Mannix (TV Series)

A Matter of Principle (1973)

Dana Elcar: Skip Seldon

Quotes 

• Skip Seldon : [walks up to Joe who's looking around his lot]  Skip Seldon's the name, friend. I'm here for one reason, and one reason only - to make you a happy and contented man. Now, what kind of car are you interested in?

  Joe Mannix : Well, I'm looking for a 1972 Plymouth sedan, license number, uh, 949EJC. It's got a dent in the trunk about the size of a baseball.

  Skip Seldon : [chuckles]  What are you, a cop?

  Joe Mannix : Private. The name is Mannix.

  Skip Seldon : Yeah? Now what is it about a Plymouth sedan?

  Joe Mannix : Well, it was involved in a minor traffic accident about 10:30 this morning. It's registered to your outfit.

  Skip Seldon : So?

  Joe Mannix : I'd like to take a look at it if it's back on the lot.

  Skip Seldon : Sure, why not? You know, we carry full insurance.

  [leads Joe to the car, and Joe examines the exterior and interior of it] 

  Joe Mannix : Nice, clean car.

  Skip Seldon : Oh, yeah, that's one of the services that our customers appreciate.

  Joe Mannix : Who had it out this morning?

  Skip Seldon : Mr. Mannix, this is a busy lot. I'd have to look that up.

  Joe Mannix : If it's not too much trouble.

  [they walk to Seldon's office] 

  Skip Seldon : All right, let's have a look.

  [looks through the papers] 

  Skip Seldon : Yeah, here we are - 949EJC. Wait a minute, there's gotta be a mistake, Mannix. This, uh, baby hasn't been off the lot in almost a week. Here, look for yourself.

  [hands Joe the records] 

  Skip Seldon : Last customer brought that back six days ago.

  Joe Mannix : Maybe you'd like to tell me how it could have banged into my client's car four hours ago?

  Skip Seldon : Sip of beer?

  Joe Mannix : Don't try telling me I got the license number wrong.

  Skip Seldon : You know, I bet it was a freebie. You know what I mean? A guy walks on the lot. He sees the keys in the car, and he borrows it for a couple of hours. Then he brings it back and leaves it by the curb. You know, you'd be amazed at how many times that happens on a lot this size.

  Joe Mannix : Except this one is sitting in the middle of the lot.

  Skip Seldon : Well, that doesn't make any difference. These cars get jockeyed around the lot all day long. Well, sorry I couldn't be more help.

  Joe Mannix : Oh, you did fine, Skip, just fine.