 Guilty of murder in the first degree. Have you anything to say before the court imposes sentence? Yeah, I got something to say. I just want to tell my friend, Mr. Stoll, that he's got something coming to him. And he's going to get it. The court will remind the prisoner, the district attorney, to fulfill the obligations of his office. It is therefore the sentence of this court that the defendant shall be put to death during the week beginning June 2nd, 1938, in the manner in place prescribed by law. You are remanded to the custody of the sheriff. Edward Hennessey, Associated Press. This letter will admit you to the executions required by law of Joseph Patterson, the state's prison, the night of June 4th. Check? Okay. Okay, Hennessey, move on in. Better save some of that till you come out. Well, boy, this looks like Patterson's going to get it all right. Yep, he gets it this time. Yeah, he sure killed the reprieve. Went to the governor himself. He's a tough hombre, all right, all right. Who, Patterson? No, Stoll, the district attorney. Now, you said it. All right, boys, this way, please. Is it true that they smoke when they play? Don't think about it, sonny. Patterson bumped off four himself, and how many others he's had knocked off I couldn't even guess. But when it comes time for him to pay off, look at the squawk he makes. Well, we can check off another on the old adding machine. 11 and 18 months. We're making progress, Sharpie, making progress. We'll have this town really quite the first thing you know. I wish you'd get rid of that hideous contraption. It gives me the willies. I'm not being too impertinent. Just an old Chinese custom, Sharpie. Chinese? You sound more like an Indian, if you ask me. An Indian counting scalps. It's my job to count scalps. It's still a life for a life so far as I'm concerned, and will be till they rewrite those love books over there. Thank you, Miss Sharp. Oh, thank you, sonny. You're welcome, Sharpie. The governor returned the record of the Paterson Confession. I'd like to have seen his face when they listened to it. Paterson didn't have a chance. Through with it? I'll take it home and put it with the collection. I should think you'd have enough of them now. Don't be unkind of me, this lovely morning, Sharpie. What about the mail? Oh, nothing much. Another clipping from the Tatler's column. I'm not hoping. Not a boost this time. Or maybe it is. I never can tell about those things. Read it to me. Not at all, you gossips. Not at all. The wife's boyfriend has the D.A.'s OK. Got any use of special Sharpie? No. Or Phil's a nice youngster. And you wouldn't have me keep a lady chained up in a vault at home? Or would you? No. Except that I've heard that husband should go home once in a while. And I've also heard there's more to life than crime. You certainly keep your ears at the ground. And I've also heard that tonight, if I'm not being too impertinent. Yes? Kirk and Murphy are here. Send them in. Kirk and Murphy. They've been working on the telephone thread. Yesterday's. We traced that call, Chief. Hello, Sharpie. Came from a drug store over on Fristoper Street, but there are no guesses. A lot of Patterson's boys hang out in the joint, but you can't fin it on any of them. It's a pay station. Everybody on the street uses it. Yeah, going all the time. Better forget it, Kirk. Probably cold now, anyway. I don't know. Patterson's boys are pretty much head up. I wouldn't worry. I figure they wanted to give me the business yesterday before I got to the governor. But it's too late now. They all want to get you, Murphy, when you first send them up. But prison cools them off. That'd be no prosecutors if it didn't. Burning doesn't cool off the relatives, any, Mr. Stoll. I'd keep an eye out of how are you. Patterson's got no relatives. Only a kid cousin, and he's in Mexico. Thanks, boys. Thanks. Right. You forget it. Keep moving, Sharpie. Oh, Chief. You sitting in on that quiz tonight? You bet. I wouldn't miss that. Okay. Are you serious? If I'm not being too impudent? If you're not being too impudent? I'm serious about what? You're going to that quiz tonight. Of course I'm going. Yes? Oh, put her on. It's Mrs. Stoll. Hello, darling. Yes, this is a surprise. We were just talking about you, Sharpie and I. Of course it was nice. Today? Yes, this is the fifth. Yes, Lucy? I should say I do know. Of course, darling, it's your birthday. You thought I'd forgotten. I should say not. Certainly, darling, I'll be home early. We'll put on our good clothes and make a night of it. Dinner in the theater? That's right, Lucy. And, darling, there's a package on the way, but don't open it until I get there. Absolutely. I'll be home early. Absolutely. Thanks, Sharpie. Thanks. I don't know what I'd have done. Just my ear to the ground again. I tried to tell you. That gift on the way idea was an inspiration. I'd never have been forgiven. I told Traganes to send a tray down for selection. A pair of diamond clips would be nice. Small ones. I'd forgotten completely. I'm a fine husband, I am. I'll order the flowers, or kids, don't you think? Yes, that'll be fine. I'll telephone Mr. Kirk not to expect you at the quiz tonight. I suppose I'll have to miss that. Unless you plan to be in two places at once. Too bad, though. I should be in on that. Are you going home or not? Yes, oh yes, I'm going home. Don't worry, Sharpie. I'm glad of that. I don't know of anybody just now who could take your place. 10, 15, 24 left to go, Sharpie. I didn't know, Mr. Well, if you wanted the ice melted or not. Oh, no, Creole, I think it's better this way. Thank you, ma'am. Believe it. She's marvelous. She's my new maid. But you should taste her biscuits, they're wonderful. I'll taste the highball if it's all right with everybody. Two fingers, please. Don't make it too weak. Hello, Mr. Stowell. Hello. Well, hello, Jim. Hello. Jim, how are you? Hello, Jim, how are you? Just in time for a drink. Happy birthday, darling. It is now. I didn't know, Lucy. Why did you keep it a secret? All the old girls do, Elizabeth. How are you, Phil? Fine, Jim, fine. Would you like a drink, darling? I'm ashamed of myself for forgetting. Me, a cousin, too. Thanks, darling. I'll fix my own. I almost forgot myself. And I am a husband. Hello. New glasses? The sets from Phil, isn't it lovely? Birthday present? Oh, they're just replacements for the ones I break. Hmm, so you remembered. That was nice of you, Phil. It seems I saw something in the papers recently about Lucy and Phil, didn't I? Just a bit of scandal. I can't get away with the thing. I saw that. I wish it hadn't gotten in the newspapers, though. Not that I care a particular little bit. You know, a man in my position. You're joking, aren't you? It was a triple date, Jim, and I didn't show up. The young things took pity on me. You don't think I'm serious? You don't think I suspect Lucy, do you? I didn't know what to think. You know, when you're talking to a district attorney. Well, I hope I'm not bringing my job home with me, Elizabeth. Monster, though, I'm supposed to be. Caesar's wife must be above suspicion. To Caesar's wife. Wait a minute, John. Do you know what happened to Caesar's wife? Uh-uh, something dreadful. He killed her. Deader than a darling. Oh. Well, let's just drink to Lucy. To Lucy, thank you, darling. Pierce Creola. Telephone. Who is it, Creola? Who is it? It's the gentleman who works in your office, Mr. Stowell. It's Mr. Curry. Oh. Oh, please, Jim. Oh, of course, darling, of course. What's the matter with me? Tell Mr. Cook I'm not in. And Creola, I'm into nobody from now on. Understand? Nobody. Yes, sir. I understand. You just ain't in. I don't believe it. Sometimes I wonder if Jim is my husband or just district attorney. How goes it at the university, Phil? I'm on my last postgraduate course right now. Political science. Do you know after this, I'm afraid I'm going to have to go out and go to work? You hate to give up watching football practice. Come on, Einstein. We've got to go. I'm going to make him study tonight or bust. Let's bust. A great, big, beautiful bust all over town. What do you say? Oh, you nitty. Come on. See you soon. Bye-bye. Happy birthday to you. Thank you. Good looking pair of kids. Nice, too. I wonder if they'll ever get married. Mr. Stowell. I told the gentleman you said you wasn't in, but he didn't believe me, Mr. Stowell. He says to tell you it was important and to tell you that the cousin from Mexico was in town. But he didn't say what cousin, Mr. Stowell? That's all right, Creola. Thank you. You're welcome. What does that mean, Jim, the cousin from Mexico? Nothing, nothing at all. Kirk shouldn't bother me here with details. Well, we'd better go along then. We'll have to hurry if we're going to dress. There's no place to hurry to when I'm with you. Oh, darling. These clips are so lovely, Jim. Do you know what I really hoped for? Oh, it's my girl. I bet you hoped me into them. Well, don't people say that if you hope hard enough or anything, it comes true? Only foolish people, darling. Hope's a cheat. They're not a very kind one. Must you be cynical tonight? Oh, don't listen to me. Hope is fine, darling. But having is so much better. Nice, nice, husband. Oh, now you make me feel uncomfortable. I've got a confession to make. The clips weren't really my idea. They weren't? No, Sharpie thought of them. In fact, Sharpie thought of your birthday. Oh, Jim. Oh, it's the awful truth. I forgot. Well, I wouldn't let it bother me. Sometimes I wonder how you manage to remember as many things as you do. And you're the only thing in the world really worth remembering. That's nicer than any prison, Jim. Except I didn't remember. But someday I will. Someday I'll stack up all the things I've forgotten in one huge celebration for you. And it will let me a day. This day, this nice small day, it's all right. Just having you home again like this isn't enough. I haven't been anywhere. I know, but it seems you're never home anymore. Never? Well, almost never. At first I used to be able to console myself by saying, your husband's a great soldier. He must be off to his wars. But lately it's been harder and harder making it work. I don't seem to be able to console myself that way anymore. I just want you with me, especially when it's getting dark. I suppose I'm just lonesome. Or maybe I'm afraid of ghosts. Just a minute, Lucy. Just in case of ghosts. Jim, must you carry a gun even on our night out? It's nothing, darling. What the well-dressed man must wear out. That doesn't sound like you, Jim. I know you were just trying to put my mind at ease, but you didn't used to joke about things like this. It's nothing, Lucy. I promise you. But it isn't nothing. When you scored a liars this afternoon when she was joking about Phil and me, you said you didn't want to bring your job home with you. Now you are bringing it home with you. You really mean it, Lucy? Well, look, Jim, we can't even go out on a birthday celebration without you being armed. I'm sorry, Lucy. But it isn't as serious as you think. The gun has made everything sort of melodramatic. But I didn't realize that I was bringing the job home with me. Sharpie accused me of it, but I wouldn't listen. I've been wrong. I stand convicted. Pardon me, Governor, and I promise it won't happen again. But it isn't just the gun, Jim. I know, darling. It's me. It's the job. It's everything about me. Yes, Cruella? These, yes, come. Oh, kid. Oh, this is my birthday. Jim, you're a darling. You're a considerate, impeccable husband. And I'm ashamed of myself for saying the things I did a few minutes ago. No, I'm caught again. Caught? Sharpie thought of the flowers too. Oh, dear. Well, anyway, this is my birthday. I'll try to think of something original before the evening's over now. Good evening, ma'am. Perfect, James. Perfect. Been some time, James, since we've made an evening of it. But Mrs. Stonewell with us it is, sir. Why, James, you mean? Oh, no, ma'am. I didn't mean it. Jim, you couldn't have done it better if you had planned it. It's a great break. And all for a nick in the elbow. That's luck, ma'am, and you deserve it. I'd like to have quizzed that kid before, ain't I, and a cigarette? I'll never use them. Now, Jim, it's better the way it happened. It's a closed book. And we've had enough passes. I'd like to have had those newspaper boys in here last night when they were operating. You'd look good and sick. The dark wouldn't stand for it. We'd have had a great break in the morning papers. No, afternoon papers are not to be seized at in this town, no, sir. If this were election year, we'd get snap you right at the city hall. Easy. Just like that. Thanks, Dan. Thanks, nothing. You know favors I'm not doing myself. Well, you got this town with a year served by its long, hairy ear. You're a hero, and that's what you are. Well, goodbye, Jim. I'll be in later with the papers. All right. See you later, Ed. Oh, yes, Jim. While I was walking, I did a lot of thinking. An awful lot, Jim. Bad thing of complexion, darling. I heard those reporters talking coming out of the elevator. I couldn't believe they were talking about you. Although, one of them say the inquisitor almost got it himself. Don't you think, Jim, that when things like this can happen, when people try to kill you in front of your own house, you should think it's hard time one of us started thinking? I've been thinking myself, Lucy. Quite a lot, too. But I mean about us, Jim. We've got to do something. Hardly ever seen yours bad enough, but when... I know. I've become a regular headhunter, as Sharpie says. Do Sharpie say that? All the time. He says I've become a maniac. He says everybody's a suspect of a man. Everybody's a potential criminal. He says all I live for is convictions and executions. I never had the nerve to tell you. You didn't have to tell me. I knew it. You were what you were thinking, too. Did you really? I'm really intruding. It's Mr. Kirk, do you want to talk? Yes, I'll take it. Yes, Kirk? Fine, fine. No, no, I'll tell you what to do. You handle the office yourself. That's right. No, no, it isn't that. I'm fine. Perfect. No, Mrs. Stoll and I are going away on a trip. Three or four weeks. We haven't worked it out yet. Maybe Canada, maybe California, maybe Europe. I've never had a vacation and there's no telling where we'll end up. Thanks, Kirk. Thanks. Goodbye. Do you really mean it? Absolutely. We both need a vacation, Lucy. We both need to renew our old acquaintanceship. Oh, Jim. Yeah? You know, that trip we've been saving up for our old age. Oh, the one we were going to take for a honeymoon and dinner. Or any of those trips we should have taken and never did. All right, darling? I can't believe it, Jim. I really can't. Well, you start believing right now. The middle of the midnight sun. Nerebia. Blue Mediterranean. Then old Quebec. Australia. Nerebia. Where would you like to go, Liz? Cairo looks pretty good to me. Why not two weeks of salmon fishing in Alaska? I think I'd like to go to Switzerland. Bury a loop. Switzerland. It's so clean and quiet. Egypt's frying on a girl. It's dark and mysterious. Oh, no. Egypt's got no sense of humor. I don't want anything dark. I want sunshine and snow and everything quiet. Everything white and blue when you listen. Listen to me, will you? I'll be happy if we ever get anywhere. I still have to pinch myself to make sure I'm awake. And I'm very careful not to pinch too hard. I really can't believe it. I really can't believe it. Bracelet to match the lady's birthday clips. Your clips, Sharpie. Well, they've been gnawing at my conscience. I had to think of something myself or I wouldn't have enjoyed a moment of the trip. So you're really going? I have to, Sharpie. I haven't been myself lately. I've been somebody else. You're not telling me anything. I haven't got so lately. I'm suspicious of everybody. Well, I'm suspicious of you, Sharpie. I'm even suspicious of myself. I third degree myself. I put myself on the stand. I find myself turning round quickly to see if I'm the man I think I am. What would you say to that, Sharpie? I'd say you weren't going away a moment too soon. Right, Sharpie. You're always right. So I'm going. The moment I go out of this office, I'm gone. You understand? And you don't know where to find me. Yes, Mr. Kirk. No, Mr. Kirk. He's not in the office. I see. A murder. But I'm not... I imagine it must be sensational. Of course. I know. Yes, Mr. Kirk. If you should come in, I'll have him call you immediately. Goodbye. And don't call me Sharpie. The sins you have on your soul, Sharpie. I'd run if I were you. No, I'm running. Thanks, Sharpie. Goodbye. Thanks. I didn't think you had that much sense. If I'm not being too important... If you're not being too important... Sorry, Mr. Stowell's not in the office, and I don't know where to find him. Oh, it's the police headquarters. I'm sure it must be very important, but I have no idea where to find him. So sorry. So very sorry. Goodbye. Sorry, he's not here, Captain. Oh, the McAllen murder. That is important. But I don't know where to reach him. You see, Mr. Stowell's gone away on a vacation. I'm so sorry. So very sorry. Goodbye. It's just an idea. Well, I've got to get a hold of him. Dr. Shaw McAllen just shot his wife. Oh, indeed. Skil Kirk. Well, it's the biggest thing that's broken around here in years. You know him, Sharpie. The Pittsburgh McAllens. Millionaires. He teaches up at the university. I'm sorry, Mr. Kirk. But Mr. Stowell is away on a vacation. Well, he can't have gone very far. He was here half hour ago. I know, but he was moving mighty fast. Yes, Lieutenant. What can I do for you? I wondered if you had located Mr. Stowell yet. He's gone. Sharpie says he's gone on a vacation. Oh, that's too bad. They're bringing McAllen over here. I figured Jim would want to question him. He won't open his mouth. Well, I'll question him. What did you pick up, Fred? Oh, the same old story. He was crazy about her and found her with another man. You know, I remember something about her. Didn't his family kick him out when he married her? Without a cent. I think I'll be going now if you gentlemen don't mind. See if you can locate the chief, Dr. McAllen. But you shot well enough to kill. A precise, deadly shot, Dr. McAllen. Are you sure you don't remember that? Your silence has no point, Dr. McAllen. When you shot to kill, when your gun spoke, you spoke. It's too late now for silence, Dr. McAllen. You're an educated man. You know, men have been shooting fateless wives since time began. No, no, Mr. Kirk. Just a moment, if you please. Gentlemen, if you'll be kind enough, I'd like to be alone with Dr. McAllen for a moment. I can imagine the strain he's been under. Would you be kind enough to leave us alone for a moment? Okay, Chief. Thank you. I'm sorry, Dr. McAllen. We've been so inconsiderate. Sometimes my men allow their ambitions to run away with it. You better sit down, honey, and rest your feet. I caught myself doing that once on the way. And I was one I may not never get over. It'll do you good to get the whole thing off your chest. There's no use of talking, Mr. Stone. There's no use of anything now. Do you like cigarette? I don't want you to talk if you don't feel like it. I just want you to know we're not monsters here. We're just human beings like yourself. They can do what they want with me. It doesn't matter anymore. Oh, but he's going to do anything to you, Dr. McAllen. I'm not trying to hide anything. I shot my wife. I killed her. Are you sure you wouldn't like a drink? I suppose it all happened suddenly. Only this afternoon. Only a few hours ago. I was leaving home for class. When I realized it was raining, I went back from my raincoat. It was then I saw her. I saw her sitting in her room before the mirror. Never had she seemed so beautiful. Sitting there in the dark, with only the two small lights on her dressing table burning, powdering her neck and shoulders, smiling and humming, happy with herself. Never had she seemed so beautiful as at that moment, with the mirror light shining up on her face, and the rain beating on the window behind her. All husbands have moments like that? And at that moment, I realized how terribly I neglected her. Well, I know it sounds horrible now, but it was for her sake I neglected her. For her sake, I worked, studied. I wanted her to have good things. And we were poor. Very poor. I understand. You watched your wife before the mirror. And as I watched her, I said to myself, I would never neglect her again. And then I... Then I tipped her across the room to the dressing table. With her humming, she didn't hear me. I leaned down quickly and kissed her. Instantly, the moment I kissed her, she shivered. Her flesh became goose-pimpy as with cold. I saw her face in the mirror looking up at me, and all its happiness was gone. But on it was a look of a revolution. I was speechless, stunned. See, I see. The Japanese have an expression. A woman tells the truth to her mirror. And then she recovered and looked up at me and laughed and said, you should know better than to ruin a lady's makeup. She began a part of the spot on her neck where I'd kissed her. She got to her feet and kissed me on the cheek. I've got to run along. She said, I'm playing bridge at Sonya's. I'll see you for dinner. She ran out. I stood, still speechless. I watched her go home. I see. And that was how it began. My brain was on fire. I was sure there was only one explanation. She was making herself beautiful for some man. And she was going to him. She wasn't going to Sonya's. I followed her in the rain. And what finally happened, Dr. McKellen? I killed her. I know, but there are circumstances. It's all unreal to me. All blood. I was blind, insane. I saw her in her house. I went to a window. I saw her run into a man's arms. Little fire in my pain became a fury. I didn't realize I'd drawn the guns. I didn't realize I'd fired. Until I saw her body crumble to the floor. And then I knew I'd killed her. In that instant, I knew I'd lost forever. The one thing in the world I loved. It's my fault. My stupidity. I'll have to give him a lift. Don't give him a shot or something. His sleep will do him good. Did you get it recorded? Yes, sir. Every word of it. It's right there. We've got a written transcription, too. They'll send him to the chair. Did you overhear such a fairy tale in your life? The Kiss Before the Mirror. I don't know, Chief. You know that's the way things like that sometimes start. You should be smarter, Kirk. His emotional upset fooled you. Well, that was genuine enough. But the Kiss Before the Mirror story, that's something else again. Wait till a jury hears it. With the proper commenter, with the prosecution, I mean. You want a transfer facility? No, no, no, no. I could flat. I can play the whole thing through then. I think I'll take it home and lock it up. Keep this quiet. The McCallan family will probably leap to the rescue with their millions. Now the wife is out of the way. And by tomorrow, they'll have all the legal brains and the country lineup against us. They'll repudiate the confession. Well, they'll repudiate it, all right. But if we don't mention it, don't worry about it. That is until we spring it. And I have an idea, something can be made of it at the right time. It's going to be a battle, I won't say a word. Oh, you wanted it. Oh, that's something else. I forgot this earlier. I'm sorry. Terribly sorry. But I couldn't find it up, Lucy. Yes, I imagine it'll be a sensational case. Another conviction. Oh, it isn't that. I'd be shirking my job if I went away now. Believe me. It's a kiss before the nerve. What's funny? Nothing. Nothing for your pretty ears. I was just reminded of a little story I heard today. A friend of McCallan, a famous criminal lawyer, engages family rallies to Professor Zade. So they've hired Dave Morrow. The McCallan millions begin to talk. Believe me, they'll have to talk pretty loud. Well, he's down the street. There's no understanding. He'll buy his way out. I'd like to see someone try it. This is one case I'm going through with to the limit. I can understand some bohongful of boons on a Saturday night, cracking another mug skull over a craft game, but these polite, sensitive murderers, these sofisticates like McCallan deserve no quarter. And they'll get none from me. Imagine a responsible, intelligent, educated man killing another man. Oh, I've never known a lot of men I'd like to kill. Oh, I'm serious, Dan. You wouldn't do it. I wouldn't do it. And the last thing either of us would ever think of doing is killing a woman. Crimes of passion, psychologists call them. Crimes of decadence, I call them. Luxuries, indulgences. Yes? Thank you, sir. Send him in. Well, Jim, I've got to run. One thing is certain anyhow. This time, you've got the people back of you. Up to now, you've been picking on the rank and fire of those mugs and bohongts you mentioned, the masses. Now, you've bagged a highbrow, a millionaire, and it'll do you a lot of good, Jim, an awful lot of good. Hello, Eddie. Well, how do you do, sir? Come on in. I'm on the way out. Goodbye, Jim, and good luck. See you later. Goodbye. Well, he had a permit for the gun, all right. Seems he used to walk back and forth to his classes and they've been a lot of hold-ups along through there after dark and he got the gun for protection. But I don't know what a guy like that would do with a gun if someone held him up. He could use a gun, all right. Ask that late Mrs. McAllum. And then use it the other man? Vanished completely. I'm going to sign a retrace of him. He was just a lodger there. Suppose McAllum knew this man. Suppose the whole thing was framed. I don't believe McAllum could frame anything. I've had a rule all my life, Kirk. Never take any human being for granted. Just think what getting rid of his wife would mean. His family is forgiveness. Return to the security of millions. A chance to follow his studies and comfort. What does he professor of, anyway? Political science. I don't remember. See what an opportunity this man would offer? It's truly neglected. He said so himself. And why didn't he kill the man? That's what a man usually does. Kills both of them. But not a professor of political science. Hmm. Now, just telling Dan Ellison. McAllum, one of those sensitive murderers. Consider that fancy tale of his. The kiss before the mirror. It's raining out. He comes back for his raincoat. Sees his wife, kisses her. She laughs at him. Suddenly he sees red. My brain was on fire. I was sure there was only one explanation. She was making herself beautiful for some man. And she was going to him. She wasn't going to Sonia's. I followed her in the rain. And what finally happened, Dr. McAllum? I killed her. I know, but the circumstances. It's all unreal to me. All blood. I was blind, insane. I saw her into the house. I went to a window. I saw her run into a man's arms. The fire in my brain became a fury. I didn't realize I'd drawn the gun. I didn't realize I'd fired. Until I saw a body crumble to the floor. And then I knew I'd killed her. In that instant, I knew I'd lost forever. The one thing in the world I loved. It's my fault. My stupidity. Che, what's the matter with you? Look, as if you'd seen a ghost. A ghost? I don't even have a ghost but a boogeyman, anyway. Oh no, I've just been sort of moving around. No, only now, what's the matter? Nothing, nothing, just the early summer evenings, I suppose. I'm afraid I'm a little weepy every now and then, Phil. I'm also afraid I enjoy it. The first place you shouldn't sit in the dark. And don't give me that sad business about these early summer evenings. Your trip's been called off. That's it, isn't it? That's it. Sit down, Phil. I know, it's a tough break all the way around. You know Lucy, Dr. McAllen was my prof in political science at the university. He was a great little man. I imagine he was. He was like a child, so lovable and simple. Everybody at the university knew about him, his wife, except him. I wonder how he came to find it out. Let's grab on the terrace. It's so close in here. This fresh air is better. You sure you feel all right? Oh yes, I'm all right. It was Dr. McAllen I came over to talk about, but perhaps I better let it go. You seem to have enough by then. Oh go ahead, Phil, I'm fine now. Well, Lucy, it's just that I'd like to see the poor Jen get some sort of a break. I guess there's no doubt he's shot her, but... Well, I thought if Jim knew what a terrible woman she was and what a sweet little man he is, it might help. He might be lenient anyway. And I thought if you could... If I could speak to Jim? Yes, Lucy, if you could, because I could never do it. It'd be a waste of time, Phil. Well, I thought knowing Dr. McAllen... I know, but there's nothing you can do and we can do. When Jim gets on a case like this, he's different. He's a stranger. His job becomes a mania with him. I don't know him. I don't understand him. I'm even afraid of him. I'm really sorry I mentioned this. Oh, I guess it isn't as bad as it sounds, Phil. Jim's always thoughtful and gracious with me. It's just that other side of him. I understand perfectly. That's a tough right he's in. I'm sorry I bothered you. I wish I could be of help. Well, I wish I could be of some help to you, Lucy. When Jim is off on one of those cases, you know, I mean, whenever you need some laughs, why, give me a ring, will you? Thanks, Phil. Whenever I feel like I need some laughs, I'll do that. How's Liz? Oh, fine, fine, but she's ambitious as the devil. She wants me to get a job right now. How disgusting. It's terrible. She wants me to give up my boyhood. Well, I've got to go. Good night, Phil. Good night, Lucy. I didn't know you were here, Jim. How long have you been home? Just a few minutes. After a walk? No, Phil dropped over. We've been out on the terrace talking. Phil likes the dark, too. Writing poetry, I suppose. Oh, no. He's one of our young realists. He libs the sort of poetry, though. Limericks, I imagine. No, popular songs, gay ones, bright ones. How's Elizabeth? Oh, she's fine. Phil says she's ambitious as the devil. She wants him to give up his boyhood. He couldn't mean his childhood good, eh? What's the matter with you, Jim? Nothing. Why? Talking like that, you like Phil, don't you? You always have. Of course I like Phil. It's just my evil nature, darling. I was so disappointed not to find you here. I'm afraid I'm old-fashioned. I want my woman in the house when I come home. What's got into you, Jim? I was here. Yes, I know. I guess it was just when I found you here with Phil I was... You don't mean jealous to me. No. Not jealous. Envious. I envy him. I envy anybody who has a single moment of your time. I envy them your eyes, your voice, your presence. I even envy them your shadow. You know the other morning when you told me you had some wild dream you had that night. How you'd gone to a masquerade and I wasn't there. Do you know I was furious? Furious because I wasn't there in your dream. Furious with all the people who were. I didn't say anything about it, but it wasn't until I got to the office that I was myself again. Sharp is right, Jim. You are going crazy. With worship of your darling. You want another waffle, Mr. Storewell? If I ate another waffle, I'd turn into one. You eat them. Oh, I can't. I was dying. A waffle, too, won't make any difference. Oh, I'm dying for my figure. I was dying for my mind. The doctor said if I didn't eat no more starch, it would take the fat off my head and I'd improve my mind. That's the telephone. Well, she certainly can cook. That's more than most of them can do. Hell, yes, sir. Oh, I'm fine. Oh, that ain't no trouble at all. She's right here. Yes, Mr. Phil, for you, ma'am. He called for you last night, but you wasn't in. Yes, Phil. Oh, what you would get. You didn't bother me at all. Yes? Oh, yes. We'll drop over later. I'll see you then. Bye-bye. Oh, excuse me, ma'am. Miss and Phil had another quarrel. I've seen it coming for quite some time. Listen, I wonder if you'd do something for me. Oh, it's nothing, but it might be exaggerated into something. Phil is chairman of the university committee to help McGowan, isn't he? Yes, that's one of the things he and Liz quarreled about. She said it took up too much of his time. Well, you can see with rumors about, like, like this, bribery and so on. It might be just as well to keep away from Phil until after the trial. I don't understand, don't you? It seems a little silly somehow. Appearances can be awfully important. If I sound like one of those husbands, you'll have to forgive me. Goodbye, darling. Goodbye, Jim. The job was premeditated, and I'm pretty sure I can prove it in court. Aren't you going just a little bit out of your way, Jim? I'm not just talking as his attorney when I say that he was not in his right mind. I know. You're just talking as an old friend. There are many criminals, and if McGowan's one, I'm giving up the profession. Believe me, if ever a man was insane, he was. So it's insanity again, Dave. I suppose you've got your battery of psychologists and experts all lined up. And when they get through, you'll have McGowan fixed up so mad you'll be asking us to believe that was his wife who shot him. Cigarette? No. But I tell you, the man was really crazy. It's the only possible explanation. If you keep on, none of us will be responsible for anything. We'll steal, kill, anything. And if the police catch up with us, we'll just go out and hire someone as smart as you to prove as crazy. That is, if we have the money. Now, look here, Jim, I'll give up my fee in this case if you'll play ball. Change the indictment to manslaughter with a recommendation for clemency, and we'll close the case. No, Dave, you can't do it. Not in run this job as I see it. A man who murders, regardless of the circumstances, is already a criminal at heart. Oh, forget the job this time. McAllen's a human being, and the most helpless human being I've ever come across. You ought to go over there and take a look at him. Ah, I get it now, Dave. You're just giving me the human interest. No, no, no, Jim, this is no trick. A telly McAllen is just a man like the rest of us. A man who is madly in love with his wife and blind with jealousy. Why, what happened to him might have happened to any of us. Might have happened to me or to you. Stop your kidding, Dave. See, in court, he lances if you'd pinned these ears back. Well, that looks foolish, sir. Monroe's a tough and wily gentleman. We've got a fight on our hands. Chop it. Will you send two dozen long-send roses to Mrs. Stowell right away? White ones. Any card? Any special sentiment? No, just for me. They're conscience flowers. Are you sure two dozen will be enough? Two dozen will be plenty. Here's Kirk. Monroe's going to be tough. When I'll send his psychologist and expert screaming back to Vienna when I get through with him, when will I spring that confession? A kiss before the mirror. You were too busy with your humanitarian studies. Your plans for a better world. Let's ask you again to answer your better consideration for your wife. Quiet up, Jack. The question is here, Adam. The dinner's here. Jack's in sustained. Please control his sarcasm. You are a professor of political science and you know that, right? Yes. Your students loved you, liked your courses. I think so. You spent a great deal of your time with them, long hours after class and in the evenings. Yes. And when your students were not with you, your work was with you, night and day. Is that not right, Dr. McCallum? Yes. How long would you say, Dr. McCallum, how long was it before your wife's death that you took her out, say, to dinner, to party, to the theater? Quiet, Jack, your honor. The question is here, Adam. Objection overruled. This week's attorney may continue. How long, Dr. McCallum? A month? Two months? Three months? About three months. This, then, is the woman you loved. This woman you did not think enough of to be a companion to in her ordinary life. This woman you left to weep her heart out in her own loneliness. This is the woman you say you loved with a passion when her madness had drove you to kill? Quiet, Jack, your honor. You've been paper, ma'am. McCallum could last with all the witness saying. Thank you, Creel. You're welcome. Cracks after two-hour grilled by district attorney Stowe. Hello. It's the telephone, ma'am. Who is it, Creel? It's for you, ma'am. Yes? Oh, yes. Oh, yes, yes. I'll be over as soon as I can. Looks like you're home so early. I've had one of those days. Yes, I know. I read it in the paper. Sort of a Roman holiday, wasn't it? You shouldn't read the papers, Lucy. They're not for your pretty eyes. Nothing, Jim. I have to go to Elizabeth's for a few minutes. I wish you didn't have to go out tonight, Lucy. I'm sorry, Jim, but I have to. I'll be back before dinner. Instantly. The moment I kissed her, she shivered. Her flesh became goose-pimpy as it cooled. I saw her face in the mirror looking up at me, and all its happiness was gone. And it was a lip of a rulsion. And, Jim, I expect her. I'm waiting for her now. No, thank you, Elizabeth. I just wanted to say something to her. So I run into a man's office. I didn't realize I'd drawn the guns. I didn't realize I'd fired. So I saw a body crumble to the floor. And then I knew, in that instant, I knew I'd lost forever the one being in the world I loved. I'm going to buy some new ones. Listen, you were looking for me. What is it, Jim? Nothing. I guess the case is about getting on my nerves. I simply wanted to tell you that I wouldn't be at home tonight. I'm staying in town. Oh, I see. It's much better if I'm near the office. Yes, I suppose it is. The office is terribly important. I can get someone to stay with me here. Yes, I'm sure you can. Since now, it's just a change of the present indictment. In the form in which it was returned, in its form and in its intention. This request is quite unusual. But I beg your honor to believe it has nonetheless been most carefully considered. The jury will please retire. What's the matter with Stahl today? Can't figure it out unless he's got a new wife. He looks as if he's ill. I do hope nothing's happened to him. This is the only day I can come. He's worried, pulled something out of his sleeve. The state has come to the belief that the indictment of murder brought against the defendant in this case was not fairly unjustly conceived. The attorney for the state has come to the belief that he acted without premeditation. He pleased the court. The state recommends that this indictment of murder be amended to a charge of manslaughter. This is a serious recommendation. May the court ask what consideration led the attorney for the state so to change his conviction? An unusual consideration. Since the adjournment of court yesterday, he has had experience with a case that, to a great extent, parallels this. In fact, he's extraordinarily similar to it. And his findings in that case have urged him to reconsider this. He realizes, especially in view of rumors that have been afoot, the grave charges he leaves himself open to in making this recommendation. But he implores the court to believe that there are unimaginable moments when a man, a poor, weak man, jealous, blind, frantic, may kill the one he loves more than anyone, more than anything on earth, may kill her by some strange, tragic perversity, and in killing her condemn himself to a life of sorrow and regret. And that, not death is his punishment. And believe him, Your Honor, it can be a terrible one. I see. I see. Please have the jury returned. The MacAllen murder trial was startled into an uproar today by District Attorney Stowell. In a scene of unprecedented excitement, the MacAllen trial came to an abrupt and dramatic close today. District Attorney Stowell asked the court that the first-degree murder charge be withdrawn. Well, that looks as if you're finally getting away on that trip, Mrs. Stowell. Something like that, Jax. You let him go? Yes, something like that, because you just come on in and miss him, Mr. Stowell. Put the next wife's life here, surprise the spectators and the court by asking if the first-degree murder charge be dismissed. The jury, following Judge Forbes' instructions, immediately returned to verdict of manslaughter with a recommendation for clemency. The penalty calls for from 10 to 20 years. District Attorney Stowell has blankly refused all further destruction of the case. We will now continue with our regular program. I don't show they was going to electrify him. Thank you, Priola. I learned a lot just sitting here on my table improving my mind. Oh, drinks outside. I know it's too late for regrets, Lucy. I've been mad. Mad. There's no other word for it. No other explanation of my selfishness and stupidity. You've always been generous, Lucy. And before you go, I'm going to ask you one last great kindness. Won't you let me start all over again? Not here in this house, not as your husband, not even as an old friend, but just as if we'd only met strangers meeting for the first time like that first snowy day in New Haven. And let me try to win you. I don't know, Jim. When you walked out last night, it seemed that your job, the prosecutor, had won. Believe me, Lucy, I didn't know. I didn't realize what had happened between us until yesterday when I saw you sitting before the mirror. When you kissed me? Yes, when I came home. I hated you, then. I just read your cross-examination of MacAllen and how he'd collapsed on the witness stand. You seemed to be more of an executioner than an attorney. I know. I understand, Lucy. And afterwards, when you left the room, I realized the truth for the first time. Hello, folks. I want you all to meet the young ladies' husbands. We were married before breakfast. I'm so happy. I don't know what I'm crying for. Come here, Brian. Kiss Mr. Stole after all. It was his wife who did it. That's right, Jim. He was really going to run out. Don't I know. When I was over there last night, he had his bags all packed. My bag, give me. All that happens in the world, Elizabeth. Thanks, Jim. I don't have to wish you happiness, Phil. You haven't. Thank you, Jim. I hate to admit it in front of two women, but I think you're right. Thank you, sir. Well, Jim, isn't there a bottle of wine on ice? Not now, Jim. Save it till we get back. Come on, Vic. Then we better run. Don't deny a griffon. Don't deny a griffon? Phil insists. He wants to be different. We're going to drive up in the river and I tied the tin can and ribbons out all by myself. And he's made one of those just married signs, too. Didn't I read somewhere about the bridge over the falls being done? Well, we can still send postcards. That was a marvelous thing you did today. You're a great man, Jim. Hardly. I just came to my senses. That's all, Phil. Come on, Liz. We've got to be moving. Well, goodbye, Phil. Goodbye, Jim. Goodbye, Lucy. Goodbye. Goodbye. Good luck. Don't call me, Mama. I don't like it. You better get used to it. Hello. It's the telephone, Mr. Stowell. Who is it, Cruella? It's that Mr. Allison from the office. He said it was Moe's urgent. No, Dan. Well, I've had enough of the job. Enough for a while, anyway. That's right. No, I won't do it. No, I'm not resigning, Dan. The job's all right. The trouble is with me. I've just got a wiser myself. But, Jim, the newest-favorite boys are packed outside and there's some pretty nasty talk going on. Yes, bribery. They make out in millions. You know what I mean. Let them talk. Let them investigate. Let them do what they like. I'll take care of them all when I get back. Let me talk to, uh, Sharley. Yes, Mr. Stowell. With the greatest of pleasure. That's my little good deed for the day. Never mind that, James. And please bring the other boys back. I won't be going for a few days. Yes, ma'am. At first, I couldn't believe my ears. Someday, darling, I'll tell you a story and you won't believe your ears. About us? About me. About my great reprimation. It happened last night. Tell me. I'll tell you on the book for Europe, darling.