PEYTON PLACE
Episode 183.
02-17-66
Dr. Rossi testifies in Rodney's murder trial. Stella is
recalled to testify.
WA: A promise to the dead is sometimes more binding than a
committment to the living. Stella Chernak has bound herself to
her father. She has sworn, under oath, that Rodney Harrington
threatened to kill her brother. And now, Dr. Michael Rossi
must unwillingly add substance to that lie.
Intro: In a heavy overcoat, Norman walking bareheaded across the
square to the courthouse. Stella. Rossi.
Scene 1: In the courtroom, John Fowler asks Rossi what time he arrived
at the Peyton house. Fowler turns the doctor over to the
defense. Steven asks if it was chance that brought him to the
Peyton house. Rossi says that he was Gus Chernak's doctor.
Steven asks Rossi to describe Rodney. Rossi describes Rodney
as a bright level-headed young man. Steven asks Rossi
relationship to Stella Chernak. Rossi completes his testimony.
Fowler asks to recall Stella Chernak to the stand. Steven
objects and is overruled. Stella takes the stand. Fowler asks
Stella to talk some more about Joe Chernak. Stella talks about
Rossi's visit to the Chernak house. Stella and Rossi exchange
dirty looks.
Scene 2: Outside the courthouse, John Fowler and Stella help Anna into
his car. She is wearing black and a black veil. The car is
parked directly in front of the courthouse. John talks with
Stella. She says she'll have to quit her job. Fowler urges
Stella not to quit her job at the hospital. He says she is on
the winning side.
Scene 3: Inside the hospital, in Allison's room, Rossi is trying to help
Allison to take some steps. She collapses. Russ Gehring is
watching.
Scene 4: In the corridor, Rossi talks with Russ Gehring. Russ says that
Allison screamed, "He is not my father." Russ says that it is
a hysterical paralysis. Rossi asks Russ what he is trying to
prove.
Scene 5: Russ Gehring places pay phone call to the District Attorney's
office. He asks to talk with Mr. Fowler. Fowler isn't in.
Russ Gehring leaves his name for Fowler to call.
Scene 6: John Fowler talks with Steven Cord. Steven says he was surprised
that the judge allowed Stella to be recalled. Fowler says, "It's
a wise counselor who knows when to throw in the towel." John says
he has a solid case. Steven says that John is bluffing. Steven
tells John to go back to his office and book himself a ladies club
luncheon.
Scene 7: John comes out of the courthouse onto the square. He goes over
and talks with his strange wife Marian. Elliot and Constance
come out of the Clarion and notice that Marian Fowler has come
home.
Scene 8: In Rossi's office, Steven continues to ask questions about the
trial and about Stella. Steven advises Rossi not to fire
Stella. Rossi thinks he may not have the choice. She will
probably quit. Rossi tells Steven that Stella is working on an
important research project. Rossi decides to give Stella the
day off.
Scene 9: John, back in the courtroom, talks with his wife Marian. John
says that Marian's relationship with Russ Gehring is in the
past. He wants to forget it. She tells him about driving back
on the beach road. She had broken off the relationship. It
wasn't an affair. She said she wouldn't see him again, except
in the hospital. [She was a physical therapy volunteer]. The
sun was in her eyes. That is when she hit Allison. She knew
she hit something but she thought it was a rock or a small
animal. John says, "You didn't stop? Why didn't you come to
me?" She says she has no excuse. He mentions her calling from
California. He tells her that she will have to tell the
police. Fowler says that the Harrington trial is far from over
now. Fowler is trying to salvage his marriage. [Later in the
series his political ambitions are emphasized].
Preview: Elliot talks with Constance. Steven talks to David Schuster
about Kim testifying. Russ Gehring asks to talk to John
Fowler.
EC: I can't believe Fowler didn't know anything about it.
And if he did, and I can prove it, I'll get him.
SC: I need Kim on that stand again to get at the truth.
DS: I'm going to hold you personally responsible for
anything that happens to her.
RG: I've got to talk with you.
John Fowler slugs Russ Gehring with his left hand. Scene ends.
Stella Chernak-Lee Grant, guest star.
Judge Irwin A. Jessup-Curt Conway.
Russ Gehring-David Canary.
Marian Fowler-Joan Blackman.
Anna Chernak-Anna Karen, maid to the Schusters.
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