Time After Time (1979)

Charles Cioffi: Police Lt. Mitchell

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Quotes 

• [Wells has gone to the San Francisco police department in an attempt to catch Stevenson] 

  H.G. Wells : His name is John Leslie Stevenson. English, he's a surgeon. Approximately, 37 years of age, flaxon-hair, clean-shaven, and stands well above 6 feet in height.

  Lt. Mitchell : What makes you say that this Dr. Stevenson is responsible for the death of the girls?

  H.G. Wells : I just know for a fact he is.

  Lt. Mitchell : I see. Do you have spiritual powers?

  H.G. Wells : Do I what?

  Lt. Mitchell : Are you a medium or a mystic?

  H.G. Wells : I make no claims to supernatural gifts of any sort. If I were to reveal the source of my information, I...

  [beat] 

  H.G. Wells : As a matter of fact, I'm also a detective. I was sent from London on the trail of Stevenson, traveling incognito. My name...

  [outside Mitchell's office, a fellow officer is checking a ticker-type machine that reads out no known information on John Leslie Stevenson; Wells thinks of an alias from his time he thinks the police won't recognize] 

  H.G. Wells : My name is Sherlock Holmes.

  Lt. Mitchell : Sherlock Holmes, I see. Go on, go on.

  H.G. Wells : I can't. I gave you a complete description, I told you his name. I've told you everything I know.

  Lt. Mitchell : It was good of you to share your insights, Mr. Holmes. How can we reach you if we need to speak with you?

  H.G. Wells : Is that necessary? I'm staying with a friend. Must we involve her?

  Lt. Mitchell : Not unless it's unavoidable we contact you. We're known for our discretion.

  H.G. Wells : Very well. Her name is Miss Amy Robbins. She lives at 2340 Francisco.

  Lt. Mitchell : Thank you for your time, Mr. Holmes.

  H.G. Wells : [beat]  You don't believe me, do you?

  Lt. Mitchell : Mr. Holmes, I'd like to. My job would be much simpler if I could. But this computer printout says U.S. Customs has no records of a John Leslie Stevenson entering the country. British Customs has no record of anyone by that name leaving Great Britain. And there's also no mention of a Sherlock Holmes coming into the country either. Now, of course, he could be using another name. But since we don't even know where he is at the moment, we can't very well pick him up for questioning. Can we?

  H.G. Wells : [defeated]  No. Well, thank you for your time. Good day.