Episode 8: The Law

Question 1

What is the young woman’s objective ?

Answer 1

• To defend myself from murder as best as I can
• To be left alone

Question 2

What are the obstacles within this episode ?

Answer 2

• the lawyer for the prosecutions countless accusations and cross references
• the pressure and tension rising as the lawyer for prosecution puts me on the spot

Question 3

What are some expressionistic techniques ?

Answer 3

Lawyer for prosecution talking rapidly
- heightens the fear of the situation and verbal barrage

Question 4

What are some influences for this scene ?

Answer 4

The Ruth Synder case
- she had an affair with Judd Gray and the pair turned on each other in the trial
- she was electrocuted on 12 January 1928

Treadwell went to court and wrote machinal soon after first premiering in September 1928 in New York