20,000 Leagues Under the Sea 1954 quotes

Ned Land

Cheer up, Professor. You'll forget all about fishing when you see the gals in Saigon.

I thought they promised you a bonus if you harpooned this monster, Mr. Land.

Ned Land

Knowing full well I couldn't collect it. When I get back, I'm shipping out on the first whaler that'll take me. I won't get rich, but I won't be sitting around picking my teeth with my harpoon.

Conseil

Maybe we are lucky. It might have sunk us.

Ned Land

You scare me. Be a good loser, Professor. The fish that got away is always the biggest one.

Conseil

Ah, what a pity, Professor. I know you had visions of that monster mounted in the National Museum.

Ned Land

Sorry I had to wallop you, Professor. But there wasn't time to stop for souvenirs.

Perhaps you did mankind a service, Ned.

What is in those sacks they are carrying?

Captain Nemo

Nitrates and phosphate for ammunition. The seeds of war. They're loading a full cargo of death. And when that ship takes it home the world will die a little more. I was once one of those pitiful wretches you see down there. Look at it again, Professor, I don't want you to forget what you've seen here today.

I've seen enough.

Captain Nemo

It's burned everlastingly in my memory.

Captain Farragut

Look alive there! Get your range and fire, Carson! What's the matter?

Carson

She's showing us her heels, sir!

Captain Farragut

Well, hit her in the heels, then! Fire!

Carson

Aye aye sir! Run her out smartly!

Captain Nemo

Do you know the meaning of love, professor?

Professor Arronax

I believe I do.

Captain Nemo

What you fail to understand is the power of hate. It can fill the heart as surely as love can.

Professor Arronax

I'm sorry for you. It's a bitter substitute.

Captain Nemo

Mr. Land, you saved my life. Why?

Ned Land

That's a good question! Well, there's only one thing a fella can do when he's made a mistake as big as this. Get drunk.

Captain Nemo

There's a fork on your left, Mr. Land, or aren't you accustomed to utensils?

Ned Land

I'm indifferent to 'em.

Captain Nemo

You were sent to get food, not treasure! You can't eat pieces of eight!

Ned Land

Eat? I can eat any time——

Captain Nemo

You place an absurd value on the cheapest of human commodities. Aboard the Nautilus we use such baubles for ballast.

Ned Land

Ballast... [walks over and pulls a gilted item from the pile, smiling] ...I sure could lighten this ship!

Captain Nemo

The greatest treasures of all, Mister Land, are a sound mind and a full belly. I hope you remember that before stooping to pick up pennies.

Ned Land

You've been pickin' them up. And pickin' them up good! '...Ballast'!

Conseil

I demand a fair trial!

Captain Nemo

You've had your trial. The sea brought you, the sea shall have you back.

Professor Arronax

You cannot do this! This is uncivilized!

Captain Nemo

I am not what is called a "civilized man", Professor. I have done with society for reasons that seem good to me. Therefore I do not obey its laws.

Ned Land

Excellent!

Conseil

Exquisite!

We're interested in your opinion of this monster.

Professor Arronax

My opinion? Frankly, it's rather low at the moment.