Perry Mason: The Case of the Lethal Lesson

Yes, sir.

I radioed for backup, got out of my patrol vehicle, and approached the defendant's vehicle.

Then when did you search for the gun?

Objection.

Absolutely no foundation.

Furthermore, the prosecutor, though well-meaning, is leading the witness just a trifle.

Sustained.

Please rephrase your question.

What happened that night, officer?

Objection.

Now counsel is calling for a narrative.

Sustained.

Rephrase.

Did you see anything as you approached the defendant's vehicle?

Yes.

Located in plain view, under the back of the driver's seat, was what appeared to be the stock of a rifle or shotgun.

I immediately ordered the defendant out of his vehicle and retrieved the weapon.

Did you examine the weapon?

Yes, I did.

It was a 12-Gauge shotgun.

The barrel was warm in it.

Well, Frank, we've been expecting you.

When did you get in?

Ah, just now.

How are we doing?

We're all doing fine.

Courtroom of the future, huh?

That's what we hope.

First time you've seen it?

Actually, yes, I've been over the plans a dozen times, but I wanted to get a look at

it before the dedication, because I really want to see Frank Jr. in action.

Now, how does all this video work?

Well, the courtroom is configured so that the jury faces the proceedings.

Notice the television monitor in front of them.

Oh, Mr. B.

If the attention of any one of the jury stray from the proceedings, they can

immediately focus on the monitor, which is covering the action.

From this room, they record every single thing that goes on in the courtroom.

I should get you an assistant.

The way I got this place rigged, nobody can run it but me.

Keeps me indispensable.

That's good.

The shotgun was located in plain view.

Now, you're telling us, Sergeant, that a man who's been painted by the

prosecution as having planned his entire crime with military precision,

speeds from the vicinity of the crime at 90 miles an hour, with the alleged murder weapon in plain view?

Do you think we are idiots here?

Is it not true, sir, that last year, in three separate criminal trials,

investigation revealed that you had indeed planted such evidence?

What?

Mr. Wellman, you're out of order.

I'm not out of order.

Answer the question.

Yes, I was tried for perjury, but I was acquitted.

The jury will disregard this last piece of testimony.

You can't instruct the jury to disregard.

There's been no objection and no motion to strike.

The court makes its own objection and orders the testimony to be stricken.

Therefore, the jury will disregard.

Satisfied, Mr. Wellman?

And where are your objections, Mr. Prosecutor?

Don't let all this power go to your head, Jeff.

I'm through.

We'll stand recess until tomorrow.

Well, I call that aggressive advocacy.

And I'd agree with you.

Sorry, Frank, but I have to get back to work.

I really appreciate you coming to teach a seminar.

I know Frank Jr. feels the same about having you for a teacher.

I'll be seeing you.

Okay.

Want to have dinner?

Yeah, all right.

No, you know, I'd better stay back here and work on my summation a little bit.

It's okay.

Breakfast at my hotel.

All right.

Give him hell, huh?

Yeah.

I don't believe what I just saw.

It borders on the incomprehensible.

Mr. McDonald, you had grounds for objection.

Mr. Wellman badgered your witness and extracted inadmissible evidence.

Now, where were you?

I thought if I gave Frank enough rope, he'd hang himself.

That isn't good enough.

I expect Scott thought that the judge would have called Frank on it.

Miss McDonald, you're his sister, and your loyalty is commendable.

But, Mr. McDonald, as a prosecutor, your duty is to prevent defense counsel from misusing the rules of evidence.

Don't smile, Frank.

Jeff had been doing his job.

You'd be cited for contempt.

I agree.

You're clever and articulate, Mr. Wellman.

But a jury is a complex organism, just a group of ordinary people.

They haven't studied Aristotelian logic.

Their logic, their individual honesty may come and go as it does for all of us.

When they become a jury, they take on an intelligence that you must never

underestimate and an integrity that you must never, never insult.

Until tomorrow, ladies and gentlemen.

I want to thank you for your comments, Mr. Mason.

It is an honor being in your class.

I'll remember what you said.

Thank you.

And Frank,

when you make your summation tomorrow, use some sincerity.

I know I've been remote, but I need to see you.

Well, that's quite a change.

Don't make it any more difficult.

Please.

Okay.

Okay.

How about now?

I'm sorry, I can't.

Scott and I have some things to do.

Kimberly, what is the matter?

Why can't you just come out and tell me?

Ken, why don't you give her a break?

Scott, please.

Just try to understand.

I'd like to.

Last week, you were in love with me.

Now I can't get you on the phone.

I leave messages in your study, Carol, which you don't return.

If it weren't for this damn mock trial, I wouldn't see you at all.

Kim.

Don't listen to your brother.

For once, do what you want.

Come see me tonight.

I don't get it.

Around 7 O'clock, okay?

Hey, Dawn.

Hi, Ken.

Kimberly, run.

Can I come in?

Sure, come on in.

So, what will it be?

Talk about the last con law exam?

Or how about those Broncos?

Or maybe, Ken, the reason I've been treating you so bad is because I'm a skitsy.

I'll be in the library.

Well?

This was a mistake.

I'm sorry.

I never should have had you come.

Kimberly, tell him.

Tell him!

Wait a minute.

Just leave her alone.

Wait a minute!

Just leave her alone!

What's going on?

It's Frank.

He's the reason she's been acting so strange.

What's he got to do with it?

I probably shouldn't be telling you this.

But a couple of nights ago he came up to her in the library and he wanted to talk

to her about some pre-trial motions for the, uh, moot court.

Moot court doesn't have pre-trial motions.

No kidding.

But you know that he's been crazy about her since the first year, right?

Anyway, they went over to the Ivy to have some beers.

Before you know it, he's drunk, too drunk to drive, and she had to drive him home.

Go on.

Go on.

All of a sudden, he, uh, he threw her down on the floor, ripped open her blouse, and tried to rape her.

He didn't?

No, she fought him off, but he, he really hurt her.

I mean, I woke up because I heard her crying in the bathroom.

She made me promise not to say anything.

She was so scared.

Ken, that's the reason she hasn't wanted to see you.

She's afraid.

Oh, Ken!

Frank!

Let me in, you son of a... Hey, stop it.

Stop it, Frank.

Who the hell do you think you are?

Unlock him.

He said no interruption.

Give me the keys.

No, I can do that.

Hey, come on, wait.

You must find, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant...

Here.

Hold it right there.

Frank Wellman.

He's dead.

Mason.

I couldn't see who it was.

Whether it was a man or a woman.

Are you aware it was your knife that was used to kill him?

My knife?

It had your initials on it.

Mr. Mason, someone stole that knife from me two weeks ago.

You don't believe me?

There are several top defense attorneys in Denver.

I'll speak to one first thing in the morning.

I called you.

Ken, I'll find you the very best.