Verdict

"THE VERDICT" Screenplay by David Mamet Based on the novel by Barry Reed FADE IN: INT. FIRST FUNERAL PARLOR - DAY A working-class funeral in progress. THIRTY PEOPLE and an inexpensive bier SEEN from the back of the hall. ANGLE A MAN's back FILLS the SCREEN. He is dressed in a black suit; his hands are clasped behind him. ANOTHER MAN stands next to him. The Second Man reaches behind the First Man's back and puts a discreetly folded ten- dollar bill into his hands. ANGLE These Two Men from the front. Both somber, in their early fifties. They begin to walk down the aisle of the funeral parlor. ANGLE The WIDOW. A woman in her late fifties sitting by the bier receiving condolences. The Two Men approach her. The First Man (the recipient of the money) speaks: FUNERAL DIRECTOR Mrs. Dee, this is Frank Galvin -- a very good friend of ours, and a very fine attorney. GALVIN It's a shame about your husband, Mrs. Dee. The Widow nods. GALVIN I knew him vaguely through the Lodge. He was a wonderful man. (shakes head in sympathy) It was a crime what happened to him. A crime. If there's anything that I could do to help... GALVIN removes a business card from his jacket pocket and hands it to her as if he were giving her money. (i.e., "Take it. Really. I want you to have it..." She takes the card. Beat. GALVIN (thoughtfully realizes he is usurping her time) Well... He shakes her hand and moves on. INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY Galvin sitting in the deserted coffee shop in his raincoat.