Paul Bieglerv
The prosecution would like to separate the motive from the act. Well, that's like trying to take the core from an apple without breaking the skin.
Most-quoted character in Anatomy of a Murder (1959): in 13 of its 19 quotes
Most scenes with: Parnell Emmett McCarthy (2), Judge Weaver (2)
As a lawyer, I've had to learn that people aren't just good or just bad. People are many things.
More lines from Paul Bieglerv
4 quotes
Paul Bieglerv
I'm just a humble country lawyer trying to do the best I can against this brilliant prosecutor from the big city of Lansing.
Paul Bieglerv
[after cross-examining a convicted felon]
Your Honor, I don't think I can dignify this - -creature - - with any more questions.
Paul Bieglerv
Look, Laura, believe me, I don't usually complain of an attractive jiggle, but just you save that jiggle for your husband to look at, if and when I get him out of jail.
Scenes with Paul Bieglerv
8 scenes
[Judge Weaver has stopped the testimony by Detective Sergeant James Durgo, State Police, and called the lawyers to his bench]
Mr. Biegler, you finally got your rape into the case, and I think all the details should now be made clear to the jury. What exactly was the undergarment just referred to?
Paul Biegler
Panties, Your Honor.
Judge Weaver: Do you expect this subject to come up again?
Paul Biegler
Yes, Sir.
There's a certain light connotation attached to the word "panties." Can we find another name for them?
Mitch Lodwick
I never heard my wife call 'em anything else.
Mr. Biegler?
Paul Biegler
I'm a bachelor, Your Honor.
That's a great help. Mr. Dancer?
Claude Dancer
When I was overseas during the war, Your Honor, I learned a French word. I'm afraid that might be slightly suggestive.
Most French words are.
Lt. Frederick Manion
How can a jury disregard what it's already heard?
Paul Biegler
[shaking head]
They can't, Lieutenant. They can't.
Paul Biegler
You're fired.
Maida Rutledge
You can't fire me until you pay me.
Paul Biegler
Mr. Paquette, what would you call a man with an insatiable penchant for women?
Alphonse Paquette
A what?
Paul Biegler
A penchant... a desire... taste... passion?
Alphonse Paquette
Well, uh, ladies' man, I guess. Or maybe just a damn fool!
[laughter in the courtroom]
Just answer the questions, Mr. Paquette. The attorneys will provide the wisecracks.
Lt. Frederick Manion
[Roars at Duke Miller, who has just given his testimony]
You're a liar! You're a lousy, stinking liar!
Paul Biegler
I apologize to the court for my client's outburst. But it's almost excusable, since the prosecution has seen fit to put a felon on the stand to testify against an officer in the United States Army.
Mitch Lodwick
Objection. No evidence has been introduced to make Mrs. Manion's appearance relevant to this case.
Paul Biegler
Well, no evidence has been introduced to make Barney Quill's appearance relevant' you didn't object to the question then. Is that because you know Barney Quill bathed, changed and cooled off after he raped and beat hell out of this poor woman!
Mitch Lodwick
Your Honor, everyone in this courtroom is being tried except Frederick Manion! I must protest...
Paul Biegler
Now listen! This is a cross examination in a murder case, it's not a high school debate! What are you and Dancer trying to do, railroad this soldier into the clink?
Did you give the lieutenant the Well-Known Lecture?
Paul Biegler
If you mean, did I coach him into a phony story, no.
Maybe you're too pure, Paul. Too pure for the natural impurities of the law.
[Paul and Parnelll arrive at the campground in order to procure the promissory note for legal fees and discover that Manion's campsite is vacant. Parnell reads note left behind out loud]
Dear Mr. Biegler, so sorry, but I had to leave suddenly: I was seized by an irresistible impulse. Frederick Manion.
Paul Biegler
[chuckles with a wry smile]
Now how in the world are we gonna face Maida?
[Pulling empty bottle out of trash barrel]
Gin. I knew there was something wrong with that guy. I never saw a gin drinker yet you could trust.
Paul Biegler
Well, partner, what do you say we go and see our first client?
Who might that be?
Paul Biegler
Mary Pilant. We're going to administer Barney Quill's estate.
That's what i call poetic justice for everybody.
Paul Biegler
Yeah.