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A listener note, this episode contains references to adult content and language, and contains material that some might find offensive.

It's June 17, 1964 in New York City. Inside the Manhattan Criminal Courts Building, a crowd has gathered. They're hovering near the door to courtroom 535, where a sign reads Standing Room Only.

The crowd murmurs in anticipation, reporters, spectators, prospective witnesses, they're all here for day 2 of the Lenny Bruce Obs entity trial.

Inside the courtroom, the famous comedian sits at the defense table. He's staring grimly at the American flag near the witness stand. Hypocrites, roofs thanks to himself.

The flag has no place in this courtroom, a courtroom where prosecutors are completely ignoring the First Amendment.

Just then, across the room, assistant district attorney Richard Q pushes back his chair and stands.

Q gives off a commanding presence with his thick black hair and three-piece suit. Bruce anxiously picks out his fingernails. His nerves are shot.

Then he turns to the elegant, gray man sitting beside him, his defense attorney, Ephraim London.

Gotta tell you, Lundo, that guy makes me jerry, especially after what happened to the cop you put on the stand.

Petrolman O'Neill? Yeah, O'Neill. Why weren't you more aggressive with the cross-examination?

It was like watching a nanny changing her first diaper. I need you to tear these guys apart. If they find me guilty of obscenity, it's all over for me, man.

Lenny, I thought we were clear on this. I intend to present our case my way. I know what I'm doing, and if you want to win, follow my lead.

A quiet please, we're about to resume.

Bruce starts to argue again, but London shushes him.

Q glances over at the defense table with a look of annoyance. Then he speaks to the court.

The prosecution will now call Inspector Herbert Rue to the stand.

Bruce glairs at the inspector. He notes Rue's glasses and thin mustache. He certainly remembers him from that night at Cafe Al Gogogo.

Bruce had sensed there was something off about a guy sitting alone at a table taking notes at a comedy show.

And soon enough, the cops showed up. They hauled Bruce straight to the precinct headquarters. They also arrested the club's owners, Howard and Ellis Solomon.

Inspector Rue is sworn in and Q begins his direct examination.

Inspector Rue, were you present at the Cafe Al Gogogo the night of March 31st? Yes, sir, I was.

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