each other, see?

Listen, Joe. I'm putting
myself in your hands.

Now, I'll come 'round to the
house about three o'clock

just so that they all get
acquainted with me, see?

Mrs. Weldon will be there, won't see?

Well, sure. And Ada.

Ada, that's your wife, yeah.

- How'd you know?
- Yeah.

Now, later tonight about nine,

I'll be around with a shortwave set

and then you'll get your money.

If I try to cross you, all you gotta do

is throw me outta the house.

That's simple enough, isn't it?

Suppose Weldon gets onto it, or Ada?

Well, you still got an out.

You didn't know any more
about me than they did.

You get sore at me the same way they do.

I help them throw you out, huh?

- Yeah.
- (both laughing)

Okay. Okay.

What's your idea in getting
Weldon in on all that?

[Nolan] Well, nothing really important.

You see, my newspaper will

broadcast a special private
broadcast of the execution.

A phony, you see, giving all the details,

which you will pick up
on the shortwave set.

And which Weldon will overhear.

Just another angle on the execution.

We just wanna see how he acts.

Well, I don't know.

That's kinda tough on the old man.

- I don't know.
- Well, I'll see you

at three, then, eh?

Okay? And then later at the house tonight.

- Yeah.
- Yeah.

At three.

- Have a drink?
- A drink?

I gotta play a guy here in a
minute for four bits a game.

That a boy. Keep the old head clear, eh?

Well, it's a bargain then, huh?

- Yeah.
- All right, fine.

So long.

So long. So long.

Works out swell.

I go to Chicago.

Let these mugs settle
their own troubles here.

Get my cut.

And I shake this girl Stella.

A cute kid. She's not right for me.

Too fast, you know? High brow.

Always asking questions
that are hard to answer.

Nice kid.

But I'm not ready yet to settle down

in the suburbs and wear golf panties.

I gotta get my million first.

Besides, there's...

Well, I'll be stuck in
Chicago for six months.

I'll be going out to the ballpark,

betting on the Giants and the Yankees.

What I lose on the Giants
I can make up on the Yanks,

or maybe the other way around.

Say, kid, are there any
bulletproof grandstands out there?

(group chattering)

- Want a light?
- Yeah, thanks.

- Gonna be a late session.
- You're telling me.

- Arthur?
- Say, Stella,

you spending the weekend in there?

- Ada?
- All right!

- Is my dress ready?
- Stella!

How many times have I asked you not

- to yell from upstairs?
- All right, Dad.

Ask Ada to bring up my dress, will ya?

I'll tell her.

She's going out with that Mr. Boni.

Boni?

She cried when he called up just now.

He didn't want to come
out, but she persuaded him.

She's been like that on and off for weeks.

Worries me.

Stella? Stella?

Coming!

Want me?

- What's the matter?
- Where are you going tonight?

I'm not making any plans.

- Gar's coming out.
- I don't like that boy.

- He seems kind of flashy.
- Suits me!

Stella! Stella!

- Yes?
- I don't want you

to go anywhere, be seen anywhere tonight.

I'd rather you didn't go out at all.

I don't know what Gar's plans are,

but I'll tell you where
I'm going when I see him.

Stella!

Now look here, Stella.

I stood for all I'm going to today.

Everybody pestering me.

Newspapers, telephone,
letters, reporters, telegrams.

A lot of feeble-minded people accusing me

of everything up to murder.

And then to come home
and find the same thing.

You've got to get hold
of yourself, do you hear?

What's all this got to do with me?

That isn't what's worrying me.

Yes, it is. Everybody's on edge.

And I don't want you to
make any insinuations.

Who's insinuating anything?

I thought you were
talking about me and Gar.

But if you can't keep from
bringing Ethel Saxton in,

I won't insinuate, I'll tell
you right out what I think.

If it weren't for you,
Ethel Saxton would be free!

She committed murder!

- The law?
- Law?

If she had any pull.

- What's that?
- If she'd had

a decent lawyer, she
wouldn't be dying tonight.

And she's going to die!

Stella, you may be right.

And if I thought there
was the slightest doubt

that what I did wasn't right, I'd...

Well, let's not go into that.

It's just that I don't want you

to go out with this Boni tonight.

Don't worry, he may
not give me the chance.

I'll talk to her.

Try and be back by 11.

11?

Yes, if I can.

I see where Plunkett is
sure of his re-nomination now.

And last speech did it
in the way he handled

the whole case.

Afterwards, he came up and thanked me

and said I was right to ask a question.

He was glad I did.

- He must be very considerate.
- He's the best

district attorney we've had in years.

I wish I could've taken that money

- from the evening news.
- We could use it.

- Joe had no luck again today?
- No.

That friend of his came up this afternoon

- to look over the radio set.
- To buy it?

I don't think so.

I wish he'd get a job.

Can't a man understand how
Ethel came to slay her mate?

What bunk.

Pages of it.

They make her a heroine.

Her husband guilty for
making her kill him.

I don't know.

The whole thing ought
to be more dignified,

the way it was at the trial.

(loud knocking)

Must be Joe's friend.

- Come in, Mr. Nolan.
- Greetings.

This is the set Joe wanted to look at.

This is Mr. Weldon.

- How do you do, Mr. Weldon?
- Joe is expecting you.

You know it's funny, but
I've been trying all day,

well, for a week or so, not
to think about it anymore.

And then I don't know, I get to thinking,

"I wonder what she's doing now?"

I got to get my mind on something else.

Oh, hello there, Bob.

Mr. Nolan's been waiting for ya.

Hello, Joe.

I got tied up in a little
conference down at the corner.

- Did you bring it with you?
- Yeah.

It's over there.

- You know how to work it?
- Oh, sure, sure.

It's easy. Take a look at my set.

I made it myself. Ain't it a beauty?

Look at that four simplex coil.

Just go along until he goes out.

Oh, the four simplex coil, yeah.

If it wasn't for that, you see,

the periodic lag on the transverse waves

would blur the tone.

- They gotta be good.
- Periodic lag?

That's not bad.

- Is it, Mr. Weldon?
- Hmm?

Oh, yes, yes.

(upbeat music)

You can notice (drowned out by music).

That's a break.

Joe, keep it low, won't you,

- with those reporters outside?
- Oh, I know.

I'm sorry, ma'am.

Oh, and Joe, don't get
the place littered up.

Aunt Elizabeth said she
and Uncle Richard might

- drop in this evening.
- Ain't many guys know

as much about the radio as I do.

You know, Joe, you oughta get a job.

Not me, not me, I'm
gonna be my own boss.

I'm not saying much, but one of these days

- you're gonna be surprised.
- That so?

Well, let me know when, will you, Joe?

I'll be waiting upstairs.

You think everything's
gonna be all right?

Just do as I say and leave it to me.

Oh, how do you do, Ms. Biggers?

- How do you do?
- Oh, that's Ada.

- What do you want?
- Well, nothing.

Except I couldn't have got that job

even if I had got there an hour earlier.

Oh, Joe, think up another alibi.

All right.

All right.

You mustn't mind Ada.

She's...

- We're gonna have a baby.
- Well, luck to you.

Thanks.

- (phone ringing)
- That's the telephone.

[Nolan] Hey, shut it off, can't you?

I don't want any of the other
papers honing in on this.

[Joe] Sure, I know what
you mean. It's a good idea.

It's been interfering with
the music all evening anyway.

- (doorbell ringing)
- I'll answer it.

Did you say the detector tube overloads

and clouds some of the high
notes or is it the harmonies?

You gotta be careful how you talk

- about radio around here.
- Is this guy all right?

[Stella] Sure. Hello, Gar.

- Come in.
- Hello, kid.

- It's the boyfriend.
- This is Mr. Nolan.

Mr. Nolan, this is Mr. Boni.

- How do you do, Mr. Boni?
- Your name was?

- Nolan.
- Glad to meet you.

Say, Mr. Nolan, take
Joe for a walk, will ya?

Certainly, if you say so. Come on, Joe.

How do you get that way, huh?

How are ya?

I asked Mr. Nolan to come here.

We've got a lot-
Joe, come on.

We've gotta, what? Oh.

- Hello, kid.
- Hello.

Kiss?

No.

Mad at me?

You know I am!

- Well, kiss me anyway.
- Well.

- So you break our last date?
- No, I was all set

to come, like I said,
when that fella called up.

Now I gotta go out to Woodlawn to see him

before I get the train.

I gotta collect some hard money.

- It's a dirty trick.
- No, I'll be back.

- When?
- Six months, maybe.

What if you don't come back at all?

- Or find someone else?
- Well, same to you.

If I thought you'd think
of someone else, I'd-

- Now, now, now, now, now, now.

- Driving?
- Well, yes.

Take me with you.

Oh, it isn't just the date.

I've gotta get out of this house tonight!

- Why? What's the matter?
- You know. Dad.

- Tonight, Ethel Saxton.
- Oh, yeah.

They're sure riding him hard, aren't they?

He's all worked up. The whole family is.

- It's an awful mess.
- Oh, and I'd like

to help you out, I would really, kid.

Please, Gar?

Now say, look here.

Now it isn't as bad as all that, is it?

You don't know.

- And they're razzing me.
- What about?

- You.
- What about me?

They don't think I
ought to go out with you.

Oh, they don't?

Well, I don't think
they're so hot, either,

- sending a woman to the chair.
- No, Gar.

You know how it is with dad.

There we go, too. Let's not talk about it.

Well, I'm awful sorry about this, kid.

But I've got to be going.

I wish I could stay with
you a little longer,

but I can't.

You see, I got a couple of birds
waiting out in the car.

All right.

- What time does your train go?
- 12:30, why?

- I'll see you there.
- Well, you can't do that.

- Well, yes I can.
- You can't do that, why-

- Why not?
- Well, you can't.

You oughtn't.

You can't go down to the station alone

- that time of the night.
- I know my way around.

Okay, now look at here now, Stella,

you know you can't do that.

Now get the idea outta your head.

I can't let you go. I won't!

Now, now, I'll tell you what I'll do.

I'll stop by here on my way back.

Now I won't have much time,
so when I honk the horn, you-

- I'll come right out.

Gar, if you're not here
by a quarter of 12,

- I'll be at the train.
- I'll be here.

You're a sweet kid.

Don't take it so hard.

Gar, what's this?

- Gar, you've got a gun!
- Yeah.

- I gotta collect that money.
- Gar!

- Now, don't worry.
- I'll see you before 12.

What's the matter, Stella?

I'm all right. There's
nothing the matter with me.

Where's your friend? Isn't he coming?

He's been here and gone.

What's the trouble?

Nothing. What makes you think that?

What is it?

Nothing.

Well, is the big conference over?

I saw the car driving away
while Bob was phoning,

so I thought we could come back.

Say, who was the dame in the car?

- What did you say?
- I say the dame,

the gal in Gar's car.

Who was it?

There wasn't any girl in his car.

Oh, yes there was.

You must be mistaken.

It wasn't his car. It couldn't be.

There were two men. He was taking two men.

[Joe] Why, I'd know that car anywhere.

There ain't another one like it.

Not around here anyway.

I spotted it parked down the block.

I was wondering why he didn't
park it out here in front.

Down the block?

[Joe] Yeah.

Didn't you know it wasn't
parked out here in front?

Well, it's a large
evening, isn't it? (Sobbing)

I told you I was their
aunt, Mrs. McGrath.

Oh, yes, it's my aunt and uncle.

- Hello, Aunt Elizabeth.
- Hello, Ada.

Hello, Ada. How's your father?

Pretty well.

(Ethel sobbing)

(jaunty music)

Hi, Aunt Lizzy, Uncle Dick.

Hear you're reading to
give me another razzing.

Stella, the language you use.

Does that-
Sure.

He's corrupting my language, my morals.

Hello. You still hanging around?

- How you making out?
- Fine, thanks.

- How you been?
- Swell.

- Never felt better in my life.
- I know.

Let's play a little Bridge.

- It'll help pass the time.
- No, I wouldn't like to play.

Why not? She's probably
playing Solitaire in herself.

- I hope she wins once.
- I don't think she will.

She's not lucky.

I wish you wouldn't talk
about her all the time.

We won't anymore.

You're all taking this too seriously.

I knew you'd be feeling kind of down,

that's why Richard and I came over.

- Mighty nice of you, too.
- Come on. Let's play.

I've been wondering
what I would have done

- in your place.
- What's that?

I've been thinking, they used

to hang men for stealing.

I'm wondering if we haven't
become civilized enough by-

- This is a swell time to
figure out things like that.

What are you trying to do?
Make dad out a murderer?

Oh, let's play.

Goodness sakes, let's play.

Talk doesn't get us anywhere.

- Can you play, young man?
- Yes, ma'am.

Well, enough not to make any (indistinct).

Oh.

Well, I'll tell you what,
you'll be my partner

and I'll show you as we go along.

Thank you.

[Radio Announcer] We bring

to you the latest news bulletin,

the following statement by the governor.

It is regarded as certain
that no action will be taken

to postpone the execution.

Told this by her attorney late tonight,

she seemed on the verge of collapse.

According to her attorney,
Edgar V. Ingersoll,

her only comment was,"
have had enough of good men.

The governor's a good man.

The members of the jury,
particularly the foreman"-

- Joe!
- The foreman?

Well, they're talking about you, Edward!

How did I know they'd
cut in on the music?

They'd cut in on anything
to give out news about her.

That's game. 100 below and 110 above.

For heaven sakes, don't
forget we're vulnerable.

I don't see why they
keep bringing me into it.

I didn't have anything against the woman.

With the evidence, we
couldn't do anything else.

I suppose they figured
because you asked the question.

Oh, sure I did.

The lawyers were sparring back and forth,

getting us all mixed up,

so I asked her straight out.

Did she take the money after
she killed him or didn't she?

When she said she did, well,
it was all clear and easy.

[Woman] Pass.

[Mrs. Biggers] Three diamonds.

[Richard] Pass.

Well, you certainly
made a name for yourself.

- A little slam in diamonds.
- Oh, I don't care about that.

It might have come out anyhow.

I don't know, but what we'd
have found her guilty anyway.

Yes, but I mean the question.

- That's what got her.
- Oh, I wouldn't say that.

The law says a juror has
the right to ask questions.

There they were, wasting state funds,

nobody getting anywhere,
so I spoke right up.

Of course, I don't know much about it

except what's been in the papers.

But they do say murders of passion-

- Oh, but it wasn't. It was premeditated.

She's guilty. Guilty as anyone ever was.

I know, but giving her the chair.

Who's to say you can't feel anything?

The worst of it's before,
thinking about it.

I did my part when we
handed in the verdict.

The sentencing and execution,

that doesn't mean any more
to me than anyone else.

- [Radio Announcer]
- The last meal consisted

of a shrimp cocktail, roast lamb,

new green peas, mashed potatoes-

- Turn that off and keep it off.

[Radio Announcer] Fresh
strawberries and cream.

- I didn't do anything.
- Shut it off and keep it off!

Who's radio is it?

He only mentioned what
she had for supper.

Who wants to know what she ate?

Most everybody, I should say.

What did she have? I missed that.

Sort of interesting to figure out just

what you'd like to eat if it
were your last meal on earth.

- I'm so sorry for the woman.
- You can be sorry

for a child that gets
hurt, but for a woman,

a grown woman who goes and
deliberately shoots a man?

She knew what she was doing.

She knew what she'd have to answer for.

Sure she knew. Maybe
that's what she wanted.

- It's your bid, Mr. Nolan.
- Hmm?

Oh, I beg your pardon. Bye.

- Bye.
- One club.

- Bye.
- Bye.

- Bye.
- Sit down, dad.

You're distracting.

Think so?

(soft chiming)

- 46 seconds past 11:30.
- 11:30.

Funny how we just can't keep
from looking at the time.

- Isn't it?
- Why?

Why?

(doorbell ringing)

I'll answer it.

Gentleman here named Ingersoll.

Said he wants to talk to Mr.
Weldon. Said it's important.

That's her lawyer.

What are you coming here for?

Weldon, you've got
to do something for me.

I've been to everybody.
I've been to the governor.

He won't listen to me.

I want you to appear to him
for a stay, a postponement.

Nothing I say can make any difference.

The governor would listen to you.

He couldn't afford not to. Don't you see?

I have nothing to do with it.

There aren't many men who
can make a governor jump

through a hoop for them.

I mean, Mr. Weldon, that you can

make yourself a national figure.

Oh, I see. So that's
what you came here for.

Pressure, publicity.

You know you've nothing now.

Nothing at all that makes any difference.

Mr. Weldon, you don't understand.

You're trying to cook
something up at the last minute.

Trying to use me, make a fool of me.

If we could get a stay,

maybe we could find something.

- It's out of my hands!
- It's out of my hands!

I was a mere instrument of the law.

It doesn't concern me personally.

All right. I guess there's no use.

She dies.

Well, that's that.

Well, come on, let's play Bridge.

Catch me passing up an
opportunity like that.

You still hold Mr. Weldon
responsible for your conviction?

Yes.

If you had it to do over again,

- would you do the same thing?
- Yes.

Are you afraid to die?

Yes.

(jaunty music)

- Who's play is it?
- It's mine.

Isn't it funny? The
phone doesn't ring anymore.

The phone? I shut it off.

Nuisance answering it all the time.

Hello, yes, no, bing.

That's my trick point, Richard.

You mean, when did you shut it off?

About an hour ago. Why?

You wasn't expecting anybody to call you

at this hour of the night was you?

- It's a quarter of 12.
- I've got to go.

- At this time of night?
- I've got to go!

- Where are you going, Stella?
- To meet Gar.

- Where?
- At the corner.

- Why doesn't he come here?
- He didn't want

- to disturb you again.
- But at this time of night?

Yes.

He's leaving tonight. He's
going to take a train.

Where is he going?

Chicago.

You sure you're only
going to the corner?

Where'd you think I'd be going?

Chicago? You make me laugh.

You think I'd go, Dad?

Do you love him? Hmm?

Terribly.

Oh, Stella. You're so excited.

Now, repeat after me.

Our father who art in heaven.

Our no father, I
didn't mean (indistinct).

I didn't meant to do it! (Sobbing)

Good-bye. See you later.

(phone ringing)
I'll answer it.

Hello?

Oh, Gar!

I was just coming to meet you.

Yes.

Yes, right away.

- I wouldn't have let her go.
- Hmm?

- What's she talking about?
- What? At this time of night?

- The kid's all right.
- Going out

at this time of night?

We could have made the rubber easily.

It's 10 of 12 now.

10 of 12.

11 minutes, she goes to the chair.

- (Elizabeth gasping)
- What did you do that for?

You fool!

Huh?

I've got a lot of work tomorrow.

10 of 12.

- Nine it is now.
- Edward,

- stop thinking about it.
- That's right.

You really ought not to
keep thinking about it.

I think I'll go to
bed if you don't mind.

I'm kind of tired. Hard day.

Look here, Edward. Get hold of yourself.

Hmm? Oh, it's not that I'm tired.

All right, I'll stay up.

- Come on, Ada, and play.
- The cards are dealt.

- We only need 20 for game.
- How do you expect us

to concentrate on contract
with all these interruptions?

- What was the bid?
- One club.

Ready?

It's getting late, Stella.

I gotta be going if I'm
gonna catch that train.

Don't go, Gar. Please don't go.

I told you I have to.

I gotta get outta town for awhile.

- Why?
- Well, you wouldn't understand

if I told you.

Aw, now, come on, kid, snap out of it.

I'm not dead yet. I'm only
going away for awhile.

- It's the same thing.
- I'll never see you again.

I have the feeling I'll
never see you again.

You're a funny kid.

You think things awful serious, don't ya?

You mean, you weren't
serious? Is that it?

No, it isn't that.

I mean, you gotta expect to
add brakes once in awhile.

Things don't always turn out
the way you want them to.

- (doorbell ringing)
- That's the door.

Must be the man I've been waiting for.

- What man?
- I'll let him in.

(chanting in foreign language)

Well, you haven't
anything to worry about.

- I've got to go with you.
- Now you know that's out.

Even if, without getting married?

Oh, I wouldn't do that, kid.

Either way it's out. That's not your line.

Aw, come on, snap out of it.

Gar, you're going
away with someone else.

- Sure, with a couple of guys.
- With a woman.

- Where'd you get that idea?
- I know.

Sit right up here. I'll tell you when.

So, you are a reporter?

What's the meaning of this, Mr. Nolan?

(chanting in foreign language)

Now listen, kid.

You might as well know the truth

and take is, tough as it is.

We're through, see?

I'm not the guy for you.

I've had plenty of girls
and I'll have plenty more.

You're pretty sweet. It's been awful nice.

But this is a stopping off place.

I love you, Gar. I won't
let anyone else have you.

- I won't!
- Ah, now come on,

now, be a good sport, Stella.

Let's finish it like we
began it with a laugh.

No rough stuff, no noise.

Just end it like we began, with a laugh.

Come on, now, laugh. Smile now.

All right.

Get out of here! Get out of here!

[Radio Announcer] They've
opened the cell door.

She comes out. Two
matrons have to help her.

- Oh, stop it. Stop it!
- She is white.

(chanting in foreign language)

Gar, kiss me good-bye.

Good gal.

- Very weak, her eyes-
- Stop it! Stop it!

Stop it!
(gun shooting)

You seek to put one over on me, don't ya?

You bought your way into my
home and got a big scoop.

You hounded me, and hounded
me, and hounded me to talk.

(train whistling)

I'll talk! I'll talk for your public.

I'll talk!

You wanted a statement from me?

All right, I'll give you one.

If that will bring me
peace, I'll give you one.

She killed him. She killed a man.

She's electrocuted. It's the law.

That's hard, but so is murder.

You've got to punish murder.

It's the only way.

Man or woman, it doesn't
make any difference.

I would do the same thing if I had

to do it all over again.

And now, get out, all of you! Get out!

(door slamming)

I'm sorry, Weldon. That's
the way they break sometimes.

It's an outrage.

If I were you, I'd do something about it.

If you don't mind, I've had enough.

- Elizabeth, would you go?
- Come on.

I killed him.

[Mrs. Biggers] What
for? What's happened?

Why didn't you throw the gun away?

Why didn't you leave it?

I'll plead guilty.

Hello, everybody.

What's the matter?

Gar is dead.

Stella.

Didn't he try to attack you?

Didn't you fight, struggle?

I'll go to the chair for it.

And I don't care. I don't care!

Don't say a word. Nobody say anything.

I didn't.

Don't say a word, no matter who it is.

- I'd like to see Mr. Weldon-
- Who are you?

What do you want?

- What do you want?
- I'd like to speak

- to Stella a minute.
- Stella?

Stella isn't feeling very well just now.

Would you mind coming back tomorrow?

She was just going upstairs.

Perhaps I can make up
to you what I did tonight

for the paper.

Stella, did Gar Boni get off

on that train tonight, for Chicago?

Did he?

No.

Do you know where he is?

- Yes.
- Where is he?

In his car. Dead.

- Do you know who killed him?
- I did.

Dad, you've got to do
something. You've got to.

There's only one thing we can do.

But we'll do everything
we can to help Stella.

Stella, Ada and your mother are going

to take you upstairs.

I want you to lie down for a little while.

Don't think, just lie
down and close your eyes.

Will you do that?

Come.

Come, darling.

- Can we trust you?
- I think so.

I'll tell you what I'd do.

I'd talk to the district attorney.

Why do you say that, Mr. Nolan?

Don't forget, he has you
to thank for his verdict.

Don't forget, he's your friend.

Yes, of course, that's right.

I can talk with him.

Wait a minute. There must
be something else we can do.

- There must be some other way.
- You can't do that.

Give me a little time,
I'll figure out something.

The telephone number is Rogers, 1847.

Rogers, 1847, keep ringing.

He lives on Ruckton Avenue.

It won't take him long.

Mr. Plunkett?

Yes, I know, but it's very important.

Thank you.

She's getting him. It's pretty late.

Mr. Plunkett?

Well, Mr. Plunkett, this is Edward Weldon.

Weldon. I was foreman at the Saxton jury.

Mr. Plunkett, I-

- Tell him something's happened tonight.

Mr. Plunkett, something
terrible happened tonight.

Don't tell him what.

Just tell him to get over here quick.

You must come right over.

No, tonight.

But yes, you must come over tonight.

It's important.

Why?

I can't tell you.

I mean, not over the phone.

Yes.

Well, not exactly.

Yes, it has something to do with it.

Yes, if you come over.

You will?

Oh, thank you, Mr. Plunkett.

Yes, it's not far.

3959 Marine Avenue.

Up Rockland Boulevard past the plaza.

Yes.

Yes.

Thank you, sir. Thank you.

- He'll be right over.
- We gotta fix up a story.

He tried to attack her, you get the idea?

And then to save her honor she...

Self-defense.

We'll tell him what's happened.

I love Stella.

She's my daughter. But she broke the law.

You mean to say that
for a set of dried up laws

that are being smashed to bits every day

by professional criminals, you'd-

- But I'm no criminal.

I'll leave it to Mr. Plunkett.

I'll throw it on the mercy of the court.

In heaven's name, man, what
have you got in your veins?

- Milk?
- Yeah.

- That's right.
- What's that you say?

Don't you ever think about human beings?

Stella, your own child,
and you mumble about law.

Don't you talk to me like that.

Dad, we've got to have
an alibi for Stella.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking.

You want me to be an accomplice?

You want me to obey the
law except when it hits me?

My own family?

My baby?

You weren't hounded these
last few weeks for nothing.

You know as well as I do
that something happens

when we all get together
and kill somebody.

Something happened to Stella tonight.

Killing meant something to her.

Seemed to her to be brave, even righteous.

I have to think. I have to think.

Maybe the district attorney,

maybe he'll accept a plea
of manslaughter, perhaps.

- How did you know about-
- About what?

Well, how did you
guess about she and Gar?

I saw her when she came in.

I figured right away
something had happened,

so as soon as I phoned
my story to the office,

I walked around the block
and I found him folded up

- on the wheel of his car.
- She must have been crazy.

(doorbell ringing)
The story, the alibi.

We haven't fixed it up.

- What'll we say?
- That he tried

- to attack her.
- Tell him the truth.

(doorbell ringing)
You better go inside.

I'll let him in.

Come in.

Nolan.

What are you doing here?

Body guard?

Yes.

What have you got here? What is it?

I think it'll be a swell idea

if you would drive Mr. Plunkett's car

around the block for about a half an hour.

What's the record, Nolan?

- He works for me.
- Sure.

But you don't want the
cops to spot your car

waiting outside, do you?

Least 'til you're all set for 'em?

All right, Alec.

Drive out to the bridge and
back. Make it 20 minutes.

- Okay, chief.
- Now what is all this?

You know Mr. Weldon, of course.

This is his son, Arthur, and this is-

- Son-in-law.
- Joe Biggers.

How do you do?

Weldon, what's the trouble?

My daughter, Stella.

Well?

On the night that Ethel
Saxton was being executed,

the daughter of the
foreman of the Saxton jury,

think how this will read in
the papers, Mr. Plunkett,

killed her lover.

That isn't true, Weldon?

- It's true.
- Your daughter?

What made her do it? Self-defense?

Did he try to attack her?

As far as I know, there are
no extenuating circumstances.

- Has she told you about it?
- Yes.

My son here has the-
Let me see it.

Hers?

She said she took it from his pocket.

- Who was he?
- A foreigner, I think.

- Gar Boni was his name.
- He called her up tonight.

They had a date. He didn't wanna keep it.

She got him to come out, though.

And then she sent me and Nolan here away.

I saw him driving away in
his car with another girl,

SO we come back.

When I told her about it,
it really busted her up.

She came back about 20 minutes of 12

and she went out to his car.

She said he was going to Chicago

and she wanted to tell him goodbye.

She was very high strung all evening.

I noticed it when she went out.

But I didn't think about it again until.

- I saw her come in.
- What did you say

his name was?

- Gar Boni.
- Boni.

Gar Boni.

Oh, yes, she said she got this from him?

- That's what she said.
- Did you have one

- in the house?
- No.

- Did she?
- She didn't know

- what a gun looked like.
- Much less how to fire it.

- What made her do it?
- What reason did she give?

- She didn't give any.
- She just went crazy.

I'll tell you why she did it.

Because Ethel Saxton died tonight

- in a blaze of glory.
- How do you happen

- to be here?
- Story.

- Is your sister here?
- Yes, sir. She's upstairs.

- Tell her to come down.
- I want to talk to her.

How much have you phoned the office?

Nothing. Yet.

Mr. Weldon, have you anything to say?

- No. We'll have to submit.
- What do you mean?

If she did it, she must stand trial.

You mean you won't oppose it?

- Well, how can I after-
- After what?

What are you talking about?

Like you said to the jury at the trial,

the law is the same for everybody.

I see.

You expect a jury to convict her?

It has been done.

How do you do, Miss Weldon?

This is Mr. Plunkett,
the district attorney.

- Oh.
- I've got a few questions

- I want to ask you.
- Mr. Plunkett,

- there must be some mistake.
- Now, Mrs. Weldon.

I want you to tell me, Miss Weldon,

just as carefully as you can remember it,

exactly what happened.

I can't.

- Answer him, Stella.
- Leave it to me, please.

- Tell him everything.
- We're going

to do everything in our
power to take care of Stella.

She doesn't have to say anything!

- She should have a lawyer.
- If she doesn't talk

to me, of course, a lawyer
can always see her in jail.

What a nice story that would be.

- You keep out of this.
- Certainly.

Will you tell me what
happened, Miss Weldon?

- He was going away.
- This evening?

Yes. He said there
were two men in the car.

Joe said-

- Go on.

There weren't.

Well?

He lied to me.

He said he had to go out to Woodlawn.

Joe said there was a girl in the car.

After we-

- I see.

- You wanted him to marry you?
- To take me with him.

To Woodlawn?

Chicago. He was going there tonight.

Was he the first man you ever loved?

- Yes.
- Why was he going to Chicago?

- Business, he said.
- What was his business?

- I don't know.
- Where'd he get his money?

- I don't know.
- Why did he carry a gun?

- He didn't always.
- Why did he tonight?

He said he had to
collect some hard money.

How long did you know this Boni?

- Along time.
- How long?

- Since May at the trial.
- May?

- At the trial.
- What's that got

- to do with this?
- Nothing.

Now, don't be offended at
what I'm going to ask you.

It's very important.

Are you going to have a baby?

No.

I'm going to ask you something else now.

Something I want you to
think over very carefully

before answering me.

Do you remember pressing your finger

on the trigger of this gun?

Yes.

But no.

Careful now.

Do you remember pressing your finger

on the trigger of this gun?

Why, I don't remember that.

How many times did you fire this gun?

I don't know, once.

There are three empty cartridges.

Three.

Three.

Do you remember firing
three times at this Boni?

- No, I-
- There's a very good reason

why you can't remember that, Miss Weldon.

- Why?
- Because you did nothing

of the sort.

I think you've been lying to me

- and to your family here.
- Oh, no, I-

- Yes, your story is
too perfect, too simple.

- Don't you think so, Nolan?
- It's perfect.

[Edward] Mr. Plunkett?

I don't understand.

It's very interesting, Mr. Weldon.

Your daughter has always had
a very active imagination?

Highly strung? Sensitive?

- Yes.
- Yes, I can see that.

What I've told you is true.

- I told you everything.
- No, you haven't.

Not half. What was his business?

Where did he get his money?

Who did he have to see in Woodlawn?

Why did he carry a gun?

Why was he leaving for Chicago tonight?

- I told you all I know.
- How did you know

he had a gun?

- How did you?
- I felt it in his pocket

when he kissed me goodbye.

It's perfectly obvious, Mr. Weldon,

your daughter is in a state of nervous

and mental collapse.

She's just been through
a most trying experience,

the details of which are
not yet entirely clear.

Isn't it a fact that you're
daughter was interested

- in the Saxton case?
- Yes, she was.

- Followed it every day?
- Yes.

Knew all the details?

Probably even better than you did?

It worried us, but I guess
everybody got worked up.

- The papers.
- Which side was she on?

- Which side?
- Was she for the law

or did she sympathize
with the Saxton woman?

Well, of course, she felt
sorry for Ethel Saxton.

Only tonight she said-
There you are.

- My point exactly.
- What is it you're getting at

- Mr. Plunkett?
- We'll come to that later,

- if you don't mind?
- Oh, of course not.

- Give him time.
- What did you know

- about this fellow, Boni?
- Why, I never talked

to him much.

I kept thinking Stella
would get tired of him.

He was a fore flusher.

We tried to get him to talk,
gave him plenty of chances.

- And he shut up like a clam.
- He had plenty

of money, though.

You ought to see his car.

3,800 it cost, and eight
cylinders all in a row.

And radio on the win, on the dashboard.

Where did he get the money for a car?

I don't know.

What did he use it for? Business?

- I don't know.
- I see.

You rode around with him for four months

and had no idea what he did for a living.

No.

Didn't he ever tell you what he did?

Didn't you ever ask him? Why?

I loved him!

Let her alone, can't you? Let her alone!

I'm sorry.

Now, Miss Weldon, you said
he went to Woodlawn tonight.

- Yes.
- He had this.

- Yes.
- He said he had

- to get some hard money.
- That's what he said.

- Did he get it?
- I don't know.

- Was there trouble?
- I didn't ask.

Where did you meet him tonight?

- Here. He came here.
- What time?

- About 12.
- Where did you go?

Nowhere. We got in his car.

- We drove around the block.
- There were cars passing

- while you were talking?
- Why, I don't remember.

I suppose so.

Did you notice a big clothes car stopped

on the other side of the street?

- A clothes car?
- Yes.

On the other side of the street.

I don't remember.

This fellow, Boni, he had enemies.

People who'd like to get him, didn't he?

- I don't know.
- Sure he did. Lots of them.

He didn't like to meet strangers.

As a matter of fact, wasn't he nervous

all the while you were
with him in the car?

Yes, he wanted to catch the train.

- Wanted to get away?
- Yes.

He was afraid he'd been
followed from Woodlawn, wasn't he?

- He didn't say so.
- But he was nervous?

Yes.

Afterward,

after he was shot, what did you do?

I just sat there and then I came home.

- Did you see anyone?
- No, sir.

Were the windows in the car open?

No windows, Mr. Plunkett.

It's a sports car. I saw it.

- Nobody around?
- No.

Nobody.

That's all?

You won't take her away,
will you, Mr. Plunkett?

Wait, mother.

Well, Mr. Plunkett?

Will you?

It's manslaughter, isn't it?

- Nothing more?
- It's murder.

First degree if we can find
the man who fired that gun.

How'd you figure that out?

It's perfectly obvious your daughter,

who over a period of time has been excited

about Ethel Saxton's
execution, perhaps sympathizing

with the guilty woman even

to the point of identifying
herself with her,

who at the same time has
found herself involved

in the most emotional
crisis of her young life,

and who finally underwent the shock

of seeing the man she loved killed,

has by a curious psychological quirk,

diluted herself into
the unshakeable belief

that she is guilty of this crime.

This impulse may have its origin
in a subconscious desire

to kill this man.

An impulse, by the way,

which many normal persons experience.

I'm glad, Mr. Weldon, you and Nolan here

were wise enough to call me

in before the impersonal
machinery of the law.

(doorbell ringing)
And that must be my man now.

I think, Miss Weldon,
you better not see anyone

for a few days.

Go out, of course, with your family,

but quiet talk to people for a day or so.

After that, a vacation,
a little rest and quiet,

and you'll find you'll
forget all about everything.

Everybody.

- Where's the car now?
- Around the corner

- on Sunset Avenue.
- Alec, someone's been

taken for a ride, a kid named Boni.

He's in his car around the
corner on Sunset Avenue.

About halfway down the block.

Nolan here found him.

He wants it exclusive.

Take the car down to headquarters.

Here, have Cleary trace it.

Check for kid's fingerprints,
they may show something.

He was out in Woodlawn earlier
in the evening, collecting.

Nolan here got it on a tip

and keep Mr. Weldon's name out of it.

He's had publicity enough recently.

Okay, chief.

Mr. Plunkett, I've
gotta get this straight.

It's a perfectly clear case.

Another gang killing,
that much is obvious.

Whether it will ever be cleared up-

- Will be up to the district attorney.

- And Ethel Saxton?
- It often happens the law

is better served by applying the spirit

rather than the letter.

Whatever may happen in
any particular case,

justice is done.

Good night, Mr. Weldon. Don't worry.

The country needs more good, upright,

honest citizens like you.

Goodnight, Nolan.

Goodnight, Mr. Plunkett.

(Stella sobbing)

(dramatic music)