Perry Mason: The Case of the Lost Love

This was a man who lived his life in the service of others.

He was a confidant of presidents and kings, but he never forgot who he was and where he was from.

He worked tirelessly for the people of this state.

He will not be forgotten.

Senator Hyland's sudden death marks not only the end of 27 years in the Senate, but also of a political era.

The question now is who will serve out the remaining three years in his term.

Governor O'Neill is not scheduled to announce his appointment until sometime next week.

But sources say that at the head of his list are Congressman William Harding,

State Representative James Marshall, and Laura Robertson.

Laura, listen everybody, listen, a toast to Laura.

May she go from senior partner in our firm to junior senator.

Here.

When do you think you'll be meeting with the governor, Laura?

Actually, I already have.

Laura, I don't really think you should.

Oh, darling, we're all old friends here.

If anybody should be the first to know, they should.

I met with Ted privately two days ago.

I got the appointment.

Folks, folks, out of respect for the late senator, the governor isn't going to announce this until next week.

So please, until then, say nothing to anyone.

Laura.

Terrific news.

Now, don't you go taking my name off the office letterhead just yet, okay, Elliot?

Nothing's going to go wrong, darling.

She may practice corporate law, but she lives Murphy's.

Glenn.

Phone call.

Excuse me.

I'm very happy for you, for all of us, Audrey.

Laura.

Congratulations.

Washington is precisely the kind of place where a woman of your class should be.

Thank you, Emmett.

Hello.

Mr. Robinson, you want to see your wife make it to the Senate?

Of course.

Well, you and me better meet.

Do you know where the Ridge Bar is?

Who are you?

Just somebody that has some information for sale.

Information about what?

You know, um, the Sunland, the Sunland, Arizona.

Why don't you meet me at the Ridge Bar in an hour?

Hello.

Glenn?

Some escrow papers to sign, or my new shopping center development may fall through.

Oh, couldn't it wait till morning?

It won't take long.

Mr. Robertson?

Please, please sit down.

I saw you on TV today.

Oh, you look great.

Me, I never go to funerals.

Depressing.

What the hell is this all about?

Well, uh, you know, being a senator is a high-pressure, high-visibility job.

Now, me, I say, so what?

Your wife spent time in a mental hospital.

Most politicians probably should, right?

I don't know what you're talking about.

You're right.

You showed up here because you're thirsty.

Sit down.

This is what I'm talking about.

It pretty well details the nervous breakdown your wife had seven years ago.

It's all here.

Everything they did to treat her.

The drugs, psychotherapy, shock treatments.

Now, I have an open mind about this sort of thing.

I say if it works, use it.

But most people, most people are very old-fashioned about the mental stability of their representatives.

How'd you find out?

I wouldn't worry about that.

And you won't have to worry about it either.

Once you give me $50,000.

$50,000?

Cash.

There's a phone in front of your bank.

I'll call you there at exactly 11 O'clock tomorrow and tell you what to do with the money.

What if I can't get it?

Then I have to give this to the person that hired me.

And by 11 O'clock tomorrow night, Laura Robertson will be the lead news story on every show in the state.

And I guarantee you it won't be because she was appointed to the Senate.

You have a good day.

Sneaking.

About like that, I nearly called the police.

I wasn't sneaking about.

I just didn't want to wake you up.

Where have you been?

Bill and I had to drive out to see the property owners.

Got late.

We got late, so we stopped for dinner.

I'm sorry that I worried you, darling.

You missed a great party.

Are you all right?

Oh, yeah.

A little tired, maybe.

Nothing that little time in bed couldn't cure.

Sounds good to me.

It's good to see you again.

Hello, Arthur.

Uh, I was on my way to your office.

We've sure got our fingers crossed around here.

What?

Laura's appointment to the Senate.

Oh, yes, yes, of course.

I need some cash, Arthur.

Certainly.

How much you want?

$50,000.

Yes, and I need it in a hurry.

I'm sorry, but I've got to get the president to approve waiving the notice period for a withdrawal this large.

He's not going to be into one.

All right.

I'll be back by 1.30, and I want my money waiting for me.

You got the money?

Not yet, but I will.

I'll get it.

You're damn well better.

How do I look?

I'd say gorgeous.

No, no.

No.

Fantastic.

How do I look?

Nervous.

Nervous?

Well, I'm not nervous.

Relax, darling.

You've been to these fundraisers before.

But never with a beautiful U.S.

senator on my arm.

Will the governor be there?

At $500 a plate, you'd better believe it.

It won't be long before they start paying to see you.

I'll get that.

You get your coat.

Hello.

You got the money?

Yes, I've got it.

You know where the Pioneer Motel is?

I'll find it.

All right.

Now, this is what I want you to do.

I want you to bring me the money to room three at exactly 10.30.

Do you understand?

10.30?

Right.

All right.

All right.

Ready, darling?

Oh, yes, yes.

I'm ready.

There are quite a few reporters here who'd like to interview you, Mrs. Roberts.

Oh, tell them I'll be glad to talk with them in my office, but not here.

Will do.

You're on your own.

Where are you going?

I want to say hello to Walt.

I'll be right back.

Perry.

As always.

You look wonderful.

So do you.

Beard's old.

Cane's new.

I was skiing yesterday.

What are you doing here?

I'm at the hotel for the weekend.

Trial lawyer's seminar.

Still practicing law?

On occasion.

I'm here to lecture.

Not me, I hope.

Am I intruding?

You certainly are.

Laura, this is Michael Reston.

He's representing the prosecution at the seminar.

How do you do?

Hello.

If you'll excuse us.

Can I take you away from all this?

Hotel bar, ten minutes.

Very attractive.

Very.

Know her well?

You might say so, yes.

Excuse me.

It wasn't so easy getting away.

You remember this?

A gimlet with fresh lime.

Yes, I remember.

It's been quite a while.

Who's counting?

How are you, Perry?

Fine.

And you, Senator?

Oh, that's a bit premature.

The smart money says you're the one.