Mannix (TV Series)

To Save a Dead Man (1971)

Leonard Stone: Lyle Grandt

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Quotes 

• Lyle Grandt : As a matter of fact, Sister, I remember Mr. Murphy very well.

  Sister Meg Costello : Then his testimony at the Kilgore trial was a decisive factor?

  Lyle Grandt : No. I'm sorry.

  Joe Mannix : What convinced you that Kilgore was guilty, Mr. Grandt?

  Lyle Grandt : Well, my client himself. He made a full confession to the police and refused to retract a word of it. I took all the delays I could reasonably ask of the court, hoping he'd change his mind, but he didn't. Believe me, it was a battle all the way. Even to convince him that he had to make an initial plea of innocence so that we could see the prosecution's case.

  Sister Meg Costello : Are you saying that you had doubts about Mr. Kilgore's confession?

  Lyle Grandt : No, Sister. I believed it. But an attorney has a special obligation to a client. Not to turn the guilty loose on society, but to be certain that the person standing trial has every opportunity to present mitigating circumstances.

  Joe Mannix : In other words, you were hoping that during the prosecution's presentation, something would want to make Kilgore fight for his life?

  Lyle Grandt : Yes, I was. However, that wasn't to be. Poor Kilgore. Imagine his temptation. Not only was Alyce Taggart a devastatingly beautiful woman, she was the wife of the world's wealthiest enigma - C.W. Taggart, man or myth? Kilgore's love affair was... a secret within a mystery. The danger alone... exciting.

  [sighs] 

  Lyle Grandt : I'm really sorry, Sister.

  Sister Meg Costello : That's all right. I... I think I understand.

  Lyle Grandt : Well, it comes down to this. Kilgore went into his trial wanting the gas chamber. At least I was able to talk him out of that.

  Joe Mannix : Well, I guess that about covers it. You agree, Sister?

  Sister Meg Costello : Yes, I suppose so.

  Joe Mannix : Thank you for your time, Mr. Grandt.

  Lyle Grandt : Not at all.

  Sister Meg Costello : Yes. You've been most considerate.

  Lyle Grandt : My pleasure.