He grabs a box of bullets. Spills them everywhere, all over the seats and floor. Clumsy. He picks bullets off his lap, loading them into the gun, one by one, methodical and grim. Six in the chamber. His gaze goes back to the bungalow.

He shuts off the radio. Abrupt silence, except for the distant lovers' moans. He takes another shot of bourbon courage, then opens the door and steps from the car.

EXT -- PLYMOUTH -- NIGHT (1946)

His wingtip shoes crunch on gravel. Loose bullets scatter to the ground. The bourbon bottle drops and shatters.

He starts up the path, unsteady on his feet. The closer he gets, the louder the lovemaking becomes. Louder and more frenzied. The lovers are reaching a climax, their sounds of passion degenerating into rhythmic gasps and grunts.

WOMAN (O.S.)

Oh god…oh god…oh god…

Andy lurches to a stop, listening. The woman cries out in orgasm. The sound slams into Andy's brain like an icepick. He shuts his eyes tightly, wishing the sound would stop.

It finally does, dying away like a siren until all that's left is the shallow gasping and panting of post-coitus. We hear languorous laughter, moans of satisfaction.

WOMAN (O.S.)

Oh god…that's sooo good…you're the best…the best I ever had…

Andy just stands and listens, devastated. He doesn't look like much of a killer now; he's just a sad little man on a dirt path in the woods, tears streaming down his face, a loaded gun held loosely at his side. A pathetic figure, really.

FADE TO BLACK: 1ST TITLE UP

INT -- COURTROOM -- DAY (1946)

THE JURY listens like a gallery of mannequins on display, pale-faced and stupefied.

D.A. (O.S.)

Mr. Dufresne, describe the confrontation you had with your wife the night she was murdered.

ANDY DUFRESNE

is on the witness stand, hands folded, suit and tie pressed, hair meticulously combed. He speaks in soft, measured tones:

ANDY

It was very bitter. She said she was glad I knew, that she hated all the sneaking around. She said she wanted a divorce in Reno.

D.A.

What was your response?

ANDY

I told her I would not grant one.

D.A.

(refers to his notes)

I'll see you in Hell before I see you in Reno. Those were the words you used, Mr. Dufresne, according to the testimony of your neighbors.

ANDY

If they say so. I really don't remember. I was upset.

FADE TO BLACK: 2ND TITLE UP

D.A.

What happened after you and your wife argued?

ANDY

She packed a bag and went to stay with Mr. Quentin.

D.A.

Glenn Quentin. The golf pro at the Falmouth Hills Country Club. The man you had recently discovered was her lover.

(Andy nods)

Did you follow her?

ANDY

I went to a few bars first. Later, I decided to drive to Mr. Quentin's home and confront them. They weren't there…so I parked my car in the turnout…and waited.

D.A.

With what intention?

ANDY

I'm not sure. I was confused. Drunk. I think mostly I wanted to scare them.