Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949)

Miles Malleson: The Hangman

Photos 

Quotes 

• The Hangman : Even my lamented master, the great Mr. Berry himself, never had the privilege of hanging a duke. What a finale to a lifetime in the public service!

  Prison Governor : Finale?

  The Hangman : Yes, I intend to retire. After using the silken rope, never again be content with hemp.

• The Hangman : The last execution of a Duke in this country was very badly bungled. That was in the old days of the axe, of course.

• The Hangman : A difficult client can make things most distressing. Some of them tend to be very hysterical - so inconsiderate.

• [first lines] 

  Warder in Jail : Good evening, Mr. Elliot.

  The Hangman : Good evening.

• The Hangman : [about to lead Mazzini, who has become a Duke, to the gallows]  Good morning, Your Grace. This won't take a moment. First, if Your Grace will pardon the liberty, I should like to read some verses composed by myself for use on these melancholy occasions. Your Grace permits?

  Louis Mazzini : - With pleasure.

  The Hangman : [Clears his throat]  My friend, reflect -

  [Corrects himself awkwardly] 

  The Hangman : Oh. Oh. Pardon. Your Grace, reflect: while yet of mortal breath some span, however short, is left to thee, / How brief the total span twixt birth and death, How long thy coming tenure of eternity. /

  [Takes a deep breath and continues with ponderous emphasis on each syllable:] 

  The Hangman : Your Grace, prepare -

  [to his great disappointment, a messenger rushes into the cell and announces that new evidence has been discovered which exonerates Mazzini, and the execution is cancelled]