PEYTON PLACE
Episode 162.
12-30-65
Rodney's afternoon trial opens. First day. [dm]
WA: Three men, Leslie Harrington, his son Rodney Harrington, and
Rodney's attorney, Steven Cord. On the first day of "The
People vs Rodney Harrington," these three form the defense.
John Fowler, District Attorney of Peyton County. This man,
backed by the machinery of the law, is the prosecutor.
Intro: People walking across the street away from the courthouse.
People walking across the street toward the courthouse.
Scene 1: Steven enters the courtroom, followed by Rodney, then Leslie.
Steven speaks quietly to Rodney at the defense table. Fowler
comes into the courtroom and nods at Steven. Gus Chernak is
standing just inside the courtroom. Norman bumps into him
coming in. Norman speaks. Gus says, "Surprised? You didn't
think I'd be here." Norman asks Leslie "where the Chernaks'
charming daughter is." The court clerk announces the honorable
Irwin A. Jessup, "All rise. Department 2 of the Superior
Court, County of Peyton, now in session. The honorable Irwin
A. Jessup presiding." The judge bangs the gavel. He tells the
courtroom to be seated. The judge says, "Bailiff, bring in the
prospective jurors." The jury panel files in and sits on the
back row to the right of the judge. There are about 30 seats.
The judge warns the courtroom he will allow no disturbances.
Scene 2: Dr. Rossi comes into his hospital office and compliments Stella
on her paper dolls. Rossi takes a call from Peyton and is
summoned immediately to the Peyton house. Rossi tells him that
his x-ray is more important than Peyton. He will be over
later. Rossi explains that Peyton, the "Lord of the Manor," is
his landlord. He has his office on the square above the
Clarion, the Peyton Place Professional Building.
Scene 3: An angry Peyton is sitting at the chessboard. In this scene
the chess board is oriented properly with a white square on the
far right of each player. Peyton tells Betty that she has hurt
him. Betty mentions that he has never explained her duties.
Betty asks him if he wants to play chess. He says that he
doesn't feel like playing games today. A much better game is
being played in the courthouse, "Russian Roulette." Betty
starts to leave and Peyton asks her to stay. Betty sits down
at the chess table. They talk.
Dr. Rossi arrives at the Peyton house and rings the door
chimes. Betty gets up and goes to the door. Dr. Rossi is
surprised to encounter Betty answering the door. Peyton says,
"You fired miss Anderson, I hired her. Your loss is my gain."
Betty leaves.
Peyton hands Dr. Rossi his medical file. Peyton tells Rossi
that he wants Rossi to be his attending physician. He doesn't
want the incompetant Dr. Morton. And that as long as Dr.
Morton is head of administration, there will be no endowment in
Catherine's name. Peyton mentions Stella Chernak. Rossi says
that Stella's work was above reproach. Rossi says that he
doesn't think Rodney is a murderer but he has no idea what
Rodney said to Stella Chernak. He says he will consider his
offer to act as Peyton's attending physician. Peyton says that
Morton stuck by his perjurer, Dr. Bradley. Peyton tells Rossi
came here a stranger. He asks if he will remain a stranger.
Scene 4: Eli is looking at an old book as Rita comes in the Clarion
office. Eli is minding the phone for Elliot. He expects a
call from a wire service in Boston. The wire service wants
background information on Rodney's trial. Rita has brought Eli
a soda water from the Pharmacy. The old newspaper displayed on
the wall which reads as follows:
PEACE.
Eli offers Rita a job selling marine engines, sails, life
preservers, and such. Rita says that sort of stuff doesn't
sell well in cold weather. Eli tells Rita he will let her use
one of his boats in the spring. Rita doesn't expect to be
there after the winter.
Scene 5: Back in the courtroom, the jury panel is being sworn in.
Steven Cord asks Rodney if he recognizes anyone on the jury
panel. Rodney says that he recognizes Mr. Androtti and Mrs.
Baldwin. The judge gavels the room to order. He tells the
court that the defendant, Rodney Harrington has been charged
with murder. It is alleged that on July 16, Rodney Harrington
killed Joe Chernak. The judge asks if anyone is aquainted with
Rodney or Joe.
Scene 6: The first juror questioned is Mrs. Voigt. Mr. Schiller is on
the far right of the front row from the viewpoint of the
lawyers. Mrs. Voigt is sitting on the right hand of Mr.
Schiller. Ther next prospective juror is a lady and the next
is miss Choate. Mr. Devlin is next and another man is on his
right at the left end of the front row. Mrs. Voigt says that
she is a housewife. After questioning, she is preemptorily
challenged by the defense. Judge Jessup excuses her.
Scene 7: The second juror questioned is Miss Choate. Miss Choate says
she has been employed at the hospital for 18 years. She has no
family in Peyton Place. She has discussed the case with her
coworkers but has not formed an opinion. After Steven
finishes, John Fowler questions her. Miss Choate asks to be
excused. She is excused by judge Jessup.
The third prospective juror questioned is Charlie Devlin. He
says is a boat builder. He was born in Peyton County. Mr.
Devlin says he believes that if a man has been indicted, he
must have done something. He says he served on the Elizabeth
Carson murder case. Steven Cord challenges for cause. Judge
Jessup excuses Charlie Devlin.
Preview: Dr. Rossi talks with Stella Chernak. Mr. West, an accountant,
and prospective juror is being questioned by Steven Cord.
MR: You're desk was a lot neater when you first came to work.
SC: So what?
MR: So what. So what's wrong?
SC: Well, You're going to fire me, aren't you?
W: I don't take their filthy money like you do. They're not
going to get away with it this time. You Harringtons are
not going to get away with murder. Not this time.
Stella cuts out paper dolls.
Ralph, the bailiff-Gino De Agustino.
Judge Irwin A. Jessup-Curt Conway
Charlie Devlin-uncredited.
Court clerk-Victor Izay, episode 166
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