Tony Wendice: How do you go about writing a detective story? Mark Halliday: Well, you forget detection and concentrate on crime. Crime's the thing. And then you imagine you're going to steal something or murder somebody. Tony Wendice: Oh, is that how...
Tony Wendice: It's funny to think that just a year ago, I sat in that Knightsbridge Pub actually planning to murder her. And I might have done it, if I hadn't seen something that changed my mind. C.A. Swan: Well? What did you see? Tony Wendice: I saw...
Tony Wendice: [to Mark] People don't commit murder on credit.
Chief Insp. Hubbard: [Detective Pearson is about to leave with Mrs. Wendice's small purse around his wrist] Oh, wait a minute, you clot; you can't walk down the street like that - you, you'll be arrested!
Tony Wendice: At exactly three minutes to eleven, you'll enter the house through the street door. You'll find the key to this door under the stair carpet here. C.A. Swan: The fifth step? Tony Wendice: That's the one. Go straight to the window, and hi...
Margot Mary Wendice: Anyone would have realized he was dead. Just one look at those staring eyes... Chief Insp. Hubbard: So you did see his face, after all. Margot Mary Wendice: I saw his eyes! I can't remember his face!
C.A. Swan: [referring to the bribe money Tony is offering him to kill Margot] You know the police would only have to trace one of these notes back to you to hang us both from the same rope? Tony Wendice: They won't. For a whole year I've been cashing...
Mark Halliday: [to Margot] Darling, I understand now, but that doesn't stop me from loving you.
Tony Wendice: [on the phone with Margot] I'm so glad we don't have to go to Maureen's; she's such a filthy cook.
Mark Halliday: What is all this? Chief Insp. Hubbard: They talk about flat-footed policemen. May the saints protect us from the gifted amateur.
Margot Mary Wendice: How long have you known this? Chief Insp. Hubbard: Did you suspect it yourself? Margot Mary Wendice: No, never. And yet... What's the matter with me, Mark? I don't seem able to feel anything.
Chief Insp. Hubbard: [to Mark and Margot] Mind you, even I didn't guess that at once... extraordinary.
[first lines] Margot Mary Wendice: let me get you another drink. Mark, before Tony comes I ought to explain something. Mark Halliday: Yes, I've been waiting for that. Margot Mary Wendice: I haven't told him anything about us.
Margot Mary Wendice: Oh, there you are. We thought you were never coming. What have you been up to? Tony Wendice: I'm sorry darling, but the boss came in just as I was leaving. Margot Mary Wendice: Tony, this is Mark Halliday. Tony Wendice: Hello Mar...
C.A. Swan: Well that's the first and last reunion I ever went to. What a murderous thug I look. Tony Wendice: Yes, you do, rather.
[last lines] Tony Wendice: As you said Mark, it might work out on paper, but congratulations, Inspector. Oh, by the way... How about you, Margot? Margot Mary Wendice: Yes, I could do with something. Tony Wendice: Mark? Mark Halliday: So could I. Tony...
Tony Wendice: [on the phone to a lawyer] Carl, it's me. We have a problem here. Our flat was broken into last night and Margot was attacked. No... she's all right. The man was killed. The police are here now, and don't laugh... but they're suggesting...
C.A. Swan: You know, I think I must have seen you somewhere since we left Cambridge. Tony Wendice: Ever been to Wimbledon? C.A. Swan: That's it! Wendice. Tony Wendice. What's all this about "Fisher"? Tony Wendice: What's all this about "Lesgate"? [em...
