MUSIC:

ESTABLISH AND UNDER FOR

NEWSBOY:

Extra....BIG TOWN... (PRESS RUMBLE) Extra! Racketeers War On Big Town Justice! Hear all about it! Extra...BIG TOWN...extra!

(PRESS RUMBLE UP AND BREAK SHARPLY FOR)

 

BARRY:

Whatta ya mean..you're quittin'.

HENRY:

I was hired to keep the books for you, Mr. Barry.

BARRY:

That's right.

HENRY:

No...it's not. You've got me working for Al Roman. To put it plain...that's not for me.

BARRY:

We're payin' ya good.

HENRY:

It's blood money. And I don't want any part of it.

BARRY:

(UNBELIEVING) Mister, you're crazy...you're the craziest man I ever met. Nobody ever says no to Al Roman.

HENRY:

Sorry..but I'm looking for a new job.

BARRY:

Better look for an empty grave. 'Cause Mister, you're crazy!

MUSIC:

UP AND BREAKS FOR

NARR:

Yes, listen to this Big Town fast moving, headline story of two men who put an entire city on trial...brought to you by Lever Brothers Company, makers of Lifebuoy Health Soap. (STING) Another action packed assignment of fighting Editor Steve Wilson of the Illustrated Press..whose newspaper creed stands for freedom and justice against the forces of violence and evil.

STEVE:

(ECHO) The power and freedom of the press is a flaming sword. That it may be a faithful servant of all the people, use it justly, hold it high...guard it well!

MUSIC:

UP AND BREAK SHARPLY FOR

NARR:

Now to Big Town and the exciting expose headlined..."The Incredible Fixer." (CHORD) We ..are a people governed by an intricate system of laws. Most of us get along pretty well except for those few who have a genius for a short cut around the law. Their carefully developed talent runs all the way from the chiseler's game of fixing a traffic ticket to the vicious crime of killing a fellow human being. (STING) Tonight's story begins as a gentle looking, little man answers the door in his small bachelor apartment.....

(DOOR OPENS)

 

HENRY:

Yes?

AL:

Your name Henry?

HENRY:

That's right. (PROTESTING) Hey..you can't come in here like that.

(DOOR SLAMS)

 

AL:

I'm in.

HENRY:

What's the idea? You think you can just bust in and..(BREAKS)

AL:

And what? Go on..finish..

HENRY:

You're Al Roman.

AL:

And you win a prize.

HENRY:

(QUIETLY) What do you want, Mr. Roman?

AL:

This story in tonight's Illustrated Press. See it?

HENRY:

I've seen it.

AL:

You're out of your head, Henry. You know that, don't ya?

HENRY:

All it says is that I quit as accountant for Mr. Barry when I found out he was a front for you.

AL:

Yeah..that's what it says..but do ya know what it means?

HENRY:

Just that I don't want to lose my state license by doing anything illegal.

AL:

You know a lot about me now...don't ya.

HENRY:

No.

AL:

(SUDDENLY ANGRY) Stupid...that's what you are...stupid! (GETTING CONTROL) Ya can't be quiet about it...ya gotta put it in the paper.

HENRY:

That was an accident.

AL:

Sure.

HENRY:

It was. I mentioned my resignation to a friend and next thing I knew this man Wilson had it in the Press.

AL:

You're also a liar.

HENRY:

If I can't convince you...

AL:

No...for a hundred years you couldn't.

HENRY:

Look, Mr. Roman. I've got nothing against you. Let's just call it quits all the way around.

AL:

No..no...no! It's not that easy.

HENRY:

Careful..or you'll do something to be sorry for.

AL:

(INCREDULOUS) Barry was right. You are crazy.

(A SHARP SLAP)

 

HENRY:

Don't ...please...

AL:

So many answers you got. The smartest man in the world.

(SLAPS AGAIN)

 

HENRY:

I'm nobody. Let me alone..let me alone!

AL:

Here's something for ya to figure out, wise guy. Just in case you do know something..I'm gonna shut ya up good.

HENRY:

You broke my glasses...I can't see.

AL:

I'm going to kill you, Henry...and they'll all know. They'll say it was me..but they'll never be able to do anything about it.

HENRY:

Roman..you're a mad man.

AL:

But I'm alive,...and you'll be dead. (THE LAST WITH STRAIN AS ..HE BEGINS TO BEAT HENRY WITH STUDIED VICIOUSNESS) (STRAIN) Stupid...stupid...stupid!

MUSIC:

JOINS THE BLOWS AND THEN BECOMES A BRIDGE FOR

(TRUCK ROARING UP AND STOPPING..DOOR OPEN AND SLAM! STREET SOUNDS FAR B.G.)

 

LOR:

Thanks for the ride, fellers.

GUY:

(OFF) Any time, Miss Kilbourne.

STEVE:

You delivering papers now, Lorelei?

LOR:

(SURPRISED) Oh, Steve...

STEVE:

You look pretty in the cab of this Press truck.

LOR:

I waved it down outside the prison. Figured I'd save time getting back here with the story.

STEVE:

Tell it to me on the way upstairs. Comon...

(WALKING WITH BELOW)

 

LOR:

Well, I saw Al Roman all right...and just where he belongs.

STEVE:

In a cell.

LOR:

He looked so natural there.

STEVE:

What'd he say?

LOR:

One thing..over and over.

STEVE:

Oh?

(DOOR OPEN AND CLOSE..SHUTTING OUT STREET)

 

LOR:

"Nothing's going to happen to me...nothing."

STEVE:

Optimistic, isn't he?

LOR:

He's bluffing, Steve.

STEVE:

Why?

LOR:

(SURPRISED) Well...everyone knows he killed that accountant. It's open and shut.

STEVE:

Don't bother...I'll ring for the elevator.

(THE STEPS CEASE AND A LOW BUZZER SOUNDS OFF)

 

LOR:

Roman was seen coming out of the apartment and the whole city read our story of how Henry refused to keep a set of double books.

STEVE:

(A LITTIE GRIM) I know they read it, Lorelei. And it could be that we're partially to blame for Henry's death.

LOR:

I've thought of that too, Steve, but Al Roman would have gone after him anyway. He was afraid that Henry knew too much.

STEVE:

Maybe. The point is that Al Roman killed him and from what you've seen..he doesn't appear too worried about it.

(ELEVATOR DOORS SLIDE OPEN..THEN SHUT)

 

(ELEVATOR HUM B.G.)

 

LOR:

I still think it's a bluff.

STEVE:

No..I can't buy that.

LOR:

The district attorney got an indictment. The trial's just a technicality now.

STEVE:

Is it?

LOR:

You figure Roman'll try a jail break or something?

STEVE:

Nothing so obvious, Lorelei. Roman is a vicious, brutal killer..but he's not dumb..not by a long shot.

LOR:

Then how can he get out of it?

STEVE:

I don't know but he's got something up that crooked mind of his.

LOR:

We've got to find out what it is, Steve, or...

STEVE:

(JUMP CUE) ..or the people's faith in Big Town justice will nosedive out of sight. Roman's as guilty as sin..and he's got to be convicted.

LOR:

Where do we start, Steve?

STEVE:

On a cloud, Lorelei..way up in the middle of nothing.

LOR:

How about something a little more down to earth.

STEVE:

Sure! Al Roman intends to avoid conviction. Chances are there has to be someone outside the prison helping him.

LOR:

That I can understand.

STEVE:

Right. Now answer me one question.

LOR:

What?

STEVE:

Who is it?

(ELEVATOR STOPS AND DOORS SLIDE OPEN)

 

STEVE:

Getting off, Lorelei?

MUSIC:

UP AND BRIDGE

WOMAN:

(COUNTING MONEY) Three hundred...three hundred and fifty...four hundred..four hundred and fifty...five hundred.

FIXER:

Exactly right!

WOMAN:

It's a lot of money, Mr. O'Neill...but I guess it's worth it.

FIXER:

There's no question about it. You're lucky I was here to fix your husband's jury.

WOMAN:

To be honest I didn't think you could do it.

FIXER:

Madame, when Fixer O'Neill gives his word..the trial is as good as over. Oh, er..I don't have to tell you that all this has to be kept quiet.

WOMAN:

Of course!

(DOOR OPENS OFF)

 

FIXER:

And if any of your friends need my services..they can always find me here at the Old Grand Hotel.

BARRY:

(FADING ON) All right, lady...beat it!

FIXER:

(SURPRISED) Hey...how'd you get in here?

BARRY:

Down the chimney! All right, lady...I left the door open. Get out!

WOMAN:

You've got your nerve.

BARRY:

Yeah.

WOMAN:

(SORE) Goodbye..

BARRY:

And don't recommend no more customers. The Fixer's gonna be busy for a while.

(THE DOOR SLAMS ON HIS LAST WORD)

 

FIXER:

Who're you?

BARRY:

I'm Barry. I work for Al Roman.

FIXER:

Oh.

BARRY:

You got a job now.

FIXER:

I have?

BARRY:

You're gonna fix Roman's jury.

FIXER:

What?

BARRY:

I said you're gonna fix Roman's jury.

FIXER:

I heard you.

BARRY:

I got the money here. But don't chisel!

FIXER:

Wait a minute, Barry! I can't fix that jury.

BARRY:

Why can't ya?

FIXER:

Because I can't...that's why!

BARRY:

(LOW..INTENSE) Listen...Al Roman wants to be taken care of. Now Fixer O'Neill better deliver..or Fixer will find himself dead.

FIXER:

(DESPERATE) How many times do I have to tell ya? I can't do it.

BARRY:

Take my advice! Be good to yourself! Do like I say!

FIXER:

(ALMOST SCREECHING IT) I can't...I can't...I can't.

BARRY:

Why not? You've fixed dozens of juries.

FIXER:

That's just it...I haven't. I never fixed a jury in my life.

BARRY:

(SHARPLY) What're you giving me? You're Fixer O'Neill, aren't ya?

FIXER:

Sure..but it's only a racket. I don't fix juries...I swear it.

BARRY:

Then how do ya get those guys off?

FIXER:

I don't. I only say I do.

BARRY:

(GRIM) Talk to me, boy...tell me all about it.

FIXER:

Look, someone comes to me and says...fix that jury. I say..okay I'll try..but I don't guarantee it.

BARRY:

So ...

FIXER:

So I make a deal that if I can fix a guy on the jury..I get paid. If I can't fix..then no money.

BARRY:

Go on.

FIXER:

Now the verdict can go only two ways. Either the guy gets acquitted .. or he don't.

BARRY:

Yeah.

FIXER:

If he gets acquitted..I claim that I fixed someone on the jury.

BARRY:

And ya get paid off.

FIXER:

Sure. But if the guy is guilty...I just say I couldn't reach anybody to fix. Get it?

BARRY:

Yeah...I get it. (STRAIN AS HE HITS HIM A BLOW) Filthy little crook!

FIXER:

(MOANING) What'd ya hit me for?

BARRY:

I got news for ya, Fixer. Al Roman's depending on you to get him an acquittal or a hung jury.

FIXER:

(AGAIN MOANING) But I just told ya..I don't know how to fix a jury.

BARRY:

Well, chiseler..ya better learn. 'Cause whatever happens to Roman...is gonna happen to you.

MUSIC:

UP AND SEGUE TO

(ESTABLISH A SUBDUED COURTROOM MURMUR THEN B.G.)

 

LOR:

How long before they finish picking the jury, Steve?

STEVE:

Ought to be soon, Lorelei. Both sides are about out of challenges.

LOR:

Look at Roman...smiling like it was a wedding.

STEVE:

He should. He's kept his secret of how to escape conviction...better than the atom bomb.

LOR:

Isn't there something we can do?

STEVE:

Wait here! I'm going over to talk to him.

LOR:

I'll go too.

STEVE:

Sit still...I don't want you to distract him.

LOR:

Thanks for nothing.

(BRING CROWD NOISE UP SLIGHTLY THEN B.G. AGAIN)

 

STEVE:

Hello, Roman!

AL:

Ya wanna take a picture, Wilson?

STEVE:

No..you don't look quite natural now.

AL:

How come?

STEVE:

No dead bodies around.

AL:

Yeah. Well, I'll be nice to you too.

STEVE:

Thanks.

AL:

Sure. I'm even gonna give you a tip.

STEVE:

Really.

AL:

You can have it first, Wilson. I'm not gonna be convicted.

STEVE:

You sound pretty sure of yourself.

AL:

I am ... I am.

STEVE:

Why?

AL:

Here in Big Town..juries don't convict innocent people.

STEVE:

If you're innocent, I'm the King of Siam.

AL:

Well, buy yourself a throne in the five and ten, Wilson. 'Cause when this jury gets through..I'll be back in circulation.

STEVE:

Roman, I don't know what your angle is..but there's one thing I can promise you.

AL:

Yeah?

STEVE:

I'm going to find out what it is. You're entitled to a fair trial. But so are the people of Big Town.

MUSIC:

CURTAIN..PART ONE

(FIRST COMMERCIAL SPOT)

 

MUSIC:

UP AND BREAK FOR

NARR:

Now...back to Big Town and tonight's five star story headlined..."The Incredible Fixer!" (CHORD) Knowing that all evidence points to Al Roman as a vicious murderer..Steve and Lorelei desperately try to discover the plan they feel Roman will use in order to escape conviction. And now...in Steve's office....

LOR:

(RESTLESS) Just to sit here..and not be able to do anything.

STEVE:

Relax, Lorelei..this story's not in the morgue yet.

LOR:

It might as well be. To look at Roman this afternoon you'd never think he was on trial for murder.

STEVE:

Beating a man to death with your bare hands. Roman's got a sewer for a heart.

LOR:

So he's dirt..the worst kind there is. But what do we do about it?

STEVE:

For one thing my grapevine's been working overtime.

LOR:

(EAGERLY) You mean maybe a tip?

STEVE:

Possibly.

LOR:

(DAMPENED) Sure. Can't you just see Roman letting that happen?

STEVE:

He's in jail, Lorelei. To him the world outside is a bunch of traffic noises. We're free to check up on him.

LOR:

(DISCOURAGED) Okay..so we check and draw a blank.

(PHONE RINGS)

 

STEVE:

Mind if I leave this wake for a second?

(PHONE LIFTED)

 

STEVE:

Wilson speaking.

JOE:

(FILTER) This is Joe..the bellhop at the Old Grand.

STEVE:

Hello, Joe..whadda ya know.

JOE:

For you..plenty.

LOR:

Steve, what is it?

STEVE:

Listen in on the extension. All right, Joe..go ahead.

JOE:

You know that goon always hangs around with Al Roman...the one they call Barry?

STEVE:

Yes.

JOE:

I seen him in the hotel already...twice.

STEVE:

Doing what?

JOE:

Visitin' the guest in four oh nine. A character named Fixer O'Neill.

STEVE:

Fixer! I thought he was out of Big Town.

JOE:

Been back about a month.

STEVE:

What else is new?

JOE:

That's not enough?

STEVE:

Enough.

JOE:

Gotta go, Mr. Wilson. A character in four twenty two is hot for some ice water. (CLICKS HIS TONGUE) See ya!

(HANGING UP ON OTHER END..THEN THIS END)

 

LOR:

Who's Fixer O'Neill?

STEVE:

A professional phoney who claims he can fix a jury.

LOR:

Does he?

STEVE:

(MUSING) Hard to prove one way or the other. Knowing the integrity of most of our people..I'd be inclined to say no. Still...

LOR:

Some weak minds can be bribed.

STEVE:

Exactly!

LOR:

You mean that Al Roman would play a long shot like a jury fix?

STEVE:

That's his angle..It has to be. He's depending on the Fixer to get him an acquittal or a hung jury.

LOR:

An acquittal...okay, I can see that..but why a hung jury?

STEVE:

A lot of reasons, Lorelei. When a jury can't arrive at a verdict the state often drops the case entirely. Besides a re-trial drags out a case so long that public resentment dies...and no one cares whether there's a conviction or not.

LOR:

Maybe the fix won't work, Steve...it'll be a good jury.

STEVE:

We've got to do more than hope, Lorelei. If the Fixer is actually in this there's nothing he won't stop at to make sure that Al Roman goes free.

MUSIC:

UP AND SEGUE TO

(DOOR BUZZER...REPEAT....REPEAT)

 

CARTER:

(SLEEPILY) All right...I'm coming..I'm coming.

(DOOR OPENS)

 

CARTER:

(SUPPRESSING A YAWN) Yes..what is it?

FIXER:

Mr. Carter?

CARTER:

That's right.

FIXER:

I got an important message for you. I better come in.

(DOOR CLOSES)

 

CARTER:

It's after midnight. What do you want?

FIXER:

Take it easy! I won't be long.

CARTER:

Well.

FIXER:

Tell me. Whatta ya think about the Roman trial?

CARTER:

Say...who are you?

FIXER:

I said..whatta ya think about the trial?

CARTER:

Members of the jury aren't permitted to discuss the case. Now..if you don't mind telling why you're here.

FIXER:

You're slow, Mr. Carter. Can't ya guess?

CARTER:

I think you'd better get out.

FIXER:

Now you're too fast. I got a message...remember?

CARTER:

Then give it to me and get out.

FIXER:

Sure! Just this! You're gonna vote for Al Roman to be acquitted. Ya understand?

CARTER:

(SEETHING..BUT CONTROLLING HIS REPLY) If you're not out of here in two seconds.

FIXER:

You'll do nothing...because you're smart. You'll do nothing because you want your wife and kid to stay alive. (SLIGHT BEAT) That surprises ya..doesn't it?

CARTER:

(LOW) You filth..

FIXER:

Maybe. Which is why you better do what you're told.

CARTER:

I won't do it.

FIXER:

You know about Roman. He's a killer...and he means what he says. You vote for him...or your family's good as dead. It's no bluff.

CARTER:

(TREMBLING) Go away..you hear me...go away!

FIXER:

You got a message..so I'll go. But keep it in your head.. every word I told ya. (EFFORT) Ya understand?

(HE SLUGS HIM AND CARTER MOANS AND FALLS. THE DOOR OPENS AND SLAMS)

 

(WE HEAR CARTER BREATHING HEAVILY..THEN THE PHONE IS FUMBLED FOR AND FINALLY LIFTED)

 

OPERATOR:

(FILTER) Number please.........number please..hello...

CARTER:

(WEAKLY) Operator.

OPERATOR:

I'm waiting for your number.

CARTER:

(SLIGHT BEAT) Never mind, operator..never mind!

(PHONE IS HUNG UP)

 

MUSIC:

STABS IN TO PUNCTUATE, THEN BRIDGES

JOE:

This is the room Fixer O'Neill had, Mr. Wilson. Bare as the day it was born.

STEVE:

So he's skipped.

JOE:

Bag and baggage and bath towel!

STEVE:

When do you think he left, Joe?

JOE:

Musta been last night. Down the back!

(BUREAU DRAWERS OPENING AND CLOSING WITH BELOW)

 

STEVE:

Not even a dirty sock left in these drawers.

JOE:

The only thing he didn't forget to take along was his paid-up bill...'cause it ain't.

STEVE:

A very nice fellow.

JOE:

Enough grease on him to swim the English Channel.

LOR:

(OFF) Steve...

STEVE:

In here, Lorelei.

JOE:

Hi, Miss Kilbourne.

LOR:

(FADING ON) Hello, Joe! Here's the list of all the jurors, Steve .. and the research you wanted on them.

STEVE:

Good!

JOE:

Hey, you think maybe the Fixer is making funny business for Al Roman?

STEVE:

Very funny business.

JOE:

But he skipped.

STEVE:

Maybe he just got tired of the Old Grand's room service.

JOE:

That could very well be.

LOR:

Steve..why are you checking off those names?

STEVE:

These eight people can't be fixed.

JOE:

(WARNS) Fixer O'Neill has a way with a buck.

STEVE:

I know these eight jurors. Their records of service to the community are excellent. No ...they're safe enough. Now..these four..

LOR:

The first one..Edward Raymond is newly married. The second, Dora Marshak, is a widow with one child.

STEVE:

And Herman Garson?

LOR:

Married and two daughters. The last one is a man named Maurice Carter. Wife just gave birth to their first child.

JOE:

What is this...a census?

STEVE:

Not quite, Joe. If the Fixer is getting to someone on the jury, chances are it'll be one of these four people.

JOE:

What makes you think they'll take a bribe?

STEVE:

I don't think it'll be a bribe. That's not safe enough. No..it's something more vicious than that.

LOR:

Intimidation!

STEVE:

Of the worst kind. Notice that all these people have a family.

JOE:

(THINKING) Yeah.

STEVE:

Suppose the Fixer were to pay one or more of them a visit. Vote an acquittal for Al Roman or...

JOE:

You'll go to a mass funeral.

LOR:

(BITTERLY) How low can you get!

JOE:

(MUSING) I didn't think the Fixer had the nerve.

STEVE:

He's probably just trying to protect himself. If he doesn't come through for Roman..he's as good as in a grave.

LOR:

After what Roman did to that little bookkeeper...

STEVE:

He's not free yet. Here, Lorelei...you take these first two names. I'll cover the others. See them...their families. We've got to find which one of these jurors is frightened enough to shame himself for the rest of his life.

MUSIC:

UP AND BEHIND FOR MONTAGE

LOR:

Mrs. Marshak...has anyone been to see you about the trial?

MRS. MAR:

Well, my friends have spoken to me about it but...

LOR:

That's not what I mean. Have any strangers approached you..threatened you...

MRS. MAR:

(SUSPICIOUSLY) Why should you ask me a question like that?

LOR:

Please ..it's so very important.

MRS. MAR:

I still don't understand it but I might as well tell you. No...nobody's threatened me.

MUSIC:

UP AND BEHIND

MR. GARSON:

That's a pretty insulting question, Mr. Wilson.

STEVE:

Perhaps Mr. Garson..but when a man's children are intimidated...

MR. GARSON:

(ANNOYED) Well, mine haven't been!

STEVE:

Don't be afraid to talk. You've got the full protection of the law.

MR. GARSON:

(CUTTING HIM SHORT) Look, I've got to get back to the courthouse. Goodbye, Mr. Wilson!

MUSIC:

UP AND BEHIND

STEVE:

Hello..

LOR:

(FILTER) Steve?

STEVE:

Yes, Lorelei.

LOR:

Lucky I caught you. The flash just came in. The trial is about to go to the jury.

STEVE:

But I've got one more man to see..Maurice Carter.

LOR:

It's too late, Steve. The recess is over and he'll be in the courtroom in a few minutes.

STEVE:

I'll be right over. I've just enough time for an important phone call!

MUSIC:

UP IN EXCITEMENT AND BRIDGE

FIXER:

(QUIETLY) Just a second, Carter.

CARTER:

(STARTLED) Yes..oh..it's you.

FIXER:

Before you go in the courtroom..I just want to remind you of our little deal.

CARTER:

(SICK) I remember.

FIXER:

Make sure you do! If you condemn Roman..you're killing your own family. Ya understand?

CARTER:

(BROKENLY) I...I understand.

FIXER:

Okay...I'll be seeing ya.

(PUSH OPEN DOOR SWISHES OPEN)

 

BARRY:

That the guy, Fixer?

FIXER:

(HIS TURN TO BE STARTLED) Huh...oh, yeah...that's him, Barry.

BARRY:

Ya think he'll deliver?

FIXER:

Oh, sure..

BARRY:

What's it costin' ya?

FIXER:

Plenty!

BARRY:

That's nice. 'Cause Al told me to stay real close to ya.

FIXER:

What for?

BARRY:

To hear the verdict. Al's..and yours.

FIXER:

(NERVOUSLY) Sure..sure..

BARRY:

There's a guy I'd like to give it to.

FIXER:

Who?

BARRY:

He just came in the front door.

FIXER:

Wilson.

BARRY:

Yeah and is he gonna be surprised. The way his lousy sheet went after Al...

FIXER:

Hey, he sees us.

BARRY:

So..

FIXER:

Let's wait some place else.

BARRY:

Whatta ya so shaky for?

FIXER:

There..the jury's about to go in now. Comon...

BARRY:

Shut up! Hey, Wilson..ya here for the bad news?

STEVE:

(OFF) That depends, Barry. (FADING ON) Hello, Fixer.

FIXER:

Yeah.

BARRY:

Whatta ya mean...it depends.

STEVE:

Who gets the bad news...that's all. The people of Big Town or...Al Roman.

BARRY:

And howda you figure it.

STEVE:

All bad...for Roman.

BARRY:

(MENACE) You sure of that?

STEVE:

I am..for after I walk in that courtroom..there won't be any fixed jury deciding this trial.

FIXER:

Barry...

BARRY:

Not so fast, Wilson. You or no one else is going to stop that jury now. And this gun in your side oughta prove it.

STEVE:

(EASILY) All right, Barry. Have it your way! I'll go along with you and your gun. You're asking for a showdown...and you're going to get it!

MUSIC:

CURTAIN..PART TWO..UP AND OUT FOR

(SECOND COMMERCIAL SPOT)

 

MUSIC:

UP AND BREAK SHARPLY FOR

NARR:

Now..back to Big Town and Steve Wilson as he waits outside a courtroom surrounded by accomplices of the murderer on trial..in tonight's front page story headlined, ... "The Incredible Fixer!"

MUSIC:

CHORD AND BREAK FOR

STEVE:

You ought to feel conspicuous, Barry.

BARRY:

Yeah?

STEVE:

Sure..holding a gun on a man right outside a courtroom is kind of a fresh approach.

FIXER:

Keep watching him, Barry.

BARRY:

Don't wander, Fixer, I want you around.

STEVE:

Don't you boys trust each other?

BARRY:

Never run out of words, do you, Wilson?

STEVE:

It's my business.

BARRY:

And mine is keeping you out of that courtroom 'til the jury comes back.

STEVE:

And then what?

BARRY:

Then I don't care what you do. Print it a mile long. Makes no difference.

STEVE:

You mean that the jury was fixed?

FIXER:

Why not? Once the jury comes in for acquittal...there's nothing you can do about it.

STEVE:

You actors don't really expect an acquittal, do you?

BARRY:

Naah! But we'll get that hung jury.

FIXER:

And when the judge dismisses them..there's nothing you or anyone else can do about it.

STEVE:

Been reading up on the law, haven't you?

(A CROWD MURMUR OFF)

 

BARRY:

Hey..

FIXER:

What's that?

STEVE:

Looks like the jury's coming back, boys.

BARRY:

Pretty fast..okay, Wilson..inside,..and keep your mouth shut 'til after the verdict. Remember, I got a gun on ya.

STEVE:

I remember.

(DOOR SWISHES OPEN AND CROWD MURMUR IS A LITTLE MORE DISTINCT)

 

BARRY:

Sit down..here.

(THREE GAVEL RAPS) (MURMUR DIES)

 

JUDGE:

(JUST OFF..PROJECTING SLIGHTLY) Ladies and Gentlemen of the jury...I've called you back for additional instructions.

(MURMUR OF EXCITEMENT)

 

FIXER:

(EXCITEMENT) Barry...this isn't the verdict...

STEVE:

Sit still..you're not going anywhere.

BARRY:

(LOW, INTENSE) Outta here..outta here..get movin!...

(GAVEL RAP)

 

JUDGE:

Will Steve Wilson of the Illustrated Press step up to the bench..please! Steve Wilson!

STEVE:

Better let me go, Barry. You know what contempt of court means.

JUDGE:

Bailiff..I see Mr. Wilson seated over there. Please help him forward.

BARRY:

(ALARM) Get out of my way..

BAILIFF:

(JUST OFF...STRAIN) No you don't..

(THE MEN SCUFFLE A LITTLE)

 

STEVE:

Nice going, Bailiff. And while you're at it..keep an eye on this quaint character known as Fixer O'Neill.

BAILIFF:

This way..you..

FIXER:

(FADING..PROTESTING) What'd I do...hey...watch my arm...what's the idea..

STEVE:

Thank you, Your Honor.

JUDGE:

(ON) I didn't get your phone message 'til just a few minutes ago. I'm very grateful, Mr. Wilson.

STEVE:

I'm glad it was in time.

JUDGE:

(ADDRESSING THE JURY) I'd like to say a few words to the jury. Ladies and Gentlemen...let me come to the point directly. Mr. Wilson has informed the Court that rumors of a fixed jury are widespread in Big Town. (CROWD MURMUR STILLED BY RAPS OF GAVEL) I needn't remind you of what such rumors do to our conception of justice. If any of you have been threatened with violence to yourselves or your families...you just saw the arrest of the men Mr. Wilson holds responsible. I'm not going to ask which one of you has been approached to fix this verdict. It is your duty to find the defendant... Al Roman..guilty...or not guilty..according to the facts that have been presented before you. Law is for the protection of all..and only the guilty have the right to fear. Hysteria and intimidation are practices alien to our way of life. Each of us has a responsibility to the other. To judge as we would wish to be judged. To vote in this trial according to your heart..and to your conscience. Ladies and Gentlemen..you may return to the jury room to continue your deliberations.

(RAP OF GAVEL...AND THERE IS A WHISPERED HUM JUST OFF AS THE JURORS CONSULT)

 

FOREMAN:

Your honor!

JUDGE:

Yes, Mr. Foreman.

FOREMAN:

The jury has already reached a verdict.

JUDGE:

The defendant will rise.

(A CHAIR SLIDES BACK)

 

JUDGE:

How do you find.

FOREMAN:

We find the defendant.. GUILTY!

MUSIC:

CURTAIN..UP AND OUT FOR

(LEAD-IN TO CLOSING COMMERCIAL)

 

LOR:

And I had to miss it all.

STEVE:

Not quite, Lorelei! This story doesn't end until Al Roman dies in the state penitentiary. And when the lights dim on the moment of execution, Barry and the Fixer, sitting in their cells...will have a new memory for the next thirty years.

(CLOSING COMMERCIAL)

 

MUSIC:

THEME TO FADE ON CUE

ANNCR:

Next week, don't miss Steve Wilson's exciting Big Town story of the vicious bail-bond racket, and a killer who tried to hide behind a mask ..but found it a mask of death! In tonight's dramatization all names, times and places are fictional. "Big Town" features Ed Pawley as Steve Wilson, Fran Carlon as Lorelei Kilbourne, and was written by Alvin Boretz. Music composed and conducted by John Gart.

MUSIC:

THEME UP AND OUT ON CUT

32 SEC. HITCHHIKE - RECORDED

WHISTLE:

(RINSO WHITE)

GIRLS:

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FOR A WASH THAT'S WHITER AND BRIGHTER THAN NEW
RINSO WASHES RINSO-NEW!

GIRL:

RINSO WHITE!

MAN:

WHITER THAN NEW!

GIRL:

RINSO BRIGHT!

MAN:

BRIGHTER THAN NEW!

GIRL:

RINSO WHITE!
RINSO BRIGHT!

MAN'S DEEP VOICE:

RINSO-NEW!

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WEIST:

Be sure to be with us again next Tuesday at the same time when Lever Brothers Company will again present Big Town. This is your narrator Dwight Weist bidding you goodnight.