Sunday, June 24, 2012

Brian Keith as "Theodore Roosevelt" in THE WIND AND THE LION (1975)


John Hay: Theodore! You are dangerous. You might even shoot somebody - accidentally I mean. Theodore Roosevelt: John, I'd never shoot anyone accidentally. I need their votes. John Hay: Madness!

***

Theodore Roosevelt: America wants Pedicaris alive, or Raisuli dead!

***

Theodore Roosevelt: What do I want? I want respect! Respect for human life and respect for American property! And I'm going to send the Atlantic Squadron to Morocco to get that respect. John Hay: That's illegal. Theodore Roosevelt: Why spoil the beauty of the thing with legality?




Theodore Roosevelt: The American grizzly is a symbol of the American character: strength, intelligence, ferocity. Maybe a little blind and reckless at times... but courageous beyond all doubt. And one other trait that goes with all previous. 2nd Reporter: And that, Mr. President? Theodore Roosevelt: Loneliness. The American grizzly lives out his life alone. Indomitable, unconquered - but always alone. He has no real allies, only enemies, but none of them as great as he. 2nd Reporter: And you feel this might be an American trait? Theodore Roosevelt: Certainly. The world will never love us. They respect us - they might even grow to fear us. But they will never love us, for we have too much audacity! And, we're a bit blind and reckless at times too. 2nd Reporter: Are you perhaps referring to the situation in Morocco and the Panama Canal. Theodore Roosevelt: If you say so... The American grizzly embodies the spirit of America. He should be our symbol! Not that ridiculous eagle - he's nothing more than a dandified vulture.

***

John Hay: Not having any, Mr. President? Theodore Roosevelt: Oh, no cake for me, John, birthday or no. Have to remain fit and trim, vigorous and active. After all, this Raisuli fellow is reputed to be over fifty and still a formidable brigand. John Hay: Well, you might well make a formidable brigand yourself. You've made a good start in life, and we all have high hopes for you - when you grow up! And now I shall have some of your cake. "Let them eat cake" - thank you! Theodore Roosevelt: Not good for you, John - neither are those cigars. John Hay: At my age, I can afford it.




Theodore Roosevelt: [to Hay, while boxing] You know as well as I do that we can't have Arab desperadoes running around kidnapping American citizens. If I had my way, I'd go in there with a couple of Winchesters, a batallion of Marines - but, I can't do that, can I? John Hay: [breaks up Roosevelt and his opponent] No. Theodore Roosevelt: Has this Raspuli-? John Hay: Raisuli. Theodore Roosevelt: Raspuli, Raisuli, whatever - has he made any terms? John Hay: No. Theodore Roosevelt: Good - that gives us an excuse!

***

John Hay: [on Raisuli] He kidnapped a British consul once, but they became friends and he sent him back - he spat on the blood money. Theodore Roosevelt: Spat on it? John Hay: Yes. There've been others, though - Spanish and French emissaries. Theodore Roosevelt: Did he send them back too? John Hay: Parts of them. Theodore Roosevelt: Parts of them? Obviously he has NO RESPECT FOR HUMAN LIFE! [said as he KO's his opponent]

***

Theodore Roosevelt: Gentlemen, nothing in this world is certain - absolutely nothing. The fate of the nation will be decided by the American people in November, and the fate of Morocco will be decided tomorrow by me. And now, if you don't mind, I'd just like to be alone with my bear!

***

Theodore Roosevelt: [examining a rifle he has received for his birthday] You can be sure that Raisuli fellow has a rifle that fits him. Those people know the value of a good weapon. The rifle is the very soul of the Arab. President's Aide: Raisuli's a Berber, Mr. President. Theodore Roosevelt: It goes double for Berbers!



No comments:

Post a Comment