Raintree County (1957)

Walter Abel: T.D. Shawnessy

Photos 

Quotes 

• T.D. Shawnessy : War is the most monstrous of man's illusions. Any idea worth anything is worth not fighting for.

• T.D. Shawnessy : [to Flash, who is drinking beer in public]  Flash Perkins, don't you know that your body is the temple of the spirit, and you defile and pollute it with that Devil's brew you have there?

  Orville 'Flash' Perkins : [Nonchalantly]  Why, if you say so, pappy...

  T.D. Shawnessy : Why don't you come 'round to our next temperance rally. Come 'round and take the Total Abstinence Pledge.

  Orville 'Flash' Perkins : Why, pappy, I'll take that pledge right now.

  T.D. Shawnessy : Orville, we want men to take that pledge only when they're sober.

  Orville 'Flash' Perkins : But if they're sober, what's the point in havin' them take the pledge?

  [Everybody laughs] 

• John Wickliff Shawnessy : [People are gathering in the town center]  What's going on here?

  Ellen Shawnessy : You haven't heard? They've attacked Fort Sumter. It means war sure as anything.

  T.D. Shawnessy : I'm not so sure. Now, say what you will, Americans will never fight each other. We'll settle our difficulties peacefully.