The Asphalt Jungle (1950)

John McIntire: Police Commissioner Hardy

Quotes 

• Police Commissioner Hardy : People are being cheated, robbed, murdered, raped. And that goes on 24 hours a day, every day in the year. And that's not exceptional, that's usual. It's the same in every city in the modern world. But suppose we had no police force, good or bad. Suppose we had... just silence. Nobody to listen, nobody to answer. The battle's finished. The jungle wins. The predatory beasts take over.

• Police Commissioner Hardy : I am here to arrest you, Emmerich.

  Alonzo D. Emmerich : May I ask what for?

  Police Commissioner Hardy : Complicty... in robbery and in murder

  Alonzo D. Emmerich : If I were you, Hardy, I'd think up a few more charges. You might be able to make one of them stand up if you get an imbecile jury... and the right judge.

• Police Commissioner Hardy : In some ways, he's the most dangerous of them all. A hardened killer. A hooligan. A man without human feeling or human mercy.

• Det. Andrews : She confirmed what Emmerich said, that he was with her from 11:30 till 3.

  Police Commissioner Hardy : How did she impress you?

  Det. Andrews : Very much! She's some babe.

  Police Commissioner Hardy : That's not what I mean!

• Police Commissioner Hardy : He left prison yesterday at 12 noon, took a train for this city, time of arrival, 3:17. All you had to do was stay with him for 24 hours. If he didn't register, lock him up. What happens? He loses you five blocks from the depot, and a dangerous criminal is at large in this city.

  Lt. Ditrich : Two men on that detail ought to get medals for dumbness.

  Police Commissioner Hardy : They were assigned by you. You should get one too.

• Det. Andrews : [knocking repeatedly on Angela's door]  Okay, miss. It's a shame to bust this door in, but here goes.

  Angela Phinlay : [Angela suddenly opens the door]  Haven't you bothered me enough, you big banana head? Just try breaking my door, and Mr. Emmerich will have you thrown out of the house!

  Det. Andrews : Afraid not, miss. He's got troubles enough. As a matter of fact, he's a dead duck.

  Police Commissioner Hardy : [voice heard from off-screen]  Hurry up, Andrews! Bring the young lady in here.

  Angela Phinlay : Do I have to talk to him? Couldn't I just talk to you?

  Det. Andrews : Come on, baby. Get it over with. And... be smart. Tell the Commissioner the truth. That's the only thing to do. Come on.

  [leads her out the door] 

• Police Commissioner Hardy : Married 20 years, consorting with a woman young enough to be his granddaughter. It's disgusting! But nothing about Emmerich would surprise me. Educated man who uses brains to circumvent the law. Worst type of human being. No excuse for him.