"Defeated for re-election after serving six years as District Attorney of Iron Cliffs County, Paul Biegler is dispirited at the prospect of having to establish himself as a defense attorney. But the first case that comes his way is a sensational one: he takes on the defense of an army lieutenant accused of the cold-blooded murder of a bartender, who had allegedly raped the lieutenant's wife. Biegler's handling of the case is complicated by the intense dislike he develops for his client, as well as by the distractions provided by the lieutenant's seductively attractive wife. Aided only by an aging, retired, boozing lawyer friend, Parnell McCarthy, Biegler fights desperately against the forces of the state, as represented by a shrewd member of the Attorney General's staff from the state capital, as well as by the slick young man who has taken away Biegler's job as D.A.. It is a see-saw battle all the way, one dramatic courtroom confrontation following another, as Biegler uses every device available o him I evidence and in law o save the lieutenant's neck. Victory or defeat? The irony is that there's a measure of both for the new attorney for he defense."

Elihu Winer, Copyright ©, 1964, 1966, 1992, 1994

The courtroom drama may not be as it seems. We're not quite sure if what we are hearing and seeing is the truth. What was Lt Manion's real motive for murder? What of Mrs. Manion? Is she the morally upright person that she claims to be? And what about the Defense Attorney? Does he really believe Lt Manion was justified in his actions and should get off or does he want to win at any cost?

Our dear audience you be the jury!

Estelle Miller, Director .

This production was performed October 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 2005.