Maverick (TV Series)

The Ghost Soldiers (1959)

James Garner: Bret Maverick

Photos 

Quotes 

• [last lines] 

  Bret Maverick : [narrating]  I was right glad the Lieutenant was going to let it go at a mere handshake. I mean if I was to get a medal out of this ruckus, why, Pappy would never speak to me again.

• Bret Maverick : Now, normally, I don't like to fight. I try to go through life without fighting. But, if that life is about to end, and I don't want it to end, then I'm willing to fight so I can go on living without having to fight. Do you follow that?

• [first lines] 

  Bret Maverick : [narrating]  This is the story of a Sioux Chief and how I came in contact with him. That's him. His name, Running Horse. Gold had been discovered in the Black Hills of the Dakotas. Naturally, this started something of a stampede. The Sioux resented the intrusion and demonstrated their resentment by sending back prospector after prospector, all dead. The Army resented the Sioux resentment and sent several regiments into the territory to build forts and protect the taxpayers.

• Bret Maverick : Lieutenant... could I have a word with you... please... Sir?

  Lieutenant Jennings : Yes, Mr. Maverick, but please be brief.

  Bret Maverick : Uh, Sir, did you understand everything Sgt. Baines told you? Described to you? The situation, that is?

  Lieutenant Jennings : Certainly.

  Bret Maverick : Did you understand that Running Horse and several hundred Sioux are likely to be back here at any moment, mad as can be? Did you understand that, Lieutenant?

  Lieutenant Jennings : Certainly.

  Bret Maverick : Oh.

  [Lieutenant Jennings turns and walks away, and Bret Maverick turns to Sgt. Barnes] 

  Lieutenant Jennings : [to Sgt. Watts]  Sgt., have the Bugler sound assembly.

  Bret Maverick : [to Sgt. Barnes]  He doesn't understand English.

  Sergeant Baines : He's an Army Officer!

• Corporal Willie Daggott : They going to hang him, Sarge?

  Bret Maverick : Please, Willie, I'm a civilian. This is strictly a case of mistaken identity.

  Sergeant Baines : Sure it was. You mistook a colonel's wife for a gay young thing.

  Bret Maverick : Baines, it was just someone who looked like me.

• Sergeant Baines : Well, I asked for this life. All in all, I suppose I'm better off and happier than I would have been in the New Jersey fish market. Ever been to New Jersey, Maverick? On the waterfront, I mean?

  Bret Maverick : Nope, never have.

  Sergeant Baines : You'd have joined the Army too. The Army's full of folks from the Jersey waterfront. Just something about that place.

• Sergeant Baines : Seeing what a tricky man you are, Mr. Maverick, why, you just might get away from me.

  Bret Maverick : Oh, Baines, I wouldn't think of such a thing.

  Sergeant Baines : Oh, I know you wouldn't think about it, Mr. Maverick. Just comes sorta naturally.

• Bret Maverick : This is strictly a case of mistaken identity.

  Sergeant Baines : Sure it was. You mistook a colonel's wife for a gay young thing.

  Bret Maverick : Baines, it was just someone who looked like me.