The Killing (1956)
Sterling Hayden: Johnny Clay
Photos
Quotes
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Johnny Clay : You'd be killing a horse - that's not first degree murder, in fact it's not murder at all, in fact I don't know what it is.
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Johnny Clay : A friend of mine will be stopping by tomorrow to drop something off for me. He's a cop.
Joe Piano : A cop? That's a funny kind of a friend.
Johnny Clay : Well, he's a funny kind of a cop.
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Johnny Clay : Alright sister, that's a mighty pretty head you got on your shoulders. You want to keep it there or start carrying it around in your hands?
Sherry Peatty : Maybe we could compromise and put it on your shoulder. I think that'd be nice, don't you?
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Johnny Clay : You know Fay, the biggest mistake I made before was shooting for peanuts. Five years have taught me one thing, if nothing else: Anytime you take a chance, you better be sure the rewards are worth the risk. Because they could put you away just as fast for a $10 heist as they can for a million dollar job.
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Johnny Clay : None of these men are criminals in the usual sense. They've all got jobs. They all live seemingly normal, decent lives. But, they've got their problems and they've all got a little larceny in 'em.
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Johnny Clay : You'll have money. Plenty of money. George will have and he'll blow it all on you, probably buy himself a five cent cigar.
Sherry Peatty : You don't know me very well, Johnny. I wouldn't think of letting George throw his money away on cigars.
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Marvin Unger : You've had a lot of rough breaks and made a few mistakes; but, after today, the good Lord willing, you'll be a new man. A rich man. And that can make a lot of difference. Got a lot of life ahead of you. A lot of people to meet. People of quality and substance.
Johnny Clay : What are you gettin' at?
Marvin Unger : Wouldn't it be great if we could just go away, the two of us, and let the old world take a couple of turns, and have a chance to take stock of things. It can be pretty serious and terrible, particularly if its not the right person. Getting married, I mean.
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Johnny Clay : Everything's gonna be alright. I promise you.
Fay : Make sure you're right about it, Johnny. I'm no good for anybody else. I'm not pretty and I'm not very smart; so, please don't leave me alone any more.
Johnny Clay : Nothing is gonna happen. Not this time.
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Johnny Clay : You admit it. You admit you were out there snooping.
Sherry Peatty : Yes, wasn't that naughty of me?
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Johnny Clay : Like the man said, "Life is like a glass of tea." Huh?
Maurice : Oh, Johnny, my friend, you never were very bright; but, I love you anyway.
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Sherry Peatty : You don't understand me Johnny. You don't know me very well.
Johnny Clay : I know you like a book. You're a no good, nosy little tramp. You'd sell out your own mother for a piece of fudge; but, you're smart along with it. Smart enough to know when to sail and when to sit tight and you know you better sit tight in this case.
Sherry Peatty : I do?
Johnny Clay : You heard me. You like money. You got great big dollar sign there, where most women have a heart.
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Maurice : Would it be out of order for me to ask for what it is you are willing to pay such a price to see me demonstrate my talents? I would imagine, it is for more than just your own personal entertainment.
Johnny Clay : $2,500 is a lot of dough, Maurice. Part of it's for not asking questions.
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Johnny Clay : Five thousand bucks for rubbin' out a horse.
Nikki Arcane : Okay, Pops, how do I get it?
Johnny Clay : $2,500 today, $2,500 the day after the race.
Nikki Arcane : Okay, crazy. Tell me somethin', what's your angle, Johnny? They'll probably call the race off, huh? And they won't pay off any of the bets. Come on.
Johnny Clay : Maybe. But, what my angle is, is my business. And, Nikki, five thousand bucks is a lot of dough and that's what I'm payin' it for. So, nobody has to no my business!
