1 00:00:00,084 --> 00:00:02,211 Believe me, I'm going to deal with Sid Sharkey 2 00:00:02,294 --> 00:00:04,630 in the strongest possible terms. 3 00:00:06,549 --> 00:00:08,134 [Jessica] Tonight, on Murder, She Wrote. 4 00:00:08,217 --> 00:00:09,927 Shortly before the explosion, 5 00:00:10,010 --> 00:00:12,722 a woman's footsteps were heard in the vicinity of his office. 6 00:00:13,055 --> 00:00:15,182 She's got 87 lines. Eighty-seven. 7 00:00:15,266 --> 00:00:16,142 Almost as much as me. 8 00:00:16,225 --> 00:00:18,894 If you want that narcissistic egomaniac on the set, 9 00:00:18,978 --> 00:00:20,020 you're gonna have to get him yourself. 10 00:00:20,104 --> 00:00:22,148 You're the director! You handle this! 11 00:00:22,231 --> 00:00:25,693 I'm just lucky I wasn't in the same room with him when the bomb went off. 12 00:00:26,402 --> 00:00:28,195 I told you to mind your own business. 13 00:00:28,279 --> 00:00:29,238 Oh, dear Lord. 14 00:00:32,324 --> 00:00:35,035 [cheerful orchestral music] 15 00:01:20,456 --> 00:01:22,082 Well now, Anne, lookee here. 16 00:01:22,166 --> 00:01:23,918 If that don't beat all. 17 00:01:24,001 --> 00:01:25,669 See that scar? 18 00:01:26,545 --> 00:01:28,964 Well, good heavens, doctor. 19 00:01:29,340 --> 00:01:31,383 That looks like an old knife wound. 20 00:01:31,467 --> 00:01:32,843 It sure does. 21 00:01:32,927 --> 00:01:34,345 I guess we know what that means. 22 00:01:35,596 --> 00:01:37,097 I'm sorry, doctor. 23 00:01:37,181 --> 00:01:39,683 You're way ahead of me, as usual. 24 00:01:39,767 --> 00:01:42,228 Unless I miss my guess, 25 00:01:42,311 --> 00:01:44,396 Dalton Ramsey was severely wounded, 26 00:01:44,480 --> 00:01:46,315 oh, I'd say no more than two months ago. 27 00:01:46,398 --> 00:01:49,485 Which means he was the one who hid in the alley 28 00:01:49,568 --> 00:01:51,320 waiting for Agatha Baxendale's chauffeur to respond 29 00:01:51,403 --> 00:01:52,988 to the blackmail note that had been sent 30 00:01:53,072 --> 00:01:55,366 to Agatha's brother-in-law, Sidney, 31 00:01:55,449 --> 00:01:57,952 the night before Naomi Randall's elopement with... 32 00:02:00,621 --> 00:02:01,622 Ran off with who? 33 00:02:01,705 --> 00:02:05,042 Siegfried Perlmutter. 34 00:02:05,125 --> 00:02:08,087 Siegfried, Perlmutter, Naomi? 35 00:02:08,170 --> 00:02:09,088 Who comes up with these names anyway? 36 00:02:09,171 --> 00:02:10,422 All right, cut! 37 00:02:10,506 --> 00:02:11,924 [buzzer buzzes] 38 00:02:12,007 --> 00:02:14,510 See, that's what we're selling here. 39 00:02:14,593 --> 00:02:18,055 Gary's down-home, easygoing style. 40 00:02:18,973 --> 00:02:21,225 Brenda's the big-city counterpart-- 41 00:02:21,308 --> 00:02:23,644 Urban, tough, independent. 42 00:02:23,727 --> 00:02:26,730 That gets us access to the younger female audience. 43 00:02:26,814 --> 00:02:28,774 Now, when I say "tough", 44 00:02:28,858 --> 00:02:33,195 I mean strong, but not enough to turn off our male appeal. 45 00:02:34,154 --> 00:02:38,617 Gary's our star, so let him be the engine 46 00:02:38,701 --> 00:02:40,995 that drives the story. 47 00:02:41,078 --> 00:02:43,289 Think of Brenda as... 48 00:02:44,623 --> 00:02:47,293 the fireman stoking the engine. 49 00:02:48,836 --> 00:02:51,630 So every week Dr. Steve Valiant gets involved 50 00:02:51,714 --> 00:02:52,631 with a major crime. 51 00:02:52,715 --> 00:02:53,924 Right. 52 00:02:54,008 --> 00:02:55,426 And Dr. Valiant solves the case 53 00:02:55,509 --> 00:02:56,594 with foxy down-home common sense... 54 00:02:56,677 --> 00:02:58,262 Mm-hmm. 55 00:02:58,345 --> 00:02:59,889 ...assisted by his street-smart big-city nurse. 56 00:02:59,972 --> 00:03:01,682 Keep the contrast sharp. 57 00:03:02,308 --> 00:03:04,977 And in the end, Dr. Valiant beats up the bad guys 58 00:03:05,060 --> 00:03:07,146 and hands them over to the police. 59 00:03:07,229 --> 00:03:08,272 More or less. 60 00:03:09,773 --> 00:03:11,525 [clears throat] Mr. Stone, 61 00:03:11,609 --> 00:03:13,027 I don't want you to think that I'm ungrateful 62 00:03:13,110 --> 00:03:14,820 for this opportunity, 63 00:03:14,904 --> 00:03:16,488 but I'm not sure that I could 64 00:03:16,572 --> 00:03:18,407 think of a story line that you would like. 65 00:03:18,490 --> 00:03:19,742 Don't worry, honey. 66 00:03:19,825 --> 00:03:21,368 Have I got a great plot for you. 67 00:03:21,452 --> 00:03:22,536 Batted it out last night. 68 00:03:25,998 --> 00:03:27,541 This is very good. 69 00:03:28,834 --> 00:03:29,919 You bet it is. 70 00:03:32,004 --> 00:03:33,839 The only thing is-- 71 00:03:33,923 --> 00:03:35,633 Well, this business with the poison 72 00:03:35,716 --> 00:03:37,134 and the dead brother who faked his death, 73 00:03:37,676 --> 00:03:40,930 and then the switch at the end with the fire at the mortuary, 74 00:03:42,514 --> 00:03:44,892 isn't that the same as J.B. Fletcher's new book? 75 00:03:45,809 --> 00:03:47,853 Similar. I read it last week. 76 00:03:47,937 --> 00:03:49,396 Well, actually, I didn't read it. 77 00:03:49,480 --> 00:03:51,774 Somebody gave me a three-paragraph synopsis. 78 00:03:51,857 --> 00:03:53,567 I don't know. 79 00:03:53,651 --> 00:03:57,154 I don't think I could just steal her plot line. 80 00:03:57,237 --> 00:03:58,280 Honey, 81 00:03:58,739 --> 00:04:01,325 what do you think television's all about? 82 00:04:01,408 --> 00:04:03,661 We haven't got time to-- to think up new plots. 83 00:04:03,744 --> 00:04:05,162 Yeah, but-- 84 00:04:05,245 --> 00:04:08,082 Look, miss Yamada, I'm a busy guy. 85 00:04:08,165 --> 00:04:10,334 Now, the network says, "use a female writer." 86 00:04:10,417 --> 00:04:12,461 Well, okay. I'm using one. 87 00:04:12,544 --> 00:04:13,671 The bucks are good. 88 00:04:13,754 --> 00:04:15,297 You get your foot in the door. 89 00:04:15,381 --> 00:04:16,715 Now, you want this gig or don't you? 90 00:04:19,385 --> 00:04:20,844 Mrs. Fletcher, the newspaper said 91 00:04:20,928 --> 00:04:22,012 you were leaving town today. 92 00:04:22,096 --> 00:04:23,597 [chuckling] 93 00:04:23,681 --> 00:04:25,432 My publisher is an absolute tyrant. 94 00:04:25,516 --> 00:04:27,017 Having a chance to meet my readers is such a pleasure. 95 00:04:27,101 --> 00:04:28,811 "To Lydia, a devoted reader. 96 00:04:28,894 --> 00:04:30,312 Love, Jessica Fletcher." 97 00:04:30,396 --> 00:04:32,690 Oh, I thank you! 98 00:04:32,773 --> 00:04:34,358 Wait till I show the girls. 99 00:04:35,776 --> 00:04:37,027 -Good evening. -Good evening, Mrs. Fletcher. 100 00:04:37,111 --> 00:04:38,404 I-I don't want to buy a book. 101 00:04:39,279 --> 00:04:41,448 I-I mean, I bought one last week. 102 00:04:41,991 --> 00:04:42,908 But, um... 103 00:04:42,992 --> 00:04:44,201 Yes? 104 00:04:45,160 --> 00:04:46,870 Is there somewhere we could talk privately? 105 00:04:48,330 --> 00:04:49,957 It's very important. 106 00:04:51,500 --> 00:04:55,587 I mean, this is a tremendous break for me, Mrs. Fletcher. 107 00:04:55,671 --> 00:04:57,339 I can earn more from this one script 108 00:04:57,423 --> 00:05:00,217 than I've made in the past two years. 109 00:05:00,300 --> 00:05:03,053 But stealing your story? 110 00:05:03,637 --> 00:05:05,097 No way. 111 00:05:05,556 --> 00:05:07,307 Anyway, I just wanted to let you know 112 00:05:07,391 --> 00:05:08,767 what was happening. 113 00:05:08,851 --> 00:05:10,769 And I appreciate your telling me, Gayle. 114 00:05:10,853 --> 00:05:13,897 This Mr. Stone sounds like a very dishonest person. 115 00:05:13,981 --> 00:05:15,607 He's a television producer. 116 00:05:15,691 --> 00:05:17,192 Oh, now. 117 00:05:17,276 --> 00:05:19,403 You're much too young to be that cynical. 118 00:05:19,486 --> 00:05:20,821 Well, I'm afraid if I don't do this, 119 00:05:20,904 --> 00:05:23,073 he'll find someone who will. 120 00:05:23,949 --> 00:05:25,117 If I were you, I would get a lawyer. 121 00:05:26,368 --> 00:05:28,454 Well, why don't we cross that bridge when we come to it? 122 00:05:28,537 --> 00:05:29,747 Cookie? 123 00:05:29,830 --> 00:05:31,498 Oh, thank you. 124 00:05:31,582 --> 00:05:32,750 Meanwhile... 125 00:05:32,833 --> 00:05:33,876 Yes? 126 00:05:33,959 --> 00:05:35,085 Well, what about you and me 127 00:05:35,169 --> 00:05:36,670 coming up with a new story? 128 00:05:37,254 --> 00:05:39,673 Something that this gentleman may like even better. 129 00:05:39,757 --> 00:05:41,258 Oh, no, no, no. 130 00:05:41,341 --> 00:05:43,260 I-I couldn't impose on you like that. 131 00:05:43,343 --> 00:05:44,636 Why not? 132 00:05:44,720 --> 00:05:46,472 I think it would be a lot of fun. 133 00:05:46,555 --> 00:05:49,433 And if your Mr. Stone likes this scenario better, 134 00:05:49,516 --> 00:05:51,268 well, then you can tell him 135 00:05:51,351 --> 00:05:54,313 it's instead of stealing the plot of my book. 136 00:05:57,191 --> 00:05:58,400 You're out on a ledge, Rocco. 137 00:05:59,359 --> 00:06:00,486 Come to grips with your iniquity 138 00:06:00,569 --> 00:06:01,862 while you still have a chance. 139 00:06:03,447 --> 00:06:04,740 [scoffs] 140 00:06:04,823 --> 00:06:06,116 How in the name of sweet St. Peter 141 00:06:06,200 --> 00:06:07,451 am I supposed to say this garbage? 142 00:06:07,534 --> 00:06:09,244 Ask the director, Gary. 143 00:06:09,328 --> 00:06:10,913 He seems to have all the answers. 144 00:06:10,996 --> 00:06:13,665 Mr. Puzo thinks of us as talking furniture. 145 00:06:13,749 --> 00:06:15,709 Well, I guess we'll have to fix it ourselves 146 00:06:15,793 --> 00:06:17,461 like we always do. 147 00:06:17,544 --> 00:06:19,004 Brenda, you fix this, 148 00:06:19,088 --> 00:06:21,131 and I'm putting you up for an Emmy. 149 00:06:21,215 --> 00:06:22,925 Gary, honey-- Excuse me. 150 00:06:23,008 --> 00:06:24,551 Leo just called. 151 00:06:24,635 --> 00:06:26,303 He says he has to talk to you right away. 152 00:06:26,386 --> 00:06:27,763 Leo, huh? 153 00:06:27,846 --> 00:06:29,598 Sounds expensive. 154 00:06:29,681 --> 00:06:31,725 Leo's phone calls usually are. 155 00:06:31,809 --> 00:06:33,852 Wait'll you see what our road company John Huston's 156 00:06:33,936 --> 00:06:35,229 gonna do with our next scene... 157 00:06:35,312 --> 00:06:36,647 aside from the obvious. 158 00:06:38,148 --> 00:06:39,316 Not going well? 159 00:06:39,399 --> 00:06:40,526 About the same as usual. 160 00:06:40,609 --> 00:06:41,693 They even ran out of coffee. 161 00:06:41,777 --> 00:06:43,570 Bert? 162 00:06:43,654 --> 00:06:45,197 Problem, Bren? 163 00:06:45,280 --> 00:06:47,032 Edie, sweetheart, move to your left a little. 164 00:06:47,116 --> 00:06:49,284 Perhaps you could tell me what the dramatic values are 165 00:06:49,368 --> 00:06:51,161 in this scene we're about to shoot. 166 00:06:51,245 --> 00:06:52,704 It's about two pages long, 167 00:06:52,788 --> 00:06:54,456 and we have to have it in the can by 4:00. 168 00:06:54,540 --> 00:06:57,126 Which means we hit our marks and say our lines. 169 00:06:57,209 --> 00:06:59,169 Charlie, what are you waiting for, a solar eclipse? 170 00:06:59,253 --> 00:07:01,380 Let's get the show on the road. 171 00:07:01,463 --> 00:07:04,341 Leo, I'm not interested in putting any more money 172 00:07:04,424 --> 00:07:06,301 into them Mexican hamburger joints. 173 00:07:07,594 --> 00:07:10,681 Look, Leo, I'm getting real tired of pouring 174 00:07:10,764 --> 00:07:12,182 my paychecks down a rathole. 175 00:07:14,852 --> 00:07:17,187 [chuckles] Well-well, that's just fine, old buddy, 176 00:07:17,271 --> 00:07:19,148 but I sure don't feel rich! 177 00:07:19,231 --> 00:07:20,691 I had more money in my jeans 178 00:07:20,774 --> 00:07:22,776 when I was hauling furniture back in Richmond. 179 00:07:23,861 --> 00:07:26,446 Look, Leo, I don't want to talk about it now. 180 00:07:26,530 --> 00:07:27,614 Call me later. 181 00:07:27,698 --> 00:07:29,867 Later, Leo! 182 00:07:29,950 --> 00:07:31,160 Take it easy, hon. 183 00:07:32,703 --> 00:07:33,829 Here's your tea. 184 00:07:33,912 --> 00:07:35,622 Bloodsucker! 185 00:07:35,706 --> 00:07:38,333 [chuckles] Ten percent to Leo, ten percent to my agent 186 00:07:38,417 --> 00:07:42,254 never mind my personal manager, my lawyer, my publicist. 187 00:07:42,337 --> 00:07:43,463 [chuckles] 188 00:07:43,547 --> 00:07:45,549 And all out of a lousy 50,000 an episode. 189 00:07:47,009 --> 00:07:47,926 I know, sweetheart. 190 00:07:48,010 --> 00:07:49,636 It gets me too. 191 00:07:49,720 --> 00:07:50,721 You're worth twice that. 192 00:07:53,682 --> 00:07:54,892 Where would this show be without me? 193 00:07:54,975 --> 00:07:57,936 [scoffs] It sure ain't the scripts. 194 00:07:58,020 --> 00:07:59,271 And it sure ain't miss Brass Bottom. 195 00:07:59,354 --> 00:08:00,689 [chuckles] 196 00:08:00,772 --> 00:08:02,566 Diane, did you see the new script? 197 00:08:02,649 --> 00:08:03,692 They're beefin ' up her part. 198 00:08:04,276 --> 00:08:05,611 She's got 87 lines. 199 00:08:05,694 --> 00:08:07,362 Eighty-seven! Almost as much as me. 200 00:08:10,616 --> 00:08:11,617 Maybe something's goin' on. 201 00:08:13,785 --> 00:08:15,204 Maybe they're trying to push me out. 202 00:08:16,705 --> 00:08:18,498 Executive producer, 12:00 high. 203 00:08:19,875 --> 00:08:21,501 Hey, Sid, welcome. 204 00:08:22,336 --> 00:08:23,378 I just came from Dailies. 205 00:08:23,462 --> 00:08:24,963 Do you call that stuff film? 206 00:08:25,047 --> 00:08:26,548 Where were you yesterday-- your head, I mean? 207 00:08:26,632 --> 00:08:27,549 Oh, come on, Sid-- 208 00:08:27,633 --> 00:08:28,675 No, you come on. 209 00:08:28,759 --> 00:08:30,385 You're already a day behind schedule. 210 00:08:30,469 --> 00:08:32,221 Do you know what that is in dollars? 211 00:08:32,304 --> 00:08:33,305 Maybe if I was seeing Citizen Kane up on the screen-- 212 00:08:33,388 --> 00:08:35,224 Will you give me a break? 213 00:08:35,307 --> 00:08:38,602 I got a blind cameraman, the gaffer's loaded by 10:00, 214 00:08:38,685 --> 00:08:40,312 and kindly Dr. Steven Valiant 215 00:08:40,395 --> 00:08:42,147 can't remember two sentences in a row! 216 00:08:42,231 --> 00:08:43,941 Always got an excuse, huh, baby? 217 00:08:44,024 --> 00:08:45,484 Hey listen, you think you can do any better? 218 00:08:45,567 --> 00:08:46,985 It's all yours. 219 00:08:47,069 --> 00:08:49,529 But I gotta tell you, Patterson's bad news. 220 00:08:49,613 --> 00:08:52,783 I know he's the show, Sid, but you got to do something. 221 00:08:52,866 --> 00:08:55,202 No, you got to do something. 222 00:08:55,285 --> 00:08:57,412 Hey, I gotta call Kate Hollander over at the network. 223 00:08:57,496 --> 00:08:59,081 I got a new series cooking. 224 00:09:00,415 --> 00:09:01,875 Undercover Urchins. 225 00:09:01,959 --> 00:09:03,627 Five little street kids: black, white, yellow. 226 00:09:03,710 --> 00:09:05,003 You know, assorted colors. 227 00:09:05,087 --> 00:09:07,214 But the neat thing is - get this - 228 00:09:07,297 --> 00:09:08,507 they work for the cops, 229 00:09:09,132 --> 00:09:10,926 solving crimes. 230 00:09:11,009 --> 00:09:12,052 Sounds great. 231 00:09:12,135 --> 00:09:13,512 Yeah, it's got good topspin. 232 00:09:13,595 --> 00:09:15,639 If it goes, I'm gonna use you on it... 233 00:09:15,722 --> 00:09:18,392 if you get Gary Patterson straightened out. 234 00:09:18,475 --> 00:09:19,518 Okay? Huh? Okay? 235 00:09:21,687 --> 00:09:23,272 Excuse me. Mr. Sharkey. 236 00:09:26,066 --> 00:09:27,150 Hey, sweetheart, how's it goin'? 237 00:09:27,609 --> 00:09:29,361 Lousy, thanks. 238 00:09:29,444 --> 00:09:30,696 I want to talk to you about this new script. 239 00:09:30,779 --> 00:09:31,989 Yeah, what about it? 240 00:09:32,406 --> 00:09:34,324 Who writes this crap anyway? 241 00:09:34,408 --> 00:09:36,326 And then she starts down the stairs 242 00:09:36,410 --> 00:09:39,037 into the dark, damp basement. 243 00:09:39,121 --> 00:09:41,290 The dark figure in the shadow steps forward, 244 00:09:41,707 --> 00:09:43,250 but we only see his feet. 245 00:09:43,333 --> 00:09:44,710 Yeah, yeah. 246 00:09:44,793 --> 00:09:46,628 It's-it's-it's nice. It's very nice. 247 00:09:46,712 --> 00:09:47,754 Listen, miss Yamada-- 248 00:09:47,838 --> 00:09:49,047 Very nice? 249 00:09:49,131 --> 00:09:51,216 Well, it's even pretty good. 250 00:09:51,300 --> 00:09:54,177 But it's not our kind of story. 251 00:09:55,387 --> 00:09:56,430 Well, I'm sorry. 252 00:09:56,513 --> 00:09:58,265 Honey, it's too original. 253 00:09:58,348 --> 00:10:01,643 Our audience doesn't want to think about what's going on. 254 00:10:01,727 --> 00:10:06,481 They tune in Danger Doctor to see something... familiar. 255 00:10:06,565 --> 00:10:09,318 Hey, if it were up to me, I could maybe give it a shot. 256 00:10:09,401 --> 00:10:12,446 Miss Fletcher was afraid this was gonna happen. 257 00:10:12,529 --> 00:10:13,739 Fletcher, what's she got to do with this? 258 00:10:15,907 --> 00:10:19,870 Well, this new story, it's-it's really her idea. 259 00:10:19,953 --> 00:10:21,413 Well, you see, I went to see her. 260 00:10:21,496 --> 00:10:23,498 You saw J.B. Fletcher? 261 00:10:23,582 --> 00:10:24,416 What for? 262 00:10:24,499 --> 00:10:26,626 Well, to tell her. 263 00:10:26,710 --> 00:10:27,627 To-to tell her what, 264 00:10:27,919 --> 00:10:30,088 that we're ripping off one of her stories? 265 00:10:30,172 --> 00:10:31,965 Oh, beautiful. 266 00:10:32,049 --> 00:10:34,593 Honey, I can see that you've got a real future 267 00:10:34,676 --> 00:10:36,053 in this business. 268 00:10:36,136 --> 00:10:38,764 Listen, we'll be talking to your agent. 269 00:10:38,847 --> 00:10:40,891 Look, I'm sorry, Mr. Stone. 270 00:10:40,974 --> 00:10:42,434 But-- But in good conscience, I-- 271 00:10:42,517 --> 00:10:43,852 Yeah. Honey, do yourself a favor. 272 00:10:43,935 --> 00:10:45,270 That conscience of yours? 273 00:10:45,354 --> 00:10:46,563 Lose it. 274 00:10:46,646 --> 00:10:48,607 Thanks for stopping by. 275 00:10:49,941 --> 00:10:51,777 And my name is Gayle. 276 00:10:56,323 --> 00:10:57,949 Gayle, calm down. 277 00:10:58,033 --> 00:10:59,659 I'll handle this. 278 00:10:59,743 --> 00:11:01,703 Look, the network has been negotiating 279 00:11:01,787 --> 00:11:03,455 for the rights on one of my books 280 00:11:03,538 --> 00:11:05,415 for a miniseries. 281 00:11:06,458 --> 00:11:08,919 Oh, yes, there is definitely something that I can do 282 00:11:09,002 --> 00:11:11,171 about Mr. Stone and Mr. Sharkey. 283 00:11:12,756 --> 00:11:14,299 Miss Hollander's office. 284 00:11:15,133 --> 00:11:16,218 I'm sorry, she's on another line. 285 00:11:16,301 --> 00:11:17,803 May I take a message? 286 00:11:18,762 --> 00:11:20,263 Oh, yes, Mr. Bernstein. 287 00:11:20,347 --> 00:11:21,765 I have you on the list. 288 00:11:22,224 --> 00:11:24,226 Yes, three times. 289 00:11:24,768 --> 00:11:26,395 I've told her. 290 00:11:27,104 --> 00:11:29,356 Yes, sir. I'll tell her again. 291 00:11:30,107 --> 00:11:31,566 Good afternoon. 292 00:11:31,650 --> 00:11:32,734 Hello. I'm Jessica Fletcher. 293 00:11:32,818 --> 00:11:34,277 I have an appointment. 294 00:11:34,361 --> 00:11:36,238 Oh, yes, Mrs. Fletcher. 295 00:11:36,321 --> 00:11:38,532 Miss Hollander's tied up at the moment, 296 00:11:38,615 --> 00:11:40,367 but the moment she's free, I'll tell her you're here. 297 00:11:40,450 --> 00:11:42,244 -Please have a seat. -Thank you. 298 00:11:42,869 --> 00:11:44,788 That sounds a lot like a threat, Sidney. 299 00:11:44,871 --> 00:11:46,540 Kate, this is Sid Sharkey. 300 00:11:46,623 --> 00:11:48,125 Right. 301 00:11:48,208 --> 00:11:51,586 Kate, we're talking high concept here. 302 00:11:51,670 --> 00:11:55,632 Orphaned kids of the street facing danger every minute 303 00:11:55,715 --> 00:11:58,593 to uphold the American way of life. 304 00:11:58,677 --> 00:12:01,263 Sid, you're talking the dead-end-kids-meet-mod-squad . 305 00:12:01,346 --> 00:12:03,014 It's as stale as a week-old bagel. 306 00:12:03,098 --> 00:12:06,017 Kate, I don't think that you remember 307 00:12:06,101 --> 00:12:07,936 that you're talking to the man who's responsible 308 00:12:08,019 --> 00:12:09,604 for one of your few hits. 309 00:12:09,688 --> 00:12:11,189 Wrong, Sidney. 310 00:12:11,273 --> 00:12:13,775 They tune in to see Gary and Brenda. 311 00:12:13,859 --> 00:12:15,902 Besides, Avery Stone is twice the producer you are. 312 00:12:15,986 --> 00:12:18,822 You've been in on a pass since day one. 313 00:12:18,905 --> 00:12:22,325 Well, I'm sorry to hear you say that, Katie. 314 00:12:22,409 --> 00:12:24,077 When the boys in New York 315 00:12:24,161 --> 00:12:26,455 start getting nervous about next year's schedule, 316 00:12:26,538 --> 00:12:30,250 I hope it doesn't come down to a choice between you and me! 317 00:12:30,333 --> 00:12:32,043 Have a nice day! 318 00:12:40,010 --> 00:12:41,887 [buzzer buzzes] 319 00:12:41,970 --> 00:12:43,472 Yes? 320 00:12:43,555 --> 00:12:45,682 Mrs. Fletcher to see you, miss Hollander. 321 00:12:45,765 --> 00:12:46,808 Oh, yes. 322 00:12:46,892 --> 00:12:48,894 Have her come in. 323 00:12:48,977 --> 00:12:50,937 I mean, I'm-I'm hurt and bewildered 324 00:12:51,021 --> 00:12:53,273 and a little angry, miss Hollander, 325 00:12:53,356 --> 00:12:56,026 that this kind of, well, outright theft 326 00:12:56,109 --> 00:12:56,985 could be permitted. 327 00:12:58,487 --> 00:13:00,238 I can assure you, Mrs. Fletcher, 328 00:13:00,322 --> 00:13:02,699 that this sort of behavior is not condoned here... 329 00:13:02,782 --> 00:13:04,117 certainly not by me. 330 00:13:04,201 --> 00:13:06,745 Well, I was sure that it wasn't. 331 00:13:06,828 --> 00:13:08,955 And while I have not read your new book, 332 00:13:09,039 --> 00:13:11,041 I'm sure it's delightful. 333 00:13:11,124 --> 00:13:13,335 I've been a fan of yours for so many years. 334 00:13:13,627 --> 00:13:15,128 Oh, thank you. 335 00:13:15,212 --> 00:13:18,089 Which is why I've been fighting so hard to do 336 00:13:18,173 --> 00:13:20,550 that earlier book of yours as a miniseries. 337 00:13:22,594 --> 00:13:24,346 -Murder at the Asylum? 338 00:13:24,429 --> 00:13:25,805 I loved every page. 339 00:13:27,140 --> 00:13:28,350 Oh, dear, I must be confused. 340 00:13:30,310 --> 00:13:33,230 I think that we're negotiating Calvin Canterbury's Revenge. 341 00:13:34,439 --> 00:13:36,441 Yes, of course we are. 342 00:13:36,525 --> 00:13:37,692 And that one was even better. 343 00:13:39,277 --> 00:13:40,904 -Mrs. Fletcher. -Jessica. 344 00:13:42,405 --> 00:13:44,366 Believe me, I'm going to deal with Sid Sharkey 345 00:13:44,449 --> 00:13:46,451 in the strongest possible terms. 346 00:13:48,745 --> 00:13:50,372 You have my word. 347 00:13:50,455 --> 00:13:51,998 He will no longer be a bother to you. 348 00:13:52,082 --> 00:13:53,750 Thank you. 349 00:13:53,833 --> 00:13:54,751 I feel very relieved, miss Hollander. 350 00:13:54,834 --> 00:13:55,835 Good-bye. 351 00:14:15,814 --> 00:14:17,899 What the hell is this "get in here now"? 352 00:14:17,983 --> 00:14:19,693 The last time I looked, we were partners! 353 00:14:19,776 --> 00:14:23,113 Right. Sixty 40, and I'm the 60. 354 00:14:23,196 --> 00:14:24,781 What's going on between you and Kate Hollander? 355 00:14:24,864 --> 00:14:25,782 What? 356 00:14:25,865 --> 00:14:27,325 You been sucking up to her behind my back? 357 00:14:27,409 --> 00:14:28,243 Of course not. 358 00:14:29,369 --> 00:14:30,579 Buddy boy, I can feel the knife 359 00:14:30,662 --> 00:14:32,205 between my shoulder blades. 360 00:14:32,289 --> 00:14:33,707 All of a sudden, you're the fair-haired boy. 361 00:14:33,790 --> 00:14:35,125 You, who couldn't even get arrested 362 00:14:35,208 --> 00:14:36,167 in this town a couple of years ago. 363 00:14:36,501 --> 00:14:38,044 You, with so many bombs on your resume, 364 00:14:38,128 --> 00:14:39,421 you could stock your own arsenal. 365 00:14:39,504 --> 00:14:40,547 Hey, I don't have to take this. 366 00:14:40,630 --> 00:14:41,923 You don't make that show go. 367 00:14:42,007 --> 00:14:43,049 I do. Me! 368 00:14:43,133 --> 00:14:45,010 Oh, come on, Sid. 369 00:14:45,093 --> 00:14:47,262 You don't even know which end of the camera the film goes in. 370 00:14:48,054 --> 00:14:49,931 You think I can't run this series? 371 00:14:50,015 --> 00:14:52,267 Well, buddy boy, you've never been more wrong. 372 00:14:52,350 --> 00:14:53,602 You're through. 373 00:14:53,685 --> 00:14:55,145 Oh, no. We got a contract. 374 00:14:55,228 --> 00:14:57,147 Talk to my lawyer. 375 00:14:57,230 --> 00:14:58,607 -Get out! -No, no. 376 00:14:58,690 --> 00:15:01,192 You're gonna be talking to my lawyer! 377 00:15:01,276 --> 00:15:02,444 You want me out of here, Sid? 378 00:15:02,527 --> 00:15:03,862 Fine. 379 00:15:03,945 --> 00:15:05,572 I'll be able to retire ten times over 380 00:15:05,655 --> 00:15:06,740 on what I'm gonna get out of you. 381 00:15:07,157 --> 00:15:09,242 And meantime, I'm gonna keep on working. 382 00:15:09,659 --> 00:15:11,870 And if you want me out, buddy boy, 383 00:15:11,953 --> 00:15:13,204 you're gonna have to throw me out! 384 00:15:18,460 --> 00:15:19,461 [buzzer buzzes] 385 00:15:22,339 --> 00:15:24,007 What? 386 00:15:24,090 --> 00:15:26,134 The director called, Mr. Sharkey. 387 00:15:26,217 --> 00:15:28,803 Gary Patterson just walked off the set. 388 00:15:29,679 --> 00:15:31,264 Well, what do they want me to do about it? 389 00:15:31,348 --> 00:15:33,433 You're the director! You handle it! 390 00:15:33,516 --> 00:15:34,768 Sid! Wait a minute! 391 00:15:34,851 --> 00:15:36,478 What do you want me to do, 392 00:15:36,561 --> 00:15:38,063 threaten him with suspension or replacement? 393 00:15:38,146 --> 00:15:39,648 It's your responsibility! 394 00:15:39,731 --> 00:15:41,316 Get serious, will ya? 395 00:15:41,399 --> 00:15:43,568 Look, if you want that narcissistic egomaniac 396 00:15:43,652 --> 00:15:45,153 on the set, you're gonna have to get him yourself. 397 00:15:46,112 --> 00:15:47,947 I don't talk to actors. 398 00:15:48,031 --> 00:15:49,157 Schmooze him. 399 00:15:49,240 --> 00:15:50,700 Give him anything, promise him anything. 400 00:15:50,784 --> 00:15:51,785 Just get him back to work. 401 00:15:51,868 --> 00:15:52,911 Because if you don't, 402 00:15:52,994 --> 00:15:54,913 I'm yanking you off the picture. 403 00:15:54,996 --> 00:15:56,331 Do that! 404 00:15:59,000 --> 00:16:00,001 Come here a minute. 405 00:16:04,089 --> 00:16:05,799 Remember a couple of years ago when I found you 406 00:16:05,882 --> 00:16:08,093 in that motel room in Tijuana, your brain half-fried 407 00:16:08,176 --> 00:16:10,303 from that stuff you were putting up your nose? 408 00:16:10,387 --> 00:16:12,180 Do you remember who kept his mouth shut 409 00:16:12,263 --> 00:16:14,265 and gave you your first shot when you got out? 410 00:16:14,349 --> 00:16:15,809 I never said I wasn't grateful. 411 00:16:15,892 --> 00:16:17,769 Then do me a favor, 412 00:16:17,852 --> 00:16:19,896 get Patterson back to work. 413 00:16:20,939 --> 00:16:23,191 Now, you understand what I'm saying to you. 414 00:16:28,988 --> 00:16:30,115 Sid... 415 00:16:30,198 --> 00:16:31,116 I'm in kind of a hurry, baby. 416 00:16:31,199 --> 00:16:32,617 ...a week ago I asked you 417 00:16:32,701 --> 00:16:34,869 to write me out of the next three shows. 418 00:16:34,953 --> 00:16:36,371 I can't do that. 419 00:16:36,454 --> 00:16:38,415 Buddy Perlman wants me for his new feature. 420 00:16:38,498 --> 00:16:39,916 Now, Sid, this is a real break. 421 00:16:39,999 --> 00:16:41,418 But my agent has to know today. 422 00:16:41,501 --> 00:16:42,627 What do I have to do, beg? 423 00:16:43,336 --> 00:16:45,088 Sweetheart, listen to me. 424 00:16:45,171 --> 00:16:47,298 Forget features. Forget Perlman. 425 00:16:47,382 --> 00:16:49,884 You're a TV star making big bucks. 426 00:16:49,968 --> 00:16:51,302 I'm warning you, I'll walk. 427 00:16:51,386 --> 00:16:52,929 You do, and you'll be slingin' hash 428 00:16:53,012 --> 00:16:54,639 at Dinty Moore's the rest of your life. 429 00:16:54,723 --> 00:16:56,683 We've got a contract, you and me, remember? 430 00:16:57,350 --> 00:16:59,310 Now it may be a trap, but it's lined with mink, 431 00:16:59,394 --> 00:17:02,272 so like they say, lay back and enjoy it. 432 00:17:14,075 --> 00:17:16,536 Excuse me, I'm looking for Mr. Sharkey. 433 00:17:16,619 --> 00:17:18,371 Oh, I'm sorry. He's not here. 434 00:17:18,455 --> 00:17:20,039 Well, I'm Jessica Fletcher, and I-- 435 00:17:20,123 --> 00:17:21,291 Oh, Mrs. Fletcher. 436 00:17:21,708 --> 00:17:22,792 I'm Freida Schmidt. 437 00:17:22,876 --> 00:17:25,462 -I'm Mr. Sharkey's secretary. -How do you do? 438 00:17:25,545 --> 00:17:27,839 I have your message for Mr. Sharkey right here. 439 00:17:27,922 --> 00:17:30,258 I'm sure he'll return your call as soon as possible. 440 00:17:30,341 --> 00:17:32,385 Yes, well, I have a great deal to say to him, 441 00:17:32,469 --> 00:17:34,929 and given a choice, I'd rather say it in person. 442 00:17:35,180 --> 00:17:36,139 Uh-huh. 443 00:17:36,222 --> 00:17:38,266 [phone ringing] 444 00:17:38,349 --> 00:17:39,934 Mr. Sharkey's office. 445 00:17:40,643 --> 00:17:42,562 Oh, Mr. Perlman. 446 00:17:43,354 --> 00:17:45,273 Lunch tomorrow. 447 00:17:45,356 --> 00:17:47,317 The polo lounge at 1:00. 448 00:17:48,443 --> 00:17:50,195 I'll see that he gets the message. 449 00:17:52,822 --> 00:17:53,948 Almost 7:00. 450 00:17:54,032 --> 00:17:55,825 Time to call it a day. 451 00:17:55,909 --> 00:17:58,244 Yes. Well, I wonder-- 452 00:17:58,328 --> 00:18:00,872 May I use your phone to call a cab? 453 00:18:00,955 --> 00:18:02,040 Well, where are you staying? 454 00:18:02,123 --> 00:18:03,333 I'll be glad to drop you. 455 00:18:03,416 --> 00:18:05,460 Oh, no, I couldn't bother you. 456 00:18:05,543 --> 00:18:07,045 Nonsense, I'd be delighted. 457 00:18:07,128 --> 00:18:09,255 Well, thank you. That's very kind indeed. 458 00:18:09,339 --> 00:18:11,508 Nothing waiting for me at home except an antisocial cat 459 00:18:11,591 --> 00:18:13,092 and a TV dinner. 460 00:18:13,176 --> 00:18:14,219 [door closes] 461 00:18:17,013 --> 00:18:18,014 [door closes] 462 00:18:23,436 --> 00:18:25,146 Good evening, Mr. Stone. 463 00:18:25,230 --> 00:18:26,231 Good evening, Carmen. 464 00:18:26,314 --> 00:18:28,316 Another late night, sir? 465 00:18:28,399 --> 00:18:29,400 [door closes] 466 00:18:29,484 --> 00:18:31,945 [footsteps] 467 00:18:32,028 --> 00:18:33,696 Sounds like I'm not the only one. 468 00:18:33,780 --> 00:18:35,782 Now, that's strange. 469 00:18:35,865 --> 00:18:38,827 I thought that you were the last person still here. 470 00:18:38,910 --> 00:18:39,911 [elevator bell dings] 471 00:18:41,996 --> 00:18:44,999 Avery! Hey, fellow, listen. 472 00:18:45,083 --> 00:18:46,835 I'm sorry about that little blowup this afternoon. 473 00:18:46,918 --> 00:18:48,962 You always are, Sid, sooner or later. 474 00:18:49,045 --> 00:18:50,505 No hard feelings? 475 00:18:50,588 --> 00:18:51,840 No more than usual. 476 00:18:51,923 --> 00:18:53,049 Listen, big guy. 477 00:18:53,132 --> 00:18:54,759 The company's down on stage 44. 478 00:18:54,843 --> 00:18:56,469 They're moving slower than a three-legged turtle. 479 00:18:56,553 --> 00:18:57,762 Puzo's in his trailer with another anxiety attack. 480 00:18:57,846 --> 00:18:59,222 You hired him, Sid! 481 00:18:59,305 --> 00:19:00,598 Yeah, well, this time he's through. 482 00:19:00,682 --> 00:19:02,183 You find out whoever's available, 483 00:19:02,267 --> 00:19:03,893 'cause we're gonna dump him in the morning. 484 00:19:10,024 --> 00:19:13,736 Carmen, ever consider becoming a highly paid producer? 485 00:19:13,820 --> 00:19:14,946 -No. -Don't. 486 00:19:46,019 --> 00:19:48,021 [explosion] 487 00:19:48,104 --> 00:19:51,232 [sirens wailing] 488 00:19:53,276 --> 00:19:55,612 [people chattering] 489 00:19:58,573 --> 00:20:00,617 [sirens] 490 00:20:03,494 --> 00:20:04,579 Jessica Fletcher. 491 00:20:04,662 --> 00:20:05,622 Lieutenant Bradshaw, please. 492 00:20:05,705 --> 00:20:06,956 Mr. Stone's office. 493 00:20:07,040 --> 00:20:08,166 End of the corridor, turn left. 494 00:20:08,249 --> 00:20:09,250 -Thank you. -You're welcome. 495 00:20:14,255 --> 00:20:15,256 They broke for a meal 30 minutes ago. 496 00:20:15,340 --> 00:20:16,925 Gayle? 497 00:20:17,008 --> 00:20:18,718 Mrs. Fletcher, what are you doing here? 498 00:20:18,801 --> 00:20:20,094 I was summoned here. 499 00:20:20,178 --> 00:20:21,220 But what in the world is going on? 500 00:20:21,679 --> 00:20:23,598 Sid Sharkey's dead. 501 00:20:23,681 --> 00:20:24,557 Something about a bomb. 502 00:20:25,016 --> 00:20:26,434 That's all I know. 503 00:20:26,517 --> 00:20:27,810 Oh, Lord. 504 00:20:27,894 --> 00:20:28,937 Have a seat. 505 00:20:29,020 --> 00:20:29,979 [sobbing] 506 00:20:30,063 --> 00:20:31,731 I may need you later. 507 00:20:33,858 --> 00:20:34,943 Just who are you? 508 00:20:35,026 --> 00:20:36,235 Jessica Fletcher. And you? 509 00:20:36,319 --> 00:20:37,820 Take a seat inside. 510 00:20:38,655 --> 00:20:41,199 Excuse me, lieutenant, may I ask why-- 511 00:20:41,282 --> 00:20:43,034 Just where in the hell is this Hollander woman? 512 00:20:43,117 --> 00:20:44,077 We called her an hour ago. 513 00:20:44,160 --> 00:20:45,411 Lieutenant, I don't think 514 00:20:45,495 --> 00:20:46,621 that we're gonna be able to get her. 515 00:20:46,704 --> 00:20:48,247 I want her here in five minutes. 516 00:20:48,331 --> 00:20:49,624 If she's not here, send the car and bring her. 517 00:20:49,707 --> 00:20:51,626 Sir, the head of the studio says that she's a very influential-- 518 00:20:51,709 --> 00:20:53,169 I couldn't care if she was the queen of Hollywood. 519 00:20:53,252 --> 00:20:54,629 I want her here now. 520 00:20:55,296 --> 00:20:56,547 If you please, ma'am. 521 00:20:58,883 --> 00:21:00,134 [sobbing] 522 00:21:06,391 --> 00:21:07,392 [clears throat] 523 00:21:10,353 --> 00:21:11,896 Oh, you may sit down. 524 00:21:11,980 --> 00:21:13,106 Why, thank you, lieutenant... 525 00:21:13,189 --> 00:21:14,941 Bradshaw. 526 00:21:15,900 --> 00:21:17,110 Where have you been for these 527 00:21:17,193 --> 00:21:18,361 past three hours, Mrs. Fletcher? 528 00:21:18,444 --> 00:21:19,904 And can you prove it? 529 00:21:20,196 --> 00:21:21,322 Now just one moment, lieutenant Bradshaw. 530 00:21:21,406 --> 00:21:23,908 I am here of my own free will. 531 00:21:23,992 --> 00:21:26,411 For what reason, I have no idea. 532 00:21:26,494 --> 00:21:28,579 And before I answer any of your questions, 533 00:21:28,663 --> 00:21:30,581 I'd like to know why I was summoned 534 00:21:30,665 --> 00:21:32,458 so abruptly to this studio. 535 00:21:33,960 --> 00:21:35,253 Shortly before 9:00, 536 00:21:35,336 --> 00:21:37,296 Sidney Sharkey was blown to his reward 537 00:21:37,380 --> 00:21:38,840 by a sizable amount of dynamite, 538 00:21:38,923 --> 00:21:42,010 the said explosive being hidden in what we believe to be 539 00:21:42,093 --> 00:21:45,096 a package wrapped in pink, feminine wrapping paper. 540 00:21:45,179 --> 00:21:47,015 Now, shortly before the explosion, 541 00:21:47,098 --> 00:21:49,600 a woman's footsteps were heard in the vicinity of his office. 542 00:21:50,226 --> 00:21:51,686 Yeah, but what's that got to do with me? 543 00:21:51,769 --> 00:21:54,147 I mean, I was never involved with Mr. Sharkey. 544 00:21:54,230 --> 00:21:55,898 I don't even know him. 545 00:21:55,982 --> 00:21:58,443 You see, I am a writer-- a novelist. 546 00:21:58,526 --> 00:22:00,153 Oh, I know who you are. 547 00:22:00,236 --> 00:22:03,114 I even read a few of your books a few years back. 548 00:22:03,197 --> 00:22:05,074 Frankly, it was a waste of my time. 549 00:22:05,158 --> 00:22:06,200 Well, thank you. 550 00:22:06,284 --> 00:22:08,077 You called the guy you didn't know, 551 00:22:08,161 --> 00:22:09,078 said you had to speak to him on an urgent matter. 552 00:22:09,162 --> 00:22:10,580 Yeah, well, I can explain that. 553 00:22:10,663 --> 00:22:12,165 Now, true or not: 554 00:22:12,248 --> 00:22:13,499 Sharkey was going to steal your plotline 555 00:22:13,583 --> 00:22:15,209 of your latest book, wasn't he? 556 00:22:15,293 --> 00:22:16,669 Yes, he was trying to steal it, 557 00:22:16,753 --> 00:22:18,296 but, my goodness, that was no reason for me 558 00:22:18,379 --> 00:22:20,131 to resort to murder to stop him. 559 00:22:20,214 --> 00:22:21,507 No? 560 00:22:21,591 --> 00:22:22,925 You came to see him around 7:00. 561 00:22:23,009 --> 00:22:24,677 Yes, and I left at 7:10. 562 00:22:25,261 --> 00:22:26,804 The guard checked you in and never checked you out. 563 00:22:27,472 --> 00:22:30,349 Because his secretary and I left by the back staircase. 564 00:22:31,017 --> 00:22:32,685 It was a quicker way to get to her car. 565 00:22:32,769 --> 00:22:34,562 But you could've come back later the same way. 566 00:22:34,645 --> 00:22:35,480 That's ridiculous. 567 00:22:35,980 --> 00:22:37,148 Oh, we'll see. 568 00:22:38,107 --> 00:22:39,650 I'm not involved, Mrs. Fletcher. 569 00:22:39,734 --> 00:22:40,860 I did not leave that package. 570 00:22:41,402 --> 00:22:43,321 Well, don't take it personally. 571 00:22:43,404 --> 00:22:45,448 Lieutenant Bradshaw seems to be accusing every woman in sight, 572 00:22:45,531 --> 00:22:46,449 including me. 573 00:22:46,532 --> 00:22:48,409 But I had no alibi. 574 00:22:48,493 --> 00:22:50,745 I mean, I was at my apartment from about 4:00, 575 00:22:50,828 --> 00:22:53,164 writing until about 10:30, 576 00:22:53,247 --> 00:22:54,499 when this policeman came to my door 577 00:22:54,582 --> 00:22:55,666 to take me to the studio. 578 00:22:55,750 --> 00:22:57,126 And you were alone? 579 00:22:57,210 --> 00:22:58,878 Except for my canary. 580 00:22:58,961 --> 00:23:00,630 Mrs. Fletcher, 581 00:23:00,713 --> 00:23:03,174 I haven't been here in Hollywoodland for very long, 582 00:23:03,257 --> 00:23:07,178 but one thing I have learned: 583 00:23:07,261 --> 00:23:09,472 protect your fanny at all costs. 584 00:23:11,057 --> 00:23:13,768 I mean, this creep Bradshaw is out to make brownie points 585 00:23:13,851 --> 00:23:16,062 by solving this murder. 586 00:23:16,145 --> 00:23:18,064 Well, that was my impression precisely. 587 00:23:18,689 --> 00:23:21,317 By the way, do you have an alibi for 8:45? 588 00:23:22,151 --> 00:23:23,820 I was soaking in a hot tub. 589 00:23:23,903 --> 00:23:25,696 Anyone with you? 590 00:23:51,472 --> 00:23:53,349 Thank you. 591 00:23:53,432 --> 00:23:54,725 I know that... [clears throat] 592 00:23:54,809 --> 00:23:56,686 ...Sid would have appreciated this-- 593 00:23:56,769 --> 00:23:58,604 this moment of respect. 594 00:23:58,688 --> 00:24:02,441 As some of you already know, we will be dedicating 595 00:24:02,525 --> 00:24:05,736 the remainder of this season to his memory. 596 00:24:05,820 --> 00:24:07,613 Okay, folks, back to work now. 597 00:24:12,326 --> 00:24:13,327 Bert. 598 00:24:15,454 --> 00:24:16,873 I don't want any repeat of last night. 599 00:24:16,956 --> 00:24:18,291 What are you talking about? 600 00:24:18,374 --> 00:24:19,959 I am paying you to direct the picture, 601 00:24:20,042 --> 00:24:21,502 not your assistant. 602 00:24:21,586 --> 00:24:23,254 I understand that you went off to your trailer 603 00:24:23,337 --> 00:24:24,881 a half-hour before dinner break. 604 00:24:24,964 --> 00:24:26,424 I wasn't feeling well, Avery. 605 00:24:26,507 --> 00:24:28,885 I had the shakes. I nearly passed out. 606 00:24:28,968 --> 00:24:30,261 Working for Sid will do that to you. 607 00:24:30,344 --> 00:24:31,596 Well, you're working for me now. 608 00:24:31,679 --> 00:24:33,389 What's past is past. 609 00:24:33,472 --> 00:24:35,683 So deliver me a picture, okay? 610 00:24:36,225 --> 00:24:37,226 You got it. 611 00:24:39,270 --> 00:24:40,730 Mr. Stone. 612 00:24:41,772 --> 00:24:43,733 -Mrs. Fletcher, isn't it? -Yes. 613 00:24:43,816 --> 00:24:45,318 I'm-- I'm terribly sorry 614 00:24:45,401 --> 00:24:46,444 you had to get involved in all this. 615 00:24:46,527 --> 00:24:47,528 Yes-- 616 00:24:47,612 --> 00:24:48,905 Say, you know that story 617 00:24:48,988 --> 00:24:50,698 that you worked out with miss Yamada? 618 00:24:50,781 --> 00:24:52,033 Personally, I loved it. 619 00:24:52,116 --> 00:24:53,034 But Sid-- 620 00:24:53,492 --> 00:24:56,287 well, Sid never did have much taste. 621 00:24:56,370 --> 00:24:58,289 So nice to meet you. 622 00:24:58,748 --> 00:25:00,541 Mr. Stone, I wonder if I could 623 00:25:00,625 --> 00:25:02,084 bother you for a few minutes. 624 00:25:02,168 --> 00:25:04,128 I need to talk to you about last night. 625 00:25:04,212 --> 00:25:06,005 Sorry, I don't know anything about last night. 626 00:25:06,088 --> 00:25:07,465 Oh, yes, of course. 627 00:25:07,548 --> 00:25:09,342 You left just before the explosion. 628 00:25:09,425 --> 00:25:11,302 I'm just lucky I wasn't in the same room with him 629 00:25:11,385 --> 00:25:12,845 when the bomb went off. 630 00:25:12,929 --> 00:25:15,097 Yes. I suppose now that Mr. Sharkey's dead, 631 00:25:15,181 --> 00:25:16,224 you'll be in charge. 632 00:25:17,600 --> 00:25:19,310 Look, Mrs. Fletcher, 633 00:25:19,393 --> 00:25:21,687 whatever's going on here is none of your concern. 634 00:25:22,396 --> 00:25:24,941 Furthermore, you have no business being on this set, 635 00:25:25,024 --> 00:25:27,401 or on the studio grounds, for that matter. 636 00:25:27,485 --> 00:25:30,780 And I'd very much appreciate it if you'd leave. 637 00:25:32,782 --> 00:25:35,201 Mrs. Fletcher, excuse me. 638 00:25:35,284 --> 00:25:37,119 -I'm Diane Crane. -Oh, yes. 639 00:25:37,203 --> 00:25:39,413 I'm a close personal friend of the star, Gary Patterson. 640 00:25:39,497 --> 00:25:41,082 He's in his dressing room now, 641 00:25:41,165 --> 00:25:42,250 and he would really adore to meet you. 642 00:25:43,125 --> 00:25:45,253 -Oh. -Please. 643 00:25:45,336 --> 00:25:46,629 Well, now. Whoa! 644 00:25:46,712 --> 00:25:48,756 [laughing] This gal's not only a brain, 645 00:25:48,839 --> 00:25:51,259 she's a mighty powerful armful too. 646 00:25:51,342 --> 00:25:52,969 Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, ma'am. 647 00:25:53,052 --> 00:25:54,887 Well, it's mutual, Mr. Patterson. 648 00:25:54,971 --> 00:25:56,764 You know, I just love your movies. 649 00:25:56,847 --> 00:25:58,307 Movies? 650 00:25:58,391 --> 00:25:59,517 Hell, I haven't had a movie in nine years. 651 00:25:59,600 --> 00:26:00,851 Please, sit down. Thank you. 652 00:26:00,935 --> 00:26:02,144 No, sir. 653 00:26:02,228 --> 00:26:03,646 I don't care to. 654 00:26:03,729 --> 00:26:05,648 Television, that's where it's at. 655 00:26:05,731 --> 00:26:06,941 Reaching tens of millions of people, 656 00:26:07,024 --> 00:26:08,317 week in and week out. 657 00:26:08,401 --> 00:26:11,153 Yeah-- Oh, and please, call me Gary. 658 00:26:11,237 --> 00:26:13,197 -[knocking] -Yes? 659 00:26:14,824 --> 00:26:17,285 We're ready for you on the set there, Mr. Patterson. 660 00:26:17,368 --> 00:26:19,495 Is Sarah Bernhardt out of her motor home yet? 661 00:26:19,578 --> 00:26:21,539 I'm not sure, sir. 662 00:26:21,622 --> 00:26:24,375 Well, son, you come back when you are sure. 663 00:26:24,458 --> 00:26:26,836 Okay. 664 00:26:28,546 --> 00:26:29,922 Well, now, Jessica... 665 00:26:30,006 --> 00:26:31,299 [chuckles] 666 00:26:31,382 --> 00:26:33,759 ...if you watch television, I'm sure you know 667 00:26:33,843 --> 00:26:36,679 that good writers are scarcer than snowballs in Tallahassee. 668 00:26:36,762 --> 00:26:39,098 [laughs] 669 00:26:39,181 --> 00:26:41,183 Which is why I am prepared 670 00:26:41,267 --> 00:26:43,394 to make you a million-dollar proposition. 671 00:26:43,477 --> 00:26:44,562 What? 672 00:26:44,645 --> 00:26:46,022 Oh, no, really-- 673 00:26:46,105 --> 00:26:47,648 Now hear me out, little lady. 674 00:26:47,732 --> 00:26:48,941 I'm not talking about just writing an episode. 675 00:26:49,025 --> 00:26:50,276 No, ma'am. Mm-mmm. 676 00:26:51,527 --> 00:26:53,070 I want you to ramrod the scripts-- 677 00:26:53,154 --> 00:26:54,322 all of'em. 678 00:26:54,405 --> 00:26:55,531 [chuckling] But I don't know anything 679 00:26:55,614 --> 00:26:56,907 about writing for television. 680 00:26:56,991 --> 00:26:58,701 What's to know? 681 00:26:58,784 --> 00:27:01,329 "He said," "she said," blah, blah, blah. 682 00:27:01,412 --> 00:27:03,664 I was here last night from 8:30 to 9:30 683 00:27:03,748 --> 00:27:05,499 just trying to make sense of my next scene. 684 00:27:06,208 --> 00:27:07,501 Oh, you were here alone? 685 00:27:07,585 --> 00:27:10,087 Yes-- Well, no. 686 00:27:10,171 --> 00:27:12,006 I mean, well, me and the little lady-- 687 00:27:12,590 --> 00:27:15,009 Gary likes to bounce his ideas off of me. 688 00:27:15,092 --> 00:27:17,053 -[knocking] -Yes? 689 00:27:18,721 --> 00:27:20,639 Oh, Gary, excuse me. 690 00:27:20,723 --> 00:27:22,725 So sorry to bust in. 691 00:27:22,808 --> 00:27:25,603 Mrs. Fletcher, I believe I asked you politely 692 00:27:25,853 --> 00:27:27,563 to leave the lot. 693 00:27:27,646 --> 00:27:29,857 She is talking to me, Stone. 694 00:27:30,107 --> 00:27:31,275 Oh, fine. 695 00:27:31,359 --> 00:27:32,985 But, uh, when she's finished, 696 00:27:33,069 --> 00:27:35,946 I would like to have her escorted out the main gate. 697 00:27:36,030 --> 00:27:37,782 Mr. Stone, I'm afraid that that presents 698 00:27:37,865 --> 00:27:39,325 something of a problem. 699 00:27:39,408 --> 00:27:41,702 You see, Mr. Patterson has offered me a job 700 00:27:41,786 --> 00:27:43,954 developing scripts for the show, 701 00:27:44,038 --> 00:27:46,415 and I've decided to accept. 702 00:27:54,006 --> 00:27:56,884 I'm so sorry we couldn't get you something better, 703 00:27:56,967 --> 00:27:59,678 but... they give all the really good offices 704 00:27:59,762 --> 00:28:00,971 to the movie people. 705 00:28:01,055 --> 00:28:02,765 Ah, I think this is lovely. 706 00:28:02,848 --> 00:28:04,183 Oh, you should see what the genius 707 00:28:04,266 --> 00:28:06,394 in the corner office has. 708 00:28:06,477 --> 00:28:10,940 His last two pictures lost 30 million bucks. 709 00:28:11,023 --> 00:28:13,401 His fridge is stuffed with Beluga caviar. 710 00:28:13,484 --> 00:28:14,527 [chuckling] 711 00:28:14,610 --> 00:28:16,987 Us, they send beer nuts. 712 00:28:17,655 --> 00:28:20,366 Well, anything you need, I'll be right outside. 713 00:28:20,449 --> 00:28:21,909 Just buzz. 714 00:28:21,992 --> 00:28:24,036 Freida, I haven't had an opportunity 715 00:28:24,120 --> 00:28:25,788 to extend my condolences. 716 00:28:25,871 --> 00:28:28,374 I understand you were with Mr. Sharkey for 15 years. 717 00:28:28,457 --> 00:28:30,668 Seventeen. 718 00:28:30,751 --> 00:28:33,879 Even before he was the Hollywood wunderkind. 719 00:28:33,963 --> 00:28:35,214 You know, everything that man touched 720 00:28:35,297 --> 00:28:36,715 turned into a 40 share. 721 00:28:36,799 --> 00:28:39,135 Everything, and then, poof. 722 00:28:40,594 --> 00:28:42,555 Well, you must have been very close. 723 00:28:42,638 --> 00:28:44,473 Actually, I hated the warthog. 724 00:28:45,933 --> 00:28:49,728 You know, I didn't start out as a secretary. 725 00:28:50,104 --> 00:28:51,397 Oh, yes. 726 00:28:51,480 --> 00:28:53,315 Nah, nah, nah, nothing like that. 727 00:28:53,399 --> 00:28:54,859 I was his assistant. 728 00:28:54,942 --> 00:28:56,527 I was supposed to get a shot at producing. 729 00:28:56,610 --> 00:28:59,029 [chuckles] At least that's what he promised me. 730 00:28:59,113 --> 00:29:02,908 But he always found an excuse to keep me at the file drawer. 731 00:29:03,784 --> 00:29:05,327 By the time I realized what a louse he was, 732 00:29:05,411 --> 00:29:06,745 it was too late. 733 00:29:06,829 --> 00:29:07,997 He paid me so much, I had to stay. 734 00:29:10,332 --> 00:29:12,042 You know, Freida, 735 00:29:12,126 --> 00:29:14,879 that package wasn't on the desk at 7:00. 736 00:29:14,962 --> 00:29:17,047 Somebody must have put it there after we left. 737 00:29:17,131 --> 00:29:18,841 Oh, sure. 738 00:29:18,924 --> 00:29:21,051 The woman, the one whose footsteps they heard. 739 00:29:21,135 --> 00:29:22,136 Probably. 740 00:29:22,219 --> 00:29:26,390 Still, is there anything that happened that day, 741 00:29:26,474 --> 00:29:29,810 anything that you can remember that was out of the ordinary? 742 00:29:31,896 --> 00:29:33,522 It was the same old stuff. 743 00:29:33,606 --> 00:29:36,525 I mean, Sid was aggravating people right and left. 744 00:29:37,735 --> 00:29:40,112 You know, there is something I did notice. 745 00:29:40,196 --> 00:29:41,489 What was that? 746 00:29:41,572 --> 00:29:43,449 I got a quick look inside his office 747 00:29:43,532 --> 00:29:45,993 right after the explosion, just before they sealed it up, 748 00:29:46,076 --> 00:29:48,954 and one of the file drawers was open. 749 00:29:49,038 --> 00:29:51,790 Now, I would never have left it open like that, ever. 750 00:29:52,875 --> 00:29:55,628 Was there anything special in that particular file drawer? 751 00:29:56,086 --> 00:29:58,380 Mm-hmm, all his personal files. 752 00:29:58,464 --> 00:30:01,175 Correspondence, contracts, that sort of thing. 753 00:30:01,258 --> 00:30:03,302 Freida, is it possible you could invent a reason 754 00:30:03,385 --> 00:30:04,887 to look in that drawer? 755 00:30:05,346 --> 00:30:06,347 Sure, why not? 756 00:30:06,847 --> 00:30:07,848 Good. 757 00:30:09,350 --> 00:30:12,102 Let me know what you find or don't find. 758 00:30:13,687 --> 00:30:17,441 Meanwhile, I'm going to have a chat with Mr. Avery Stone. 759 00:30:18,692 --> 00:30:20,027 Come on, Chuck. 760 00:30:20,110 --> 00:30:21,487 You tired of the show, or what? 761 00:30:21,570 --> 00:30:22,780 Lay off, Avery. I approved the set. 762 00:30:22,863 --> 00:30:23,989 It looks great. 763 00:30:24,073 --> 00:30:25,908 Since when are you an expert? 764 00:30:25,991 --> 00:30:27,117 That sloping ceiling-- 765 00:30:27,201 --> 00:30:28,619 That looks good? 766 00:30:28,702 --> 00:30:30,621 You think we're casting midgets here? 767 00:30:30,704 --> 00:30:31,956 Eighty-six the ceiling, Chuck. 768 00:30:32,456 --> 00:30:34,917 And the wallpaper and the windows. 769 00:30:35,000 --> 00:30:35,876 Dump it. 770 00:30:35,960 --> 00:30:39,505 And I want a new set of plans on my desk by 6:00. 771 00:30:39,588 --> 00:30:41,966 Okay, boys? Okay. 772 00:30:42,049 --> 00:30:43,926 -Oh-- -Sorry. 773 00:30:44,009 --> 00:30:45,636 Mrs. Fletcher, we keep bumping into each other. 774 00:30:45,719 --> 00:30:46,804 Yes. 775 00:30:46,887 --> 00:30:48,347 How's your new office? 776 00:30:48,430 --> 00:30:50,057 Oh, just fine, thank you. 777 00:30:50,140 --> 00:30:52,059 Great. You know, it's really terrific 778 00:30:52,142 --> 00:30:53,686 having you on the show. 779 00:30:53,769 --> 00:30:55,771 I can't tell you how long I've been trying 780 00:30:55,854 --> 00:30:58,649 to get the network people to do new ideas, 781 00:30:58,732 --> 00:31:01,235 fresh, original story lines. 782 00:31:01,318 --> 00:31:03,404 Well, I'm just beginning to grasp 783 00:31:03,487 --> 00:31:06,282 what an enormous responsibility I have. 784 00:31:06,365 --> 00:31:08,367 I mean, trying to please everyone. 785 00:31:08,450 --> 00:31:09,827 Oh, poor Mr. Sharkey. 786 00:31:09,910 --> 00:31:11,829 No wonder everyone was sniping at him. 787 00:31:11,912 --> 00:31:13,289 You know, I had no idea 788 00:31:13,372 --> 00:31:15,291 how universally disliked he was. 789 00:31:15,374 --> 00:31:16,917 Yeah. 790 00:31:17,001 --> 00:31:20,087 His passing has left a real void in my life. 791 00:31:20,713 --> 00:31:23,048 Oh, yes. I'm sure. 792 00:31:24,383 --> 00:31:27,011 But I'm not sure that Kate Hollander, 793 00:31:27,094 --> 00:31:28,929 our lady at the network, 794 00:31:29,013 --> 00:31:31,265 shares the same sense of loss. 795 00:31:31,348 --> 00:31:32,433 The Iron Nightingale? 796 00:31:32,516 --> 00:31:33,684 [chuckles] 797 00:31:33,767 --> 00:31:35,227 She hated Sid. 798 00:31:35,311 --> 00:31:37,187 You know why? Because she needed him. 799 00:31:37,896 --> 00:31:40,482 He talked her into putting Danger Doctor on the air. 800 00:31:40,566 --> 00:31:41,942 She thought the show was garbage. 801 00:31:42,359 --> 00:31:43,861 Of course, once it was a hit, 802 00:31:43,944 --> 00:31:45,988 she started taking bows all over town. 803 00:31:46,071 --> 00:31:48,365 [pager beeps] 804 00:31:48,449 --> 00:31:50,242 Another crisis. 805 00:31:50,326 --> 00:31:51,285 I have to get to a phone. 806 00:31:51,368 --> 00:31:52,870 -Excuse me. -Oh. 807 00:31:52,953 --> 00:31:56,040 Oh. You know that new story of miss Yamada's? 808 00:31:56,540 --> 00:31:57,875 Put it into work right away. 809 00:31:57,958 --> 00:32:01,253 It's clever, original, and who knows? 810 00:32:01,337 --> 00:32:04,089 It might even make a good episode. 811 00:32:07,217 --> 00:32:08,218 [tires squeal] 812 00:32:09,345 --> 00:32:11,263 [horn honking] 813 00:32:12,848 --> 00:32:13,932 Jessica. 814 00:32:14,016 --> 00:32:15,476 Thank heavens I found you. 815 00:32:15,559 --> 00:32:17,519 Diane, what is it, what's the matter? 816 00:32:17,603 --> 00:32:20,397 I've been looking all over for you. 817 00:32:22,358 --> 00:32:23,942 It's this latest script. 818 00:32:24,026 --> 00:32:26,403 Gary absolutely hates it. 819 00:32:26,945 --> 00:32:29,031 I'm sorry. I haven't had a chance-- 820 00:32:29,114 --> 00:32:30,866 Gary would never dream of asking you himself, 821 00:32:30,949 --> 00:32:32,159 but if you could just see your way 822 00:32:32,242 --> 00:32:33,994 to do some polish on it. 823 00:32:34,078 --> 00:32:35,037 But I'm not a screenwriter. 824 00:32:35,120 --> 00:32:36,121 I mean... 825 00:32:36,205 --> 00:32:38,165 Well, Gary has some wonderful ideas. 826 00:32:38,248 --> 00:32:40,417 If you could sit down with him for just a few minutes... 827 00:32:40,501 --> 00:32:42,169 No, really. 828 00:32:42,252 --> 00:32:45,172 Writing a script is Avery Stone's job. 829 00:32:45,255 --> 00:32:46,924 That hack? 830 00:32:47,007 --> 00:32:49,927 He has not had an original idea in his whole life. 831 00:32:50,010 --> 00:32:52,346 Jessica, please. 832 00:32:52,429 --> 00:32:54,682 I really don't want to disappoint Gary. 833 00:32:54,765 --> 00:32:57,101 He's having such a rough time lately. 834 00:32:57,893 --> 00:33:01,105 Diane, how long have you been doing this? 835 00:33:01,480 --> 00:33:02,898 Doing what? 836 00:33:02,981 --> 00:33:04,983 Running interference for Mr. Patterson. 837 00:33:05,067 --> 00:33:08,320 I mean, I love that act. 838 00:33:08,404 --> 00:33:12,324 You know, that folksy, warm, down-home character. 839 00:33:12,408 --> 00:33:14,618 But that's really all it is, isn't it? 840 00:33:14,702 --> 00:33:16,412 It's just an act. 841 00:33:16,495 --> 00:33:17,663 No. 842 00:33:17,746 --> 00:33:20,874 And as long as he's got you to do his dirty work for him, 843 00:33:20,958 --> 00:33:23,460 he can maintain that image. 844 00:33:23,544 --> 00:33:24,712 Isn't that right? 845 00:33:27,631 --> 00:33:29,299 He wants everybody to love him. 846 00:33:30,551 --> 00:33:35,264 Inside, he's just a scared little boy. 847 00:33:37,015 --> 00:33:38,726 I guess that comes with being a star. 848 00:33:39,727 --> 00:33:42,229 And did Mr. Sharkey love him? 849 00:33:42,312 --> 00:33:43,856 Maybe I should turn that question around. 850 00:33:43,939 --> 00:33:46,316 How did he feel about Sid Sharkey? 851 00:33:47,109 --> 00:33:48,610 Gary didn't kill him. 852 00:33:48,694 --> 00:33:50,779 I didn't ask you that. 853 00:33:50,863 --> 00:33:53,115 Gary was in his dressing room during the supper break, 854 00:33:53,198 --> 00:33:54,491 the entire time. 855 00:33:54,575 --> 00:33:56,118 I'll swear to it. 856 00:33:56,201 --> 00:33:57,619 And will he swear 857 00:33:57,703 --> 00:34:01,290 that you were there with him the entire time? 858 00:34:02,332 --> 00:34:03,375 Oh, Diane. 859 00:34:03,459 --> 00:34:04,626 Even a blind man can see 860 00:34:04,710 --> 00:34:06,587 that you two were lying earlier. 861 00:34:10,132 --> 00:34:13,469 I did leave the dressing room for a short time. 862 00:34:13,552 --> 00:34:15,137 He needed some medicine from home. 863 00:34:15,637 --> 00:34:17,097 I left by the back gate. 864 00:34:17,181 --> 00:34:18,891 Our house isn't very far from here. 865 00:34:18,974 --> 00:34:21,560 I wasn't gone long, really. 866 00:34:21,643 --> 00:34:23,395 When we learned that they had heard 867 00:34:23,479 --> 00:34:25,230 a woman's footsteps in the corridor 868 00:34:25,314 --> 00:34:27,566 shortly before the explosion, 869 00:34:28,233 --> 00:34:31,653 well, we just decided to keep quiet. 870 00:34:31,737 --> 00:34:34,031 Do you think we did the wrong thing? 871 00:34:34,114 --> 00:34:36,450 I think that you should tell lieutenant Bradshaw the truth. 872 00:34:36,533 --> 00:34:39,244 He's a bulldog, but he's fair. 873 00:34:39,328 --> 00:34:41,789 And until he has all the facts, 874 00:34:41,872 --> 00:34:44,958 I don't think he'll make any wild accusations. 875 00:34:45,042 --> 00:34:46,210 You did it, honey. 876 00:34:46,293 --> 00:34:47,211 [shutter clicking] You killed the guy, 877 00:34:47,711 --> 00:34:49,254 and I'm this far from proving it. 878 00:34:49,338 --> 00:34:50,756 That's a slanderous accusation, lieutenant. 879 00:34:50,839 --> 00:34:52,508 That's all right. I can handle this, Leon. 880 00:34:52,591 --> 00:34:54,426 Oh, you say you have no alibi 881 00:34:54,510 --> 00:34:56,303 after 8:00 p.m. the night of the murder. 882 00:34:56,386 --> 00:34:57,596 Nor do I need one. 883 00:34:57,679 --> 00:34:58,847 Why would she kill him? 884 00:34:58,931 --> 00:35:00,265 They were close. 885 00:35:00,349 --> 00:35:01,725 In fact, miss Hollander was on the verge 886 00:35:01,809 --> 00:35:03,185 of buying a new series from the man. 887 00:35:03,268 --> 00:35:04,770 Make sure you get that in the story. 888 00:35:04,853 --> 00:35:06,939 Could we stop worrying about publicity here? 889 00:35:07,022 --> 00:35:08,398 Miss Hollander is being interrogated 890 00:35:08,482 --> 00:35:09,691 in connection with a murder. 891 00:35:10,150 --> 00:35:12,736 Which just happens to be front-page stuff. 892 00:35:13,362 --> 00:35:14,488 Look, we know she's not guilty. 893 00:35:14,571 --> 00:35:15,656 You know it, but I don't. 894 00:35:15,739 --> 00:35:17,157 Oh, lieutenant. 895 00:35:17,241 --> 00:35:18,242 I told you you were wasting your time 896 00:35:18,325 --> 00:35:19,785 when you walked in here. 897 00:35:19,868 --> 00:35:21,203 Obviously this is just a fishing expedition. 898 00:35:21,286 --> 00:35:22,955 [laughs] 899 00:35:23,038 --> 00:35:24,915 Or maybe the lieutenant is looking for a little press 900 00:35:24,998 --> 00:35:27,167 of his own with this unwarranted interrogation. 901 00:35:27,251 --> 00:35:28,418 Miss Hollander, did you or did you not 902 00:35:28,502 --> 00:35:29,628 tell Mrs. J. B. Fletcher - 903 00:35:29,711 --> 00:35:30,921 and I have a direct quote - 904 00:35:31,004 --> 00:35:32,965 "I'm going to deal with Sid Sharkey 905 00:35:33,048 --> 00:35:34,508 in the strongest possible terms"? 906 00:35:34,591 --> 00:35:35,843 Oh, for heaven's sake. 907 00:35:35,926 --> 00:35:38,262 "You have my word he will no longer be a problem." 908 00:35:38,345 --> 00:35:39,888 It was just an expression. 909 00:35:39,972 --> 00:35:41,056 Sounds more like a threat to me. 910 00:35:41,139 --> 00:35:41,974 [phone rings] 911 00:35:42,057 --> 00:35:43,725 -This is a total waste of time. -Hello? 912 00:35:43,809 --> 00:35:44,852 Look, miss Hollander is trying 913 00:35:44,935 --> 00:35:45,894 to cooperate, lieutenant. 914 00:35:45,978 --> 00:35:48,272 Then have her tell me where she was between 8:00 and 10:30 915 00:35:48,355 --> 00:35:49,189 the night Sharkey was killed! 916 00:35:49,898 --> 00:35:51,483 I was in bed, reading scripts. 917 00:35:51,567 --> 00:35:52,860 Terrific. 918 00:35:53,694 --> 00:35:56,196 My secretary was in the bed too - 919 00:35:56,280 --> 00:35:58,448 taking notes. 920 00:35:59,491 --> 00:36:01,076 Don't write that down. 921 00:36:01,159 --> 00:36:02,661 That was USA today. 922 00:36:02,744 --> 00:36:04,580 They want to do a three-column layout on you 923 00:36:04,663 --> 00:36:05,497 in Thursday's edition. 924 00:36:05,581 --> 00:36:06,874 Work it out. 925 00:36:09,418 --> 00:36:10,419 Now, where were we? 926 00:36:12,170 --> 00:36:14,047 I believe we were discussing dictation. 927 00:36:15,090 --> 00:36:16,758 -Hello, Gayle. -Mrs. Fletcher. 928 00:36:16,842 --> 00:36:21,680 Oh. Are you really sure that you want to be in this business? 929 00:36:21,763 --> 00:36:23,682 I'm really beginning to wonder. 930 00:36:23,765 --> 00:36:24,683 What have we got here? 931 00:36:24,766 --> 00:36:27,978 CAA? ICM? APA? 932 00:36:28,061 --> 00:36:31,273 These sound like some sort of ballistic missiles. 933 00:36:31,356 --> 00:36:32,816 -Agents. [chuckles] -Oh. 934 00:36:32,900 --> 00:36:34,568 News of your new job traveled fast. 935 00:36:34,651 --> 00:36:36,236 They're calling with their congratulations 936 00:36:36,320 --> 00:36:37,613 and their client lists-- 937 00:36:37,696 --> 00:36:39,781 not necessarily in that order. 938 00:36:39,865 --> 00:36:42,451 I gather that, uh, you've, uh, 939 00:36:42,534 --> 00:36:44,786 heard from Mr. Stone about our story. 940 00:36:44,870 --> 00:36:45,871 Yes. 941 00:36:46,496 --> 00:36:49,374 And I don't want you to think that I'm ungrateful, 942 00:36:49,458 --> 00:36:55,088 but, well, maybe we just have so many words in us, 943 00:36:55,172 --> 00:36:57,215 and I'm not sure that I want to waste any of mine 944 00:36:57,299 --> 00:36:59,509 on fearless Steve Valiant, MD. 945 00:36:59,593 --> 00:37:02,429 Well, you won't get any argument from me. 946 00:37:03,347 --> 00:37:05,641 Well, the fact is, I've got 40 pages of a novel 947 00:37:05,724 --> 00:37:07,601 in my desk drawer, 948 00:37:07,684 --> 00:37:08,727 and, well, although I know 949 00:37:08,810 --> 00:37:11,021 it means starvation for a while, 950 00:37:11,104 --> 00:37:12,856 l-I'd like to give it another try. 951 00:37:12,940 --> 00:37:14,191 Good for you. 952 00:37:14,274 --> 00:37:16,401 And when you think you're ready to have it read, 953 00:37:16,485 --> 00:37:17,945 I'd be glad to look at it. 954 00:37:18,654 --> 00:37:20,113 -Would you? -Of course. 955 00:37:20,197 --> 00:37:21,531 [chuckles] 956 00:37:21,615 --> 00:37:22,866 Oh, that's just super. 957 00:37:22,950 --> 00:37:23,867 And good luck. 958 00:37:24,493 --> 00:37:25,911 Oh, thanks, Mrs. Fletcher. 959 00:37:25,994 --> 00:37:27,162 Thanks. 960 00:37:31,917 --> 00:37:32,918 Hi. 961 00:37:35,170 --> 00:37:36,380 Well, what about that file drawer? 962 00:37:36,463 --> 00:37:37,881 Did you manage to get a look? 963 00:37:37,965 --> 00:37:40,050 I sure did. 964 00:37:40,133 --> 00:37:43,720 And one piece of paper is conspicuously absent: 965 00:37:43,804 --> 00:37:45,889 Brenda Blake's personal services contract 966 00:37:45,973 --> 00:37:46,932 with Sid Sharkey. 967 00:37:49,935 --> 00:37:52,062 You've stitched your last sutures, Doc. 968 00:37:52,145 --> 00:37:53,939 You won't shoot me. 969 00:37:54,022 --> 00:37:55,732 You haven't the guts. 970 00:37:55,816 --> 00:37:56,942 Steve-- 971 00:37:57,025 --> 00:37:58,026 -Cut! -[buzzer buzzes] 972 00:37:58,110 --> 00:37:59,486 Okay, Mario. 973 00:37:59,569 --> 00:38:01,405 Bring in the stunt people, please. 974 00:38:01,488 --> 00:38:03,240 Stunt people now, please. 975 00:38:03,740 --> 00:38:05,742 Miss Blake, we have to talk right away. 976 00:38:05,826 --> 00:38:07,911 Look, I'm in the next shot. 977 00:38:07,995 --> 00:38:10,163 Hey, is this-- Is this about my movie? 978 00:38:10,247 --> 00:38:12,290 No, it's about your contract-- 979 00:38:12,374 --> 00:38:13,667 the one that disappeared from the files 980 00:38:13,750 --> 00:38:15,752 in Sid Sharkey's office. 981 00:38:15,836 --> 00:38:17,421 I'm-- I'm sorry, I don't know what you're- 982 00:38:17,504 --> 00:38:18,338 Mrs. Fletcher. 983 00:38:19,381 --> 00:38:20,590 Lieutenant. 984 00:38:20,674 --> 00:38:21,675 What are you doing here? 985 00:38:22,968 --> 00:38:24,886 Maybe we came up with the same three cherries 986 00:38:24,970 --> 00:38:26,555 on the slot machine, 987 00:38:27,431 --> 00:38:28,557 but I've got the warrant. 988 00:38:30,017 --> 00:38:31,435 Brenda Blake, 989 00:38:31,518 --> 00:38:33,186 I'm placing you under arrest 990 00:38:33,270 --> 00:38:34,604 for the murder of Sidney Sharkey. 991 00:38:40,068 --> 00:38:41,987 I didn't kill him. 992 00:38:42,070 --> 00:38:43,363 I mean, why would I? 993 00:38:43,447 --> 00:38:45,115 You're an actress, sweetheart. 994 00:38:45,198 --> 00:38:47,409 Buddy Perlman had offered you a big part in his movie. 995 00:38:47,492 --> 00:38:49,161 Sharkey wouldn't let you out. 996 00:38:49,244 --> 00:38:50,662 And for me, that's motive enough for murder. 997 00:38:50,746 --> 00:38:51,788 Who says he wasn't going to let me out? 998 00:38:51,872 --> 00:38:53,040 Ah! 999 00:38:53,123 --> 00:38:55,000 The fact is, Bert Puzo told me 1000 00:38:55,083 --> 00:38:56,710 that Sid was having lunch with Perlman 1001 00:38:56,793 --> 00:38:58,837 the next day at the Polo Lounge. 1002 00:38:58,920 --> 00:39:00,047 Do you know what that says to me? 1003 00:39:00,964 --> 00:39:03,550 Sid was going to sell me off for a big price. 1004 00:39:03,633 --> 00:39:05,927 Oh, yes, your personal services contract. 1005 00:39:07,888 --> 00:39:10,766 Look, I couldn't have killed him. 1006 00:39:10,849 --> 00:39:12,559 During the dinner break, 1007 00:39:12,642 --> 00:39:14,853 I was lying down in my motor home the whole time. 1008 00:39:16,313 --> 00:39:17,814 Well, that's odd. 1009 00:39:17,898 --> 00:39:20,358 The assistant director came by the motor home 1010 00:39:20,442 --> 00:39:23,862 and knocked several times, but you did not answer. 1011 00:39:25,322 --> 00:39:26,990 Well, yes, I did hear the knock, 1012 00:39:27,074 --> 00:39:28,492 but I was dozing, so I just decided to ignore it. 1013 00:39:29,910 --> 00:39:32,579 I'm sorry, miss Blake, but I made that up. 1014 00:39:33,205 --> 00:39:34,206 What? 1015 00:39:34,915 --> 00:39:36,708 Well, you better start telling the truth, sweetheart. 1016 00:39:36,792 --> 00:39:37,959 I'm running out of patience with you. 1017 00:39:38,877 --> 00:39:40,295 Okay, okay. 1018 00:39:40,921 --> 00:39:42,672 I did leave my trailer, and I did go to Sid's office. 1019 00:39:43,423 --> 00:39:44,341 Now we're getting somewhere. 1020 00:39:44,841 --> 00:39:46,843 I had to get that contract away from him. 1021 00:39:47,260 --> 00:39:50,555 Do you know what it's like doing this dumb series, 1022 00:39:50,639 --> 00:39:52,516 grinding out sausage for two schlockmeisters 1023 00:39:52,599 --> 00:39:54,392 like Sharkey and Stone? 1024 00:39:54,476 --> 00:39:56,103 I-- I am an actress. 1025 00:39:57,854 --> 00:39:59,981 And it was your footsteps they heard in the corridor 1026 00:40:00,732 --> 00:40:02,442 shortly before 9:00. 1027 00:40:02,526 --> 00:40:04,402 And what about the package? 1028 00:40:04,486 --> 00:40:06,655 The one wrapped in the pink paper? 1029 00:40:06,738 --> 00:40:08,281 Did you see that on the desk? 1030 00:40:08,365 --> 00:40:09,366 I don't know... 1031 00:40:11,368 --> 00:40:12,369 Wait a minute-- Yes. 1032 00:40:13,495 --> 00:40:15,247 Yes, I did see it. 1033 00:40:15,330 --> 00:40:16,957 Oh, great. 1034 00:40:17,040 --> 00:40:17,958 That means anyone could have left it there earlier. 1035 00:40:18,792 --> 00:40:19,751 Not just anyone. 1036 00:40:19,835 --> 00:40:21,419 Someone specific. 1037 00:40:21,503 --> 00:40:22,546 You know who? 1038 00:40:22,629 --> 00:40:24,923 I have a good idea. 1039 00:40:28,051 --> 00:40:30,846 Freida, how late is the company working tonight? 1040 00:40:31,680 --> 00:40:32,806 Till about midnight. 1041 00:40:32,889 --> 00:40:34,266 Mrs. Fletcher, 1042 00:40:35,142 --> 00:40:37,561 if you've got an idea, let's hear it. 1043 00:40:38,395 --> 00:40:40,313 Freida, would you come in, please? 1044 00:40:45,235 --> 00:40:46,570 Look, I don't know how legal this is 1045 00:40:46,653 --> 00:40:47,904 or if it'll work. 1046 00:40:47,988 --> 00:40:49,656 But without any real proof, 1047 00:40:49,739 --> 00:40:52,033 it may be the only chance we have to catch the killer. 1048 00:40:56,079 --> 00:40:59,040 [indistinct chatter] 1049 00:40:59,124 --> 00:41:00,083 Bert? 1050 00:41:00,167 --> 00:41:01,251 What do you say, Freida? 1051 00:41:06,631 --> 00:41:09,259 I've been waiting all day to talk to you, Bert. 1052 00:41:11,428 --> 00:41:14,514 You were there last night in Sid's office. 1053 00:41:18,226 --> 00:41:20,520 Must've been when you were supposed to be in your trailer 1054 00:41:20,604 --> 00:41:22,522 having that anxiety attack. 1055 00:41:23,648 --> 00:41:25,233 What is this, a joke? 1056 00:41:28,403 --> 00:41:29,362 You had to be there. 1057 00:41:30,989 --> 00:41:32,699 You told Brenda about that luncheon engagement 1058 00:41:32,782 --> 00:41:34,784 with Buddy Perlman at the Polo Lounge. 1059 00:41:37,412 --> 00:41:39,247 How'd you know about that, Bert? 1060 00:41:40,248 --> 00:41:41,583 The call came in at 7:00. 1061 00:41:42,876 --> 00:41:44,169 I put it on the calendar. 1062 00:41:45,420 --> 00:41:46,421 You couldn't have known about it 1063 00:41:46,504 --> 00:41:48,381 unless you saw his calendar 1064 00:41:48,465 --> 00:41:50,050 when you put the bomb on his desk. 1065 00:41:51,593 --> 00:41:53,762 [laughing] 1066 00:41:53,845 --> 00:41:54,846 You're crazy. 1067 00:41:58,225 --> 00:42:02,437 Look, I'm not going to the police. 1068 00:42:03,939 --> 00:42:05,857 Well, not yet. 1069 00:42:09,361 --> 00:42:11,321 Well, Sid's dead. 1070 00:42:11,404 --> 00:42:13,240 I need a place to land... 1071 00:42:13,740 --> 00:42:15,075 somewhere secure. 1072 00:42:16,618 --> 00:42:18,578 Oh, I'm not greedy, Bert. 1073 00:42:18,662 --> 00:42:22,749 You'll find I'm a very agreeable partner. 1074 00:42:22,832 --> 00:42:25,710 Freida, I need these notes typed up right away. 1075 00:42:26,378 --> 00:42:27,754 [sighs] 1076 00:42:27,837 --> 00:42:31,466 Mr. Stone, it's almost 8:00. 1077 00:42:31,925 --> 00:42:33,426 These'll take a couple of hours. 1078 00:42:33,510 --> 00:42:35,262 We all have to do our bit, Freida. 1079 00:42:36,596 --> 00:42:37,847 Terrific. 1080 00:42:37,931 --> 00:42:39,015 Sure thing, Mr. Stone. 1081 00:42:39,099 --> 00:42:41,101 Pleasure. 1082 00:42:41,184 --> 00:42:42,894 We'll talk later, Bert. 1083 00:43:01,955 --> 00:43:04,291 [footsteps approaching] 1084 00:43:11,131 --> 00:43:11,965 [gasps] 1085 00:43:12,048 --> 00:43:13,967 Sorry, didn't mean to scare you. 1086 00:43:14,050 --> 00:43:15,302 Lieutenant? 1087 00:43:19,097 --> 00:43:20,265 Sorry, sir. 1088 00:43:21,516 --> 00:43:22,851 Well, nice idea while it lasted, 1089 00:43:22,934 --> 00:43:24,686 but he never bit. 1090 00:43:25,562 --> 00:43:27,147 They broke for a meal 30 minutes ago. 1091 00:43:27,230 --> 00:43:28,690 Puzo left the set only once, 1092 00:43:28,773 --> 00:43:30,066 to put his briefcase in the trunk of his car. 1093 00:43:30,150 --> 00:43:31,818 And then he joined the others for supper. 1094 00:43:31,901 --> 00:43:33,361 His trunk? 1095 00:43:33,445 --> 00:43:34,779 I saw him go to his car this morning. 1096 00:43:34,863 --> 00:43:35,864 He doesn't have a trunk. 1097 00:43:36,281 --> 00:43:38,408 What kind of a car was that, sergeant, 1098 00:43:38,491 --> 00:43:40,452 and where was it parked? 1099 00:43:40,535 --> 00:43:43,496 Well, Anne, I guess you can file this one away. 1100 00:43:43,580 --> 00:43:44,581 Case closed. 1101 00:43:47,042 --> 00:43:49,085 Cut! That's a wrap, folks. 1102 00:43:49,169 --> 00:43:50,170 [buzzer buzzes] 1103 00:43:50,253 --> 00:43:51,963 Uh, Mr. Puzo? 1104 00:43:52,047 --> 00:43:53,340 I know it's late, but I have to talk to you. 1105 00:43:53,423 --> 00:43:54,382 You're right, Mrs. Fletcher. 1106 00:43:54,466 --> 00:43:55,759 It is late. 1107 00:43:55,842 --> 00:43:56,968 Can't this wait? 1108 00:43:57,052 --> 00:43:58,970 No, it can't. 1109 00:43:59,429 --> 00:44:01,056 What do you mean, strange? 1110 00:44:01,139 --> 00:44:03,016 Freida is a rock. 1111 00:44:03,850 --> 00:44:04,809 You're wrong. 1112 00:44:04,893 --> 00:44:06,186 Oh, no, no, I'm sorry. 1113 00:44:06,269 --> 00:44:07,771 There's something wrong. 1114 00:44:07,854 --> 00:44:10,148 I mean, she's been in such a strange mood, 1115 00:44:10,231 --> 00:44:11,149 and when I mentioned your name-- 1116 00:44:11,232 --> 00:44:12,400 Mrs. Fletcher. 1117 00:44:14,611 --> 00:44:16,154 I told you to mind your own business. 1118 00:44:16,237 --> 00:44:17,822 Freida, you crazy? 1119 00:44:17,906 --> 00:44:21,326 Yes. Crazy to have ever trusted you. 1120 00:44:21,409 --> 00:44:23,370 Now move, both of you. 1121 00:44:23,453 --> 00:44:24,579 Oh, now wait just a minute- 1122 00:44:24,662 --> 00:44:25,622 I said move. 1123 00:44:25,705 --> 00:44:27,457 Before I hurt somebody. 1124 00:44:28,166 --> 00:44:29,084 Oh, dear Lord. 1125 00:44:29,167 --> 00:44:31,252 Look, I don't know what you think you're doing-- 1126 00:44:31,336 --> 00:44:33,671 Oh, I'm taking you to the police, Bert. 1127 00:44:35,006 --> 00:44:36,925 And at this point, I don't very much care 1128 00:44:37,008 --> 00:44:38,843 whether I drag you in alive or dead. 1129 00:44:38,927 --> 00:44:40,261 Now start walking. 1130 00:44:40,345 --> 00:44:42,013 My car's just around the corner. 1131 00:44:42,097 --> 00:44:43,348 I think we should do as she asks. 1132 00:44:57,612 --> 00:44:58,655 Puzo, get behind the wheel. 1133 00:44:58,738 --> 00:45:00,365 No. 1134 00:45:00,448 --> 00:45:01,825 Please, Mr. Puzo. 1135 00:45:01,908 --> 00:45:02,992 I think she means it. 1136 00:45:03,076 --> 00:45:04,744 Freida, you're insane. 1137 00:45:04,828 --> 00:45:06,246 [chuckling] Maybe I am. 1138 00:45:10,500 --> 00:45:11,501 Get in. 1139 00:45:13,378 --> 00:45:14,254 In-- and shut the door. 1140 00:45:20,760 --> 00:45:22,095 Let's go. 1141 00:45:22,178 --> 00:45:23,596 Freida, for God's sake... 1142 00:45:23,680 --> 00:45:25,640 Start up the engine. 1143 00:45:26,433 --> 00:45:27,350 Well, then I'll do it. 1144 00:45:27,434 --> 00:45:28,726 No! 1145 00:45:45,618 --> 00:45:47,120 We've already removed the bomb you planted 1146 00:45:47,203 --> 00:45:48,538 from the car, Mr. Puzo. 1147 00:45:49,956 --> 00:45:52,000 We didn't want to see any more people get blown up. 1148 00:46:01,301 --> 00:46:03,219 Well, Mrs. Fletcher, I-- 1149 00:46:03,303 --> 00:46:05,221 I guess I ought to say thanks. 1150 00:46:05,763 --> 00:46:07,056 You may not be much of a writer, 1151 00:46:07,140 --> 00:46:09,350 but you'd make one hell of a cop. 1152 00:46:09,434 --> 00:46:10,894 [chuckling] Well, I'll take that 1153 00:46:10,977 --> 00:46:12,645 in the spirit in which it was intended. 1154 00:46:12,729 --> 00:46:14,606 I think. 1155 00:46:14,689 --> 00:46:15,607 Can I give you a lift somewhere? 1156 00:46:15,690 --> 00:46:16,649 Oh, thanks, no. 1157 00:46:16,733 --> 00:46:18,985 I'm gonna to say good-bye to Diane and Gary. 1158 00:46:19,068 --> 00:46:20,862 And actually, I'm resigning. 1159 00:46:20,945 --> 00:46:22,405 Now, don't get talked into anything. 1160 00:46:22,489 --> 00:46:24,574 Absolutely not. 1161 00:46:27,327 --> 00:46:28,703 Jessica! 1162 00:46:28,786 --> 00:46:31,331 Jessica, thank God I've caught you! 1163 00:46:31,915 --> 00:46:33,291 Hello, miss Hollander. 1164 00:46:33,374 --> 00:46:35,210 You cannot leave until we've talked. 1165 00:46:35,293 --> 00:46:36,586 If it's about the miniseries, 1166 00:46:36,669 --> 00:46:38,213 would you take it up with my agent? 1167 00:46:38,296 --> 00:46:39,380 Forget the mini. I've got a much better idea. 1168 00:46:39,464 --> 00:46:42,383 -Oh? -A weekly series: 1169 00:46:42,467 --> 00:46:43,927 The Jessica Fletcher Mystery Hour. 1170 00:46:44,010 --> 00:46:45,053 What? 1171 00:46:45,136 --> 00:46:46,429 The real-life adventures 1172 00:46:46,513 --> 00:46:48,097 of a crime-busting mystery writer. 1173 00:46:48,181 --> 00:46:50,099 No, no, no, no. 1174 00:46:50,183 --> 00:46:51,226 Oh, yes, yes. 1175 00:46:51,309 --> 00:46:52,644 It'll be sensational. 1176 00:46:52,727 --> 00:46:55,438 New, different, original, but familiar. 1177 00:46:55,522 --> 00:46:57,857 Miss Hollander, I don't write gunfights, 1178 00:46:58,316 --> 00:47:01,486 car chases or bedroom scenes, so who would watch? 1179 00:47:01,569 --> 00:47:03,613 I'm sorry, but that is absolutely the worst idea 1180 00:47:03,696 --> 00:47:05,365 I have ever heard.