Screenplay data
District Attorney John Cardenas investigates the murder of Andrew Marsh, suspecting the manipulative Rebecca Lawson, who is defended by attorney Frank Dulaney. Dulaney's affair with Rebecca compromises his ethics, while he uncovers evidence implicating Marsh's secretary, Joanne Braslow, as a potential killer. After Rebecca's acquittal, Dulaney confronts her, discovering her drug use and realizing her true dangerous nature. A violent confrontation with Dr. Alan Paley results in Paley's death and Rebecca's re-arrest, leaving Dulaney to face the repercussions of his involvement.
Save the Cat beat sheet
A tough lawyer, Frank Dulaney, agrees to defend Rebecca Lawson in the suspicious death of her lover, Andrew Marsh.
Open full beat sheetFrank Dulaney is listed as Defense Attorney. Powerful, self-assured, mid-thirties. In the parsed data, Frank Dulaney is connected to 75 scenes, 273 dialogue lines, 273 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
75 scenes / 273 dialogue linesRebecca Lawson is listed as Defendant. Stunningly beautiful woman in her late twenties, manipulative, sexual. In the parsed data, Rebecca Lawson is connected to 36 scenes, 92 dialogue lines, 105 text mentions, first appearing around scene 10.
36 scenes / 92 dialogue linesJohn Cardenas is listed as District Attorney. Handsome Latin man in his thirties, ambitious, hard-working. In the parsed data, John Cardenas is connected to 23 scenes, 100 dialogue lines, 101 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
23 scenes / 100 dialogue linesSharon Dulaney is listed as Frank's Wife. Attractive woman in her early thirties. In the parsed data, Sharon Dulaney is connected to 14 scenes, 32 dialogue lines, 32 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
14 scenes / 32 dialogue linesJoanne Braslow is listed as Marsh's Secretary. Attractive, mid-thirties, corporate look, jealous. In the parsed data, Joanne Braslow is connected to 10 scenes, 50 dialogue lines, 59 text mentions, first appearing around scene 36.
10 scenes / 50 dialogue linesCharlie Biggs is listed as Investigator. Tall, wiry black man, street-wise. In the parsed data, Charlie Biggs is connected to 10 scenes, 29 dialogue lines, 29 text mentions, first appearing around scene 21.
10 scenes / 29 dialogue linesJudge Burnham is listed as Judge. Confident black man in his fifties, tough but fair. In the parsed data, Judge Burnham is connected to 8 scenes, 24 dialogue lines, 24 text mentions, first appearing around scene 43.
8 scenes / 24 dialogue linesRoger Troxell is listed as Assistant District Attorney. Short, baby-faced man. In the parsed data, Roger Troxell is connected to 8 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 84.
8 scenes / 1 dialogue linesDetective Reese is listed as Homicide Detective. Looks more like an accountant than a detective. In the parsed data, Detective Reese is connected to 7 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 2.
7 scenes / 2 dialogue linesMichael Dulaney is listed as Frank's Son. Eight-year-old boy. In the parsed data, Michael Dulaney is connected to 6 scenes, 12 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 18.
6 scenes / 12 dialogue linesRaymond Sattler is listed as Attorney. Tall, distinguished-looking man in his sixties, uses a cane. In the parsed data, Raymond Sattler is connected to 5 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 34.
5 scenes / 1 dialogue linesDr. Henry McCurdy is listed as Medical Examiner. Portly man with windblown cheeks and bloodshot eyes. In the parsed data, Dr. Henry McCurdy is connected to 4 scenes, 14 dialogue lines, 14 text mentions, first appearing around scene 3.
4 scenes / 14 dialogue linesDr. Alan Paley is listed as Doctor. Well-groomed man in his thirties, vindictive. In the parsed data, Dr. Alan Paley is connected to 3 scenes, 25 dialogue lines, 26 text mentions, first appearing around scene 50.
3 scenes / 25 dialogue linesAndrew Marsh is listed as Deceased victim. Frail man in his early sixties, wealthy, heart condition. In the parsed data, Andrew Marsh is connected to 2 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 11 text mentions, first appearing around scene 76.
2 scenes / 1 dialogue linesJeffery Roston is listed as Witness. Handsome man in his late fifties, salt and pepper hair, ex-lover of Rebecca. In the parsed data, Jeffery Roston is connected to 1 scene, 22 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 59.
1 scenes / 22 dialogue linesMargaret Sellers is listed as Nurse. Attractive woman in her mid-twenties. In the parsed data, Margaret Sellers is connected to 1 scene, 11 dialogue lines, 12 text mentions, first appearing around scene 64.
1 scenes / 11 dialogue linesDr. Wong is listed as Doctor. Oriental medicine practitioner. In the parsed data, Dr. Wong is connected to 1 scene, 9 dialogue lines, 10 text mentions, first appearing around scene 64.
1 scenes / 9 dialogue linesEster Crawford is listed as Maid. Black woman in her thirties, former maid for Marsh. In the parsed data, Ester Crawford is connected to 1 scene, 9 dialogue lines, 9 text mentions, first appearing around scene 54.
1 scenes / 9 dialogue linesDr. Steven Trammel is listed as Cardiologist. Marsh's doctor. In the parsed data, Dr. Steven Trammel is connected to 1 scene, 6 dialogue lines, 6 text mentions, first appearing around scene 45.
1 scenes / 6 dialogue linesJoseph Koehler is listed as Estate Attorney. Heavy-set man in his fifties. In the parsed data, Joseph Koehler is connected to 1 scene, 4 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 78.
1 scenes / 4 dialogue linesPolice investigate the scene of Andrew Marsh's death, where he was found dead in bed after a sexual encounter.
Andrew Marsh, Detective ReeseJohn Cardenas arrives at the crime scene and meets Detective Reese.
John Cardenas, Detective Reese, Joanne BraslowCardenas inspects the crime scene and discusses the cause of death with the Medical Examiner.
John Cardenas, Detective Reese, Roger Troxell, Dr. Henry McCurdyCardenas interviews Joanne Braslow about the victim and Rebecca Lawson.
John Cardenas, Joanne BraslowCardenas and McCurdy discuss the toxicology report and the cause of death.
John Cardenas, Dr. Henry McCurdyCardenas strategizes with his team about building a case against Rebecca Lawson.
John Cardenas, Detective Reese, Roger Troxell, Dr. Henry McCurdyCardenas confronts Rebecca Lawson at Marsh's funeral.
Rebecca Lawson, John Cardenas, Detective Reese, Joanne Braslow, Raymond SattlerFrank Dulaney and his family discuss the case and his potential involvement.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon Dulaney, Michael DulaneySattler asks Dulaney to represent Rebecca Lawson.
Raymond Sattler, Frank DulaneyDulaney meets Rebecca Lawson to discuss the case.
Rebecca Lawson, Frank DulaneyTroxell introduces Cardenas to Dr. Alan Paley.
John Cardenas, Roger Troxell, Dr. Alan PaleyDulaney and Sharon discuss the case and his potential representation of Rebecca.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon DulaneyCardenas arrests Rebecca Lawson.
Rebecca Lawson, John Cardenas, Detective Reese, Frank DulaneyDulaney waits for Rebecca to be processed.
Rebecca Lawson, Frank DulaneyDulaney meets Rebecca at the jail for her release.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney and Rebecca are swarmed by reporters.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney and Rebecca discuss the upcoming trial and her sexual nature.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney is distracted during dinner with his family.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon Dulaney, Michael DulaneySharon confronts Dulaney about his neglect of Michael.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon DulaneyDulaney reconciles with Michael.
Frank Dulaney, Michael DulaneyDulaney tasks Biggs with investigating the Marsh case.
Frank Dulaney, Charlie BiggsDulaney and Rebecca have lunch.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney follows Rebecca into her home.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonRebecca seduces Dulaney.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney is distracted during dinner with Sharon.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon DulaneyDulaney calls Rebecca.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney and Rebecca visit Marsh's old cabin.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney and Rebecca discuss Dr. Paley.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney and Rebecca sit on the porch.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney enters Rebecca's house while being watched.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca Lawson, Detective ReeseDulaney and Rebecca engage in a sexual encounter.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney returns home.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon DulaneyDulaney discovers scratches on his back.
Frank DulaneyDulaney and Biggs discuss the case.
Frank Dulaney, Charlie Biggs, Raymond SattlerDulaney visits Joanne Braslow.
Frank Dulaney, Joanne BraslowDulaney interviews Joanne.
Frank Dulaney, Joanne BraslowDulaney cross-examines Joanne Braslow regarding her knowledge of Rebecca's drug use and her relationship with Marsh.
Frank Dulaney, Joanne BraslowDulaney confronts Rebecca about the cocaine allegation.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonSharon discovers blood on Dulaney's shirt.
Sharon DulaneyDulaney acts nervously while Michael is on the phone.
Frank Dulaney, Michael DulaneySharon discovers scratches on Dulaney's back while he sleeps.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon DulaneyDulaney questions Rebecca about her weekend.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonOpening statements by Cardenas and Dulaney.
John Cardenas, Frank Dulaney, Rebecca Lawson, Judge BurnhamDr. McCurdy testifies about the cause of Marsh's death.
Dr. Henry McCurdy, John Cardenas, Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDr. Trammel testifies about Marsh's heart condition.
Dr. Steven Trammel, John Cardenas, Frank DulaneyJoanne Braslow testifies about Marsh's fear of Rebecca.
Joanne Braslow, John Cardenas, Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonRebecca and Dulaney have a sexual encounter.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonRebecca and Dulaney share a moment with honey.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonDulaney returns home to Sharon.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon DulaneyDr. Paley testifies against Rebecca.
Dr. Alan Paley, John Cardenas, Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonRebecca handcuffs Dulaney and uses candle wax on him.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca LawsonRebecca seduces and manipulates Dulaney with wax and psychological games.
Rebecca Lawson, Frank DulaneyDulaney returns home and has a heated confrontation with his wife, Sharon.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon DulaneyEster Crawford testifies about Marsh and Rebecca's relationship.
Ester Crawford, John Cardenas, Frank Dulaney, Roger Troxell, Judge BurnhamJudge Burnham reprimands Dulaney for his conduct.
Judge Burnham, Frank Dulaney, John CardenasCardenas confronts Dulaney about his personal involvement with Rebecca.
John Cardenas, Frank DulaneyBiggs shows Dulaney a tape that reveals Joanne Braslow was with Marsh.
Charlie Biggs, Frank DulaneyDulaney confronts Joanne Braslow about her affair with Marsh.
Frank Dulaney, Joanne BraslowJeffery Roston testifies about his past relationship with Rebecca.
Frank Dulaney, Rebecca Lawson, John Cardenas, Jeffery Roston, Judge BurnhamDulaney confronts Rebecca about her potential guilt.
Rebecca Lawson, Frank DulaneyDulaney, Sharon, and Michael eat dinner in tense silence until the doorbell rings.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon Dulaney, Michael DulaneyBiggs informs Dulaney that Joanne Braslow has been buying cocaine.
Frank Dulaney, Charlie BiggsDulaney arrives at court and sits with Rebecca.
Rebecca Lawson, Frank DulaneyDulaney questions Dr. Wong and Margaret Sellers.
John Cardenas, Roger Troxell, Frank Dulaney, Judge Burnham, Dr. Wong, Margaret SellersBiggs tells Dulaney that Joanne Braslow visited an estate attorney.
Frank Dulaney, Charlie BiggsDulaney and Biggs discover Joanne was in the old will.
Frank Dulaney, Charlie BiggsDulaney realizes he needs to go to the drug store.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon DulaneyDulaney cross-examines Joanne Braslow.
John Cardenas, Joanne Braslow, Frank Dulaney, Judge BurnhamDulaney and Sharon have a violent confrontation.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon Dulaney, Michael DulaneyDulaney sits alone in the rain.
Frank DulaneyDulaney and Sharon reconcile in the rain.
Frank Dulaney, Sharon DulaneyClosing arguments are presented.
Rebecca Lawson, John Cardenas, Frank Dulaney, Judge BurnhamDulaney and Rebecca wait for the verdict.
Rebecca Lawson, Frank DulaneyThe jury delivers a not guilty verdict.
Rebecca Lawson, John Cardenas, Roger Troxell, Raymond Sattler, Frank Dulaney, Charlie BiggsDulaney and Biggs walk to the car.
Frank Dulaney, Charlie BiggsThe jury delivers a not guilty verdict for Rebecca Lawson. Dulaney leaves immediately.
Rebecca Lawson, John Cardenas, Roger Troxell, Raymond Sattler, Frank Dulaney, Charlie BiggsDulaney and Biggs discuss the case; Joanne confronts Dulaney.
Joanne Braslow, Frank Dulaney, Charlie BiggsDulaney confronts Koehler about his contact with Joanne.
Frank Dulaney, Joseph KoehlerDulaney receives a call from Rebecca.
Rebecca Lawson, Frank DulaneyDulaney arrives at Rebecca's house.
Frank DulaneyYou all can see the defendant, Rebecca Lawson. But as this trial proceeds you will see that she is not only the defendant -- she is the murder weapon itself. Is that possible? Can a person actually be a weapon? The answer is yes. If I hit you and you die -- I am the cause of your death. But can sex be called a weapon? Yes. And what a deadly weapon Rebecca Lawson made of it. The State will prove that Miss Lawson seduced Andrew Marsh -- that she put increasing sexual demands on him while she secretly administered cocaine. All the while knowing that he had a severe heart condition. She is a beautiful woman -- but when this trial is over you will see her no differently than a gun, or a knife or any other instrument used as a weapon. She is a killer. And the worst kind -- one who disguised herself as a loving partner.
I know what you're thinking -- and it's a mistake. You look at Miss Lawson and you see a beautiful woman who was involved with an older man -- and you think she looks like the type. She could've done it. And that's exactly what the District Attorney wants you to think. Yes, she is beautiful. So what? Does that make her a killer? Of course not. This case is not about appearances. It's about facts. As Mr. Cardenas presents his case you will see that there are very few facts -- that the bulk of the States evidence is circumstantial. I'm confident that by the conclusion of this trial you will not just have a reasonable doubt. You will have no doubt at all -- that Rebecca Lawson is innocent of the charges against her.
She started touching herself and telling me how much she wanted me. She reached down and put me inside her. My doctor had warned me about exerting myself -- but you really don't think of those things at a moment like that. You just think about how beautiful this woman is -- how much you want her. How deeply you want to please her. At first it started off slowly -- but the rhythm built and built. Every time I got close to an orgasm she would stop. Eventually I started to have trouble breathing. Rebecca just kept going -- faster and faster. No matter what I said she wouldn't stop. I really thought for a moment I was going to die.
Maybe you don't know what it's like where Mrs. Crawford comes from -- but I do. I came from a neighborhood just like hers. This is a whole other world for her. She's a poor working woman who has been thrust into a room full of highly educated and mostly unsympathetic people. So, she puts on her best dress, fixes her hair and tries to present herself as intelligently as possible. Being poor and having pride is not a crime, Mr. Dulaney -- and before you attempt to impeach another witness' testimony in my courtroom -- your foundations better be based on something other than semantics.
Of course we are. Our primal urges are still there -- but we've taken sex and intellectualized it, refined it down to its most essential components. It's bland, easy, mechanical. There's great passion in the struggle -- such craving in denial. Do you know what it's like to yearn for something? I'm not talking about wanting, or needing. I'm talking about an urge so deep that your skin burns and every cell in your body pulses with desire?
I am who I am. I can't deny it, anymore than you can deny who you are. I like sex different -- I like it wild. That's not a crime. I loved Andrew. We made love together. We made it differently, but we still made love. It was our way. It was private -- and now the whole world wants to look in through the pretense of justice. If I was some middle-aged divorcee who screwed him once a week do you think this would be happening to me?
What's the issue here? That Rebecca Lawson likes wild sex? No. But the District Attorney is trying to make you think if Rebecca Lawson could stray from the path of normal, accepted sexual behavior, then she could be capable of murder. Did she force Andrew Marsh to make love to her? Did she hold a gun to his head? No. Andrew Marsh wanted her -- and why wouldn't he? She's beautiful, alluring -- the type of woman men dream about.
The Prosecution's case is built on theory -- speculation. Could Rebecca Lawson have done this? Is it possible that she did that? Where are the facts? The evidence. The State has presented two spurned lovers and a jealous secretary. Hardly what I would call impartial witnesses. Where is one shred of conclusive, irrefutable evidence? I don't see it -- and I don't think you do either. Do you know why? Because there isn't any.
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