11-13 April 1966

	Run For Your Life Starring Ben Gazzara Homepage Paul Bryan's Journal 11-13 April 1966
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11 - 13 April 1966 ("Tell It Like It Is")

Though Paul has tried to stop his old friend and mentor, Judge Tolliver Wilson (Franchot Tone) from being a guest on the muckraking TV chat show of Jerry Haynes (James Daly), the judge is confident and trusting. He goes on the show to promote his new book, and Haynes destroys him.

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Return to "Tell It Like It Is" page or read from Paul's journal about the events of the episode below

Chronology of Events				Journal Entry
Tell It Like It Is Paul visits his mentor and friend, the great criminal lawyer, Judge Tolliver Wilson, to dissuade him from going on a controversial TV talk show. When the judge does so, his reputation is virtually destroyed by accusations, and Paul threatens the show's host, who is later shot. The judge later admits to the shooting, and Paul believes that his trial can be used to destroy the corrupt talk show host.				San Francisco, Monday - Tuesday, April 11 - 12 The long polar flight gave me an even greater chance to become acquainted with Nick Cooper than sharing a suite or racing team with him had. He told me wonderful stories about Pete, things I never knew, and I tried to ease him into talking about The Garms Clinic, asking if he knew a lot of other people from San Francisco. But nothing he said led to it. Every shrinking away from speaking about the subject seemed like a coffin nail, but knowing how I'd react myself, I made sure not to press him. The easy-going and kind manner never lapsed, and Nick spoke a lot about his family as well as racing. It was the former conversation which made me feel more inclined to believe that one of them might be hanging on the work of The Garms Clinic. On arrival in San Francisco, Nick Pendleton met us, and delivered the other Nick to the hospital to see Pete before getting his onward flight to Honolulu. Driving to the hotel, NP filled me in on the Judge Wilson's situation, and said the appearance with Jerry Haynes was scheduled for tonight. Haynes has come a long way from being the small-time muckraking reporter I remember from a decade ago. His new talk show went on the month I left, and has apparently taken off like a tornado. I thought of the days when Nick and I had just joined the firm, and were both determined to go into criminal law, so lucky to have been assigned to Tolly Wilson. Nick said that I might be the only one left to dissuade the judge from going on the show. After checking in to the hotel (the company suite was in use, and no other was free either), I drove over to the judge's, and we had a great reunion. He was full of life as always, but incredibly, totally determined to go on Jerry Haynes' show, super confident that he could handle the master of slime. But at least, he encouraged me to go with him to the studio. Made a flying visit to HSD and checked in with Marcella, picking up mail and messages. Had to immediately tear one letter open as it was clearly from Duke Smith. I'd seen in a paper somewhere that he's got a bout for the championship in June, and in his note, he invited me to join him at his training camp in Marin! Next headed over to see Pete in the hospital. My first thought was that June was wearing an auburn wig, but when I looked closer, realized that this must be her famous younger sister Gin. So much alike in appearance, they could be twins, but very different in personality, this young lady bubbly and hyper. Pete said that June was in Texas, but due back tomorrow, and congratulated me on my drive. He's hoping to get out of the hospital in a day or so, and wil be going over to stay at his Dad's. Later Can't believe that when I got up “this morning” I was about to race from tenth place to fifth in Czechoslovakia. Accompanied the judge to the show, but was too late to establish any ground rules with Haynes. Shoved politely aside, I took a place in the audience, and watched transpire exactly what I warned Judge Wilson about. Haynes took him apart, implying that he lost a murder case due to drunkenness. Having been on hand through the entire trial in question, I ran to the stage, and spoke out about the untruths, but was silenced by the staff, and watched Tolliver Wilson virtually disintegrate before my eyes. After getting the judge home, and making him take a sedative, I sought out Haynes. Finally found him with his assistant in a restaurant, telling him that we were going to sue for slander, and win or lose, I'd make sure that we'd destroy him. He indicated that such suits were like water over a duck's back, but by the end of the conversation, blood was boiling on both sides, and I had to walk for blocks to try and cool down. Finally went back to the hotel, and fatigue put me to sleep. But it was only a couple of hours before a policeman called at my door, and took me to USF Medical Center to see his boss. Haynes had been shot in the garage of his apartment house, and had been asking to speak to me. After the scene in the restaurant, I was apparently #1 suspect - at least until Haynes made a statement. Went down to police headquarters and made mine, then headed back here to get some rest. Later Again, I'd only slept an hour or two when there was a knock. Judge Wilson telling me that it was he who shot Haynes. I made him lie down, and went to the hospital to see if Haynes had revived from the strong sedative he'd been given. In a fighting mood, he told me that he was going to let the judge off by saying that he didn't get a good look at his assailant, but just wanted to see my face reacting to this generosity. I told him that Judge Wilson was going to confess, and we'd turn his trial into the annihilation of Jerry Haynes. He began roaring then, amazing for someone who'd been shot the night before, and I felt a sense of triumph completely out of sync with the situation. Really not fit for anything more, I returned here and rang Mercer Halligan to come and accompany the judge to police headquarters, but then woke after an hour or so. However, after writing this up, think I'm ready to get that proper after-race sleep that's so long overdue.
Paul ties up loose ends in San Francisco				San Francisco, Wednesday, April 13 Must have slept for 15 hours, and woke up uncertain of where I was or which events I remembered had really happened. Just barely made the appointment at Mason's, and he arranged for me to go in via his private entrance, but that was the only good part. As depressing and fraught as always. He said that my immune system was continuing to collapse. Wonderful encouragement! Between tests, called Merce, and he said that Judge Wilson was out on bail, and that the firm is assembling a team to work on his case, welcoming my input, were I able to manage the time. The judge is staying at his daughter's in Marin, and I promised to visit him before leaving for South America tomorrow. Went back and spent some time with Pete, talking about last weekend's race and the big 15-day series coming up. He was in good form, and David Gaffney was there with him, hoping to take his son home tomorrow. After that, paid my respects to the judge, and the broken man I'd seen in my hotel room the previous day was remarkably improved, and already blocking out his defence with Gwen. She told her father that he should go back to bed after we spoke a while, and then accompanied me to my car. We exchanged special smiles, and I wondered, what life might now be holding if I'd married this brilliant lawyer when she joined the firm and stole my heart for the best part of two years. Gwen told me not to worry about her father, but asked that I stay in close touch, and kissed me warmly goodbye, then said that she needed to see about dinner. I watched her go back to the house, grateful she was married to a healthy man, and wasn't having to share my ordeal. Kate thinks that with all the publicity around me and the shooting, I should stay here at the hotel tonight, and not even meet her at the airport. Though I'm ready to drop at this point, despite last night's sleep, am bound to find myself wide awake in the middle of the night.

14 - 30 April 1966 ("The Cruel Fountain")