Jim quotes from I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

The Army changes a fellow. It kinda makes you think different. I don't want to be spending the rest of my life answering a factory whistle instead of a bugle call. I'll be cooped up in a shipping room all day. I want to do something worthwhile.

After a good night's sleep, you'll be ready to take up where you left off at the factory. A soldier of peace instead of a soldier of war.

I don't want to be a soldier of anything. You see, Mom. I want to get out, away from routine. I had enough of that in the Army...I've been doing engineering work in the Army and that's the kind of work I want to do now. A man's job where he can accomplish things, where he can build, construct, create, do things.

That sounds very nice, but after all, a job in the hand's worth two in the bush.

Linda

You've got plenty of what it takes to pull an escape from that place.

I'm not safe yet. Not until I'm out of the state.

Linda

If there's anything I can do to help you, just say the word.

Thanks, but there's nothing you can do.

Linda

How about a drink?

Nope.

Linda

You don't mind if I take one, do you?

No, go right ahead.

Linda

Here's to you. A guy with your nerve's got the breaks comin' to him. I know what you're thinking. I understand. You're among friends.

Marie

I don't think you like me anymore.

Of course I do. We can't always be playing around. I mean, what's that got to do with it?

Marie

Oh, I don't know, but you don't act like you used to. Now, I don't seem good enough for you.

You're imagining things.

Marie

No, I'm not. When you were first here, you weren't this way. You've grown tired of me. I was silly enough to believe you when you said you loved me.

I said 'I loved you'? Now, Marie, you know that's not so. I never said that. You're just trying to put me in a spot. And you know it wasn't love - just as well as I do.

Marie

So that's the way you feel, huh!? Well, you can't make me out cheap and get away with it! I know what I'm talkin' about, see? And some day, you're gonna be sorry.

I appreciate all you've done for me, but I couldn't love you. I can't change my feeling toward you any more than I can change the color of my eyes. I know I'm speaking bluntly, but frankly, and it's to save us both a lot of misery.

Marie

And is that your only reason for leaving?

Well, it's a pretty good one, isn't it?

Marie

Not very. Of course, when a fella wants to ditch a girl, he'll do most anything - providing it doesn't land him back on the chain gang where he probably belongs...I wouldn't tell if I had a reason to protect you.

What do you mean?

Marie

I wouldn't tell if you were my husband.

Do you mind if we stay here awhile, or must you go home?

Helen

There are no must's in my life. I'm free, white, and twenty-one.

You're lucky.

Helen

Why?

Well, you can go where you want, when you want.

Helen

Can't you?

Yes - and no.

Helen

You're a strange, moody person. You need somebody to pull you out of those doldrums.

Are you applying for that job?

Helen

I might consider it.

You're hired.

Helen

When do I start?

You've started several hours ago.

Why don't you play the game square?

Marie

Square! So that you and your sweet mama can give me the grand goodbye, huh? Ah, be yourself.

If you don't listen to reason, I'll find some way.

Marie

You do and you'll serve out your time.

It's no worse than serving out my time with you.

Marie

You'll be sorry you said that.

Now, listen, you've held a sword over my head about long enough. It's about time you called it quits. You've been pulling a bluff on me and I've been fool enough and coward enough to fall for it.

Marie

Oh, you filthy, good-for-nothing convict. A bluff, eh? You'll see. You'll see.

Bomber

How did you get to this little bit of heaven, kid?

That's a long story.

Bomber

Boy, if you think those other chain gangs are tough, wait till you get a load of this joint. These are the guys that were too tough for the chain gang.

Helen

Jim, why haven't you come before?

I couldn't, I was afraid to.

Helen

But you could have written. It's been almost a year since you escaped.

But I haven't escaped. They're still after me. They'll always be after me. I've had jobs but I can't keep them. Something happens. Someone turns up. I hide in rooms all day and travel by night. No friends. No rest. No peace.

Helen

Oh, Jim!

Keep moving. That's all that's left for me. Forgive me, Helen. I-I had to take a chance to see you tonight. Just to say good-bye.

Helen

Oh, Jim. It was all going to be so different.

It is different. They've made it different....[A door slams] I've gotta go.

Helen

I can't let you go like this!

I've got to.

Helen

Can't you tell me where you're going? [He shakes his head no] Will you write? [He backs up and again shakes no] Do you need any money? [He again shakes no] But you must, Jim. How do you live?

I steal!