Columbo (TV Series)

Murder by the Book (1971)

Rosemary Forsyth: Joanna Ferris

Photos 

Quotes 

• [Distraught over her husband's disappearance, Joanna Ferris tries to get a drinking fountain to work] 

  Lieutenant Columbo : I think that's out of order, ma'am. Uh, you see, that's the trouble with these buildings. The fountains never work, then you have to use the coffee machine, and then you lose your dime and the coffee's lousy.

  Joanna Ferris : Who are you?

  Lieutenant Columbo : Uh, I'm just another cop. My name is Columbo. I'm a lieutenant.

• Joanna Ferris : Well, what about Ken? Why isn't Ken here? I don't know why he isn't here.

  Lieutenant Columbo : Is that Mr. Franklin, the other half of the writing team?

  Joanna Ferris : [smiles ruefully]  Yeah, the other half of the team.

• Lieutenant Columbo : [reading]  To my Lilly Love always, Ken.

  Joanna Ferris : I still don't know what this means.

  Lieutenant Columbo : It means that he knew her. It means that he knew her not casually, the way he said. It means that he knew her reasonably well.

• Lieutenant Columbo : Now, look, wait a minute. Let me tell you something. You look very tired to me, and I think you had a terrible experience in there, and I think I ought to drive you home. Let's call it a night.

  Joanna Ferris : Don't you think they want to ask me questions?

  Lieutenant Columbo : Oh, I don't think they'll mind. I think you've answered enough questions, and I'll call 'em and I'll tell them you're with me.

• Joanna Ferris : I just can't believe it. I've known Ken too long. He's not a murderer.

  Lieutenant Columbo : Mrs. Ferris, it wouldn't make any difference, if you knew him for a hundred years, that wouldn't change anything. This man, Franklin, took your husband's life.