The Gypsy Moths (1969)

Burt Lancaster: Mike Rettig

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Quotes 

• Mike Rettig : [softly]  Tomorrow, when we leave here, I want you to come with me.

  Elizabeth Brandon : [clearly surprised at the request]  Come with you?

  Mike Rettig : Yes.

  Elizabeth Brandon : [she makes some low sounds, and he moves toward her]  Do you always offer so much more than you're asked for?

  Mike Rettig : Only to those who ask so much less than they want.

• V. John Brandon : What I don't understand is, why you do this thing at all.

  Joe Browdy : To me, it's a business.

  V. John Brandon : And you, Mr. Rettig? What's it to you? If you don't mind my asking.

  Mike Rettig : I had a friend in the Army, a sergeant, a parachutist for about twenty years. He used to say that jumping was not only a way to live, but also a way to die. Damn few things are.

• Malcolm Webson : Remember what you always said when I first started with you? "Be careful." That's what you always said. "That's what's important in this business kid. BE careful."

  Mike Rettig : Is that what I always said?

  Malcolm Webson : Why are you taking so many chances now? What are you trying to prove?

• Elizabeth Brandon : I imagine you're the sort of man who always manages to find the best and rightest reasons for everything you do. Do you think that's possible for everyone?

  Mike Rettig : I'm always hopeful.

• Elizabeth Brandon : [talking about the upcoming parachute performance]  It really does sound very exciting.

  Mike Rettig : You said it was terrifying.

  Elizabeth Brandon : Yes... Well, I suppose in a way that's what makes it exciting, isn't it?

  Elizabeth Brandon : [Rettig remains silent as she continues]  Most ordinary people can't help but respond to the idea of some excitement in their lives, you know?

  Mike Rettig : Even if it terrifies them?

  Elizabeth Brandon : Yes. Exactly.

• Malcolm Webson : You came *too* damned close before you opened your chute!

  Mike Rettig : [gestures to the lively crowd in the bleachers]  They came for a show. Listen to 'em, kid!

  Malcolm Webson : They'll settle for a lot less than you're giving them.

  Mike Rettig : You never can tell *what* they'll settle for - until you've tried it!

• Elizabeth Brandon : How do you come to have this wonderful freedom of choice?

  Mike Rettig : You take it.

  Elizabeth Brandon : From whom?

  Mike Rettig : From anyone who says it isn't yours to take it.

  Elizabeth Brandon : Oh, I envy you

  Mike Rettig : Don't envy me - join me.

• V. John Brandon : Pays well, then, this sort of thing?

  Joe Browdy : If we make it interesting enough.

  Elizabeth Brandon : Oh? How do you do that?

  Joe Browdy : Make it interesting?

  Elizabeth Brandon : Yes, I mean, I shouldn't think you'd have to do anything in particular to make it more interesting than it is to begin with.

  Mike Rettig : What Browdy means is the closer we come to the ground - the more interesting it is for the customers. And for us too, of course.

  Elizabeth Brandon : [pause]  How terrifying.

• V. John Brandon : "He is at liberty to die, who does not wish to live."

  Mike Rettig : Do you believe that?

  Joe Browdy : That's dead wrong.

• Elizabeth Brandon : You're very direct, aren't you?

  Mike Rettig : Not very subtle, you mean.

  Elizabeth Brandon : No, I didn't say that. I think you are subtle, but in a direct sort of way.

• Malcolm Webson : Maybe you'll forget the cape stunt tomorrow, huh?

  Mike Rettig : Might not be a bad day for it, if the air is damp, heavier. A slower descent.

  Malcolm Webson : By how much? A couple of seconds? What does that matter? You can only stay up so long. Then you have to come down, right?

  Mike Rettig : That's right.

  Malcolm Webson : Sometimes I think you hate to come back to the ground at all.

• Elizabeth Brandon : The merciful stranger come to save me from the terrible boredom and lovelessness of my life. Is that what you think you are?

  Mike Rettig : I'm only offering you a way out.

  Elizabeth Brandon : I don't want a way out!

  Mike Rettig : Well, then, that's the difference. You have to want it.

• Elizabeth Brandon : Leave me alone!

  Mike Rettig : Do it!