A scene from Cape Fear 1991
Max Cady

I wanted to meet you, see what you're like. I see you're a nice person. That's all.

Danielle Bowden

You're not gonna hurt me, are you?

Max Cady

No, I'm not gonna hurt you at all. There's no hurtin' here, Danielle. 'Tween us, there's no anger, nothin'. Just a search for truth. I mean, did you judge me, did you get angry at me when you caught me smokin' the grass? Hmm?

Max Cady

But your parents, they judged you. They got plenty angry at you, didn't they?

Max Cady

Mm-hmm. They punished you for their sins. What did they do?

Danielle Bowden

They, uh... My dad... They just yelled a whole lot and, um... My mom cried... and my Dad said I couldn't drive the Cherokee.

Max Cady

I'd say they punished you for their sins, and you resent that, and you should resent it. But Professor 'Do-Right' has a little advice for you. You shouldn't damn 'em. Don't judge 'em. Just forgive 'em, for they know not what they do.

Danielle Bowden

Well, um, why do you hate my father?

Max Cady

I don't hate him at all. Oh no, I pray for him. I'm here to help him. I mean, we all make mistakes, Danielle. You and I have. At least we try to admit it. Don't we?...But your daddy, he don't. Every man carries a circle of hell around his head like a halo. Your daddy too. Every man... Every man has to go through hell to reach his paradise. You know what paradise is?...Salvation. 'Cause your daddy's not happy. Your mommy's not happy. And, you know what? You're not happy. Are you? You know, I think I might have found a companion, a companion for that long walk to the light.

In this scene

More from Cape Fear

Cape Fear (1991) poster
Cape Fear 1991 · 32 quotes · 5 characters All Cape Fear quotes →
All Cape Fear quotes →