Defense Attorney 52-07-17 054 Basketball Fix

Summary

Podcast Summary: Defense Attorney 52-07-17 054 Basketball Fix

Podcast Information:

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Episode: Defense Attorney 52-07-17 054 Basketball Fix
• Release Date: March 24, 2025
• Host/Author: Harolds Old Time Radio
• Description: Reliving radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, featuring classic storytelling before the advent of television. This episode showcases a gripping legal drama centered around basketball game fixing and murder.

---

Introduction

"Defense Attorney" is a suspenseful radio drama featuring Mercedes McCambridge as Martha Ellis Bryant, a dedicated defense attorney, and Howard Culver as Judd, her dependable associate. The episode delves into the intricate web of deceit surrounding basketball game fixes and a subsequent murder accusation, offering listeners a captivating narrative reminiscent of classic radio storytelling.

Plot Overview

The episode opens with Martha Bryant receiving a troubling case: Jeff Savage, a basketball player from Star Poly, is accused of murdering Dan Gilbert. Gilbert alleges that Savage was involved in fixing basketball games, leading to a dramatic one-point victory against Eastern U, which was expected to win by 20 points. As Martha delves deeper, she uncovers layers of corruption, hidden motives, and familial betrayals that complicate the case.

Key Characters

• Martha Ellis Bryant (Mercedes McCambridge): A tenacious defense attorney committed to uncovering the truth and exonerating her client.
• Judd (Howard Culver): Martha's loyal associate, assisting her in the investigation.
• Jeff Savage: The accused basketball player facing murder charges.
• Dan Gilbert: The alleged victim who claims Jeff fixed the basketball games.
• Mrs. Wanda Lawton: Dan Gilbert's wife, whose testimony becomes pivotal.
• Lieutenant Levis (Ed): The investigative officer involved in the case.

Major Plot Points

1. The Accusation and Initial Investigation (00:32 - 05:11)

   • Martha Bryant is introduced as Jeff Savage's defense attorney. Jeff, a prominent basketball player, is accused of killing Dan Gilbert after alleged game-fixing.
   • Notable Quote:

     "Ladies and gentlemen, to depend upon your judgment and to fulfill my own obligation, I submit the facts."
     — Martha Ellis Bryant [00:32]

2. Uncovering the Game Fixing (05:11 - 12:00)

   • Martha learns from Lieutenant Levis that Jeff's alibi is shaky, as Mrs. Lawton claims Jeff provided an alibi but contradicts Jeff's statements.
   • Evidence surfaces linking Jeff to the murder weapon: a knife with his initials carved on the handle.
   • Notable Quote:

     "I'm depending on that money to keep a kid out of the electric chair."
     — Dan Gilbert [03:55]

3. Confrontations and Revelations (12:00 - 20:00)

   • Martha confronts Mrs. Lawton, exposing inconsistencies in her testimony. It becomes evident that Mrs. Lawton and her brother, Harvey Brent, are entangled in the conspiracy.
   • Jeff's innocence is further questioned when his alibi doesn't align with Mrs. Lawton's statement.
   • Notable Quote:

     "Frank Lawton was the captain of Eastern U's first team 20 years ago. He was the kind of player you dream about being."
     — Jeff Savage [09:14]

4. The Trap and Final Confrontation (20:00 - 26:15)

   • Martha devises a plan to publicly expose the truth by orchestrating a media reveal, ensuring that the real perpetrators, Mrs. Lawton and Harvey Brent, are caught in their lies.
   • The trap successfully leads to Mrs. Lawton's confession, exonerating Jeff and unveiling the depth of the corruption.
   • Notable Quote:

     "He was going to tell Jeff Savage about the whole rock business. Even though he knew he was going to be murdered."
     — Martha Ellis Bryant [17:25]

5. Resolution and Aftermath (26:15 - End)

   • With Mrs. Lawton and Harvey Brent exposed, Jeff Savage is released from custody. The episode concludes with reflections on the case's complexity and Martha's unwavering pursuit of justice.
   • Notable Quote:

     "Tough case, Judd. But we won. No, I guess the defense."
     — Martha Ellis Bryant [28:48]

Character Insights

• Martha Ellis Bryant: Demonstrates remarkable legal acumen and moral integrity, meticulously piecing together evidence to uncover the truth. Her interactions reveal a deep sense of responsibility towards her clients and a commitment to justice.

• Judd: Acts as a steadfast support to Martha, providing assistance and showcasing loyalty. His skepticism adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the challenges faced during the investigation.

• Jeff Savage: Portrayed as a stoic and principled individual, his journey from accusation to exoneration underscores themes of trust and perseverance.

Themes and Insights

• Justice vs. Corruption: The episode explores the thin line between seeking justice and uncovering systemic corruption, especially within institutions like sports and law enforcement.

• Integrity and Reputation: Jeff Savage's struggle highlights the importance of personal integrity and the impact of reputation, both in his sporting career and legal battles.

• Manipulation and Deceit: The manipulation by Mrs. Lawton and her brother reveals how deceit can distort truth, emphasizing the need for vigilant and ethical legal practices.

Conclusion

"Defense Attorney 52-07-17 054 Basketball Fix" masterfully intertwines elements of sports drama and legal thriller, delivering a compelling narrative that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish. Through intricate plotting and well-developed characters, the episode celebrates the golden age of radio storytelling, offering timeless lessons on justice, integrity, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

---

Notable Quotes:

1. Martha Ellis Bryant:

   "Ladies and gentlemen, to depend upon your judgment and to fulfill my own obligation, I submit the facts."
   [00:32]

2. Dan Gilbert:

   "I'm depending on that money to keep a kid out of the electric chair."
   [03:55]

3. Jeff Savage:

   "Frank Lawton was the captain of Eastern U's first team 20 years ago. He was the kind of player you dream about being."
   [09:14]

4. Martha Ellis Bryant:

   "He was going to tell Jeff Savage about the whole rock business. Even though he knew he was going to be murdered."
   [17:25]

5. Martha Ellis Bryant:

   "Tough case, Judd. But we won. No, I guess the defense."
   [28:48]

These quotes encapsulate pivotal moments in the narrative, highlighting character motivations and turning points within the story.

Transcript

[Narrator]

Dear old work platform. It's not you, it's us. Actually, it is you. Endless onboarding, constant IT bottlenecks. We've had enough. We need a platform that just gets us. And to be honest, we've met someone new. They're called Monday.com and it was love at first onboarding. Their beautiful dashboards, their customizable workflows got us floating on a digital cloud nine. So no hard feelings, but we're moving on. Monday.com, the first work platform you'll love to use.

[Ed]

And now transcribed.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Ladies and gentlemen, to depend upon your judgment and to fulfill my own obligation, I submit the facts. Fully aware of my responsibility to my client and to you as defense attorney.

[Mercedes McCambridge]

And now we proudly present Ms. Mercedes McCambridge as defense attorney. When Martha Ellis Bryant chose law as a career, she accepted the challenge of defending the defenseless. Jeff Savage was one of the defenseless, but he didn't look defenseless on the basketball court of the Municipal Auditorium.

[Judd]

Look at that. 40 seconds to play and the Star Poly is freezing.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

The ball doesn't seem very sporty.

[Judd]

Oh, it's part of the game, Marty. They got a one point lead. They just don't want Eastern U to get another crack at the basket.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Scott, Eastern U figured to win this game by 20 points.

[Judd]

Looks like the Gamblers figured different. Hey, there goes Jeff Savage. He got the ball away from him.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yeah, but he can't pass. He's smothered.

[Judd]

Shoot it long, Savage.

[Jeff Savage]

Shoot it.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yow. He made it. It's in.

[Judd]

Hey, just in time, too. There's the final gun. Eastern 67, Star Poly 66. Come on, let's beat the crowd.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Hey, that was pretty exciting, huh? I'm sorry I had to miss the first half. I got stuck at the office.

[Judd]

I'd have waited for you, honey, but I was assigned to cover the game. I'd have been fired if I showed up in that press box after the opening whistle.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Oh, I got here all right. I'm a big girl now. Hey, where are we running?

[Judd]

Phone booth at the end of the corridor. Hyphen in my story. Catch the Boulder edition. Then I'll take you to Lu Fong's and give you a chopstick lesson.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You just want me to get fat and bulgy so nobody else will want to marry me.

[Judd]

I plead guilty, counselor. Ah, here's phone. Only take a minute.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Hey, look, Judd, I've got my car here too. Why don't I go ahead and I'll wait for you at Lu Fong's?

[Judd]

That's a good idea. But before you go, I need something.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Oh, Judd, I can't kiss you here. Other people.

[Judd]

Who said anything about a kiss? I need nickel for the phone.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You can. You can use a quarter. I never want to see you again.

[Judd]

Hey, Marty. Marty, have a heart. I haven't any change.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You won't have any salary left either. When I get through eating. I'll see you at Lu Fong's Big Heel.

[Dan Gilbert]

Your car's over this way, Ms. Bryant.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Oh, thanks. I got here late and I got in without a ticket. Who are you? How do you know where my car is?

[Dan Gilbert]

We can talk about that when we get out of here.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

No, look, don't give.

[Dan Gilbert]

Don't look unless you want to get hurt. I'm not playing. All right, climb in and get it moving.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You're such a gentleman. How can I refuse?

[Jeff Savage]

Let me have your purse.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Right there on the seat. Take what you want and get out.

[Dan Gilbert]

I'm not taking. I'm giving. $2,000. You can count it later.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I don't know who you are or what your game is, but I don't think I want your little present.

[Dan Gilbert]

It isn't a present. You'll work for James Lawton. Frank Lawton. I want you to remember that.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I'm not likely to forget.

[Dan Gilbert]

Don't forget the two grand either. I'm depending on that money to keep a kid out of the electric chair. A kid who's gonna be framed for a murder he didn't commit.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

A murder you committed, perhaps.

[Dan Gilbert]

That's funny, Miss Bryant. Real funny. Before long, you'll know just how funny.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Would you like to tell me who my client is?

[Dan Gilbert]

A few minutes ago, you were watching him play Jeff Savage.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Jeff Savage?

[Dan Gilbert]

That's right, Miss Bryant. Jeff Savage. This is a quiet street. You can pull over to the curb now and let me out. Save Jeff Savage. Miss Bryant, nobody knows I gave you that money, but you've got a reputation for being honest. I hear that some people still are.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Goodbye. Oh, just a moment, Mr. Lawton. How do I know Jeff Savage is really innocent? How do I know that he didn't send you to me?

[Dan Gilbert]

You don't know. But you will by tomorrow morning when he's arrested, because he'll be charged with murdering me. Good night, Miss Bryant.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

So that's why I was late, Judd. I went right to the police. Lt. Levis said they'd try to pick Savage up right away. And the Lawton fellow, whoever he is, if they can find him.

[Judd]

If you ask me, Marty, the whole thing sounds like a joke. A bad joke.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Oh, I don't know, Judd.

[Judd]

If Lutton was going to be murdered, why did he go to you?

[Jeff Savage]

Why didn't he go to the police?

[Judd]

For protection?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yeah. I asked myself the same question.

[Judd]

Well, did you get an answer?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, one that mightn't make sense. It was Lawton, Judd. He seemed to me like a man who was tired of something. Terribly tired. Like a man who didn't want protection. I know that doesn't sound logical.

[Judd]

No. No, Marty, it doesn't.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, just the same, I got that impression. Judd, why were you at that game tonight? I mean, why were you sent to cover it? You're not in the sports department.

[Judd]

Well, the city desk had an anonymous tip about the game being fixed. Eastern U was even money to win by 20 points. They won by only one point. A lot of suckers dropped their paychecks on that one.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

That game must have something to do with it.

[Judd]

Something to do with what? A murder that hasn't even happened and.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Probably won't stand up by the door. Lieutenant Levis, he just came in.

[Judd]

Oh. Oh, yeah, yeah, he's looking for us. Ed. Ed, over here.

[Ed]

Yeah, I was hoping you'd still be here.

[Judd]

And I've been hoping you'd come by. You find those two guys?

[Ed]

We think so. John Savage is being questioned right now at the Midtown precinct.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

How about Lawton?

[Ed]

We'll be sure when you identify Ms. Bryant.

[Judd]

Why won't he admit who he is?

[Ed]

He can't admit anything, Judd. He's on a slab at the county morgue. Who?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You establish the time of the murder?

[Ed]

Yeah. Yes, and you ought to hear Savage's alibi. Says he was supposed to meet Lawton tonight out at Lawton's house in Honor Heights. Says he waited there till 1am But Lawton never showed up. Says Mrs. Lawton was there. Can verify it.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

All right, I'll call her right away.

[Ed]

I already called her. She said she never saw hurt a Savage before in her life.

[Judd]

That looks bad.

[Ed]

Marty Lawton was killed in the slum district, tenement row. Stabbed. We found the murder knife tossed in some rubbish in an Alley about 10ft from where he was killed. Savage said he never seen it before.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

But you don't believe him.

[Ed]

Would you believe him, Ms. Bryan? His initials are carved on the handle of the knife.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

It's getting light out, Mr. Savage.

[Dan Gilbert]

I know.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Listen, you're not a schoolboy. You're a GI student, 26 years old. Why won't you talk?

[Jeff Savage]

I told you all you have to know. And I told you the truth.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

All you told me is that you knew Lawton, that you went to his house to meet him, but that he never showed up. And Mrs. Lawton says that isn't true.

[Jeff Savage]

Then Mrs. Lawton is lying. I was there from 11 o'clock after the game until 1 this morning.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

All right, well, tell me one thing. Why did you have an appointment with Lawton?

[Jeff Savage]

It was personal.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Are you going to let me help you or not? I know that you're innocent because Lawton paid me to defend you. And a man does not protect his own murderer.

[Jeff Savage]

If you know that, why do I have to tell you anything else?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Because a jury will have to know everything. Your meeting with Lawton had something to do with that game last night, didn't it? Oh, you're not hiding anything by being quiet, Jeff. The newspapers got a tip that the game was fixed. You should have won by 20 points, not one point. Who was in on that fix?

[Jeff Savage]

I don't know. It's hard to tell.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

But you were playing. You know your teammates, Ms. Bryant.

[Jeff Savage]

Look, any player can be off form. For four years now, I've lived and studied and played with the men on that squad. You want me to say that one of them is a thief and a cheat When? I don't know.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

All right, Jeff, let's stick to Lawton. How long have you known him?

[Jeff Savage]

I met him about two months ago when the season started. It was at a practice session one day. The coach introduced him.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You mean he was a friend of Eastern U's coach?

[Jeff Savage]

You don't know much about basketball, do you, Ms. Bryant?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Not a great deal.

[Jeff Savage]

You ought to read the record books. Frank Lawton was the captain of Eastern U's first team 20 years ago. He was the kind of player you dream about being.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I see. Go on, Jeff.

[Jeff Savage]

Well, after that practice session, he made some crack about how good players were making a lot of money by missing a few baskets.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

And what did you say?

[Jeff Savage]

Well, if anybody else had said that, I'd have hit him, I guess. But coming from Frank Lawton, I thought it was a joke.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Did you tell him that?

[Judd]

Yeah.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

What'd he say?

[Jeff Savage]

Just laughed. And we started to talk about other things. I. I didn't think any more of it until about two weeks after that. We were upstate playing Avalon.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Mm.

[Jeff Savage]

We were picked to win by 10 points. They won the game by one point. Lawton was at the game? It didn't mean anything at the time, but it kept happening. Every time. Our margin was lower than it figured to be. Lawton was there.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Did you ever talk to him about it?

[Dan Gilbert]

Yeah.

[Jeff Savage]

After the game with State, I found out where he lived and went there. He was a long drinker.

[Dan Gilbert]

So you want to know who I'm paying off, huh? Joe College with the old school tie?

[Jeff Savage]

You better tell me, Lawton.

[Dan Gilbert]

Get wise, kid. Stop being a hero. It's easy, Doe. Get some for yourself.

[Jeff Savage]

You drunken.

[Dan Gilbert]

Nope.

[Jeff Savage]

Come on.

[Dan Gilbert]

Come on, get up. My mouth. You cut my mouth. Talk, Lawton. No, don't hit me again. I'm older than you are. I'm not in condition.

[Jeff Savage]

See, you're what's left of Frank Lawton, the great player, the man who never quit. Look at you. You're not a man, not anymore. You're a snake, a chiseler. Nothing will make you fight, will it? Tell me who you're paying.

[Dan Gilbert]

I. I can't tell you anything. Get out of here. Get out and leave me alone.

[Jeff Savage]

Sure, I'll leave you alone. You'll be alone all the rest of your life, even in crowds, because no decent person would touch you with a forked stick. That was the last time I saw him.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You said you were supposed to meet him last night.

[Jeff Savage]

I got a phone message from him yesterday. A message to come to his house after the game and he'd tell me what I wanted to know.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You didn't speak to him yourself?

[Jeff Savage]

No.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Is that all that you have to tell me thereon?

[Jeff Savage]

You know as much as I do, Jeff.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

When you knew that those games were being fixed, why didn't you go to.

[Jeff Savage]

The police without knowing who was to blame? You don't disgrace all the men you play with because of one. I wanted to find out who it was.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Lt. Lebes has a knife, Jeff. It was the one that was used to kill Lawton. Your initials are on that knife.

[Jeff Savage]

I don't ever remember seeing it before.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

All right, Jeff. You certainly haven't given me very much to go on, but I'll see what I can do.

[Ed]

Here's the knife, Ms. Bryan. It hasn't been through the lab yet, so please don't touch it.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Wooden handle. Not liable to find any fingerprints on that.

[Ed]

No, no, but those initials, J.S. under the circumstances, they point to Jeff.

[Judd]

Savage all too clearly.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yeah, all too clearly. Look. Look at those initials, Lieutenant. The knife seems pretty old, but those initials were carved just recently.

[Ed]

Yeah. Yeah, I noticed that.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Do you think a man would own a knife for a couple of years maybe, and then carve his initials in it just before he used it to kill somebody?

[Ed]

Yeah, homicide's a crazy business. Maybe the lab can tell us more. Whatever they turn up, I'll let you know. Come in.

[Dan Gilbert]

Lieutenant Libas?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yeah.

[Ed]

I'm Leavis.

[Dan Gilbert]

My name is Dan Gilbert, sir. I'd like to see Jeff Savage.

[Judd]

Gilbert, you're one of Savage's teammates, aren't you?

[Dan Gilbert]

Well, yes, sir.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

We saw you play last night. I'm Marth. Ellis Bryant.

[Dan Gilbert]

Oh, Are you here to help Jeff?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yeah.

[Dan Gilbert]

I'd like to see him.

[Ed]

Sorry, that won't be possible. Gilbert, no visitors till he's transferred to county jail.

[Dan Gilbert]

Oh. Well, could you at least tell him that I came? Tell him that you know I'm behind him. Whatever I can do.

[Judd]

You sound like you're pretty good friends.

[Dan Gilbert]

Four years together at the dormitory and on the team.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Did Jeff ever talk to you about Eastern's games being fixed by Lawton?

[Judd]

No.

[Dan Gilbert]

I thought Jeff and Lawton were fixed friends. Guess I never should have given him that phone message from Lawton yesterday.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You mean when Lawton called to ask Jeff to come to his house?

[Judd]

His house?

[Dan Gilbert]

No, he's. Is that what Jeff said?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Gilbert, maybe we can give you a lift, huh? We'll talk on the way.

[Ed]

Just a minute.

[Judd]

Now, look, Ed.

[Ed]

Sorry, Judd. You want to talk to Gilbert, talk right here. Well, how about it, boy? Where were they supposed to meet?

[Dan Gilbert]

Well, if Jeff said, do you want.

[Ed]

To be an accessory in this, he's right.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Gilbert, you better tell the truth.

[Dan Gilbert]

It's said for Jeff to meet him at 6th and Hellbring down on Tenement Row.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Come on, Judge.

[Mercedes McCambridge]

In just a moment, we'll continue with tonight's defense attorney story.

[Commercial Voice]

Never again need you wonder about your breath. For now, thanks to the new Clorette's Candy Mints, everyone who breathes can have kissing sweet breath.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

With the American Express Platinum card, you can unlock over $1,500 in value annually with statement credits on select purchases and other benefits. So you can access more jet setting and more resetting and downward dog. Learn [e-mail] US Explore Platinum Terms of.

[Commercial Voice]

Play the new Clorette Candy Mints are rich in chlorophyll, that magical green purifier. Yet Clarette's candy Mints are so refreshing, so minty, so all out tasty, you'll eat them with delight. The big difference between Clorets and regular mint candies is clorettes are rich in chlorophyll. It's amazing how fast Florets Candy Mints make your breath kissing sweet. Even after onions, garlicky salads, heavy smoking or a telltale beverage. Now you can enjoy Clorets Candy Mints as well as delicious Clorets chewing gum. Both contain chlorophyll. Both make your breath kissing sweet. Clorets chewing gum or Clorette's Candy Mints. C L O R E t s clorets only 15 cents everywhere.

[Mercedes McCambridge]

And now we continue with act two of tonight's defense attorney story.

[Ed]

Marty, you've been up all night.

[Judd]

And this is no time to be seeing Mrs. Lutton anyhow.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I gotta see her, Judd.

[Judd]

How do you think she's gonna feel? Her husband murdered the paper showing him up as a fixer for a gambling raid.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I gotta know why. She and that boy Dan Gilbert. Or lies.

[Jeff Savage]

Aren't you forgetting Savage?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Need to depend Savage.

[Judd]

You got a point there, Judge.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You spent part of the night looking into Lawton's background. Did you find anything that'll help me?

[Judd]

He was quite a hotshot. Had mediocre jobs. Got married. Had a kid. A boy about 15 years old. Now goes to Martinvale Military Academy.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, then the woman that we're going to see isn't the mother of Lawton's boy.

[Judd]

No. No. She's supposed to be a young chick.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I see.

[Judd]

The kid, Lawton's son. He's the one I really feel sorry for.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yes, I know.

[Judd]

He idolized his old man. Marty, when you were in with Savage, Levis was going over some personal effects that were removed from Lawton's pocket. One of the things was a letter from his kid and be printed in our morning edition. I didn't like it, Marty.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You didn't like it? Why?

[Judd]

I didn't want to print it, but the city desk insisted it was like putting the heart of a 15 year old kid on public view.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Why, Jeb, what did it say?

[Judd]

Dear Pop. And a lot of stuff about school. And then the kid wrote something about the basketball scandals and investigations. He said if he ever amounted to anything as a player, he'd play the game straight the way his father did. I'm glad I won't have to be there when he learns the truth.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yeah. So that's why Lawton didn't go to the police. Even though he knew he was going to be murdered.

[Judd]

What are you driving at, Marty?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

He was tired, Judd. Just as I said. He was tired of cheating and running. He didn't want to live to face the disgrace that was catching up with.

[Judd]

Him or to face his kid.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I guess somebody knew that he was going to tell Savage the truth. And they knew the only way they could stop him would be to kill.

[Judd]

Him and make Savage the pigeon and.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Destroy the value of his word at the same time. So that even if he knew anything, nobody would believe it.

[Judd]

But, Marty, who did it?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, there are two people who can tell us that. Dan Gilbert and Mrs. Lawton. If they didn't know, they wouldn't be lying Jeff Savage into a death sentence.

[Mrs. Lawton]

So you think I'm lying, Ms. Bryan?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

To be brief and indelicate, yes. Mrs. Lawton, I'm heartbroken. Jeff Savage has described this living room perfectly. And he described you. Now, how could he do that if he'd never been here? If he'd never seen you before?

[Mrs. Lawton]

You ever read the ideal home magazine, Ms. Bryant?

[Judd]

What's that got to do with anything?

[Mrs. Lawton]

Nothing. Except that a recent issue carried complete photographs of this house, inside and out. And I appeared in several of those photographs. That doesn't seem to make you Very happy, Ms. Bryant.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Mrs. Lawton, you didn't know that your husband was fixing basketball games?

[Mrs. Lawton]

Sports bore me.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You mean to say you don't know anything about where his money came from?

[Mrs. Lawton]

As long as I had enough of.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

It, I didn't care.

[Judd]

You don't even seem to care about your husband being dead.

[Mrs. Lawton]

Does that constitute a crime? Now, look, I've been as patient and as pleasant as I intend to be. I don't have to mourn Frank Lawton. I was never in love with him, and he knew it. He got a young wife in exchange for what he could give her. That was the bargain. He's dead, and the bargain is over. And so is this little interview.

[Judd]

Come on, Marty. The air will be fresher outside.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

All right. Oh, Mrs. Lawton, one thing I forgot. Do you know a Dan Gilbert?

[Mrs. Lawton]

No.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, that's good. Because people you don't know can never incriminate you in anything.

[Mrs. Lawton]

What do you mean by that?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

The police aren't quite sure that Jeff Savage is lying. They're sort of checking up on Dan Gilbert, that's all. Come on, Jeff.

[Judd]

Right. Marty, what was the idea of that? You know the police don't suspect Gilbert.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I know it, but she doesn't. I wanted to make her nervous. A nervous opponent is always vulnerable.

[Judd]

If you can force her into the open.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, I'll need your help. And the help of Lieutenant Levis. I want to know all about Mrs. Lawton, Judd. All about her and Dan Gilbert from the very day they were born.

[Ed]

Hi, Ms. Bryant.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Hello, Lieutenant. I almost fell asleep.

[Ed]

I got a few things that may wake you up.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Just like what?

[Ed]

Well, reports on Dan Gilbert. Comes from a poor family live in Arizona. Hasn't even written to him the last four or five years.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

What's this here? This about bank deposits.

[Ed]

He's got counts all over town. Couple of hundred in each bank. But with 14 bank accounts, it adds up to a handy sum.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Uh huh. When did he start making these deposits?

[Ed]

Right after the start of the basketball season.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Has he been working any place in his spare time?

[Ed]

Not lately. But he had been working in a sign shop to pay his way through school up until the time these bank deposits started. Then he quit.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, I hope you see what that means.

[Ed]

It could mean he was in on those fixed games. But that won't prove murder. There's still that knife. But I got a hunch that might pay off on it.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

What sort of hunch?

[Ed]

Sign shops like the one Gilbert worked in sometimes do work in wood. Letters that are carved in. I'm kind of curious to see how Gilbert carved the letters J and S, if he ever did.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

And if he did, you could compare his letters with the ones on that knife.

[Ed]

I get a man checking right now. The knife is common enough sold in any sports store. Anybody could have bought it.

[Judd]

Hey, what are you doing with my girl all alone in here, Ed?

[Ed]

Just letting it convince me that Jeff Savage may not be as guilty as he seems to be.

[Judd]

Maybe I can help that along too.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Why? What'd you get, Jeff?

[Judd]

Check the hall of records. Mrs. Wanda Lawton, ne Wanda Brent is a sister of Harvey Brent, the bookmaker. That's right, Ed.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

And she's the little girl who didn't know anything about sports or gambling.

[Ed]

You found a sign. You're gonna love Ms. Bryant. And the letters in it were carved by Dan Gilbert, was made for Dr. J.S. simmons. And my man says the J and S look like the ones on the knife.

[Judd]

You gonna be able to crack this, Ed?

[Ed]

I don't know. It's all circumstantial unless we can hook it together.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yeah. Yeah. But I think I know a way that that can be done.

[Judd]

How?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, it's up to you, Judd. I'm going to ask you to risk your job.

[Judd]

My job?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yeah. Because I want you to print a story before it happens. And I want you to do it knowing that it might not happen.

[Judd]

Marty, that's a little unethical.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I know it is, Judd. But it may save a man's life because Jeff Savage can still be convicted unless another arrest is made.

[Judd]

All right, Marty, what do you want?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, I'll write it out for you. What time does the next edition hit the streets?

[Judd]

About 6:00 tonight.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Well, is there a Newsstand near here?

[Ed]

Yeah, right at the end.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Oh, wonderful. At 5:30, Lieutenant, I'd like you to phone Dan Gilbert and Mrs. Lawton. Ask them to drop by here. Just a routine identification thing. Now, they're both smart enough to be avoiding each other, so they'll come separately. And by the time they get here, I want the newsboy with the loudest voice in town right downstairs screaming the headline Judd will write. One confessor's accomplice.

[Mrs. Lawton]

Thought I came in and gave myself up voluntarily. Remember that? Because I heard that newspaper boy and I saw the story before I walked in here and I could have gotten away. Remember that?

[Ed]

We'll remember it, Mrs. Love.

[Mrs. Lawton]

Maybe Gilbert thought he was going to save himself with a confession and pin it all on me. I had nothing to do with the killing.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

But you knew about it.

[Mrs. Lawton]

Well, sure, I knew about it. But I wasn't there when it happened.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Can you prove where you were?

[Mrs. Lawton]

You bet I can. Through your client, Jeff Savage. He's my alibi. He was at the house like he said. Now, I'm not lying. Now, if Gilbert's going to the electric chair, I'm not gonna be sitting in his lap. He used that knife all by his lonesome.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You know.

[Ed]

The one who plans the killing is just as guilty as the one who actually commits the murder.

[Mrs. Lawton]

I didn't plan it.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Maybe Gilbert doesn't agree with that.

[Mrs. Lawton]

I don't care what he said. I'm saving me. Harvey Brent, my. My brother, he's behind all this.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

He was.

[Mrs. Lawton]

Well, it was even his idea for me to marry Frank in the beginning so we could use him as a fixer.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

You get that, lieutenant?

[Ed]

Yeah. Yeah, I got it. And so did the dictograph.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Hello?

[Ed]

Put me through the radio division. Hello? Lieutenant Levis. Put out a general pickup for Harvey Brent. I'll have your statement typed. You can Sign it later, Mrs. Lawford.

[Mrs. Lawton]

You bet I'll sign it.

[Ed]

You can go out that door. The police matron's wedding.

[Mrs. Lawton]

There's just one thing I wish I could see. I'd like to see Gilbert's face when he hears my side of the story.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I'd like to see her face when she finds out we haven't heard Gilbert's side of the story yet.

[Ed]

I think we'll Hear it soon, Ms. Brian. You set a mighty neat trap.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

I don't know, Lieutenant. Gilbert should have been here by now.

[Judd]

Ed quick. I just drove up and saw Gilbert at the corner. He took one look at that headline.

[Ed]

Take it easy, John. I got the whole area staked out. He won't get two blocks.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Mrs. Lawton just went out, John. We've got a full confession.

[Judd]

Oh, that's swell, Marty.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Lieutenant, will you arrange a release order for Jeff Savage?

[Ed]

You bet.

[Judd]

Now that your job is done, young lady, home you go.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

My job isn't done, Judd. Not yet. What? I've got one plea to make to what might be a very tough jury.

[Judd]

What jury and where?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

At the Martinvale Military Academy. 15 year old boy, Frank Lawton Junior.

[Ed]

I don't want to hear about it. I don't want to hear anything about my father ever again.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Not even the truth.

[Ed]

I know the truth. He lied to me all my life. He told me to play fair and be honest.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

And all the time, all the time he believed exactly what he told you.

[Ed]

You expect me to believe that?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yes, Frank, I do. Because I can prove it to you. What your father did hurt him more than you'll ever know. And he was going to stop it. He was going to tell Jeff Savage about the whole rock business. Even though he knew he was going to be murdered.

[Ed]

He was going to tell because he knew he was caught. That's why.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

No, that isn't why. Because he wasn't caught, Frank. Your father was sick and tired of it and you helped with that. The last thing he thought of must have been you because your last letter to him was in his pocket. A letter telling him how proud you were of him. And that shamed him more than anything else in the world.

[Ed]

But he took money.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Yes, he did. He took money. But how much do you want a man to pay you, Frank? Your father died an honest man. To be honest all the time, even when there's nothing to fear, that takes a great deal of courage, doesn't it? But to be dishonest and then to tell the truth for a chance to clear the books, that requires even more grace. He did it for you, Frank. That was the only way your father had left to show you that he loved you and that he wanted you to be all the things that he failed to be. The funeral is tomorrow, Frank. And the headmaster tells me that you don't want to go.

[Ed]

I do want to go. I want to go.

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

All right. You better get some clothes together then. I have a friend outside and we'll drive it back with us. I'll wait.

[Judd]

How was he, Marty?

[Martha Ellis Bryant]

Tough case, Judd. But we won. No, I guess the defense.

[Ed]

Yes.

[Mercedes McCambridge]

You have just heard. Defense attorney starring Mercedes McCambridge with Howard Culver as Judd. Defense Attorney was written by Joel Murcott. The program is directed by Dwight Hauser. Next week, another exciting adventure with Mercedes McCambridge, defense attorney. Be sure to stay tuned to ABC, for McCambridge has been chosen to address the first annual convention of Legal Secretaries in Long beach, July the 19th. She was chosen for her fine portrayal as defense attorney and her keen interest in the legal profession.

[Ed]

This program came to you transcribed from Hollywood.

[Jeff Savage]

This is the American Broadcasting Company.