When a Stranger Calls Back (1993 TV Movie)

Charles Durning: John Clifford

Quotes 

• John Clifford : He manipulated his voice so that she believed he was outside, and he never was, not at the end. That's why the doctor never saw anyone! He was inside the house with her! This is going to sound crazy, but we're looking for a ventriloquist.

• John Clifford : They just came up along with these old reports. It's eerie, isn't it?

  Jill : Why the five years, John, do you think? Between then and now?

  John Clifford : Eh, could have been doing time for something else. Could have gone away, could have lost track of her, could have lost interest.

  Jill : Could have gone off with these children alive.

  John Clifford : Uh-huh. There can be a thousand reasons with a psychopath.

  Jill : I'm assuming that one of them had training as a locksmith.

  John Clifford : It's possible. Not difficult to open a lock if you know what you're doing.

  Jill : What about the shirt?

  John Clifford : Nothing yet. No prints on the hanger. I'm sure he wouldn't have left anything that could be traced back to him.

  Jill : Why do you keep saying "him"?

  John Clifford : I don't believe there were two men.

  Jill : Why not?

  John Clifford : It's a feeling. You know, I kinda wish it is two men this time.

  Jill : Twice as easy to find.

  John Clifford : Not just that. If it is only one, then he's got something going for him we haven't even begun to imagine.

• John Clifford : Uh, can you tell me if Mr. Landis lives down there? William Landis? He's a ventriloquist.

  Skid Row Woman : He's gone.

  John Clifford : What do you mean?

  Skid Row Woman : Moved out.

  John Clifford : For good? When?

  Skid Row Woman : Poor guy. Come out here, children had died. Wanted to find their mother, tell her about it.

  John Clifford : Did he find her?

  Skid Row Woman : I think so.

  John Clifford : Thanks.

• John Clifford : There were two men?

  Julia : Yes. Two.

  Jill : One of whom she only heard, never saw.

  Julia : I saw him once through the window, the first time that he came to the door, but it was dark.

  John Clifford : Which window?

  Julia : The living room.

  Jill : There was a window in the living room that the police found open, but only six or eight inches, and there was never any explanation for it.

  John Clifford : Now, is it possible that the man who was talking to you outside the door came into the living room through that window?

  Julia : No. No. No, he was right outside the door. I'd been listening to him there all night. And when he said to look into the living room, I looked. I didn't wait. I turned to my side and there he was, the other one. He was right there.

  Jill : The police never believed that there was a man outside because the doctor came home just then.

  John Clifford : Did they have some other theory?

  Jill : No.