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Signup Here -> WWW.ADMITME.APPCopy !req
2. Who is it?Copy !req
3. You're not intimidated?Copy !req
4. Come on, Ken.
Are you forgetting that...Copy !req
5. ...I'm one half of the world's
greatest mystery writing team.Copy !req
6. You don't have gloves on.Copy !req
7. Your finger's not on the trigger
and there are no bullets in the cylinder.Copy !req
8. You're right.
I'm a lousy practical joker.Copy !req
9. What are you doing here
with that thing anyway?Copy !req
10. I was on my way down to the cabin,Copy !req
11. I thought I could use it
for protection down there.Copy !req
12. I also came by to apologize.Copy !req
13. For what?Copy !req
14. For blowing my cork the other day.
I got out of line.Copy !req
15. Forget it. That happens.Copy !req
16. No, it shouldn't happen.
Not between you and me.Copy !req
17. So, believe it or not, sir...
this is a peace pipe.Copy !req
18. Bottoms up, Jim.Copy !req
19. In the middle of the morning?Copy !req
20. Oh, come on, relax. It's Saturday.Copy !req
21. In the mystery writer's soul,
it is always the middle of the night.Copy !req
22. A toast! Dear sir.Copy !req
23. I give you...Copy !req
24. ...our divorce.Copy !req
25. Well... it's not really a divorce.Copy !req
26. Oh, sure it is. Come on, let's be honest.
I mean, it...Copy !req
27. it's no alimony but it's a termination.Copy !req
28. Oh yes, and our dear little children.Copy !req
29. All fifteen of them.Copy !req
30. Fifty million copies.Copy !req
31. To the lady who made it all possible,Copy !req
32. the greatest sleuth in the world
Mrs.Melville.Copy !req
33. Whom we brought to life
and now we're about to bury.Copy !req
34. Come on, Ken. You're making me feel
guilty.Copy !req
35. All I want to do is write on my own.Copy !req
36. You're right. I am being selfish.Copy !req
37. OK, my boy, my blessings.
On your solo flight.Copy !req
38. Thanks.Copy !req
39. I appreciate it.Copy !req
40. After all, friendship is more
important than partnership, right?Copy !req
41. Here's to our friendship.Copy !req
42. Right.Copy !req
43. And now sir, I'm going to kidnap you.Copy !req
44. What?Copy !req
45. The aforementioned cabin, which has
been...Copy !req
46. ...finished for over six months now.
You haven't seen it.Copy !req
47. You're going to be my first male
guest.Copy !req
48. I can't, Ken. Not now.Copy !req
49. Why can't you?Copy !req
50. It's all the way down to San Diego.Copy !req
51. Oh. It's a couple of hours' drive.
I'll have you home before midnight.Copy !req
52. Yeah... I promised Joanna I'd
take her to dinner and a show.Copy !req
53. Oh, that's easy. You pick up that
phone and you say,Copy !req
54. "Honey, I'm going to be working late
at the office tonight." Come on.Copy !req
55. As soon as we get down there, we'll uncork
another bottle and we'll go fishing.Copy !req
56. Well, I can't...Copy !req
57. You know your trouble old buddy is?Copy !req
58. I mean, you're afraid to
unwind even for a day.Copy !req
59. Oh no, I'm not...Copy !req
60. Then prove it.Copy !req
61. Come on, if you want some justification,Copy !req
62. you're doing it as a favor for me.Copy !req
63. At least give me a chance to bury
the hatchet with some style.Copy !req
64. You just don't drop your partner...Copy !req
65. ...and then turn down his invitation
all in one week now, do you?Copy !req
66. Actually, the timing isn't bad.Copy !req
67. I was just finishing the final
chapter.Copy !req
68. Ah, Mrs. Melville's last case.Copy !req
69. You know we ought to send that broad
some flowers.Copy !req
70. I made a list of the things I'd like
to take from the office.Copy !req
71. Do you want to take look at it?Copy !req
72. I don't get it. It's a list of names.Copy !req
73. I'm losing my mind. It's the wrong
one.Copy !req
74. I must've left the other one
at the house.Copy !req
75. Ah... I am losing my mind.Copy !req
76. What's the matter?Copy !req
77. I left my lighter in the office.Copy !req
78. Do you need it?Copy !req
79. That's my security blanket.
I'll only be a minute.Copy !req
80. And to think I had to talk you into
this trip. Jim, smell that air.Copy !req
81. How far is the cabin?Copy !req
82. It's not far, about an hour.
We have to skirt San Diego.Copy !req
83. I'll only be a minute. I just have to
get some supplies.Copy !req
84. Do you want to hand me that book
in that glove compartment?Copy !req
85. Yeah, it's one of ours.Copy !req
86. The boss-lady here is a big fan of ours.Copy !req
87. I've been promising this
for months. The price of fame.Copy !req
88. You want me to come with you?Copy !req
89. No. I'll only be a minute.Copy !req
90. Miss La Sanka?Copy !req
91. Anybody home?Copy !req
92. In a minute.Copy !req
93. Mr.Franklin.Copy !req
94. My planets must be in the right house.Copy !req
95. Not only that, but they're working
overtime. I have a surprise for you.Copy !req
96. Pour moi?Copy !req
97. Pour moi.Copy !req
98. "Prescription: Murder"Copy !req
99. A Mrs. Melville thriller...
by James Ferris and Ken Franklin.Copy !req
100. Oh... take a look at the first page.Copy !req
101. You signed it, you dear man...
Well, Mr.Franklin.Copy !req
102. I'd rather have the storyteller
than the story.Copy !req
103. Well I tell you what.
If you play your cards right...Copy !req
104. ...and give me my grocery list,
someday you may have both.Copy !req
105. Empty promises.Copy !req
106. Miss La Sanka.Copy !req
107. What do you need?Copy !req
108. Just a few things for overnight.
Thanks.Copy !req
109. Who is it this week?
The blonde or the redhead?Copy !req
110. Miss La Sanka.
I'm all alone this weekend.Copy !req
111. Except for some contemplation,Copy !req
112. some fishing, and the refreshment
of my spirit.Copy !req
113. Could you break this for me?Copy !req
114. I need some change for the phone.
Thanks very much.Copy !req
115. That'll do fine. Thank you.Copy !req
116. Operator? I'd like to place
a station to station call...Copy !req
117. ...to Los Angeles, the area code is 213.Copy !req
118. Hello?Copy !req
119. Joanna? It's Ken.Copy !req
120. Oh, Ken.Copy !req
121. I thought you weren't talking to us.Copy !req
122. Oh, that's all patched up.Copy !req
123. As a matter of fact, I left Jim
at the office a few hours ago.Copy !req
124. We signed an armistice.Copy !req
125. Oh, that's a relief.Copy !req
126. Joanna, I wouldn't mention it to him.Copy !req
127. I'm sure he'd like to surprise you
himself.Copy !req
128. Why don't you join us for dinner
and we'll celebrate?Copy !req
129. I'd really love to, but I'm...Copy !req
130. ...spending the weekend down here
in San Diego at the cabin.Copy !req
131. As a matter of fact, that's where
I'm calling from.Copy !req
132. All right, then we'll do it
another time.Copy !req
133. Absolutely.Copy !req
134. Joanna, I thought maybe if you...
for some reason,Copy !req
135. ...needed to get in touch with me,
you do know the number of the cabin.Copy !req
136. Right.Copy !req
137. I'll see you in a few days.Copy !req
138. Fine. Goodbye.Copy !req
139. Do you ever get the feeling of
deja vu?Copy !req
140. What?Copy !req
141. Like you've done something before,
but you know you haven't?Copy !req
142. Why? What do you mean?Copy !req
143. I'm getting it right now.
It's strange.Copy !req
144. You know, I've never been here
before.Copy !req
145. Maybe in a previous incarnation,
huh?Copy !req
146. Ken, it's fantastic.Copy !req
147. The house that Mrs. Melville built.
Wait'll you see the inside.Copy !req
148. It's no wonder...Copy !req
149. No wonder what?Copy !req
150. What woman could resist this
setting?Copy !req
151. Not very many. I promise you that.
How about a drink, Jim?Copy !req
152. More alcohol? No, thanks. You'll
corrupt me.Copy !req
153. You're thinking about Joanna,
aren't you?Copy !req
154. Yeah, you know... I mean just taking
off like that...Copy !req
155. She still expects me for dinner.Copy !req
156. We can fix that. We'll put plan A into
effect.Copy !req
157. Pick up the phone and call her.Copy !req
158. What am I going to tell her?Copy !req
159. The man is too square for words.Copy !req
160. Now look. You simply say that you're
working at the office.Copy !req
161. You're calling from the office.Copy !req
162. She knows you have a deadline to meet
with the book, you're working late.Copy !req
163. How many times
have you had to do that?Copy !req
164. A couple of hundred, I guess.Copy !req
165. Exactly. That's why she'll believe
you.Copy !req
166. Yeah... I just hate lying to her.Copy !req
167. You're not lying to her. You're saving
her a little anguish.Copy !req
168. Now will you pick up the phone and call
her so we can start enjoying ourselves.Copy !req
169. OK...Copy !req
170. Operator, I'd like to make a...Copy !req
171. Hold it.Copy !req
172. It's a cinch you have never cheated on
Joanna before.Copy !req
173. If you want your wife to believe
you're calling from the office...Copy !req
174. you don't have the operator place
the call.Copy !req
175. You dial her direct, the area code
is 213.Copy !req
176. Hi, honey?Copy !req
177. How are you...Copy !req
178. Yeah, well, that's why I'm calling
about it... I'm at the office.Copy !req
179. I'm pretty well into this last chapter
and I'd like to work straight through.Copy !req
180. I know, I know.Copy !req
181. This will be the last time. That I
can...Copy !req
182. Jimmy?Copy !req
183. Jimmy!Copy !req
184. Operator, get me the police!Copy !req
185. Hello Joanna?...What?Copy !req
186. Joanna.Copy !req
187. Will you take it easy.
Now say it again once more.Copy !req
188. Are you sure?Copy !req
189. Did you call the police?Copy !req
190. Yes, of course.
I'll leave right away.Copy !req
191. Joanna, please take it easy.Copy !req
192. And don't worry.Copy !req
193. I'm sure it's nothing but a
practical joke. Goodbye.Copy !req
194. I know it's insane... I just I...
I... I keep thinking of cliches.Copy !req
195. And Jim and Ken wrote this scene
in their books a hundred times.Copy !req
196. Look at it this way, Mrs.Ferris.Copy !req
197. Maybe he isn't dead. There is no
body, no blood...Copy !req
198. No, he was shot! I know it!
I heard it on the phone.Copy !req
199. This place was searched, Mrs.
Ferris.Copy !req
200. Papers on the floor.
Any idea why?Copy !req
201. No, I have no idea.Copy !req
202. Did you notice anything special,
missing something?Copy !req
203. You're sure it was his voice?Copy !req
204. Yes. I know it was his voice.
And maybe somebody...Copy !req
205. Was he under any kind of extra
pressure or anything?Copy !req
206. No, maybe somebody was...Copy !req
207. Did he say where he called from?Copy !req
208. Yes, he said he was calling
from the office.Copy !req
209. He said "I'm calling from the
office."Copy !req
210. I really don't care if
anything was missing.Copy !req
211. I just really want to find out
what happened to my husband.Copy !req
212. Are you sure it was his voice?Copy !req
213. I know it was his voice.Copy !req
214. Are you sure it was a gun shot?Copy !req
215. Yes, that's right.Copy !req
216. Would you like to sit down and
get a glass of water?Copy !req
217. Yes, I would like. Really, please
'cause I'm not really sure what to do.Copy !req
218. I just really want to clear my head.Copy !req
219. I think that's out of order,
ma'am.Copy !req
220. You see, that's the trouble with these
buildings. The fountains never work.Copy !req
221. Then you have to use the coffee
machine.Copy !req
222. And then you lose your dime and the
coffee's lousy.Copy !req
223. Who are you?Copy !req
224. I'm just another cop. My name is
Columbo. I'm a lieutenant.Copy !req
225. I've got the proof right here.Copy !req
226. You didn't see me in there.Copy !req
227. Because I left before you got in
there.Copy !req
228. You know why? Because it's so smoky
in there. And so noisy in there.Copy !req
229. That I just had to come outside and
get a breath.Copy !req
230. Oh... I think I'd better get back.Copy !req
231. No, wait a minute. Let me tell you
something.Copy !req
232. You look very tired to me.Copy !req
233. I think you had a terrible
experience in there.Copy !req
234. And I think I ought to drive you
home. Let's call it a night.Copy !req
235. Don't you think they want to ask
me questions?Copy !req
236. I don't think they'll mind.Copy !req
237. I think you've answered enough
questions.Copy !req
238. And I'll call them and
I'll tell them you're with me.Copy !req
239. What about Ken?
Why isn't Ken here?Copy !req
240. I don't know why he isn't here.Copy !req
241. Is that Mr.Franklin, the other
half of the writing team?Copy !req
242. Yeah, the other half of the team.Copy !req
243. You know that's what I like about
these buttons.Copy !req
244. You don't have to push them. They
go off with the heat of your hand.Copy !req
245. I'll bet you haven't had anything to
eat...Copy !req
246. You're a very nice man, Lieutenant.
But I'm not really hungry.Copy !req
247. I'll tell you, Mrs. Ferris, I'm the
worst cook in the world.Copy !req
248. But there's one thing I do terrific,
and that's an omelette.Copy !req
249. Even my wife admits it.Copy !req
250. Uh... I need something for the egg shells.Copy !req
251. Over there in that cabinet.Copy !req
252. I'm really not hungry.Copy !req
253. Listen, you take a taste. If you
don't like it, you throw it away.Copy !req
254. I tell you what the secret is to a
good omelette. No eggs, just milk.Copy !req
255. A skillet.Copy !req
256. Over there.Copy !req
257. You're a very persuasive man,
Lieutenant.Copy !req
258. Maybe I should hold up my end
and make the coffee.Copy !req
259. Cheese and onions.Copy !req
260. And butter.Copy !req
261. I need something to grate the cheese.Copy !req
262. Over there in the cupboard.Copy !req
263. Right.Copy !req
264. What did they do with him,
Lieutenant?Copy !req
265. I don't know, ma'am.Copy !req
266. Well... there was no body in the
office.Copy !req
267. Couldn't that mean he isn't dead?Copy !req
268. Now, that's hard to say.
It's been botherin' me, too.Copy !req
269. I tell you the whole thing doesn't
make sense unless it's a kidnapping.Copy !req
270. And you don't shoot your victim
first, do you?Copy !req
271. Why'd you laugh before?Copy !req
272. When?Copy !req
273. When I asked you if Mr.Franklin was
the other half of the writing team.Copy !req
274. Uh... Did I laugh?Copy !req
275. Maybe it was the way you put it.
"Writing team".Copy !req
276. Maybe I shouldn't say it.Copy !req
277. But Ken hasn't written a word of
a Mrs. Melville novel in years.Copy !req
278. Mrs. Melville? Who is Mrs. Melville?Copy !req
279. The character that
Jim and Ken created.Copy !req
280. The one who solves all the crimes
brilliantly.Copy !req
281. Well... Why did your husband put up
with it?Copy !req
282. What I mean is him doing
all the work?Copy !req
283. Well, there were compensations.Copy !req
284. Ken did the publicity. He went
on all the talk shows.Copy !req
285. He did interviews, and cultivated
the film people...Copy !req
286. He contributed.Copy !req
287. He just didn't do any of writing.Copy !req
288. Boy, I tell you, I'd love to be a
writer. That's a terrific talent.Copy !req
289. Where'd he get all the ideas?Copy !req
290. From almost anything.Copy !req
291. People, magazines, conversations.Copy !req
292. I'm constantly finding scraps of
paper and old matchbook covers...Copy !req
293. ...just all over the house
with notes and ideas.Copy !req
294. And those were mysteries too,
weren't they, huh?Copy !req
295. They're tricky. I'll tell you that
I could never figure those things out.Copy !req
296. It got harder.Copy !req
297. Maybe that's why he decided to go
out on his own.Copy !req
298. Oh, really? I didn't know that.Copy !req
299. I guess he wanted to do some serious
work.Copy !req
300. No kidding.Copy !req
301. How did Mr.Franklin take that?Copy !req
302. Not very well.Copy !req
303. But he'll get over it.Copy !req
304. Gee, I'd hate to be in his shoes.Copy !req
305. Why?Copy !req
306. Well, you got a writing team, and
they're very famous.Copy !req
307. Now they break up.
And what happens?Copy !req
308. One fellow continues writing books
and the other fellow just stops.Copy !req
309. That's what I keep telling Jim.Copy !req
310. That sooner or later, people were
bound to find out.Copy !req
311. What? That your husband did all the
writing?Copy !req
312. Yeah.Copy !req
313. Yeah.Copy !req
314. Kinda tough on Mr.Franklin's ego.Copy !req
315. Ken...Copy !req
316. I know, I know. Just take it easy.Copy !req
317. I drove up here as fast as I could.
Is there anything new?Copy !req
318. No. Not yet.Copy !req
319. Jo, it's incredible. I just saw him
this morning at the office...Copy !req
320. Oh... I'm sorry, Ken. Lieutenant Columbo.
Mr.Franklin.Copy !req
321. How you doing?Copy !req
322. The question is, how are you doing,
Lieutenant?Copy !req
323. Well, I'm afraid we just got
started.Copy !req
324. Has Jim been found yet?Copy !req
325. Has he been found yet?Copy !req
326. Why? Did somebody tell you
he was gone?Copy !req
327. Lieutenant, I just spent several
hours driving up here from San Diego.Copy !req
328. You must know the story is
on every news station.Copy !req
329. Oh, right, yeah, gee.
I shoulda thought of that.Copy !req
330. Well, has he been found?Copy !req
331. I'm afraid not.Copy !req
332. What were you, visiting friends
in San Diego?Copy !req
333. He has a place there.
A cabin.Copy !req
334. Away for the weekend, gee.
That's nice.Copy !req
335. Could we get back to my
question?Copy !req
336. Have you come up with any
leads, any clues?Copy !req
337. Uh... It's a little early for that.Copy !req
338. Early? Seems to me your men are
standing around just marking time.Copy !req
339. Could I have a drink, love?Copy !req
340. I could use one myself.Copy !req
341. I'll tell you something, Lieutenant.Copy !req
342. See if Mrs. Melville were on this
case,Copy !req
343. she would be leaps and bounds
ahead of you by now.Copy !req
344. Is that the lady in the books?Copy !req
345. That's right.Copy !req
346. You see she would have figured it out
that this is not just someone missing.Copy !req
347. This is a professional killing.Copy !req
348. Aha! Here it is.Copy !req
349. Take a look at that.Copy !req
350. Uh... Put it on the desk. Just drop
it 'cause of the fingerprints, you know.Copy !req
351. Jim's fingerprints are all over
that. So are mine.Copy !req
352. What is it?Copy !req
353. What does it look like?Copy !req
354. It's a list of names. Look at that.Copy !req
355. Musto, Delgado, Hathaway, Westlake...Copy !req
356. Sound familiar?Copy !req
357. Yeah... Kind of.Copy !req
358. They should.Copy !req
359. That's a list of some of the top men
in organized crime on the west coast.Copy !req
360. L.A., Vegas, Frisco...Copy !req
361. I don't understand.Copy !req
362. It's painfully obvious.
One of these men had Jim killed.Copy !req
363. Really? Why?Copy !req
364. Tell me something. How long have you
been a lieutenant, Lieutenant?Copy !req
365. Mrs. Melville would have put that
together like that.Copy !req
366. Well look, I'm gonna take all the help
I can get.Copy !req
367. All right. Let me see if I can
explain it to you.Copy !req
368. See my partner and I decided to
split, go our separate ways.Copy !req
369. I'm sure Joanna must've mentioned
that to you.Copy !req
370. Yeah, she said something about that.Copy !req
371. Did she also mention the fact...Copy !req
372. ...that Jim wanted to do some
serious writing?Copy !req
373. Hey, wait a minute...Copy !req
374. Dawning on you now?Copy !req
375. Knew you'd get it. But that's only
the tip of the iceberg.Copy !req
376. You see, Jim was researching a complete
and factual expose...Copy !req
377. ...of all west coast
organized crime.Copy !req
378. I mean he was going around asking
some pretty embarrassing questions.Copy !req
379. Probing, compiling dossiers.Copy !req
380. That's why they searched this office.Copy !req
381. Apparently they got everything but
that list.Copy !req
382. And you think one of these fellas
put out a contract on him?Copy !req
383. Of course. Word must've gotten around that
Jim was compiling all this information.Copy !req
384. They knew they couldn't buy him off,
so what did they do?Copy !req
385. They chose the usual alternative.Copy !req
386. A professional killing, huh?Copy !req
387. But if that's true, why did they get
rid of the body?Copy !req
388. Who knows? But remember one thing
without a corpus delicti...Copy !req
389. you can't prove a murder was
committed in the first place.Copy !req
390. But why would a professional killer
care?Copy !req
391. I mean, he's already on a plane
back from where he came.Copy !req
392. Lieutenant, I can't answer all of
your questions.Copy !req
393. I've given you a list of the most
likely suspects, a clear motive.Copy !req
394. Isn't that enough to start with?Copy !req
395. Oh, that's plenty.Copy !req
396. Believe me I'm very grateful for
all the help you've given me.Copy !req
397. Gee, that's funny...Copy !req
398. What?Copy !req
399. This thing is folded lengthwise.Copy !req
400. Like someone was carrying it
in their pocket.Copy !req
401. So?Copy !req
402. Well, if he typed that on that
typewriter,Copy !req
403. and I'll run a check on that,Copy !req
404. why would he fold it up before he
put it in that drawer?Copy !req
405. I'm beginning to like you.Copy !req
406. Why is that?Copy !req
407. Because you're finally beginning to
think like Mrs.Melville.Copy !req
408. Unfortunately, Jim used to fold up
a piece of paper,Copy !req
409. and he'd use it as a bookmark,
you know.Copy !req
410. Now however interesting your
observation is,Copy !req
411. it only leads us far astray.Copy !req
412. However, since you are beginning to
learn how to emulate our dear lady,Copy !req
413. I'm going to give you
something that you richly deserve.Copy !req
414. A chance to read some of our books.Copy !req
415. Well, that's very nice of you.Copy !req
416. Didn't expect gifts tonight, huh?Copy !req
417. Thank you. Maybe I can pick up
a few pointers.Copy !req
418. I'm sure you can.Copy !req
419. Could you handle some more?Copy !req
420. All right.Copy !req
421. Here you go.Copy !req
422. Oh, and an extra.Copy !req
423. That's very nice.Copy !req
424. That ought to keep you busy
for a while, huh?Copy !req
425. Anything else, Lieutenant?Copy !req
426. No, I don't think so. I think
I'd better let you get some sleep.Copy !req
427. That's very nice of you. I just
only hope I was of some help.Copy !req
428. Oh, you certainly were.Copy !req
429. Well, good night Lieutenant.Copy !req
430. Good night, sir.Copy !req
431. Oh Mr.Franklin. Uh...Copy !req
432. Actually, there is one thing.
Not that it makes that much difference.Copy !req
433. What is it?Copy !req
434. When Mrs. Ferris called you and told
you her husband got shot,Copy !req
435. you jumped in a car and drove
right back to L.A., is that right?Copy !req
436. That's right.Copy !req
437. You know, me, I woulda taken a plane.Copy !req
438. I mean, it's a big airport and they
run every half hour.Copy !req
439. It would have been a lot faster.Copy !req
440. Well, I, that's true.Copy !req
441. But... in a situation like that,
who thinks clearly?Copy !req
442. And look at it this way.Copy !req
443. You add up all the time it takes
to drive to and from an airport.Copy !req
444. How much time do you really save?Copy !req
445. Operator? Get me the police, please.
Thank you.Copy !req
446. Lieutenant Columbo, please.Copy !req
447. Yes, thank you. I'll wait.Copy !req
448. Columbo?Copy !req
449. This is Franklin.Copy !req
450. I think you'd better get over here
right away.Copy !req
451. 937 Sky View Drive.Copy !req
452. It's an emergency.Copy !req
453. When I got home, there he...Copy !req
454. There it was right in the middle of
the lawn.Copy !req
455. Terrible thing to come home to.Copy !req
456. The funny thing is, I kept hoping,
I was sure that Jim was still alive.Copy !req
457. Poor Joanna...Copy !req
458. Every time I think of feeling sorry
for myself,Copy !req
459. I think of how much she had
to lose.Copy !req
460. Look at them.Copy !req
461. Vultures.Copy !req
462. Lieutenant, you mind if I go inside.
I can't stand to watch them... gape.Copy !req
463. Mind if I come with you because...Copy !req
464. ...there's no lining on this coat
and it's a bit chilly.Copy !req
465. I don't mind.Copy !req
466. Hello, yes, this is Mr.Franklin.Copy !req
467. What? No comment.Copy !req
468. You got to be kidding.
What, an interview now?Copy !req
469. The gentlemen of the press.Copy !req
470. Afraid you're gonna get a lot of
that.Copy !req
471. I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I'm forgetting
my manners. Would you like a drink?Copy !req
472. Yeah... well... maybe a drop of bourbon.Copy !req
473. Bourbon.Copy !req
474. Boy, this is quite a place.Copy !req
475. This a copy?Copy !req
476. Hardly. It's an original.Copy !req
477. Gee, I thought they only hung this
stuff in the museums.Copy !req
478. You own this?Copy !req
479. Mrs. Melville has been very kind.Copy !req
480. Boy, quite a place.Copy !req
481. And you got that other place
in San Diego.Copy !req
482. Gee, the upkeep alone must be...Copy !req
483. I manage to scrape by.Copy !req
484. Your drink.Copy !req
485. Thank you.Copy !req
486. You know, there's one thing about
writers I don't understand.Copy !req
487. Maybe you can help me clear it up.Copy !req
488. If a fella's partner dies,Copy !req
489. does he own the other fella's
half of the books? Half of the uh...Copy !req
490. The Royalties?Copy !req
491. Yeah.Copy !req
492. No.Copy !req
493. They go into the deceased's estate.Copy !req
494. That leaves you out in the cold,
doesn't it?Copy !req
495. Unless you insured each other?Copy !req
496. Lieutenant, aren't we going a bit
far astray?Copy !req
497. You're right. We shouldn't be
talking about this now.Copy !req
498. It's not the time.Copy !req
499. So Mr.Franklin, tell me.Copy !req
500. Why do you think that they left your
partner's body...Copy !req
501. ...out there on the lawn like that?Copy !req
502. Do you mean to tell me you haven't
figured that out?Copy !req
503. Lieutenant, you disappoint me.Copy !req
504. It was left as a warning.Copy !req
505. A warning?Copy !req
506. Of course.Copy !req
507. It also proves my theory about
it being a professional killing.Copy !req
508. See, the moment they dropped Jim's
body in the middle of that lawn...Copy !req
509. Please sit down.Copy !req
510. You know what they were saying?Copy !req
511. This could happen to you unless
you stop in your partner's research.Copy !req
512. They were trying to scare you.Copy !req
513. Exactly.Copy !req
514. Right. So what are you going to do?Copy !req
515. Are you going to continue writing
the book anyway?Copy !req
516. No. That's the irony of it. You see,
that was Jim's pet project, not mine.Copy !req
517. I wouldn't even know where to begin.Copy !req
518. Say I guess they didn't have any way
of knowing...Copy !req
519. ...you two were going to split up.Copy !req
520. No...Copy !req
521. Even if they did, it wouldn't have
done Jim any good.Copy !req
522. I must say, Lieutenant, you're up
against a dead end.Copy !req
523. Look at this. You've got a body,
you've got a motive.Copy !req
524. But you're never going to find that
killer.Copy !req
525. It's not going to be easy.Copy !req
526. I'll lay you five to one it was
someone in Las Vegas or Miami,Copy !req
527. picked up a phone and put out
a contract.Copy !req
528. Right.Copy !req
529. How you're going to make a case,
much less solve one, is beyond me.Copy !req
530. I guess the only thing I can do is...Copy !req
531. ...just check out every name
on that list.Copy !req
532. Sure. You know what's going to
happen?Copy !req
533. Every one of those guys is
going to deny that Jim even existed?Copy !req
534. Right.Copy !req
535. I must say I don't envy you.Copy !req
536. I don't envy myself.Copy !req
537. Now look, I got a lot of phone calls
to make. I'd better get on it.Copy !req
538. All the luck.Copy !req
539. Thanks. Thanks a lot, Mr.Franklin.Copy !req
540. And listen, I'm very sorry about
what happened tonight.Copy !req
541. Thank you.Copy !req
542. You... uh...Copy !req
543. You will keep me posted, Lieutenant.Copy !req
544. Oh, yes. I will. Yeah.Copy !req
545. You know, there is only one thing
that I'm not clear about.Copy !req
546. But that can wait. You want to go to
bed.Copy !req
547. Lieutenant, I'm not going to get any
sleep anyway. What is it?Copy !req
548. Would you go over for me once again?
I know you did it.Copy !req
549. Exactly what happened
when you came home tonight?Copy !req
550. Sure. I've...Copy !req
551. I've already told you, but...Copy !req
552. The moment I saw Jim's body
in the middle of the lawn...Copy !req
553. I came running in here and I picked
up the phone and I called you.Copy !req
554. I mean it's a purely reflexive
action.Copy !req
555. Uh-huh.Copy !req
556. Right. Uh-huh. Yeah, that's fine.Copy !req
557. Wait a minute,Copy !req
558. you look like you're troubled. Is there
some reason for your question?Copy !req
559. Ah, it's your mail.Copy !req
560. My mail?Copy !req
561. Isn't it funny how people are
different? Now me,Copy !req
562. if I found my partner dead, I'd
never think of opening my letters.Copy !req
563. But I just did it to distract myself.Copy !req
564. I mean you gotta remember one
thing, that's a great shock.Copy !req
565. Oh, that's understandable.
And bills are distracting.Copy !req
566. Listen, if anything comes up,
I'll call you right away.Copy !req
567. Good night.Copy !req
568. Good night.Copy !req
569. I'm going to have a hot-dog.Copy !req
570. Oh, I guess I will, too.Copy !req
571. Oh, no, Mr.Tucker. You put that
away. This one is on me.Copy !req
572. May I have a receipt, please?Copy !req
573. All right, Lieutenant, you're
bribing me with a handsome lunch.Copy !req
574. What can I do for you?Copy !req
575. This is about an insurance
policy.Copy !req
576. Excellent! It's about time you came
to me.Copy !req
577. I can give you a...Copy !req
578. This is an insurance policy
that was already written.Copy !req
579. Oh. This is official business.Copy !req
580. Yeah. There are two mystery writers,
Ken Franklin and James Ferris.Copy !req
581. Your company wrote a policy on them?Copy !req
582. Now wait a minute, Lieutenant.Copy !req
583. We like to cooperate with
the police, but,Copy !req
584. if you want confidential information,
I'm afraid that you...Copy !req
585. Hold on, look. I don't want to cause
you any trouble.Copy !req
586. Maybe it would be more helpful
if I got a court order?Copy !req
587. Oh, Ken, it was simply marvelous.
I was terrified!Copy !req
588. Oh, really?Copy !req
589. I had the whole thing figured out
by the end of the first act.Copy !req
590. You did? I was completely fooled.
You must have a devious mind.Copy !req
591. No dear, it's because you're young.Copy !req
592. Always remember one thing, my love.Copy !req
593. The moment a man mentions a
long-lost twin,Copy !req
594. you can inevitably know that
it's going to be some impersonation.Copy !req
595. It's an old plot trick.Copy !req
596. Mr.Franklin!Copy !req
597. Yoo-hoo! Over here.Copy !req
598. Who's that?Copy !req
599. Someone who should be
somewhere else.Copy !req
600. Excuse me a moment.Copy !req
601. Miss La Sanka!
What a pleasant surprise...Copy !req
602. What brings you to the big city?Copy !req
603. Oh... I came in to do a little
shopping. You like my dress?Copy !req
604. Oh, it's lovely.Copy !req
605. See a play.Copy !req
606. She's a beauty, Mr.Franklin.Copy !req
607. Yes, she is. Thank you.Copy !req
608. I haven't seen her before, have I?Copy !req
609. No, I don't believe you have.
Well, it's lovely to see you.Copy !req
610. I, ah... hope you won't think
I'm being forward,Copy !req
611. but is there any chance of our
having a drink together?Copy !req
612. Oh, I'd love to, really, but... ah...Copy !req
613. See, the young lady and I are going
to have late supper.Copy !req
614. I think you might want to cancel it.Copy !req
615. Just why would I want to do that?Copy !req
616. Because we really should have
a discussion.Copy !req
617. Perhaps some other time.Copy !req
618. All right.Copy !req
619. I suppose I'll have to find
someone else to tell my story to.Copy !req
620. It's a mystery story.
Very interesting, really.Copy !req
621. It's all about this... witness...Copy !req
622. Just wait here. I'll be right back.Copy !req
623. Anything you say, Mr.Franklin.Copy !req
624. Oh wow, I just can't resist
strawberries.Copy !req
625. Glad you like them.Copy !req
626. You're making me nervous.Copy !req
627. That's quite a stare.Copy !req
628. I'm sorry. I can't help it.Copy !req
629. Do you know I've never seen you
outside that store before?Copy !req
630. You're very lovely.
May I call you Lilly?Copy !req
631. Yes, please do.Copy !req
632. How did you enjoy the play, tonight?Copy !req
633. I thought it was predictable. You?Copy !req
634. I like your books much more.Copy !req
635. That's very flattering.Copy !req
636. But you said something before about
your story.Copy !req
637. Something about a... witness.Copy !req
638. Oh, yes. Well, actually,Copy !req
639. it's a true-to-life story.Copy !req
640. The best kind.Copy !req
641. It concerns your partner.Copy !req
642. Jim?Copy !req
643. What about him?Copy !req
644. Well, I read in the papers about
his death and I felt just terrible.Copy !req
645. Thank you.Copy !req
646. I felt just terrible because they
said he was killed in his office.Copy !req
647. So they did.Copy !req
648. Well in my story,Copy !req
649. you see, he couldn't have actually
been killed in an office.Copy !req
650. Because he was...Copy !req
651. ...somewhere else.Copy !req
652. Just for the moment. Let's forget
about your story.Copy !req
653. Let's talk about real life.Copy !req
654. It is simpler, isn't it?Copy !req
655. Much.Copy !req
656. I'll tell you honestly. Ken.Copy !req
657. I was very confused when I saw
the papers. Because...Copy !req
658. ...when you were in my store making
a phone call the other day,Copy !req
659. I wandered over to the side window
to see...Copy !req
660. ...if you had brought a lady
with you.Copy !req
661. You didn't believe me when I said
that I was alone?Copy !req
662. Oh, I believed you.
It's just that...Copy !req
663. I'm very interested in you, Ken.Copy !req
664. Well, anyway, you can imagine my
surprise when I saw your partner.Copy !req
665. There he was, big as life...Copy !req
666. sitting there in the front seat
of your car.Copy !req
667. And that disturbed you?Copy !req
668. Oh, not at the time.Copy !req
669. Only later.Copy !req
670. And then I debated with myself
for days...Copy !req
671. ...whether to come and see you
or not.Copy !req
672. Why didn't you go to the police?Copy !req
673. Oh, Ken...Copy !req
674. I wouldn't want to get you into
trouble.Copy !req
675. Of course not.Copy !req
676. All right, Lilly. How much?Copy !req
677. Oh, I hope you don't think that's
the only...Copy !req
678. No, no... I don't think anything.Copy !req
679. I'll tell you something.Copy !req
680. I'm most grateful you came to me
first.Copy !req
681. You know why? 'Cause I think we can
reach an equitable agreement.Copy !req
682. I do so admire your candor.Copy !req
683. This isn't easy for me.Copy !req
684. A widow, running a small country
store, trying to make ends meet...Copy !req
685. Oh, I can understand that. And I
also recognize in you a woman of...Copy !req
686. ...some breeding, I mean,
you're not just a common...Copy !req
687. ...blackmailer.Copy !req
688. I'm so glad you're understanding.Copy !req
689. Very well, Lilly.Copy !req
690. How much for your silence?Copy !req
691. Fifteen thousand dollars?Copy !req
692. I know it's a lot, but that's all
I'll ever ask for.Copy !req
693. Honestly. And I'm a woman
of my word.Copy !req
694. I know you are, and I respect you
for that. You know what?Copy !req
695. In that spirit, I accept your terms.
Agreed?Copy !req
696. Agreed.Copy !req
697. And I know you won't take offense
when I say...Copy !req
698. ...it's a pleasure doing business
with you.Copy !req
699. No, no. My pleasure.Copy !req
700. Yes?Copy !req
701. Is Mr.Franklin home?Copy !req
702. He's occupied at the moment.
Who shall I say is calling?Copy !req
703. Lieutenant Columbo.Copy !req
704. Oh. Well won't you come in
and wait?Copy !req
705. He'll be with you shortly.Copy !req
706. Only a few more.Copy !req
707. Thanks muchly, Mr.Franklin, I think
we're about finished.Copy !req
708. If you can bear one or two more
photographs.Copy !req
709. Fire away.Copy !req
710. After all, your magazine was
very kind...Copy !req
711. ...to Franklin and Ferris
during our lean years.Copy !req
712. That's the second reason I granted
the interview.Copy !req
713. Oh, what was the first?Copy !req
714. Why, the charm of the interviewer,
of course.Copy !req
715. Yes, Lieutenant. Is there
something I can do for you?Copy !req
716. Oh, yeah... if... if you have a moment.Copy !req
717. That's about all I do have.Copy !req
718. As soon as I finish here, I'll be
right with you.Copy !req
719. Is there anything else? Miss...Copy !req
720. May I call you Gloria?Copy !req
721. Please do.Copy !req
722. Ah... just one last question.Copy !req
723. I think our readers will want to
know...Copy !req
724. ...how the death of your partner will
affect the Mrs. Melville books.Copy !req
725. I'm afraid when I buried Jim,
I buried Mrs. Melville with him.Copy !req
726. I understand.Copy !req
727. But everyone will miss her so.
Can't you write another one?Copy !req
728. Oh, I could, naturally, but what's
the point?Copy !req
729. With Jim gone, there wouldn't be
much reason.Copy !req
730. No, I'm afraid Mrs. Melville has
solved her last case.Copy !req
731. Actually, I've been...Copy !req
732. ...seriously debating as to
whether I'll ever want to write again.Copy !req
733. Oh well, I hope you do.Copy !req
734. Thank you, that's very kind of you.Copy !req
735. Now, if you don't mind...Copy !req
736. Of course. Let's go, Harvey.Copy !req
737. Perhaps under better circumstances,
less harassed circumstances,Copy !req
738. I could give you a more detailed
interview.Copy !req
739. Even in more depth...Copy !req
740. That will be nice. Shall I call you?Copy !req
741. Yes, please do. Next week, huh?Copy !req
742. Goodbye.Copy !req
743. Oh, sorry Harvey.Copy !req
744. Thank you.Copy !req
745. Thanks very much.Copy !req
746. All right, Lieutenant, what can I do
for you?Copy !req
747. Well, I brought back your books.Copy !req
748. That's fine. Just put them over
there on the table.Copy !req
749. Yeah... ah... sure. I wanted to tell you
how much I enjoyed 'em.Copy !req
750. I think they're the most
terrific...Copy !req
751. Boy, I want to...Copy !req
752. And oh listen, I'll come back,
I'll make two trips on this.Copy !req
753. But the lady detective. What a
character! What a brain!Copy !req
754. And what logic, the way she
figures it out!Copy !req
755. Lieutenant, I'd love to sit down and
discuss literature with you,Copy !req
756. But I was on my way out.Copy !req
757. Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to
bother you.Copy !req
758. You're going some place special?Copy !req
759. Yes, as a matter of fact, I'm on my way
down to my cabin for a rest.Copy !req
760. Would you like an itinerary?Copy !req
761. Hey, I'm sorry.Copy !req
762. I'm making a pest of myself.Copy !req
763. No...Copy !req
764. Yes, yes, I am.Copy !req
765. I know it's because
I keep asking these questions.Copy !req
766. But I'll tell you. I can't help myself.
It's a habit.Copy !req
767. I take it you're not going alone.Copy !req
768. Whatever gave you that idea?Copy !req
769. I noticed the two bottles of
champagne...Copy !req
770. Oh, those. I'm quite capable of
drinking those two bottles,Copy !req
771. and a good deal more
without any help.Copy !req
772. Now if you'll excuse me, Lieutenant.Copy !req
773. Yeah, listen.
Unless you just want to...Copy !req
774. ...take a second to know how we're
progressing on your partner's list.Copy !req
775. Oh? Anything concrete?Copy !req
776. No, not a thing. Just like you
predicted.Copy !req
777. Everyone said they never even heard
of James Ferris.Copy !req
778. That's just as I expected.Copy !req
779. Well it was lovely to chat with you,
Lieutenant.Copy !req
780. Mr.Franklin...Copy !req
781. Yeah?Copy !req
782. Do you have a minute?Copy !req
783. Is it important?Copy !req
784. Well, it could be.Copy !req
785. You see, I was checking the phone
company records in San Diego.Copy !req
786. Why would you want to do that,
Lieutenant?Copy !req
787. I have to do that. You know, that's
part of my job.Copy !req
788. I gotta tie up all those loose ends.Copy !req
789. Anyway, on the day of murder,Copy !req
790. there was a record of a call
from the cabin.Copy !req
791. It was a call to the Ferris house
in Los Angeles.Copy !req
792. I see. And now you're wondering whether
I can explain that. Is that right?Copy !req
793. Oh, I'm sure you can.Copy !req
794. Oh, you're right, I can.Copy !req
795. But you see you would have saved both you
and me a great deal of trouble...Copy !req
796. ...if you had checked with
Joanna Ferris first.Copy !req
797. She would have explained to you...Copy !req
798. ...that I had spoken to her
from my cabin, telling her that...Copy !req
799. ...Jim and I had patched up our
differences.Copy !req
800. What do you mean by differences?Copy !req
801. Well, you see, ironing out any difficulties
in a separation is never easy.Copy !req
802. I knew Joanna would be concerned.
I wanted to put her mind at ease.Copy !req
803. Can you understand that?Copy !req
804. Oh yes, yeah. That's understandable.Copy !req
805. Fine. Is that all?Copy !req
806. Yes. That's all.Copy !req
807. Listen... uh... Enjoy your trip.Copy !req
808. Thanks very much.Copy !req
809. And drive carefully.Copy !req
810. Don't worry, Lieutenant. You can
count on it.Copy !req
811. And here you are.Copy !req
812. Bearing gifts.Copy !req
813. And more gifts.Copy !req
814. Why, Mr.Franklin, how lovely.Copy !req
815. Ken.Copy !req
816. Yes, of course. Ken.Copy !req
817. Now Lilly, let me ask you a simple
question.Copy !req
818. Are you up to making a nice quiet
dinner for two tonight?Copy !req
819. Here's to prosperity.Copy !req
820. And romance.Copy !req
821. The daily double.Copy !req
822. I must say, Lilly, that was a
magnificent meal.Copy !req
823. Where did you learn to cook so
well?Copy !req
824. My late husband, may he rest in
peace, was a professional chef.Copy !req
825. Wonderful man.Copy !req
826. He taught me all I know.Copy !req
827. Well, he taught you well.Copy !req
828. Thank you, sir.Copy !req
829. Refill?Copy !req
830. Oh, sorry.Copy !req
831. Oh! We're all out.Copy !req
832. Let's open another one.Copy !req
833. Dare we?Copy !req
834. Dare we not?Copy !req
835. Here we go... happy new year.Copy !req
836. Quick, your glass!Copy !req
837. Delicious.Copy !req
838. But I'm afraid I'm getting a little
tipsy.Copy !req
839. What's wrong with that?Copy !req
840. I don't know if I can trust you.Copy !req
841. Now is there any reason not to?Copy !req
842. Lilly, if I make you uncomfortable,
I can always leave.Copy !req
843. No, please...Copy !req
844. I do enjoy your company.Copy !req
845. You know what we should do...?Copy !req
846. What?Copy !req
847. It's such a beautiful night...Copy !req
848. we should row out to the center
of the lake and go for swim.Copy !req
849. Mmmm... sounds nice.Copy !req
850. It is nice. Shall we?Copy !req
851. Better not.Copy !req
852. Why not?Copy !req
853. I trust you, Ken. Really.Copy !req
854. But we all have our dark sides,
don't we?Copy !req
855. It just wouldn't be very intelligent
of me...Copy !req
856. ...to be alone with you
in a small boat.Copy !req
857. After all, you might start having
second thoughts about the money.Copy !req
858. I wish you hadn't said that, Lilly.Copy !req
859. That kind of talk hurts me deeply.Copy !req
860. I'm going to tell you something and
I shouldn't.Copy !req
861. But I'll tell you why because I
trust you.Copy !req
862. I was prepared to give you
considerably more than you asked for.Copy !req
863. Fifteen thousand, I mean I've lost
that much gambling in one night.Copy !req
864. Well, it certainly is a great deal
of money to me.Copy !req
865. What do you think
you'll do with all of it?Copy !req
866. I don't know... put it in the bank,
I guess.Copy !req
867. But not right away.Copy !req
868. I just want to look at it
for a while.Copy !req
869. Better be careful.
Someone might rob you.Copy !req
870. I'll just keep it for a day or two.Copy !req
871. I've never seen so much money
in my life.Copy !req
872. Uh maybe... Maybe you could take a
trip somewhere?Copy !req
873. I may. I've always wanted to go on
a cruise.Copy !req
874. Oh cruises. So romantic.Copy !req
875. Did I tell you that my late husband
was in the merchant marines?Copy !req
876. Is that a fact?Copy !req
877. They're the ones who taught him how
to cook.Copy !req
878. I almost wish he were here now.Copy !req
879. He could share this with me.Copy !req
880. Well... maybe we can do the next best
thing.Copy !req
881. Who did you say it is?Copy !req
882. One of the cops said it was a local
woman. Some kinda drowning.Copy !req
883. Morning.Copy !req
884. Well, Lieutenant Columbo!Copy !req
885. I must say you turn up at the oddest
times, don't you?Copy !req
886. Listen, I hope you don't mind my
coming in that way, you know.Copy !req
887. But the door was open and I
just let myself in.Copy !req
888. No, no, no. How did you get here,
by magic carpet?Copy !req
889. I didn't see your car outside.Copy !req
890. Oh no, I pulled around back and I
put it in the shade.Copy !req
891. The sun raises hell
with the paint.Copy !req
892. Oh, sensible.Copy !req
893. What brings you up here to the
wilds?Copy !req
894. Well, I'll tell you.Copy !req
895. I heard you and Mrs. Ferris
talk so much about this place.Copy !req
896. And you made it sound so terrific,
and believe me,Copy !req
897. you weren't exaggerating,
because this is magnificent.Copy !req
898. And since I got a two-week
vacation coming up,Copy !req
899. I said to myself go on down there,
check out the area,Copy !req
900. look to see maybe you can rent a
cabin.Copy !req
901. Lieutenant, you're not going to tell
me you drove down here...Copy !req
902. ...just to look for a vacation spot,
are you?Copy !req
903. Why else would I come?Copy !req
904. You're wasting your time.Copy !req
905. I have a feeling the cabins in
this neck of the woods...Copy !req
906. ...are pretty much out of your
price range, anyway.Copy !req
907. Most of them are rented
for the season.Copy !req
908. Oh, gee, whiz that... That's too bad.Copy !req
909. Gosh my wife is going to be
disappointed.Copy !req
910. Well, it was a nice ride anyhow.Copy !req
911. Yes, a lovely drive.Copy !req
912. Except for that bottleneck down the
road. What was that all about?Copy !req
913. Oh there was a drowning.Copy !req
914. Oh, what was it, a fisherman?Copy !req
915. Well, I heard someone say it was a
local woman.Copy !req
916. Ah Miss La Sanka, or something?Copy !req
917. Something like that, yeah.Copy !req
918. Did you know her?Copy !req
919. Not really. No.Copy !req
920. I was just wondering because
when I was in the kitchen before,Copy !req
921. I noticed a grocery box with her
name on it.Copy !req
922. I occasionally buy supplies there.Copy !req
923. Sure, like anyone else who lives
around here.Copy !req
924. I think she was the one that drowned.Copy !req
925. Yeah, because I stopped by the
grocery store on the way here...Copy !req
926. ...to pick up some cigars and
I noticed it was closed and...Copy !req
927. cops' cars around.Copy !req
928. Well, if it was her,Copy !req
929. I'd be very sorry.
She was always very friendly.Copy !req
930. Yeah, that's a shame.Copy !req
931. Oh? You did know her.Copy !req
932. Lieutenant, I know a lot of people
without really knowing them.Copy !req
933. You know, like...Copy !req
934. ...barbers, waitresses, parking lot
attendants.Copy !req
935. Even the cop on the beat, don't you?Copy !req
936. Yeah, I do, as a matter of fact.Copy !req
937. I tell you people are strange,
you though know.Copy !req
938. I can't figure 'em out.
Why a woman goes out on a lake...Copy !req
939. ...all by herself
before the light comes up.Copy !req
940. Oh, there's nothing unusual about
that.Copy !req
941. A lot of us go out early.Copy !req
942. It's peaceful and it kind of makes
you feel like you're...Copy !req
943. ...plugged into nature.
You know what I mean?Copy !req
944. Yeah, yeah.Copy !req
945. Well, say, listen, look, you came
down here to get away from things,Copy !req
946. and I'm just taking up your time.
I didn't mean to bother you.Copy !req
947. No, no, no. It's no bother at all.Copy !req
948. Say I'd be more than glad to let you
have a bathing suit,Copy !req
949. but you don't look like
you're the athletic type to me.Copy !req
950. Well, it's... uh... my wife that's the
athlete.Copy !req
951. So you don't think I'm going to be
able to find a cabin to rent, huh?Copy !req
952. Best bet is to go down and check
with some of the local...Copy !req
953. ...real estate people.Copy !req
954. Because I think it would be fun to be
neighbors for a couple of weeks, huh?Copy !req
955. Yeah.Copy !req
956. Say, what kind of night life do you
have around here?Copy !req
957. Night life? None.Copy !req
958. No partying?Copy !req
959. Just sleep and crickets.Copy !req
960. I was just wondering because,Copy !req
961. you know, I didn't want to barge in
on you today unannounced.Copy !req
962. I don't follow you.Copy !req
963. Well, last night I called to
tell you that I was coming...Copy !req
964. but there was no one at home.Copy !req
965. You a reporter?Copy !req
966. No... uh.Copy !req
967. Lieutenant Columbo.Copy !req
968. Police.Copy !req
969. L.A.Copy !req
970. LAPD?Copy !req
971. What brings you down here,
Lieutenant?Copy !req
972. Well, I'm working on a case.Copy !req
973. Listen, this is not really my
jurisdiction, but...Copy !req
974. ...you mind if I browse around?Copy !req
975. Help yourself, Lieutenant.
Always glad to cooperate.Copy !req
976. ...didn't she have a bruise on her
head?Copy !req
977. How'd you know that, Ben?Copy !req
978. Come on, Sergeant, Doc Webster
told us.Copy !req
979. All right, so there was a bruise.Copy !req
980. Probably a result of the boat
capsizing and...Copy !req
981. ...rendering her unconscious.Copy !req
982. Any indication the lady was under
the influence?Copy !req
983. I can't ascertain that until we see
an autopsy report.Copy !req
984. The doctor's working on that
right now.Copy !req
985. Sounds like drinking to me.Copy !req
986. Could she swim?Copy !req
987. How in the world would I know a
thing like that?Copy !req
988. Any living relatives?Copy !req
989. I don't think so. Somebody said she
was a widow.Copy !req
990. What about the row boat?Copy !req
991. Row boat? What about it?Copy !req
992. Who did it belong to? Where'd it
come from?Copy !req
993. It belonged to the deceased. I've got
witnesses...Copy !req
994. Think she wanted some fresh air last
night?Copy !req
995. This is all conjecture, gentlemen.Copy !req
996. I mean there's no way of telling.
Maybe she did. Who knows?Copy !req
997. It's also possible that she had a
heart seizure, or she got dizzy.Copy !req
998. Then you think it was an
accident?Copy !req
999. I certainly don't think it was
foul play.Copy !req
1000. You're going to be in your office
this afternoon?Copy !req
1001. Absolutely.Copy !req
1002. How long was she in the water,
Sergeant?Copy !req
1003. Oh, I don't know. We'll wait till
we get the report.Copy !req
1004. We're starting to cover the same
old ground here, gentlemen.Copy !req
1005. Now why don't you meet me
in my office an hour from now.Copy !req
1006. But we got some more questions.
I'd like to...Copy !req
1007. I'll answer 'em all then, I'll have
the reports.Copy !req
1008. And I'll be able to give you
a lot more information.Copy !req
1009. OK, Sarge. Thank you.Copy !req
1010. To my Lilly... Love always, Ken...Copy !req
1011. I still don't know what this means.Copy !req
1012. It means that he knew her.Copy !req
1013. It means that he knew her
not casually, the way he said.Copy !req
1014. It means that he knew her
reasonably well.Copy !req
1015. All right.Copy !req
1016. You've got a romantic inscription
in a book and a champagne cork.Copy !req
1017. Now what does that prove?Copy !req
1018. By itself, it doesn't prove anything.Copy !req
1019. But once you assume that Franklin
committed these crimes,Copy !req
1020. everything fits together.Copy !req
1021. I just can't believe it.Copy !req
1022. I've known Ken too long.
He's not a murderer.Copy !req
1023. Mrs. Ferris, it wouldn't make any
difference,Copy !req
1024. if you knew him for a hundred years,
that wouldn't change anything.Copy !req
1025. This man, Franklin, took your
husband's life.Copy !req
1026. Do you have a match?Copy !req
1027. Help yourself. I don't smoke.Copy !req
1028. It doesn't make sense, Lieutenant.Copy !req
1029. Ken has an alibi.Copy !req
1030. What's his motive?Copy !req
1031. I told you how he coulda worked the
phone.Copy !req
1032. Now his motive is the insurance
money. He needed cash.Copy !req
1033. He spent money like a drunken sailor,
he had two houses,Copy !req
1034. he's got paintings,Copy !req
1035. he's got women, he's got...Copy !req
1036. What?Copy !req
1037. "Jack and Jill went up the hill."Copy !req
1038. "Did Jack kill Jill?"Copy !req
1039. "If so, find out why."Copy !req
1040. Jim. One of his story ideas.Copy !req
1041. Lieutenant.Copy !req
1042. If Ken killed my husband, then why
did he murder Miss La Sanka?Copy !req
1043. Well it's my hunch that she knew
something.Copy !req
1044. Maybe she saw them together and
she tried to blackmail him.Copy !req
1045. That's pure guesswork, isn't it?Copy !req
1046. No, ma'am, it's not. Not quite.
I checked the bank.Copy !req
1047. Yesterday he took out fifteen
thousand dollars.Copy !req
1048. Today he put it back in again.Copy !req
1049. Now why in the world
would he do that?Copy !req
1050. All right. I'm still not convinced,
but...Copy !req
1051. ...let's say I'll go along.Copy !req
1052. What happens now?Copy !req
1053. I don't know.Copy !req
1054. But I've got a pretty strong
circumstantial case,Copy !req
1055. it's just not enough.Copy !req
1056. If I had one piece of hard evidence,
I could nail this fella.Copy !req
1057. But you don't.Copy !req
1058. That's right, ma'am. I don't.
That's why I'm here.Copy !req
1059. Maybe you can give it to me.Copy !req
1060. Me?Copy !req
1061. You knew both of these fellas very
well. I want you to tell me about them.Copy !req
1062. Anything... Just talk.Copy !req
1063. Whatever comes into your mind.Copy !req
1064. Kind of like analysis without the
couch.Copy !req
1065. Would you like a little coffee
first?Copy !req
1066. That would be fine.Copy !req
1067. I don't know what you're looking
for, but here goes.Copy !req
1068. They met in a typewriter shop of
all places.Copy !req
1069. Jim had broken a key and Ken needed
a ribbon.Copy !req
1070. Does that help?Copy !req
1071. Keep going.Copy !req
1072. Well, I've told you a lot about
Jim.Copy !req
1073. He was brilliant, really.Copy !req
1074. He'd wake up in the middle of the
night with ideas.Copy !req
1075. Always throwing off sparks.Copy !req
1076. I remember he even did it
on our honeymoon.Copy !req
1077. Funny thing is,Copy !req
1078. Ken didn't even talk about the
books, unless he was on television.Copy !req
1079. This the truck, that's gonna move
my stuff out of suite 803?Copy !req
1080. Yeah.Copy !req
1081. Almost finished?Copy !req
1082. Haven't started.Copy !req
1083. What do you mean you haven't
started?Copy !req
1084. I'm only the driver, mister.Copy !req
1085. Ask the other two guys. They've been
in there a half an hour already.Copy !req
1086. A half hour?Copy !req
1087. Columbo!Copy !req
1088. Hi, Mr.Franklin. Just finishing
up this last Melville mystery.Copy !req
1089. I didn't get a chance the other day.Copy !req
1090. All right, now what are you doing
here?Copy !req
1091. Waiting for you. I happened to be in
the neighborhood and...Copy !req
1092. You're always in the neighborhood.Copy !req
1093. You tell me what right you've got to
kick those movers out of this office?Copy !req
1094. Oh, listen. I'm sorry about that.
It's just...Copy !req
1095. You know what I thought, I thought
you and I should talk alone.Copy !req
1096. You and I have nothing to talk about.Copy !req
1097. Yes, we do, Mr.Franklin. We have
something to talk about.Copy !req
1098. I'm here to arrest you for the
murder of your partner.Copy !req
1099. What?Copy !req
1100. Now it's my duty to inform you of
your constitutional rights...Copy !req
1101. Oh will you cut that drivel.Copy !req
1102. I've written that stuff so many
times I know it by heart.Copy !req
1103. What is this nonsense? Your
going to arrest me?Copy !req
1104. Come on, Mr.Franklin.Copy !req
1105. Why don't you make a statement
and save us both a lot of trouble?Copy !req
1106. You know, I've really got you.Copy !req
1107. All right, Lieutenant, you got me.
I'm your prisoner.Copy !req
1108. Here, clamp the irons on me.Copy !req
1109. Do you wanna give me a dime first, so
I can phone my attorney because...Copy !req
1110. I promise you I'm going to sue you
and your department...Copy !req
1111. ...for false arrest, and
defamation of character.Copy !req
1112. I kinda knew it right from the start.Copy !req
1113. It was nothing definite, it
was a lotta little things.Copy !req
1114. Little things. Driving back from San
Diego,Copy !req
1115. on the day of the murder
instead of taking a plane.Copy !req
1116. The open mail.Copy !req
1117. Never showing any genuine emotion...Copy !req
1118. ...for a man that you worked with
for ten years.Copy !req
1119. With that? You know what they're
going to do?Copy !req
1120. They're going to laugh you
right out of court.Copy !req
1121. They're not going to laugh at the
insurance policy, are they?Copy !req
1122. I've got a photostatic copy of it
here in my pocket.Copy !req
1123. They're going to laugh at the fact
that you withdrew...Copy !req
1124. ...fifteen thousand dollars and
put it back the next day?Copy !req
1125. I've got the book that you gave to Miss
La Sanka, with your signature in it.Copy !req
1126. You expect to get a true bill
of indictment on that trivia?Copy !req
1127. Come on, Lieutenant, I was down in
San Diego.Copy !req
1128. So was your partner.Copy !req
1129. That's a provocative statement.Copy !req
1130. Can you prove that?Copy !req
1131. Yes. Not with the witness, because
you killed the witness.Copy !req
1132. But I've got another way
to prove it.Copy !req
1133. Will you enlighten me? I must say,Copy !req
1134. I enjoy watching a man raise
without any cards in his hand.Copy !req
1135. You know what, Ken. I'm going to
tell you the truth.Copy !req
1136. For a while there I never thought I
was going to get you, believe me.Copy !req
1137. You had me going in such circles.
I couldn't figure it out.Copy !req
1138. Suddenly, I thought of something.Copy !req
1139. How clever that first murder was.Copy !req
1140. The phone gimmick, working late in
the office. Brilliant.Copy !req
1141. Are you awarding gold medals today?Copy !req
1142. Yes. For the first one. Not for the
second one, that was sloppy.Copy !req
1143. Mrs. Melville, she would've been
very disappointed.Copy !req
1144. Oh, come on, get to the climax,
Lieutenant.Copy !req
1145. You're talking to a writer.Copy !req
1146. Am I? That's not what I heard.Copy !req
1147. And that's the key, that you're not
a writer.Copy !req
1148. When Mrs. Ferris told me that you
didn't contribute to the writing,Copy !req
1149. that her husband did all the work...Copy !req
1150. That's a lie.Copy !req
1151. I had to say to myself,Copy !req
1152. how could a man with no talent
for mysteries...Copy !req
1153. ...make up such a clever murder?Copy !req
1154. If you were that ingenious, you'd be
able to write your own books.Copy !req
1155. Go ahead, I'm fascinated, as boring
as it may be.Copy !req
1156. Then I got it.Copy !req
1157. The first one, the clever one,
that wasn't yours.Copy !req
1158. The second one, the sloppy one,
that was yours.Copy !req
1159. But not the first.Copy !req
1160. And whose idea was that then?Copy !req
1161. Your partner's. Hadda be.Copy !req
1162. And his wife told me how
conscientious he was.Copy !req
1163. You know, the way he used to write
down his ideas...Copy !req
1164. ...on every odd scrap of paper,
backs of matches.Copy !req
1165. Aah, so that's why you wouldn't let
the movers in.Copy !req
1166. Well, I had to rummage around here
before they emptied everything out.Copy !req
1167. Is this your partner's handwriting?Copy !req
1168. Well, I think I can prove it is.
Maybe I ought to read this to you.Copy !req
1169. "Idea for a Melville book. Perfect
alibi."Copy !req
1170. "A wants to kill B."Copy !req
1171. "Drives B to a remote house and has
him call his wife in city..."Copy !req
1172. "Tells her he's working late at the
office."Copy !req
1173. "Bang, bang."Copy !req
1174. Sound familiar? That's the part you
used,Copy !req
1175. practically word for word.Copy !req
1176. Should I read some more?Copy !req
1177. No...Copy !req
1178. Officer.Copy !req
1179. With this I think I got a
conviction. Don't you?Copy !req
1180. You gotta admit I had you going for
a while though, didn't I?Copy !req
1181. Yes you did.Copy !req
1182. You want to know the irony of all
this?Copy !req
1183. That is my idea.Copy !req
1184. The only really good one I ever had.Copy !req
1185. I must've told it to Jim over
five years ago.Copy !req
1186. Who ever thought that idiot would
write it down...?Copy !req
1187. Watch Movies, TV Series and Live Sports
Signup Here -> WWW.ADMITME.APPCopy !req