Perry Mason (TV Series)

The Case of the Sleepwalker's Niece (1957)

William Talman: Hamilton Burger

Quotes 

• Perry Mason : Will you show me just where you were standing when you overheard that conversation?

  Steve Harris : Near the shrubbery right beneath Mrs. Cole's bedroom.

  Perry Mason : Are you sure? Is it possible you were standing on the other side of the house?

  Steve Harris : Well...

  Perry Mason : Now, this is an important point, as you may understand.

  Hamilton Burger : Your Honor, Mr. Mason is coaching the witness.

  Steve Harris : No, I... I got a little mixed up. Mrs. Cole's bedroom is on the other side of the house.

  Perry Mason : It's simply that you weren't oriented properly, but now you do recognize the house?

  Steve Harris : Oh, sure.

  Perry Mason : And that is where you overheard the telephone conversation?

  Steve Harris : Yes, sir. I even wrote it down.

  Perry Mason : Word for word?

  Steve Harris : Yes, sir.

  Perry Mason : Of course, there is one other way that you could have recorded that conversation. I mean, if you had made the telephone call yourself.

  Steve Harris : Well, sure, but what would be the point?

  Perry Mason : Well, that would have given you an alibi for the time of the murder. That way, you could pretend to be in Santa Barbara, overhearing the conversation, when actually you'd in Los Angeles, telephoning.

• Peter Cole : [after Duncan testifies]  He's lying, Mason. You're not gonna let him get away with that.

  Hamilton Burger : I call Steven Harris to the stand, please.

  Perry Mason : I think Mr. Burger will open the door for us.

  Court Clerk : [swearing Steve in]  Raise your right hand.

  Peter Cole : How?

  Perry Mason : Through Steve.