DEATH ROW WOMAN
A Mitsugu Okura Production
Written by Yoshihiro Ishikawa
Starring Miyuki Takakura Tatsuo Terashima
Yoichi Numata Keinosuke Wada
Katsuko Wakasugi
Directed by Nobuo Nakagawa
That one's mine, Akio.
Guess I need more practice.
I'll have you shooting by your wedding day.
Thank you.
Right in the heart!
That's right. You've got to aim for a vital spot.
With an aim that good, you could kill a person.
Of course!
Sometimes I'm afraid I might hit someone.
Everyone is at first.
I guess so.
What are those two doing?
Oh, just girl talk.
Kyoko leaves Akio with Dad and she goes off with Soichi!
You're right.
I don't like someone else hunting what I've got my eye on.
He's like a child! What do you see in him?
I'm going back and find them.
The sky looks so nice out here in the woods.
A few clouds would be nice, though.
You're a romantic, Kyoko.
Even modern girls fall in love, you know.
That's true.
But it's not so easy these days. There's always complications.
Do you mean how you feel about me?
No! I mean how you feel about me.
You're engaged to Akio, aren't you?
I don't care about him. He's Dad's idea.
I'm happy to hear that!
Shall I make you happier?
I'm pregnant... with your baby.
What?! Really?
I'm serious.
Let's talk to Dad when we get back to Tokyo.
He's real stubborn...
He can't say no to this.
I'm scared of him.
Don't be such a coward!
I can't talk to old people.
You tell him, will you?
I guess I'll have to. But in return...
Minako!
Did you think I was really going to shoot?
Hello, sir.
Here.
Welcome back.
Soichi...
Turn down a fine young man like Akio Shima...
...to marry that nobody?!
I won't allow it!
I don't care. We're getting married.
What did you say?!
I'm not a child. I'm of legal age.
Legal age?
What do we tell Akio?
Just tell him the truth.
I can't do that!
How could I face his father?!
So your social obligations dictate who I marry?
But you agreed to marry Akio!
You pushed me to.
I hadn't made up my mind.
Akio's a fine man! I wanted him to take over my company!
You're being deceived!
Mother says Soichi is very nice.
Is she in on this?
You'd take a step-mother's word over a father's?
Dad, it's too late.
I'm carrying his child.
What?! His child?!
You damn fool!
Get rid of it!
No! That's a sin!
Then leave this house!
No! My child and I have rights!
Silence!
Get out! I never want to see you again!
No! I can be stubborn, too.
Then suit yourself!
Kyoko!
Miyata here.
Right.
Uesugi! A job.
The owner of Imai Industries is dead.
Call Forensics.
Thank you.
Mrs Imai?
Yes.
My condolences.
It was so sudden...
I don't know what to do...
I sympathize.
I don't understand why he would just go and commit suicide!
Let's not jump to conclusions.
If you could tell me what happened...
I was with Minako, my younger daughter.
I heard my husband cry out from the salon, so I ran in.
When I got there he was dead, with Kyoko holding him.
Are they going to question us? What a nuisance!
How can you say that? Daddy's dead!
But I guess a step-daughter wouldn't understand.
It's true. I'm not a blood relative.
But didn't you say yourself you wished he were dead.
But I didn't really mean it!
If you say so.
Muto!
Will they question us, too?
You've got a record!
And your fingerprints will be on the bottle...
...from when you took sips out of his whisky.
I always made sure to be wearing gloves.
When you brought in the fruit, what were Mr lmai and Kyoko doing?
They seemed to be talking.
Not just chatting, though...
I left the room right away.
Don't try to hide it! They were fighting, weren't they.
Listen...
...you can be charged with perjury, you know.
Yes.
They were quarreling.
You've got a record. Of course you're a suspect!
Me? Kill him?
The only one who'd give work to a man like me...
...was Mr Imai.
Why would I?
Then where were you?
In the garage.
And did you hear the two of them fighting?
Come on, give us the truth.
We've talked to the maid.
Yes.
We found this perfume bottle in Kyoko's handbag.
It's potassium cyanide.
Oh, my!
Kyoko wouldn't do that!
Of course, she's not really my daughter, but...
...she's a good girl!
She'd never do that!
But Mrs Imai...
...the evidence makes it natural to think she did.
Kyoko would never do such a horrible thing!
So you and your mother were in the sitting room.
You're sure of that?
Do you think I'm lying?
Don't you want to help us find who did this?
Why do you think I came here?
OK...
...how had Mr Imai and Kyoko been getting along lately?
She said she wished he were dead.
Everyone says you and your father were quarreling.
And there's this bottle.
Is it yours?
Yes.
We found cyanide in it. Do you know anything about that?
No!
The truth!
Her fingerprints were on the whisky glass.
We've got all the evidence we need.
Why not confess?
No! I would never kill my father!
I'm being framed!
I didn't do it! It wasn't me!
Patricide Verdict Tomorrow
Tokyo District Court
Not with standing the evidence of fingerprints on the glass...
...potassium cyanide in her perfume bottle...
...and testimony that she quarreled with her father...
...on the day of the crime...
...she not only denies her guilt but is pregnant by a man...
...to whom her father was opposed.
As she expresses no hint of penitence...
...this court finds Kyoko Imai guilty of murder...
...with no grounds for clemency...
...and sentences her to death.
It's not true!
I didn't do anything! I'm innocent!
Kyoko!
Soichi!
Kyoko!
Soichi!
Kyoko!
Imai Gets Death Sentence
Final Appeal Confirms Death Sentence
Morioka
Morioka Prison
Stop brooding, will you?
You can't change what's been done.
Even with a death sentence, it's years before they kill you.
The Prime Minister has to put his seal on it.
And he's a coward, so he'll never do it.
I'm sorry.
You don't have to be sorry.
Wow! You've got nice breasts!
Do you have a baby?
He's seven months old.
Then cheer up, for his sake.
This place is what you make it.
And never know... things could get better.
Understand?
Misbehave again and you'll go back to solitary.
We aren't like women who have men to hold them, you know.
You're disgusting!
Don't get all holy with me!
I'll bet a man can make you squeal.
You never learn, do you.
I'll tell the Warden.
Go right ahead.
The Warden's no different than anyone else.
Don't be so proud.
Look at her scamper!
And stay out!
Hey, a new girl...
Keep your hands off her.
You sound like that guard!
What's your girlfriend going to say?
You see this, Yoshiko?
Make Yoshiko jealous and you never know what she'll do.
Don't make me laugh, Kimie.
Huh, Yoshiko?
Kyoko, you have a visitor.
A visitor?
A woman? A man?
A man? It's a man, isn't it!
Quiet down!
Come on.
It's a man, isn't it!
It must be!
Argh!
Thank you, Soichi.
Look at what's happened to me...
Try to keep your spirits up.
I'm getting used to it.
Anyway, how's the baby?
Still at the Children's Home.
Is he all right?
He's fine.
Do you go every day?
I can't.
Did you bring his picture?
No. I thought it would be too painful for you.
No, please! Send it to me as soon as you get home!
I was waiting for that!
I'll send it.
Don't forget.
And like I wrote you in my letter, I'm innocent!
I know that.
I've got a lawyer looking into it.
We found out that the maid hid something very important.
We went to Ginza the day your father died, remember?
While we were out, Akio was at your house.
And he went into your room!
Akio? Is that true?
Yes. And that's not all.
He was at the trial every day, and he's here in Morioka now!
There's something about him I don't trust.
No?
He's come here two or three times.
I wouldn't see him, though.
He's at a dormitory his company has here. I'll check it out.
Time's up.
Thank you for coming.
Don't forget the picture.
I won't.
...Come again. ...I will.
Your boyfriend?
Well?
What do you care?
Why are you so concerned? I thought you didn't like lesbians.
Just mind your own business.
Don't be so selfish! I just want to know!
If you're happy about something, share it!
Don't talk to her!
Shut up!
Don't go jealous on me!
No!
What are you doing?! Get off of me!
I mean it!
Keep away from me!
So how did it go?
He's going to try to find out who really did it.
Men always say things like that. Don't get your hopes up.
I know he'll do it!
Have fun thinking that.
And the picture?
He forgot. But he said he'll send it.
There's not much hope for a man who'd forget that.
Forget him.
Sometimes people make mistakes!
You're a fool.
Dream on if you want, but you're in for a disappointment.
What are you doing?!
Go back in line.
No! I can't take this!
What do you mean? You're here for a reason!
I didn't do anything!
Why should an innocent woman suffer like this?!
You had a fair trial.
The police, the court...
Damn them for their lies!
Go, Kyoko!
You tell 'em!
I hate this place! Let me out of here!
Let me out!
It's been three months since he was here.
If he hasn't even got the heart to send your baby's picture...
...will he ever get you out of here?
If you're really innocent...
...why don't you just get the hell out of here?
Well? Why don't we both make a run for it?
A woman could never make it.
I know that!
But you're innocent!
Maybe two women could.
I've tried it alone before.
Once I almost got a rope ladder over the fence.
It's impossible alone.
I'll come with you.
You will?
I'm in the right! I'll come.
I've got a ladder made.
I know where to get something to cut metal.
But I'm a habitual criminal. They watch me too close.
What is it?
A file, for the bars.
Who's got one?
Mari, the model prisoner.
What are you doing?
Hurry up and get in line!
Is that facial hair I see?
Stop this nonsense!
I just thought you should know!
It's terrible, isn't it!
You, too. Come on.
You're getting a moustache!
Hurry it up!
Do as I say and I'll keep quiet.
Get over there. Go on!
I'll call the guard!
Kyoko...
Kyoko!
Let go of me! Let go!
Stop it! Stop it!
Let go!
Let go of me, Yoshiko!
I'll kill you!
Yumiko! What happened?!
She got all choked up.
Yumiko! Wake up!
Yumiko! Hey!
Doctor!
Hey! Yumiko!
Move.
What's wrong with you?
You're awake?
Doctor! You came!
I'm glad!
A man... I can't stand it!
I can't stand it!
Yumiko!
Let go!
What are you doing?!
You mustn't get up!
Keep quiet!
Doctor! Please! Hold me!
Have you gone mad?!
You're both going to solitary!
Quiet down!
Doctor!
Doctor! Wait!
Calm down!
What's going on?
Keep quiet!
I'm too scared to move!
Pull yourself together!
Come on!
Kyoko! Are you OK?
Kyoko!
Get up!
Kyoko! Snap out of it!
They'll catch us if we don't hurry!
Head for the church, OK?
Thank you!
Get going!
Hurry!
Shima Confectioneries Morioka Dormitory
Akio Shima
Yes?
Kyoko!
But how...?!
You killed my father!
I did not! Why would you think that?
It's no use lying!
You came to our house that day, didn't you.
You were in my room, and the salon!
Who said that?
You don't fool me!
I've spent this past year...
...waiting to break out of jail to either make you confess...
...or kill you myself!
Kyoko, calm down!
Maybe you think I did it...
...but I didn't.
Do you think I'd kill your father and pin the blame on you?
For the last year I've thought you couldn't have done it.
That you're innocent.
That's why I came up to Morioka.
I went to the prison, but you wouldn't see me.
If you don't believe that, then stab me right now.
I won't stop you.
Do you believe me?
No, I don't.
But I can't kill someone.
I'll make you believe me.
But you can't stay here. The police are coming.
A friend of mine...
...has a place behind his house. You can hide there.
You know where the other woman went.
Talk!
I won't quit till you do. You can talk, can't you?
Yes? From Tokyo? The Police Department?
Thanks for calling.
It's the Inspector who handled the case.
Yeah?
Morioka Police, Detective Watanabe here.
Kyoko Imai escaped?
All right.
Kyoko Imai?
The one who killed her father?
Yeah.
So she'll come back here?
You remember Soichi Akao?
Her boyfriend?
Stake him out.
Ishii!
Watch the place her kid's in.
Kato, her fiance's father owns Shima Confectioneries.
His name's Akio. Check him out.
Find out who that is.
It's Soichi Akao.
I knew it!
Take over. I'll be at the station.
Inspector!
Akio Shima's in Morioka.
We asked them to find him.
He is, huh?
OK, thanks.
So she hasn't been here?
No.
It's a crime to harbor a fugitive, you know.
I know.
Well, I warn you...
...if she comes here, you call us.
Please.
Kyoko, it's best if I go to Tokyo by myself.
Take me with you!
I can't!
The station's full of cops. Just wait here.
I'll bring good news.
No!
I'm sick of being shut in!
Don't be stupid!
You don't understand...
...what it's like to be shut in, like an animal!
The paper said they'd caught the other woman who escaped...
...because she was in too much of a hurry. You should wait here.
All right?
I want to see my baby!
Take me with you!
I can't take waiting here!
Well, it's risky... but let's try it.
His room's empty!
What?!
Damn it!
Get some men down to the station!
For Ueno
Your attention, please.
Well? Have you seen them?
Not yet.
They'll be together. Keep your eyes open.
Your attention, please.
The 14:45 train for Ueno Station, Tokyo, is now boarding.
Please have your tickets ready and form a double line.
They're together.
Hey, you...
What's all this?
Last call for the 14:45 train to Ueno Station, Tokyo.
All passengers please board now.
See them?
No.
They're not here.
There he is!
Excuse me!
2nd Class
Excuse me... is that your child?
He's mine.
The toilet's free now.
Thank you very much.
Come to Mommy... were you a good boy?
Why did you jump onto the train?
I was late.
You're lying!
Then why did you sneak out of your dormitory like that?
I don't like being watched!
Get back in there!
I'm scared!
Quick!
Quick! Out here!
Utsunomiya!
Chief...
Come here.
What?
You made it!
Hey!
The maid says Soichi Akao and the younger sister are involved.
I see.
I see...
Is this connected with Kyoko breaking out of prison?
I've been after one fish, but now some others look bigger.
What other fish?
Watanabe, Morioka Police.
I'm Yamaguchi.
Akio Shima's in Tokyo.
Where?!
We lost him at Utsunomiya. Right from under our noses.
Mother doesn't know about us, so don't let anyone see you leave.
Soichi...
Don't get too close to Minako.
Don't scare me like that, Inspector.
You decide if you're scared or not.
You walk so quietly... I thought Mr Imai'd come to haunt me.
Does he?
No. Kayo the maid just likes to talk too much.
Whose car is this?
Mr...
...uh, Miss Minako's.
Then why was Akao driving it?
Why would Mr Akao stay here?
He asked about Kyoko, then he left.
He did?
His car was outside. The engine was cold.
Mr Akao's car?
So your driver said.
Oh, no, he's mistaken.
Minako lent it to Mr Akao.
They've become very close. Might they get married?
Never!
Mr Akao was Kyoko's lover. He'll never marry Minako!
I see. I'm sorry.
So Akao's not here, then?
No.
So Kyoko's in Tokyo, Akao isn't here...
That means they must be together somewhere.
What do you want?
Just to talk to you.
I have nothing to say.
Will you calm down and listen? The police don't frame people.
You put Kyoko Imai in jail when she was innocent.
That may be true. Anyway, can we go somewhere and talk?
Would you mind?
So you really think someone else did it?
I'm not lying.
Prove that.
You'll have to take my word.
No, thanks.
I see.
Well, I'll bet you...
...my police ID.
I don't trust you yet. I'll keep this.
Tell me what's happened.
Kyoko came to Tokyo with me.
From what she says, Akao isn't to be trusted.
You're right.
He's involved with the sister, and maybe with the mother, too.
Really?
I'm more sure of it after what you've said.
He has no money, but after Kyoko went to jail...
...he bought a car and drove up there.
OK.
Thanks.
Don't forget this.
I won't arrest you... for now.
Inspector!
Why are you opening a closed case when we're after an escaped prisoner?
I'm after the truth.
We had her convicted!
How will it look if we question our own evidence...
...and abet a fugitive?!
Uesugi, we're only human.
We have to admit when we're wrong.
The law is there to preserve justice.
Not to save our face.
Hello? You want to speak to Mr Akao?
Who's calling? Hello? Just a minute.
Mr Akao! Mr Akao! Telephone!
Hang on.
It's a woman.
Hello? Akao speaking.
Is that you, Soichi? Your voice sounds funny.
Yes.
So it is you! I...
Hello?
You called his apartment?
He isn't there!
So who was that?
The police! I know it's hard, but keep your promises, OK?
I told you not to call anyone!
I'm sorry.
I saw a baby from the window...
...and I thought of my son.
I wanted to ask Soichi how he was.
I understand.
Even though you suspect Soichi, you still love him.
I know that.
But don't think about that now.
We have to concentrate on proving you innocent!
Then you can be with your son all you want.
What? He's dead?!
Yes.
He'd just had the measles, then he got pneumonia.
It was just a week ago.
Thank you, Akio!
Words aren't enough.
If I have this picture, I can put up with anything.
But how was he?
Can he walk yet?
Kyoko, I have some bad news.
A week ago he died of pneumonia.
My baby's dead?
He's dead?
Kyoko...
I've only lived for two things, to prove I'm innocent...
...and to see my baby!
But if he's dead...
...I hate even being alive!
You have to be strong!
If you break down now, the criminal will go free!
You have to be brave!
Excuse me... there's a police officer to see you.
Hello? Mr Shima!
Open the door, please!
You gave us our chance when you went to see the baby.
Inspector, I'm innocent! That's why I escaped!
He's helping me find the real criminal!
What's wrong with that?
Why must you torment an innocent person?!
The law's the law.
You're an escaped felon, and you've abetted her.
But I'm innocent!
I won't go back to that awful prison!
I won't watch you do the same thing to Akio!
I didn't kill my father!
Inspector! I didn't do anything! I'm innocent!
Let go of me!
Akio!
Kyoko!
I'm innocent!
Come on!
Let go of me! I didn't do anything!
Inspector! It wasn't me! I'm innocent!
Sorry for all the trouble.
Thank you.
We'll take the girl back up north with us tomorrow.
What time?
The train leaves Ueno at 10:30, so if we leave here at 10...
I see... tomorrow at 10 a.m...
I'll call off the stake-outs.
No.
Why not? We've caught her.
Do as I say.
But the regulations say...
I'll take responsibility.
Yes?
What?
Akao and Mrs Imai? Where?!
OK. Pick them up.
And get the daughter, Minako, as well.
We have a warrant.
Excuse me...
Police. Are you Midori Imai?
Yes.
Come with us, please.
Why?
You'll be told. Is Mr Akao here?
Mr Soichi Akao?
Hold it!
Soichi!
What's the matter? We haven't done anything wrong.
You got them? And Minako?
She's in Hakone?!
Get her here by 10 tomorrow. She's the missing link.
By 10 o'clock!
Minako Iwai's left her cottage in Hakone for Tokyo.
She's not back yet.
Detective Ishii's waiting for her.
OK.
Good morning. We're here for the prisoner.
Fine.
You can have her at 10.
Akio!
Inspector!
Would you come with us?
Yes?
Good. Hurry it up!
Here she is.
Thanks.
Did you get tired of waiting for Mr Akao?
What's it to you?
He was at a hotel... with your mother.
Don't be stupid! We're getting married.
The truth at last!
Your mother's a real piece of work.
She and Akao claim that you killed your step-father.
That's a lie! It was their idea!
Who poisoned the whisky?
They did.
Why?
For the estate, and because Mother was afraid Kyoko...
...would steal Soichi.
So that's the truth, is it?
Your daughter's confessed.
What'll happen to me? I didn't kill anyone!
They poisoned him!
I didn't do anything!
Let's go.
Come on.
Death Row Woman Innocent Step-Mother, Sister, Lover Charged
Idiots!
Akio...
...you remember that time on the train?
You were holding onto me tight, but I still thought...
...I was going to die.
That's all in the past now.
But hang on tight, anyway.
The End