Perry Mason (1957–1966): Season 2, Episode 4 - The Case of the Sardonic Sergeant - full transcript
An investigation is launched when U.S. currency that was supposed to have been destroyed in the Philippines during World War II starts to appear in circulation in the vicinity of an Army base. The officer in charge of the base cashiers office, Major Frank Lessing, has been acting odd lately and his senior Sergeant Joseph Dexter has just about had it. He asks for a transfer which Lessing approves. When his wife Helen Lessing goes to the office late one night she finds him dead at his desk with a gun in one hand and a suicide note in the other. She quickly covers up the suicide to make it look like a murder. Perry Mason shows up at the base that morning as Maj. Lessing had requested the previous evening. Mrs. Lessing eventually tells him of the cover-up and offers to pay for Sgt. Dexter's defense now that he has been charged with her husband's murder.
At ease.
Which one of you
men is William Smith?
I am, sir.
This is Mr. Blake of the
Treasury Department.
Gentlemen.
Ever see this before?
Which one of you
men paid for drinks
at the Savoy Bar Thursday
night at around 8:30?
I did, sir.
You gave the bartender a 20.
That 20.
If this is counterfeit, captain,
I swear I don't know
anything about it.
I don't know anything
about it either, sir.
Do you remember
where you got this?
No, sir.
You know how money changes hands
during a little, heh,
friendly recreation.
Who was in the game with you?
Well, there was
Sergeant Burke here,
and, uh, Corporal Thomas,
um, Sergeant Wallace,
Corporal Baker, and...
And don't forget
Sergeant Dexter.
Yes, sir.
Sergeant Dexter.
Isn't he in the Finance Office?
Yes, sir. He's the chief clerk.
That'll be all.
Pardon me, captain.
Is it counterfeit?
It looks good.
It is good.
There's just one thing
wrong with that bill:
It has no business
being in existence.
Well, you see, lieutenant,
just before Corregidor
surrendered,
the Army burned
$10 million in currency
to prevent it falling
into enemy hands.
That 20 didn't even get warm.
Well, does the Treasury
Department know
how much was stolen?
Well, judging by
the serial numbers,
I'd say around $400,000.
All of it isn't in circulation,
but every bill that's shown up
has been traced
directly to this post.
There were eight men detailed
to dispose of that money.
Six of those men are dead.
Of the two remaining, one
is a man named Tony Kusick,
wanted for desertion.
The other is Major
Frank Lessing.
Our finance officer?
Lessing was a lieutenant
on Corregidor at the time,
but he was the officer in
charge of that $10-million bonfire.
I'm sorry, Captain Kennedy,
but Major Lessing isn't home.
No, I'm sorry. I've no idea
where you can reach him.
Yes, of course. I'll
give him your message.
You're quite welcome.
That's the third time
he's called, Frank.
I told you I'd talk to Kennedy
when I was good and ready.
Frank, what's wrong?
I told you, Helen.
There's nothing wrong.
Now don't stand there
looking at me like that.
You make me feel like I...
I'm sorry, Helen.
I didn't mean it, I...
No, darling, you know
I've never interfered,
but if you're in trouble,
I want to know about it.
Helen, th-there's
absolutely nothing wrong. I...
Are the children waiting
for you in the car?
Yes, I'm taking them
over to Major Layton's,
and Harry's having
a birthday party.
Tell the little monsters not
to eat too much ice cream.
I won't be long.
Helen...
Do me a favor, will you?
Of course.
Always remember that I love you.
Oh, Frank, what is it?
You know you can
tell me anything.
You better go.
All right, Helen,
he just came in.
Now, don't you
worry. I-I'll talk to him.
Yes. Yes, right away.
Of course.
About finished with
the payroll, Dexter?
Uh, no, sir.
Should have been
finished an hour ago.
I'm sorry, major,
but Captain Kennedy
and a Treasury agent held me up.
They were around
asking questions.
They, um... They wanted
to know if anyone else
had the combination to the safe.
What'd you tell them?
Well, I told them you
were the only one.
Why did you tell them that?
You know the combination.
Yes, sir, but I'm
not supposed to,
and I felt sure you
wouldn't want me
to open the safe for them.
You'd, uh...
You'd better explain
that remark, sergeant.
Well, I took the liberty
of opening the safe
before they got here.
You what?
When I picked up the payroll
money at the bank this morning,
the bank gave me a
list of the serial numbers.
Go on!
Those aren't the same
bills I turned over to you, sir.
The numbers don't match.
I've had enough of your
insubordination, sergeant.
Far too much.
You'd better find another spot.
Not meaning to
be disrespectful, sir,
but I had the same idea.
My request for a transfer
is in your top drawer.
Consider yourself
relieved of duty, sergeant.
Haskell speaking.
I told you never
to call me here!
Major Lessing is here.
All right, Della, show him in.
Come in, major.
Thank you for seeing me
at this hour, Mr. Mason.
Not at all, major. Sit down.
Thank you.
If you don't mind,
I'd prefer not to have
any notes taken of this
meeting for the records.
Della.
All right, major.
What's on your mind?
Tomorrow morning at
10:00 I intend to disclose
complete details of a
crime to Captain Kennedy.
He's criminal investigator
at Camp Grace.
I see. And you want to
retain counsel before you act?
Yes, I, uh...
I should have done
this a long time ago.
But, uh, would $1,500
be sufficient as a retainer?
If I accept the case.
Can you tell me the
nature of this crime?
Unlawful possession of money
stolen from the
United States Army.
You said you should
have done this long ago.
Why didn't you?
It's...
It's been a very difficult
decision to make.
I have a wonderful wife
and two lovely daughters.
We've been very happy.
What I intend to do tomorrow
will destroy that happiness.
And I can expect to see you
at my office tomorrow at 9?
Yes.
Thank you.
I'm a little surprised.
You don't even
represent the man,
and yet you're willing to drive
all the way out to Camp Grace
in the wee small hours of
the morning to meet the man.
Suppose it isn't as
serious as he thinks it is.
When a finance officer
leaves $1,500 on my desk
and doesn't ask for
a receipt, it's serious.
I'll see that your car is ready.
Uh, Major Lessing's
office, please.
Frank. Frank!
Frank...
Oh, Frank.
Oh, Frank!
My dearest Helen,
I'm sorry that this is
the way it must end,
but there is nothing
else I can do.
For some time now,
I've used my office
to dispose of more than $85,000,
which I stole from the
Army at Corregidor.
Kiss the children for me
and try not to judge
me too harshly.
Captain Kennedy, please.
Captain Kennedy,
this is Helen Lessing.
I'm in my husband's
office. He's been murdered!
Yes?
I wonder if I might
see Mrs. Lessing.
What are you, another reporter?
No, I'm an attorney. My
name is Perry Mason.
I'm sorry. Come in, Mr. Mason.
Thank you.
Will you sit down, please?
Thanks again.
Well, I... I guess
you've heard the news.
Yes, I saw Captain Kennedy
in Major Lessing's office.
It's terrible.
It's just terrible.
I appreciate it must have been
quite a shock, mister, uh...?
Evans. Howard Evans.
I'm Major Lessing's
brother-in-law.
Did Frank say
anything to you last night
that might give us
a lead to the killer?
How did you know Major
Lessing came to see me last night?
I talked to him at the office
about 20 minutes before he left.
I work there as a
civilian employee.
I'm the assistant cashier.
I see.
Well, I won't take up any
more of your time, Mr. Evans.
Would you please give
this to Mrs. Lessing?
Her husband...
Who is it, Howard?
I'm sorry to disturb
you, Mrs. Lessing.
This is Perry Mason, Helen.
Oh.
How do you do?
I saw your husband last night.
I know.
He gave me this
money as a retainer.
Under the circumstances...
I'll... I'll get it, Helen.
Oh, hello, Evans.
Is Mrs. Lessing in?
Come in, Captain Kennedy.
How are you
feeling, Mrs. Lessing?
I'm all right. This...
This is Perry Mason.
Yes, we've met.
I, uh...
I wanted to talk to
you, but it can wait.
What is it, captain?
There's one thing I want
you to know, Mrs. Lessing.
I did your husband
a grave injustice.
What do you mean?
This isn't the time to
talk about it, I know, but...
Well, I was wrong.
I'm ashamed to admit
that it took your husband's
murder to convince me.
But if it's any
consolation to you,
we're going all out
on Sergeant Dexter.
What are you saying?
That we found
Major Lessing's killer.
Sergeant Dexter?
No. No, you're wrong.
Suppose you leave
that to us, Mrs. Lessing.
No, no, he didn't do it.
You've got to believe me.
Everything points to it.
Now, if you need
me for anything,
please, call me.
Nice to see you, Mason.
Captain.
Sergeant Dexter didn't
kill him, Mr. Mason.
According to Captain Kennedy...
I tell you, he didn't do it!
Look... Look, this money
my husband left you,
I want you to keep it.
I want you to... I want
you to defend Dexter.
Helen! Do you realize
what you're doing?
Please, Mr. Mason, I
want you to help him.
He didn't kill Frank. I know.
How do you know, Mrs. Lessing?
I-I just know, that's all.
And I was the first one to laugh
when anyone yelled
he was being framed.
What do you know about the
so-called Corregidor money?
The what?
The bills that were supposed
to be destroyed during the war.
Captain Kennedy says they've
been showing up on this post.
I don't know anything about it.
They found
$10,000 of those bills
in your footlocker.
I never saw them.
Somebody put them there.
More of the frame?
Yes.
How do you explain the
$50,000 in Corregidor money
they found in Major
Lessing's safe?
Well, how do they explain it?
They feel you made
the substitution.
Sure, they do.
Do you think that Major Lessing
is responsible for
the substitution?
I don't know what
to think anymore.
I told you, I served under
Major Lessing for four years.
I thought he was the
greatest guy in the world.
Apparently, you
changed your mind.
Why?
Well, who else
could have done it?
That's no answer, sergeant.
Now, you men are
paid once a month.
Who picks up the payroll?
Howard Evans and myself.
Evans, that's Mrs.
Lessing's brother?
That's right.
When was this particular
payroll picked up?
Why, yesterday morning.
We went to the bank and
cashed the payroll check.
Then what did you
do with the money?
We turned it over
to Major Lessing.
The money was
never out of your sight
until Major Lessing
put it in the safe?
Well, practically.
What do you mean, "practically"?
Well, Mr. Haskell, the
head cashier, had to count it.
Then the money
was out of your sight?
Well, if you put
it that way, yes.
That means Mr. Haskell could
have switched that money.
When you and Evans
picked up the payroll money
at the bank yesterday,
you drove immediately
back to camp?
Well, no.
No, you see, Major
Lessing had asked me
to cash his personal
check for $1,500.
It... It slipped my mind, and
I went back into the bank.
Did you take the
payroll money with you?
No, I left it with Howard Evans.
Then, on at least two occasions,
the payroll money
was out of your sight.
That's right.
Tell me something, sergeant.
Did you kill Major Lessing?
On my word of honor,
Mr. Mason, I didn't.
Does that mean you believe me?
Well, let me
answer you this way.
When I was in the service,
they used to say,
"never volunteer."
But if you'd like me
to represent you...
Oh.
Keep smiling, sergeant, and
I'll be in to see you tomorrow.
Thanks, Mr. Mason.
Hi. Hi.
When'd you get here?
About an hour ago.
Here's a list of all the people
that work in the Finance Office
who were on the post last night,
both army and
civilian personnel.
Nice going, Paul.
"Sergeant Dexter,
Walter Haskell."
Haskell is head cashier,
and he is also involved
with a chick young
enough to be his daughter.
Her name's Rikki Stevens,
but don't let the name fool you.
Her father's name
might have been Stevens,
but her mother must
have been an Oriental.
Haskell married?
Married and respectable
on the surface,
but you never know
about these old ducks.
The way I understand it,
he's been slipping her money.
On what he makes as
an Army finance clerk?
He must have an answer.
See if you can come up with it.
Take it off. Take it off!
Take it off.
Take it off.
Take it off.
Smitty, Smitty... Take it off!
Smitty, Smitty. Heh, heh.
Are you sure that's her?
Sure I'm sure.
That's Rikki Stevens.
She used to be one of the
strippers at the Royal Palms
when I was in Manila.
You should see her
when she's in action.
Zowie!
Take it off.
Take it off...
You... You...
Come on.
I'd like to rearrange your
vocal chords anyway.
They're off-key.
I was just tryin' to
make you feel at home.
You crummy yardbird.
When I need mood
music, I'll hire an orchestra.
Smitty, Smitty, come on.
Come on. Let's go.
Let's get out of here.
Anything I can do?
You can buy me one.
For drinking or throwing?
Mm, that depends.
How's your voice?
I wouldn't take a chance.
Your criticism's
a little too sharp.
Whiskey and water. Same, please.
I'm sorry Sergeant
Smith got out of line, miss.
He's really a nice
guy when he's sober.
In his condition
he shouldn't drink.
What's the matter with him?
Malaria.
From what I understand,
he had it pretty bad.
That's why they
transferred him from Manila
about seven months ago.
About the same time
you came here, wasn't it?
What's the matter?
Your voice.
You just hit a flat note.
Ah. Never mind.
I said this was on
me. Keep your money.
Thanks, but no, thanks.
I only take gifts from friends.
That should cover
it. Keep the change.
She only takes
gifts from friends?
You must be the
only enemy she has.
Ah, wait a minute.
I'll, uh... I'll give
you a ten for that 5.
I have a sentimental feeling
for anything that girl touches.
And I have a sentimental
feeling for a five-dollar profit.
Thank you.
Well, don't keep him long.
I got dinner waiting.
I won't, I promise you.
Well, Mr. Mason,
what can I tell you?
Well, suppose we start
with, uh, Rikki Stevens.
Well, what are
you talking about?
Well, you do know a
Rikki Stevens, don't you?
No.
Mr. Haskell,
your personal life is
no concern of mine
except where it involves
my client's welfare.
Now, I have proof that
you and Miss Stevens
are, shall we say,
rather friendly.
Mr. Mason, how can
you possibly suspect
a girl like Rikki
and a man my age?
Four-hundred thousand
dollars is enough to create
all kinds of suspicions.
That money was brought
here from the Philippines
at about the same time
Miss Stevens came here.
One of those scorched bills
has been traced directly to her.
As chief cashier for the
Finance Office, I think...
Never mind what you think.
I've said all I intend
to on this subject.
It may not be quite
that easy, Mr. Haskell.
The, um...
The Army may have other ideas.
Manual for Courts-Martial,
United States, 1951.
Oh, a Captain
Ralph Stewart called.
He's the appointed
defense counsel.
Then he'll be associated
with you in defense of Dexter.
Mm-hm.
Yes, Gertie?
Howard Evans calling.
All right, Gertie, put him on.
Hello?
Mr. Mason, my
sister has something
very important to tell you.
Mr. Mason...
Sergeant Dexter
didn't kill my husband.
I can prove it.
My husband wasn't murdered.
He committed suicide.
Do you realize
what you're saying?
Yes, Fra...
Frank left a
suicide note. I... I...
I destroyed it the night
he... That he died. I...
I see.
Would you be willing to tell
that story to Captain Kennedy?
Yes.
I'll meet you at his
office in 45 minutes.
Do you remember exactly
what Major Lessing said
in the note he left?
I can't ever forget.
Was this it?
"My dearest Helen,
"I'm sorry that this is the
way it must end for us,
"but there is
nothing else I can do.
"For some time now,
I've used my office
"to dispose of
more than $85,000,
"which I stole from
the Army at Corregidor.
"Kiss the children for me
and try not to judge
me too harshly."
Where did you
get that? I burned it.
I know. This is a copy.
Then why hasn't my
client been released?
Because Major Lessing
didn't compose that note.
Mr. Mason, I think you'll
admit the Army has given you
all the cooperation
in the world.
We've turned over
to you everything
we thought that could
possibly benefit your client.
I'm fully aware
of that, captain.
Who wrote that note?
Sergeant Dexter.
Your husband didn't
commit suicide, Mrs. Lessing.
The only mistake he made
was trying to protect the man
who eventually murdered him.
"Violation of the Uniform
Code of Military Justice,
"Article 118. Specification:
"In that Master
Sergeant Joseph Dexter,
"United States Army,
Headquarters Company Camp Grace,
"did at Camp Grace,
California, on or about 25 May,
"with premeditation,
murder Major Frank Lessing
by means of shooting
him with a pistol."
The charges were
served on the accused
by me on 10 June.
Sergeant Dexter,
how do you plead?
The accused,
Sergeant Joseph Dexter,
pleads to the specification
and charge: not guilty.
Trial counsel may proceed.
Prosecution calls as a witness
Sergeant First
Class Jean McKnight.
Now, Sergeant McKnight,
you work in the Message
Center, is that correct?
Yes, sir.
On the night of Major
Lessing's murder,
what time did you
leave your office?
At 9:00. I stayed late
to finish up some work.
And when you returned to
your office the following morning,
did you find anything
missing from your desk?
Yes, sir. Sergeant Dexter's
request for a transfer.
It had been endorsed
by Major Lessing.
Now, Sergeant McKnight,
what made you remember
this particular paper?
Because I was surprised
when I saw it the night before.
I knew how long
they'd served together,
and I wondered
why Sergeant Dexter
should suddenly want a transfer
from Major Lessing's section.
No further questions.
Why didn't you tell
me about this before?
I was afraid you
would think I was guilty.
And now what do you
suppose they think?
Sergeant McKnight,
if Sergeant Dexter
had changed his mind
and wanted to withdraw
his transfer request
because of his loyalty
to Major Lessing, would...
Objected to...
as argumentative.
Sergeant Dexter's motive in
destroying a transfer request
has never been established
as being due to loyalty.
Objection sustained.
No further questions.
Are there any
questions by the court?
Witness is excused.
Captain Kennedy, on
the afternoon of 26 May,
you took the
accused into custody.
What prompted your action?
Initially, the report of
the military police patrol.
The accused entered
the Finance Office
on the night of the murder
within minutes
after Major Lessing.
He was observed leaving
the building 15 minutes later.
What time was that?
About 10:15 p.m.
Are you aware that
the military surgeon
has established that
Major Lessing's death
occurred between 9:30 and 10:30?
Yes, sir.
Captain Kennedy...
can you identify
this typewriter,
prosecution exhibit number four?
Yes, sir, it was Sergeant
Dexter's typewriter.
I marked it for identification.
And can you identify
this typewriter ribbon,
prosecution exhibit number five?
Yes, sir.
I removed that ribbon from
Sergeant Dexter's typewriter
the day after the murder.
Why?
Normal investigative
procedure in a case of this kind.
It's often possible to
read a typewriter ribbon
with the aid of an
ordinary magnifying glass.
And were you able
to do so in this case?
Yes, sir. It was quite simple.
Fortunately, Sergeant Dexter
had put this clean ribbon
in his machine just a few
hours before the murder.
Will you tell us exactly
what you read on this ribbon?
Yes, sir.
"My dearest Helen,
"I'm sorry that this is the
way it must end for us,
"but there is nothing
else I can do..."
If the court please.
Defense stipulates as to
the note and its contents,
but the prosecution has
established no connection
between Sergeant Dexter
and the suicide note.
The prosecution intends to
establish such a connection.
Prosecution may proceed.
Now, is it possible that
Major Lessing himself
used the defendant's typewriter
to write this so-called
suicide note?
No, sir. Why not?
It had been typed by
an expert: a touch-typist.
How do you know that?
By the evenness and
clarity of each letter
as it appeared on the ribbon.
All the keys had been
struck with equal force,
a characteristic of
the touch system.
If it had been typed by someone
using the hunt-and-peck system,
all the letters on the ribbon
would have appeared unevenly.
Of your own knowledge,
can you say that Major Lessing
was untrained as a touch-typist?
Of my own knowledge, I
know he was not a touch-typist.
Now, Captain Kennedy, does
Sergeant Dexter's Form 20
indicate that he
is a skilled typist?
Yes, sir. It does.
Where did Sergeant
Dexter keep his typewriter?
In the desk.
And did anyone else
besides Sergeant Dexter
have access to that desk?
No, sir. He kept it
locked at all times.
In fact, the desk was locked
at the time we
seized the typewriter.
Who gave you the
keys to that desk?
Sergeant Dexter.
No further questions.
Captain Kennedy, I
think we're all agreed
that the crux of this matter is
the so-called Corregidor money.
Yes, sir.
It is the Army's contention that
the accused, Sergeant Dexter,
masterminded the plot
to dispose of that money.
When Major
Lessing discovered it,
Dexter killed him. Yes, sir.
Now, in your investigations,
have you been able to establish
that Sergeant Dexter brought
that money from the Philippines?
No, sir.
Then you have no proof
that Sergeant Dexter
was actually connected in
any way with that stolen money?
Well, as I testified,
we had found
$10,000 of that money in
Sergeant Dexter's footlocker.
But as a master sergeant,
Dexter is assigned
to his own room,
is that not correct? Yes, sir.
In other words, that footlocker
was not under observation
while Sergeant Dexter
was out of his room.
No, it was not.
Isn't it possible,
then, that that money
could have been planted there
in Sergeant Dexter's absence?
Objected to.
Calling for a conclusion
from the witness.
Sustained.
Captain Kennedy,
you testified that
the desk in question
was always locked.
Yes, sir.
Are you aware of the
type lock on that desk?
Yes, sir. I am.
It's manufactured by
Harris and Company.
The model number is...
Oh, may I?
Please do.
C-74.
Is it not true that this
is a very simple lock
and can be opened
by virtually anyone
with a nail file or a knife?
That's... possible.
Well, haven't there been
complaints on this post
that several desks
with this very same lock
have been rifled?
Yes, sir.
Captain, you also testified
that Sergeant Dexter
is a skilled typist.
Would you care to estimate
how many other skilled typists
are presently serving
at Camp Grace?
Well, I should say about 200.
There are 212 to be exact.
Thank you, captain.
No further questions.
Witness is excused.
Now, Sergeant Smith, you were
questioned by Captain Kennedy
about this $20 bill which
you spent in the Savoy Cafe.
Yes, sir.
Where did you get this bill?
In a card game.
And was the accused a
participant in that game?
Yes, sir, he was.
Do you remember who introduced
this $20 bill into that game?
Yes, sir. It was
Sergeant Dexter.
How do you know that?
Well, it was the
only 20 in the game,
and, uh, Sergeant Dexter
asked me if I'd change it for him.
No further questions.
Your witness.
The defense has no
questions at this time,
but reserves the right
to recall this witness
for cross-examination.
Witness is excused.
Prosecution asks that
Mr. Walter Haskell be called.
When Sergeant Dexter
delivered the payroll money to you
on the day of the murder,
did you notice anything
unusual about it?
Yes, sir. Some of the
bills were slightly scorched,
as if they'd been near a fire.
Sergeant Dexter had sole
possession of that money
for some time before he
turned it over to you, didn't he?
He did.
Thank you, Mr. Haskell.
The prosecution has
no further questions.
Now, Mr. Haskell, is it
possible that someone
other than Sergeant Dexter could
have switched that payroll money
before it was brought to you?
I suppose so.
Well, couldn't you have
switched that money?
Yes, but I didn't.
And how do we know that?
Just have to take
my word for it.
You know a girl
named Rikki Stevens?
Remember, Mr. Haskell,
you're under oath.
Mr. Mason, I don't see how
that has any bearing on this case.
If the court please, I intend
to show the relevancy.
Answer the question.
Yes, I'm acquainted
with Miss Stevens.
Did Rikki Stevens
ever tell you anything
about the money
stolen from Corregidor?
Of course not.
Mr. Haskell, I ask you
to examine this $5 bill.
Do you notice anything
unusual about it?
Yes, it's scorched, like
the Corregidor money.
Exactly.
Did you give this $5
bill to Rikki Stevens?
No. Why should I?
I have here a
duplicate of a receipt
for Rikki Stevens' rent
given to me by her landlady,
paid for by you.
Do you pay the rent
for all your acquaintances,
Mr. Haskell?
Can you deny that you
have at various times
given money to Rikki Stevens?
Remember, Mr. Haskell,
you're sworn to tell the truth.
I violated that oath a long
time before I made it here,
25 years ago in the
Philippines when Rikki was born.
I swore it to myself then.
But when I returned
here to my wife, I...
I didn't have the
courage to admit
that I had a child in Manila.
It was easier to forget.
In 1949,
Rikki had to leave
Manila because of illness.
She came to the States.
She tried to see me.
All she wanted was my love.
I gave her money instead.
It was cheaper than courage.
I didn't hear from Rikki again
until about eight months ago,
when she went back to Manila
to arrange for her
mother's funeral.
Right after that, she
came here looking for me.
And again, I denied my
daughter her birthright.
I didn't give her the $5 bill.
I'd have known at a glance
it was part of the
Corregidor money.
Even if I were guilty,
I wouldn't involve
my own daughter.
No further questions.
No. No further questions.
The witness is excused.
Gentlemen, the
hour is growing late.
The court will adjourn till
0900 tomorrow morning.
No, there's something
wrong here, radically wrong.
Do you think Haskell was lying?
He said Rikki left the
Philippines in 1949.
Doesn't add up.
Where are those
records Paul sent over?
Right here.
I wonder...
Della, I want Paul
to check the FBI.
I want a fast verification
on these fingerprints.
Right.
Hello, Gertie.
I want you to call Camp Grace.
I want to speak to
the post surgeon there.
I think his name's
Colonel Wilson.
If he's not in his
office, try him at home,
but please get him.
All right.
Now, Mr. Evans,
on the day that Major
Lessing was murdered,
you and Sergeant
Dexter went to the bank
for the payroll
money, did you not?
Yes, sir.
You then returned with it as
usual to the Finance Office?
Is that not correct?
Yes, sir.
Now, was Sergeant
Dexter alone at any time
with that payroll money?
Yes, sir. He was.
For how long?
Well, I couldn't say. I
went back to my work.
When I looked up some
time later, Sergeant Dexter
was just handing the money
over to Mr. Haskell for counting.
Mr. Haskell has testified
that some of the bills
turned over to him
had scorched edges.
Did you notice that
any of the payroll money
was similarly marred when
you and Sergeant Dexter
picked it up at the bank?
No, sir. I did not.
No further questions.
Now, Mr. Evans, you
testified that Sergeant Dexter
was alone with
the payroll money?
Yes, sir.
Now I ask you, were you ever
alone with the payroll money?
No, sir. I was not.
Well, let me refresh
your memory.
After you and Sergeant Dexter
picked up the payroll money
at the bank, you both
took it back to the car.
Is that correct?
Yes.
Then Sergeant Dexter remembered
that he had to cash a personal
check for Major Lessing.
He went back into the bank.
Did you accompany him?
No, sir. I, uh... I
waited in the car.
Was the money
in the car with you?
Oh...
Yes, sir. It was.
Then you were alone
with that money?
Yes, sir.
Now perhaps your
memory will be better
regarding other
events on that day.
Why did you try to
stop Major Lessing
from coming to see me?
I was afraid he wanted
to make a confession.
At that time, I thought
he was involved
with the stolen money.
I knew the disgrace would
ruin his wife and children.
Couldn't Major Lessing have
intended to engage my services
to defend you because
you switched that money?
And isn't that what
he meant when he said
it would ruin the
lives of his family
because you were
Mrs. Lessing's brother?
Objected to
as incompetent,
irrelevant and immaterial.
The witness is
not on trial here.
If the court please,
defense is trying to show
bias on the part of the witness.
He's attempting to cover up
his own complicity
in this matter.
The court will withhold its
ruling until we've determined
whether defense
counsel's point is well taken.
This is ridiculous.
I don't know anything
about the Corregidor money,
and I didn't kill Frank.
I wasn't even on
the post that night.
Can you prove
that? I certainly can.
I was upset by what had
taken place at the office,
so I decided to hit
some of the bars.
I started making
the rounds at 8:00.
I didn't get home until 2.
Did you tell all this
to Captain Kennedy?
Yes. He knows all about it.
How were you able
to substantiate this?
Sergeant Smith was
with me all evening.
If the court please, I would
like at this time to interrupt
my cross-examination
and recall Sergeant Smith
for the purpose of
corroborating this testimony.
The witness is excused.
Heh. So when Mr. Evans
said he wanted to tie one on,
I volunteered to
keep him company.
Tell me something, sergeant,
weren't you transferred
from Manila to this post
seven months ago because
of a malarial condition?
That's right.
And when you were
released from the hospital,
weren't you
informed that drinking
was contraindicated
in your case?
Well, I was told it
wouldn't do me any good.
Nevertheless, you did drink?
How can defense counsel
justify this line of questioning?
I assure the court,
defense will connect this up.
Witness will
answer the question.
Well... Yeah, I... I drank.
Despite the fact
that you were told
that the consumption of
any alcoholic beverage
might mean an acute
recurrence of malaria?
Heh. It never did me any harm.
No, I'm sure it didn't.
Thank you, captain.
I would like this copy of
Sergeant Smith's medical record
marked for identification.
This medical record contains
an entry of hospitalization
for Plasmodium falciparum,
one of the most severe
types of malaria affecting man.
It is chronic and incurable.
However, the post
surgeon informs me
that a recent test made
here at Camp Grace, uh,
on this witness for that
disease proved negative.
It's not the first time the
Army's made a mistake.
The witness will confine
his remarks to the questions.
Do you still say you're
suffering from malaria?
Can counsel now tell
the court what he hopes
to accomplish by this
line of questioning?
Yes, I intend to prove that
this witness never had malaria.
Furthermore, that he
was on Corregidor in 1942,
that he stole the
Corregidor money.
With his accomplice,
Howard Evans,
he was responsible for switching
that money with the payroll.
Objection.
The defense counsel is
engaging in pure theory.
The record clearly shows
that Sergeant Smith had malaria
and did not even arrive in
the Philippines until 1951.
If the court please,
the defense is aware
that Sergeant
Smith did not arrive
in the Philippines until 1951.
However, these
fingerprints from the FBI files
indicate that this witness
is not Sergeant Smith,
but Private Anthony Kusick,
the last surviving member
of the eight-man detail
to dispose of that
money on Corregidor.
Now, you buried that money
that night on Corregidor,
just as you buried the
real Smith 16 years later.
You killed him for
his identification
and for his orders of
transfer back to this country.
No. No, I didn't.
You knew he'd been
ordered back to the States
because he developed malaria.
It was a perfect setup for you.
Who would dream of looking
for a deserter right in the Army?
No, no, look at the record.
I didn't get to the
Philippines till 1951.
Then how did you meet
Rikki Stevens there?
She left the
Philippines in 1949.
I tell you, you've
got this all wrong.
Show me where, Kusick.
You planned to have
Major Lessing's death
look like suicide,
but when Mrs. Lessing
destroyed that note
and told her brother about
it, you had to improvise.
You realized it would
look like murder,
and you had to have a fall guy.
That's why you
planted that $10,000
in Sergeant Dexter's footlocker.
All right.
But I didn't kill Major Lessing!
It was Evans, Major
Lessing's brother-in-law.
He was the one
who gave me the idea
about switching the money.
He was the one who told me that
Major Lessing was getting wise.
But you were the one who
was on the post that night.
The records indicate
that it must have been you
who typed that
phony suicide note.
You're wrong. I don't
even know how to type.
You mean, Sergeant Smith
didn't know how to type.
But what was your job
while you were in the service
still using the name Kusick?
I'll tell you what it was:
you were a clerk typist.
The thing that gets
me is that $400,000.
After all, it isn't something
you can tuck into
an overnight bag.
How did Kusick
get his hands on it?
Well, we've got
to remember, Paul,
it wasn't business as usual
on Corregidor that night.
The island was being bombed.
Kusick was probably
the only man there
paying attention to
that $10-million bonfire.
Then after the war,
Kusick deserted
and stayed in the Philippines
using another phony name.
That's when he met
the real Willie Smith.
The rest, as they
say, is history.
Well, he's awful lucky.
What if he'd run into
one of the real Willie
Smith's buddies over here?
Well, he could always claim
he was a different Willie Smith.
Must be hundreds in the Army.
I suppose so. Well,
I'd better shove off.
I don't want to keep
the little lady waiting.
What's the matter, Paul?
Your money burning
a hole in your pocket?
Where did you get that?
Don't worry.
It isn't Corregidor money.
I put a cigarette down on
my money clip this morning.
So I figured it
was just the thing
to spend on a hot date.
Ho, ho.
Which one of you
men is William Smith?
I am, sir.
This is Mr. Blake of the
Treasury Department.
Gentlemen.
Ever see this before?
Which one of you
men paid for drinks
at the Savoy Bar Thursday
night at around 8:30?
I did, sir.
You gave the bartender a 20.
That 20.
If this is counterfeit, captain,
I swear I don't know
anything about it.
I don't know anything
about it either, sir.
Do you remember
where you got this?
No, sir.
You know how money changes hands
during a little, heh,
friendly recreation.
Who was in the game with you?
Well, there was
Sergeant Burke here,
and, uh, Corporal Thomas,
um, Sergeant Wallace,
Corporal Baker, and...
And don't forget
Sergeant Dexter.
Yes, sir.
Sergeant Dexter.
Isn't he in the Finance Office?
Yes, sir. He's the chief clerk.
That'll be all.
Pardon me, captain.
Is it counterfeit?
It looks good.
It is good.
There's just one thing
wrong with that bill:
It has no business
being in existence.
Well, you see, lieutenant,
just before Corregidor
surrendered,
the Army burned
$10 million in currency
to prevent it falling
into enemy hands.
That 20 didn't even get warm.
Well, does the Treasury
Department know
how much was stolen?
Well, judging by
the serial numbers,
I'd say around $400,000.
All of it isn't in circulation,
but every bill that's shown up
has been traced
directly to this post.
There were eight men detailed
to dispose of that money.
Six of those men are dead.
Of the two remaining, one
is a man named Tony Kusick,
wanted for desertion.
The other is Major
Frank Lessing.
Our finance officer?
Lessing was a lieutenant
on Corregidor at the time,
but he was the officer in
charge of that $10-million bonfire.
I'm sorry, Captain Kennedy,
but Major Lessing isn't home.
No, I'm sorry. I've no idea
where you can reach him.
Yes, of course. I'll
give him your message.
You're quite welcome.
That's the third time
he's called, Frank.
I told you I'd talk to Kennedy
when I was good and ready.
Frank, what's wrong?
I told you, Helen.
There's nothing wrong.
Now don't stand there
looking at me like that.
You make me feel like I...
I'm sorry, Helen.
I didn't mean it, I...
No, darling, you know
I've never interfered,
but if you're in trouble,
I want to know about it.
Helen, th-there's
absolutely nothing wrong. I...
Are the children waiting
for you in the car?
Yes, I'm taking them
over to Major Layton's,
and Harry's having
a birthday party.
Tell the little monsters not
to eat too much ice cream.
I won't be long.
Helen...
Do me a favor, will you?
Of course.
Always remember that I love you.
Oh, Frank, what is it?
You know you can
tell me anything.
You better go.
All right, Helen,
he just came in.
Now, don't you
worry. I-I'll talk to him.
Yes. Yes, right away.
Of course.
About finished with
the payroll, Dexter?
Uh, no, sir.
Should have been
finished an hour ago.
I'm sorry, major,
but Captain Kennedy
and a Treasury agent held me up.
They were around
asking questions.
They, um... They wanted
to know if anyone else
had the combination to the safe.
What'd you tell them?
Well, I told them you
were the only one.
Why did you tell them that?
You know the combination.
Yes, sir, but I'm
not supposed to,
and I felt sure you
wouldn't want me
to open the safe for them.
You'd, uh...
You'd better explain
that remark, sergeant.
Well, I took the liberty
of opening the safe
before they got here.
You what?
When I picked up the payroll
money at the bank this morning,
the bank gave me a
list of the serial numbers.
Go on!
Those aren't the same
bills I turned over to you, sir.
The numbers don't match.
I've had enough of your
insubordination, sergeant.
Far too much.
You'd better find another spot.
Not meaning to
be disrespectful, sir,
but I had the same idea.
My request for a transfer
is in your top drawer.
Consider yourself
relieved of duty, sergeant.
Haskell speaking.
I told you never
to call me here!
Major Lessing is here.
All right, Della, show him in.
Come in, major.
Thank you for seeing me
at this hour, Mr. Mason.
Not at all, major. Sit down.
Thank you.
If you don't mind,
I'd prefer not to have
any notes taken of this
meeting for the records.
Della.
All right, major.
What's on your mind?
Tomorrow morning at
10:00 I intend to disclose
complete details of a
crime to Captain Kennedy.
He's criminal investigator
at Camp Grace.
I see. And you want to
retain counsel before you act?
Yes, I, uh...
I should have done
this a long time ago.
But, uh, would $1,500
be sufficient as a retainer?
If I accept the case.
Can you tell me the
nature of this crime?
Unlawful possession of money
stolen from the
United States Army.
You said you should
have done this long ago.
Why didn't you?
It's...
It's been a very difficult
decision to make.
I have a wonderful wife
and two lovely daughters.
We've been very happy.
What I intend to do tomorrow
will destroy that happiness.
And I can expect to see you
at my office tomorrow at 9?
Yes.
Thank you.
I'm a little surprised.
You don't even
represent the man,
and yet you're willing to drive
all the way out to Camp Grace
in the wee small hours of
the morning to meet the man.
Suppose it isn't as
serious as he thinks it is.
When a finance officer
leaves $1,500 on my desk
and doesn't ask for
a receipt, it's serious.
I'll see that your car is ready.
Uh, Major Lessing's
office, please.
Frank. Frank!
Frank...
Oh, Frank.
Oh, Frank!
My dearest Helen,
I'm sorry that this is
the way it must end,
but there is nothing
else I can do.
For some time now,
I've used my office
to dispose of more than $85,000,
which I stole from the
Army at Corregidor.
Kiss the children for me
and try not to judge
me too harshly.
Captain Kennedy, please.
Captain Kennedy,
this is Helen Lessing.
I'm in my husband's
office. He's been murdered!
Yes?
I wonder if I might
see Mrs. Lessing.
What are you, another reporter?
No, I'm an attorney. My
name is Perry Mason.
I'm sorry. Come in, Mr. Mason.
Thank you.
Will you sit down, please?
Thanks again.
Well, I... I guess
you've heard the news.
Yes, I saw Captain Kennedy
in Major Lessing's office.
It's terrible.
It's just terrible.
I appreciate it must have been
quite a shock, mister, uh...?
Evans. Howard Evans.
I'm Major Lessing's
brother-in-law.
Did Frank say
anything to you last night
that might give us
a lead to the killer?
How did you know Major
Lessing came to see me last night?
I talked to him at the office
about 20 minutes before he left.
I work there as a
civilian employee.
I'm the assistant cashier.
I see.
Well, I won't take up any
more of your time, Mr. Evans.
Would you please give
this to Mrs. Lessing?
Her husband...
Who is it, Howard?
I'm sorry to disturb
you, Mrs. Lessing.
This is Perry Mason, Helen.
Oh.
How do you do?
I saw your husband last night.
I know.
He gave me this
money as a retainer.
Under the circumstances...
I'll... I'll get it, Helen.
Oh, hello, Evans.
Is Mrs. Lessing in?
Come in, Captain Kennedy.
How are you
feeling, Mrs. Lessing?
I'm all right. This...
This is Perry Mason.
Yes, we've met.
I, uh...
I wanted to talk to
you, but it can wait.
What is it, captain?
There's one thing I want
you to know, Mrs. Lessing.
I did your husband
a grave injustice.
What do you mean?
This isn't the time to
talk about it, I know, but...
Well, I was wrong.
I'm ashamed to admit
that it took your husband's
murder to convince me.
But if it's any
consolation to you,
we're going all out
on Sergeant Dexter.
What are you saying?
That we found
Major Lessing's killer.
Sergeant Dexter?
No. No, you're wrong.
Suppose you leave
that to us, Mrs. Lessing.
No, no, he didn't do it.
You've got to believe me.
Everything points to it.
Now, if you need
me for anything,
please, call me.
Nice to see you, Mason.
Captain.
Sergeant Dexter didn't
kill him, Mr. Mason.
According to Captain Kennedy...
I tell you, he didn't do it!
Look... Look, this money
my husband left you,
I want you to keep it.
I want you to... I want
you to defend Dexter.
Helen! Do you realize
what you're doing?
Please, Mr. Mason, I
want you to help him.
He didn't kill Frank. I know.
How do you know, Mrs. Lessing?
I-I just know, that's all.
And I was the first one to laugh
when anyone yelled
he was being framed.
What do you know about the
so-called Corregidor money?
The what?
The bills that were supposed
to be destroyed during the war.
Captain Kennedy says they've
been showing up on this post.
I don't know anything about it.
They found
$10,000 of those bills
in your footlocker.
I never saw them.
Somebody put them there.
More of the frame?
Yes.
How do you explain the
$50,000 in Corregidor money
they found in Major
Lessing's safe?
Well, how do they explain it?
They feel you made
the substitution.
Sure, they do.
Do you think that Major Lessing
is responsible for
the substitution?
I don't know what
to think anymore.
I told you, I served under
Major Lessing for four years.
I thought he was the
greatest guy in the world.
Apparently, you
changed your mind.
Why?
Well, who else
could have done it?
That's no answer, sergeant.
Now, you men are
paid once a month.
Who picks up the payroll?
Howard Evans and myself.
Evans, that's Mrs.
Lessing's brother?
That's right.
When was this particular
payroll picked up?
Why, yesterday morning.
We went to the bank and
cashed the payroll check.
Then what did you
do with the money?
We turned it over
to Major Lessing.
The money was
never out of your sight
until Major Lessing
put it in the safe?
Well, practically.
What do you mean, "practically"?
Well, Mr. Haskell, the
head cashier, had to count it.
Then the money
was out of your sight?
Well, if you put
it that way, yes.
That means Mr. Haskell could
have switched that money.
When you and Evans
picked up the payroll money
at the bank yesterday,
you drove immediately
back to camp?
Well, no.
No, you see, Major
Lessing had asked me
to cash his personal
check for $1,500.
It... It slipped my mind, and
I went back into the bank.
Did you take the
payroll money with you?
No, I left it with Howard Evans.
Then, on at least two occasions,
the payroll money
was out of your sight.
That's right.
Tell me something, sergeant.
Did you kill Major Lessing?
On my word of honor,
Mr. Mason, I didn't.
Does that mean you believe me?
Well, let me
answer you this way.
When I was in the service,
they used to say,
"never volunteer."
But if you'd like me
to represent you...
Oh.
Keep smiling, sergeant, and
I'll be in to see you tomorrow.
Thanks, Mr. Mason.
Hi. Hi.
When'd you get here?
About an hour ago.
Here's a list of all the people
that work in the Finance Office
who were on the post last night,
both army and
civilian personnel.
Nice going, Paul.
"Sergeant Dexter,
Walter Haskell."
Haskell is head cashier,
and he is also involved
with a chick young
enough to be his daughter.
Her name's Rikki Stevens,
but don't let the name fool you.
Her father's name
might have been Stevens,
but her mother must
have been an Oriental.
Haskell married?
Married and respectable
on the surface,
but you never know
about these old ducks.
The way I understand it,
he's been slipping her money.
On what he makes as
an Army finance clerk?
He must have an answer.
See if you can come up with it.
Take it off. Take it off!
Take it off.
Take it off.
Take it off.
Smitty, Smitty... Take it off!
Smitty, Smitty. Heh, heh.
Are you sure that's her?
Sure I'm sure.
That's Rikki Stevens.
She used to be one of the
strippers at the Royal Palms
when I was in Manila.
You should see her
when she's in action.
Zowie!
Take it off.
Take it off...
You... You...
Come on.
I'd like to rearrange your
vocal chords anyway.
They're off-key.
I was just tryin' to
make you feel at home.
You crummy yardbird.
When I need mood
music, I'll hire an orchestra.
Smitty, Smitty, come on.
Come on. Let's go.
Let's get out of here.
Anything I can do?
You can buy me one.
For drinking or throwing?
Mm, that depends.
How's your voice?
I wouldn't take a chance.
Your criticism's
a little too sharp.
Whiskey and water. Same, please.
I'm sorry Sergeant
Smith got out of line, miss.
He's really a nice
guy when he's sober.
In his condition
he shouldn't drink.
What's the matter with him?
Malaria.
From what I understand,
he had it pretty bad.
That's why they
transferred him from Manila
about seven months ago.
About the same time
you came here, wasn't it?
What's the matter?
Your voice.
You just hit a flat note.
Ah. Never mind.
I said this was on
me. Keep your money.
Thanks, but no, thanks.
I only take gifts from friends.
That should cover
it. Keep the change.
She only takes
gifts from friends?
You must be the
only enemy she has.
Ah, wait a minute.
I'll, uh... I'll give
you a ten for that 5.
I have a sentimental feeling
for anything that girl touches.
And I have a sentimental
feeling for a five-dollar profit.
Thank you.
Well, don't keep him long.
I got dinner waiting.
I won't, I promise you.
Well, Mr. Mason,
what can I tell you?
Well, suppose we start
with, uh, Rikki Stevens.
Well, what are
you talking about?
Well, you do know a
Rikki Stevens, don't you?
No.
Mr. Haskell,
your personal life is
no concern of mine
except where it involves
my client's welfare.
Now, I have proof that
you and Miss Stevens
are, shall we say,
rather friendly.
Mr. Mason, how can
you possibly suspect
a girl like Rikki
and a man my age?
Four-hundred thousand
dollars is enough to create
all kinds of suspicions.
That money was brought
here from the Philippines
at about the same time
Miss Stevens came here.
One of those scorched bills
has been traced directly to her.
As chief cashier for the
Finance Office, I think...
Never mind what you think.
I've said all I intend
to on this subject.
It may not be quite
that easy, Mr. Haskell.
The, um...
The Army may have other ideas.
Manual for Courts-Martial,
United States, 1951.
Oh, a Captain
Ralph Stewart called.
He's the appointed
defense counsel.
Then he'll be associated
with you in defense of Dexter.
Mm-hm.
Yes, Gertie?
Howard Evans calling.
All right, Gertie, put him on.
Hello?
Mr. Mason, my
sister has something
very important to tell you.
Mr. Mason...
Sergeant Dexter
didn't kill my husband.
I can prove it.
My husband wasn't murdered.
He committed suicide.
Do you realize
what you're saying?
Yes, Fra...
Frank left a
suicide note. I... I...
I destroyed it the night
he... That he died. I...
I see.
Would you be willing to tell
that story to Captain Kennedy?
Yes.
I'll meet you at his
office in 45 minutes.
Do you remember exactly
what Major Lessing said
in the note he left?
I can't ever forget.
Was this it?
"My dearest Helen,
"I'm sorry that this is the
way it must end for us,
"but there is
nothing else I can do.
"For some time now,
I've used my office
"to dispose of
more than $85,000,
"which I stole from
the Army at Corregidor.
"Kiss the children for me
and try not to judge
me too harshly."
Where did you
get that? I burned it.
I know. This is a copy.
Then why hasn't my
client been released?
Because Major Lessing
didn't compose that note.
Mr. Mason, I think you'll
admit the Army has given you
all the cooperation
in the world.
We've turned over
to you everything
we thought that could
possibly benefit your client.
I'm fully aware
of that, captain.
Who wrote that note?
Sergeant Dexter.
Your husband didn't
commit suicide, Mrs. Lessing.
The only mistake he made
was trying to protect the man
who eventually murdered him.
"Violation of the Uniform
Code of Military Justice,
"Article 118. Specification:
"In that Master
Sergeant Joseph Dexter,
"United States Army,
Headquarters Company Camp Grace,
"did at Camp Grace,
California, on or about 25 May,
"with premeditation,
murder Major Frank Lessing
by means of shooting
him with a pistol."
The charges were
served on the accused
by me on 10 June.
Sergeant Dexter,
how do you plead?
The accused,
Sergeant Joseph Dexter,
pleads to the specification
and charge: not guilty.
Trial counsel may proceed.
Prosecution calls as a witness
Sergeant First
Class Jean McKnight.
Now, Sergeant McKnight,
you work in the Message
Center, is that correct?
Yes, sir.
On the night of Major
Lessing's murder,
what time did you
leave your office?
At 9:00. I stayed late
to finish up some work.
And when you returned to
your office the following morning,
did you find anything
missing from your desk?
Yes, sir. Sergeant Dexter's
request for a transfer.
It had been endorsed
by Major Lessing.
Now, Sergeant McKnight,
what made you remember
this particular paper?
Because I was surprised
when I saw it the night before.
I knew how long
they'd served together,
and I wondered
why Sergeant Dexter
should suddenly want a transfer
from Major Lessing's section.
No further questions.
Why didn't you tell
me about this before?
I was afraid you
would think I was guilty.
And now what do you
suppose they think?
Sergeant McKnight,
if Sergeant Dexter
had changed his mind
and wanted to withdraw
his transfer request
because of his loyalty
to Major Lessing, would...
Objected to...
as argumentative.
Sergeant Dexter's motive in
destroying a transfer request
has never been established
as being due to loyalty.
Objection sustained.
No further questions.
Are there any
questions by the court?
Witness is excused.
Captain Kennedy, on
the afternoon of 26 May,
you took the
accused into custody.
What prompted your action?
Initially, the report of
the military police patrol.
The accused entered
the Finance Office
on the night of the murder
within minutes
after Major Lessing.
He was observed leaving
the building 15 minutes later.
What time was that?
About 10:15 p.m.
Are you aware that
the military surgeon
has established that
Major Lessing's death
occurred between 9:30 and 10:30?
Yes, sir.
Captain Kennedy...
can you identify
this typewriter,
prosecution exhibit number four?
Yes, sir, it was Sergeant
Dexter's typewriter.
I marked it for identification.
And can you identify
this typewriter ribbon,
prosecution exhibit number five?
Yes, sir.
I removed that ribbon from
Sergeant Dexter's typewriter
the day after the murder.
Why?
Normal investigative
procedure in a case of this kind.
It's often possible to
read a typewriter ribbon
with the aid of an
ordinary magnifying glass.
And were you able
to do so in this case?
Yes, sir. It was quite simple.
Fortunately, Sergeant Dexter
had put this clean ribbon
in his machine just a few
hours before the murder.
Will you tell us exactly
what you read on this ribbon?
Yes, sir.
"My dearest Helen,
"I'm sorry that this is the
way it must end for us,
"but there is nothing
else I can do..."
If the court please.
Defense stipulates as to
the note and its contents,
but the prosecution has
established no connection
between Sergeant Dexter
and the suicide note.
The prosecution intends to
establish such a connection.
Prosecution may proceed.
Now, is it possible that
Major Lessing himself
used the defendant's typewriter
to write this so-called
suicide note?
No, sir. Why not?
It had been typed by
an expert: a touch-typist.
How do you know that?
By the evenness and
clarity of each letter
as it appeared on the ribbon.
All the keys had been
struck with equal force,
a characteristic of
the touch system.
If it had been typed by someone
using the hunt-and-peck system,
all the letters on the ribbon
would have appeared unevenly.
Of your own knowledge,
can you say that Major Lessing
was untrained as a touch-typist?
Of my own knowledge, I
know he was not a touch-typist.
Now, Captain Kennedy, does
Sergeant Dexter's Form 20
indicate that he
is a skilled typist?
Yes, sir. It does.
Where did Sergeant
Dexter keep his typewriter?
In the desk.
And did anyone else
besides Sergeant Dexter
have access to that desk?
No, sir. He kept it
locked at all times.
In fact, the desk was locked
at the time we
seized the typewriter.
Who gave you the
keys to that desk?
Sergeant Dexter.
No further questions.
Captain Kennedy, I
think we're all agreed
that the crux of this matter is
the so-called Corregidor money.
Yes, sir.
It is the Army's contention that
the accused, Sergeant Dexter,
masterminded the plot
to dispose of that money.
When Major
Lessing discovered it,
Dexter killed him. Yes, sir.
Now, in your investigations,
have you been able to establish
that Sergeant Dexter brought
that money from the Philippines?
No, sir.
Then you have no proof
that Sergeant Dexter
was actually connected in
any way with that stolen money?
Well, as I testified,
we had found
$10,000 of that money in
Sergeant Dexter's footlocker.
But as a master sergeant,
Dexter is assigned
to his own room,
is that not correct? Yes, sir.
In other words, that footlocker
was not under observation
while Sergeant Dexter
was out of his room.
No, it was not.
Isn't it possible,
then, that that money
could have been planted there
in Sergeant Dexter's absence?
Objected to.
Calling for a conclusion
from the witness.
Sustained.
Captain Kennedy,
you testified that
the desk in question
was always locked.
Yes, sir.
Are you aware of the
type lock on that desk?
Yes, sir. I am.
It's manufactured by
Harris and Company.
The model number is...
Oh, may I?
Please do.
C-74.
Is it not true that this
is a very simple lock
and can be opened
by virtually anyone
with a nail file or a knife?
That's... possible.
Well, haven't there been
complaints on this post
that several desks
with this very same lock
have been rifled?
Yes, sir.
Captain, you also testified
that Sergeant Dexter
is a skilled typist.
Would you care to estimate
how many other skilled typists
are presently serving
at Camp Grace?
Well, I should say about 200.
There are 212 to be exact.
Thank you, captain.
No further questions.
Witness is excused.
Now, Sergeant Smith, you were
questioned by Captain Kennedy
about this $20 bill which
you spent in the Savoy Cafe.
Yes, sir.
Where did you get this bill?
In a card game.
And was the accused a
participant in that game?
Yes, sir, he was.
Do you remember who introduced
this $20 bill into that game?
Yes, sir. It was
Sergeant Dexter.
How do you know that?
Well, it was the
only 20 in the game,
and, uh, Sergeant Dexter
asked me if I'd change it for him.
No further questions.
Your witness.
The defense has no
questions at this time,
but reserves the right
to recall this witness
for cross-examination.
Witness is excused.
Prosecution asks that
Mr. Walter Haskell be called.
When Sergeant Dexter
delivered the payroll money to you
on the day of the murder,
did you notice anything
unusual about it?
Yes, sir. Some of the
bills were slightly scorched,
as if they'd been near a fire.
Sergeant Dexter had sole
possession of that money
for some time before he
turned it over to you, didn't he?
He did.
Thank you, Mr. Haskell.
The prosecution has
no further questions.
Now, Mr. Haskell, is it
possible that someone
other than Sergeant Dexter could
have switched that payroll money
before it was brought to you?
I suppose so.
Well, couldn't you have
switched that money?
Yes, but I didn't.
And how do we know that?
Just have to take
my word for it.
You know a girl
named Rikki Stevens?
Remember, Mr. Haskell,
you're under oath.
Mr. Mason, I don't see how
that has any bearing on this case.
If the court please, I intend
to show the relevancy.
Answer the question.
Yes, I'm acquainted
with Miss Stevens.
Did Rikki Stevens
ever tell you anything
about the money
stolen from Corregidor?
Of course not.
Mr. Haskell, I ask you
to examine this $5 bill.
Do you notice anything
unusual about it?
Yes, it's scorched, like
the Corregidor money.
Exactly.
Did you give this $5
bill to Rikki Stevens?
No. Why should I?
I have here a
duplicate of a receipt
for Rikki Stevens' rent
given to me by her landlady,
paid for by you.
Do you pay the rent
for all your acquaintances,
Mr. Haskell?
Can you deny that you
have at various times
given money to Rikki Stevens?
Remember, Mr. Haskell,
you're sworn to tell the truth.
I violated that oath a long
time before I made it here,
25 years ago in the
Philippines when Rikki was born.
I swore it to myself then.
But when I returned
here to my wife, I...
I didn't have the
courage to admit
that I had a child in Manila.
It was easier to forget.
In 1949,
Rikki had to leave
Manila because of illness.
She came to the States.
She tried to see me.
All she wanted was my love.
I gave her money instead.
It was cheaper than courage.
I didn't hear from Rikki again
until about eight months ago,
when she went back to Manila
to arrange for her
mother's funeral.
Right after that, she
came here looking for me.
And again, I denied my
daughter her birthright.
I didn't give her the $5 bill.
I'd have known at a glance
it was part of the
Corregidor money.
Even if I were guilty,
I wouldn't involve
my own daughter.
No further questions.
No. No further questions.
The witness is excused.
Gentlemen, the
hour is growing late.
The court will adjourn till
0900 tomorrow morning.
No, there's something
wrong here, radically wrong.
Do you think Haskell was lying?
He said Rikki left the
Philippines in 1949.
Doesn't add up.
Where are those
records Paul sent over?
Right here.
I wonder...
Della, I want Paul
to check the FBI.
I want a fast verification
on these fingerprints.
Right.
Hello, Gertie.
I want you to call Camp Grace.
I want to speak to
the post surgeon there.
I think his name's
Colonel Wilson.
If he's not in his
office, try him at home,
but please get him.
All right.
Now, Mr. Evans,
on the day that Major
Lessing was murdered,
you and Sergeant
Dexter went to the bank
for the payroll
money, did you not?
Yes, sir.
You then returned with it as
usual to the Finance Office?
Is that not correct?
Yes, sir.
Now, was Sergeant
Dexter alone at any time
with that payroll money?
Yes, sir. He was.
For how long?
Well, I couldn't say. I
went back to my work.
When I looked up some
time later, Sergeant Dexter
was just handing the money
over to Mr. Haskell for counting.
Mr. Haskell has testified
that some of the bills
turned over to him
had scorched edges.
Did you notice that
any of the payroll money
was similarly marred when
you and Sergeant Dexter
picked it up at the bank?
No, sir. I did not.
No further questions.
Now, Mr. Evans, you
testified that Sergeant Dexter
was alone with
the payroll money?
Yes, sir.
Now I ask you, were you ever
alone with the payroll money?
No, sir. I was not.
Well, let me refresh
your memory.
After you and Sergeant Dexter
picked up the payroll money
at the bank, you both
took it back to the car.
Is that correct?
Yes.
Then Sergeant Dexter remembered
that he had to cash a personal
check for Major Lessing.
He went back into the bank.
Did you accompany him?
No, sir. I, uh... I
waited in the car.
Was the money
in the car with you?
Oh...
Yes, sir. It was.
Then you were alone
with that money?
Yes, sir.
Now perhaps your
memory will be better
regarding other
events on that day.
Why did you try to
stop Major Lessing
from coming to see me?
I was afraid he wanted
to make a confession.
At that time, I thought
he was involved
with the stolen money.
I knew the disgrace would
ruin his wife and children.
Couldn't Major Lessing have
intended to engage my services
to defend you because
you switched that money?
And isn't that what
he meant when he said
it would ruin the
lives of his family
because you were
Mrs. Lessing's brother?
Objected to
as incompetent,
irrelevant and immaterial.
The witness is
not on trial here.
If the court please,
defense is trying to show
bias on the part of the witness.
He's attempting to cover up
his own complicity
in this matter.
The court will withhold its
ruling until we've determined
whether defense
counsel's point is well taken.
This is ridiculous.
I don't know anything
about the Corregidor money,
and I didn't kill Frank.
I wasn't even on
the post that night.
Can you prove
that? I certainly can.
I was upset by what had
taken place at the office,
so I decided to hit
some of the bars.
I started making
the rounds at 8:00.
I didn't get home until 2.
Did you tell all this
to Captain Kennedy?
Yes. He knows all about it.
How were you able
to substantiate this?
Sergeant Smith was
with me all evening.
If the court please, I would
like at this time to interrupt
my cross-examination
and recall Sergeant Smith
for the purpose of
corroborating this testimony.
The witness is excused.
Heh. So when Mr. Evans
said he wanted to tie one on,
I volunteered to
keep him company.
Tell me something, sergeant,
weren't you transferred
from Manila to this post
seven months ago because
of a malarial condition?
That's right.
And when you were
released from the hospital,
weren't you
informed that drinking
was contraindicated
in your case?
Well, I was told it
wouldn't do me any good.
Nevertheless, you did drink?
How can defense counsel
justify this line of questioning?
I assure the court,
defense will connect this up.
Witness will
answer the question.
Well... Yeah, I... I drank.
Despite the fact
that you were told
that the consumption of
any alcoholic beverage
might mean an acute
recurrence of malaria?
Heh. It never did me any harm.
No, I'm sure it didn't.
Thank you, captain.
I would like this copy of
Sergeant Smith's medical record
marked for identification.
This medical record contains
an entry of hospitalization
for Plasmodium falciparum,
one of the most severe
types of malaria affecting man.
It is chronic and incurable.
However, the post
surgeon informs me
that a recent test made
here at Camp Grace, uh,
on this witness for that
disease proved negative.
It's not the first time the
Army's made a mistake.
The witness will confine
his remarks to the questions.
Do you still say you're
suffering from malaria?
Can counsel now tell
the court what he hopes
to accomplish by this
line of questioning?
Yes, I intend to prove that
this witness never had malaria.
Furthermore, that he
was on Corregidor in 1942,
that he stole the
Corregidor money.
With his accomplice,
Howard Evans,
he was responsible for switching
that money with the payroll.
Objection.
The defense counsel is
engaging in pure theory.
The record clearly shows
that Sergeant Smith had malaria
and did not even arrive in
the Philippines until 1951.
If the court please,
the defense is aware
that Sergeant
Smith did not arrive
in the Philippines until 1951.
However, these
fingerprints from the FBI files
indicate that this witness
is not Sergeant Smith,
but Private Anthony Kusick,
the last surviving member
of the eight-man detail
to dispose of that
money on Corregidor.
Now, you buried that money
that night on Corregidor,
just as you buried the
real Smith 16 years later.
You killed him for
his identification
and for his orders of
transfer back to this country.
No. No, I didn't.
You knew he'd been
ordered back to the States
because he developed malaria.
It was a perfect setup for you.
Who would dream of looking
for a deserter right in the Army?
No, no, look at the record.
I didn't get to the
Philippines till 1951.
Then how did you meet
Rikki Stevens there?
She left the
Philippines in 1949.
I tell you, you've
got this all wrong.
Show me where, Kusick.
You planned to have
Major Lessing's death
look like suicide,
but when Mrs. Lessing
destroyed that note
and told her brother about
it, you had to improvise.
You realized it would
look like murder,
and you had to have a fall guy.
That's why you
planted that $10,000
in Sergeant Dexter's footlocker.
All right.
But I didn't kill Major Lessing!
It was Evans, Major
Lessing's brother-in-law.
He was the one
who gave me the idea
about switching the money.
He was the one who told me that
Major Lessing was getting wise.
But you were the one who
was on the post that night.
The records indicate
that it must have been you
who typed that
phony suicide note.
You're wrong. I don't
even know how to type.
You mean, Sergeant Smith
didn't know how to type.
But what was your job
while you were in the service
still using the name Kusick?
I'll tell you what it was:
you were a clerk typist.
The thing that gets
me is that $400,000.
After all, it isn't something
you can tuck into
an overnight bag.
How did Kusick
get his hands on it?
Well, we've got
to remember, Paul,
it wasn't business as usual
on Corregidor that night.
The island was being bombed.
Kusick was probably
the only man there
paying attention to
that $10-million bonfire.
Then after the war,
Kusick deserted
and stayed in the Philippines
using another phony name.
That's when he met
the real Willie Smith.
The rest, as they
say, is history.
Well, he's awful lucky.
What if he'd run into
one of the real Willie
Smith's buddies over here?
Well, he could always claim
he was a different Willie Smith.
Must be hundreds in the Army.
I suppose so. Well,
I'd better shove off.
I don't want to keep
the little lady waiting.
What's the matter, Paul?
Your money burning
a hole in your pocket?
Where did you get that?
Don't worry.
It isn't Corregidor money.
I put a cigarette down on
my money clip this morning.
So I figured it
was just the thing
to spend on a hot date.
Ho, ho.