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If you’re bored by old films you might want to skip this and go to the next post. But if you’re not and you like good dialogue, IMO the 1941 film, The Maltese Falcon, has to be one of the all time great dialogue films. Bogart (Sam Spade) is a private detective and Mary Astor (Miss O'Shaughnessy) is his client who is never honest with him and everyone wants to get their hands on the black bird.
Sam Spade: We didn't exactly believe your story, Miss O'Shaughnessy. We believed your 200 dollars. I mean, you paid us more than if you had been telling us the truth, and enough more to make it all right.
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Sam Spade: Haven't you tried to buy my loyalty with money and nothing else?
Miss O'Shaughnessy: What else is there I can buy you with?
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Joel Cairo: You always have a very smooth explanation...
Sam Spade: What do you want me to do, learn to stutter.
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Kasper Gutman: I couldn't be fonder of you if you were my own son. But, well, if you lose a son, it's possible to get another. There's only one Maltese Falcon.
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Kasper Gutman: Now, sir. We'll talk, if you like. I'll tell you right out, I am a man who likes talking to a man who likes to talk.
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Kasper Gutman: Mr. Spade, have you any conception of how much money can be got for that black bird?
Sam Spade: No.
Kasper Gutman: Well, sir, if I told you... If I told you “half”... you'd call me a liar.
Sam Spade: No, not even if I thought so.
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Sam Spade: If you kill me, how are you gonna get the bird? And if I know you can't afford to kill me, how are you gonna scare me into giving it to you?
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Sam Spade: When you're slapped, you'll take it and like it.
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Sam Spade: I hope they don't hang you, precious, by that sweet neck. Yes, angel, I'm gonna send you over. The chances are you'll get off with life. That means if you're a good girl, you'll be out in 20 years. I'll be waiting for you. If they hang you, I'll always remember you.
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