The Defense Rests

Originally Aired: October 6, 1949

Suspense #353, "The Defense Rests," stars Van Johnson as Robert Tasker, an ex-convict on trial for murder. As his defense attorney Max Krager addresses the court, Robert reflects on the twisted irony of his situation: Krager is the only friend he's ever had, yet without him, Robert wouldn't be in this courtroom at all. The story flashes back to Robert's release from San Quentin, where he served time after being prosecuted by district attorney Arthur Hines. Krager, who befriended Robert after reading a story he wrote in prison, secures his parole and offers him a job as a clerk in his law office. Robert accepts, grateful for the opportunity and growing close to Peggy, the office secretary who encourages his writing.

The fragile new beginning shatters when Robert learns that Arthur Hines, the man he blames for his imprisonment, is now Krager's law partner. When Hines returns to the office, tensions explode immediately. A confrontation erupts involving a suspicious ex-convict named Marvin who claims Hines stole fifty thousand dollars from him, leading to a violent clash between Robert and Hines that sets the stage for the murder charge Robert now faces.