Thursday Thirteen #14: Quotes From Humphrey Bogart Movies

Most people who know me are aware that my all-time favorite actor is Humphrey Bogart. I first became aware of him when I was a kid when they used to show his films on programs like "Bill Kennedy At the Movies" on Channel 50 in Detroit. However, I became hooked when Superstation WGN did a week-long Bogie marathon during the summer of 1986. Each night they showed 3 of his films... it was cool as hell! Although his prototypical role was that of the cynical tough guy, he did get the chance to show he could do more in films like "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" and "The Caine Mutiny". Below are some of my favorite lines from some of his films. The character's names precede the movie quotes (with the performer's real name in parentheses... if it's available). All of the single line quotes are by Bogart characters.

1. From "They Drive By Night" (1940)

Farnsworth (Charles Halton): Well, you don't have to be nasty about it.
Paul Fabrini (Bogart): We don't have to be, but it's more fun that way.

2. From "High Sierra" (1941)

Roy Earle: I wouldn't give you two cents for a dame without a temper.

3. "The Maltese Falcon" (1941)

Sam Spade (to Joel Cairo, played by Peter Lorre): When you're slapped, you'll take it and like it.

4. "All Through the Night" (1941)

said to Nazi leader, played by Conrad Veidt

"Gloves" Donahue: You know you're not a bad-looking character. I'd hate to see that fine nose of yours smeared all over your pan.

5. Deadline U.S.A. (1952)

Eddie Hutcheson: ...and the lawyers are up in the dome right now waiting to explain the nature of their crime with facts, figures and falsehoods. One more 'F' and they won't be drafted.

6. The African Queen (1951)

said to Rose Sayer (played by Katherine Hepburn)

Charlie Allnut: Well I ain't sorry for you no more, ya crazy, psalm-singing, skinny old maid!

7. The Big Sleep (1946)

Vivian (played by Lauren Bacall): I don't like your manners
Philip Marlowe (Bogart): And I'm not crazy about yours. I didn't ask to see you. I don't mind if you don't like my manners, I don't like them myself. They are pretty bad. I grieve over them on long winter evenings. I don't mind your ritzing me drinking your lunch out of a bottle. But don't waste your time trying to cross-examine me.

8. Across the Pacific (1942)

Alberta Marlow (played by Mary Astor): I'm not so obsessed with money as you seem to be. I can do without it.
Rick Leland (Bogart): You stick around with me and you'll get plenty of practice.

9. The Enforcer (1951)

Dist. Atty. Martin Ferguson: You think you can shut people up by killing them, but you're wrong. Maybe not in the courtroom but they'll be talkin' to you, Mendoza! At night when you're trying to sleep!

10. Dark Passage (1947)

Baker (Clifton Young): I got the license number. I always had a good head for figures.
Vincent Parry (Bogart): My only interest in your head is how easy it'll crack open.

11. The Harder They Fall (1956)

Willis tells Toro to throw his boxing match with the champ to avoid getting hurt

Toro Moreno (Mike Lane): I don't know, I don't know. What would people think of me?
Eddie Willis (Bogart): What do you care what a bunch of bloodthirsty, screaming people think of you? Did you ever get a look at their faces? They pay a few lousy bucks hoping to see a man get killed. To hell with them! Think of yourself. Get your money and get out of this rotten business.

12. The Caine Mutiny (1954)

Capt. Queeg: Mr. Maryk, you may tell the crew for me that there are four ways of doing things aboard my ship: The right way, the wrong way, the Navy way, and my way. They do things my way, and we'll get along.

13. Casablanca (1942)

denying a bank official entrance into Rick's

Rick (Bogart): Your cash is good at the bar.
Banker: What? Do you know who I am?
Rick: I do. You're lucky the bar's open to you.

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