 Miles Crawford, a former movie star, is now a successful attorney. When his young son Tod is charged with first degree murder, he hires the best criminal lawyer, then convinces Tod that he should represent him at trial. His closing argument is an impassioned performance, bringing applause from spectators. Then the judge calls the attorneys into his chambers. The prosecutor discovered that Miles gave the identical speech in a movie, and the movie is replayed in camera, including the closing scene when the boy is executed. The jury finds Tod guilty. The judge sentences him to life, but recommends early parole.