The Return of Frank James (1940)

Russell Hicks: Prosecutor

Quotes 

• Prosecutor : [Approaches witness stand]  Your name is Breckenridge Jackson?

  Colonel Jackson : [Curtly]  *Colonel* Breckenridge Jackson, sir!

  Prosecutor : Well, *Colonel* Jackson, sir. You say you've known Frank James for many years?

  Colonel Jackson : [Angrily]  Are you doubtin' my word, sir?

  Prosecutor : [Briskly]  I merely asked you a question, sir.

  Colonel Jackson : I answered for my friend, the major, and you sir, were in the room at the same time. Are you deef?

  Prosecutor : [Answers with indignation]  My hearing is perfectly good!

  Colonel Jackson : Very well! Then I advise you sir, to pay attention to what's going on in this h'yere courtroom.

  [Riotous laughter from spectators] 

  Judge : [Bangs gavel for order]  Please answer all questions put you, directly, and without discussion. As a character witness...

  Colonel Jackson : [Stands, bows]  I shall do as you wish, sir. There's no favor I can refuse the man

  [raises arms flamboyantly] 

  Colonel Jackson : who led the *courageous* attack at Balls Bluff...

  Judge : All right, all right. But let's get on with it.

  Colonel Jackson : Very well, sir.

  [Sits, speaks curtly] 

  Colonel Jackson : What do you want to know, Yankee?

• Prosecutor : You say you didn't kill the watchman Wilson?

  Frank James : Had no reason to.

  Prosecutor : You always need a reason for killing?

  Frank James : [annoyed]  Don't you?

  Prosecutor : [curtly]  I am not on trial! Your accomplice could've shot Wilson.

  Frank James : Yeeeeah... could have...

  Prosecutor : Ahhh...!

  Frank James : ...but he didn't. Shot from the outside got Wilson.

  Prosecutor : I suggest that you *caused* the death of the watchman... either directly, or by using him as a shield in making your escape!

  Frank James : Can't arrest ya for suggestin' but 'tain't so.

  Prosecutor : Tell me... just where *was* the watchman Wilson when he was hit?

  Frank James : Well, lemme see, I think he...

  Prosecutor : [interrupts loudly]  Never mind what you think, where was he?

  Frank James : [brief chuckle]  Sorry, I can't talk without thinkin', not bein' a lawyer.

  [uproarious laughter from spectators, including the judge]