Murder One

Season One - Chapter Two

U.S. air date: September 26, 1995

(Complete transcript) - [Final version]

[**NOTE: The credits listed have been completed thanks to Toni Korhonen.]

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Disclaimer: These transcripts were made from personal video copies of
the shows and are presented for Fair Use only to Murder One fans. All
of the characters and the scripts are the properties of Steven Bochco
Productions, Charles H. Eglee, Channing Gibson, ABC television and
their respective authors. No copyright infringement is intended nor
implied by the distribution of this document. It is solely meant for
entertainment purposes only.
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"Previously on MURDER ONE"

Clips of Julie ID'ing Jessica's photo; Jessica's dead body (b/w); Ted
picking up Julie at the airport; and Richard Cross.

Chris: "You got your naked fifteen-year-old victim. You got your presence
of drugs. Your rumors of sexual depravity. And your gorgeous older sister
and former alleged prostitute linked romantically to Richard Cross."

Clip of Polson's interview with Julie Costello.

Polson: "What kind of relationship did Richard Cross have with your
little sister?"

Julie: "He was like a second father to her."

Clips of Neil for the swan incident with the press and the aftermath.

Ted: "I'm through cleaning up after you. The next time you push some girl
out of your car on Sunset you call somebody else."

Clip from Ted and Cross with the press after his initial questioning by
the police.

Ted: "Richard Cross has met with police investigators as a courtesy."

Clip of Polson showing Ted and Cross the videotape of Cross in the
building garage.

Polson: "This was taken last night in the parking garage of your
building." 

Clip from Cross conversation with Ted after seeing the garage video.

Cross: "She was dead when I walked in."

Clip from the bar and the drunk who harassed Ted.

Drunk: "Hookers on Sunset got more scruples than you got."

Ted: "We treat people like they're innocent until they've had their shot
in court because it makes us better people.

Clips of Neil from the swan incident with the press; Richard Cross' arrest
at Ted's firm.

Cross: "Neil Avedon was busted two hours ago. This kid could hurt me."

Polson: "I have a warrant for Mr. Cross' arrest."

Clip of Miriam Grasso in Garfield's office with Ted.

Grasso: "That client of yours is very photogenic in that garage film."

Clip of Francesca's statement outside of Parker Center. And from when she
first arrived there.

Francesca: "I am here tonight to be with my husband. And I'm confident
that he'll be home soon."

Francesca: "Tell him this is going to be very expensive."

Clips of Richard Cross in jail.

Cross, emphatic: "Get me out."

Ted: "Not tonight."

Cross, furious: "Damn it!" Slams his fist down on the table.

Collage of black and white images from Cross' description of the crime
scene.

Clip of Annie and Ted discussing the case and their lives.

Annie: "It's going to turn into a circus around here."

CHAPTER TWO

Law TV's coverage of Richard Cross' hearing. Dean Crowley host.

Crowley: "We're coming to you live from Los Angeles where, business tycoon
turned murder suspect, Richard Cross is about to be arraigned for the brutal
sex slaying of fifteen-year-old, Jessica Costello. The victim's sister,
Julie Costello, the alleged mistress of the man charged with the crime, is
in the courtroom. Let's go there live as Judge Clifford May has just taken
the bench."

Bailiff: "Be seated."

Judge: "People versus Richard Cross."

Grasso: "Good morning, your honor. Miriam Grasso and Mark Washington for
the People."

Ted: "Theodore Hoffman and Lisa Gillespie for Mr. Cross."

Judge: "Please read the charges, Ms. Grasso."

Grasso: "`Richard Cross you are charged with one count of murder in the first
degree, a violation of California Penal Code section 187, for the death of
Jessica Costello, a minor.' Do you wish to have the complaint read to you
in full?"

Ted: "We'll waive the reading and enter a plea of not guilty. Your honor,
I'd also like to be heard on the issue of bail."

Judge: "This is a charge of first degree murder. Are the People going to
seek the death penalty, Ms. Grasso?"

Grasso: "That decision hasn't been made yet, your honor. But the People
would oppose the setting of any bail. Richard Cross owns a private jet
and with assets all over the world, he poses a significant flight risk.
The Defendant was seen in a videotape leaving the basement garage of the
Havenhurst address moments after the crime occurred. He then lied to police
investigators about having been at the building that evening indicating a
consciousness of guilt. Under the circumstances, your honor, the People
would ask that bail be denied."

Ted: "Your honor, Mr. Cross did not commit this crime and he has no
intention of leaving this jurisdiction. He is anxious to answer these
charges and to clear his name. I'm sure the court is aware of Mr. Cross'
deep roots in this community which has benefited greatly from his many
charitable and philanthropic activities. We're asking for reasonable bail
so that Mr. Cross' suffering in this matter is not further compounded."

Judge: "Court finds that bail is not appropriate and is denied, without
prejudice. Preliminary hearing will be set within ten court days. Unless
Mr. Cross waives his right?"

Ted: "A moment, your honor." To Cross, "Understand Richard, with bail
denied waiving your right probably means three to four months in custody
but it would be a mistake to go for a quick prelim. We need to prepare."

Cross: "Teddy, if there's a lesson for me in all this it's probably
learning patience and trust. Do what you think is best."

Ted: "Your honor, Mr. Cross waives his right to have the hearing set
within ten court days."

Judge: "I'm calendaring the preliminary hearing then for January 30th,
1996. 9 a.m., Division 32. Bailiff?"

Cross, to Ted: "I feel this is all gonna work out. I believe in you,
Teddy."

Ted: "I appreciate your confidence, Richard. I'll see you in the morning."
The bailiff removes Cross from the courtroom. To Lisa, "Cross thinks he's
getting out of jail."

Lisa: "Why do you say that?"

Ted: "Because he's suddenly discovered Christian equanimity. Have Dave
Blalock find out who paid a visit to Richard in the cell last night
besides the baby Jesus."

[Music and main titles roll]

Daniel Benzali as Theodore Hoffman
Mary McCormack as Justine Appleton
Michael Hayden as Christopher Dochnovich
Grace Phillips as Lisa Gillespie
J.C. MacKenzie as Arnold Spivak
Stanley Tucci as Richard Cross
Dylan Baker as Detective Arthur Polson
Vanessa Williams as Lila Marquette
John Fleck as Louis Heinsbergen
Kevin Tighe as David Blalock
Barbara Bosson as Miriam Grasso
Patricia Clarkson as Annie Hoffman
Jason Gedrick as Neil Avedon

Created by Steven Bocho & Charles H. Eglee & Channing Gibson
Executive Producer: Steven Bochco

[Episode credits roll]

Guest starring:
Tia Carrere as Beverly Nichols
Steve Harris as Darryl Jackson
John Pleshette as Gary Blondo
Bobbie Phillips as Julie Costello
Ned Vaughn as Dean Crowley
Andrew Hill Newman as Morey Gross
Gregory Itzin as DA Roger Garfield
Leland Orser as Myron Elkins
Marnie McPhail as Connie Spirakis
Dion Anderson as Judge Donald Knauf
Jack Shearer as Judge Clifford May
Steven Barr as Andrew Campagna
Paul Satterfield as Jake Nichols

Music by Mike Post
Casting by Junie Lowry Johnson, C.S.A.
Producers: Geoffrey Neigher, Marc Buckland
Supervising Producers: Ann Donahue, Joe Ann Fogle
Creative Consultant: David Milch
Co-Executive Producer: Michael Fresco
Executive Producer: Charles H. Eglee
Teleplay by Charles H. Eglee
Story by Steven Bochco & Charles H. Eglee
Directed by Michael Fresco
--------------------------

Opening scene: Hoffman and Associates law firm.

Lila, on the phone with her fiance: "Darryl, that is not what I said. I'm
not taking his side. What I said was that maybe he would let you pay him
the rest later." Lisa and Ted return to the firm. "I've got to put you on
hold."

Ted: "Morning, Lila."

Lila: "Good morning, Mr. Hoffman. Uh, Louis has your messages. And this
just came in for you, Lisa."

Justine, to Ted: "Caught you on Law TV."

Ted: "And?"

Justine: "You were terrific. Cross looked guilty as hell. Arnold taped
it for you."

Ted: "I need everybody in the conference room in twenty minutes." Heads
for his office.

Lila, on the phone: "Law Offices? I didn't hang up on you. Darryl, I'm
at work. Well then maybe we should think about selling my ring. We could
probably get a thousand for it. Well, if that's what you really think maybe
I don't want the ring." She hangs up.

Justine, who has been listening: "Lila? Come in here for a sec. Couldn't
help overhearing. You okay?"

Lila: "Everything's fine. I don't want to bring my personal stuff into
the office."

Justine: "Lila, if you're in some kind of trouble, don't be afraid to ask
for help."

Lila: "I just as soon not go out of my way to invoke stereotype by talking
about my boyfriend who's about to go to prison. Okay?"

Justine: "Let's you and I debate who's working off stereotypes another
time. What kind of trouble is your boyfriend in?"

Lila: "He's been charged with assault. Supposedly he rammed his truck
into some girl's car up on Mulholland which is ridiculous. It's not Darryl,
one. Plus he'd never do that to his truck. He treats that 4-by-4 twice as
sweet as me."

Justine: "Why was he arrested?"

Lila: "The girl gave the police his description and license number. But
she's lying. We've driven that stretch of Mulholland at night, I don't
know how many times since. It's pitch black. No street lights. No way she
could have ID'd Darryl or anybody else."

Justine: "Does he have an attorney?"

Lila: "His name is Myron Elkins. A friend of Daryl's recommended him. He says
he can keep Darryl out of jail if he pleads guilty to some lesser charge. But
Darryl doesn't want to say he did something he didn't do. Plus the lawyer
wants a bunch more money now which we don't have."

Justine: "What court is this being tried at?"

Lila: "Downtown."

Justine: "Before you hock that rock let me make a couple of calls."

Lila: "Justine, I don't want to drag you into this."

Justine: "It's no biggie, really."

The conference room: Ted, all of the associates and Dave Blalock.

Blalock: "I'm working on Cross' visitors."

Ted: "Good."

Blalock: "Also I sent a copy of the videotape of Cross leaving the
Havenhurst address to John De Norris' lab. But it's second-generation.
Is there any chance we can get a hold of the original?"

Ted: "We'll make a motion to get the prosecution to release it. Who's
gonna handle that?"

Lisa: "I drafted something along the same lines for the audio surveillance
in the Kempos trial."

Louis: "Gentlemen, ladies. Copies of the Murder Book. Compliments of
Miriam Grasso's office." Hands out copies to everyone.

Chris: "We gonna take another run at bail?"

Ted: "At this point I think it's a waste of our energies."

Justine: "They're kicking up a lot of dust in here about Cross'
fingerprints being all over the apartment."

Ted: "Let 'em. He owns the place and he acknowledges spending time there.
Dave, how soon can we get the autopsy results?"

Blalock: "Spoke to the coroner's office this morning. You can expect
something by the end of the week."

Ted: "Arnold, I want a motion to suppress Cross' statement to the police."

Arnold: "Grounds?"

Ted: "He wasn't mirandized prior to the interview."

Arnold: "He wasn't a suspect or in custody."

Ted: "Page 7, in your hymnals... The police report logs in the videotape
showing Cross in the parking garage before Cross and I talked to Polson
downtown. Meaning, when Polson interviewed Cross he already had the
videotape and knew its contents."

Lisa: "So Cross was already a suspect."

Chris: "And should have been read his rights. And therefore they can't use
the statement where he lies about being at the apartment that night."

Blalock: "Now you know why I don't miss the job. You people take all the
fun out of being a cop." They all laugh.

Arnold: "I'll prepare the motion."

Ted: "We'll lose. They'll argue that the time the tape was logged in isn't
proof that Polson had seen it yet. But at least we'll get Garfield's pulse
going. Let's get to it, people."

Justine: "Ted, I need your okay on something. Lila's fiance, Darryl
Jackson's in the system on what sounds like a bogus charge."

Ted: "You want to get involved?"

Justine: "I want to talk to the attorney. Hear his side. This has been
really hard on Lila. If there's a way I can help... "

Ted: "Do it."

Reception desk. Beverly Nichols arrives, unannounced.

Nichols: "Hi. My name is Beverly Nichols. I'd like to see Mr. Hoffman.
I don't have an appointment."

Lila: "Will Mr. Hoffman know what this is regarding?"

Nichols: "Tell him it's regarding Richard Cross."

Louis leads her into Ted's office.

Ted: "I'm Ted Hoffman, Ms. Nichols."

Nichols: "Pleased to meet you."

Ted: "Lisa Gillespie, my associate."

Lisa: "How do you do?"

Nichols: "Fine."

Ted: "Have a seat."

Nichols: "I have information Richard Cross is innocent."

Ted: "What sort of information would that be?"

Nichols: "I was with him last Wednesday night when he went to that girl's
apartment. She was dead when we got there. I know I have to go to the
police but I thought I should talk with you first."

Ted: "Mr. Cross hasn't said anyone was with him at the crime scene."

Nichols: "I'm married, Mr. Hoffman. Richard was trying to protect me."

Lisa: "Why weren't you on the security camera videotape, Mrs. Nichols?"

Nichols: "When we found the body, Richard told me to get out of there. I
didn't argue. So I ran out the same way I came in, through the front door
of the building. I guess the camera was in the garage?"

Ted: "Why did you and Richard go to the Havenhurst apartment to begin
with?"

Nichols: "There was a message on Richard's answering machine from Jessica.
When he called her back she was fighting with her boyfriend or something.
Richard thought he should drop by and check on her."

Ted: "What did you do when you left the apartment?"

Nichols: "I called my husband from Richard's car and told him to come get
me. I made up a story about being stranded by some girlfriend at the Bel
Age Hotel. It's right up the street from the dead girl's apartment. I'm
sure the records from Richard's cell phone will verify the call."

Ted: "Imagine Richard allowing himself to be charged with murder just to
protect your reputation. He must care about you very deeply."

Nichols: "My husband's a very violent man, Mr. Hoffman. Once before when
he found out I was seeing Richard he beat me up."

Ted: "The police would want to talk with you, Beverly."

Nichols: "I understand."

Ted: "I'll call and arrange the interview."

The interview with Polson, Ted and Beverly Nichols.

Polson: "How long you been seeing Richard Cross?"

Nichols: "On and off about three years."

Polson: "You, you were aware that he's married?"

Nichols: "Yes."

Polson: "And that he was pretty intimately involved with Julie Costello
during that time?"

Nichols: "I never asked Richard for a list of his friends, if that's what
you mean."

Polson: "When you found Jessica's body, why didn't you call 911?"

Nichols: "Well that was really up to Richard. I guess he thought it was
too late."

Polson: "Did he check for a pulse?"

Nichols: "Detective, you could tell this girl didn't have a pulse. Her
eyes were wide open, looking straight at us."

Polson, looks at Ted: "Interesting."

Nichols: "I didn't think so."

Polson: "No, I mean, Mr. Cross used those words in describing the body.
Exactly."

Nichols: "Well we saw the same thing."

Polson: "If you were standing in the hallway, for you to be able to see
the eyes, the body must have been lying on the bed so that it was facing
the door? Is that right?"

Nichols: "She wasn't on the bed. She was laying on the floor."

Polson: "My mistake. She was on the floor. That's right."

Nichols: "One wrist was tied to a bedpost, was the left one, I think."

Polson: "Do you happen to remember what color nightgown she was wearing?"

Nichols: "She wasn't wearing one. She was naked."

Polson: "You have a terrific memory, Mrs. Nichols."

Nichols: "Believe me, I'd just as soon never have seen what I saw in
that apartment."

Polson: "Well I'm sure Mr. Cross is very glad you did. That's a beautiful
ring."

Nichols: "Thank you."

Polson: "You say your husband is an actor?"

Nichols: "Yes. Jake Nichols."

Polson: "I never heard of him."

Nichols: "He's just making a name for himself."

Polson: "Not a diamond for an actor to be paying for who's just making a
name for himself."

Ted: "You can contact Mrs. Nichols through me, detective."

Polson: "Course, maybe it's a gift from a wealthy boyfriend?"

Ted: "Let's go, Beverly." They get up to leave.

Polson: "But then why would you be wearing it so your husband could see?
I mean, him with his terrible jealous temper and all."

When Ted opens the door, Jake Nichols is standing there, waiting for his
wife.

Jake: "Bev. First they're asking did I pick you up at the Bel Age last
week. Now if I know Richard Cross. What's going on?"

Nichols: "We'll talk about it later, Jake."

Jake: "What, were you with him that night? Is that what this is all about?"

Nichols: "Jake, please."

Jake screams: "I'll break your neck, you whore!" He lounges at his wife
but is restrained.

Detective: "Knock it off!"

Jake: "You better not be home when I get there, you understand! We're
done!" He's removed from the room.

Ted: "Let's go, Mrs. Nichols."

Polson pulls Ted aside: "Yeah, a lot of conviction. He kept good eye
contact. You gotta appreciate a nifty piece of acting."

Ted: "You gonna want to be rethinking Mr. Cross' incarceration." Leaves.

Next scene: Justine meets with Myron Elkins, Darryl Jackson's attorney.

Elkins: "I am getting the distinction impression here that you think I'm
doing a less than adequate job for Darryl."

Justine: "Well I don't think you're doing any job for Darryl. You want
to plead it out when this so-called eye-witness is coming after him in
a civil action and has a financial motive to see him convicted. Never
mind that there are holes in that police report that you could drive a
truck through."

Elkins: "Uh-huh. None of that is going to matter to a jury. Okay? 'Cause
they're going to be asking themselves one question: What the hell was this
guy doing driving around Jack Nicholson's neighborhood in the middle of
the night? See, people in this city move up into the hills, out into the
valleys, for a reason. Okay? On top of which, you got a judge here who's
not exactly progressive in his views."

Justine: "This prejudice you're describing, is it hypothetical or your
own?"

Elkins: "Hey, if I was prejudice, why would I even be representing Darryl?"

Justine: "Ten thousand dollar retainer makes liberals out of a lot of
folks."

Elkins: "Okay. You think you can do a better job on this case, be my
guest."

Justine: "I'll need Daryl's files right away. He's due in court this 
afternoon."

Elkins: "Fine, fine. As soon as I'm paid for expenses. I'm, I'm out of
pocket on word processing, copying, telephone... "

Justine interrupts: "If I thought you were refusing to turn over my
client's files I'd have to report you to the California Bar for violating
rules of professional conduct. That's 3-700D1."

Elkins: "All right." Opens his briefcase, gets the files and drops them
on Justine's desk. Opens the door to leave. "Hey. You're a real ball-
buster, lady."

Arnold to Louis: "Is he available?"

Louis: "Go on in." Arnold heads for Ted's office.

Arnold: "Here's the motion to suppress you asked for."

Ted: "Good."

Arnold: "So, I'm off."

Ted: "To?"

Arnold: "Oxnard. Big trial. My cousin with the pizza franchise, charged
with embezzlement."

Ted: "Oh, right, right, right."

Arnold: "One last question, Ted, the sequence of witnesses. We talked
about finishing with the circuit manager's testimony but she's a hostile
witness."

Ted: "Uh-huh."

Arnold: "So, I'm thinking it would be a stronger conclusion to have
the minister go last. Speech impediment notwithstanding, he's a solid
character witness and we end with a crescendo of good feeling for my
cousin."

Ted: "Dealer's choice, Arnold. You'll have to take the temperature of
the courtroom."

Arnold: "So I guess what you're saying is I've got to remember to be
spontaneous. Duly noted." Dave Blalock enters.

Blalock: "Knock, knock."

Arnold: "Wish me luck." Leaves

Ted: "Morning, Dave.

Blalock: "That Nichols woman, she models mostly car shows. The actor/
husband's not in SAG. Married three years. Sublet a condominium. Thirteen
payments left on a '92 Caprice. Fifteen hundred in joint checking. Owe
forty-eight hundred on credit cards. No other assets. He has one DUI.
She's clean."

Ted: "People who'd like a payday."

Blalock: "If Cross is buying her alibi, he's smart enough to bury it."

Ted: "I'll bet he was thrilled with that rock she was wearing at Parker
Center yesterday."

Blalock: "On Cross' visitors, only one beside you and his wife: his
shrink, Dr. Graham Lester."

Ted: "Who prepared the rehab affidavit for Neil Avedon which now I'm
wondering about."

Blalock: "Small world."

Ted: "And ugly. See if you can put Dr. Lester between Cross and Mrs.
Nichols."

Blalock: "Somehow Beverly doesn't seem the type to be seeking
psychiatric aid."

Ted: "Maybe they met in a mall." Blalock leaves.

The Darryl Jackson trial. The complainant, Connie Spirakis, is on the
witness stand. Judge Donald Knauf presiding.

Spirakis: "I take it pretty slow on Mulholland, especially at night
because it's winding and sometimes the kids like to drag-race up there."

Attorney: "So, how fast would you estimate you were going when the black 
truck you just described pulled up behind you and began flashing its
lights?"

Spirakis: "Twenty-five. Thirty maybe."

Deputy: "Did you pull over to let the truck pass?"

Spirakis: "There wasn't any room to pull over so I hit the brakes a
couple of times to get him to back off because he was practically in
my trunk."

Deputy: "And did the truck back off?"

Spirakis: "It just seemed to make him angrier. And that's when he started
ramming my car."

Deputy: "How many times did the truck strike your vehicle?"

Spirakis: "Three, I think, and then he, uh, swerved around in front of me
and ran me off the road."

Deputy: "Where you able to get a good look at the driver?"

Spirakis nods: "When he pulled along side just before cutting me off."

Deputy: "Do you see that individual in this courtroom?"

Spirakis: "Yes. That's the man sitting right over there."

Deputy: "Let the record show the witness has indicated the Defendant.
Your witness."

Justine: "Have you ever seen Mr. Jackson prior to the incident you
described?"

Spirakis: "No."

Justine: "Have you ever seen the Defendant in that area any time since?"

Spirakis: "No."

Justine: "When you filed a report with the police later that night,
you didn't give them a description of your assailant, did you?"

Spirakis: "No."

Justine: "You didn't do that until three and a half days later, correct?"

Spirakis: "Yes, that's right."

Justine: "You didn't come forward for three and a half days because you
never really got a good look at that driver, right Ms. Spirakis?"

Spirakis: "No, no, no. I was very upset. You wouldn't be thinking too
clearly either if someone had just tried to kill you."

Justine: "You filed a civil case against Mr. Jackson, didn't you?"

Deputy: "Objection. Irrelevant."

Justine: "Your honor, there is only one supposed eye-witness in this case.
If she stands to benefit financially from her testimony it goes directly
to the issue of her credibility and reasons for fabricating this story."

Judge: "I'll allow it."

Justine: "How much money are you asking for in your law suit?"

Spirakis: "A hundred thousand. But that doesn't include punitive damages
which my lawyer said I was entitled to make up for what I've been going
through."

Justine: "Ms. Spirakis, without a conviction, your lawyer told you it
would be much more difficult for you to recover money in a civil case.
Correct?"

Spirakis: "He was the man driving the truck."

Justine: "Did your lawyer tell you it would be harder for you to recover
damages without a conviction?"

Spirakis: "Yeah."

Justine: "Are any of your neighbors of African-American descent?"

Deputy: "Objection."

Judge: "Counselor, let's not drag the issue of race into this."

Justine: "It's our belief that race has played a significant if not 
determining factor in this man's prosecution."

Judge: "I disagree. But I know we live in sensitive times, so I'll 
admonish the jury and assure Mr. Jackson that his task before this
bench would be no different if he were green, blue or purple."

Justine: "Or even black."

Judge: "The objection's sustained."

Justine: "No further questions."

In DA Garfield's office, Grasso, Ted and Polson meet with Garfield to
discuss Cross' incarceration.

Grasso: "Well, as I read this police report it would seem that, uh,
Mrs. Nichols' story checks out."

Polson: "You mean like it's got a beginning, middle and an end?"

Ted: "Detective Polson's emotionally invested. Roger, Miriam, I think
you're objective enough to recognize that the sole evidence you have
against Richard Cross is a statement Neil Avedon gave Detective Polson
to get out from under a drug bust. I won't pursue just now how much of
that statement he was spoon-fed by parties unnamed."

Polson: "Come on, Hoffman. Why would Cross have lied in that interview if
he didn't have something to hide?"

Ted: "As you've heard, Mr. Cross was trying to protect Beverly Nichols
from an abusive husband."

Grasso: "And make the world safe for democracy."

Ted: "Bottom line, you have no case against Richard Cross. Whose Armani
suits, I needn't remind you, have very deep pockets, if he were to pursue
the fact that his civil rights may have been violated."

Garfield: "There's no need for threats, Teddy. In light of Mrs. Nichols
coming forward with this new information... "

Polson interrupts: "Don't do this to me.

Garfield continuing: "... and my own personal knowledge of Mr. Cross as
a man of probity, we're going to dismiss these charges. Detective Polson,
you see to Mr. Cross' release."

Polson: "Son of a bitch." And leaves.

Cross is released and he and Ted are met by the press. Various questions
are shouted at Cross.

Cross: "I harbor no ill will. I was confident that my innocence proven
and my name cleared. And thankful my wife, Francesca, for standing by
me as well as all the others, especially my attorney, Ted Hoffman.
Thank you very much." They make their way to a waiting limo.

Ted: "It's been a long ordeal, folks. All Mr. Cross wants to do now is
go home." Ted joins Cross inside the limo. "You okay?"

Cross nods: "More or less. I'm worried sick about Beverly though, what
her husband might do."

Ted: "Well, Richard, these things have a way of working themselves out."

Cross: "From your lips to God's ears, Teddy." Sighs. "I am going to go
and take the longest shower in recorded history."

Ted: "Seventy-two hours. Hell of a stretch of jail time."

Cross: "Well I wouldn't recommend it. You do learn a lot about yourself
though."

Ted: "Is that so?"

Cross: "Uh-huh."

Ted: "What'd you learn, Richard?"

Cross smiles: "I'm glad you're my friend, Teddy." Ted just looks out the
window.

Back at the Jackson trial, a police officer is on the witness stand.

Deputy: "And yet how would you characterize Ms. Sporakis' deportment
when you took her statement?"

Officer: "Distracted, agitated, like someone in shock."

Deputy: "In your experience as a police officer, is that uncommon for
a person who has just been assaulted?"

Officer: "No, her reactions seemed typical."

Deputy: "When you take statements from crime victims, is it unusual for
them to leave out important pieces of information?"

Officer: "Not at all."

Deputy: "So Connie Spirakis isn't the first victim, in your experience,
who's come back a day or two after giving her initial statement with 
additional information about an incident?"

Officer: "Happens all the time."

Deputy: "When you took the Defendant into custody, did Mr. Jackson come
along peacefully?"

Officer: "Anything but. It took two officers to subdue him."

Deputy: "Nothing further, your honor."

Justine: "Officer, when Ms. Spirakis filed her first police report, you
asked her for a description of the driver of the other vehicle, correct?"

Officer: "Yes I did."

Justine: "She was not able to give you a description, was she?"

Officer: "No."

Justine: "You've said Ms. Spirakis might have been in shock that
evening. Did you request medical attention for her?"

Officer: "No. She hadn't sustained any injuries. Other than being shook
up, she seemed basically okay."

Justine: "Did you request a patrol car to drive her home because she
was in shock?"

Officer: "It was a busy night. There'd been a gang shooting in the area
and she said she was able to drive.

Justine: "So she wasn't so distracted, agitated or shook up that you
were concerned about her ability to operate a motor vehicle?"

Officer: "Like I said she seemed okay to drive."

Justine: "But she was not okay enough to describe her alleged assailant
that evening, was she?"

Officer: "I guess not."

Justine: "In your testimony you described the damage to Ms. Sporakis'
car. Did you also inspect Mr. Jackson's truck?"

Officer: "Yes, at the time he was taken into custody."

Justine: "What damage did you find?"

Officer: "There's a heavy-duty bumper on the front of his truck that's
designed to sustain high impact."

Justine: "Officer, I asked if you observed any damage?"

Officer: "Because of that bumper there probably wouldn't have been any."

Justine: "Was there damage or not?"

Officer: "There didn't appear to be any damage to his vehicle."

Justine: "Earlier you testified that a partial license plate number and
a description of the assailant, given to you by Ms. Spirakis several days
after the incident, led you to conclude that Mr. Jackson was the primary
suspect, is that correct?"

Officer: "Yes."

Justine: "Did you interview Mr. Jackson, either by phone or in person,
prior to taking him into custody?"

Officer: "No."

Justine: "Why not?"

Officer: "I was afraid he would try to avoid arrest."

Justine: "Did Mr. Jackson have a criminal record?"

Officer: "No."

Justine: "Did you conclude that he must have been the assailant because
he's black? And was it also his race that led you to conclude that he
might try to avoid arrest?"

Deputy: "Objection. Irrelevant. Police arrest procedures are not on
trial here."

Jackson: "Why not, your honor? That cop knew my name was Darryl but you
know what he called me? `Leroy.'"

Judge trying to interrupt him: "Mr. Jackson, restrict yourself to
answering the questions asked you."

Justine also trying: "Darryl."

Jackson continuing, getting more angry and upset, even standing to make
his point: "And he put handcuffs on me in front of my neighbors. Do you
think they would have cuffed me if I looked like you?"

Justine: "Darryl."

Jackson: "Calling me `Leroy.'"

Justine: "Darryl, sit down and be quiet."

Jackson to Justine: "That's what got me here."

Judge: "Mr. Jackson you are not going to carry on and jump up and down
in my courtroom. Do you understand me?"

Jackson: "Yeah, boss." And sits down.

Justine: "I apologize on behalf of my client, your honor. And I'd like
a brief recess."

Outside of the courtroom.

Justine: "Darryl, I know how frustrating this is for you."

Jackson: "No you don't. I'm the one who's going to get convicted for
something I didn't do." He walks off down the corridor.

Lila: "Is he right? Are they going to convict him no matter what?"

Justine: "No they're not. If we could have put him on the stand, this
would have been a ground ball."

Lila: "But you can't put him on now."

Justine: "Prosecution will do everything they can to provoke him. Get
the jury thinking he really is some angry Black guy with a short temper
who might run somebody off the road." Jackson walks over to them.

Jackson: "You talking about `Leroy?'"

Lila: "Darryl, stop it."

Back in court, closing arguments from the prosecution and the defense.

Deputy: "Your job is to decide whether it was Darryl Jackson behind the
wheel of the truck that ran Connie Spirakis off the road last April 7th.
Whether it was Darryl Jackson who fled the scene, not knowing whether he
had injured or even killed his victim. Now we witnessed his angry outburst
here in this courtroom earlier. We saw him lose his temper, just as he
did that night up on Mulholland Drive. And there is Connie Sporakis'
description of her assailant, giving a word picture of the man charged
with this crime. I ask you to consider the evidence before you and find
Darryl Jackson guilty as charged."

Justine: "Darryl Jackson has no criminal record. No history of violent
behavior. In fact, the only thing linking Mr. Jackson to this crime is
a description Ms. Spirakis gave police, three and a half days after the
incident. An interval during which she could have seen Mr. Jackson driving
to the algebra tutorial he teaches in her neighborhood on at least two
occasions. But why would Connie Spirakis accuse an innocent man? Without
a conviction Ms. Spirakis won't make any money in her civil case. The 
facts are ambiguous and uncertain but there were no dents or scratches
on Mr. Jackson's vehicle and there was no description for three and a 
half days, all of which should raise reasonable doubt. Use your common
sense and good judgment and return a verdict of not guilty."

Back at the firm.

Louis: "Neil Avedon."

Ted: "We don't take his calls."

Louis: "He says it's urgent. He says he's desperate." He puts the phone
close to Ted. "Line three." Ted picks up.

Ted: "What is it, Neil? On what basis? There's five different reasons I
can't help you. All right, don't say anything to anyone. I'll be there
in a little while." To Louis, "Cancel my afternoon."

Back at the courthouse. Lila, Jackson and Justine are waiting in a private
room for the verdict. Someone knocks and informs them that the jury is
back.

Jackson: "They were only out an hour. Is that a good or bad sign?"

Justine: "Let's go find out."

Back in court. The bailiff hands the verdict to the judge.

Judge: "`We, the jury, in the above entitled action, find the Defendant,
Darryl Jackson, not guilty.' Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, thank you
for your time and attention and the exercise of your good citizenship.
You're dismissed. Mr. Jackson, I hope this is a lesson for you. Despite
your allegations of mistreatment, the system worked."

Jackson: "If the system worked I wouldn't have been hauled off the street
for a crime I didn't commit."

Justine: "Your honor, I think our business before the court is... "

Jackson interrupts: "If the system worked I wouldn't have been humiliated
in front of my neighbors and I wouldn't have had to pay every cent I saved
to keep myself out of jail. So don't expect me to bow and scrape with 
gratitude because I only got half screwed by the system."

Judge: "Mr. Jackson, I'll require an immediate apology from you for the
disrespect you have shown this court."

Justine: "Darryl."

Jackson: "No."

Justine: "Your honor, may I approach?"

Judge: "I don't need to hear from you, Ms. Appleton. Mr. Jackson, what's
it gonna be?"

Jackson: "I said all I had to say."

Judge: "I find you in direct contempt of this court and sentence you to
county jail. Take him in custody."

Justine: "Your honor, may I see you chambers?"

Judge: "We have nothing to discuss, Ms. Appleton. This court is
adjourned."

Justine: "Your honor, how long are you planning on holding him?"

Judge: "As long as I can, counselor."

Justine: "Darryl, you can't win this."

Jackson: "I already won. I said my piece."

Justine: "Don't do this to yourself."

Jackson: "I did not do this. I got done to. What I did, was stand up."
He's taken away into custody.

Next scene, Ted runs into Detective Polson outside the police station.

Polson to a police officer: "I'll take to the chief and see." The 
officer leaves and Ted approaches Polson. "Counselor."

Ted: "What's your approach on the case, Polson? Anyone who was ever a
client of mine gets charged with this murder?"

Polson: "Can Avedon afford you or is he just picking up someone's soap?"

Ted: "I assume you arrested this kid on something other than your own
dimwit obsession?"

Polson: "He left a pretty sticky deposit in that girl."

Ted: "Semen which you matched to what?"

Polson: "See you in court, counselor." He walks away from Ted.

Ted visits Neil in jail.

Neil: "Oh, man, Teddy. Am I glad you're here."

Ted: "Tell me what happened."

Neil: "The cops came to my house. They put me in handcuffs and they said
I was under arrest for killing Jessica."

Ted: "They gave you your Miranda rights?"

Neil: "Yeah."

Ted: "Have they drawn blood?"

Neil: "No."

Ted: "They matched your DNA with ejaculate in her body."

Neil: "Oh, man!"

Ted: "They must have gotten the report we submitted last year in that
paternity suit."

Neil: "Teddy, I swear to God I didn't kill her. You gotta believe me."

Ted: "My believing you isn't relevant."

Neil shouts: "Teddy, I had sex with her! That doesn't make me a murderer!
I was out of there by midnight. Richard Cross showed up. We smoked a blunt
together. I went home and I crashed."

Ted: "You told all this to Polson in the interview after the drug bust?"

Neil: "Except for me and Jess getting it on. Look, I didn't know she was
only fifteen. And when he told me that, I kind of freaked out."

Ted: "That lie is what's biting you in the ass now, Neil. With the semen
match and you're holding back on Polson earlier, it looks to him like 
you're hip-deep in a rape-homicide."

Neil: "Help me, Teddy."

Ted: "I have been trying to tell you, Neil. I cannot represent you."

Neil getting more desperate: "Look, I am begging you. I know I've been
a jerk in the past. I know I owe you money. But don't let them hang this
on me, Teddy."

Ted: "It's not the money or the jerk you've been, or even whether I
believe you're innocent. I represent Richard Cross."

Neil: "Oh, come one."

Ted: "I can't defend you without creating a conflict of interest between
you and Richard."

Neil: "Don't go legal on me here, Ted!"

Ted: "These aren't nuisance technicalities, Neil."

Neil: "Look, another lawyer takes this case and he biffs it because he's
not as good... I'm the guy dead, Ted. I am the guy dead. Teddy, please.
Please?"

Ted: "I can't." Neil breaks down in tears. "I'm sorry. I'll get you the
best representation I can."

Neil: "I am not a killer, man."

Ted: "Let me get rolling on this. I'll be in touch." Neil nods. As Ted
leaves, he looks back at Neil.

Darryl Jackson, in county jail, gets a visit from Justine and Ted.

Justine: "Darryl, this is my boss, Ted Hoffman."

Ted: "We met last Christmas at the office party. The judge is adamant 
about not reviewing his contempt ruling without an apology."

Jackson: "Then I guess I'll be in here for a while 'cause I'm not backing
down."

Ted: "Your choice."

Justine: "But before you make it, think about Lila for a moment. She's 
been there for you this whole time. She's worried sick about you in here."

Jackson: "Yeah, well, this isn't about Lila. All I did in that courtroom
was tell the truth. But I guess that's a crime under our system of 
justice."

Ted: "Not exactly a revelation that people who are poor, non-white, not
powerful, very often come out on the short end of the stick. But is your
coping an attitude with this judge going to change anything? Not one bit."

Jackson: "What about his attitude? Maybe he won't call me a nigger to my
face but this judge is a racist."

Ted: "You're a teacher, right?"

Jackson: "Yeah."

Ted: "You like what you do? You feel you're accomplishing something
teaching those kids?"

Jackson: "What's your point?"

Ted: "Whatever's wrong with this system overall, you've managed to carve
out a world for yourself that makes sense not only to you but to a lot of
other people."

Jackson: "Yeah, and does any of that matter to the cops, or the
prosecution or this judge?"

Ted: "It matters to you and Lila and your students. And apparently it
mattered to those jurors as well. I urge you to do whatever you have to
do in that courtroom to get to the world you can control, the one you've
made through you're own accomplishment and hard work."

Back before Judge Knauf.

Judge: "Ms. Appleton."

Justine: "Your honor, we appreciate you taking the time to review this 
matter. With your permission, Mr. Jackson would like to address the court."

Jackson: "Your honor, I apologize for my behavior yesterday. The stress
of the trial did cloud my better judgment. I say this not as an excuse
only to perhaps make my actions understandable. If race was a factor in
the charges against me, as I believe it was, then I was vindicated by a
fair-minded jury and an impartial judge. I came here seeking justice. I
got it but I couldn't take yes for an answer. I am sorry."

Judge: "Court accepts your apology, Mr.Jackson. Because you've shown
remorse for your actions, and a proper deference to this bench, your
sentence is hereby commuted to time served. Young man, I hope you realize
that the tolerance you've enjoyed in this courtroom is what makes this
great country and our system of justice the envy of every nation on earth."

Jackson: "I hear what you're saying, your honor."

Judge: "I hope you put this episode behind you and get on with your life.
Good luck."

They leave the courtroom.

Jackson: "Hope nobody got any of that on their shoes." They laugh. "Well
let me say something I do mean. Thank you, for everything." Shakes hands
with Justine.

Justine: "Just doing my job."

Lila: "So listen, Justine. I know you put in a lot of time on this. What
do we owe you?"

Justine: "Family discount. You guys have got a wedding to cover."

Lila: "Well then you better promise to come."

Justine: "Wouldn't miss it."

Ted and Gary Blondo at lunch.

Blondo: "I talked to Leonard Greer, Teddy. The studio will pay his fee.
The fee is not the problem."

Ted: "Well what's the problem, Gary?"

Blondo: "Well the problem, Teddy, is `Deadbolt.' It's a seventy million
dollar picture, not counting the effects bill from ILM. And Neil Avedon,
as perhaps you've read in the periodicals, is the star of `Deadbolt.'"

Ted: "Greer is fine."

Blondo: "Greer is not Hoffman. Do you have any idea what will happen if
this kid's convicted? `Deadbolt' can get in line behind `Ishtar,' `Hudson
Hawk' and Howard the Duck.'" Richard Cross comes over to join them.

Cross: "Teddy."

Blondo: "Richard."

Cross: "Gary, how are you?" They shake hands. "I'm sorry I missed your
premiere of `Three Time Mary' but I was in jail."

Blondo: "Yes, uh, that's how I felt at two hours and forty-seven minutes
for a comedy." They laugh.

Cross: "You know what I daydreamed of the whole time I was locked up?
The crab cakes here." Blondo's cell phone rings.

Blondo on the phone: "Yes? Did he say why he's refusing to come to the 
set? Oh, please!" To Cross and Ted, "If you'll excuse me a minute I have
to arbitrate a trailer problem. Good to see you out and about, Richard."
He leaves.

Cross: "Nice to be out and about, thank you."

Ted: "So, life getting back to normal?"

Cross sighs: "Francesca and I have a few things to sort out."

Ted: "I hope that happens."

Cross: "Thank you. So, I understand Neil Avedon asked you to represent
him."

Ted: "Richard, I'm not comfortable discussing this."

Cross: "I understand you declined."

Ted: "Did you understand what I just said? I'm not comfortable 
discussing it?"

Cross: "Did you turn him down because of me?"

Ted: "Richard, I'm not representing Neil Avedon and that's all the
information I intend to disclose."

Cross: "Look, Teddy, I've known this kid for years, okay? He's a bad boy.
There's no doubt about it. But he did not kill that girl. If he doesn't
walk away clean from this, his career is over. And I don't want to see
that happen. Now if I have to sign off on any potential conflict or waive
my attorney-client privilege to get you to represent him, I will do that."

Ted: "Richard, if I represent Neil Avedon, my obligation as his attorney
would require me to use every bit of information I know to suggest you as
the murderer."

Cross smiles: "I know what it feels like to be falsely accused. I cannot
deprive Neil Avedon of the best representation available. And that's you.
Will you at least think it over? Can I count on you to do that?"

Ted: "I'll think about it."

Cross: "All right. Thanks, Teddy." He leaves.

Next scene, Ted's firm.

Ted: "Arnold, you're back. How'd it go?"

Arnold: "Acquittal on all counts."

Ted: "Congratulations."

Arnold: "Ah, small potatoes, really. But they won't be forgetting the 
name `Arnold Spivak' up there any time soon. I was awesome." Ted laughs.
"And a lot more spontaneous than I had planned." Louis hands Ted some
messages.

Louis: "Hello, there are your calls. And Dave Blalock's waiting in your
office."

Ted: "Thanks, Louis." Enters his office. To Blalock, "Cross said he'd
waive any conflict. He wants me to represent Avedon."

Blalock: "Complicated man."

Ted: "Davey, if I was making book I make it three to one Avedon didn't
kill that girl."

Blalock: "Well if he was guilty you wouldn't think he'd have told Polson
he was at the girl's apartment just to get out from under a drug bust."

Ted: "If Cross did it, why does he want me on the case?"

Blalock: "'Cause he likes playing with fire and you're the hottest guy
in town."

Ted: "If he didn't do it then it makes more sense. Take a ride with me
to Parker Center. We're going to represent this kid."

The Hoffman household. TV news is on. It's a statement made outside Parker
Center by Ted to the press. Annie preparing dinner as Ted arrives home.

TV [Ted]: "The allegations made against Neil Avedon aren't worth commenting
on, except to say that they are as ludicrous as they are unfounded."

TV [Reporter]: "His film has been rated R for violence. Is this a case of
life imitating art?"

TV [Ted]: "This is a mistake. What you have here is a police department
out of control, trying to solve this crime like it's multiple choice. My
client just happens to be the latest scapegoat." Ted shuts off the TV.

Ted: "How was your day?"

Annie: "How was my day?"

Ted: "Mm-hmm."

Annie: "Well, Lizzie didn't have any cavities but Dr. Mestma said she's 
probably need braces in a couple of years. Then Hector called and said
he couldn't trim the eugenia this week either. He's run out of sick
relatives so we're back to `my truck broke down' as the excuse. I think
it's time to find another gardener. There's lamb stew in the oven. And 
the Robinsons invited us up to Ojai this weekend."

Ted: "So this is how we're going to handle things, just not talk about
it?"

Annie: "This is how I want to handle it because I don't want this case
and everything that comes with it in our home."

Ted: "Fine."

Annie: "I'm not naive, Teddy. But a case like this one with all the
theatrics and media hoopla, it's not about getting to the truth. It's
show business. Crime is entertainment. Everybody's a celebrity. Lawyers,
witnesses, jurors. And the whole idea of justice goes right out the 
window."

Ted: "I'd like to think the basics haven't changed. It's still about
presenting your case in the courtroom and letting the jury decide."
Lizzie comes into the kitchen.

Lizzie: "Mommy, Jackie invited me to sleep over on Friday. Can I?"

Annie: "I thought she was your archenemy."

Lizzie: "Not any more 'cause daddy is Neil Avedon's lawyer and Jackie
wants his autograph." The phone rings.

Ted: "Hi." They hug and kiss.

Annie on the phone: "Hello?"

Ted: "How was school today?"

Lizzie: "Good."

Ted: "Are you hungry?"

Annie: "Just a minute. It's Ricky Philbrick."

Lizzie: "Ricky Philbrick is calling me? He's such a babe! I'll take this
in my room." Runs to her room saying, "I'm going to be the most popular
kid in school."

Annie: "I rest my case, counselor." Ted sighs.

[End titles]

Steven Bochco Productions
20th Century Fox Television, a News Corporation Company
Supervising Associate Producer: Gigi Coello-Bannon
Associate Producer: Chad Savage
Casting in New York: Alexa L. Fogel, C.S.A.

Co-Starring:
Vanessa Zima as Elizabeth Hoffman
Markus Redmond as Mark Washington
Bruce Wright as Reporter #1
Elizabeth Harmon-Haid as Reported #2
David Ramsey as Reporter #3
Robbi Chong as Reporter #4

Director of Photography: Aaron E. Schneider
Production Designer: Paul Eads
Edited by Andrew Doerfer
Unit Production Manager: Patrick McKee
First Assistant Director: Michael J. Schilz
Second Assistant Director: Brian Faul
Costume Designer: Brad R. Loman
Legal Consultant: Howard Weitzman
Technical Advisor: David J. Gascon
Production Coordinator: Nancy Wilkerson
Costume Supervisor: Debra Beebe
Make-Up Artists: Norman Page, Jim Scribner
Hairstylists: Paulette Pennington, Anthony Wilson 
Camera Operator: David Boyd 
First Assistant Camera: Tom Klines
Gaffer: Mark Vuille 
Key Grip: Harry L. Rez
2nd 2nd Assistant Director: Andy Spilkoman
Production Sound Mixer: Susan Moore-Chong, C.A.S. Music
Editor: Patty McGettigan 
Background A.D.R.: Superloopers 
Re-recording Mixers: Robert L. Appere, Ken Burton 
Set Decorator: Mary Ann Biddle
Set Designer: Mindy Roffman 
Lead Person: Randy Bostic 
Property Master: Jerry Moss
Location Manager: John Armstrong 
Script Coordinator: Michael Norell
Casting Associate: Libby Goldstein
Construction Coordinator: Pete Lawrence 
Transportation Coordinator: Norm Benson 
Assistant Production Coordinator: Ann M. Kaiser
Post Production Coordinators: Laina Mumbrue, Jamal A. Swinton 
Production Accountant: Candace Montgomery-Lira
Asst. to Steven Bochco: Barbara Kroells 
Asst. to Charles H. Eglee: Marian Devney 
EPR (R) Telecine and Electronic Assembly by Encore Video Inc. 
Telecine Colorist: Steve Porter
Re-recorded at Sony Pictures Studios
Post Production Sound Editorial by Dave Weathers, Miles of Fun Sound
Presented in Dolby Surround
Lenses & Panaflex (R) camera by Panavision (R)
Copyright (c) 1995 Steven Bochco Productions #7102 All Rights Reserved
Steven Bochco Productions is the author of this motion picture for purposes
of copyright and other laws.
(AMPTP) Color by Foto-Kem Laboratory (R)

The events and characters depicted in this photoplay are fictitious. Any
similarity to actual persons, living or dead, or to actual events is purely
coincidental.

Ownership of this motion picture is protected by copyright and other
applicable laws, and any unauthorized duplication, distribution or
exhibition of this motion picture could result in criminal prosecution
as well as civil liability.