Torment begins today's episode. A discussion of soft foods leads off today's episode before we pick up Belknap's opening argument on the trial of one Clyde Griffiths, late of Lycurgus, NY, whose very life hangs in the balance. We are yet to hear the crux of the defense; how will they endeavor to spare this young murderer's life?

Support Obscure!

Read Michael's substack

Follow Michael on Twitter

Follow Michael on Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your rambling host details, for no discernible reason, his weeklong schedule (pronounced: sh-edule). He then moves on to using the word "nadir," which is pretentious. Just a terrible waste of time from your host before we get back to the matter at hand, the trial of one Clyde Griffiths.

Support Obscure!

Read Michael's substack

Follow Michael on Twitter

Follow Michael on Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The trial continues with much desolation accruing on the part of one Clyde Griffiths, as witness after witness corroborates the accusations of DA Orville B. Mason. A veritable parade of witnesses - one after the other - condemning Clyde to his forthcoming date with Ol' Sparky. Mr. Griffith's hopes are now flagging by the moment, which leads your host to conclude that we're in for some kind of twist.

Support Obscure!

Read Michael's substack

Follow Michael on Twitter

Follow Michael on Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Witness after witness condemning Clyde to Ol' Sparky. Dots are being connected, red yarn tied to thumbtacks, evidence uncovered! They even found the druggist to whom Clyde applied for abortifacient! They found everybody! How the heck does Clyde have any hope of walking after this litany of concerned citizens putting the screws to the young Mr. Griffiths.

Support Obscure!

Read Michael's substack

Follow Michael on Twitter

Follow Michael on Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The case is underway! Jury selection complete. Opening argument argued. And now, at long last, witnesses are taking the stand. What will they say? Will they sink Clyde's case? PLUS a lesson in antiquity. AND a new nickname for Robert is REVEALED!!!

Support Obscure!

Read Michael's substack

Follow Michael on Twitter

Follow Michael on Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Clyde is there in that darn Bridgeburg courtroom trying his level best to keep calm and carry on, but it's tough. It's TOUGH! That Orville Mason is one tough cookie, and his opening argument certainly doesn't leave any room for doubt. That's one guilty son of a gun. Or say I! Plus, it remains cold.

Support Obscure!

Read Michael's substack

Follow Michael on Twitter

Follow Michael on Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After counsel for both prosecution and defense conclude jury selection, the Trail of the Century begins - at least in Bridgeburg - District Attorney Orville B. Mason takes to the well to begin his opening argument. (I don't know if the area in front of the bench is called "the well" but it seems to me it ought to be.) Electric. Dynamic. So Dreiser described the speaking style of the District Attorney. It's an episode of nearly pure monologue!

Support Obscure!

Read Michael's substack

Follow Michael on Twitter

Follow Michael on Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your host is snowbound following a winter blizzard, with nothing to do at all but read a classic work of literature out loud and comment on it as he goes. Dudley Sheerline makes an appearance. Who's Dudley Sheerline - who cares? Some Dickensian humor pops its head up and blows us all a delicious raspberry.

Support Obscure!

Read Michael's substack

Follow Michael on Twitter

Follow Michael on Instagram

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.