- [Here in the police custody, Leland McKenzie, an ex-assistant D.A. returns again to see his client Frank Osgood and having some important to make an announcement]
- Frank Osgood: When the guard said you were here, I thought he was yanking my chain.
- Leland McKenzie: Daniel Morales and I have found a witness. He'll testify that he saw Tice at the murder scene. Not you. The court's re-opening your case.
- Frank Osgood: I told you I was innocent.
- Leland McKenzie: I can't begin to express my regrets.
- Frank Osgood: You know how many time's I've dreamed of getting close enough to you so I could... In the time it would take that guard to walk through the door, I could snap your neck like a chicken bone.
- Leland McKenzie: You won't.
- Frank Osgood: How can you be so sure?
- Leland McKenzie: You're not a killer.
- [Back in downtown Los Angeles. Opening the door is Stuart, have a word with Ann]
- Stuart Markowitz: So they agreed on a sentiment?
- Ann Kelsey: Bennett will rerelease the book with both their names, the profits to be donated to a scholarship fund.
- Stuart Markowitz: All for a pair of star-crossed lovers. You know, I worked with a Shakespeare company once.
- Ann Kelsey: Really?
- Stuart Markowitz: Oh, yeah, yeah, the summer before law school.
- Ann Kelsey: Let me guess: Hamlet.
- Stuart Markowitz: Mm-mm. I was the stage manager.
- Ann Kelsey: Hmm.
- Stuart Markowitz: You know... you need a sword, you need a bodkin, I'm your man.
- Ann Kelsey: I've always loved your bodkin.
- Stuart Markowitz: What about my sword?
- [Ann laughing]
- Ann Kelsey: What I want to know is what would have happened with us if I hadn't made the first move?
- Stuart Markowitz: You mean if you hadn't gotten sloshed and drag me off to your apartment?
- Ann Kelsey: Yeah, you think we would have gone on like Camille and Simon, just working side by side, never seeing the possibilities?
- Stuart Markowitz: No way I was gonna miss you. Not unless I was struck blind.
- [Stuart laughing, Ann and Stuart hugged and kissed each other]
- Leland McKenzie: Well, the judge has thrown out your conviction.
- Frank Osgood: I'm free?
- Leland McKenzie: No, no, unfortunately, the D.A. refuses to drop the indictment.
- Frank Osgood: What is that mean?
- Daniel Morales: You're entitled to a new trial.
- Frank Osgood: How many trials do I have to win?
- Daniel Morales: Tice is dead, Manzo is a career criminal. And the D.A. is not totally convinced. So they offered a deal.
- Leland McKenzie: The D.A. will agree to time served. You could be on the street by tonight.
- Frank Osgood: I'm innocent but you want me to plead guilty?
- Leland McKenzie: That's up to you. You tell the court you're guilty, you walk out the door. Once you're free, you can tell the world the truth. That you're innocent.
- Frank Osgood: For 34 years, I've been telling the truth. I'm not about to start lying now. I'll take the trial.
- [Daniel and Leland will wait. But right now, Frank is sitting in the cell and wait til he's figuring out to take the trial]
- [Telephone ringing, the recorder is recording the tape messages, Gwen has answer the phone is the stalker Linda Salerno]
- Gwen Taylor: Hello, this is Gwen.
- Linda Salerno: Gwen, I didn't want you to think I'd forgotten you. I am coming to get you.
- Gwen Taylor: [Gwen's voice on the telephone] I'm not afraid of you.
- Linda Salerno: Yes, you are. Bye-bye.
- [Linda hangs up the phone]
- Daniel Morales: How can you continue to doubt this man's innocence? The murderer confessed and Manzo backed him up.
- D.D.A. Susan Jenkins: They're crooks!
- Leland McKenzie: Well, if they'd been available when I have this case, it never would have gone to trial.
- D.D.A. Susan Jenkins: They were available. You didn't follow through.
- Leland McKenzie: So Frank Osgood should continue to pay the price?
- D.D.A. Susan Jenkins: If we drop the charges, the D.A. could be sued for Osgood's false imprisonment.
- Leland McKenzie: Would the District Attorney's office actually keep an innocent man locked up for fear of a civil suit? Miss Jenkins, as an officer of the court, I ask you to reconsider. Is this the justice you and I sought to obtain? I made a mistake, and Frank Osgood spent nearly half his life in jail. You must fight this because, believe me, it would become your nightmare, too. And I assure you, it will haunt you.
- Daniel Morales: This is only about setting a date.
- Bailiff #2: All rise.
- [the Honorable Judge Myron Swaybill presiding]
- Judge Myron Swaybill: Be seated.
- [the people seated]
- Judge Myron Swaybill: Miss Jenkins, Mr. Morales, I am setting trial in this matter for April 3rd.
- D.D.A. Susan Jenkins: Your Honor, that won't be necessary. The people believe in light of Mr. Osgood's 34 years of incarceration and the difficulty of proving our case, it's no longer in the public's interest to re-try him.
- Judge Myron Swaybill: So ordered.
- [to Frank Osgood]
- Judge Myron Swaybill: Mr. Osgood, you're a free man. Case dismissed. This court is adjourned.
- [Frank Osgood is now a free man and give thanks to Daniel Morales]
- Frank Osgood: Thanks, Morales.
- [Leland McKenzie is in shock]
- Daniel Morales: Congratulations, Frank.
- [Frank Osgood walks over to Leland McKenzie]
- Frank Osgood: McKenzie.
- [Frank gives a shake hands with Leland McKenzie and thank everything for saving Frank Osgood]
- Frank Osgood: Thanks.
- [Frank will be escorted by the bailiff and get his clothes change from jail as a free man. Leland give thanks to D.D.A. Susan Jenkins]
- Leland McKenzie: Thank you. Thank you so much.
- [Leland and Daniel did it. They both laughing]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Oh, for heaven's sakes. What's wrong with Benny? No bagels, no bear claws.
- Arnie Becker: Blames L.A.'s finest, who have us surrounded.
- Gwen Taylor: Being under surveillance is no picnic, Arnie, but I'm trying to go about my daily routine, so... let's get on with business.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Couldn't put it better myself. First up, everybody's favorite innocent convict: People vs. Osgood.
- Leland McKenzie: Well, the bad news is Philip Tice who confessed to the Holiday murder recently died. On the upside, I have secured an address on the missing witness. Daniel and I plan on paying him a visit.
- Daniel Morales: Assuming the address is current.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Let's hope so, because this could be for Frank Osgood's last chance. Next, People vs. D'Arcy.
- Melina Paros: Anton D'Arcy is a longtime family friend. The grand jury indicted him for arranging his father's murder. I believe he's being framed.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: What do you know the grand jury doesn't?
- Melina Paros: Come on, Douglas, the grand jury would indict a bologna sandwich if the D.A. wanted it.
- Leland McKenzie: Doesn't the D.A. have a confession?
- Melina Paros: Not from our client. The police have another suspect in custody who's been offered a deal. Now he's pointing the finger at Anton to save himself.
- Jonathan Rollins: Because the trial's been expedited, I've been helping Melina. And I'll step in as needed.
- [Leland gives cheers to Jonathan while drinking his glass of orange juice]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Keep us posted.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Bancroft vs. Bennett.
- Ann Kelsey: Camille Bancroft, a Shakespeare professor at Stanford is suing her colleague Simon Bennett for unfair competition.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Over Shakespeare?
- Ann Kelsey: Simon Bennett and Camille Bancroft have taught together for years. Not long ago, he published his own book based on their teaching methods.
- Stuart Markowitz: It's a great book: "Shakespeare in Love". Won the Bollingen prize.
- Ann Kelsey: Right, deposition start today, and I was hoping to reach a settlement, but Simon and Camille are like stubborn children. They always have been.
- Leland McKenzie: Do you know them?
- Ann Kelsey: My first year at Stanford, I majored in drama. Over time, I kept in touch with Camille.
- Arnie Becker: Shakespeare's so depressing. I mean, the lovers are always doomed.
- Gwen Taylor: Or dead.
- Melina Paros: That's why they call them tragedies.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: All's well that ends well.
- [Douglas closed his pocket watch that the time is up. The law meeting is adjourned]
- Leland McKenzie: [Knocking the door] Hey, Peter.
- Peter Manzo: Yeah?
- [Answering and opening the door in his apartment is the witness, a career criminal Peter Manzo]
- Peter Manzo: Yeah?
- Leland McKenzie: Mr. Manzo?
- Peter Manzo: Who are you?
- [Handing over their card]
- Leland McKenzie: We're attorneys. We'd like to ask you a few questions about a client. A man named Frank Osgood.
- Daniel Morales: Is the name familiar?
- Peter Manzo: Could be.
- Daniel Morales: What about the name Felicia Holiday?
- Peter Manzo: What about it?
- Daniel Morales: In 1959, you allegedly told your probation officer you saw someone leaving the scene of Felicia Holiday's murder.
- Peter Manzo: 1959's a long time ago. Maybe I forgot.
- Leland McKenzie: It's possible Frank Osgood has spent the last 34 years wrongly imprisoned. I put him there. If you saw anything that night that supports his innocence, we'd very much like to hear it.
- Peter Manzo: What's in it for me?
- Daniel Morales: You have the power to free an innocent man who's suffered a terrible justice.
- Peter Manzo: And what's in it for me?
- Daniel Morales: You'll be a hero, Mr. Manzo. Get your name in the papers. On TV.
- Peter Manzo: Yeah.
- Daniel Morales: The tabloids would probably even pay you some cash for your story.
- Peter Manzo: Oh, yeah?
- Daniel Morales: Mr. Manzo, where were you at the time?
- Peter Manzo: Well, like I told ya, I was on the 2nd floor landing. Somebody came out of Felicia Holiday's apartment and I ran downstairs.
- Daniel Morales: Did you recognize the man?
- Peter Manzo: Yeah, it was Phil Tice. He was one of my best customers.
- Daniel Morales: How so?
- Peter Manzo: Well, I used to sell him junk. Anyway, this time he was in a hell of a hurry. And he had a necklace in his hand.
- Daniel Morales: How can you be sure it was a necklace?
- Peter Manzo: He acted suspicious to me. So I followed him outside. When he got out there, he threw whatever he had in his hand down the storm drain. After he left, I fished it out. It was a necklace all full of blood.
- Daniel Morales: Your Honor will recall that Philip Tice confessed to strangling Felicia Holiday with her necklace. Mr. Manzo, what became of the necklace?
- Peter Manzo: Well, I washed the blood off it and took it downtown and fenced it. After that, I don't know what happened to it.
- Daniel Morales: Nothing further.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: I'm the Assistant D.A., Mullaney. Thomas M. Mullaney. Jr.
- [Roxanne opened the door]
- Roxanne Melman: Thanks, Denise. Officer, I'll vouch for Mr. Mullaney.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Roxy, what's with this police shakedown?
- Roxanne Melman: It's protection for Gwen.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Oh, do I look like a clear and present danger?
- Roxanne Melman: Only to yourself.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: [Tommy talk to the policeman] Well, you know something? She's having my baby. Honest.
- [Roxanne dragged Tommy in]
- Roxanne Melman: Tommy, I'm not going to pretend to understand this.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: What?
- Roxanne Melman: It's one thing to grieve the loss of a parent. It's another to destroy yourself in the process.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Rox, I'm fine.
- Roxanne Melman: You're drunk.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Well, excuse me if I like a little cooler Kahlua in my coffee.
- [Tommy starts to smoke]
- Roxanne Melman: Now, you're smoking.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: I can quit anytime.
- [lighting the cigarette. Tommy looking up his time on the watch]
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Well, hey, I'm late for work.
- Roxanne Melman: You can't go to the office like this.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Sure I can. Rox, I am fine.
- [Tommy kisses Roxanne]
- Roxanne Melman: Tommy...
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: What?
- Roxanne Melman: Stop.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Been a bunch of days since we slept together.
- Roxanne Melman: I'm not the one who can't find his way home.
- [Continues kissing]
- Roxanne Melman: Stop!
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Oh, who needs this, anyway?
- Peter Swilling: It was the 3rd weekend in November. A reunion at USC. D'Arcy's 10th, my 25th. I met Anton D'Arcy in a bar.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: How long were you there?
- Peter Swilling: 'Til closing. We must have talked 7 hours. He kept buying. I kept drinking.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: What did you discuss?
- Peter Swilling: You name it, life, ambition, family. Our disappointments. I'd just lost my job. D'Arcy seemed sympathetic.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: What was Mr. D'Arcy's disappointment?
- Melina Paros: Objection, hearsay.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: These are admissions, Your Honor.
- Judge Debra Ellis: Overruled. Witness will answer.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: What was troubling Mr. D'Arcy that night?
- Peter Swilling: Working for his father, primarily. D'Arcy said his father was a control freak and wouldn't give him any real responsibility.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Were you sympathetic?
- Peter Swilling: Sure, but I'd just been fired. I told him I'd switch places with him any day. That's when he made his proposal.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: And what proposal was that?
- Peter Swilling: D'Arcy said he could solve both our problems if I killed his father. That way, he would inherit the business, and I would come in as a partner.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: And you agreed?
- Peter Swilling: Not at first, I thought he was joking. But he kept on talking about what a bastard his father was and what a great team we'd make. About how this was the perfect crime, no one would ever suspect. Eventually, I said yes.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: On the night of December 14th at approximately 10:00 P.M., what did you do?
- Peter Swilling: I drove my car to D'Arcy's house and parked out front. I rang the bell and when Burdick D'Arcy answered the door, I shot him.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Then what?
- Peter Swilling: I took off. I didn't even see that kid walking his dog. But he saw me.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Your witness.
- Daniel Morales: Mom, just put the phone by Lucy's ear.
- [Lucy on the phone]
- Daniel Morales: Hi, sweetie, it's daddy. How's my girl? You okay? I love you, Sweetie, and I'll see you soon. Bye-bye.
- [to Gwen]
- Daniel Morales: She said bye-bye.
- [Back on the phone]
- Daniel Morales: Yeah, Mom? Uh... yeah. Talk to you tomorrow. Goodnight.
- [Hangup the phone. Daniel sighs. And he heads back to sit and protect Gwen]
- Gwen Taylor: You know, Santa Barbara's the safest place for her right now.
- Daniel Morales: I know, it's been a week.
- [Toilet flushes]
- Daniel Morales: I miss her. A lot.
- [Opening the door is Officer Crenshaw coming out of the bathroom]
- Officer Crenshaw: Thanks, Miss Taylor. By the way, you need another roll of TP.
- [Officer Crenshaw exiting the door and talk to another cop to protect Gwen]
- Officer #2: Everything okay?
- Gwen Taylor: Cop's have been staked out in front so long now, it feels like family. I'm providing everything but turndown service.
- [Knocking the door]
- Gwen Taylor: Come in.
- Officer #2: Uh, rumor is the coffee's ready.
- Gwen Taylor: Help yourself.
- [Officer #2 will make some coffee]
- Gwen Taylor: When's this gonna end?
- Daniel Morales: As soon as the psychopath resurfaces.
- Gwen Taylor: Okay, until then, what are our choices?
- Daniel Morales: Can live in fear or get on with our lives, I guess.
- Gwen Taylor: Get on with our lives?
- Officer #2: Uh, Miss Taylor. We're out of half and half.
- Gwen Taylor: Obviously, that's not so easy.
- [Gwen will escort Officer #2 and got the coffee]
- Gwen Taylor: In the morning when you take the sports section, could you leave the rest of the paper in the door, huh?
- Officer #2: Yeah, sure.
- [Officer #2 has left. And Gwen closed the door]
- Daniel Morales: Let's go to bed.
- Gwen Taylor: God.
- [Gwen and Daniel will be off to bed. But the phone rings. Gwen answered]
- Gwen Taylor: Hello.
- Linda Salerno: [Stalker's voice on the phone] Gwen.
- Gwen Taylor: What have I ever done to you? Why can't you leave us alone?
- Linda Salerno: [Stalker's voice on the phone] I took a vow with Daniel. And since you stole my husband, I want to share the same vow with you: 'Til death do us part.
- Gwen Taylor: Daniel is not your husband. You are not his wife, and if you think I'm gonna spend my life this way, you are wrong. If you want me, come and get me.
- Melina Paros: Mr. Swilling, since your USC reunion, have you seen Mr. D'Arcy, even spoken to him on the phone?
- Peter Swilling: No, never. We agreed not to. He just picked the date of the murder, and told me his father's address.
- Melina Paros: Have you received any money, anything of value from Mr. D'Arcy?
- Peter Swilling: Just a few drinks. And his word.
- Melina Paros: The word of a man you never met before.
- Peter Swilling: That's right.
- Melina Paros: A man who claim after a few drinks persuaded you to murder someone you didn't even know.
- Peter Swilling: I was broke. It isn't easy finding employment my age. Seemed like as good a solution as any.
- Melina Paros: Well, Mr. Swilling, are you still unemployed? How about a drink after court? I've got a couple enemies I'd love for you to knock off.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Objection.
- Judge Debra Ellis: Miss Paros, restrain yourself. Either ask your next question, or sit down.
- Melina Paros: Mr. Swilling, in exchange for this story...
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Objection, this is sworn testimony, not some story.
- Melina Paros: I'll rephrase. In exchange for your testimony, what deal have you made with the D.A.?
- Peter Swilling: I plead guilty to second degree murder in exchange for testimony. My cooperation will be brought to the attention of the sentencing judge.
- Melina Paros: Oh, I see, so you hand over my client's scalp, and you go to the minimum security reservation.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Objection.
- Melina Paros: Nothing more.
- [Miss Paros heads back to her seat with her client Anton D'Arcy]
- Jonathan Rollins: Rocky start, huh?
- Melina Paros: Swilling held his own on the cross. Thought I could nail him. Anton, you remember Jonathan.
- [Anton recognized Jonathan]
- Anton D'Arcy: Oh, yeah, hi.
- Melina Paros: He's gonna help us rethink our attack.
- Jonathan Rollins: Same old problem?
- Melina Paros: Motive. We have to find a logical explanation why someone decides to kill a total stranger.
- Jonathan Rollins: And the idea was a botched robbery?
- Melina Paros: Swilling didn't take anything. He left a wallet full of money, Rolex, jury's not gonna buy that.
- Jonathan Rollins: Anton, in your conversation with Swilling, can you think of anything he might have taken offense to?
- Anton D'Arcy: Uh, no, it was just a usual amicable barroom BS. I spouted off about my father, 3 weeks later, he's dead.
- Jonathan Rollins: Maybe Swilling's nuts.
- Melina Paros: D.A. is ahead of us. Police psychiatrist examined Swilling, says he's weird but sane. My guy said the same thing.
- Jonathan Rollins: So we find another expert.
- Melina Paros: [sighs] All right, see who you can find.
- Jonathan Rollins: All right.
- Melina Paros: If we can get medical testimony that says Swilling's unbalanced, we have reasonable doubt.
- Jonathan Rollins: I'll get on the phone.
- Melina Paros: Thanks.
- Melina Paros: Are you okay?
- Anton D'Arcy: Yeah, I guess. You know, in a way, this whole thing is really my fault. I mean, if I hadn't been ragging on my father...
- Melina Paros: You two have been having a pretty rough time of it?
- Anton D'Arcy: We've been at each other's throats since the time I was 12. You know that. But I didn't kill him. I mean, if that's what you're thinking.
- Bailiff #1: Miss Paros? Judge is coming out.
- Melina Paros: Thank you. Anton, for what it's worth, I believe you. Come on.
- [Anton D'Arcy has to go back in the courtroom with Miss Paros]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: I need to speak with Arnie.
- Roxanne Melman: He's in with someone.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Who?
- Roxanne Melman: If he wanted you to know he would've left the door open.
- [Douglas is chagrined]
- Roxanne Melman: He's with the man who's starring in your life story.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: No?
- Roxanne Melman: Yes.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Who?
- Roxanne Melman: Oh, not now, Douglas. I'm feeling sick to my stomach.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: These days, who isn't?
- [Roxanne groans]
- Melina Paros: Mr. Bannion, have you discussed this trust with my client?
- Williard Bannion: No.
- Melina Paros: Do you know if Burdick D'Arcy told his son about his trust?
- Williard Bannion: I have no idea.
- Melina Paros: So you don't know if Anton even knew about it?
- Williard Bannion: I mailed a draft of the documents to Burdick's office where Anton works as well. I can only presume...
- Melina Paros: Let the jury do the presuming. Do you know for a fact if Anton knew about this trust?
- Williard Bannion: No.
- Melina Paros: Thank you.
- Ann Kelsey: Camille, Simon's lawyer has agreed to rerelease Shakespeare in Love and include your name as co-author.
- Camille Bancroft: Too late, the damage has been done. Simon Bennett brings Shakespeare alive for the modern audience. Simon Bennett this, Simon Bennett. I mean, Simon's talent is performance. Not analysis. He's benefitted from my work and now he's going to add my name as an afterthought?
- Simon Bennett: The venom clamours of a jealous woman poison more deadly than a mad dog's tooth. Hello, Camille. Still intent on this foolish exercise?
- Camille Bancroft: You need only look in the glass to see the fool, Simon.
- [Introducing]
- Paul Jameson: Paul Jameson.
- Ann Kelsey: Ann Kelsey. Hello, Professor Bennett.
- [Bennett recognized Ann Kelsey before]
- Simon Bennett: Ann? Is it you? My sweet Juliet, my Titania, my Kate?
- Camille Bancroft: My lawyer.
- Simon Bennett: Never saw a more natural actress. Or more beautiful.
- Camille Bancroft: Oh, Simon, do stop flirting. Ann's not one of your students anymore.
- Simon Bennett: Camille, you wound me.
- Camille Bancroft: [sighs] Always the innocent.
- Ann Kelsey: Well, perhaps we should get started.
- [Mr. Jameson will, too get started with Mr. Bennett]
- Ann Kelsey: Mr. Segal, is it true that last year, Camille Bancroft and Simon Bennett approached you about publishing?
- Jeremy Segal: Yes, they had an idea for a book to make Shakespeare more accessible to average person.
- Ann Kelsey: Dry academic criticism doesn't seem the stuff of bestsellers, Mr. Segal.
- Jeremy Segal: Normally, I'd agree. But this particular book captured my imagination. Putting the great love stories of Shakespeare in a cultural context. West Side Story as Romeo and Juliet during the 60s, for example. Made for enjoyable reading.
- Ann Kelsey: Were Bennett and Bancroft collaborating at the time?
- Jeremy Segal: If you could call it that.
- Ann Kelsey: What do you mean?
- Jeremy Segal: The only had a general idea of what the wanted to write.
- Ann Kelsey: So what happened?
- Jeremy Segal: Camille Bancroft withdrew from the project.
- Ann Kelsey: And?
- Jeremy Segal: I published Shakespeare in Love with Simon Bennett's name as sole author.
- Ann Kelsey: Did you have my client's permission?
- Jeremy Segal: I didn't need it. I obtained a full release from Mr. Bennett, which included a warranty that he owned the work.
- Camille Bancroft: I have spent years developing those ideas. I mean, you think I'd just let you up and steal them?
- Simon Bennett: You can't own an idea, Camille. It's counter to ever notion of scholarship.
- Camille Bancroft: Scholarship? What would you know about scholarship? You're an actor. You don't even know how to think creatively.
- Simon Bennett: Well, you don't know how to feel. You spent a lifetime studying the great love affairs of literature and you don't have a slightest idea what it means to love.
- [Simon will be heading outside with Mr. Jameson]
- Paul Jameson: We'll be back.
- [Ann looks at Camille]
- Williard Bannion: I was Burdick D'Arcy's personal attorney for 28 years.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: What was your most recent assignment from Mr. D'Arcy?
- Williard Bannion: Restructuring his estate. Burdick wanted his holdings, including 100% of his company stock, to be placed in a spendthrift trust.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: And what is that?
- Williard Bannion: It's an arrangement under which assets cannot be sold or collateralized without approval from the trustee.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Who was to be the trustee?
- Williard Bannion: Mr. D'Arcy. Upon his death, I became trustee.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Why didn't he appoint Anton?
- Williard Bannion: Anton was Burdick's sole heir and he's the reason for the trust. 6 months ago, I had the distasteful task of settling some of Anton's gambling debts. Gentlemen of questionable repute were threatening him. Burdick gave me $30,000 to make them go away.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Under the trust, how much control would Anton have over his father's fortune?
- Williard Bannion: None.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Was the trust executed?
- Williard Bannion: No. Burdick was sign the documents December 21st and he was murdered on December 14th.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: So, what now?
- Williard Bannion: Anton gets everything.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Nothing further.
- Melina Paros: Since the night I bailed you out, we must have had 100 conversations. You didn't tell me anything about my gambling debts! And I've got to find out about it from a prosecution witness?
- Anton D'Arcy: If I thought it was significant, I would've said something about it.
- Melina Paros: It makes you look like dirt.
- Anton D'Arcy: Come on, you know how my father felt about me. You knew about the trust.
- Melina Paros: I didn't know about this.
- Anton D'Arcy: I didn't want you to know. Look at me, Melina. I'm 30 years old. I mean, you have known idea what it's like not to be a success. You of all people.
- Melina Paros: When you were 12 years old, you started that fire in your father's garage, I was the only one you told.
- Anton D'Arcy: Yeah, and when father asked you if you knew anything about it, you said no.
- Melina Paros: Did you have him killed, Anton?
- Anton D'Arcy: No. God, no. Come on, Melina, if you don't believe me, what's the jury going to think?
- Melina Paros: Is there anything else I should know?
- Anton D'Arcy: No. Nothing.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: He's still in there?
- Roxanne Melman: Pardon me?
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Roxanne, who is it? Who's starring in my life story?
- Roxanne Melman: Douglas, if you don't move, this isn't going to be pretty.
- [Roxanne walks away. Opening the door is Arnie]
- Arnie Becker: Ah, Douglas, great timing. There's somebody I want you to meet.
- [Introducing]
- Arnie Becker: Erik Estrada, Douglas Brackman.
- Erik Estrada: Hi, really looking forward to playing your character in the film. We should send some time together. You know, so I can pick up your routine.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Sure.
- [Arnie placed his hand on Erik's forehead]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Ah! Good.
- [Ann Kelsey heads to the ladies' room, wash her hands]
- Roxanne Melman: Who's there?
- Ann Kelsey: It's me, Roxanne, it's Ann. Everything okay?
- Roxanne Melman: Ann, when you were pregnant, did you ever have any problems?
- Ann Kelsey: Oh, you know, just the usual morning sickness. Why?
- Roxanne Melman: [Coming out] I'm bleeding. And I feel really sick. Oh, that doesn't sound so good.
- Ann Kelsey: Come over here and sit down. Okay.
- Roxanne Melman: I'm afraid I'm losing my baby.
- Ann Kelsey: I'm sure you're not, sweetie, just... why don't you lie down here? I'm gonna call your doctor.
- [Ann will be back to get a doctor. Roxanne sobs]
- Paul Jameson: How long have you taught at Stanford, Professor Bancroft?
- Camille Bancroft: 12 years.
- Paul Jameson: And how long have you been associated with Simon Bennett?
- Camille Bancroft: He began teaching drama the same year that I joined the English Department.
- Paul Jameson: Professor Bancroft, why did you go with Simon Bennett to a publisher?
- Camille Bancroft: I thought that we were discussing a scholarly work, not a witless hackjob.
- Simon Bennett: A bestseller. The public loves my book.
- Camille Bancroft: However you may have bastardized the prose, the ideas are still mine.
- Paul Jameson: After 12 years of working together, you can tell whose ideas are whose?
- Camille Bancroft: Easily. Simon never had an original thought in his life.
- Simon Bennett: I object to that.
- Paul Jameson: Please.
- Camille Bancroft: I wrote, "Romeo reconciles his conflicts between love and sexuality through Juliet. The duality of growth and decay." And here... "Romeo saw Juliet as a ripe tomato." I mean, is this what my life's work has been reduced to?
- Ann Kelsey: Camille, I...
- Paul Jameson: If you don't like the book, why object if your name isn't on the cover?
- Camille Bancroft: In my name, the currency is neither money nor fame. It's ideas, originality of thought. I mean, this is how we are judged.
- Simon Bennett: Judged by whom? A bunch of dried up professors just like us? I saw the chance for us to do something together, to grab a little glory.
- Camille Bancroft: Notoriety, I mean all those college girls clamoring for an autograph. This is all you care, Simon. Your own ego.
- Simon Bennett: Open your eyes, Camille. I care about you!
- [Camille was confused. So does Ann. She looked pretty weird]
- Simon Bennett: All those years, side by side. You never really looked at me. Well, I'm no Romeo, no Hamlet. But for God's sake. Let me not to the marriage of true minds admit impediments. Love alters not with his brief hours and weeks, but bares it out even to the edge of doom. If this be error, and upon me proved, I never writ nor no man ever loved. I humbly do beseech you of your pardon for too much loving you.
- [Simon gives a kiss on Camille's hand]
- [Coming out of the office, while finish talking with Erik Estrada]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: No, Erik, it's okay. You wait here, I'll be a minute.
- Arnie Becker: How are things going?
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: He's trying to pick up my rhythms.
- Arnie Becker: What are you talking about?
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Senor Estrada refuses to leave me alone. He keeps asking me questions about a lawyer's motivation. We should have kept this story in a woman's prison.
- Arnie Becker: Douglas, what would you like me to do?
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Kill this project at Worldwide. Otherwise...
- Arnie Becker: Otherwise, what?
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Otherwise nothing. As a friend, please?
- [Opening the door is Tommy Mullaney the Assistant District Attorney. Douglas is leaving and walks away]
- Arnie Becker: Hey, Tommy. We've been trying to reach you since yesterday. Where have you been?
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: What? What's up?
- Arnie Becker: Roxanne went into the hospital yesterday. She had some bleeding.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Oh, God, no.
- [Arnie will take Tommy there]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Nice and orderly.
- [the crowds heads to the stairwells and exits the building. Taking with Arnie]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: I smell smoke. Do you smell smoke? Stay calm. Slowly.
- [the police officer escorted the people downstairs]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Don't rush.
- [Coming from the elevator in the hiding, the stalker Linda Salerno has arrived, she will find a place to hide and heads in the door to open and get in]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Arnie, did you talk with Beatrice Schuller at Worldwide?
- Arnie Becker: I'm waiting for her to return.
- [Fire alarm blares]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: People, everyone. Let's stay calm, proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion. Arnie?
- Arnie Becker: I'm waiting for Beatrice's call.
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Don't be insane. Bring the portable.
- [People have to leave outside the building downstairs]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Nice and easy, not the elevators. Take the stairwell.
- Officer Crenshaw: Miss Taylor? Miss Taylor?
- [Gwen is here]
- Officer Crenshaw: Miss T--there you are.
- Gwen Taylor: I was just getting some files.
- Officer Crenshaw: Come on. Stay close, I don't want to lose you in this crowd.
- Officer Crenshaw: Did you spot her?
- Gwen Taylor: No, I looked carefully, but I didn't see her.
- Officer Crenshaw: Who knows, maybe this nutcase has finally decided to leave you alone.
- Gwen Taylor: I don't think so.
- [Elevator dings. Douglas, Arnie and the rest of the people are back from the elevator.]
- Douglas Brackman, Jr.: Lucky no-one was hurt. A real catastrophe was averted.
- Arnie Becker: You serious? It's going to be a long time before Philipson's reopens and topless women are showing their wares again.
- Camille Bancroft: Is it always so dramatic around here?
- Ann Kelsey: It has been lately. So have you thought anymore about...
- Camille Bancroft: Simon's little show? Oh, he's such an outrageous flirt. You know, he's been married twice. Of course, this is just a ploy to get me to drop the lawsuit.
- Ann Kelsey: What if it isn't? What if he really does love you?
- Camille Bancroft: Oh, please, I know so much about him. I know every annoying habit, every tick, every...
- Ann Kelsey: So there won't be any surprises. A lot of women would jump at the chance to be with Simon.
- Camille Bancroft: Mom. A lot of women have. Besides, I don't jump. I'm a professor, not an acrobat.
- Ann Kelsey: You're entitled to step back from the books now and then. He's made the first move. All you have to do is...
- Camille Bancroft: My dear Ann. I am too old to play Juliet.
- Ann Kelsey: Too old or too scared? Camille, I've learned so much from you as a student. Will you listen to me now as a friend? In the last few months Stuart and I were so far apart that we hardly had any marriage at all, and instead of reaching out of him, I shut myself off. I came so close to losing the most precious thing in my life. And I'd hate to see that happened to you.
- [Looking has just arrived is Simon]
- Ann Kelsey: Besides, Simon's too old to play Romeo.
- Simon Bennett: True, we have seen better days. As least show me the courtesy of hearing me out.
- Camille Bancroft: 'Tis best to speak plain and to the purpose.
- Simon Bennett: For Heaven's sake, woman, will you kindly shut up?
- Camille Bancroft: I would but 'tis the thickness of your skull makes you hard of hearing.
- Simon Bennett: Come on, you wasp. In faith, you are too angry.
- Camille Bancroft: If I be waspish, best beware my sting.
- Simon Bennett: Ohh...
- [Anton D'Arcy waiting. Jonathan Rollins has arrived]
- Melina Paros: What did you find out?
- Jonathan Rollins: Hey. Well, I went down to Del Mar where Swilling worked and nosed around. Found out why he was fired. He was forced out by a supervisor, guy named Larry Torica in order to make room for a younger man.
- Melina Paros: So?
- Jonathan Rollins: So Torica was shot by an unknown assailant outside Pandora's night club on December 11th.
- Anton D'Arcy: That's 3 days before my father.
- Jonathan Rollins: Yeah, but Swilling didn't kill Torica. Del Mar cops already checked it out. His alibi's air tight.
- Melina Paros: Are you sure?
- Jonathan Rollins: Oh, yeah. But a witness described our client here to a T.
- Anton D'Arcy: There must be about a 1,000 people who look like me.
- Jonathan Rollins: Yeah, but a 1,000 people didn't valet park outside of Pandora's that night. They wrote down your plate number, Anton.
- Melina Paros: You switched victims with Swilling.
- Anton D'Arcy: You've been watching too much Hitchcock.
- Melina Paros: You switched the victims so that neither of you would appear to have a motive. Makes it impossible to investigate.
- Anton D'Arcy: If that's true, why didn't Swilling just tell that to the D.A.?
- Jonathan Rollins: Because he couldn't, he'd be admitting to two homicides, and risk the death penalty.
- Anton D'Arcy: Look, what I may or may not have done is really my business.
- Jonathan Rollins: I don't think so.
- Anton D'Arcy: This discussion is privileged. And your investigation, such as it is, goes nowhere.
- Melina Paros: I'm withdrawing from this case.
- Anton D'Arcy: Why, because you think I might be guilty? A parking stub is hardly proof of murder, Melina, and in any case, it isn't really your job to judge me. I've got a shot at acquittal here. You screw it up and I'll have your license.
- Melina Paros: You little son of a bitch.
- Anton D'Arcy: Hey, you were the one who always bragged about becoming a lawyer when we were growing up. Defend me, Melina. That's your job now.
- [Melina will find out and she'll be leaving back to the courtroom along with Jonathan. Anton will wait]
- [Giving waves for closing]
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Burdick D'Arcy was about to handcuff his spendthrift son. But Anton D'Arcy found out about it, and didn't like it. What to do? Anton couldn't kill his father himself. No, better to find someone else and have an alibi. Peter Swilling was unemployed and greedy. And ideal dupe. For a mere promise of financial security, he killed a man. And got caught. At least he had the decency to come clean. Now a so-called expert psychiatrist suggests that Mr. Swilling was nuts, but as I suggested, the motive was greed. Old-fashioned greed, ladies and gentlemen. And now it's time for Mr. D'Arcy to pay.
- [And now Miss Paros]
- Melina Paros: It's not my job to convince you of anything. That's his job. My job in this case is to remind you what's missing. To point out that when you're in that jury room debating Peter Swilling's bizarre story, wondering how it is possible that a man without so much as a jaywalking ticket could agree to murder a total stranger, you are putting into action the key concept of our system of justice: reasonable doubt. It's a concept that protects you and me and Anton D'Arcy. Blackstone said it is better that 500 guilty men go free than one innocent man be convicted. If you are not convinced beyond reasonable doubt in your hearts, you must let this man go.
- [Miss Paros heads back to her seat]
- [the man puts the covers over the computer. Officer Crenshaw has arrived and ask Gwen Taylor while working]
- Officer Crenshaw: Any idea when you'll be leaving?
- Gwen Taylor: Um... I can leave now.
- Officer Crenshaw: Well, whatever you want to do. If you want to work late, I can send down for some supper.
- Gwen Taylor: Uh... nah. Let me just go grab a file and we can go.
- Officer Crenshaw: Okay.
- [Gwen will be back. And Officer Crenshaw will keep an eye on her]
- Melina Paros: Dr. Kaiser, have you examined Mr. Swilling and his psychiatric records?
- Dr. Kaiser: Yes. In my opinion, Mr. Swilling suffers from borderline dependent personality disorder.
- Melina Paros: And what are the symptoms of that disorder?
- Dr. Kaiser: Unstable personal relationships and impulsive behavior combined with a desire for social acceptance.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Objection, Your Honor. He's just described half of Los Angeles.
- Judge Debra Ellis: Sit down, Mr. Scott. You'll have your turn.
- Melina Paros: Continue, Doctor.
- Dr. Kaiser: Well, a man like Mr. Swilling could exist for many, many years without any noticeable incident and then... then a crisis occurs.
- Melina Paros: Could losing one's job qualify as such a crisis?
- Dr. Kaiser: Certainly.
- Melina Paros: What could happen to a person with Mr. Swilling's personality disorder?
- Dr. Kaiser: A micropsychotic episode could be triggered and the subject could become delusional.
- Melina Paros: Could Mr. Swilling's delusional propensity have caused him to believe Anton D'Arcy was asking him to murder his father when in fact no such overture occurred?
- Dr. Kaiser: In my opinion, that is exactly what happened.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Thank you
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Dr. Kaiser, for a man of 50 to suddenly commit murder, wouldn't you expect to find some history of violence?
- Dr. Kaiser: Yes.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Do you know of a single incident in Mr. Swilling's past?
- Dr. Kaiser: No, but...
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: So, a man with no violent history suddenly commits pre-meditated murder in order to please a complete stranger.
- Dr. Kaiser: Is that what you're saying? It's not that simple.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Yes, or no, Doctor.
- Dr. Kaiser: Essentially.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: You're asking this court to believe that this killing was due to a micro-psychotic episode rather than a simple murder for hire?
- Dr. Kaiser: Oh, it's possible.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Where did you get your degree, Doctor? Disneyland?
- Melina Paros: Objection.
- D.A. Prentiss Scott: Withdrawn. I'm done with the doctor.
- Dr. Parker: I still want you staying in bed the next few weeks.
- Roxanne Melman: Okay.
- [Calling from outside]
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Rox!
- Nurse: Hey!
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Roxanne!
- Roxanne Melman: Tommy? In here.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Roxy. Oh, hi, Dr. Parker. Rox... This is my fault.
- Roxanne Melman: No.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Yeah. I should've been th here for you, Rox. Forgive me, please. I need our life together.
- Roxanne Melman: I know.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: I'm so sorry about our baby. And, uh, when you're ready... If you want to... We can try again?
- Roxanne Melman: What are you talking about?
- [Tommy looked at Dr. Parker. Roxanne check her baby in her stomach]
- Roxanne Melman: The baby's fine.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Is this true?
- Dr. Parker: Roxanne experienced some bleeding but there's no sign if effacement, and everyone appears healthy.
- [Tommy sighs]
- Roxanne Melman: Wait... I want you to hear something. Do you mind?
- Dr. Parker: With pleasure.
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: What?
- Dr. Parker: There, hold this. Come here, hold it.
- [Dr. Parker wants Tommy Mullaney to feel the pressure of Roxanne's baby in her tummy]
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: What?
- Roxanne Melman: She. Listen.
- [Tommy listen. The baby is still heartbeat. Tommy gasps]
- A.D.A. Tommy Mullaney: Is that...
- Roxanne Melman: It's our child's heartbeat.
- [Tommy listen to the baby's heartbeat]
- [Judge Ellis reads the verdict. And hands over back to the Bailiff and return it to the juror]
- Judge Debra Ellis: Is your verdict unanimous?
- Foreperson: It is, Your Honor.
- Judge Debra Ellis: What say you?
- Foreperson: In the matter of the people of the State of California vs. Anton D'Arcy, we the jury find the defendant not guilty.
- Judge Debra Ellis: Members of the jury, thank you for your time. Mr. D'Arcy, you're free to go. Court's adjourned.
- [D.A. Prentiss Scott is leaving. Anton has something he want to say to Melina]
- Anton D'Arcy: Congratulations, Counselor.
- Melina Paros: Keep away from me.
- Anton D'Arcy: What? What?
- Melina Paros: I was this close to turning you in.
- Anton D'Arcy: Well, yeah, but you didn't. Hey. Hey, come on. Come on. Is this any way to treat an old friend? I mean what are people gonna think--
- [Melina is through]
- Melina Paros: Go to hell.
- [the Attorneys Miss Paros and Mr. Rollins are leaving. The three reporters are going to question a freeman Anton D'Arcy.]
- Reporter: Mr. D'Arcy? We'd like to know why...
- [Gwen open the door at the filing room, she turns the light on. She is going to get the file and she'll be in the hurry. But suddenly coming behind Gwen from the hiding is the stalker Linda Salerno with a knife in her hand. The final confrontation]
- Linda Salerno: Hello, Gwen.
- Gwen Taylor: Oh my God.
- Linda Salerno: I was hoping we'd have time for a little chat. You've been awfully busy lately.
- Gwen Taylor: What do you want, Alison?
- Linda Salerno: What do you want, Gwen?
- Gwen Taylor: I just want to be left alone.
- Linda Salerno: Is that all? I think you want a little more than that. I think you want Daniel. I think you want Lucy. I think you want to be a big shot lawyer. I think you want all kinds of things.
- Gwen Taylor: Okay. Assume I want those things, is that wrong?
- Linda Salerno: It depends on how you go about getting them. Daniel used to be interested in me. He paid attention to me. He used to flirt with me. You can't just cut in front of someone.
- Gwen Taylor: I'm sorry. I didn't know I had done that.
- Linda Salerno: Yes, you did. You cut ahead of me. And now I'm gonna cut ahead of you.
- [Linda laughs]
- Gwen Taylor: Alison...
- Linda Salerno: Did you get my little pun? That was funny.
- Gwen Taylor: Yeah. I got it.
- [That wasn't funny. Linda wipe the smirk off her face]
- Linda Salerno: You never invited me over to your house.
- Gwen Taylor: Let me make up for that right now. Let me invite you over. We'll get to know one another.
- Linda Salerno: No, I don't want you looking at me as though I'm some case study in aberrational behavior. In fact, I don't want you looking at me at all. In fact... I'm gonna have to put your eyes out.
- [Gwen heard the door open is the police officer]
- Officer Crenshaw: Drop the knife.
- [the stalker turned is the police]
- Officer Crenshaw: I said, drop it!
- Linda Salerno: You'll have to kill me first.
- [Linda was attempting to murder Gwen Taylor with a knife. But Officer Crenshaw opened fire with a gun and shot the stalker Linda Salerno in the back and killed her. Linda fell on Gwen. Gwen shrieks]
- Gwen Taylor: Ah...
- [the stalker Linda Salerno was pronounced dead. Gwen Taylor was unhurt]
- [Last lines. The stalker Linda Salerno's body was wrapped in the body bag on the stretcher and was taken away by the Los Angeles county coroners]
- Officer Crenshaw: We have everything we need. You two can go on home. Okay? Hey, Gwen.
- [Gwen turns back to Officer Crenshaw]
- Officer Crenshaw: The thing that you got to do now is forget that this ever happened.
- Gwen Taylor: I don't know if I can.
- [Officer Crenshaw have left and walks away. It's over. The stalker is gone. Gwen is safe. She is ready to go home safely with the help of Daniel Morales after freeing Frank Osgood from court]
- Daniel Morales: [Quietly] Come on, baby. Hey... let's go.
- [the rest of the police will continue the investigation. May God be with Gwen Taylor and Daniel Morales]