NARRATOR:
The Green Hornet!
MUSIC:
OMINOUS ACCENT
SOUND:
HORNET BUZZ
NARRATOR:
He hunts the biggest of all game, public enemies that even the G-men cannot reach -- The Green Hornet!
MUSIC:
THEME ... "FLIGHT OF THE BUMBLEBEE" ... THEN UNDER--
SOUND:
HORNET BUZZ ... FADES IN AND OUT
MUSIC:
THEME UP ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--
NARRATOR:
The adventure -- "Justice Wears a Blindfold." The events and characters depicted in this drama are fictitious. Any similarity to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
SOUND:
HORNET BUZZ ... FADES OUT ... DARKROOM DOOR OPENS
LOWERY:
Hey, Clicker? Where are ya?
CLICKER:
(OFF, ANNOYED) Close that door! Don't you know any better than to let light into a photographer's darkroom?
SOUND:
DARKROOM DOOR SHUTS
LOWERY:
You and your silly snapshots! I have important news!
CLICKER:
Yeah?
SOUND:
LOWERY'S FOOTSTEPS BEHIND--
LOWERY:
Where are ya? It's black as pitch in here. Can't see where I'm going--
SOUND:
CLATTER! AS LOWERY BUMPS INTO A PILE OF EQUIPMENT
CLICKER:
Oh, Lowery! You bumped into a pile of equipment!
LOWERY:
Will you come on out of this place?
CLICKER:
(CLOSER, RELUCTANT) All right. No harm has been done, anyway -- small thanks to you.
LOWERY:
Come on, bring your camera.
CLICKER:
I always bring my camera!
SOUND:
DARKROOM DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS
LOWERY:
Mmm. Glad to be out here where I can see what goes on.
CLICKER:
That's what I want to know. What does go on?
LOWERY:
Plenty! The law finally caught up with Stefani!
CLICKER:
Slip Stefani? Don't tell me he's been arrested again.
LOWERY:
Arrested, my eye! This time, he's going on trial!
CLICKER:
You mean he won't wiggle out of this one the way he has all the others?
LOWERY:
There were no witnesses before.
CLICKER:
Hmm, sounds interesting. What do we do?
LOWERY:
Gunnigan gave you and me the assignment of going over to the courthouse.
CLICKER:
What for? Stefani won't be there. He'll be out on bail.
LOWERY:
We're not seeing Stefani, Clicker.
CLICKER:
No?
LOWERY:
We're going to find out who's going to be the judge in this trial. In an important trial like this, the Sentinel's got to cover every angle -- and the judge is one of them.
CLICKER:
Not to mention the jury.
LOWERY:
Sure, but even in a jury case, the judge is plenty important. And you know Stefani.
CLICKER:
Gosh, Lowery, I hope he gets a judge who'll really treat him rough.
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS
DUTCH:
Hey, Stefani?!
STEFANI:
(ANNOYED) Can't you see I'm busy with my mouthpiece?
SCHILLER:
Yes, Dutch. As Slip's lawyer, I'm planning his defense.
DUTCH:
But, Slip, listen! Guess who's gonna be the judge on your case!
SCHILLER:
Who?
DUTCH:
Grayson!
SCHILLER:
What?
DUTCH:
Yeah! Grayson! I was hangin' around the courthouse and one of the clerks in Special Sessions give me the tip!
SCHILLER:
Stefani, you're sunk. Grayson is the toughest judge on the bench. You won't stand a chance before him.
STEFANI:
Is that so?
SCHILLER:
He's dynamite! You know the kind of reputation he has!
DUTCH:
He's one guy that can't be fixed, Slip.
STEFANI:
(DISMISSIVE) I know all about Grayson.
SCHILLER:
Slip, I'm your lawyer--
STEFANI:
Yes?
SCHILLER:
If you want legal advice from me, I'm telling you you might as well jump bail.
DUTCH:
Schiller's right, Slip. Take it on the lam. I got the car waitin' downstairs.
STEFANI:
Forget it, Dutch.
DUTCH:
Ya ain't got a chance.
STEFANI:
Why not?
SCHILLER:
You'll get a twenty-year sentence at the State--
STEFANI:
I said I'm stayin', Schiller.
DUTCH:
But, Slip--!
SCHILLER:
Don't be a sap, Stefani!
STEFANI:
Me? Blow out of town because of Grayson? Nothin' doin'! I got a nice racket and I'm keepin' it, see?
SCHILLER:
You can't run it from behind prison bars.
DUTCH:
That's right, boss.
STEFANI:
Who said anything about me goin' to the 'gow?
DUTCH:
Where else are ya headin' with Grayson judgin' ya?
STEFANI:
Now, get this straight, you two! This ain't no surprise to me.
DUTCH:
Huh?
STEFANI:
I knew Grayson was gonna be the judge a week ago.
SCHILLER:
Do you mean to tell me that--?
STEFANI:
And, what's more, I ain't worried. I got this case fixed.
DUTCH:
Aw, Slip, who ya kiddin'?
STEFANI:
Grayson's got a secretary, ain't he?
SCHILLER:
Of course he has.
STEFANI:
That secretary is appointed through politics.
DUTCH:
Everybody knows that. Even a judge has gotta hand out something to his party if he wants to get a job.
SCHILLER:
Correct, Dutch. When the judge wants to get nominated, he has to make certain concessions to the political party.
DUTCH:
Don't mean nothin', though. They only do it because they gotta. Grayson don't have much use for his secretary.
STEFANI:
Grayson don't, but we do.
DUTCH:
What do you mean, Slip?
STEFANI:
When my trial comes up, that guy's gonna be workin' for me. And when he gets through fixin' things up-- Well, Judge Grayson's gonna have that jury on my side! (LAUGHS) It's in the bag! All wrapped up and ready to deliver!
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
SOUND:
MURMUR OF REPORTERS
LOWERY:
Judge Grayson's gonna handle the Stefani trial!
REPORTER:
How about a statement from the judge?
LOWERY:
Nah, the judge's secretary says nothing doing.
REPORTER:
What's the judge's opinion on racketeering in general?
LOWERY:
Don't know. My editor's gonna be sore if I don't get something.
REPORTER:
Well, they say the judge is busy.
CLICKER:
Say, where are you going, Lowery?
LOWERY:
Come on, Clicker.
CLICKER:
We're supposed to see the judge.
LOWERY:
He's not seeing anyone.
CLICKER:
(WITH CONTEMPT) I thought so; giving up already. Well, I'm going back.
LOWERY:
Who's giving up?
CLICKER:
I suppose you have another name for it.
LOWERY:
If you'd use those pretty little peepers of yours, you'll see that door down the side corridor.
CLICKER:
Sure, I see it, but what does that--?
LOWERY:
That door, Clicker, is another entrance to Judge Grayson's offices. While those other newshounds are clamoring around the main entrance, we're going to sneak in this way.
CLICKER:
Don't tell me that's your own idea, Lowery. I bet you saw it in the movies.
LOWERY:
Never mind the wise cracks. Now faint.
CLICKER:
Huh?
LOWERY:
Faint, faint. Make believe you're fainting.
CLICKER:
Oh, I get it. That's our alibi for barging in the judge's office.
LOWERY:
Never mind the explanations. Get busy. Here's the door.
CLICKER:
Okay. Here I go.
LOWERY:
(GRUNTS, WITH EFFORT) Hey! You don't have to put your weight on me until we get the door open.
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS
LOWERY:
Excuse me! This lady passed out!
KREEVEY:
(IGNORES HIM, INTO PHONE) Yes, yes, of course, Schiller. I know what to do. You don't have to worry, Schiller. All right, Schiller, I--
LOWERY:
(CLEARS THROAT POINTEDLY)
SOUND:
PHONE RECEIVER IS HUNG UP ABRUPTLY
KREEVEY:
(TENSE, TO LOWERY) Who are you? Don't you realize this is a private office?!
LOWERY:
(WITH EFFORT) Sorry. She fainted. Put her on the couch for a minute.
KREEVEY:
You can't stay here!
SOUND:
CLICKER IS PLACED ON COUCH
LOWERY:
(EXHALES) She may be feminine, but she isn't frail. I hope I didn't interrupt your phone call.
KREEVEY:
(UNCONVINCING) Phone call? Oh, uh, nothing important.
CLICKER:
(EXHALES, FEIGNS DELIRIOUSNESS) Where am I?
KREEVEY:
She's better. Get her out of here.
LOWERY:
Now, wait a minute, Kreevey, you can't--
KREEVEY:
(SUSPICIOUS) How do you know my name?
LOWERY:
Well, I, uh-- I heard one of the men in the hall mention it.
CLICKER:
I guess I must have fainted.
KREEVEY:
You're reporters! Get out! Judge Grayson isn't seeing any reporters!
GRAYSON:
(ENTERS) Kreevey? What's wrong?
LOWERY:
Judge Grayson, I'm Lowery from the Daily Sentinel. How about the Stefani trial?
KREEVEY:
He sneaked in with this young lady, judge.
GRAYSON:
Young man, since I've been selected to preside over Mr. Stefani's trial, I am not at liberty to make any statements.
CLICKER:
Well, how about racketeering in general, sir?
GRAYSON:
As a judge, my sentiments on crime of any sort are well known. As for this trial, you'll have to wait until it's over.
LOWERY:
Sure, but we--
GRAYSON:
I can promise one thing. This trial will be conducted as I've always conducted trials in the past -- strictly according to the evidence.
KREEVEY:
Now, you'll have to leave, both of you.
LOWERY:
Thanks, judge. It isn't much, but it's a statement anyhow. Come on, Clicker.
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
SOUND:
NEWSROOM BACKGROUND ... CLATTER OF TYPEWRITERS, ET CETERA
CLICKER:
(EXCITED) Hey, Casey, how do you like this photo?!
LOWERY:
(ALSO EXCITED) Where's Mr. Reid?!
SOUND:
OFFICE DOOR SHUTS, CUTTING OFF NEWSROOM BACKGROUND
CASEY:
Clicker, don't wave that picture in my face. It's still damp.
CLICKER:
Sure, I just pulled it out of the hypo. It's a candid shot of Judge Grayson. I took it when he was talking to Lowery.
LOWERY:
The judge didn't even know Clicker was snapping it.
CASEY:
Did you get anything from him about the Stefani trial?
LOWERY:
Well, you know, Casey, since he's going to conduct it, he couldn't very well give an opinion beforehand.
CLICKER:
But look at this picture! Get that expression on his face!
CASEY:
Mm hmmm. He looks like bad news for Stefani, doesn't he?
LOWERY:
He was careful about his words, Casey, but he didn't think anyone would be catching his facial expression.
CLICKER:
And that's what makes it a story. You know what the Chinese say?
CASEY:
In this case, yes. You mean the one about one picture being worth a thousand words?
LOWERY:
Now that that's cleared up -- how about it, Casey? Where's the boss?
CASEY:
Mr. Reid's at the ball game.
LOWERY:
Again?!
SOUND:
OFFICE DOOR OPENS AND CLOSES BEHIND--
REID:
(APPROACHES) Talking about me, Lowery?
CLICKER:
Oh, hello, Mr. Reid.
LOWERY:
How was the ball game?
REID:
I left after the fifth inning; the score so lopsided, it got dull.
CASEY:
Mr. Reid, Lowery couldn't get a definite statement from Judge Grayson.
REID:
Grayson? About what?
CLICKER:
The Stefani trial, Mr. Reid. He's going to preside.
REID:
Oh, that. Well, if he won't talk, he won't talk. You can't expect it long as he's gonna be the judge.
CLICKER:
I took such a swell picture of him, too. Look, Mr. Reid.
SOUND:
RUSTLE OF PHOTO
REID:
Hmm. It's not bad.
CLICKER:
Not bad? It's perfect!
LOWERY:
Yeah, but what good does it do without a story? All the judge would say was that he'd conduct this trial as he has all the others in the past.
CASEY:
Not very definite, is it?
CLICKER:
It's about as definite as a dictator's promise.
LOWERY:
Gunnigan thought maybe if we used the picture and the statement, that might make a story. The expression on his face is so strong that--
REID:
Did the judge give you permission to snap this, Clicker?
CLICKER:
Why, er-- No. Not exactly, Mr. Reid.
REID:
Then the Sentinel has no right to use it. Sorry, Miss Binney.
SOUND:
REID TEARS UP PHOTO DURING ABOVE
CLICKER:
Say, Mr. Reid! You tore up my photo!
REID:
(FIRM) We can use no picture of a judge without his authorization.
LOWERY:
There goes our story! Without a picture, it's not worth a stick of type.
REID:
(WISELY) Oh, we have a picture, Lowery.
LOWERY:
Huh?
CLICKER:
But you just said--
REID:
(LIGHTLY) There are plenty of pictures of Judge Grayson in our files. Look through them, Miss Binney. I'm sure you'll find one that's every bit as strong as this one. We can do that without getting into trouble.
MUSIC:
BRIDGE ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--
NARRATOR:
The night before the trial of Slip Stefani was scheduled to start, two men called on Judge Grayson late in the evening.
SOUND:
FRONT DOOR OPENS
KREEVEY:
Good evening, judge.
GRAYSON:
Kreevey, what are you doing here? Who's this with you?
KREEVEY:
You know Mr. Schiller, judge. He's Stefani's lawyer.
SCHILLER:
Can I see you for a few minutes, judge? It's about the trial.
GRAYSON:
Schiller, if you're here to discuss Stefani's trial, the answer is no. You should know better than that.
KREEVEY:
It's, uh-- It's about something else, Judge Grayson. Another matter entirely.
GRAYSON:
Hm. In that case, come in.
SOUND:
KREEVEY AND SCHILLER WALK INTO HOUSE ... FRONT DOOR SHUTS ... THE THREE MEN WALK INTO STUDY BEHIND--
GRAYSON:
We'll go into my study. I have a few minutes to spare. Here we are. Now, what is it, Schiller?
SCHILLER:
Kreevey, close the door.
SOUND:
STUDY DOOR CLOSED
SCHILLER:
Judge, you're going to fix things so Stefani goes free.
GRAYSON:
(OFFENDED) Why, how dare you discuss that?
KREEVEY:
You'd better do as he says, judge.
GRAYSON:
I never had much use for you, Kreevey. You're my secretary only because I was obliged to take you. Now, get out, both of you.
SCHILLER:
Hold on, Grayson--
GRAYSON:
I'll have you put out.
SOUND:
PHONE RECEIVER PICKED UP BY GRAYSON ... THEN GRABBED BY SCHILLER AND PUT DOWN BEHIND--
SCHILLER:
(WITH EFFORT) You're not calling the police or anyone, Grayson. First, we talk about Stefani.
GRAYSON:
I'll have you disbarred.
SCHILLER:
No, you won't. And you're not withdrawing from this case. You're the judge -- understand?
GRAYSON:
Schiller, I warn you--
SCHILLER:
You decide in Stefani's favor or I'll have you thrown off the bench.
GRAYSON:
Do you know what you're saying?
SCHILLER:
Every word, judge.
GRAYSON:
It's ridiculous.
KREEVEY:
Here. Look at these checks. Made out to cash.
GRAYSON:
Why should they concern me?
KREEVEY:
Look at the endorsement on the back.
GRAYSON:
But I don't see why--
KREEVEY:
They're endorsed over to you, Judge Grayson.
SCHILLER:
And notice who signed them.
GRAYSON:
Endorsed over to me? (BEAT, LOW, SURPRISED) Why, Hanford and Young! These are their checks.
KREEVEY:
You tried them both -- and freed them.
GRAYSON:
Of course. The evidence was on their side.
SCHILLER:
Sure! But Hanford and Young are both dead now. From these checks, it looks as if they bribed you to let them go.
GRAYSON:
Where did these checks come from? I never saw them before.
KREEVEY:
I'm your secretary, judge. I took those checks and had them deposited to your bank account.
SCHILLER:
If necessary, Kreevey will swear that you knew all about them. It'll mean your finish as a judge, disgrace to you and your family.
GRAYSON:
I-- But it's impossible. Both Hanford and Young are dead.
SCHILLER:
The checks are evidence enough.
GRAYSON:
Schiller, all this will do you no good. I'm only the judge. It's the jury that will settle Stefani's fate.
SCHILLER:
You can do plenty, Grayson. You can fix it so that jury never has a chance to go to the jury room.
GRAYSON:
Impossible.
KREEVEY:
Pick on something the District Attorney says. Declare a mistrial.
GRAYSON:
That will only delay things. There'll be another trial.
SCHILLER:
Don't worry. By that time, Stefani can take care of the witnesses so there won't be another trial. Besides, there's lots of ways for a smart judge like you who knows all the tricks of law. Influence that jury if you have to. Call a mistrial. Anything.
GRAYSON:
I refuse to be a party to tampering with justice.
KREEVEY:
You're on a spot, judge.
SCHILLER:
Remember your wife. She's not well.
KREEVEY:
If you're impeached, the scandal will kill her.
GRAYSON:
(CONSIDERS) Yes. Emily. Her heart. (INHALES, SLOWLY, TO HIMSELF) Twenty years on the bench and now this.
KREEVEY:
(SARDONIC) The great Judge Grayson. They won't suspect a thing.
SCHILLER:
(AMUSED, LIGHTLY) Huh! We'll see you in court tomorrow, judge. Keep your mind on one thing. That, uh, weak heart your wife has. (GRIM) Stefani goes free -- or else!
MUSIC:
BRIDGE ... THEN UNDER (BEGINNING OF A MONTAGE) --
NEWSIE:
Get your paper! [?] Stefani's trial starts tomorrow! Racketeer goes on trial! Jury selection! Get your paper!
MUSIC:
UP FOR BRIDGE ... THEN UNDER--
D.A.:
But, Your Honor, this witness is important!
GRAYSON:
The court cannot waste the jury's time with nonessentials, Mr. District Attorney. I do not consider this witness of any importance. Call your next witness.
MUSIC:
UP FOR BRIDGE ... THEN UNDER--
LOWERY:
Holy cats, Clicker. Looks like Stefani's pretty lucky.
CLICKER:
He's certainly had the best of it so far.
LOWERY:
And look at Judge Grayson. He looks like he's half dead.
MUSIC:
UP FOR ACCENT ... THEN BEHIND ANNOUNCER--
NARRATOR:
Several days after the start of the Stefani trial, Britt Reid burst into his apartment and spoke to Kato, his faithful valet, and the only living person to know him as the Green Hornet.
SOUND:
APARTMENT DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS
REID:
Kato?
KATO:
Yes, Mr. Reid?
REID:
I've just come from the Stefani trial. Judge Grayson has just called a recess until further notice. Looks like he's going to call it a mistrial.
KATO:
What is that?
REID:
Oh, when someone tries to influence a jury indirectly by bringing in some matter which doesn't belong. It's a very technical point.
KATO:
Who done that?
REID:
Well, that's just it! The district attorney mentioned something about Stefani and, usually, no one would notice it. But Judge Grayson immediately jumped on him and said he would have to consider a motion for a mistrial.
KATO:
Is that bad?
REID:
Kato, if there's a mistrial, Stefani will get off. I'm sure of it. (BEAT) What puzzles me is Judge Grayson himself.
KATO:
What's wrong, Mr. Britt?
REID:
Well, Grayson has lost all his old spirit. He looks like a man condemned. There's something behind this, Kato. It appears very much like an attempt to take unfair advantage of blindfolded justice.
KATO:
By who?
REID:
That's just it, Kato. I don't know whether it's Stefani alone or whether Grayson is in on it, too. But we're going to find out. Get the mask, Kato, and the gun.
KATO:
Yes, sir. You go out as the Green Hornet?
REID:
Kato, justice wears a blindfold, but in this case she may be able to see the scales -- with the help of the Green Hornet.
MUSIC:
THEME ... FADES OUT BEHIND--
NARRATOR:
The curtain falls on the first act of our Green Hornet adventure. Before the next exciting scenes, please permit us to pause for just a few moments.
MUSIC:
THEME ... FADES OUT BEHIND--
NARRATOR:
Now to continue our story. When a notorious racketeer was brought to trial, the public believed he would at last be found guilty of his crimes. But the racketeer had brought pressure to bear on the judge in his case. He and the judge's crooked secretary had framed the judge so that he was forced to free the racketeer or be disgraced. When the trial was halted for the judge's decision, Britt Reid assumed his role of the Green Hornet to carry out the ends of true justice.
MUSIC:
BRIDGE ... THEN BEHIND NARRATOR--
NARRATOR:
It is evening. In the Grayson home, Mrs. Grayson speaks to her husband.
EMILY:
John, what's troubling you?
GRAYSON:
(UNCONVINCING) It's nothing. Now, won't you please leave me? I have work to do.
EMILY:
All right, John.
GRAYSON:
I'm sorry to be so abrupt, but I must decide on this motion for mistrial tonight.
EMILY:
(MOVING OFF) Your secretary, Kreevey, is outside. Do you want him?
GRAYSON:
(GRIM) Kreevey? No, I don't.
SOUND:
STUDY DOOR OPENS
EMILY:
(OFF) John? You won't do anything that isn't right, will you?
GRAYSON:
Of course not. I'm only doing my duty as a judge.
EMILY:
(OFF) I just wanted to be sure. Good night, dear.
SOUND:
STUDY DOOR CLOSES
GRAYSON:
(SIGHS, TO HIMSELF) I could free Stefani right now so easily. And yet I know it isn't right.
HORNET:
Then why are you doing it?
GRAYSON:
What? Who--? Who are you?
HORNET:
If you free that racketeer, Grayson, you won't be worthy of the position you hold.
GRAYSON:
You're wearing a mask. How did you get in here?
HORNET:
Through the French door.
GRAYSON:
If your motive is burglary, I warn you--
HORNET:
I'm not a burglar.
GRAYSON:
Then why are you here?
HORNET:
Grayson, have you ever heard of the Green Hornet?
GRAYSON:
The Green Hornet? Why, you're the Green Hornet?
HORNET:
Precisely. What does that name mean to you?
GRAYSON:
Everything that's crooked. You're wanted for every crime up to murder.
HORNET:
Yet I've never committed murder.
GRAYSON:
Don't quibble.
HORNET:
Nor is that all, Grayson. The Green Hornet has never committed any crime -- unless you call bringing criminals to justice a crime.
GRAYSON:
The law takes care of criminals.
HORNET:
Sometimes there are criminals who evade the law. And that's when the Green Hornet steps in. And that's why I'm here now.
GRAYSON:
(SCOFFS) Stefani sent you here, didn't he?
HORNET:
(PUZZLED) Whatever--? (EXHALES, PLAYS ALONG) Perhaps you're right, judge. Maybe Stefani did send me here.
GRAYSON:
(WITH DISGUST) He's not content to hold those checks over my head as a threat; he sends you here in addition.
HORNET:
What checks are you talking about?
GRAYSON:
Don't pretend you don't know. Unless I grant Stefani a mistrial, those checks will be his means of having me disgraced. I'll be turned out of my position as judge.
HORNET:
(THOUGHTFUL) I'm beginning to understand. Blackmail, eh?
GRAYSON:
Worse than blackmail. Those checks will convict me of accepting bribes, even though I never did.
HORNET:
You're entirely innocent of such a thing, is that it?
GRAYSON:
Of course I am. Yet Kreevey and Stefani between them-- But why repeat all this? If you're in with Stefani, you're familiar with his scheme already.
HORNET:
Who has those checks? Is it Stefani?
GRAYSON:
Stop all this pretense.
HORNET:
Answer me. Who has those checks?
GRAYSON:
My secretary, Kreevey. If he carried them with him, I'd be tempted to use force to get them back.
HORNET:
I see. He has them hidden someplace. His apartment, possibly.
GRAYSON:
I presume so.
HORNET:
You realize, Grayson, that it's your sworn duty to uphold the law regardless of any personal consequences that may follow.
GRAYSON:
I'm powerless to do anything. My wife is not well. Any disgrace may be fatal to her.
HORNET:
There's only way to prove yourself an honest judge.
GRAYSON:
(PUZZLED) Why are you talking this way? You said Stefani sent you.
HORNET:
It was you who said that, Judge Grayson, not I. I'm here to aid justice.
GRAYSON:
You and Stefani can't trick me, Hornet. I know very well you're here for one reason. To make certain that I carry out Stefani's wishes.
SOUND:
STUDY DOOR OPENS
KREEVEY:
Judge Grayson, I just came in to find out-- (GASPS, STARTLED) That man!
HORNET:
Out of my way, Grayson!
KREEVEY:
(IN TERROR) The Green Hornet!
SOUND:
KREEVEY RUNS OUT, SLAMMING DOOR BEHIND HIM
HORNET:
Let me go, Grayson!
GRAYSON:
(TENSE) No. You can't go after him.
HORNET:
Why not? Isn't that Kreevey, your secretary?
GRAYSON:
Please! If you go out there, my wife will see you. She has a weak heart. It might cause serious complications.
HORNET:
In that case, Grayson, I'll follow Kreevey another way -- through the French door, the same way I came in.
GRAYSON:
(RELIEVED) Thank heavens you didn't go out there.
HORNET:
But remember one thing, Grayson -- don't call the police.
GRAYSON:
I won't.
HORNET:
And, whatever happens, keep this in mind. Nothing is going to halt Stefani's trial, not even you! His guilt or innocence is a matter for the jury to decide! I'm going to make certain the jury has that chance!
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
STEFANI:
What's the idea? What are you doing here at this time of night, Kreevey? Thought you were over at the judge's home.
KREEVEY:
I just came from there, Stefani. Something happened.
STEFANI:
You mean Grayson's gonna let me off?
KREEVEY:
No, it ain't that. Listen, Stefani. I walked into Grayson's study without knocking, understand?
STEFANI:
(AMUSED) Sure, sure. Ha! Why bother to be polite to him when we've got him on the spot, huh? (CHUCKLES)
KREEVEY:
It's nothing to laugh about. Do you know who was there?
STEFANI:
How could I?
KREEVEY:
The Green Hornet.
STEFANI:
What? The Green Hornet? In with Grayson?
KREEVEY:
I recognized him. That mask he wears, just like the pictures in the paper.
STEFANI:
Did he get ya?
KREEVEY:
No. He started for me, but I slammed the door. I came over here as fast as I could.
STEFANI:
If the Hornet's in on this, we'd better watch out. That guy's dynamite!
KREEVEY:
You're not telling me anything new.
STEFANI:
He might blast our scheme wide open.
KREEVEY:
But I can't figure it, Stefani. Who's he working for?
STEFANI:
All I know is he ain't workin' for us. We gotta do somethin', Kreevey, fast!
KREEVEY:
That's why I came here.
STEFANI:
Did you bring them checks?
KREEVEY:
Oh, don't worry about them, Stefani. They're safe in my apartment.
STEFANI:
Ya sap! What do ya mean "safe"? Long as that Hornet's around, nothin's safe!
KREEVEY:
Yes. Yes, you're right. What shall I do?
STEFANI:
Get over to your place and bring the checks back here.
KREEVEY:
Okay.
STEFANI:
I'll call Schiller and have him start puttin' more pressure on Judge Grayson. We gotta have Grayson set me free in a hurry before something goes haywire!
KREEVEY:
Once Grayson declares that mistrial, you're all set, Stefani.
STEFANI:
Never mind the talk, get movin'! For all we know, the Hornet may be at your place right now!
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
NARRATOR:
After trailing Kreevey to Stefani's place in the Black Beauty, Britt Reid stayed only long enough to watch Kreevey enter. Then, he spun the wheel and headed for the secretary's apartment, arriving there before Kreevey. He picked up the telephone.
SOUND:
PHONE RECEIVER UP ... DIALING
KATO:
Who are you calling, Mr. Britt?
HORNET:
I'm calling the police, Kato. I wanna get some news to them before Kreevey arrives. Meanwhile, you get busy and give this apartment the appearance of having been burglarized. Pull out drawers. Upset things.
KATO:
(MOVING OFF) Yes, sir.
HORNET:
(INTO PHONE) Hello, Police Department? I got a little tip for ya! Slip Stefani is gonna try to jump bail tonight! ... Never mind who's calling. Watch Stefani. He's planning to run out on his trial.
SOUND:
PHONE RECEIVER DOWN ... RUSTLING OF PAPERS AND DRAWERS, ET CETERA
HORNET:
There's time enough for me to act before the police trace this phone.
KATO:
Mr. Stefani run away?
HORNET:
Well, Stefani doesn't know it yet, Kato, but he'll try to run away from me soon. As soon as he learns that we have those checks.
KATO:
Shall I look for them, Mr. Britt?
HORNET:
Oh, we won't look for the checks, Kato. We'll have Kreevey locate them for us. They're the first things he'll look for when he sees how upset his place is. Now, put out the lights and we'll wait for him to arrive.
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
NARRATOR:
Britt Reid and Kato hid themselves behind the drapes in Kreevey's apartment. Then, a short time later--
SOUND:
DOOR KNOB RATTLES
HORNET:
(LOW) Quiet, Kato. Someone's coming in.
SOUND:
DOOR OPENS AND SHUTS
KREEVEY:
(TO HIMSELF) Gotta find those checks before anybody gets at them. Where's that light switch? Ah!
SOUND: LAMP SWITCH TURNED ON
KREEVEY:
(TO HIMSELF) What the devil? The place is in a mess. The Green Hornet must've been here already. If he found those checks, the game's up. I'll look in the drawer where I kept them.
SOUND:
DRAWER OPENS ... RUSTLE OF CHECKS BEHIND--
KREEVEY:
(TO HIMSELF) Why-- Why, they're here. The checks, just like I left them. Huh! Well, I guess the Green Hornet didn't have anything to do with this.
HORNET:
Hand over those checks, Kreevey!
KREEVEY:
The Green Hornet!
HORNET:
That's exactly right! You recognized me in Judge Grayson's study.
KREEVEY:
Who are you working for, Hornet?
HORNET:
For justice, Kreevey, but you wouldn't understand that.
KREEVEY:
You can't talk to me that way. I'm Judge Grayson's secretary!
HORNET:
You're a crook, Kreevey. You're working for Stefani, but this is one time you won't get away with your little plan.
KREEVEY:
How do you know about it?
HORNET:
Never mind that. Are you giving me those checks?
SOUND:
SCRAPE! OF WOODEN CHAIR LIFTED FROM FLOOR
KREEVEY:
(WITH EFFORT) If you want them Hornet, try and get 'em!
SOUND:
CRASH! AS KREEVEY THROWS WOODEN CHAIR AT HORNET
HORNET:
The chair missed me, Kreevey! Your aim was bad!
KREEVEY:
You--! (COUGHS, HOARSELY) Gas! I can't breathe! (CHOKES, EXHALES)
SOUND:
KREEVEY'S BODY HITS THE FLOOR
HORNET:
He's out. I didn't figure on using gas on him. I thought he'd surrender those checks without any fuss.
KATO:
Here checks.
SOUND:
RUSTLE OF PAPER CHECKS ... THEN BEHIND--
HORNET:
Yeah, let me see. (BEAT) Yeah, they're made out to "cash," deposited in Judge Grayson's account. Yeah, there's no doubt that if these were made public, it would mean the end of Grayson's career.
KATO:
That mustn't happen.
HORNET:
That's up to Grayson himself. If he can't decide to do the right thing regardless of consequences, he doesn't deserve to be a judge. I'll keep these checks handy.
KATO:
I see.
SOUND:
PHONE RECEIVER UP ... DIALING BEHIND--
HORNET:
We'll see Grayson presently. First, I'll call Stefani and let him know what's happened. He's expecting a call from Kreevey, so he may be a little surprised when he finds out who it is.
SOUND:
PHONE RINGS AND IS ANSWERED (CALLER'S PERSPECTIVE)
STEFANI:
(FILTER) Hello?
HORNET:
Stefani?
STEFANI:
(FILTER) Yeah. Who's talkin'? Is this you, Kreevey?
HORNET:
No, this isn't Kreevey, but I'm calling from his place.
STEFANI:
(FILTER) Why don't Kreevey call? Put him on the phone.
HORNET:
That's impossible. You see, I just had to give Kreevey a shot of gas to get, er, certain bits of paper from him.
STEFANI:
(FILTER) Kreevey's been gassed? Say, who is this? Who's talkin'?
HORNET:
This is the Green Hornet.
STEFANI:
(FILTER) Who're you kiddin'?
HORNET:
What's more, I have those checks. The game's up, Stefani. You're finished.
STEFANI:
(FILTER, DESPERATE) No, listen, Hornet! I'll pay you for them checks! I'll pay you plenty! Only don't give 'em to Judge Grayson!
HORNET:
You'd better start running, Stefani. There's a long stretch in jail waiting for you if you don't.
SOUND:
PHONE RECEIVER DOWN
HORNET:
(CHUCKLES) He'll start running, all right -- directly into the hands of the police. They'll make sure he doesn't get away from his own trial.
KATO:
Yes, sir.
HORNET:
I'll be interested to learn how Judge Grayson acts when he finds that Stefani has attempted to skip out.
MUSIC:
BRIDGE
NARRATOR:
When the news of Stefani's attempt to jump his bail reached the ears of the reporters, they immediately rushed to Judge Grayson's home and clamored for a statement.
SOUND:
CLAMOR OF REPORTERS
REPORTER:
Stefani got nabbed by the cops trying to get away.
LOWERY:
How about a statement from the judge, Mrs. Grayson?
REPORTER:
Will this make any difference in the motion for a mistrial?
EMILY:
Here's Judge Grayson now.
GRAYSON:
(APPROACHES) Emily, what are these reporters doing here at this time of night?
REPORTER:
Judge, Stefani was just caught trying to leave town.
CLICKER:
Does that mean he has inside information?
LOWERY:
The only reason he'd leave would be if you decided to continue the trial.
REPORTER:
Is that it, judge?
GRAYSON:
I cannot give my decision on that until court opens tomorrow morning. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to my study.
LOWERY:
But, judge--
GRAYSON:
Mrs. Grayson will show you out. Good night.
CLICKER:
We'd better be in court tomorrow, Lowery.
LOWERY:
You said it, Clicker.
EMILY:
You'll have to leave, all of you.
LOWERY:
All right. Come on, Clicker, let's go.
SOUND:
REPORTERS MURMUR AND START TO EXIT ... CUT OFF AS STUDY DOOR CLOSES
GRAYSON:
(TO HIMSELF) I can't understand it. Why should Stefani do a thing like this when he's sure of his release?
HORNET:
Perhaps he isn't sure.
GRAYSON:
What? You? You've come back again. What is it this time?
HORNET:
I've been waiting here in your study, judge, while those reporters were outside trying to interview you.
GRAYSON:
Is this more of Stefani's work?
HORNET: I don't know what you mean.
GRAYSON:
He isn't fool enough to try to jump bail while he has those checks.
HORNET:
Suppose the checks were gone. Suppose they weren't in his possession any longer.
GRAYSON:
But that's ridiculous.
HORNET:
Is it?
GRAYSON:
Look here. If Stefani thinks he has me in the palm of his hand completely enough for a farce like this, he's mistaken. He's gone too far.
HORNET:
What are you going to do about it?
GRAYSON:
If you weren't pointing that gun at me, I'd--
HORNET:
This gun is used only for my own protection. I can't afford to be captured.
GRAYSON:
I can well believe that.
HORNET:
You haven't answered my question yet. How about Stefani? Does his trial go on?
GRAYSON:
If it's any of your business, Stefani's trial will go on.
HORNET:
Even if it means your disgrace?
GRAYSON:
Do you see this envelope on my desk?
HORNET:
Yes.
GRAYSON:
That envelope contain my resignation. I wrote it an hour ago, before I knew Stefani was going to run out.
HORNET:
Why?
GRAYSON:
Because I decided that Stefani's case would go on. After that, I shall resign. This envelope contains my statement.
HORNET:
Open it up.
GRAYSON:
Why should I?
HORNET:
Then, if you won't, I'll open it for you.
SOUND:
ENVELOPE SLIT WITH LETTER OPENER ... HANDED TO GRAYSON
HORNET:
Look inside.
GRAYSON:
Why, that's not my resignation. It looks like-- These are the canceled checks, the ones Stefani threatened to use against me. Where did they come from?
HORNET:
I put them there.
GRAYSON:
You?
HORNET:
I came here to make certain Stefani's trial would go on.
GRAYSON:
You read my resignation.
HORNET:
While you were outside with the reporters. That resignation was proof that you intended doing the honest thing, Judge Grayson. Proof that you refuse to aid law-breakers.
GRAYSON:
I always shall, no matter the consequences.
HORNET:
And that's why I removed that resignation, Judge Grayson. There's no longer any need for you to resign.
GRAYSON:
Well, I - I don't know what to say, how to thank you.
HORNET:
Burn those checks, Grayson, and you'll have nothing to fear. As for thanking me, I'll - I'll have all the thanks I need when Stefani gets what's coming to him.
GRAYSON:
He will. The jury will see to that.
MUSIC:
THEME ... THEN UNDER--
SOUND:
TRAFFIC BACKGROUND
NEWSIE:
Special extry paper! Jury finds Stefani guilty! Racketeer goes to jail! Green Hornet still at large! Special extry paper!
MUSIC:
THEME UP ... FADES FOR--
SOUND:
HORNET'S BUZZ
MUSIC:
THEME ... TILL END
NARRATOR:
The story you have just heard is a copyrighted feature of The Green Hornet, Incorporated.