Hour of the Gun (1967)

William Schallert: Herman Spicer

Quotes 

• Herman Spicer : [the Tombstone Judge begins his summation of the case against Wyatt Earp and others]  So we see that the prosecution has introduced a substantial body of evidence pointing to the guilt of the defendants. And much of this stands unrefuted by the defense. But in the last analysis, the prosecution's case turns on two points. Whether in fact the shooting was a crime, and whether there was a motive.

  Herman Spicer : [continues]  As to the first point, both the coroner's report and the independent medical testimony indicate that William Clanton's wrist was penetrated from the outside and that the bullet lodged in his abdomen. That is not the wound received by a man with his hands in the air.

  Herman Spicer : [continues]  Tom McLowery's wounds were not the sort that could be received with his hands on his lapels like that, but rather with his hands around a Winchester carbine which he had recently extracted from his horse's saddle holster. The testimony of Sheriff Bryan therefore stands refuted.

  Herman Spicer : [concludes]  Therefore, since no crime has been established... or even a motive for one... I find that the defendants were fully justified in their actions, and that these homicides occurred in the discharge of their official duties. The case of the prosecution is therefore dismissed. Court is adjourned.