Calling Philo Vance (1940)
Edward Brophy: Ryan
Photos
Quotes
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Dr. Doremus - Coroner : [about the dead Archer Coe] There couldn't have been much of a struggle. His hair isn't even mussed.
Ryan : [Sardonically] Somebody must have blackjacked him and then combed his hair.
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Ryan : Suicide?
Dr. Doremus - Coroner : All I know is he's dead, and there's still too many people in the world.
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Philo Vance : [Sniffing the aroma of the lipstick from the back of his hand] Gardenia, I should say. Definitely common. Do you know anything about lipstick, Ryan?
Ryan : [Taking offence] What do you think I am?
Philo Vance : Hmmm... I'll let you know.
Ryan : [Annoyed, as Vance is leaving] Okay, wise guy, you're not out of the woods yet!
Philo Vance : You're right, Ryan.
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Philo Vance : [Approaching Grassi's table as he is eating] Signor Grassi?
Eduardo Grassi : [Looking up] Yes.
Philo Vance : The same Signor Grassi who distinguished himself in the Ethiopian campaign?
Eduardo Grassi : The same.
Philo Vance : I hope you'll pardon the intrusion. My name is Philo Vance.
Eduardo Grassi : Oh, uh, won't you join me? I've heard of you too.
Philo Vance : Have you also heard that Mr. Archer Coe, whose airplane designs you've tried to buy for your government has been murdered?
Eduardo Grassi : [Shocked] Murdered?
Ryan : Yes, stabbed in the back! And the dagger's been a favorite Latin weapon since Nero played with matches!
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Ryan : [as they are entering the front doo] By the way, Philo, how was the weiner schnitzel over there?
Philo Vance : Hmmm, mostly bread and water!
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Philo Vance : [Finding no knife hole in the robe Coe was apparently stabbed in] This complicates things a bit.
Ryan : Hunh?
Philo Vance : You still think it was suicide?
Ryan : It's clear he couldn't have slugged, shot, and stabbed himself... particularly in the back.