The third episode of The Campbell Playhouse, titled “Counselor-at-Law,” is a radio adaptation of Elmer Rice’s play. This episode originally aired on January 6, 1939, and features Orson Welles in the lead role.
The Campbell Playhouse was a radio drama series that aired on CBS from 1938 to 1941.
Here's a breakdown of what made it interesting:
Star Power: It was directed by and starred the legendary Orson Welles, known for his innovative use of sound effects and captivating voice.
Classic Adaptations: During its first two seasons (1938-1940), the show focused on hour-long adaptations of classic plays, novels, and even some popular movies. Think "The Count of Monte Cristo" or "Rebecca" brought to life through radio.
Shifting Format: After Welles left, the show continued for a season with a shorter format (30 minutes) and a focus on lighter fare, often featuring Hollywood actors.
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
The Campbell Playhouse was a radio drama series that aired on CBS from 1938 to 1941.
Here's a breakdown of what made it interesting:
Star Power: It was directed by and starred the legendary Orson Welles, known for his innovative use of sound effects and captivating voice.
Classic Adaptations: During its first two seasons (1938-1940), the show focused on hour-long adaptations of classic plays, novels, and even some popular movies. Think "The Count of Monte Cristo" or "Rebecca" brought to life through radio.
Shifting Format: After Welles left, the show continued for a season with a shorter format (30 minutes) and a focus on lighter fare, often featuring Hollywood actors.
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
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FunTranscript
00:00♪
00:16The makers of Campbell Soup present the Campbell Playhouse.
00:20Orson Welles, producer.
00:22♪
00:37Good evening, listeners. This is Ernest Chappell speaking.
00:40Tonight, the Campbell Playhouse presents Orson Welles in his own radio version of Counselor at Law.
00:45Heading the cast are Aline McMahan of the Theatre in Hollywood,
00:48and Gertrude Berg, who leaves her role as Molly Goldberg on her own program, The Rise of the Goldberg,
00:54to appear on another broadcast for the first time.
00:56♪
01:02Let me ask what comes to your mind when I mention chicken for dinner.
01:06I think I know.
01:08You visualize a fine plump chicken sizzling brown and falling into tender slices under the touch of the carving knife.
01:15And you recall the eager anticipation as the plates were passed from place to place.
01:19A grand dish, chicken. A special occasion treat that's always welcome.
01:24But remember that between these special occasions, your family can still enjoy the good taste of chicken soup.
01:30Because just as sure as you like chicken, you like Campbell's chicken soup.
01:35You'll see how chicken-rich it is and the very golden glisten of it.
01:38You'll taste deep-down chicken flavor in every tempting spoonful.
01:42What's more, you'll find pieces of tender chicken meat in it and fluffy, snowy rice.
01:47I know you'll agree that Campbell's is the real old-fashioned kind of chicken soup.
01:52Why not keep several cans of Campbell's chicken soup on hand?
01:55♪
02:02Good evening, this is Orson Welles.
02:05The Campbell Playhouse, as I've already mentioned, is a radio show and not a broadcast from the stage.
02:10Our stories are addressed to you in your homes and not to an audience that we can see.
02:15And only on special occasions are inhabitants of the outside world admitted to the mysterious privacy of the studio from which these words are originating.
02:24Tonight is such an occasion.
02:26For tonight our story is about courtrooms and judges, laws and lawyers, and nobody knows less about these things than I do.
02:32And nobody knows more than my good friend, Mr. Samuel S. Liebowitz.
02:36Who has been kind enough to come up here and check my script for inaccuracies and to advise me on points of legal procedure.
02:43Under the circumstances, the least I could do was to ask him to stay for the broadcast.
02:47But Mr. Liebowitz, as everybody knows who can spell out a headline, has been prominent in more celebrated trials than you could shake a docket at.
02:56It's hardly necessary to remind you of the Irwin case, the Vera Stretch case, the Scottsboro trial, the bread knife murderous,
03:02the mother on a slayer, the vendetta woman, or the gigolo murder.
03:06With this enviable and unprecedented career behind him, I am fairly sure that Mr. Liebowitz examined my case very thoroughly before he took it on.
03:14I can hardly hope that he will defend my performance of counselor at law.
03:19I can only hope that our broadcast will not detract from his record.
03:23Ladies and gentlemen, may I present counselor at law, counselor at law, my legal advisor for tonight, Mr. Samuel S. Liebowitz.
03:32Thank you, Orson. I'm very curious to see what you're going to do with one of my favorite plays.
03:38As you know, the original author, Elmer Wright, was a law student, so his legal details are mostly authentic.
03:46As far as I can see, there's nothing in your script that would be ruled out of court.
03:50I hope you're right, Sam, and I hope you like our show.
03:53And now if you'll just sit over there with Mrs. Liebowitz and pretend you're the jury,
03:57Allie McMahon, Gertrude Berg, and the rest of us of the Campbell Playhouse will present our case to you,
04:01and I promise you we'll all be very interested to hear your verdict.
04:05Ladies and gentlemen, and Mr. and Mrs. Liebowitz, the Campbell Playhouse presents Counselor at Law by Elmer Wright, and remains obediently yours.
04:15And gentlemen of the jury, I ask of you to put yourselves into Dora Chapman's place.
04:30She loved to speak with all the tender emotion that a woman can lavish upon a man.
04:35The small finger that pressed that fatal trigger was the desperation of a loving heart.
04:42I know, gentlemen, as you look into the face of this poor widow, oppressed with grief and remorse,
04:48you will not find it in your hearts to condemn one whom heaven has already punished for no other crime than that she loved not wisely, but too well.
05:01Expert! Expert! That's the case! That's who it's with! Expert! Expert! Dora Chapman wins! That's Chapman's winning! That's Chapman's winning! Expert! Expert!
05:23Simon and Tobesco. Hello?
05:26Is Mr. Tobesco there?
05:27Yes, I'll put you through.
05:29Hello? Simon and Tobesco. Who is calling, please?
05:33Mr. McKee.
05:33Mr. McKee?
05:34No, Mr. McKee.
05:35Mr. McKee, K-Light and Kitty?
05:37That's right, a Bartlett, Bartlett McKee.
05:39One moment, please. Mr. McKee, a Bartlett, Bartlett McKee calling Mr. Tobesco. Oh, Henry.
05:44Yeah, what is it?
05:44Say, Henry, will you distribute this tomato?
05:46Aw, gee, I gotta get out these notices at trial. Can't you even sort it?
05:50Say, who's the office boy around here, you or me?
05:52Simon and Tobesco.
05:54Mr. Heimlich, please.
05:55One moment, please.
05:57Hello? Simon and Tobesco.
05:59Hiya, Bessie. Listen a little loud.
06:01Oh, so it's you, is it? I thought you was dead and buried.
06:04Did you wear mourning?
06:05No, I don't look so good in black.
06:07You miss me, babe?
06:08Yeah, sure, I miss you.
06:09Did you, Bessie?
06:10Yeah, like Booth Miss Lincoln.
06:12Gee, I'm glad I'm wearing long sleeves so I can laugh in them.
06:15Aw, you go for me, Bessie, you know you do.
06:17All right, now I'll tell you one. Wait a minute.
06:20Simon and Tobesco.
06:21Is Mr. Simon there?
06:22Yes, who's calling?
06:23Where's Mr. Goldman?
06:24One moment, I'll give you Miss Gordon, his secretary.
06:27Brooks and Indigo are calling Mr. Simon.
06:29Here's Miss Gordon, Mr. Simon's secretary.
06:31All righty, go ahead.
06:33Hello?
06:34I'm still waiting.
06:35Yeah, you had another call.
06:36Well, here's your chance, babe.
06:38You and me stepping out tonight.
06:39I can't tonight.
06:40Say, you must have your hats made in a barrel factory.
06:43You better call me back later. I'm busy now.
06:45Hello? Simon and Tobesco.
06:48One moment, please.
06:51Excuse me, Miss Gordon.
06:52Who did you wish to see, madam?
06:54Is Mr. Heimlich busy, please?
06:56Yes, he is. Would anybody else do?
06:57I'll wait for him.
06:58Well, he may be busy for quite a while.
07:00Oh, that's all right. I've got plenty of time.
07:03All right, take a seat.
07:05Hello? Simon and Tobesco.
07:08Mr. Heimlich is calling Mr. Simon.
07:09Who's calling Mr. Simon?
07:11I'll put you through to Miss Gordon, his secretary.
07:13Excuse me, Missy.
07:14Missy!
07:15Tongue-on-rye and chocolate mountain.
07:16Oh, thanks, Charlie.
07:17Thirty cents and here's your change.
07:18Did you tell him to put a lot of Russian dressing on it?
07:20Yeah, he smeared it on thick.
07:22Simon and Tobesco.
07:24Hello?
07:26Mr. Bellini?
07:27Yes, you can have Mr. Tobesco now.
07:28Mr. Bellini is calling Mr. Tobesco.
07:31Excuse me, ma'am.
07:33Yes?
07:34What is it, please?
07:35Ain't you Mr. Simon's mother?
07:36Sure, I'm Lena Simon.
07:38I thought I recognized you.
07:40I guess you don't remember me.
07:42Well, I think I saw you somewhere before.
07:46Ain't Charlie McFadden?
07:47Used to be the helper to Barney O'Rourke, the plumber on 3rd Avenue?
07:51When you and your old man had the bakery shop and George was selling papers?
07:54Oh, sure.
07:55Sure, of course, sure.
07:58Then we lived on 86th Street.
08:00Yeah.
08:01I'll say you're looking great.
08:02Well, you don't look a day older than the last time I saw you.
08:04Well, I have my health, thank God.
08:08My boy gives me everything.
08:10More than I want.
08:11Why shouldn't I look well?
08:13Well, you sure got reason to be proud of your son, Mrs. Simon.
08:16He's a prince among men, that's what he is.
08:17Yes, that's just what he is, Mr. McFadden.
08:21Well, he gave me a new start in life, that's what he did.
08:24You know, I was nothing but a jailbird.
08:26You're working here for George?
08:29Yeah, nearly four years now.
08:31Thought disturber.
08:32Now and again, I do a little private detective work for Mr. Simon.
08:36You see, I got ways of finding things out.
08:38He's a good, good man, my George.
08:41He always worked hard.
08:43Since he was a little boy, he's working hard.
08:45Always working and studying and trying to better himself.
08:50Is that true?
08:52That's how he made his success?
08:54Well, I'll tell you yesterday, Mrs. Simon.
08:56No, Mr. McFadden, I'll sit and wait for George.
08:59It's all right.
09:00He's so busy and I have all day.
09:02Hello?
09:03Simon, is this so?
09:05Please hold, Susan.
09:06I believe it's Simon's secretary this morning.
09:09One moment, please.
09:11Good morning, everybody.
09:13Oh, good morning, Mrs. Chapman.
09:14Good morning, Betsy.
09:15Well, congratulations, Mrs. Chapman.
09:17Thanks, Charlie.
09:18Well, you sure must be feeling good this morning, Mrs. Chapman.
09:20Yeah, just like a new woman, that's how I feel.
09:23Yeah, I'll bet you do.
09:23After all you've been through.
09:25Of course, after Mr. Simon talked to the jury,
09:27I had a feeling that everything was going to be all right.
09:30Why, do you know I just sat there and cried like a baby?
09:33And when the acquittal came, would you believe it?
09:36I was out like a light.
09:37Gee, I wish I could have heard Mr. Simon speak.
09:39Betsy, will you tell him I'm here?
09:41I sure will.
09:42Oh, Miss Gordon, Mrs. Chapman's in the office
09:44to see Mr. Simon.
09:46All righty, I'll tell her.
09:47Mr. Simon's on long distance.
09:49Miss Gordon says will you please take a seat
09:50and wait a minute, Mr. Chapman.
09:52OK, I hope you don't make it too long.
09:53Simon in today's show.
09:56Oh, good morning, Mrs. Simon.
09:58Oh, good morning, Betsy.
10:00Oh, uh, Mr. Simon, he's on long distance just now, ma'am.
10:03Oh, well, that's Mrs. Gordon.
10:04Well, Miss Gordon is talking on another wire.
10:06Do you want to hold on?
10:07No, I'll call later.
10:08All right, Mrs. Simon, I'll tell him you called.
10:10Goodbye.
10:11That was Mrs. Simon.
10:13Does she come around here a lot?
10:14Oh, well, not so much.
10:15They live up in Westchester.
10:16Yeah.
10:17She's one of the 400, you know.
10:18Her father was the governor of some state.
10:21Kind of ritzy, huh?
10:22Well, you know the way those society games are.
10:24They never wear the same dress twice.
10:26Yes, Miss Gordon?
10:27Mrs. Simon, we'll see Mrs. Chapman now.
10:28Are you asking for anything?
10:29All righty.
10:30You can go right in now, Mrs. Chapman.
10:32You know the way?
10:32Yes, I know the way.
10:37Hello, Zadora.
10:38Hello, George, darling.
10:39Sit down.
10:40Thank you, George.
10:41Pretty busy, Zadora.
10:42What's on your mind?
10:43Anything special?
10:43I've got clients waiting for me.
10:44Oh, well, let them wait.
10:46George, darling, how can I ever thank you enough?
10:48Thank me last night.
10:49It's my business to help people when they get into trouble.
10:51And hereafter, don't keep any firearms around the house.
10:54It might turn out so well next time, you know.
10:55Oh, George, you were so wonderful when
10:57you talked to the jury.
10:59All those beautiful things you said about me.
11:02It made me feel that you were the first man that
11:04ever really understood me.
11:06Well, anyhow, I understand juries.
11:07It's very nice of you to come in, Zadora.
11:09Any time I can be of any further use to you, I'm very glad.
11:11Why are you so cold to me, George?
11:13Don't you know how fond I am of you?
11:16Oh, George, dear, I've learned to grow so fond of you.
11:20I realize you're a married man.
11:21Now, listen, listen, Mrs. Chapman.
11:23I was engaged to defend you on the charge
11:25of murdering your husband.
11:26There's nothing in the retainer that requires
11:28me to fall in love with you.
11:29Well, of all the dry nerves.
11:31This is the way out, Mrs. Chapman.
11:32Come on.
11:33Are you throwing me out of your office?
11:34That's what it looks like.
11:35You go to the devil.
11:36Goodbye, Mrs. Chapman.
11:37You're going to pay for this.
11:39Say, Betsy, if that woman comes in or calls me, I'm out.
11:41Do you understand?
11:42Yes, Mr. Simon.
11:43They'll help me.
11:43That's the last of those female murder cases
11:45I'll ever handle.
11:46Hello, George.
11:48Mama.
11:50Mama, I didn't know you were here.
11:51That's all right, George.
11:52How are you?
11:53You've been here long.
11:54Betsy, why didn't you tell me my mother was here?
11:56Only a few minutes, George.
11:58Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Simon.
11:59I didn't know the lady was your mother.
12:00What do you mean you didn't know?
12:01Don't you ask people who they are when they come in?
12:03George, please.
12:04I got plenty of time.
12:05The next time my mother calls, I want her announced right away,
12:08no matter who's in the office.
12:08Do you understand?
12:09Yes, Mr. Simon.
12:10Come in the office, Mama.
12:12Have you lunch?
12:13Sure, sure.
12:14It's been a long time already.
12:16Sit down, sit down, Mama.
12:17Make yourself comfortable.
12:20Well, Mama, I decided to go to Europe with Cora next week.
12:24That's good, George.
12:25That's good.
12:26You need a good rest.
12:28You work too hard.
12:29I don't need any rest, but, well, hard work's good for me,
12:31Mama, but I promised Cora that we'd
12:33celebrate our fifth anniversary by taking a trip together.
12:36You know, I haven't really had a chance
12:37to be alone with Cora much.
12:39That's what you should do, George.
12:41A man and his wife should be just as close together
12:44as possible.
12:45Especially when a man has a wife like Cora.
12:48She's a wonderful, wonderful woman, Mama.
12:49Yes.
12:50She has a good husband, and you too, George.
12:53Yes, of course.
12:54According to you, nobody would be good enough for me.
12:56It's one of the king of England never asked
12:57me to become his son-in-law.
12:58No, I'm sure his daughters couldn't do any better.
13:02Mama, you're a sweetheart.
13:04All right, laugh, laugh.
13:06My opinion, you don't change.
13:09George, I want to talk to you.
13:14Is anything wrong?
13:15You feeling all right?
13:16Oh, I'm feeling fine.
13:17About me, you mustn't worry, George.
13:20What's the matter, then?
13:21What are you so serious about?
13:23George, you mustn't be angry with me.
13:26I'm not going to be angry.
13:26What is it?
13:28George, your brother David called me up this morning.
13:34Well?
13:35He told me you wouldn't be angry.
13:37I'm not angry, Mama.
13:38Go ahead.
13:39He needs a little money.
13:40Money?
13:41What does he need money for this time?
13:43Check came back from the bank.
13:45You mean he gave somebody a bum check?
13:47He made a little mistake in his balance.
13:48Oh, that devil, he made a little mistake in his balance.
13:50He's a crook, that's what he is.
13:51George, is that a way to talk about your brother?
13:54Yes, brother.
13:55A fine brother he is, but I'm through with him.
13:56He can get himself out of this one.
13:58George, be a good boy.
14:00It's the last time.
14:01He won't do it again.
14:02Yes, how many times have I heard that one before?
14:04I'm through with him, I tell you.
14:05I'm supposed to be an important lawyer around here.
14:07I'm mixed up in more front page cases
14:08than any lawyer in New York.
14:09People from whole families come in
14:10and think I'm doing them a favor
14:12if I accept their retainers.
14:13If I don't happen to like a millionaire's looks,
14:15I throw him out of the office.
14:16Yeah, it's fine for me, isn't it,
14:17to have a brother going around
14:18getting himself pinched in gambling rates
14:20and handing out rubber checks.
14:21It's great, isn't it?
14:22George, please.
14:23For me, do it.
14:25Not for him.
14:25Oh, no.
14:27I don't always ask you for something, George.
14:31All right, then, Mama.
14:32Put it that way.
14:34Rexy, will you come in?
14:36Thanks, Georgie.
14:38You're a good boy.
14:40Yes, Mrs. Simon.
14:40Oh!
14:41Oh, hello, Mrs. Simon.
14:43How are you?
14:44Can't complain.
14:45Thank you, Ms. Gordon.
14:45Rexy, make out a check.
14:47My brother for...
14:48How much is it, Mama?
14:49Uh...
14:50$450.
14:52$450.
14:53Cash for the mail tonight.
14:54Yes, Mrs. Simon.
14:55Oh, uh, keep him alone
14:56from the county clerk's offices outside.
14:58He says it's important.
14:59A few minutes can't be that important.
15:00He can wait.
15:01Yes, sir.
15:03A nice girl, George.
15:05What's up, Ms. Gordon?
15:06Yeah, she's a wonderful secretary.
15:07Couldn't get along without her.
15:09How is it such a nice girl like Ms. Gordon
15:12don't...don't find herself a husband?
15:14I don't know.
15:15Tell me she's interested in men.
15:17Well, Georgie, I see you're busy.
15:21I think I'll go home now.
15:22All right, Mama.
15:23Take a taxi up there.
15:24Bus is all right, too.
15:25The bus is good enough.
15:27And, uh...
15:28thank you, Georgie, for...
15:30for David.
15:31And from now on, I'm sure he'll be a good boy,
15:34like you.
15:36Every night, George, I...
15:37I say a prayer for you...
15:39and for him.
15:41Goodbye, Mama.
15:42Goodbye, George.
15:43Take care of yourself.
15:44Goodbye.
15:46Rexy!
15:48Yes, Mr. Simon?
15:49Rexy, how much did I tell you to send a bill
15:50to Mrs. Richter for?
15:52Oh, uh, 5,000.
15:54I'd better make it 6,000
15:55and send it to her as soon as the separation agreement is signed.
15:57I want her to get it while she's still grateful.
15:59Yes, sir.
15:59Oh, uh, Mr. Simon.
16:00Yeah, what is it?
16:01Motion to dismiss Palin against White National
16:03comes up this morning.
16:04Get an adjournment.
16:05And here's a money order for $50
16:06from Mrs. Moran in that accident case.
16:08Send it back.
16:08She can't afford to send me $50.
16:11Hello.
16:12Mr. Simon's office.
16:13Miss Gordon speaking.
16:13What is it now?
16:14It's Mrs. Simon.
16:16Hello, darling.
16:17How are you?
16:18How are you, dear?
16:19Fine.
16:20I had a hard time getting you.
16:21Yeah, I was talking to Washington.
16:23You didn't get home last night.
16:24No, no.
16:25The jury didn't come in till after midnight,
16:27and by the time I got it out, it was nearly 2.
16:29George?
16:30Yeah?
16:31Did you check on the reservation?
16:32Oh, yes, darling, on the...
16:33on the Paris.
16:34Say, why don't you have lunch with me?
16:35Todd, I have a date.
16:37Oh, I see.
16:38I'm sorry.
16:39Oh, that's all right, darling.
16:40I'll...
16:41I'll see you this afternoon around 3.
16:42All right.
16:43Goodbye, sweetheart.
16:45All right, anything else?
16:45Well, Pete Malone's still waiting to see you.
16:47Oh, and there's a wire from Washington.
16:49I don't understand it.
16:50All it says is yes, and it's signed XYZ.
16:53Let me see it.
16:55Well.
16:56Get Joe Fishman of Fishman & Company right away.
16:58Tell him to buy 5,000 shares of Gulf Coast Utilities
17:00at the market.
17:00But, Mr. Simon, you said only last week.
17:01I know it's a lousy start, but that wire's a hot tip.
17:04The court's going to dismiss the complaint
17:05against the company, and the stock's due for a little whirl.
17:07Go on, hurry.
17:07What are you waiting for?
17:08Do what I tell you, and send in Pete Malone.
17:10Yes, Mr. Simon.
17:12Ceci.
17:13Yes, Miss Gordon.
17:14Mr. Simon will see Mr. Malone.
17:16Yes, Miss Gordon.
17:17Oh, and Mr. Simon, before you go out,
17:19Mr. D'Esco would like to have a word with you.
17:20All right, all right.
17:23Come in.
17:25Hello, George.
17:26Well, what's on your mind, Malone?
17:28Plenty, George.
17:29I'm afraid it's not good news.
17:30Sit down, Phillip.
17:31You know my brother Ed, the warden up at Elmhurst?
17:33Sure, I know him.
17:34How's it getting along up there?
17:35Oh, he's getting along all right.
17:37They tipped me off to something I think you ought to know.
17:39All right.
17:40You ever remember handling a case for some fellow named,
17:43oh, wait a minute till I think of his name.
17:44It's some Dutch or Hebrew name, something or other, Stein.
17:48Wait, I think I wrote it down somewhere.
17:50Yes, here it is.
17:52Breitstein, Johan Breitstein.
17:54Remember him?
17:55Yeah, I remember.
17:55Johan Breitstein, the German boy.
17:57I defended him on a larceny charge
17:58about eight or nine years ago and got him acquittal.
18:00What about it?
18:01Was there something about an alibi?
18:03Yeah, he had an airtight alibi.
18:04That's why the jury acquitted him.
18:05Yeah, well, it seems there was another guy
18:07who was mixed up in the case.
18:08Is that right?
18:09Yes, he established the alibi for Breitstein.
18:11That's it.
18:12Well, this bird's doing a stretch up at Elmhurst,
18:13and it seems he had a session with a friend of yours
18:15who's a member of the parole board.
18:17What are you talking about?
18:18A man by the name of Francis Clark Baird.
18:20Ever hear him?
18:21Yes.
18:22Well, what about him?
18:23Well, this bird's been giving Francis Clark Baird some song
18:26and dance about that alibi being framed up.
18:28What do you mean framed up?
18:29I'm just telling you what Ed told me over the phone
18:31last night.
18:32This guy Baird on the grievance committee
18:34of the Bar Association too?
18:35Yes, I think so.
18:36Well, that's what Ed said.
18:38He says he's got a hunch that Francis Clark Baird
18:40would like to get something on you, George.
18:42I guess that's right too, ain't it?
18:43Sure he would.
18:44I licked him to a fare you well in half a dozen cases.
18:47Well, that's what I said to Ed.
18:48There's nothing to it, Ed.
18:49I says George is too smart a boy, I says,
18:50to let himself get mixed up with anything like that.
18:52Only, I thought I'd better tip you off.
18:54Thanks, Peter.
18:55It's well of you to let me know.
18:57Hey, what do you think of those silk stockings
18:58trying to pull a thing like that on me?
19:00Ah, well, you know how it is, George.
19:01These guys that came over on the Mayflower
19:03don't like to see the boys in 2nd Avenue
19:04sitting in the high places.
19:06We're just a lot of riffraff to them.
19:07Yeah.
19:08Rexy, come in, please.
19:09Yes, Mr. Stone.
19:10Well, I got to be getting back to the office.
19:13So long, George.
19:14Come around the club some night.
19:15Yes, I will, Pete.
19:16Thanks for the steer.
19:17Keep the change.
19:18So long.
19:19So long, Pete.
19:21Yes, Mr. Simon?
19:22Listen, Rexy, I got a job for you.
19:23It's important.
19:24Yes, sir.
19:24About eight or nine years ago, I defended a fellow
19:26named Johann Breitstein in General Sessions.
19:28I want you to get a hold of Breitstein right away.
19:30Let everything else go until you locate him, understand?
19:32Yes, I certainly will.
19:33And get me all the papers out of the files
19:35and have them here for me this afternoon.
19:36People against Johann Breitstein.
19:38Then send up to General Sessions and order a transcript
19:40of the stenographer's minutes of the trial
19:41and locate Breitstein.
19:42And ask Mr. Tedesco to step in here right away
19:44and I don't want to be disturbed.
19:45Yes, Mr. Simon.
19:46OK.
19:48Yes, Mr. Simon?
19:49Is Charlie McFadden out there?
19:51He's gone to the bank.
19:52All right, get a hold of him as soon as he gets in.
19:54I want to see him.
19:56Hello, John.
19:57What is it, George?
19:58You want to see me?
20:00John, you're my partner.
20:01Got a right to know this before anyone else.
20:04You ever hear of Francis Clark Baird?
20:07Baird?
20:07Yes, I've heard of him.
20:09He's got something on me and he's going to break me.
20:12What do you mean, he's got something on you?
20:14Well, you think I'm crazy when you hear this.
20:15Maybe you're right.
20:17I want help to pull out of a jam by putting over a fake alibi.
20:20Subordination of pardons?
20:21Yeah, that's right.
20:22They can't get me on a criminal charge.
20:23The statute of limitations is run,
20:25but they can disbar me and they will.
20:28Disbar you?
20:29That's what I said.
20:30George, how did you ever get yourself mixed up in anything like that?
20:33Oh, don't ask me.
20:34I was just a fool, that's all.
20:35I'll tell you how it happened.
20:38Nine years ago, a kid by the name of Brightstein
20:39had stolen $12 out of a locker in a bathhouse.
20:42Well, I advised him to plead guilty and get off for a few months.
20:44Then I discovered that he was a fourth offender
20:46and that a conviction meant a life sentence.
20:48Well, I didn't know what to do about it,
20:49so finally Brightstein said he could get a fellow to swear
20:51that he was in his house in Jamaica the day the robbery was committed.
20:53I couldn't refuse, John.
20:55I'd known the kid and his family.
20:56I knew he'd go straight if I got him off, and he has, too.
20:59I just couldn't see that kid get a life sentence, so...
21:04Like a sucker, I went into it,
21:05and now the chickens are coming home to roost.
21:07But has this fellow Brightstein been squished?
21:10No, the guy that fixed the alibi's been talking,
21:12making a play for parole,
21:13and of course Francis Clark Baird has to be on the parole board.
21:17Funny, in a way.
21:19For years, that Yankee's been trying to get something on me.
21:22Every time he's drawn a blank,
21:23and now this one thing that was dead and buried and forgotten
21:26falls right into his lap.
21:28It's as good as if I'd misappropriated a million dollars.
21:31Well, can't you bluff it, too, George?
21:33Well, maybe yes, maybe no.
21:34Trouble is that the case won't bear any investigating.
21:36Oh, good Lord.
21:37What am I gonna do, John?
21:39They're gonna disbar me, sure as fate.
21:42It's rich, and...
21:44I guess there's not much use going to Francis Clark Baird with the whole story.
21:48That's a laugh, John.
21:49Might as well throw a biscuit into a cage of a man-eating tiger.
21:53Well, I know some ways that you could get him
21:55that would put an end to his funny business forever.
21:57John, listen, we're a long way from Sicily, boy.
21:59Put it out of your mind.
22:01You'll make me sorry that I told you in a minute.
22:03Well, what good is a rat like that?
22:05He's out after our scalps, isn't he?
22:07And why?
22:07Because we came from the streets, and our parents talk with an accent.
22:10Oh, what's the good of talking about all that?
22:12He's technically right, and he's doing his duty.
22:13Well, you're not licked yet, George.
22:15We'll pull all the wires we can.
22:17Thanks, John.
22:18I can count on you to the last drop of blood.
22:21One bright spot in the picture.
22:23Got you and one or two other friends that'll stick to the finish.
22:26And a wife that's 100%.
22:29Makes it worth fighting.
22:30That's the boy.
22:32You know, maybe I'm building this thing bigger than it really is.
22:35See how it works out.
22:37I just wanted you to know about it, John, that's all.
22:41Yes?
22:42What is it?
22:43Charlie McFadden's come in, Mr. Simon.
22:44Send him in right away.
22:45Well, I guess I'll be going, George.
22:47I'll see you later.
22:49Come in, Charlie.
22:50All right, John, I'll give you a call when I come back for lunch.
22:52Thanks.
22:52All right, George.
22:53Keep your chin up.
22:54Okay, John.
22:55Thanks.
22:56You want to see me, Chief?
22:58Yeah, Charlie.
23:00Sit down.
23:02Listen, Charlie.
23:03Something I'd like you to do for me.
23:04It's pretty important.
23:05Okay, Chief.
23:06There's a lawyer by the name of Francis Clark Baird.
23:08Sure, I know him.
23:09He's right across the street in the French Building.
23:11Yeah?
23:12What I'd like you to do, Charlie, is to see what you can find out about him.
23:16About him shattered, is that it?
23:17Yeah.
23:18Well, Rexy, come in, please.
23:19Yes, Mr. Simon.
23:21Yeah, Charlie.
23:22I want you to know how he spends his time and who his friends are and where he goes nights.
23:26I get you.
23:27I don't suppose it'll do much good, but you might try.
23:29Leave it to me, Chief.
23:30I've got lots of ways of finding things out.
23:32Yes, Mr. Simon.
23:32Listen, Rexy.
23:34All right, Charlie.
23:34Thanks a lot.
23:35So long, Boston.
23:36Rexy, did you locate Brightstein?
23:38Well, I found out where he works.
23:39He's out on a job, and we're trying to get him.
23:41Well, have him come to the office the minute you find him.
23:42All right.
23:43I've got to go to court now on that Wheelock case.
23:45I'll be back in an hour.
23:47And you'd better get something to eat.
23:48I'm not hungry.
23:49Oh, Mr. Simon.
23:50Yes, Rexy.
23:51What is it?
23:52Mr. Simon, is there anything wrong?
23:55Oh, there is, isn't there?
23:57Of course not.
23:57Why is there anything wrong?
23:59Because if there were anything that I could do, Mr. Simon...
24:02Oh, you can mind your own business.
24:04That's what you can do.
24:05♪♪
24:16Here, Betsy.
24:16Drink this.
24:17What is it?
24:18Well, it's just some bromides to quiet your nerves.
24:19Now, go on, drink it.
24:20Does it taste bad, Miss Gordon?
24:21Oh, no, no.
24:22It's nothing at all.
24:23Go on, take it.
24:23It'll make you feel better.
24:24I hate taking stuff.
24:25And what will Mr. Simon say if he comes in and finds me
24:27laying on his couch?
24:28Now, I'll take care of that.
24:29And if you don't feel better, I'm going
24:30to send you home in a taxi.
24:31Oh, no, I don't want to go home.
24:32Honest, I don't, Miss Gordon.
24:34I really don't.
24:35I'll only stop thinking if I go home.
24:36Oh, are you sure?
24:37Yeah, I'll be back in a...
24:38I think I'll be all right in a minute.
24:39I think I'll go back to the switchboard.
24:49She's all right again.
24:50You better jump in the cab there.
24:51I think you'll go home.
24:51Oh, no, I'm all right again, Mr. Simon.
24:53Honest, I am.
24:53I'm going back to the board right now.
24:55Now, listen to me.
24:55If you're not feeling all right, I want you to go home.
24:57Oh, I'm all right, Mr. Simon.
24:58Thanks ever so much, Miss Gordon.
25:00Now, what's the matter with her?
25:01I saw somebody jump out of the window of an office building,
25:03and it gave her a bad shock.
25:05Gee, that's awful.
25:06Where was it?
25:07Well, I don't exactly know where.
25:08It was somewhere on 5th Avenue.
25:10Imagine a fellow doing a thing like that.
25:11Oh, I suppose if you're tired of living,
25:13it's as good a way as any to end it.
25:15What, jumping out of a window like that?
25:16Well, why not?
25:17A few seconds, and it's all over.
25:20I guess people don't do it unless they
25:21have a pretty good reason.
25:23What the devil are you so morbid about?
25:25I'm not morbid.
25:26Only we don't ask to be brought into this world,
25:28and if we feel like leaving it, I
25:30don't see that it's anybody's business but our own.
25:32What's the matter?
25:34Don't you feel well or something?
25:35Oh, yes, of course.
25:36Just talking a lot of nonsense, that's all.
25:38Good.
25:39Bride's done yet?
25:40Yes, sir.
25:40He's waiting outside.
25:41See him right away.
25:42Wait a minute.
25:42See if you can get me Francis Clark's band.
25:44Now, I'll try him again.
25:45Betsy, try Mr. Baird again at his office.
25:48Anything important in the mail?
25:49Well, a check came in from the Murray Packing Company.
25:50How much?
25:51$10,000 plus $200 and some odd dollars for disbursement.
25:54I forget the actual amount.
25:56Oh, hello?
25:56Sorry, Mr. Baird isn't in.
25:57Oh, I see.
25:59Now, Mr. Baird isn't in.
26:00Oh, when's he expected?
26:01Wait a minute.
26:01Is that his secretary?
26:02Yes, sir.
26:03I'll talk to her myself.
26:04Hello?
26:04Is this Mr. Baird's secretary?
26:06Yes, sir.
26:07This is Mr. Simon speaking.
26:08Miss George Simon.
26:09Do you know when Mr. Baird will be in?
26:11I'm sorry.
26:11He didn't say.
26:12Oh, I see.
26:13Well, do you know where he can be reached?
26:15No, no.
26:16Well, he's in town, isn't he?
26:17I couldn't say.
26:18Do you think you're likely to hear from him during the day?
26:20I don't know, sir.
26:21Yes, it's all pretty indefinite, isn't it?
26:23Well, OK, if you do hear from him,
26:25will you tell him that I called and ask him if he'll
26:26be good enough to call me?
26:27Yes, Mr. Simon.
26:28Thank you very much.
26:29Goodbye.
26:30I think that Baird could afford to employ
26:32a more convincing liar than that.
26:33All right.
26:34I'll see Brightstein now.
26:35OK.
26:36Yes, Miss Gordon?
26:37Mr. Simon, we'll see Mr. Brightstein now.
26:39Yes, Miss Gordon.
26:40All right, and I don't want to be disturbed.
26:41Plan any engagements?
26:43You have a date at 3.30 with Mr. LaPorte.
26:45Yes, I must keep that.
26:46I put off all the others.
26:47Oh, Mr. Brightstein, won't you come right in?
26:49Come right in, Brightstein.
26:50Sit down.
26:50Rexy, see that I'm not disturbed, will you?
26:53Yes, sir.
26:54Well, Brightstein, glad to see you again.
26:56Very glad to see you, Mr. Simon.
26:57How have you been?
26:58Oh, I've been fine, Mr. Simon.
27:00I got a good job now.
27:01You have?
27:02What are you doing?
27:02I'm assistant cameraman for General Newsreel.
27:04Is that so?
27:05That's great.
27:06Listen, Brightstein, has anybody been talking to you
27:08lately about that case of yours?
27:10No, Mr. Simon, they haven't.
27:11Nobody's approached you or asked you any questions?
27:13No, sir.
27:14Why?
27:14Well, it seems the fellow that fixed that alibi of yours
27:17has been doing some talking.
27:17Holy Moses, Mr. Simon, does that mean that they're
27:20going to come after me again?
27:21Yes, they're likely to.
27:22Holy smoke, Mr. Simon, what am I going to do?
27:23Well, don't get excited anyway, Brightstein.
27:27I think maybe everything will be all right.
27:28You do just what I tell you to do.
27:30Well, sure I will, Mr. Simon.
27:32To be with, I've got a wife and family,
27:33and I don't know what I'll do if anything.
27:35What you've got to do is to stick by that alibi story.
27:37Do you understand?
27:38Yes, sure, Mr. Simon, whatever you say.
27:40Besides, Mr. Simon, everything I got, I owe to you.
27:43Jimmy, if it wasn't for you, I'd be in for life.
27:45I'd go through fire and water for you.
27:46All right, Brightstein, all right, thanks.
27:47Just keep all this under your hat,
27:48and if anybody questions you, just
27:49stick to your story and act dumb.
27:51You betcha.
27:52You think everything's going to be all right, Mr. Simon?
27:54I hope it is.
27:56Why don't you?
27:57Oh, yeah, sure, oh, yeah, just thinking.
27:59What?
27:59Well, I was thinking in case they should
28:01look up the hospital records.
28:02What hospital records?
28:03Well, the hospital records of this fellow
28:04that fixed the alibi.
28:05What are you talking about?
28:06Well, you know, the day it happened,
28:07the day he said I was in his house.
28:09Well, he was in the hospital.
28:10You mean to say that the day you robbed the bathhouse,
28:11this man was in the hospital?
28:12Yeah, he used to have fits, and they took him to the hospital.
28:14Aw, me.
28:16OK, are you sure of this, Brightstein?
28:17Oh, yeah, sure.
28:18That's why I had to pay him $200 to testify.
28:21He was afraid they'd find out about him
28:22being in the hospital that day.
28:24I thought you knew all about it, Mr. Simon.
28:26First I ever heard of it.
28:27Gee, I hope everything's going to be all right.
28:29Yeah, so do I.
28:30What is it, Rexy?
28:32Goodbye.
28:33Goodbye, Mr. Simon.
28:34Goodbye, Brightstein.
28:36Yes, Rexy, what is it?
28:37You rang.
28:38Yeah, did I?
28:39I rang?
28:41Well, I forgot what I wanted.
28:43Yes?
28:44Yes, Rexy?
28:45Mr. Simon is here.
28:46Oh, ask her to come right in.
28:47I don't want to be disturbed, Rexy, no matter what it is.
28:49Yes, sir.
28:50And keep trying to get bed.
28:52Try him at his club.
28:53Yes, Mr. Simon.
28:55Hello, darling.
28:56Hello, George.
28:59You're looking wonderful.
29:01Oh, what is it, George?
29:02You were so mysterious on the phone.
29:05Well, darling, I'm sorry to have to tell you this.
29:10The European trip is off.
29:14I know it's a big disappointment to you,
29:15and I never in my life looked forward to so much.
29:20Something has come up.
29:21I can't get away.
29:22But you were so certain only yesterday
29:24that nothing could keep you from going.
29:25What is it?
29:26Another $100,000 fee?
29:28Oh, I wouldn't have called off our honeymoon, darling,
29:30for a retainer from the United States Steel Corporation.
29:32But it's not business, it's entertaining.
29:34Well, it is and it isn't, dear.
29:37I don't know just how to tell you.
29:38Well, tell me, George, what it is.
29:41It doesn't help matters to pile up the suspense.
29:43No, I guess you're right.
29:45Well, darling, I'm in trouble.
29:47The worst trouble I've been in my whole life.
29:49Well, tell me.
29:50Well, I'm threatened with disbarment.
29:52Oh.
29:53Oh, how perfect it got.
29:55Yeah, I knew it would shock you.
29:57It's been a shock to me, I can tell you.
29:58I don't understand it.
30:00Disbarment?
30:01I thought that, doesn't disbarment imply...
30:04Yes, it does more than imply.
30:06It establishes that a man is guilty of conduct
30:08which makes him unworthy to practice his profession.
30:10That's what I'm faced with this very minute.
30:13Then, I mean, I'm quite bewildered.
30:1718 years, 18 years.
30:19I've been a full-fledged lawyer 18 years.
30:22Nobody's ever had anything on me.
30:23And then this one thing, this one little thing
30:25that was dead and buried comes up.
30:28Bing.
30:30How'd I go like a candle?
30:31What was it that you did, George?
30:34You know what it means to frame up on an alibi?
30:35Yes, I think I do.
30:37Getting someone to testify falsely.
30:40I don't know much about these things, George.
30:41Wasn't that a dishonest thing to do?
30:43Well, it was conniving at a lie
30:45to save a poor kid from going to prison for life,
30:47to prevent a conviction that nobody wanted,
30:49not the judge, nor the district attorney,
30:52nor the jury, but that the law made inevitable.
30:54But why do you have anything to do with such people,
30:56thieves, criminals?
30:57Well, I'm a lawyer, darling.
30:59Somebody's got to defend people who are accused of crime.
31:01Was this boy guilty?
31:02Guilty of stealing a few dollars, yes.
31:03And now someone's found out about the alibi
31:05and they're going to disbar you, is that it?
31:06Yes, someone's found out.
31:08A man who's had it in for me for years.
31:10A gentleman by the name of Francis Clark Baird.
31:12Francis Clark Baird.
31:13Why, he's a very eminent lawyer, isn't he?
31:16I think I've heard father speak of him.
31:17Isn't he one of the Connecticut Bairds?
31:19Yes, he may be for all I know,
31:20but that doesn't mean much to me.
31:22All that I know is that he's got the dope on me
31:24and he's gonna make me pay through the nose.
31:25Why do you always put things on a personal basis, George?
31:28Isn't it the duty of a man like Mr. Baird to...
31:29No man has to break another man unless he wants to.
31:33Darling, you're not siding with Baird, are you?
31:37I really don't know what to say, George.
31:39It's most distressing.
31:41I know how you've had to struggle
31:43and it's all very admirable,
31:44but it's made it possible for you to accept things
31:46that are rather difficult for me to accept.
31:49Well, what things, darling?
31:50Oh, I don't know.
31:52There's something distasteful
31:53about the whole atmosphere of the thing.
31:55This association with thieves and perjurers.
31:58And now this scandal.
31:59It will be a scandal, I'm sure.
32:01Newspaper publicity and all that.
32:03I'll try to spare you all I can, darling.
32:04What are my friends going to say?
32:05How am I going to face them?
32:07Do they mean more to you than I do?
32:08That isn't the point.
32:10The best thing for me to do is to go to Europe,
32:12until it is as I'd planned.
32:13If this thing blows over, and let's hope it will,
32:17you can join me abroad later.
32:19If it doesn't, well,
32:22there's time enough to think about that.
32:24You mean you're going to walk out on me?
32:28Well, that's a very crude way of putting it, George.
32:31And very unfair to me, too.
32:33It isn't as though I could do anything for you.
32:35I could, I'd be glad to stay,
32:36but you've said yourself there isn't anything now,
32:38haven't you?
32:39Yes, I guess I did.
32:42Just that at a time like this,
32:43I thought I'd like to have you around, that's all.
32:47Isn't that just a little selfish, George?
32:50Yes, I guess you're right.
32:53Yes, it is selfish.
32:56I hadn't looked at it in that way, I just thought...
33:00I just thought, Corbett, maybe you'd want to stay.
33:02Oh, please don't misunderstand me, George.
33:04Please don't think I'm unsympathetic.
33:06Would you like me to ask Father to intercede with Mr. Bailey?
33:08No, I don't think you'd better do that.
33:10Well, whatever you say.
33:11I do hope everything will turn out for the best.
33:14Oh, well, I've really got to run now.
33:16I'm late as it is, I'm meeting Roy Darwin for cocktails at 21.
33:19Who?
33:20Roy Darwin.
33:21Oh, uh, George,
33:22will you be coming out to the country tonight?
33:26Well, I don't know whether I'll be able to make it or not.
33:27I'll phone you if I can.
33:28Yes, do.
33:30Oh, well, George, I do hope everything's going to be all right.
33:34Goodbye, sweetheart.
33:36Here, you can go out this way.
33:38Don't bother.
33:39I know the way.
33:46Rexie, any luck with that bed call?
33:49No, I called his club, they said he wasn't great.
33:51I'm sure they did.
33:52Well, he knows who it is and he's ducking.
33:54Mr. Simon, it's time for you to leave for your luncheon appointment with Mr. LaPorte.
33:57What?
33:57Oh, oh, yes, is it time to leave?
33:59Yes, sir.
34:00All right.
34:01You know, Rexie, maybe that guy wasn't so crazy after all.
34:04What do you mean, Mr. Simon?
34:05The one that jumped out of that window.
34:08Maybe he's better off that way.
34:10Troubles are over.
34:11What?
34:12I know I did.
34:13Maybe I was wrong.
34:16What's the matter?
34:17Nothing.
34:19What are you crying about?
34:20I'm not crying.
34:21It's nothing, nothing at all.
34:23What's the matter with you lately?
34:25Nothing the matter with me.
34:26Don't you feel well?
34:27Yes, yes, of course.
34:29Maybe you've been working too hard.
34:31Maybe you ought to have a little vacation, huh?
34:32No, no, I don't want any vacation.
34:35Well, maybe I'll be going away myself soon, then you get a good rest.
34:38I don't want a rest.
34:40I'll get a cab for you now.
34:41Never mind, I'll find one.
34:43If anyone calls me, I'll be back in an hour.
34:44And get me a reservation on the four o'clock plane to Washington.
34:49Yes, Mr. Simon.
35:10In just a moment, we will continue our Campbell Playhouse presentation of Counselor at Law.
35:15This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.
35:42This is Ernest Chappell speaking.
35:43We welcome you back to the Campbell Playhouse presentation of Counselor at Law,
35:47starring Orson Welles, Aline McMahon, and Gertrude Berg.
35:50This is, frankly, an interruption, but a very brief one.
35:54In our first performances of the new year, we wish to thank you for your ever-increasing use of Campbell Soups,
35:59which make these programs possible.
36:01Last year, 1938, you bought more Campbell Soups than in any previous year in our history.
36:07Naturally, we appreciate it.
36:09In these Campbell Playhouse programs, we are making our talks about soup quite short,
36:13so that they'll not interfere with your enjoyment.
36:16From time to time, we shall suggest that you try a certain soup that may be new to you,
36:20or one that you're not using often.
36:23All we ask you to do is to try these various Campbell Soups and see for yourself how good they are.
36:29We now bring you the second half of Counselor at Law, starring Orson Welles, Aline McMahon, and Gertrude Berg.
36:39Simon and Tedesco.
36:41Mr. Tedesco, who is calling, please?
36:43I'll give you Mr. Tedesco.
36:47One moment, please.
36:49Mr. Simon's out of town.
36:50It's almost five now. You better call back in the morning.
36:53All righty.
36:55Simon and Tedesco.
36:58Well, I'll give you Miss Gordon, the secretary.
37:00One moment, please.
37:02Simon and Tedesco.
37:05Hello.
37:06Yes, this is Mr. Simon's office. Miss Gordon speaking.
37:09No, I'm awfully sorry. Mr. Simon's out of town. He left last night.
37:12I see. Well, tell his friend from the conference to call.
37:14Oh, yes, I'll tell him.
37:17Hello. This is Mr. Simon's office.
37:20Oh, no, Mrs. Simon. No, he's not returned from Washington yet. Are you at the pier now?
37:24No, I'm leaving in a few minutes.
37:25Well, of course, he might have gone from the airport to the pier. How soon will you be at the pier?
37:28In about half an hour.
37:29Goodbye, Miss. Say goodbye. Hope you will.
37:32All right, I will.
37:34I hope you have a pleasant trip, Mrs. Simon.
37:37I hope you fall overboard, Mrs. Simon.
37:39Yes, isn't that it?
37:41No, Mr. Tedesco.
37:42It's almost five.
37:43I think he may have gone right to the French Line pier. Mrs. Simon's boat sails at six to Paris.
37:47Oh, I forgot to send her a telegram.
37:49You want me to take care of it for you?
37:50Yes, if you don't mind.
37:51All right, I'll send it right away.
37:55Hello, Joan.
37:56Oh, good afternoon, Mr. Simon.
37:58Hello, Rexy.
37:59Well, Mr. Simon, your wife just called up.
38:00Yeah?
38:02I'll call up the pier. No, never mind. We're down in a few minutes.
38:04Have a taxi ready for me in about 15 minutes.
38:06Yes, sir.
38:07Oh, did you arrange about the books and flowers?
38:09Yes, sir.
38:09Ah, you know, fresh flowers every day.
38:11Yes.
38:12Do they undertake that?
38:13Yes, is that all?
38:14Yeah, that's all.
38:16Well, John, leave him alone and I'll just get back to Washington.
38:19Well?
38:20Might just as well have saved himself the trip.
38:22What did he say?
38:23Oh, he handed out the usual line of bull about what a great guy I am, how he loves me like a brother,
38:29about what a tough break it is if this thing has to come up.
38:32Yes, well, is he going to do something about it?
38:33Not a thing. He tried to get him to make a personal appeal to Baird, but it wasn't a bit of use.
38:37Oh, the yellow rat.
38:39Why didn't you tell him that if it hadn't been for you, we never would have got the nomination?
38:41Oh, it's a use. He doesn't know it already. It's because he doesn't want to know it.
38:45I don't blame you for being good and sore, that dirty little snitch.
38:48I know, but what do you expect? This is a cutthroat game we're in. It's every man for himself.
38:54Well, John, I'm about at the end of my rope.
38:58Tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock, the grievance committee meets,
39:01and once it gets before them, I can kiss my little career goodbye.
39:05No, you're crazy. We're going to fight, and we're going to get you out of it.
39:09No use talking that way, John. You're no better.
39:13I haven't got a chance. I'm through. I'm finished.
39:16Now, listen. Take my advice and get some sleep tonight.
39:19I guess you haven't been sleeping much, have you?
39:22No, not much.
39:23Well, that's what you need, a good sleep.
39:26Why don't you lie down and take a nap now?
39:28No, I've got to go down to the boat and say goodbye to my wife.
39:31Is there anything I can do?
39:36No, not a thing, John.
39:39Good night.
39:41Oh, Mr. Simon.
39:43Yep.
39:43I forgot to tell you, Charlie McFadden wants to see you about something.
39:47Wait till tomorrow. Are you getting me a cab?
39:48Yes, sir, right away.
39:50Yep.
39:52Excuse me, chief. Can I see you for a minute?
39:53Not now, Charlie. I've got to go down to the boat to see Mr. Simon off.
39:56Well, I've got some news for you, chief.
39:58Oh, sorry.
40:00You've got some...
40:01What kind of news?
40:03It's about our friend across the way.
40:04Oh, Baird?
40:05That's him.
40:06Let's have it.
40:07Come on, Charlie.
40:09Found out something about him?
40:10Well, I'll say I have.
40:11Well, what is it?
40:12Well, Francis Clark Baird is leading a double life.
40:15What do you mean he's leading a double life?
40:16Well, wait till I tell you now, chief.
40:19Remember me telling you I found out that he's always making business trips to Philadelphia?
40:22Yeah, well...
40:24Well, yesterday off he goes to the Pennsylvania station and boards a train for Philly with me right behind him.
40:30Well?
40:31He gets out of the station and hops a taxi for Germantown.
40:34Germantown.
40:35So I grabs another hat and tells the driver to follow me.
40:37Yes, go on.
40:39Well, we're going along great, when all of a sudden he gets into a traffic jam,
40:45and by the time it gets straightened out, we lose him.
40:49Well, is that all?
40:51Oh, Lord, no.
40:53That's just the beginning.
40:55He goes back to the station and hangs around, waiting to see if the other taxi's going to come back.
41:00Well, after waiting for about three hours, sure enough, back he comes.
41:05Was Baird in it?
41:06No, sir, he wasn't.
41:07Well, go on, go on.
41:09Well, I gets talking to the driver and asks him if he remembers.
41:13He says he does.
41:15He takes the same man out every week to visit his niece in Germantown on Sycamore Drive,
41:20number 1217 it was.
41:23So I drive out to 1217, and it's dark by now.
41:28So I look through the window, and there's a girl.
41:31A good-looker she is, too.
41:32And there's a photograph of Baird over the mantelpiece.
41:35Was Baird there?
41:36No, sir, he was not.
41:37Well, what is all this?
41:38What proof you got that he ever was there?
41:40Wait a minute, chief.
41:41I ain't done yet.
41:43I says to myself, that little lady don't look like no niece to me.
41:47Is that what you call evidence?
41:49No, sir.
41:50Well, go on.
41:51Well, there's nothing to do till everybody's in bed.
41:54Then I goes back to 1217 and takes a look into the house.
41:58What do you mean?
41:59You broke into the house?
42:01Well, I wouldn't want to admit that, chief.
42:03I'd be liable to arrest and imprisonment if I did.
42:05Are you crazy?
42:05What'd you do a thing like that for?
42:07Now, don't worry about me, chief.
42:09It was an easy job, and I ain't so much out of practice as I thought I'd be.
42:13Well, how'd you find out?
42:15Well, I figured there'd be letters from him, and there was.
42:20You found letters from Baird to this woman?
42:22Yes, sir.
42:23A whole stack of them.
42:24Where are they?
42:25What do they say?
42:26They're right here, chief.
42:27They're all about how much he loves her and adores her,
42:30and about how she don't have to worry about her future.
42:33If you'll just lie low and keep your mouth shut.
42:35Now you know what you've done for me.
42:36Well, it's the least I could do, chief.
42:38After all you've done for me.
42:39Rencie!
42:40Rencie!
42:40Yes, yes, Mr. Simon.
42:41Get me Francis Clark Baird on the phone right away.
42:44Yes, sir.
42:45Give me a line.
42:47Rencie!
42:48I think we've got Mr. Francis Clark Baird just about where we want him, and...
42:52Say, Rencie, take dictation.
42:54Yes, Mr. Simon.
42:54To my wife.
42:55Darling.
42:56Darling, don't sail.
42:57Get right off the boat.
42:59Everything's gonna be all right, and I'll be able to go with you in a few days.
43:03Phone me the instant you get this.
43:06All my love, sweetheart.
43:15Simon and Tedesco?
43:16Who's calling, please?
43:18It's me, Mr. Paciotti.
43:19I'm sorry.
43:20I'm sorry.
43:20Mr. Tedesco's gone for the day.
43:23Simon and Tedesco?
43:24Mr. Simon, please.
43:25One moment, please.
43:26I'll give you his secretary.
43:27Oh, uh, Betsy, Mr. Simon's not to be disturbed.
43:31He's having an important conference with Mr. Francis Clark Baird.
43:35If any calls come, I'll take them.
43:37Oh, I'm sorry.
43:38I'm sorry.
43:38I'm sorry.
43:39I'm sorry.
43:39I'm sorry.
43:40I'm sorry.
43:40I'm sorry.
43:41I'm sorry.
43:41I'm sorry.
43:42I'm sorry.
43:42I'm sorry.
43:43I'm sorry.
43:43If any calls come, I'll take them out here.
43:45OK, Miss Gordon.
43:49Good evening, everybody.
43:51Oh, good evening, Mrs. Simon.
43:53Uh, Miss Gordon, is my son here yet?
43:56Well, there's somebody in there with him,
43:57and I think it's kind of important.
43:59Oh, won't you sit down?
44:00He won't be very long.
44:01It's all right.
44:02I'll wait.
44:02I've got plenty of time.
44:05How are you today, Miss Gordon?
44:07Oh, I'm all right, thanks.
44:08And you?
44:09Oh, I can't complain.
44:12You know, Miss Gordon, every time I come in the office here,
44:16I always think of the first place my Georgie worked.
44:20Oh.
44:21Water Street.
44:24Yeah.
44:25She was 13 years old.
44:2713?
44:28She was an office boy already for Haitian Rosenthal.
44:31Mm-hmm.
44:32For $4 a week.
44:34Oh, well.
44:35Yeah.
44:36$4 a week it started.
44:39Yeah.
44:40Today he's the biggest lawyer in New York.
44:44Miss Gordon, he's feeling all right?
44:49Yeah, as far as I know.
44:51Now, why?
44:52I don't know.
44:54Every day this week when he called me up,
44:57he's kind of troubled.
44:58Oh, well.
44:59If there was anything wrong, he'd have told me.
45:02Yes, uh, that would be perfectly satisfactory.
45:06I'll ask you.
45:09Hello, Mama.
45:10What are you doing here?
45:11Hello, Georgie.
45:12Uh, Mr. Baird, I want you to meet my mother.
45:15How do you do, Mrs. Simon?
45:17How do you do?
45:18You know, Mr. Baird, she's a regular old shrew.
45:21If I don't behave myself, she comes after me with a rolling pin.
45:24Georgie, how can you talk so foolishly?
45:26I'm afraid I really must be going.
45:28Oh, must you?
45:29I'm very sorry.
45:30All right, Mr. Baird.
45:31Thanks for coming in.
45:32Why don't you drop in someday and have lunch with me, Mr. Baird?
45:35Thank you very much.
45:36Good day, Mrs. Simon.
45:37Bye.
45:39Ha, ha, ha.
45:41That's my pal, Francis Clark Baird.
45:44He's one of the finest, handsomest, blue-blooded, tough shirts I ever met.
45:48Ha, ha, ha.
45:49What's the matter with you, Georgie?
45:51Nothing's the matter with me.
45:52I'm just feeling good, that's all.
45:53Can't I feel good if I want to?
45:55I'm glad you feel good, Georgie.
45:56I'm feeling fine, Mama.
45:57I've never felt so fine in my life.
45:59Say, how about a little dance?
46:01Come on, come on.
46:02Give us a dance.
46:03Georgie, are you serious?
46:05You're a fine dancer you are.
46:06You have to give me a few lessons.
46:07Now, come on.
46:08Give me lessons.
46:09La, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da.
46:12La, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da, da.
46:14Oh, my God.
46:15They're telling Mr. Baird themselves.
46:17Ha, ha.
46:19Ah, that's a beautiful hat you have on, Mama.
46:21Is that a new hat?
46:22Oh, God.
46:23Two years ago it was new.
46:25I never saw it before.
46:26Here Mama, buy yourself a new hat.
46:27I don't want a new hat, Francis.
46:29I want you to buy yourself a new hat.
46:30Come on, take it, Mama.
46:31Georgie.
46:32Say, Betsy, go home.
46:33I won't need you anymore.
46:34Oh, you're expecting Mrs. Simon to call?
46:36That's all right.
46:37I'll take care of myself. Go on, Bessie, beat it.
46:39Yes, sir.
46:40Say, Bessie, treat yourself to a show tonight. You and your boyfriend.
46:43Oh, gee, thanks, Mr. Simon. Good night.
46:46Good night. Say, Rexy, Rexy, you can go home, too.
46:48Oh, I'm in no hurry.
46:49Go on home, I tell you. Don't you know there's a law against night work for women?
46:53Oh, is there? Are you sure you don't need me?
46:55Listen, if you don't go right away, I'll drop you out of the window. Go on, run along.
46:58All right, I'll get my things. Well, good night, Mrs. Simon.
47:01Good night, Mrs. Gordon.
47:04George, why do you act like a crazy?
47:07I don't know, Mama. I'm just feeling good, that's all.
47:10Would you like to see me feeling good, Mama?
47:12Well, I didn't think you were feeling good, George. That's why I came to see you.
47:17Over the telephone, you sounded so blue. I was worried about you.
47:23Oh, there's nothing to worry about, Mama. I had one or two important things on my mind.
47:29Everything's all right now. I think... everything's fine. I feel great.
47:33I knew there was something wrong.
47:35It's all over now, I tell you, Mama.
47:37Now, wait a minute. That must be Cora.
47:40Hello? Hello?
47:44Yes, darling, it's me speaking.
47:46Now, listen, sweetheart. Sweetheart.
47:49I've got some wonderful news for you. Listen.
47:52Everything's all right.
47:54Everything's all right, honey.
47:57Well, in a bad manner. Well...
48:00It's all fixed up.
48:02I knew you would be. And listen, darling.
48:04Get right off the boat.
48:06We've only got ten minutes left.
48:08Why, didn't you get my note?
48:10You've still got time to get off.
48:13Honey, we'll have a little celebration tonight.
48:16You know, just the two of us, you and I.
48:21But darling, it's only...
48:24It's only postponing a few days.
48:27Darling...
48:29You mean you don't want to?
48:34I see.
48:38Yeah, sure.
48:41I wouldn't want you to do anything unreasonable, would you?
48:46No, it's all right. I... No!
48:50No.
48:53No.
48:56Thanks.
48:58Well, have a wonderful trip.
49:02Goodbye.
49:05Georgie.
49:09What's the matter, Mama? What do you want?
49:11Georgie, something wrong?
49:14Tell Mama.
49:16Nothing wrong, Mama.
49:19And I tell you, there's nothing wrong.
49:21Why don't you tell me, Georgie?
49:23Leave me alone, Mama.
49:25Can't you let me alone?
49:27Yes, Georgie. Only if I can help you.
49:30I don't want any help, Mama.
49:32Help me by going home. That's all you can help me.
49:34All right. All right, Georgie.
49:37If you want me to go, I'll go.
49:40I wish you would, Georgie.
49:42I...
49:45I have some work to do.
49:47Bye, Georgie.
49:49Please take good care of yourself.
49:52Yeah, goodbye, Mama.
49:54Bye.
49:55Stop worrying about me.
49:56Bye.
49:57All right.
50:06Hello?
50:09Hello. I'd like to speak to Mr. Roy Darwin, please.
50:12He's out?
50:15Oh, is that so?
50:17He left for Europe.
50:20When did he sail?
50:23Six this evening?
50:26I see. Uh, hello.
50:29Do you happen to know the boat he's sailing on?
50:31The Paris.
50:48Oh, Mr. Simon!
50:50Oh, no.
50:51Mr. Simon, what are you doing at that window?
50:53Nothing! What do you want here?
50:55Didn't I tell you to go home? What's the matter?
50:57Well, I've been putting on my hat and coat.
50:59Don't lie to me.
51:01Don't lie to me. You've been hanging around spying on me.
51:03That's what you've been doing.
51:04Oh, no, I haven't. Honest. Honest. I haven't.
51:05Don't lie to me! You've been spying on me!
51:07Oh, I couldn't. I couldn't.
51:09You've been spying on me.
51:11You've been spying on me.
51:13You've been spying on me.
51:15You've been spying on me.
51:17Oh, I couldn't go home. I was so worried.
51:19Shut up! Shut up, do you hear me or I'll break every bone in your body
51:21and you better start looking around for another job.
51:25I'm leaving this business.
51:27Oh. Oh.
51:31I'm through! I'm through! I'm finished!
51:35You work yourself to the bone and for what?
51:39So every snob in town can answer it.
51:41Answer it.
51:43Can't you even answer the telephone?
51:47Hello? Yes. Yes.
51:49Well, I'll see if he's still here.
51:51Keep calling, please.
51:53Mr. Theodore Wingdale, the president of the American Steel Company.
51:55Mr. Theodore Wingdale, the president of the American Steel Company.
51:57Tell him to go to the devil.
51:59Well, I say you're not in.
52:01I don't care what you say.
52:03Well, I'm afraid he's gone, Mr. Wingdale. Is there anything I can do?
52:05Oh, this is his secretary speaking.
52:07No, I don't.
52:09Oh, well, just one moment.
52:11He says it's a matter of life and death.
52:13All right, kid.
52:15Tell him it's that Wingdale himself. Yes, sir.
52:17Well, tell him... Oh, wait a minute. I'll talk to him myself.
52:19Hello, Mr. Wingdale.
52:21This is George Simon speaking. Yeah, my secretary got me
52:23just as I was getting in the elevator. What's the trouble?
52:25Oh, I see.
52:27Oh, is that so?
52:29Say, has the fleet been there?
52:31I see.
52:33Mr. Wingdale, have you made any statements?
52:35Oh, that's right. Don't say anything. I'll be right up. Goodbye.
52:37Wingdale's son had a fight with his wife this afternoon.
52:39Shot her dead.
52:41That's awful. Say, she was the richest girl in Texas.
52:43Can you imagine what a case like that's going to be?
52:45We've got to get right on the job. Well, I'm ready.
52:47You're always ready, Rexy. That's one thing I can count on.
52:49What? Nothing, nothing.
52:51Come on, hurry. We'll grab a sandwich on the way up.
52:53Yes, Mr. Simon. What are you waiting for?
52:55Not a thing, Mr. Simon.
52:57Come on. You don't need a hat. Come on.
52:59Yes, Mr. Simon.
53:01Say, Rexy. Yes, Mr. Simon?
53:03Rexy, I'm sorry I bore you off this afternoon.
53:05That's all right, Mr. Simon.
53:07Well...
53:09I'm... I'm sorry.
53:11Oh, for heaven's sake, Mr. Simon, let's get going!
53:27You have just heard Orson Welles
53:29in his own Campbell Playhouse production
53:31of Counselor at Law by Elmer Wright.
53:33In just a moment, Orson Welles will bring you
53:35his guest of the evening, Mr. Samuel S. Leibovitz,
53:37noted trial lawyer,
53:39and the leading players of tonight's cast,
53:41Eileen McMahon and Gertrude Bird.
53:43But first, as I said a little while ago,
53:45you and your family can enjoy
53:47the good taste of chicken anytime
53:49just by serving Campbell's chicken soup.
53:51You see, it's made the good old-fashioned way.
53:53Campbell's chefs use
53:55all the meat of government-certified
53:57plump chickens.
53:59Then they simmer the broth long and slowly
54:01until it positively glistens with golden richness
54:03and delicious chicken flavor
54:05abounds in every spoonful.
54:07They add snowy rice and pieces of chicken,
54:09chicken so tender it almost melts
54:11in your mouth.
54:13But after all, the proof is in the eating.
54:15So why not have it this weekend?
54:17Because just as sure as you like chicken,
54:19you'll like Campbell's chicken soup.
54:21Now, here is Orson Welles.
54:23And here is Mr. Leibovitz.
54:25Well, Orson, the jury requires
54:27no deliberation.
54:29Mrs. Leibovitz and I have reached our decision.
54:31We find you guilty.
54:33Guilty of a good show in the first degree.
54:35Well, Sam, I won't appeal that.
54:37You know, this isn't the first lawyer
54:39I've played on the radio.
54:41Yes, I remember you used to be quite famous
54:43for your impersonations of me on news broadcasts.
54:45For a while there,
54:47I thought it was I.
54:49Sam, I'd like you to meet the accessories
54:51before the fact. Ali McMahon, please take the stand.
54:53Your witness, Mr. Leibovitz.
54:55Miss McMahon, I followed you on the stage
54:57and in the pictures.
54:59Well, thanks, Mr. Leibovitz. I followed you in the headlines.
55:01And I'd like to tell you how much I've enjoyed
55:03your performance of Regina Gordon tonight.
55:05Is that the whole truth and nothing but the truth?
55:07So help me.
55:09Call Gertrude Berg.
55:11Mrs. Berg, is it not true
55:13that during numerous 15-minute periods
55:15from Monday through Friday,
55:17you are known to millions of radio listeners
55:19as Mrs. Goldberg?
55:21Yes, Mr. Leibovitz.
55:23And is it not true that tonight
55:25I must remind you, Gertrude Berg,
55:27that anything you say may be held against you?
55:29Yes, Mr. Leibovitz.
55:31And it's been so very pleasant working with Mr. Wells
55:33that I hope it won't be the last.
55:35I must caution the witness that it won't be if I can help it.
55:37And now, Orson,
55:39as to your performance as George Simon...
55:41Objection!
55:43As your legal advisor, Orson, I urge you not to object
55:45to what I'd like to say.
55:47Objection sustained.
55:49Such references are irrelevant, immaterial,
55:51and calculated to prejudice the radio audience.
55:53Thanks, Aline and Mrs. Berg. Case dismissed.
56:05Well, next week,
56:07we're leaving offices and courtrooms
56:09and taking you out of doors and out to sea
56:11for a sea story, a true sea story.
56:13For all of the wild yarns that have spun about ships and sailors,
56:15the hardest to believe
56:17is the thoroughly authenticated adventures
56:19of the crew of the HMS Bounty
56:21after Captain Bly.
56:23Nordhoff and Hollifrey told these adventures in three bestsellers.
56:25The name of the first of these was the name of a great movie.
56:27It is also the title of next week's broadcast.
56:29Until then, until Mutiny on the Bounty,
56:31until next Friday night,
56:33the Campbell Playhouse is obediently yours.
56:35Heard on tonight's program
56:37was Manhattan Serenade by Lewis Alter.
56:39This is the Columbia Broadcasting System.