Don Birnam [about the drink circles left on the bar]
Don't wipe it away, Nat. Let me have my little vicious circle. You know, the circle is the perfect geometric figure. No end, no beginning.
Most-quoted role: Don Birnam in The Lost Weekend (1945), 27 quotes
Movies Don Birnam Don Birnam I want to be alone for a couple of hours to kind of assemble myself. Is that such an extraordinary thing to want?
Don Birnam But then there are the ones who can't take it and can't leave it either. What I'm trying to say is, I'm not a drinker - I'm a drunk. They ought to put me away once.
Tony Wendice People don't commit murder on credit.
Tony Wendice [on the phone with Margot]
I'm so glad we don't have to go to Maureen's; she's such a filthy cook.
When would this take place?
Tony Wendice Tomorrow night.
Tomorrow! Not a chance! I've got to think this over.
Tony Wendice It has to be tomorrow. I've arranged things that way.
Where?
Tony Wendice Approximately where you're standing now.
John Charming fellow, our Sergeant.
A trifle uncouth. But the best soldier we'll ever see.
John Well, isn't anybody going to say a word?
You young pup, we're both so disgusted with you we're speechless.
John I'm no worse than either of you.
Digby There's something in what he says.
I insist I'm worse than he is. He didn't steal the Blue Water.
John Neither did you.
Digby No. As a matter of fact, I've got it.
I'll be frank with you, gentlemen. I've got it. I intend to sell it for 30,000 pounds sometime in the future, and live a life of ease in Paris surrounded by whiskey, ladies, and laughter.
Digby Well that's funny. I'm going to sell it and go to Paris, too. Only I don't want any laughter.
One thing I counted on was my younger brother leading an upright life while I spent my ill-gotten gains.
Digby Yes, I was counting on him, too.
John If you don't mind my saying so, the great sapphire is in my possession. And as soon as I can arrange to sell it, I'm going to the South Seas, buy a plantation, and start trading in copra.
Digby He puts us both to shame, doesn't he, Beau?
Let's put him to death and keep his share.
Schwartz Don't tell me he took your appetites away. He'll take more than that away before long. Glock, go to the door, warn us if anyone comes. Markoff has been asking for it, and now he's going to get it.
Maris
Can't you see a mutiny is what Markoff wants? If he puts it down, he'll be a hero.
Schwartz And you're the one who would help him put it down, Maris.
Maris
Let him hang himself. Lt. Martin's death gives him enough rope. When his superior officers learn what he's already done, he'll go to prison for life!
Schwartz Listen to our little Sergeant-lover. Our troubles are all over if we bring Markoff a bunch of posies every morning. You don't want to stay here and die like rats in a trap, do you?
The men
No!
Schwartz And let that madman squeeze every drop of blood out of you and drive you out on the desert like he did Renouf and Renault, do you?
The men
No!
Schwartz We're 50 against one. How long are you going to keep on licking the boots that kick you? Those stripes on his sleeve won't stop a rifle bullet. Let's get him now!
Legionnaire
I'm with you!
Maris
You fools! Don't listen to him! He'll never get away with it!
Schwartz Shut up, you yellow liver!
Wait a minute. I don't know much about mutinies, but I do know it isn't good form to plan them at the top of your voice.
Schwartz Where do you stand?
Well, I don't like Markoff, but also I don't like you.
John Make it 4.
Schwartz Who else? These 3 won't bother us.
Legionnaire
Rasinoff?
Schwartz He's with Markoff, and he goes with Markoff.
Maris
After you kill Markoff, what?
Schwartz We'll get out of this hole, and we go to Morocco.
Maris
Markoff has two Arab scouts outside. The minute they see anything's wrong, they'll ride to Tokotu for help.
Schwartz We'll have too much of a start.
Maris
Not for the camel corps.
Legionnaire
Talk, talk, talk! Let's decide!
Schwartz You're right. All those with me, on your feet! [to Beau] I give you one more chance to change your mind.
Schwartz, there'll be a flag flying out there in the morning that I swore to uphold. Armies of good men have died for it, gladly. It's a battle flag and it's a flag of victory. I'm rather proud to be under it. And I wouldn't want to go out in the morning like you and know that I was going to be a traitor to it.