To Catch a Thief (1955) · 43 quotes
5th most-quoted character in To Catch a Thief (1955): in 3 of its 43 quotes
Most scenes with: John Robie (3), Danielle Foussard (3)
What happens to you if I'm caught?
Hughson I might be embarrassed, even censured officially.
They could put me away for good.
Hughson You made a bad choice of professions.
Then, let's come to an understanding. I'm doing you a favor. I take all the risks. You get all the jewelry back.
Hughson Mr. Smith. It strikes me that only an honest man would be so foolish.
Thank you.
Hughson You are a man of obvious good taste in everything. How did you - I mean, why did you...?
Why did I take up stealing?...To live better, to own things I couldn't afford, to acquire this good taste which you now enjoy and which I should be very reluctant to give up.
Hughson Oh, you mean you were frankly dishonest.
I tried to be.
Hughson You know, I thought you'd have some defense, some tale of hardship - your mother ran off when you were young, your father beat you, or something.
Naah, no. I was a member of an American trapeze act in the circus that traveled in Europe. It folded and I was stranded, so I put my agility to a more rewarding purpose.
Hughson You have no other defense.
No. For what it's worth, I only stole from people who wouldn't go hungry...
Hughson I take it you were a sort of modern Robin Hood. I mean, you gave away most of the proceeds of your crimes.
Kept everything myself. Well, let's face it, I was an out-and-out thief, like you.
Hughson Steady, old man.
No, no, wait a minute. Have you ever taken an ashtray from a hotel or a towel?
Hughson Souvenirs, they expect that.
You're given an expense allowance to pay for all the meals you eat on the job. Right? But this meal is free. Now, are you going to deduct the price of a lunch from your expense account? Well, of course you're not. It would be stupid. Do you agree?
Hughson Yes.
You're a thief. Only an amateur thief, of course, but it will help you to sympathize with us professionals.
Hughson The pastries are light as air.
Germaine has very sensitive hands and an exceedingly light touch. She strangled a German general - without a sound.
