Luis Montoya quotes from Columbo

Luis Montoya

I will kill him like in the old days. With you assisting me.

That is crazy and you know it. We are both out of shape.

Luis Montoya

If you won't, I will have to do it alone

Lt. Columbo

[referring to bullfighting] I don't know how you fight a thing like that and make a living.

Luis Montoya

It's more than a living, Lieutenant. It's a way of life.

Lt. Columbo

I have to tell you the truth. I don't think I would enjoy watching a man kill an animal, even as big and mean as he is.

Luis Montoya

Perhaps you would prefer the spectacle of two men in a prize ring beating each other senseless. Or murdering an innocent deer with a rifle. Or catching a fish with another one which is still alive. Our culture is different from yours, Lieutenant. No better or worse, perhaps, but different.

Comandante Sanchez

I hope you understand, Luis, that the Lieutenant is here as my guest. He has no official status.

Luis Montoya

So inquisitive. I find him amusing.

Lt. Columbo

May I ask you a personal question, sir?

Luis Montoya

Oh, by all means, Lieutenant.

Lt. Columbo

Did you injure your leg in the bull ring?

Luis Montoya

[nodding] On the Plaza Del Toros, Mexico. It was the wound that ended my career. And, ironically, it wasn't even the bull I was supposed to fight. You see, I was appearing mano a mano with a young matador who froze, and the bull gored him. I jumped to his rescue, and I too, was gored, badly, here. They tried to take me to the infirmiry along with the young matador, but I refused to go. Despite the blood flowing from my would, I stayed in the bull and I did one of the best fights of my career. I killed the bull with one thrust. The people loved it! They stood up and gave me an electrifying ovation. Two ears and a tail! That was my last fight.

Lt. Columbo

Well, that must have taken a lot of courage, sir.

Luis Montoya

[smiling] Well, it would be a difficult thing for me to do now with this leg.