Columbo1971

Lt. Columbo:
Oh, by the way, sir, before I interfere with your swing... I won't be able to be your alibi for last night when Mr. White was shot.

Dr. Bart Keppel:
I'm so sorry to hear that. Why not?

Lt. Columbo:
Because I was only with you from 7:30 on... and Mr. White was killed before 7:30.

Dr. Bart Keppel:
That's more speculation?

Lt. Columbo:
No, sir. Mr. White was not killed during the second reel of that film. He was killed during the first reel, and that would have given you plenty of time to get to your office.

Dr. Bart Keppel:
How did you come up with this conclusion?

Lt. Columbo:
Because there was no nickel.

Dr. Bart Keppel:
Uhhh... I beg your pardon?

Lt. Columbo:
No nickel. Under the #2 projector, on the floor, there was no nickel. How do you like that? You see, this fellow White, the projectionist, he told me he had a little trick. He takes a nickel and he puts it in the reel down by the end, so that when the nickel falls out, he knows it's time to change the reel. Under the #2 projector there was no nickel. In my opinion, sir, Mr. White did not change the second reel. You did.

Dr. Bart Keppel:
Ahhhh... I marvel, at you Lieutenant. I... I really... I am fascinated by your imagination, but... as far as I know, a court of law in this country still requires some... SOME kind of... evidence, don't they?

Lt. Columbo:
That's right, Doc. And I don't have any.

Dr. Bart Keppel:
I don't see any. Do you?

Lt. Columbo:
Not enough to convict,

Dr. Bart Keppel:
I can't see how, so we'll just have to let it go at that for the time being, since we don't have any alternative, and I really can now get on with my game.

Lt. Columbo:
Nice shot, Doc.

Dr. Bart Keppel:
Yes!

Lt. Columbo:
For a while there, I thought I was gonna spoil your game.

Dr. Bart Keppel:
Not a chance, Lieutenant.