web hosting short URLs photo sharing

Act One
The Karr Home

It’s early morning in Monticello. Mike Karr has pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of nightclub owner Beau Richardson and must face sentencing in court. Nancy, fearful for daughter Laurie’s emotional stability, is on the phone with Tracy Dallas in hopes she can stay with Laurie while the Karrs attend court. Nancy comments that she doesn’t like the idea of Laurie being left alone. “I’m sure you can understand why…” she explains to Tracy ominously. Tracy isn’t feeling well but tells Nancy that she can be there in about an hour. Mike overhears their conversation and suggests Nancy stay home with Laurie if she’s really that concerned. However, Nancy argues that this is one day that she especially wants to be with him. The judge has to know the truth. Mike didn’t commit the murder. He’s confessing for another reason. Is it because of Laurie?
Opening Title
Commercial Break

ACT TWO
Scene One
Karr Home

Mike insists that Nancy put the idea out of her head. It’s just a theory police chief Bill Marceau had. Nancy wants to know if anyone else thinks Laurie murdered Beau Richardson. Mike reminds her that Raymond Harper started the story, and there’s no one more unreliable than he. Nancy presses the issue, pleading with him to tell her if his confession was given to protect. “Laurie needs protection,” Mike says. She needs to be protected and shielded from all of the speculation regarding her possible involvement in the crime. Nancy admits that she didn’t sleep all night because she kept thinking that maybe Mike was sacrificing himself for his daughter, and she wondered if he had the same thoughts about Laurie’s odd behavior. “Her behavior is that of a very sick young woman,” he replies, adding, “but that behavior doesn’t include murder.” Nancy says that she can’t help but wonder what would make Laurie give up everything: her home, her husband, her child; what would make her begin to act like a child again herself? Maybe it’s guilt. Maybe she couldn’t handle killing Beau Richardson and seeing her father take the blame, so she wrapped herself in the protection of being a child, of not having to face being an adult. As Laurie enters the room, Mike insists forcefully that they must leave for court, truncating the conversation. Laurie is surprised her parents are still at home. She thought they would have left half an hour ago. Mike tells her that Tracy will be coming to stay with her while they are gone. Will she be alright until Tracy gets there? Of course she will, Laurie laughs, sometimes they act like she’s still eight years old. Nancy reiterates that their “business” shouldn’t take too long. They should be back before lunch. Laurie decides she’ll make lunch for them, if they still trust her to do that, she comments ruefully. As they leave, Laurie suddenly embraces her father. Mike notes that she’s clinging to him so tightly that she’s nearly squeezing him to death. After they depart, Laurie turns on the radio. She reacts strangely to a news broadcast about Mike’s confession to murder and sentencing later that morning.
Dissolve to:

Scene Two
A restaurant.

Kevin and Draper are having breakfast. Kevin states that he might has well have interviewed the waitress for all of the information Draper has given him. Draper apologizes, but he warned Kevin that he wasn’t feeling particularly talkative. “You think you’ve lost this case, don’t you, “ Kevin asks. Draper replies that his client Mike Karr is about to be sentenced for manslaughter, so if he won the case, it’s a “strange victory.” Kevin reminds him that he didn’t lose the case because the jury didn’t bring in a guilty verdict; Mike confessed to the crime, ending the trial himself. Draper knows. He tried to talk Mike out of confessing. “You aren’t going to print anything I’ve said this morning?” he asks. Kevin says that he needs to print something. After all, this is his last story for The Monticello News. Draper has forgotten that Kevin is moving on to “political glory.” Kevin reminds him that the Crime Commission is hardly the White House. Draper agrees, but adds that it does give a young politician something very valuable in the public eye… exposure. Besides, Kevin’s going to be in the newspaper himself in another week or so, this time on the wedding page. “Yes, that’s if there is a wedding, “ Kevin replies, further explaining that Raven hasn’t taken her blood test yet, and they can’t get a marriage license until she does. Therefore, he’s going to personally escort her to Dr. Lacey’s office. Logan arrives and asks if he can join them. It’s okay with Draper. They aren’t talking about Mike’s case; they’re talking about Kevin’s fiancé. “Now, I have to join you, “ Logan laughs, seating himself.

Commercial Break

ACT THREE
Scene One
Restaurant

Logan asks Kevin if he’s aware that Logan dated Raven “a coupla times, before you were betrothed, of course.” Kevin retorts that yes, he guesses he was aware of that. Logan jokes that now that he has the Raven Alexander Fan Club under one roof, he can officially name Kevin president. “Well, you can officially cancel my membership, “ Draper snaps. Realizing his sarcasm, Draper explains that he has nothing against Raven, it’s just that he has another girl in his life now… April. Logan cracks more bad jokes about it being November, not April. Draper comments that if Logan is going to bore them to death with bad puns, he should tell them about his love life. Logan says that he’s playing field, not concentrating on one woman. Kevin, clearly uncomfortable, excuses himself to make a phone call. After he leaves, Logan remarks that Kevin is a nice guy. Draper agrees, and that’s why he feels sorry for him. In fact, Logan should know all too well. He didn’t just date Raven; he had a real thing going with her. Draper wants to know one thing. Is Logan still seeing Raven? With a look of feigned innocence, Logan denies it. What kind of heel does Draper think he is? Draper reminds him that even after he proposed to her, Raven continued seeing his own father Ansel Scott. Logan shifts nervously in his seat, again denying his interest in her. Draper concedes that she’s Kevin’s headache now, and he hopes Kevin has a lot of aspirin. They exit for court.

Scene Two
Restaurant pay phone.
Kevin is calling Dr. Lacey from a pay phone in the restaurant. Dr. Lacey wonders when Raven will be coming in for her blood test. Kevin assures him she’ll be there that afternoon. In fact, he’s personally escorting her to the office. The doctor reminds him that there is a three-day waiting following the test before a couple can apply for a marriage license. Kevin is more concerned in knowing if he’s received any word about the fertility test Kevin took. Dr. Lacey admits that he has the results from the report, but claims that he hasn’t had a chance to look over them yet. He suggests that they discuss the report when Kevin stops by the office that afternoon. Kevin agrees. They say their goodbyes. At his office, Dr. Lacey glances at the report, a grave expression on his face.
Commercial Break

ACT FOUR
Scene One
Criminal court building

Nancy is nervously pacing in the waiting area outside the courtroom. Mike takes her hands, telling her that they feel ice cold. Nancy remarks that it’s cold in the building. She’s chilled to the bone. “It’s nerves, “ Mike insists. Nancy begs Mike that he can’t do this. He can’t be sentenced for a crime he didn’t commit. Mike demands that she drop the subject. It’s the wrong time to talk about it. Nancy says that he’s always told her everything in the past, but now she’s sure that he’s keeping something from her. He replies that he’s told her all she needs know, too much, in fact. Nancy persists with the notion that he’s doing it to protect Laurie. That’s why the police haven’t arrested Raymond Harper, even though he confessed to being at the Ace of Clubs the night Beau was murdered. Nancy reasons that Bill and everybody else on the force knows that Mike confessed because he thinks his daughter killed Beau. Mike insists that he’s doing what is best for Laurie, for Nancy, for the whole family. “But you are going to prison, “ Nancy cries. Before he can respond, Draper arrives and suggests they get into the courtroom.

Scene Two
Courtroom

The bailiff orders the court in session with the Honorable Judge Harvey J. Mendelson presiding. Judge Mendelson requests the defendant and both attorneys to please rise.

Judge Mendelson: Michael Karr, you’ve confessed to the crime of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Beauregard Richardson… the night of April 1st, 1977. Do you still maintain that this confession was made by you in the full knowledge of the consequences… with no prior commitment regarding punishment made to you by any officer of this court?

Mike: I do, Your Honor.

Judge Mendelson: Then having been found guilty of the crime of voluntary manslaughter, it’s my duty to sentence you to a prison term mandated by the laws of this state, according to statutes 12 through 21 of the criminal code. Now, before I pass that sentence, the court wishes to make this statement. Despite the fact that the evidence in this case clearly shows the situation of extreme provocation, the law cannot allow the heat of anger or passion to become a license for the taking of human life. Therefore, it’s my duty to sentence you to a term of imprisonment of not less than two… and not more than five years. However, there are other factors to be considered in this case. Factors concerning the nature of the two individuals who participated in this great tragedy. The character of Beauregard Richardson, as reprehensible as it might have been, cannot have any effect on the verdict in this sentence, since all men are granted the equal protection of the law, no matter what their station in life… or indeed, how high or how low their moral character. But in the case of the defendant, who must now suffer the consequences of his hasty and ill-considered action, his own character and background must be considered by those in authority to pass judgment. Now, I’m only too well acquainted with the past record of Mr. Michael Karr. The unselfish contributions he’s made to the people of this community… people of this state. And in the interest of the very law we’ve been testing in this courtroom for the last three weeks. Now the court must ask itself what the real consequences of a prison term will be in this case. Not merely for Mr. Michael Karr, but for the citizens of this community… for the principles we’re all trying to serve. Now, I’ve studied the history and the background of this defendant as well as the details of the crime with which he’s been charged. And I cannot find it in my conscience… the necessity for ordering Michael Karr behind bars. Therefore, with the authority given me by the same statutes mentioned here in court… I hereby suspend the sentence. Court is adjorned.

The courtroom erupts in audible sighs. Draper offers his congratulations to a bewildered Mike who embraces Nancy in shock and elation.
Commercial Break

ACT FIVE
Scene One
Monticello criminal courtroom.

Mike reminds Nancy that he told her everything would be alright. Draper admits he thought it would be, too…he just didn’t want to say anything until he heard it with his own ears. Logan approaches them, offering his own congratulations to Mike. Mike is skeptical, but Draper reveals that Logan “went to bat” for Mike with Juge Mendelson. Logan states that he really didn’t do anything. Judge Mendelson searched his own conscience and made the right decision. “So that’s all there is to it,” Nancy questions, “Mike is completely free?” Logan says that it is true. “Is that all there is to it, Mike” she asks again, searching for reassurance. Mike takes her hand. “Yes, Nancy. That’s all there I to it. Now, let’s go home.” He escorts her from the courtroom. Draper says goodbye to Logan, adding, “I still say he didn’t do it…”
Dissolve to:

Scene Two
Karr home.
Water is running in the shower. The camera slowly pans down to the floor. Laurie lies unconscious, her arm covered in blood.
FADE OUT
COMMERCIAL BREAK