The Beast with Five Fingers (1946)

Robert Alda: Conrad Ryler

Photos 

Quotes 

• Francis Ingram : Hilary, do you know why you are here?

  Hilary Cummins : No, I don't . Some anniversary perhaps?

  Francis Ingram : No, no such thing. I merely want your testimony... that I am not insane. It's very important to me to be certain that not one of you thinks I am of unsound mind. Bruce, you are an artist, a musician, You've been with me a long time. You've been with me constantly; therefore you are in a position to speak. Are you convinced that there is nothing wrong with... with my mental balance?

  Conrad Ryler : Your mental balance is equal to mine, and while I consider that a tribute to your sanity, there are certain people in San Stefano who consider me... slightly eccentric. Perhaps they're right.

• Conrad Ryler : I know, Julie, you're afraid. He's holding you with his pain and helplessness. He draws his energy from your life. He'll never let you go.

  Julie Holden : But I must go.

• Conrad Ryler : Tell me, Signor Conrad, in a case like this, whom does one condole? To whom does one express his grief and sympathy?

  Ovidio Castanio : To me. I made a very fair living playing chess and gambling with him. Eating his food, drinking his wine. Now that he's gone, I'm without doubt the chief mourner.

• Julie Holden : I wish that we could leave right now.

  Conrad Ryler : It won't be long, only a few days. In the meantime, keep your chin up.

  Julie Holden : Why?

  Conrad Ryler : So that I can kiss you.

• Ovidio Castanio : It was a dreadful accident, entirely unexpected.

  Conrad Ryler : Yes, accidents usually are.

• Ovidio Castanio : But of course, you are aware of the law that forbids the export of authentic antiques without a special permit?

  Conrad Ryler : Ma certa, Commissario. I am well aware of every law. I would not dream of dealing in *authentic* antiques.

• Ovidio Castanio : In my mind there is no doubt the hand is walking around.

  Conrad Ryler : You don't believe in things like that.

  Ovidio Castanio : Unfortunately for the peace of our souls, one cannot explain everything logically that happens in this world, Signor Conrad.

• Conrad Ryler : Isn't this your handwriting, Hilary?

  Hilary Cummins : No, it's Ingram's. His hand wrote it. Don't you see? The hand, it must be here! I have to find it, it must be somewhere!