02x12 - A Time Remembered

[bunniefuu]

[ theme music playing ]

[ train whistle blows ]

Ladies and gents,
here she comes,
and she's right on time!

What's all
the excitement?

This isn't election
year, is it?No, I don't think so.

The last time
the Limited stopped here,

Grover Cleveland was
stumping for president.

There's somebody
on that train.Yo.

[ people applauding ]

That's what I'd call
a mighty fine-looking woman.

Welcome to Medicine Bow,
Miss Haldeman.

I'm Mayor Kingston.
This is the committee.

I'm so glad to
know you all.

Oh, this is
my secretary,
Karen Osterling.

Hello, miss.

Well, I hope
you find the suite

I reserved for you
at the hotel comfortable,
Miss Haldeman.

I'm sure I will.

I don't care what
she's running for,

but she's sure
got my vote.

I'll cast a ballot
or two myself.Yo.

Elena.

Elena.

Elena.

Elena.

Kelly, who's
that woman?

Elena.

She's gonna be singing
at the opera house
come Saturday night.

What opera house?Cattleman's Association.

Mayor's got it
all fixed up
for the occasion,

replete with seats

and a big sign
over the door

and posters and...

Where you boys
been all week?

Opera singer?

That's what he said.

I thought they were
supposed to weigh
about 300, 400 pounds.

Steve, uh, how about
me borrowing that new
shirt of yours?

Buy your own shirt.

Wonder how she is
in Rigoletto?

A woman like that
would look good
in anything.

Let's go pick up
that, uh...

Bailing wire.Bailing wire.

ELENA: Bye.MAN: Bye, Elena.

Bye.MAN #2:
Nice meeting you.

Good luck.

[ exhales ]
I thought they'd
never leave.

When's, uh...
When's Carl coming?

I don't know.

Look, is there anything
wrong between you two?

I mean, every time
I mention his name--

Karen, we've had
a long, tiring ride.

Do you mind?

Who's it going to be
this time, Elena?

Or haven't you been in town
long enough to pick the man out?

Isn't it exciting?
An opera star in
Medicine Bow!

What's even more surprising
is these two coming along.

I'd have bet hard cash
you couldn't drag 'em
to anything like this.

Comes a time in
every man's life, Judge,

when he feels the need
for a little culture.

Working for an educated
man like you, Judge,

us cowhands feel
we should try and
better ourselves.

Well, we're
a little early.

Betsy and I will
meet you inside.

Yes, sir.

I still don't
believe it.

Ladies and gentlemen...Shh!

Ladies and gentlemen,
it is my proud pleasure
to present to you

for the first time
in Medicine Bow,

and direct from
successful engagements

in Chicago, St. Louis
and New York,

that great
international beauty

and singing star,
Elena.

♪♪

[ singing in French ]

Oh, isn't she wonderful?

Daddy, is
something wrong?

No, nothing.

Pretty good, isn't it?Wonderful.

[ song ends ]

♪♪

♪ On wings of song

♪ My beloved

♪ I send affection

♪ To thee

♪ I sing of love

♪ My beloved

♪ A love for eternity

Beautiful.
Just beautiful.

Daddy?

You go on ahead.
I'll meet you at the buggy.

Where are you going?

Backstage.
I, uh...

I think I know her.

You hear? Daddy
thinks he knows her.

Won't do him any good.
That's the oldest
line there is.

No harm in trying.

Come on, Bets.
I'll buy you
a sarsaparilla.

[ knock at door ]

Yes?I'd like to see
Miss Elena.

Oh, well, she's dressing.
If you'd care to wait...

All right.
My name is Garth.
Henry Garth.

Henry?

Henry Garth!

Come in, Henry.
Do come in.

Well, who says
the world isn't small?
Helen Haldeman.

Here in Medicine Bow.
Heard you sing.
I couldn't believe my ears.

Or my eyes.[ chuckles ]

Helen Haldeman.
"Elena"?

Professional name.
You know.

What in the world
are you doing
in this wilderness?

Well, I own a ranch
not far from here.

Oh.

Do you mind?No.

So, a rancher.

Well, whatever happened

to that young lawyer
I knew back in Fayesville?

[ chuckles ]
That's a long story.

Do you like it out here?
Ranching, I mean?

Well, it's a living.

Did you ever collect
on that damage suit
from old Hank Potts?

[ chuckles ]
Don't tell me
you've forgotten

Hank Potts
and the mule.

Oh!
[ laughs ]
No.

The one who kicked in
all the windows in
the Elite Hat Shop?

Fourth of July
when that boy threw
the firecracker under him?

[ laughing ]
Yes.

What was that
mule's name?

Uh, Old Ironsides.

Yeah. Oh, he was
more ornery than Potts.

I remember he ate up
half a dozen hats
from that window

before they could
drag him away.

[ both laughing ]

Wasn't that
your first case?

No, but...

I was glad to
get the money.

You know, that case
never came to court.

Potts shot the mule.

[ laughing ]
Oh, no.

You were always a...
beautiful woman.

And you still
say it beautifully.

Well, you probably
have things to do,

and I've kept
my daughter
waiting, and...

"Daughter"?

Oh, yes. You would be
married, wouldn't you?

Oh, I was, but...

I lost my wife
some years ago.

Oh, I'm sorry
to hear that.

It's good to see you,
Helen. Elena.

How long are you
gonna be staying
in Medicine Bow?

I'll be here till
the end of next week,

and then I have
an engagement
in San Francisco.

You know, Betsy'd
love to meet you.

I'd like to
show you Shiloh.

"Shiloh"?My ranch.

Oh, yes.

Well, I think
that would be nice.

Staying at the hotel?Mm-hmm.

Pick you up
in the morning.

Oh, Sunday I have
an evening performance.

I'll see you get
back in time.

Didn't waste much time,
did you?

He's just a friend, Karen.
An old friend.

Are you sure, Daddy?
Now, you're not teasing me?
She is coming here?

Mm-hmm.

How in the world
did you ever meet
a woman like that?

Well, there are
a lot of things

about me you don't
know, young lady.

Just imagine--
Paris, Rome, Madrid.
She's been everywhere!

Yes, been a lot of places
in this country too.

Oh, we knew each other

a long time ago
when we were both
quite young.

Childhood sweethearts.

Well, I wouldn't call it

"childhood," exactly.

Daddy, how exciting
and romantic!
Why didn't you tell me?

A man's entitled
to some secrets.
Now,

it's getting late
and I did say I'd
pick her up early.

Here.Thank you.

Bye.

This is all such
beautiful country.

When do we get
to the ranch?

We've been on it
for the past two hours.

[ horses whinny ]

[ whistling, shouting ]

JUDGE:
There's Shiloh.

ELENA:
You own all this?

What's so amusing?Oh, Henry.

Last night I felt
so sorry for you.

I remembered that
struggling young lawyer,

and somehow I pictured you
in a little shack,

a sort of log cabin
with maybe an acre or two.

Oh, that's beautiful.

You've done
very well, Henry.
I'm happy for you.

And I'm very pleased
you've made your dreams
come true too.

Yes.

We've both done
very well.

[ "Beautiful Dreamer" ]

Do you like
Stephen Foster's
music, Elena?

It's one of
my favorites.

I guess I didn't play it
very well, did I?

Oh, you played
very well.

Well, I've had
a marvelous day.

But I really have
to be going now.

Oh, is it getting
so late already?

I'll get your coat.

You and Betsy seem
to have hit it off.

Oh, Betsy's
a lovely girl.

You must be
very proud of her.

Yeah.

I hope you
enjoyed yourself.

Very much.

You know, I haven't felt
so relaxed in years.

All this and, well,

makes me realize
how much I've been missing.

I hope you come
again, Miss Elena.Thank you, Betsy.

Oh, yes.
You said you'd
be here for a week.

Better show you
the rest of Shiloh.

You know, it isn't often
I run into an old friend.

All right, Henry.
I'll be free
all day tomorrow.

Oh, good.

Have a good day?

Mm.

I'm glad you're here.
You can help me dress.

Oh, this came for you
while you were out.

It's a telegram
from Carl.

"Will join you soon.
Carl."

Betsy made
the sandwiches, but...

I packed this myself.

Oh.

Bardonne Chablis,

1856.

Was that a good year
for Chablis?

Oh, well, I...

I wouldn't know.
[ laughs ]

Mm.
Listen, Henry.

Do you hear them?[ chirping ]

Cicadas.

End of summer.

Cicadas.

I haven't heard them
since I left Fayesville.

Well, you...
you've had other things.

Oh, yes.

Cities, people,

theaters,
dressing rooms.

Constantly
moving around.

You know,
I'd trade them all in

just for...

For what?

Well, I'll be honest.

I think I envy you.

Envy is one of
the Seven Deadly Sins,
isn't it?

Aren't you happy, Elena?

Well, I have
what I want.

I've got my career.

Been very busy.

And all these years,
you... never married?

No.

No, I guess I just...

never got over you, Henry.

I didn't want
to disturb you,
but I'm going to bed.

It's pretty early,
isn't it?

Well, you have
your work to do,

and, well, I've been
trying to finish
the book "Vanity Fair."

Mm.

Must get pretty lonely
for you here, huh?"Lonely"?

Well, I mean, I...

I'm not much company
for a young lady.

Ranch business
tying me up.

Daddy, you're the best
company in the whole world.

I can't think of anybody
I'd rather be with.

Of course, then there's
Trampas and Steve...

Oh, well,
I didn't mean that.

See, if your mother
were still alive...

A young girl growing up
needs more than just

men around her.

She needs...
feminine company,

someone to-to confide in.

The sort of thing
that women talk about
to each other.

Well, I don't suppose
it would ever work out any...

Daddy, what are
you thinking about?

Two women at Shiloh...

Huh? Oh, nothing, nothing.Yes, you were.

I've often thought about hiring
a housekeeper and a cook.

What's wrong with
the way Andy cooks?

And I think
he keeps house fine.
You mean you'd fire him?

No, no. No.

No, just thinking
about you.

Whether you might
enjoy the...

company of
another woman.

Daddy, I like everything
just the way it is.

Mm, well, I'm sure
that's the way
it's gonna stay.

Good night, Daddy.

Um, the, uh,
only girl that I know

that would fit in here
at Shiloh is, uh, Elena.

Good night.

Yes, sir?

Good evening.
I'd like a room, please.

Sure thing.

Won't do you no good.
See there?

"Final performance."

Oh, she was great.

Ah, everybody in town's
fallen in love with her.

I'm sorry
I missed her.

You just get into town?That's right.

Mm. Commercial man, huh?

It's number seven.
Top of the stairs,
turn right.

Oh, Mr. Elston,
will you be staying long?

Well, that depends
on how well I do
in Medicine Bow.

Good night.Good night.

[ knock at door ]

Carl!

Karen.
How are you?

I'm fine.
Where've you been?
I kept asking Elena...

Just business problems.
Nothing serious.

I have a room
down the hall.

Well, she's still
down at the town hall.
You know, last performance.

I know. I thought
I'd wait here.

You don't mind, do you?

Well, no.

I'm glad you could
come, Henry.

Oh, I wouldn't have missed
your last performance.

I've got my buggy
at the livery stable.

This country is beautiful
in the evening.

Thank you for
the happiest time
I've spent anywhere.

Doesn't have to end
tonight, Elena.

I'm afraid it does.

Elena,

why don't you cancel
the San Francisco engagement,

come out to Shiloh
for a week or two,
you and your secretary?

Don't become infatuated
with memories.

Oh, I'm not.

The past is past, but...

why don't we at least
give the present a chance?

All right, Henry.
One week.

Until tomorrow.

Evening, Mark.Evening, Judge.

Oh, Judge.Hey.

Talk to you a minute?Everything quiet, Mark?

Yeah, the quietest time
I can remember.

Shows you what culture
will do for Medicine Bow.

Say, I got a little
problem, Judge.

About that ruckus damage
Trampas did here
at Jake's place.

He missed paying
this month.

Hmm.

Well, he bought
himself a new shirt.

I'll take this
out of his wages.

Thanks, Judge.

This should quiet
Jake a bit.

Good night.Good night.

[ shots fire ]

[ woman screams ]

[ murmuring ]

All right, please?

How is she?

[ door opens ]

She'll be all right, Judge.
I've given her a sedative.

She ought to
be in bed.

JUDGE:
Help her get dressed.

I'm taking you both
back to Shiloh with me.

Well, that won't be
necessary, Henry.

You can't stay here.
Not in this room, anyway.

Possibly not,
but it's so late, and...

I'm not up to
such a long trip.

Feel up to answering
a few questions,
Miss Haldeman?

If not, they can wait
till tomorrow.

Well, if it won't
take too long.

I'd just as soon
get it over with.

There's really not
much to tell.

You say this man
broke into your room?

That's right.

I was getting
ready for bed,

and then there was
a knock on the door.

Like a fool,
I went and opened it.

Well, he, uh,

he pushed his way inside
before I could stop him.

At first I thought
it was someone

who had been
drinking too much

and had wandered
to my room by mistake.

And then...

then he started to
make advances,

and he pushed me
into the bedroom.

I couldn't handle him.

I did break free
long enough to...

to reach my p*stol
in the bedside table.

And you'd never seen
this man before?

No.

And you, Miss Osterling,
you were in your room?

Um, yes.

I can't tell you how sorry
we are something like this

had to happen in our town,
Miss Haldeman.

The only excuse we have
to offer is that he was
a stranger to us too.

Oh, Judge, I'll let you know
about the hearing. I'm sure
you'll want to be there.

ELENA:
Hearing?

Oh, it's just

a legality, Elena,
nothing formal.

The sheriff tells
the county prosecutor
the facts, and...

it'll be all over
in five minutes.

You can block
the whole thing
from your memory.

Miss Haldeman will
be staying with us
at Shiloh, Mark.

Good. Well, I'm very
sorry to have bothered
you, Miss Haldeman.

Mrs. Abbott and I
enjoyed your singing
very much.

Thank you.Good night.

I, uh, wish

you'd come with me tonight.

At least let me
get you another room.

Don't bother, Henry.

I'm-I'm so tired.

I imagine it's
the sedative.

I can always sleep
in Karen's room.

Well, I'll be here
early in the morning.

[ door shuts ]

Why?

Why, Elena?

Why did you m*rder him?

"Carl Elston, salesman."

That's how he signed in.

This is the only luggage
he had with him.

I brought it down
from his room last night
for safekeeping.

[ chuckles ]
He never even took
the lock off of it.

You gonna open it?

Yeah.
Maybe I can find out

who his next of kin are
so I can ship it to 'em.

I'll need
a court order first.

You say he checked in
last night?Mm-hmm.

Yeah, he seemed like
a nice enough fellow.

You never know what kind
of people you can get
in a hotel.

Yeah. Well, I'll
give you a receipt
for this later.

What about
the hearing, Mark?

Elliott Powers is
on his way back from
Fall River now, Judge.

I'll talk to him
as soon as he gets in.

Karen,

you could show
better manners.

Now, Judge Garth
will be here
in a few minutes.

I'm not going with you.

I can't very well
leave you alone.

Well, I've been alone before.

I'm not leaving you behind.

Stop pouting
and try to be pleasant.

Morning, ladies.Good morning.

We're just finishing breakfast.
Won't you have some coffee?

Thank you.

Waitress,
another cup.

Well, I have some
things to do.
Excuse me.

Uh, she's very young,

and last night
upset her terribly.

I'd better have
a little talk with her.

We'll be ready
in a few minutes.

You have some coffee.

Oh, did you remember
to send the wire
to San Francisco?

San Francisco?

Oh, my engagement.

I completely forgot.

We'd better send it
while we're here.

Morning, Judge,
Miss Haldeman.

Miss Haldeman would like
to send a telegram.

The form's over there
on the table.

Terrible thing
to happen, wasn't it?

And right here
in Medicine Bow.

She seems to be taking it
real well, though.

"Harold Lowry,
San Francisco Opera House,

San Francisco."

This'll go out right away,
Miss Haldeman.

Let me know
how much it is.Yes, Judge.

"Signed,
Elena Haldeman."

Halde...

[ whistling, shouting ]

You should've warned me.

I can't remember
the last time
I went riding.

Well, we've seen only
a small part of Shiloh.

Oh, please. I've seen
enough for one day.

Are those more
of your cows?

JUDGE:
Cattle. Beef, Elena.

Meat for the dining
tables of the East.

You know, Henry,
I never thought
you'd amount

to any more than
a small-town lawyer.

You know, I've got
a confession to make too.

When you left Fayesville,

I thought you'd be back
within a year.

Oh, no. Not me.

You should've known me
better than that.

No, when I left,
I said I'd never
come back

to Fayesville.

I never have.

But I found out
that it's a...

hard, scrambling world.

It's nice occasionally
to be with friends.

You both look hot.
I've got some lemonade
in the icebox.

[ hoof beats ]

Mark, what brings
you here?

I'd like to talk
to Miss Haldeman.

Well,

let's go
in the house.

I'll get some lemonade.

Bring some coffee too.

I'm afraid this isn't
a social call, Judge.

Miss Haldeman,
something's come up,

something I feel
needs explaining.

Yes?

Does the name Carl Elston
mean anything to you?

ELENA: No.

MARK:
That was the name
of the stranger.

JUDGE:
Why should
she know him?

Here's a copy of a telegram
you received a couple of
days ago, Miss Haldeman.

Do you recall
getting that?

Yes.

But I didn't know anyone
by the name of Carl.

I thought it was some
unknown admirer.

I threw it away.

You came all the way
from town just for this?

It bothered me.

"Will join you soon.
Carl."

I receive many
telegrams, Sheriff.

Some from admirers
and some from cranks,

like this.

I'm sorry
I can't help you.

Well, in that case,
I'm sorry I bothered you.

Good day.

Oh, Judge, the hearing
is set for 4:00 tomorrow.

The county
prosecutor's office.

If you don't mind, I think
I'll freshen up a bit.

Lovely meal, Betsy.

Well, it's been a long day.
I'd like to retire early.

Did, um, the sheriff's
visit upset you?

No, no.
I'm just tired.

Good night.Good night.
Elena...

Sheriff Abbott is
an old friend of mine.

I'm sure he didn't
mean to disturb you.

Isn't it possible that
the man who broke
into your room

might've been someone
you met casually,

perhaps some time ago?

What I'm trying
to do is to

prepare you for
the hearing, Elena.

The county prosecutor's
gonna ask you these
same questions.

I told you, Henry.
I'd never seen
the man before.

Good night.

Where's Betsy?

In the kitchen.

How long have you been
Elena's secretary?

Three months.

You take care of
her appointments,
answer her mail.

You're aware that
she received a wire
from Carl Elston.

Yes.

Did he ever try
to see her before?

Not that I know of.

Good night, Judge.

[ knock at door ]Come in.

Morning, Sheriff.Elliott.

Your court order
came through.

This is Elston's suitcase.
I opened it this morning.

I think you'd better
have a look.

Shirt,

socks,

all the essentials
of a traveling man.

There's something else.

Theatrical playbills.

All of them
featuring Elena.

He must've been
following her around
collecting these things.

Wait.

A theatrical contract?Yeah.

There's more.

[ knocking ]

Sorry we're
a little late.

Elena, this is
Elliott Powers,
county prosecutor.

Will you sit down,
Miss Haldeman?

Mark.Judge.

No need to go into
a formal routine
on this, Elliott.

Just let Miss Haldeman
state the facts.

The sheriff filled me in on
Miss Haldeman's story, Judge.

There's some questions
I'd like to ask.

Playbills?

They were found in
Carl Elston's suitcase.

I'm sure you'll
recognize

the name on this
theatrical contract,

as you admitted
receiving a telegram

from a Carl Elston.

It's the contract
through which
Mayor Kingston

arranged for your
engagement here,
isn't it?

Yes.

POWERS:
The man you k*lled in your room
was no stranger, was he?

On the contrary,
he was quite

well known to you
as your theatrical manager.

Isn't that true,
Miss Haldeman?

Isn't it?

Yes.

Yes, Carl Elston
was my manager

for five years.

Then he began to
fancy himself

as more than that.

He was always
making advances.

Finally I had to fire him
after my last engagement

in St. Louis.

I thought
that ended it.

But he showed up
here that night.

He must've been drinking.
He was like a maniac.
He tried to attack me.

He would've k*lled me.
I had to do something.

I had to k*ll him.

But why did you lie?

I didn't mean to
at first.

I just didn't know
what to say.

To admit that
I knew Carl
would've meant

more questioning
and more explanations.

I just didn't feel
up to them.

And later, it just
seemed easier to...

lie.

If you'd told us,

it would've made
things easier.

Is that all,
Miss Haldeman?

Yes.

Then I'm afraid
I'm going to have to
ask Sheriff Abbott

to place you
under arrest

on suspicion of m*rder.

[ knock at door ]Come in.

Morning.Morning, Judge.

Well, have you satisfied
yourself yet, Powers?

About what?Elena Haldeman.
Her innocence.

You've had two days.
I think you should've
made a decision--

release her
or bring her to trial.

I've spent two days
questioning witnesses, Judge.

And you don't
have a case.

I don't agree.
In fact, I've asked
for an indictment.

On what grounds?
What evidence?

Well, I'm afraid
that'll have to wait

until the proper time
and the proper place.

Till then, if I were you
I'd get her a good lawyer.

I've already seen to that.
She'll have the best
if it's necessary.

It'll be necessary.
I intend to go to trial
as soon as possible.

You realize
if this goes to court

all she has to do
is take the stand
and tell her story.

A woman who k*lled
in defense of her honor?

No jury in this territory
would convict her.

It's been some time
since you retired from
the bench, Judge.

I'm afraid that
times have changed.

Perhaps they have.

Morning, Judge.
I seen your buggy
setting here.

This just came for you
over the wire.Thanks.

Just a little service
of the telegraph company.

[ door shuts ]

I thought you were
never coming.

Have you seen Powers?

They can't keep me
in here, can they?
You said...

You said he would
need an indictment.

I'm afraid he has one, Elena.

He's bringing you to trial.

Oh, they can
keep me in here.

I'm afraid
they don't allow bail

in the case of
a first-degree
m*rder charge.

But why a m*rder
charge, Henry?

Why?

Because I was upset
that night and confused?

Because I lied
about knowing Carl?

Powers must have
something more than that.

He's talking,
he's interrogating
people in town.

He's... I understand
he's even talking
to your secretary.

Is there anything that
Karen might know that

you may have forgotten?

No. No, Karen's only been
with me a short while.

She hardly
knew Carl.

Why, Henry, I guess

I'll be needing that lawyer,

the one you wired
in Cheyenne.

He's not coming, Elena.

His wife answered
the wire.

He's up in Chicago.
Won't be back for
another month.

I was still on the bench
when Tom Jenkins tried
his first case.

He's... Oh, he's
a brilliant lawyer.

I just won't settle
for second best, but...

but I don't know
who else.

I knew a brilliant lawyer
back in Fayesville.

I want you to have
the best, Elena.

But you are the best
attorney for me.

Times have changed, Elena.

Times have changed.

But not that much.

All right, Elena.

All right.

Mark?

Mark, I'm representing
Miss Haldeman.

I'll be seeing her
every day.

You're gonna
defend her?

Jenkins wasn't available.

There are other
lawyers, Henry.
Get someone else.

No, I couldn't do that now.

Is there anything that
Powers has that, uh,

I should know about?

I couldn't tell you
even if I knew.

And the evidence
will prove to you

beyond any
reasonable doubt

that the k*lling
of Carl Elston
by Elena Haldeman

was a deliberate,
coldly planned,

premeditated
act of m*rder

committed by
Elena Haldeman

for her own
personal gain.

I wasn't far from the hotel
when I heard the shot.

I ran upstairs.

In a bedroom I found
the defendant,
his secretary, and--

Miss Karen Osterling?That's right.

Go on, Sheriff.The defendant had
a g*n in her hand.

On the floor was a man
we later identified as
Carl Elston.

He was dead.

What was Carl Elston's
occupation?

ABBOTT:
Theatrical manager.

POWERS:
And who was he
employed by?

ABBOTT:
The defendant.

POWERS: Sheriff, you questioned
Miss Haldeman immediately
after the sh**ting, did you not?

Yeah, that's right.Did she identify
Carl Elston?

She said she'd never
seen him before.

She stated to you that
he was a total stranger?

Your witness.

How would you say
you found the defendant

when you questioned her
after the sh**ting?

Was she upset?

Was she in a state
of emotional shock?POWERS: Objection.

The emotional state
of the defendant is
irrelevant to the issue.

JUDGE:
Your Honor, the prosecutor's
questioning of this witness

was directed to show
that the defendant

made a mis-statement
to the sheriff
concerning the deceased.

More than a mis-statement.

Well, lied to the sheriff
about knowing the deceased,
if you will.

My questions will have
a direct bearing

on this line of testimony.

Objection overruled.
Proceed.

Well, would you say
the defendant

was under a great
emotional strain
when you questioned her?

Yes. Yeah.

Isn't it likely
that the defendant,

Miss Haldeman,

may have been too distraught
to think clearly

under such circumstances?

Objection. Defense counsel
is asking the witness
for an opinion.

Objection sustained.

No further questions.

You were instrumental
in bringing Elena Haldeman

to Medicine Bow,
is that correct, Mayor?

Well, I, uh, made
the final arrangements.

With the defendant?

No. With Carl Elston.

Did you meet the deceased?No, sir.

No, he was just
a name on a contract.

POWERS:
You signed that contract
in good faith,

Mayor Kingston?Yes, sir.

This was to be
a cultural coup
for Medicine Bow,

an international
singing star
who had recently

completed a tour
of the Continent?Yes, sir.

POWERS:
And in this country
had appeared in

New York, St. Louis,
Chicago.

Is that correct?Yes, sir.
That's right.

POWERS:
And her next engagement
was to be San Francisco?

KINGSTON:
Yes, yes.

No further questions.
Your witness.

No questions.

You may step down.

Thank you, sir.

Your Honor, I'd like to call
Nathaniel Eastman to the stand.

HIS HONOR:
Will Nathaniel Eastman
step up here, please?

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear to tell the
whole truth and nothing but?I do.

Be seated.

You are the telegrapher
for the Medicine Bow
telegraph office?

Uh, yes, sir.

I took these messages down
over the wire.

Answers to my queries,
are they not?

Yes, sir.

Would you read the first one
aloud, please?

Uh, it says,
"From Harold Lowry,

San Francisco Opera House,
San Francisco.

No Elena Haldeman signed
for singing engagement here."

And the one from
St. Louis, represented

by the defendant
to Mayor Kingston

as the place of
her last engagement?

EASTMAN:
Uh, yeah.
It says, uh,

"Find no record
of Elena Haldeman

singing here within
past five years."

POWERS:
The one from London.

Uh, London.
Oh, it says,

"Elena Haldeman
has not appeared
with our company

in more than
ten years."

There are more telegrams,
Your Honor, but I don't wish
to waste the court's time.

You may enter them
on the record,
Mr. Powell.

Thank you.
Your witness.

No questions.

...whole truth
and nothing but?I do.

Be seated.

You examined
Miss Haldeman

shortly after the k*lling,
did you not?Yes.

Could you describe
her injuries?

She had a number
of bruises low
on the throat

and one on
the right arm
near the shoulder.

POWERS:
How serious were
these bruises?

DOCTOR:
They weren't
serious at all.

POWERS:
Would you call
them superficial?

You could.

Doctor, in your opinion,
could these bruises

have been
self-inflicted?

Objection!

Your Honor,

this witness
is testifying
as an expert,

and therefore I believe
his opinion should
be admissible.

HIS HONOR:
Overruled.

You go ahead.

Doctor?

They could've been
self-inflicted.

Thank you.
Your witness.

No questions.

How long have
you worked for
the defendant,

Miss Osterling?

Three months.

And you knew
Carl Elston?Yes.

Yet you lied
about knowing him.Yes.

POWERS:
Why?

KAREN:
I wanted to
protect her.

We can't hear you,
Miss Osterling.
What did you say?

I said I wanted
to protect her.

You wanted to
protect her.

You're Miss Haldeman's

private secretary,
are you not?

Yes.

It's logical then to
assume that you had

an intimate knowledge
of her personal affairs.Yes.

Were you aware,
Miss Osterling,

that the defendant was
seeing a good deal

of a prominent
local citizen,

Judge Henry Garth?

I was.

Did the defendant
ever discuss
Judge Garth with you?

Your Honor, I can't see
where this line of questioning
is going to take us.

If the court please
and counsel will
bear with me,

I'll make my point
very shortly.

Proceed.

POWERS:
Did the defendant confide
in you, Miss Osterling?

Did she express the extent
of her liking for Judge Garth?

She liked him very much.

POWERS: In fact, she was
considering marrying
the judge, wasn't she?

Your Honor.I think you'd better make
your point now, Mr. Powers.

The defendant was
considering marriage,
wasn't she, Miss Osterling?

Well, she didn't say it
in those exact words.

All right, Miss Osterling,
in her exact words

or as nearly as you can
remember, what did she say?

Well, um,
she said that...

that the last few days
she'd spent with the judge

were the happiest
she had ever known,
and...

and that, uh...

that she wished
they didn't have to
come to an end.

POWERS:
She wished that they would
never have to end.

Thank you.

Your Honor, I still
fail to see what bearing

this testimony has
on the case before the court.

A good deal of bearing,
Your Honor,

for this witness has just
provided us with a motive,

a motive for willful
and premeditated m*rder!

Your witness.

No questions.

I'd like to recall
Sheriff Abbott
to the stand.

Sheriff?

Sheriff, your previous
oath is still binding.

Sheriff Abbott, I have here
in my hand a legal document,

and I ask you,
have you ever
seen it before?

Yes, I have.POWERS:
Where?

ABBOTT: I found it
in a suitcase belonging
to Carl Elston.

POWERS:
Your Honor,
it is my intention

to offer this document
in evidence

and to ask this court
and this jury

to think of it
in connection with
the facts already known--

that the defendant
came to Medicine Bow
as a fraud;

that she met
and fell in love
with a wealthy man;

that in her own words,
words repeated by
her secretary,

she wished that association
would never end.

And yet when Carl Elston
appeared in Medicine Bow,

she knew it would
have to end,

and so she k*lled him.

Your Honor, Exhibit "E"
for the prosecution--

a certificate of marriage

made out to the defendant,
Elena Haldeman,

and her husband,

Carl Elston.

Your Honor,
the prosecution rests.

Your Honor,

in view of this
latest development,

I believe a short recess...

HIS HONOR:
Very well, Judge Garth.

[ gavel raps ]This court is recessed

until 10:00
tomorrow morning.

I'm sorry, Henry.

I hurt you,
and I didn't mean to.

You made fools of us both.
Lied to me about everything.
Why?

I had to.

Why did you k*ll him?

I told you, I fired Carl
in the last place I sang.

He came to the hotel,
he tried to force
his way in--

He was your husband!No, he--

I told you the truth.
Why don't you leave me alone?

What are you holding
back, Elena?Nothing.

What really happened
in that room? Where was
Karen when you shot him?

I don't know.She was in the room
when I got there.

Where was she
when you shot him?

She had nothing
to do with this.

Mark?

Oh, good afternoon, Judge.

Miss Osterling
in her room?She just went out.

Have any idea where
I could find her?

Well, she asked me how
to get to the cemetery.

Everybody rise.

This court is now
in session,

the honorable
Judge Benson presiding.

Be seated.

If you're ready,
Judge Garth, let's proceed.

Your Honor, I would
like to recall
Miss Karen Osterling

to the stand.

HIS HONOR:
Miss Osterling, would you
take the stand, please?

I had to.

Miss Osterling, you're aware
you're still under oath.

You understand
what that means?Yes.

What is your
full name?

Karen Osterling.

Is your father living?

No, he, uh...

he died in Europe
when I was about five.

And you've been living
with your mother ever since?

Well, mostly
in private schools.

I visited her every
now and then, though.

Is your mother still alive,
Miss Osterling?

Yes.

Her name?

No.

JUDGE:
What is her name?

Elena Haldeman.

[ people murmuring ]

[ gavel raps ]

Miss Osterling,
you knew the deceased,
Carl Elston.

You were
in love with him.

No.

You were distraught
when he was k*lled.
You went to the cemetery.

You cried
at his grave.

You loved him.

Miss Osterling, you're aware
that while you were at school,

your mother remarried?

She...
She never told me.

JUDGE:
You did find out, though.Henry--

[ gavel raps ]

You found out
the night of the sh**ting.

You went to
your mother's room.
You found them there together,

and in a rage of jealousy,

you shot the man
you knew you couldn't have.

No! No!Your mother tried
to protect you.

She tore her dress,
took the g*n from
your hand.

When the sheriff and I came
running into the room,Leave her alone!

she told the first
foolish story that
came into her head!

No! She didn't
k*ll him!

You want the truth?

I'll tell it now.

[ murmuring ][ gavel rapping ]

You may step down,

Miss Osterling.

Clerk, will you please
swear in Mrs. Haldeman?

Raise your right hand.

Do you swear to tell
the whole truth
and nothing but?

I do.

Tell the whole story, Elena.

From the beginning.

The beginning.

Well, it's hard to say
where that was.

It could've been in any one
of a number of small towns

when I finally realized
I would never be a big star.

Or...

maybe one particular
small town.

When we were stranded
without a penny

and Carl had his idea.

He introduced me
to a local man.

I invited him
to my room.

A few minutes later,
Carl broke in

claiming to be
my husband.

Soon after that,

we had enough money
to move on.

This scheme,
this fraud we used

to help us out
of one tight spot

became a way of life.

Our main source of income.

I was never married
to Carl Elston.

That marriage license
is a forgery.

It's very convincing,

especially if a man
has been indiscreet

and has a wife
and a family.

Anyway,

Karen was graduated
from school,

and she came to
join us on tour.

And then she began to
fall in love with Carl.

That's when I told him
he would have to leave,

that it was over.

And he left.

But he came back
for Karen.

She would've gone
with him.

She thought
she loved him.

She didn't know
what kind of man he was.

But I did.

I'd lived his kind of life.

I couldn't let him
do that to her.

When I tried to stop him
from going to her,

he turned on me

and he started
to beat me.

I was afraid
he'd k*ll me.

So I shot him!

[ people murmuring ]

[ gavel raps ]

Goodbye, Judge Garth.

Goodbye, Karen.

Thank you, Henry.

It almost happened--
our second chance.

Goodbye.

Goodbye, Elena.

Well, the ranch

has been going
to pot lately.

Well, let's get
back to work.

[ theme music playing ]