Orson Welles: Self - Host

Quotes 

• [first scene: Orson Welles introduces the show] 

  Self - Host : [looking at the Hollander house]  Nice piece of real estate, isn't it?

  [Welles turns to face the viewers] 

  Self - Host : Although I have it on reliable authority that the roof leaks, but the real problem, I'm afraid, is that a murder has just been committed in the study.

  [Welles looks at his watch] 

  Self - Host : Somebody will discover the body at any moment, and then, assuming you enjoy a challenge, you'll have a chance to solve the crime. No police, no detectives. It's just you and me and, of course, all the clues you'll need. Keep in mind, by the way, that not everyone you're going to meet will be telling the truth, but I'll never lie to you, remember that. After all, we're in this thing together.

  [Welles takes another look at the house] 

  Self - Host : The Hollander house. It's been in the family for generations. This evening, Mason Hollander made his beautiful bride Courtney his beautiful wife. They just came home from their wedding reception about fifteen minutes ago, and I think sombody should be stumbling across the body by now...

  [Welles looks again at his watch. A scream of horror is heard] 

  Self - Host : Right on schedule.

  [inside the house, Courtney's dead body, still dressed in her wedding gown, is lying on the floor. Hellen Hollander, Mason's sister, watches the body, screaming in horror] 

  Self - Host : ...and just a short while ago she uttered those immortal words... or should I say mortal words, "till death do us part".

  [Mason Hollander steps down the stairs. He appears shocked to see his wife dead] 

  Self - Host : Do you suppose someone took her too seriously?

  [Mason and Potter the butler rush to the body. Mason cradles the body] 

  Self - Host : Watch very closely now. The clues are here to tell you how and who.