05x01 - Forgotten Lady

[bunniefuu]

I wouldn't want anything
to unnerve her or upset her.

I'm lucky I didn't show up
in my pajamas.

How could he have d*ed?
The door was bolted from the inside.

She dragged me to every
musical you ever made.

I'm sorry
you had to be dragged.

You'll see that it's not humanly
possible for anyone to climb out.

I'm trying to reconstruct

what Dr. Willis must have been
doing just before he d*ed.

Go away!

Who would
want to k*ll him?

Good evening,
ladies and gentlemen.

I'm your premier host,
Army Archerd.

We're outside the Regal Theater
where Song and Dance,

that giant musical
extravaganza

made up of over two dozen film
clips from past musical greats

had its premiere performance
here tonight

and it received
a rousing ovation.

Now we're gonna try and talk to some
of the stars who made it all possible.

Like Diamond
and Wheeler.

Good evening. How are you?
Hello, Army.

Miss Wheeler,
how are you, dear?

And, Ned Diamond,
how are you?

It's good to see you all
tonight.

And I'm telling you,
this is quite a night.

Now how does it feel seeing
yourself up there tonight

on that giant screen
with those old film clips?

Oh. A little bit
envious of my youth.

The audience
loved you

and they loved the film.
Don't you think so, Grace?

Oh, I do hope so.

The musical is practically
a lost art form,

and this wonderful film gives us
the best of the best musicals.

Well, you look like you could do
those old dance routines right now.

I could.

In fact I plan to,

this fall on Broadway.

A revival of
One Touch of Venus.

This is exciting news.
Diamond and Wheeler again?

Well, not me,
old friend.

My mind's willing
but my legs aren't.

But Ned will direct
and choreograph,

the beginning of a new
and brilliant career for him.

Well, good luck
to the both of you

and good luck to
Song and Dance,

a new film for a great new
audience of filmgoers.

Good to see you both here.
Thank you very much.

Grace Wheeler and Ned Diamond.
Thank you very much.

Now it's time to bring
some other stars...

You must
forget everything,

your dance studio,
everything

and just concentrate
on the show.

There is so much to do

and we really should capitalize
on all this wonderful publicity

before it dies out.

But, darling, what are we
gonna do about a producer?

My darling Ned, you are
the producer as well.

I'm a producer.
You're a producer.

Now, the script needs a
rewrite, I realize that.

We have to find me
a new dancing partner.

Oh, I wish
it could be you...

We need a theater
in New York...

Oh, I know who to call
for that.

What's his name?
Hold.

It'll come to me, it'll come to me.
Hold it, hold it.

Now slow down a minute.
We've got to be practical about this.

Practical? That word isn't
even in my vocabulary tonight.

Let's be enthusiastic
and it will all work out.

You saw how they responded tonight.
You know I can still do it!

Look, darling.

In these days, it takes a lot
of money to produce a musical,

a half a million,
at least.

If I want to spend
a half a million dollars,

that's for me
to decide.

You just do your part,

and don't worry,
it won't be a flop.

I have enough confidence in our
talents for the two of us.

I can see it, Ned,
I can see it.

You're going to be
a celebrated director

and I am going to be
a star again!

Oh, Ned,
I'm so happy!

Oh, Raymond, we'll drop Mr.
Diamond first at his home.

Yes, madam.

Good evening, Alma.

Oh, evening, mum.
You looked so beautiful on the TV.

Oh, thank you.

You looked
so photogenic.

Oh, it was
a beautiful evening.

Is Dr. Willis upstairs?

Yes, mum.

Would you be a dear
and pour me a brandy?

Yes, I will.

Thank you.
Excuse me.

Mmm-hmm.

Thank you, Alma.

Alma.
I'm here.

Ah, I see you've got
the tray ready.

Yes, I do,
darling.

It was
a wonderful premiere.

Oh, I saw it
on the TV.

Yes?

Yes, certainly did.

Thank you, love.
Uh-huh.

Come in, Raymond.

Evening, Raymond.
Good evening, sir.

Here we are.

Lovely evening, sir.

Not bad.

Speak low, my darling

Speak low...

My darling, my darling
my darling, hello.

Oh, my darling.

Will that be
everything, sir?

Yes, Raymond,
thank you.

Oh, Raymond, I'll be
viewing a film tonight.

: as usual?
Yes.

And I'm in the mood
for Rosie.

How I love that girl

Walking My Baby.

Yes, yes, yes.

Oh, Henry,
you should have been there.

It was the most fantastic,
incredible, exciting night.

I mean, it was like
yesterday never went away!

They absolutely loved me!
They just went wild!

I saw you
on television.

Oh, you did? How nice.

And then you heard my exciting news?
I just blurted it out.

Yes, I heard.

And you know
I don't approve, Grace.

Oh, why? Why?

What about our trip
around the world?

Oh, we'll do it
another year.

Why do you continue

with this
preposterous idea

to resume your career?

It's not
a preposterous idea.

Where will your financing
come from?

Oh, from you,
my darling.

From you.

I'm not investing $ ,
in a Broadway musical, Grace.

Your investment
will be safe.

It will double, maybe even
triple once the play opens.

And besides, the money is a mere
drop in the bucket to you, Henry.

Half a million dollars is not a
drop in the bucket to anyone,

with the possible exception
of a Shah of Iran

and Howard Hughes.

I realize that no one's knocking
down the door with offers yet,

but I was a big star.

And what you don't realize
is that the qualities

that make a star
never diminish.

So, by financing
my own production,

I will be before
the public again,

and they will learn to love me
all over again, Henry.

Grace, you must stop

living in that fantasy world
of yours.

Other women,
less talented women,

have brilliant careers
at my age.

I cannot finance you,
Grace.

You are a stubborn,

stuffy,

sick old man.

I am not a producer.

I'm not even a doctor
anymore,

just a retired old man.

Listen to reason, Rosie,

I know you didn't marry me
out of love,

but our life hasn't been
that bad, has it?

Your film will be starting
in a few minutes.

The film is ready, madam.

Well, let it roll,
Raymond.

I'd like to announce
before I start,

the producers of
The Towering Inferno,

Poseidon Adventure,
Earthquake...

Excellent salmon, Alma...
are all contributing

to the rest of my monologue
tonight.

Perfect accompaniment
to the chardonnay.

Thank you.

Oh, you know it's time for a reel change.
Do you want me to do it?

Oh, no.
Wort take a minute.

Smashing show.

That's why
I want to watch it.

Can I get anything for you,
madam?

No, thank you, Raymond.

How you feeling?
I'm fine.

I've not seen you for a long time.
Yes, a long time.

And I've been here
several times

and I still think
the monologues are great.

Thank you.

But they're not
an aphrodisiac.

Sometimes you're
pretty good, Johnny.

You, too?

Yeah, you'd be surprised how sexy you
look through my feet like that.

I probably shouldn't
mention this

because it'll give away secrets
that were long kept in television,

we have a device, you know, in television,
where you can also look out.

Well, you sure had fun looking
in my room, haven't you?

Oh, yes.
Yes, you have.

You're
an active squirrel...

And I'm one of the few of
us who have no rhythm.

You never took singing
lessons, per se, did you?

...we'll be here Monday
with Steve Allen,

Elke Sommer, Howie Lipton,
price fighter Wena Sturgeon,

and a juggling professor,
Jim Reinart.

Thank you all.
Have a nice weekend.

Well. Excellent show.

I'll just close up
and look in on Dr. Willis.

Will there be
anything else, madam?

Oh, no, thank you,
Raymond.

It's been a long evening.

Please look in on Dr. Willis
before you retire.

Of course, madam.

Good night.

Sleep well, madam.
Thank you.

Dr. Willis!

Dr. Willis!

Doctor!

Dr. Willis!

What's wrong?

You all right, sir?

Henry!

Let me try the door!

You push, too.

Mary ...

Yes, sir?

Columbo, Homicide.

Gee, I forgot my jacket.

That means I forgot my badge.

I was dead asleep.
I got here as fast as I could.

They're upstairs,
Lieutenant.

Good evening, madam.

Evening, sir.

Oh, this is
quite a place.

Yes, sir.

You wouldn't by any chance have a cup
of coffee in the kitchen, would you?

Yes, I do.
I'll get it for you, sir.

Thank you very much.

Just black would be fine.

I forgot my watch, too.

Do you have the time?

: .

I'm lucky I didn't show up
in my pajamas.

Here you are, sir.

Oh, thank you very much.
That's very kind.

Oh, sir. Could you please
be careful with the coffee?

Sure.

The deceased
is Henry Willis.

Willis.

years old, a medical
doctor, retired.

Lieutenant Columbo?

Yes.

I'm Anderson
of the Coroner's office.

Anderson.

It appears
to be su1c1de.

He used a. caliber revolver
with one sh*t fired.

caliber,
one sh*t.

And it seems as though he was
looking through this medical report

just prior to his death.

Was that door broken?

The butler
discovered it bolted.

He forced it,
then he called the police.

Did you look at this?

I just glanced at it.

It's from a Dr. Lansberg
to Dr. Willis.

It's recommending
prostate surgery.

It seems the old boy had been
putting it off for a while.

One doctor talking
to another.

You have to be a
scholar to read that.

Put that over there.

Is that the butler
over there?

I would think so,
Lieutenant.

He's certainly
not one of ours.

Now where were we?
Medical report.

Excuse me, sir.

Lieutenant Columbo, Los
Angeles Police Department.

At your service,
Lieutenant.

I'm Raymond,
the Willis' butler.

Thank you, sir.

It was a terrible thing,
Raymond.

And I hope you don't mind
going over it again.

Not at all.

My wife and I had some...
Just a minute, please.

I'm getting out
my notebook.

I don't function
too well at night.

Will this assist you?

Thank you, sir.

All set now, go ahead.

My wife and I,
as we usually do,

were watching
The Johnny Carson Show.

When it finished at : ,
I came up here to tidy up.

How do you...
How does this work?

Simplicity itself.

Thank you.

Carson on...
Is that something that you usually do?

It is.

When was the last time
that you saw him alive?

About : , when I brought up
his milk and sleeping pill.

Was he down in the dumps,
depressed?

Pardon me, I...

Was he down in the dumps,
depressed?

Oh, I... No, he was reading
his book when I came up here.

I didn't see any signs
of despondency or depression.

All right, sir.

Did you hear the sh*t?

No. Our quarters are at the
other end of the house.

Did anyone
hear the sh*t?

No, there was no one else in
the house except Mrs. Willis

and she was in the projection
room watching a movie.

She couldn't have
heard it either.

Thank you very much, sir.

Haley, lend me a
hand here, will you?

All right.

What's up?

Removing the revolver
from his hand.

Oh.

Sorry I asked.

Be careful of prints.

Right, Lieutenant.

I'm no psychologist

but why does a man about to k*ll
himself take sleeping pills?

Well, Lieutenant,
if it wasrt su1c1de,

how did he experience
cadaveric spasm?

Cadaveric spasm?

The moment
Dr. Willis sh*t himself,

spasm occurred
in his fingers.

Now that could
only take place

if the deceased's fingers
were on the trigger

at the moment the b*llet
made impact with his brain.

Cadaveric spasm.

That's very good, Anderson.

That door is open.
This is the balcony.

Very good.

Well, this is
quite a big place.

I'm certainly not surprised
no one heard the sh*t.

This is all
most disconcerting,

the police walking about
the house, looking about.

Couldrt you speed it up
a bit, Lieutenant?

We're doing
the best we can, sir.

Where did Dr. Willis
usually keep his g*n?

In the glove compartment
of the car.

That's against the law.

I'm sure the doctor
was well aware of that.

But he was robbed once
in a parking lot.

He kept the g*n
in the car for security.

Where's the garage?
It's over there, isn't it?

Correct.

How did he get there
from here?

Through the front door,
of course.

Did Dr. Willis bring his g*n
into the house each night?

No.

House security is taken
care of by a patrol

that comes by
every hour.

Oh, that's
a very good idea,

especially in a house like this.
Everything looks very valuable.

Priceless.

You wouldn't happen to have
another ashtray, would you?

Was Mrs. Willis
in the projection room

at the time that you
found the door bolted?

No. No, she had gone
to her room.

When the Carson Show ended,
I went to the projection room

to take off
the last two reels.

The film had
nearly ended.

Then she said good night and after
I'd closed up the viewing room,

I came up here
and found the door locked.

When she heard me
calling Dr. Willis,

she came from her room
and joined me there.

Oh, that must have been a terrible
experience for the two of you.

Yes. Quite.

Where is Mrs. Willis'
bedroom?

Up there.
At the end of the hall.

Oh.

Thank you very much.

Pity, pity.

I beg your pardon?

The doctor was so set on
his trip around the world.

Oh, excuse me,
I'm Lieutenant Columbo,

Los Angeles
Police Department.

Oh, I'm Dr. Westrum.

Is that
Mrs. Willis' bedroom?

Yes. Yes, it is.

Do you think
it'll be all right

if I spoke to her
for a few moments?

She's very upset,
Lieutenant.

I just placed her
under sedation.

Poor woman.
She's in a state of complete shock.

Of course.
Well, it can wait for another day.

Thank you.
You're welcome.

Maybe you can help me,
Doctor.

I'm trying to find a reason
to explain the su1c1de.

Was Dr. Willis depressed?

You know, over his
health or anything?

Not to my knowledge.

You are the family
doctor, aren't you?

In a manner of speaking,
yes.

Good night,
Raymond.

Oh, Henry insisted on running
up his own physicals.

And why not?

There's no more eminent
diagnostician in the business.

You know, Doctor, I've been
having pains myself lately,

not exactly pains, but my heart
feels like there's a hammer inside.

Well, in your business,
I'm not surprised.

And those cigars
don't help any either.

Oh, I'm sure
you're right.

Good night.

Good night, Doctor.

Oh, Lieutenant.
Lieutenant,

my notebook and pencil,
if you please.

Thank you very much.

Good night.

Good night, sir.

Good morning,
Raymond.

Good morning,
Mr. Diamond.

It's good of you
to come, sir.

I'm sure
it'll comfort her.

How is she?

I haven't seen her
this morning, sir,

but she sounds
much better.

Who is it?

Mr. Diamond, madam.

Grace, I'm so sorry.

Ned.

Ned.
I need your help, Ned.

I'll do anything I can.
You know that.

Mrs. Willis.

Oh, I forgot Alma.

Would you like
some breakfast?

No. No, thank you.

Alma, I'll just have some
toast and coffee, please.

Yes, mum.

You sure you don't
want anything?

No, nothing.

Grace, I've arranged
with Pat

to postpone
the dancers' call

and we'll kind of
move things...

Ned, we open
in the fall.

We... We can't
have any delays.

But, Grace,
after what's happened...

There's always
another season,

and we can postpone the...

Postpone?

What did Rosie do
the night her father d*ed?

She performed.

Best performance
of her life.

Remember?

But, Grace,

Rosie was a character
in a film.

But there's no difference.

Besides, Henry would have
wanted it that way.

No, it'll all be all right,
Ned,

as long as we have faith
in each other.

Whatever you say.

Are you all right?

As long as I keep busy.

Then you are going to be
the busiest girl in town.

You won't even have a chance
to go to the powder room.

I have hired the most brilliant
young dancer for your partner.

He is beautiful.
You'll love him.

That's right.
All right.

All right.
Now, listen to me.

I want you to stay here.
I'm only gonna be a few minutes. All right?

All right.

No barking.

Then later on we'll go
get a hot dog. All right?

Ah.

Yes?

Oh, not you again.

I've spent the whole morning
cleaning up after your men.

It's just me
this time, sir.

Could you tell
Mrs. Willis I'm here?

It'll just take
a few minutes.

I'll see
if she's available.

Take a seat,
Lieutenant.

Oh, and this,
if you don't mind.

Pat, Ned.

I just came from her room and she
seems to be doing very well.

No, she wants
to go back to work.

And frankly,
you know...

Frankly, I think it'd be
the best thing for her.

Look, why don't you
send a...

Just a minute. Hold on.

How are you?

Fine.
What's your name?

Columbo.

Ned Diamond.
Yeah.

Pat, I'll be in the office
like, half hour.

Fine. See you then.

Listen, you don't mind
if I pump your hand, do you?

You're the fellow that was
in all those musicals.

Wait till I tell my wife.
You were always her favorite.

She dragged me to every
musical you were ever in.

I'm sorry
you had to be dragged.

All right,
poor choice of words.

It's just that years ago I used
to like those gangster pictures.

Edward G. Robinson
and Humphrey Bogart,

Jimmy Cagney,
Edward G. Robinson,

This g*n for Hire,
Alan Ladd.

ScarFace, Paul Muni,
Eduardo Ciannello...

Ciannelli.

Right. Italian guy.
Yeah.

A whole bunch of them.

I think that's why
I became a cop.

Police?

LAPD, Lieutenant Columbo.

But you were here
last night.

Yes, sir.
I came back here today.

I wanted to speak
to Mrs. Willis.

What about?

I'll just ask
a few questions.

It's very normal
in these kind of cases.

What do you mean,
"these kind of cases"?

This is a clear case
of su1c1de.

Yes, sir, but there are
just a few loose ends.

Look, Lieutenant, this lady is a
very old and dear friend of mine.

I wouldn't want anything to unnerve
her or upset her. Is that clear?

Oh, I understand, sir.

Nice to know you,
Columbo.

I wonder if you could help
me out with this thing here.

My wife is a terrific dancer
and a very good singer,

but I got two left feet when
it comes to dancing in public,

you know, I get self-conscious
and so on and I...

And so she always
has to sit it out.

Is there
something that...

What can you do
for a problem like that?

Become a critic.

Mrs. Willis
will see you now.

Hey, Ned Diamond,
how about that.

Yes?

Lieutenant Columbo,
madam.

One moment, Raymond.
Just one moment.

Please, have him come in.

Lieutenant.

I'm sorry, madam, I don't...
Over here, Lieutenant.

Would you like
some coffee?

Grace Wheeler?

Yes.

No one told me.

I just saw Ned Diamond downstairs.
I should have known.

Please sit down.

My wife is not gonna
believe this.

Diamond and Wheeler.

Oh, we were
high school sweethearts.

She took me to every movie
you two ever made.

Isn't that nice?

Are you sure you don't
want some coffee?

Coffee, yes.

I even remember

my wife had her hair
done up in little curls

like you had
in one of your pictures.

Really.
There's a word for that?

Krokono.

I'm sorry,
I got carried away.

I realize how you must be feeling.
I apologize.

Life must go on.
I'll just have to manage.

Some toast?

No, thank you.
I just wanna ask a few questions.

Oh, I understand.

Your butler said that you
were in the projection room

watching a film
when it happened?

That's correct.

I was watching
Walking My Baby.

Did you and your wife
ever see that?

Of course. That's where the
girl becomes a star, right?

Rosie.

That explains why
you didn't hear the sh*t.

Yes.

Just between you and me,
madam.

Are you entirely satisfied that
your husband took his own life?

Of course.
Why do you ask?

Well, the butler said when he
entered the room just before :

that Mr. Willis was reading and he
didn't appear to be at all depressed.

Henry was
a very private person.

He rarely displayed
his emotions.

A light goes on up here

and sometimes
I can't turn it off.

I mean, a man about
to take his own life,

why would he be reading a book
and taking a sleeping pill?

He was very concerned
about his health.

Perhaps he was
reading his book

and taking his pill before

he picked up the medical
report and became depressed.

I see. You're suggesting that
he took the sleeping pill

prior to the decision
to take his life.

Yes, it could have
happened that way.

But then, he could not
have gone to the garage

to get his g*n out of the
glove compartment before.

Do you see what I mean?

Yes. Yes, I do.

He must've gone
to the garage for it.

No one would've heard him.

According to the housekeeper he dressed
for bed at : , had dinner in his room.

He did that very often.

That would mean that he
would have to have gone

to the garage in his robe
and slippers.

I suppose.

That's my problem, madam.
I looked at those slippers very closely.

They definitely have not walked
on anything other than a rug.

There is not a mark on them.

I can appreciate all the reports
you must have to fill out.

But the point is,
Lieutenant...

Columbo.

Columbo.

If my husband did not take his own
life, how could he have d*ed?

The door was bolted
from the inside.

Do you mind if I take another
look at your husband's bedroom?

Of course not.
And I'll go with you.

Oh, no.
Don't do that, madam.

That'll just bring back
bad memories.

I have made up my mind
I am going to be very strong.

That door was open
last night,

about like this.

Yes. Henry always slept
with the door slightly ajar.

So that while there's no doubt
that that door was bolted,

someone could've
come through this door.

If you'll look more closely
on the balcony,

you'll see that it's not humanly
possible for anyone to climb up.

The reason I know this
is that some time ago,

Henry had all those lower branches
cut away so no one could get up.

You're absolutely right,
madam.

Excuse me, madam.

Yes, Raymond?

Your vocal instructor
has arrived.

But Mr. Salerno
comes on Fridays.

But today is Friday, madam.

Oh, dear.

Madam,
perhaps you'd better rest.

No. I think
I'll have it as usual.

Whatever you say, madam.

I seem to be
so forgetful lately.

Do you think
it's insensitive of me

to take a vocal lesson so soon
after my husband passed away?

No, madam.

You see, I'm planning
to resume my career.

Henry would've
wanted that.

And besides,
I find it a blessing

to be able to turn to a song or
a dance when faced by tragedy.

Oh, it is a blessing.

You're very lucky, you have a great
talent that affords you an outlet.

Thank you.

Me? When I'm down in the
dumps, I go bowling.

We all need something.

Now, if you'll excuse me.

Oh, yes. And thank you
very much, madam.

You've been very helpful.

You must come by some evening
and see one of my films.

I have a print
of all of them

and you can choose
your favorite.

And be sure
to bring your wife.

Oh, thank you.
That's a date.

She'll...
She'll probably faint.

Excuse me.
This is off limits.

I'm sorry. I'm supposed
to meet Dr. Lansberg

and they said he was in here.
Lieutenant Columbo?

Yes, sir.

I'm sorry I'm late.

It's all right, Doris. Yes?

My car, it broke down
right on the freeway.

Oh, you're the one that wanted
to know about Dr. Willis?

Yes, sir.

The medical report
that you sent him, sir,

it had something
to do with...

It says collagen fibers
and hyperplasia.

At any rate, it's very hard
for a layman to understand.

I gather it has
something to do with

Dr. Willis' prostate.

Henry's prostate was quite
subject to infection, yes.

Then it was serious?

Well, the prostate
normally degenerates

as a man grows older,
Lieutenant.

It becomes more serious.
This might have become malignant.

And so I recommended
surgical removal.

I see.

Well, I guess that would put a
man into a deep depression.

It certainly would me.

Oh, no,
I really don't think so,

especially in the case
of a doctor.

He would know better
than anyone else

that removal of the prostate

is a very good operation.
Very highly successful.

Then why wasrt the
operation performed, sir?

Well,

because Henry Willis
was a diagnostician

with a firm belief
in antibiotics.

He was not a surgeon.
His feeling about surgery

was that it should only be
used as a case of last resort.

Mask.

As a matter of fact, he often chided us
about being too quick with the Kn*fe.

That's the kind
of doctor I like.

Dr. Lansberg, we're ready for you.
Thank you.

Excuse me.
One more thing, Doctor.

Could he have been in bad
health in any other way?

Henry came to see me about his prostate.
I know of nothing else.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

Lieutenant,

would you care
to observe a surgery?

Me?

Yes.
Oh, no.

Just the sight of blood
makes me sick.

Dr. Green,

call extension - - .

Dr. Green,

call extension - - .

You are
Lieutenant Columbo?

Yes.
Sergeant Leftkowitz, downtown.

Well, how do you do,
Sergeant?

Something I can do
for you?

You don't look
like your picture.

Well, this was taken
years ago.

That was before
I grew all this hair.

You see, my wife
likes it this way.

You should get a new
picture for the files.

You're absolutely right.

You know, Lieutenant,

I'm in the homicide office
at least once a week.

I don't think
I've ever seen you there.

Well, I don't get
down there too much.

None of the murders take
place there, you know?

I work
in the computer section

and the computer says that you
haven't been to the p*stol range

in five years.

Five years?

Oh, it couldn't
be that long.

You are aware, Lieutenant, that you're
required to meet a sh**ting standard

every six months.

Yes, of course.
On the test range.

Well, the computer
must've gone haywire.

You better check
the records out.

Lieutenant,
the computer seldom errs.

Well, I'm sure it doesn't, but in this
case, the records must be misplaced.

All right.
I'll double check to be sure.

But if I don't
find your records,

you'll have to report
to the range.

I understand.

That's a bubble
of a book.

You see, Mrs. McTwig was a floor
scrubber who wins the Irish Sweepstakes.

Well, you can imagine
the possibilities.

She goes to Switzerland
for a face-lift

and then off to Paris
for a Givenchy wardrobe,

compromises herself in Rome
with a ribald Lothario,

then falls in love with a young
exiled prince from White Russia

who happens to be a midget.

When last seen, they were frolicking
together in the jungles of Africa

on safari.

That's quite a yarn.

Well, you have to read it to
appreciate the witty concept

of romance and comedy.

You know, I think that author could
very well be the next P. G. Wodehouse.

That'll be $ . plus tax.

I don't want to purchase
the book, sir.

This has already been purchased by Dr.
Henry Willis.

I see...
Lieutenant Columbo

from the Los Angeles
Police Department.

I wonder if you could tell me,
sir, the date of purchase.

Yes, sir. That's
the late Dr. Henry Willis.

An avid reader.
And one of our dear customers.

Let's see, Willis.

Yes, sir. Here it is.

Dr. Willis purchased that book
on the th of this month.

Thank you very much.

Welcome, sir.

No, no, no. Stop.

It's not right!

It's just not right!
It's too fast.

It's jerky.

Will you please stop playing
when I'm trying to talk!

It should be smoother
and have more character.

Wait, wait,
it's really easy.

Now, listen, I'm getting
to you on the fourth b*at.

My dear young man, you're getting
to me before the fourth b*at!

Would you please stop
moving around back there?

I can't concentrate. All right.
All right, kids. Relax.

Take a break.

What we're trying to do
takes a lot of care

and a lot of time
to get the precision we need.

Pat, what can we do
about those last four bars?

Fred, why don't you go behind her
and catch her on the other side.

I think that would help. Good.

And Grace, you got that?
All right.

But it's gonna be awkward.

You're gonna make it
un-awkward.

Okay?

Grace, you try it
with Pat.

All right.

, , , .

Okay.

Okay?
Yup.

Try it with Fred.

, , , .

Oh, no,
this is just ridiculous.

I'm not gonna waste my time and
energy with rank amateurs!

I'll be in my dressing room and when
you work things out properly, call me.

Mrs. Willis.

Lieutenant...

Columbo, madam.

, .

Yeah...

I...

That name is very unusual.

I don't, for the life of me,
know why I can't remember it.

Well, you've got a great deal
on your mind, madam.

Show business
can be very difficult.

You are lucky you're in
another line of work.

Listen, all I know is I sit here,
I watched you, in my mind...

I'm no expert,

to me, you're a great dancer.

Well,

thank you.

Is that your lunch,
Lieutenant?

No, madam,
I've already eaten.

Actually, this is the book
your husband was reading

before...

Before?

Before he d*ed.

Okay, take a break.

I'm really sorry to bother
you about all this again.

I just want to be
absolutely certain

that it was su1c1de
the way everybody thinks.

Do you see this?

The page is dog-eared.

Yes,

Henry had a habit of

turning the page down
that way

when he finished reading
for the night.

That's what I wanted to
talk to you about, madam.

Your husband bought this book three
days before he d*ed on the th.

According to the butler, on the night
of the th he read from this book.

The first dog-ear
would indicate pages.

I see.

The second dog-ear
is on page

that would be
the second night's reading.

And Raymond is sure he saw
him reading that night, too.

On the third night,
the night that he d*ed,

there is no dog-ear.

What particularly
interests you about that?

Well, that indicates that
he didn't do any reading,

but the butler is positive
that he saw him reading

when he brought him
his sleeping pills and milk.

Forgive me, Lieutenant,
I...

I'm missing
what you're getting at.

Well, maybe I'm just
a nut for details.

But the book was found
closed on the night table.

Now, he must have closed it
and put it there.

But why didn't
he dog-ear the page?

I don't know.

Maybe he just forgot to.

From my experience,
madam,

I've discovered that
people don't usually

forget to do that
which they usually do.

That's very confusing.

It sounds that way.

I'm trying to reconstruct exactly what Dr.
Willis was doing

just before he d*ed.

I'm afraid
I can't help you.

I was watching
the movie.

I know that, madam.

If he finished
reading the book

and closed it,

merely forgetting

to dog-ear it
the way you suggested,

and then put it
on his night table,

then he would get up, he would go to
his desk, take out his medical report,

he would read it,

it would depress him,

and he sh*t himself.

Poor Henry.

You see,
if it happened that way,

I still have the problem
with the g*n.

The g*n?

Yes. You remember that I told you
that his slippers had no scuff marks

on the sole.

He might have brought the g*n in
with him when he came home earlier.

Well, then I have
another problem.

Did you read this?

The Transformation
of Mrs. Mc Twig.

No. Mmm-mmm.

You see, if Henry
already brought the g*n in...

If he was already thinking about su1c1de...
Okay, let's go.

...before he went to bed, then I don't
believe he would be reading this.

It's a light, funny book,

not the kind of thing that a man would
be reading just before sh**ting himself.

It deals with an Irish
scrub woman , .

...she wins a sweepstake.
Lieutenant. Lieutenant,

you know,

you're so involved
with details that...

Maybe I can see something
clearer than you.

What is that, madam?

My husband

was a revered
and distinguished man.

Eminent in his profession

and loved at home.

Who...
Hold it, please.

Who would
want to k*ll him?

Grace?

We're ready for you.

Thank you.

Excuse me.

From the chorus again,
huh?

Ready. Get back into first
positions with your canes.

Ann.
I do believe you're over here.

On this side.
, , , and...

Columbo.

Lieutenant Flaherty.

Long time no see.

You ought to try coming
downtown once in a while.

I'm gonna get down there
this week for sure.

You know
a Sergeant Leftkowitz?

Sergeant Leftkowitz?

Oh, the lady
with the computer.

Yes.

You've been giving her
the run around.

Me? No.

No, I explained to her that my records
regard to my going to p*stol practice

got loused up
in the computer.

You were right about that.

The read-out said you hadrt
fired in five years.

She double-checked it.

It was .

Gee, you gotta be kidding!

You better get out
to that range right away.

Gee, I can't go now.
I gotta go someplace.

Columbo,

you could be suspended.

But I don't have a g*n.

What do you mean?

It's downtown.

You could get busted
for that, too.

All right. Make it tomorrow.

But make it!

You be there!

Absolutely.
I'll be there tomorrow.

Now, that's tomorrow
for sure.

Are you sure that it was
minutes before :

when you went up
to his room?

Unquestionably so.

Well, how can
you be so certain?

Me, sometimes I forget whether
it's morning or afternoon.

Lieutenant,
I'm positive

it was :

because right after I went
directly to the projection room,

where at precisely : I put
on a film for Mrs. Willis.

Uh-huh.

Isn't that kind of late
to be watching a film?

Not at all.

Mrs. Willis' films
invariably begin at : .

Is that as far up
as it goes?

There's been a death
in the family.

Of course. Yes.

This one, too?

Yes, thanks.

Does Mrs.
Willis watch a film every night?

Dr. Willis
was a reader.

Madam's
the film buff.

I see.

My wife and I, we like
to watch television.

We just adore
Johnny Carson.

And he goes on
at : ?

Precisely.

And he goes off
at : ?

At which time I went
to the projection room,

and then
to Dr. Willis' room.

If you're considering the
possibility of my wife or myself...

Oh, no,
don't get that idea, sir.

It's just that
certain things don't fit.

Planning a trip around the world.
A lot of things.

Well, he did have problems
with his health.

How long ago did Dr.
Willis stop his practice?

About six months.

Though he did continue as a
consultant to other doctors.

Where did
he keep his files?

He must have
had some files.

In a filing cabinet
in the cellar.

I'd like to see them.

Now, Mrs. Willis instructed
me to cooperate to the full.

But if you don't mind
my saying so,

Dr. Willis' files,
sir.

Well, he was
a diagnostician.

I mean, that Dr. Westrum, he told
me that he diagnosed himself.

Now, if his health
was bad, real bad,

the files
might show it.

Oh, well.

This way.

That policeman is starting
to get on my nerves.

What's he still
hanging around for?

He says

he's searching for a crystal-clear
reason why Henry k*lled himself.

I've tried to be patient,

helpful,

but the point is,
Henry did,

and he just keeps
bringing up painful memories.

That's... I really don't wanna
talk about that anymore.

Ned,

there's something
I wanna discuss with you.

My new partner...

What's his name?

Fred Loring.

Yeah. Fred Loring.

I'm really not
pleased with him.

Can you
find a replacement?

Look, Grace,
he's a fantastic dancer.

We're lucky to have him.
He'll be a smash.

Are you insinuating
that I'm not strong enough

to carry the show by myself?

Oh, come on.
You know I didn't mean that.

You've always thought that,
haven't you?

Ever since
that stupid driving accident

and your foolish drinking.

When our careers
were in full bloom.

Those are not very
pleasant memories for me.

I can imagine.

What about me?

What about how I feel?

No one would hire

Wheeler without Diamond.

Well, that's all
changed now.

It's my show,

it's my money.

And I want...

I demand a new partner.

I'll see what I can do.

Grace,

I loved you.

I wanted to marry you.

And now?

I still feel the same.

Uh-uh. Not too fast.
You'll knock it out of the cone.

Captain Siegel,
Internal Affairs.

Internal Affairs?

Well, what's wrong?

Tomorrow afternoon,
: on the f*ring range,

or I pull your badge.

Grace, how are
the rehearsals coming?

Just beautifully,
thank you.

It's such fun
to be dancing again.

Oh, I bet.
And, well, Ned...

He's just done
beautiful things...

I mean, exciting...
Ned,

how about a number
from the new show?

What a lovely idea.

That beautiful old tune
from the second act curtain.

Please, Ned.

All right.

Ladies and gentlemen, would
you clear the floor, please?

We're going to do a number
from the new show

and I want you to use
your imagination

and imagine a fantastic
and lavish production.

And if you can use your
imagination a little further,

a newer and younger partner
for Grace.

Speak low

When you speak, love

Our summer day

Withers away

Okay, this won't take long.

Look at your face.
You got ice cream all over your face.

You think I'm gonna wipe it,
you're crazy.

Wipe off your face.

Look at you.

Now listen,
I'm not gonna be long.

So when I come out, then we go to
the park and you get your run.

Love is a spark

Lost in the dark

Too soon

Too soon

I feel

Wherever I go

Psst.

That tomorrow is near

Tomorrow is here

Madam is entertaining.

Yes. I don't wanna
disturb her. That's fine.

I just want to take
another look at the bedroom.

Only take a few moments.

I suppose
it's all right.

Thank you.

And time a thief

I'm sure you know
the way by now.

Yes, sir. I do.

Darling we're late

Darling we're late

The curtain descends

Everything ends

Too soon, too soon,
I wait

Isn't it wonderful
when everybody...

Darling I wait

Will you speak low to me

Speak love to me, and soon

Darling we're late

Darling we're late

Darling we're late

The curtain descends

Everything ends

Too soon

Too soon

I wait

Darling, I wait

Will you speak low to me

Speak love to me,
and soon

Don't come under here,
because I'm gonna drop.

Grace, what movie
are we going to see?

We're going to see
Paradise,

the very first musical
Diamond and Wheeler

ever made together.
Wonderful.

Right this way, everyone.

Raymond.

Just sit anywhere.
It really doesn't matter

Where you sit.

Raymond, you start the film.
I'll be right back.

Go away!

Would you go away!
Now, I told you.

Go away!

Go on. Go away, dog.

Get on back.
I'm gonna drop.

Hey!

Didrt I tell you
to stay in the car?

Hmm? Didrt I tell you
to stay in the car?

Have you taken leave of your senses?
Suppose I landed on you?

Well, I guess it looks
that way, doesn't it?

Sorry.

Here.

Let me help you.

Thank you very much.

Did you wanna see me?
Or do you just enjoy swinging from trees?

Well, I saw you had guests.
I didn't wanna bother you.

Oh.

Well, now that you have...

You know, you're right.
You can't climb up that tree on to the balcony,

but you sure as hell
can climb down.

I know,
because I just did it

and if I can do it,
almost anybody can do it

because I'm in very bad shape.
I almost broke my neck.

I see what you mean.

You know,

I don't think you're being completely
candid with me about your frequent visits.

Well, as a matter of fact...

But I think
I know the reason

why you persist
in popping up.

You simply enjoy being around
the magic of show business.

Well, you're a very magnetic
lady, there's no doubt about it.

But I do have guests.

Would you care to join us?
We're running a film.

Thank you very, very much.
No, I can't.

This is Sunday and I promised my
dog, I'd take him to the park.

You promised your dog?

How sweet.

Well, then perhaps
one night during the week.

That'll be wonderful.
Thank you.

Okay. Goodbye.

Pat, can you take
a little wider swing

about another foot
on that end,

to put on this end?
All right.

Come up this way.
I'll catch you at the next rehearsal.

Can I help you?

No.

Who are you?

I'm waiting
for Lieutenant Columbo.

But I requested
that he meet me here.

Right.

Well, where is he?

I don't know.

Are you a policeman?

He told me to be here.

Columbo,

I wanted to talk to you,
not to anyone else.

Right, sir.
And I wanna talk to you.

Fine.

Now. Privately,
in my office.

Absolutely, sir.
Immediately.

Cross the wrists up there.

What's up, Columbo?

You sounded panicky
on the phone.

I want you
to do me a favor.

It's my day off.

Here's my badge.

Go down to the p*stol range

take my test for me.

That's against the rules.

They'll never know
the difference.

Here's $ for your trouble.

You bribing me,
Lieutenant?

I can't hit the target.
You gotta give me a break.

You owe me one, Columbo.

Lieutenant, I thought I
made it very clear to you

that you were to stop
bothering Grace.

Well, sir,
I've got some problems...

Look, she's
in dreadful shape.

I was up to breakfast
the other day and she's...

She came apart right in front of
my eyes and it's all your fault.

I want you
to leave her alone!

Yes or no?

Yes or no?

Sir, I can't do that.

What's your precinct number?

I don't believe that Dr.
Willis k*lled himself.

That's ridiculous.

A man is found
in a locked room,

with a g*n in his hand,

papers beside him
indicating he needed surgery.

What more proof
do you need?

Well, the surgery
wasrt that serious.

Prostate operations
are highly successful.

As a doctor,
he would know that.

There was
nothing to fear.

That's not
the explanation.

Why did he k*ll himself?
You tell me.

Lieutenant, you must be
aware of the fact

that men who retire
from very active lives

very often go into
severe depression

for no apparent reason
whatsoever.

I know. I've been there.

You didn't sh**t yourself,
did you?

Big difference between
being old and unappy

and putting a g*n
to your head.

Has to be a reason.

I'll tell you why I,

I can't leave
Miss Wheeler alone.

I have very good reason to believe
that Miss Wheeler k*lled her husband.

If you think I'm gonna stand
here and listen to that,

I'll get a lawyer!

I'll get a battery of lawyers
and the least that can happen

will be the end of one very
unimportant career! Out!

I think I can prove it,
sir.

How?

Ordinarily Dr. Willis takes one
sleeping pill before going to bed.

Each capsule contains five
milligrams of phenobarbital.

The autopsy reveals that he
had twice that much in him.

So, what does that prove?
It's not enough to k*ll him.

No, sir,
it wasrt enough to k*ll him.

But it is enough to put him
into a very deep sleep.

Deep enough so that someone could put
a g*n in his hand without waking him

and then pull the trigger.

But we're not
talking about someone.

We're talking about Grace.

There were only
three people in the house.

The maid,

the butler

and Miss Willis.

So it had to be su1c1de.

The door was locked

and bolted from the inside.

No one could get out.

I got out.

I jumped from the balcony to the branch
of the tree and then to the ground.

It's not easy.

But I did it.

And she's a dancer

and in very good condition.

She could do that.

But why?

Why would Grace
wanna k*ll Henry?

For her career.

To get the money

to finance her career.

But he offered
to give her the money.

Dr. Willis
would never have done that.

How the hell
would you know?

Let me tell you something,
Lieutenant, about being a...

A star.

Which Grace was.

It's a crazy, ecstatic...

expulsive blow to the ego.

Very few people are lucky
enough to be able to handle it.

And unfortunately
Grace wasrt one of those.

She's overly ambitious.
I know that.

But m*rder?

By someone I've known

and loved

for years. I can't accept that.
I won't accept that.

I think she did it.

She invited me to her house
tonight to watch her film.

I'm going.

If she means anything to you,
you ought to be there.

'Cause I think she did it.

: .

I don't think
it's quite right.

Let's try the pearls.

All right.
I'll put those on.

You rang, madam?

Oh, yes, Raymond.

I wanna be sure
everything is in order.

After all,
Mr. And Mrs...

Columbo, mum.
Oh, yes, thank you, Alma.

After all, they are
very old and loyal fans,

and I want them to have
an absolutely regal evening.

Of course, madam.

The ' champagne
and caviar?

Lovely, lovely.

Oh, that's them,
they're here already.

How do I look?

Just like in
one of your movies, mum.

Good evening, sir.

Is that
Mr. Diamond's car?

Yes, it is.

Where is Miss Wheeler?

She's upstairs
getting ready.

Where is Mr. Diamond?

He's on the patio,
I think.

There's champagne
in the living room.

Help yourself.

Miss Wheeler will be down
right away.

Thank you.

You are looking unusually
elegant, I must say.

How long has Mr. Diamond
been here?

Few minutes.

Good evening.

Good evening.

They say
she'll be right down.

That's what I was told.

Care for a cigar?

No, thanks.

I ought to
give these things up.

I just can't
seem to manage it.

The running time of this film
is one hour and minutes.

I have a problem
with this case, sir.

Oh, Raymond.

I think we should put the hot hors
d'oeuvres in the viewing room.

Someone may wanna nibble
during the screening.

Very good, madam.

Ned, darling.

Lieutenant,
you look simply smashing.

Oh, Ned, be a dear
and pour some champagne.

Now,

where's your wife?

Well, she's a little
under the weather, madam.

That is a shame.

Well, as they say,
I guess the show must go on.

Did you tell Raymond which
film you wanted to see?

Yes, madam.
I took care of that this afternoon.

Let me guess.

Walking My Baby.

How'd you know?
I don't know.

Maybe because
it's my favorite, too.

Though I think
Ned prefers Paradise.

I like them both,
Grace.

Thank you, darling.

To your enjoyment
of the film.

Oh, please excuse me.
I must tell Alma

there'll only be
three for dinner.

Alma, there'll be three,
dear.

I believe in that case, I'll sit
here and the Lieutenant there...

The running time for Walking My
Baby is an hour and minutes.

I even checked out
another uncut print.

It was owned
by the film museum.

Hour and minutes.

Raymond.
So?

Raymond?

Raymond!

How come the night Dr.
Willis d*ed it took two hours?

I don't understand.

The film runs an hour and three
quarters, as I just said.

The night Dr. Willis d*ed, it took two hours.
I'm asking why.

Well, how do you know
it ran two hours?

Raymond...
Something that might interest you.

The original
premier program.

Oh, they turned out
beautifully.

We had them leather bound
and they just came back.

Perhaps the Lieutenant
would like to see one.

Oh, I certainly would.

I was hoping
you'd say that.

I wonder where I put them.

You'll be amazed at the number
of faces you'll recognize.

That's what's such fun.

How do you know?
How do you know it ran for two hours?

Raymond told me that the film
started at exactly :

and at : when The Johnny
Carson show was over,

he returned
to the projection room

and Miss Wheeler
was still watching the film.

It was just ending.

Just a couple minutes
past : .

If that's too much trouble,
don't bother.

Oh, not at all. No.

From : to a couple minutes past
: is better than two hours.

I can't account for that.

Ned,

was your champagne
properly chilled?

It's fine, Grace.
Good.

Thank you.

You know who else
likes champagne?

Raymond.
Don't say anything.

Sure doesn't show it.

He could've fooled me.

He is darling,
isn't he?

Anyway, what difference does it make?
It doesn't mean anything.

Oh,
it means a great deal, sir.

It goes to the very heart
of the matter.

I just
have to ask him.

Raymond, may I see you
for a second?

I can't seem to find those
programs that came today.

Never mind. Here they are.
I found them.

Why the additional
minutes?

That's the question that
first turned my suspicions

towards Mrs. Wheeler. It has to be answered.
It can't be dismissed.

Ned,

remember that Caribbean
picture we did?

There was a tiny, tiny part of the hotel clerk.
We werert even in the scene.

Well,

guess who it was?

I don't know.

Donald Meek.

Donald Meek.
Donald Meek?

I had no idea.

There's Edward Arnold.
I knew he was in it, but Donald Meek?

I mean...

Well, one second,
I'll find Walking My Baby.

It's your job to answer
questions, Lieutenant.

The film broke.

The film broke.

You can see
the actual splicing.

You can see where the film was mended together.
frames are missing.

Well, that's
innocent enough.

That accounts
for the missing time.

The film broke
and had to be repaired.

That would depend on how
long it takes to repair it,

wouldn't you say?

The film's ready.
I don't follow you, Lieutenant.

Gentlemen, we are ready.

Oh, that picture.

It's just marvelous
of you,

but it's horrid,
just awful of me.

Lieutenant, you want a laugh?
Look at those shoes.

They are funny,
aren't they?

Arert they?
But you look pretty.

They didn't
affect your eyes.

Oh, my,
you are a dear.

Well, the hors d'oeuvres are here.
Make yourselves comfortable.

Would you like
your drink freshened?

No, thank you.

All right, Lieutenant.

Why don't you
sit over there?

You may start the film,
Raymond.

Very good,
madam.

Not now!

What the hell
is that?

That's what happened
the night her husband d*ed.

You're responsible
for this.

Yes.

I tampered with the film
to make sure it would break.

You've lost me completely,
Lieutenant.

Let's see how long it takes
her to repair the film.

Seems to know
what she's doing.

Knows how to work
the splicer.

You see, actually this is
a very simple procedure.

Even a child could do it.

How you doing,
Miss Wheeler?

I could scream.

It makes me so mad
I could scream.

I get nervous
when things don't go right.

But...

It'll be just a minute.
I'm almost ready.

It's been seconds.

She said
she's almost done.

Do you see
the problem?

We have to account
for minutes.

Let's say it takes her four
minutes to repair the film.

How do we account for
the remaining minutes?

It has to be
one of four possibilities.

She was sitting here watching
the film and the film broke.

One, she could go out in the
kitchen and ask Raymond to fix it.

We know
she didn't do that.

Or two,

she's sitting here
and the film breaks

and all by herself
she sits here for minutes

and she watches a white screen and then she
decides to go in there and she fixes it.

It takes four minutes.
Or three,

it breaks.

She goes back there.
Takes four minutes to fix it

and then she stands
on her head for minutes.

Or four,

the film breaks,

but she doesn't know it

because she is not
in the screening room.

She's not watching the film.

She's upstairs in her husband's
bedroom f*ring a p*stol.

And while she's out of the
room, this film is not running

and that accounts
for the minutes.

Now, she comes back

and she sees
that the film is broken,

she takes four minutes
to fix it

and that adds up
to minutes

that the film
is not running.

And that, sir,

is why the film
took two hours

instead of an hour
and minutes.

It's almost done.

It's been about
three minutes.

There's no doubt
she did it.

But I have a problem
with this case.

I went looking
in Dr. Willis' files

to see what I could find out about his health.
I found this...

under the name
of Rosemary Landon.

Now, as you can see, the patient has
an inoperable aneurysm of the brain.

That's a weak spot
in the artery.

Rosemary Landon.

Rosie!

Rosie.

That was Dr. Willis'
code name for his wife.

He didn't want her
to know anything about it.

That is a progressive
memory disease

that knocks out
the memory cells.

She can recall things
from a long time ago,

but she's very shaky
about anything now.

That's how I knew

that Dr. Willis would never consent
to her resuming her career.

Because the strain
of performing

could literally k*ll her
at any moment.

My God!
And he never told her!

How long has she got?

A week, a month,

two months on the outside.

My problem, sir,
is, I don't believe

that she even remembers
k*lling him.

But to k*ll Henry?

All you've got is proof
that it wasrt a su1c1de.

What are you
talking about?

Are you still saying that
my husband was m*rder*d?

Yes, madam.

How can you possibly think that someone
in this house k*lled my husband?

He took his own life!

No, madam.
No, he didn't.

Just a minute,
Lieutenant.

I want to know
once and for all

what this Lieutenant
is trying to say!

Madam, the other evening
we learned...

Grace, this has gone on
long enough.

I k*lled Henry.

I took the g*n
out of the glove compartment.

I came through
a rear window.

I went up to his room
and I sh*t him.

And I made good my escape
over the balcony.

You don't know
what you're saying!

It's true, Grace. It's true! No!

No, it can't be true!
Why?

Why would you do
anything like that?

Why?
For you, Grace.

For you, Grace.

For you.

For me?

Henry was preventing you

from assuming your rightful
position as a star.

What am I gonna do?

You'll be all right, Grace.
My Grace will be all right.

No, I can't do anything
without you.

I'll just wait.

That's what I'll do.
I'll take a long rest.

I'll rest, I'll just rest.
Isn't that a good idea?

That's what you should do,
Grace.

Now, you just sit over here
and you watch Rosie.

Just watch Rosie.

Shall we go,
Lieutenant?

It's not gonna
take much

to break your story.

It might take
a couple of months.

Yes.

Yes, it might.