Phil Burbank quotes from The Power of the Dog (2021)

Phil Burbank

Bronco Henry told me that a man was made by patience in the odds against him.

Phil Burbank

You didn't play? Sure did practice a terrible lot. She wouldn't think there was that much difference between a cinema pit and a dinner party.

Phil Burbank

So, to us brothers, Romulus and Remus, and the wolf who raised us. Bronco Henry. El Lupo.

George Burbank

I just came over here to speak about something.

Phil Burbank

Come on partner. Open your talker. What is it?

George Burbank

His Nibs will be joining us for dinner. And the old gent and the old lady.

Phil Burbank

Well sir, ain't we going into society.

Phil Burbank

She on the "panana" again? Setting your teeth on edge?

George Burbank

No. I like to hear Rose play.

Phil Burbank

Well, old timer, what is it? What's in the noodle?

George Burbank

Well... Phil... I... I just...

Phil Burbank

Go on, spit it out.

George Burbank

It's just... about His Nibs, the governor.

Phil Burbank

Alright.

George Burbank

And er... it's not so much about His Nibs... but er, his wife, actually. I was thinking, His Nibs probably wouldn't mind so much. But... his missus might.

Phil Burbank

Might what, for dear Christ's sake?

George Burbank

Well, it's sort of a hard thing... to say. She might mind if you come to the table without a wash up.

George Burbank

Yeah.

George Burbank

I was looking for you.

Phil Burbank

Well, you found me.

George Burbank

Everyone's here. We're just about to eat. They were asking after you.

Phil Burbank

Really?

George Burbank

Yes, we're counting on your conversation. I wanted to apologize for what I said...

Phil Burbank

You two can keep your apologies to yourself, I'm not coming.

George Burbank

And what will I say? The Old Lady wants to see you, they've both come a long way.

Phil Burbank

Then you tell them the truth. That I stink and I like it!

George Burbank

What you said about her boy tonight, Phil. It made her cry.

Phil Burbank

She had her ear to the door?

George Burbank

She was crying, Phil.

Phil Burbank

Well, hell. The boy had to snap out of it and get human. Just pointed it out, is all. She should damn well know.

George Burbank

Did you write to the old lady?

Phil Burbank

Yeah, I dropped them both a line.

George Burbank

Did you say something about Rose?

Phil Burbank

Rose. Yeah well, you and I know what the old lady would feel if she thought you were getting mixed up with her. She'd likely have a hemorrhage.

George Burbank

The old lady would feel as one Mrs. Burbank would for another Mrs. Burbank.

Phil Burbank

Come again?

George Burbank

We were married Sunday. She got rid of her property in Beech.

Well, brother Phil, we had such a nice trip.

Phil Burbank

I'm not your brother. You're a cheap schemer.

Phil Burbank

You got a sore gut?

George Burbank

No.

Phil Burbank

It looks it pains you to hit two words together.

Peter Gordon

Is something wrong, Phil?

Phil Burbank

Wrong? For Christ's sake. Every goddamn hide is gone! Oh, she really put her foot in it this time!

Peter Gordon

You think she did it? She sold them?

Phil Burbank

Bloody tootin'. Or maybe even gave them away.

Peter Gordon

W-why? Why would she do that, Phil? She knew we needed the hides.

Phil Burbank

Because she was drunk! Pie eyed, she was smashed! I think you'd know from the books your pa left you, that your ma's got... . uhhh whatchamacallit alcoholic personality? It comes under the letter A!

Peter Gordon

You're not going to say anything to her?

Phil Burbank

Say anything? I won't say nothin'. But sure as one good hell brother George is going to.

How come you don't wear gloves?

Phil Burbank

How 'bout 'cause they're not needed... . Castrate fifteen hundred head, then nick your thumb on the last.

George Burbank

Rose isn't well, Phil. She's ill.

Phil Burbank

Not well? It is high time that bozo and you got next to a few... whatever you call them? Facts! She stashes alcohol all around the place, even drinking in the stinking alley. Look at your face in the mirror! Is it that she could like? Or our money? WAKE! THE HELL UP!

George Burbank

That's enough, Phil. Well, what is the harm? The hides were only going to be burned.

Phil Burbank

I needed them. I needed them.

George Burbank

Well, I apologize. [walks away]

Phil Burbank

They were MINE! I needed them!