Destry (1954)

Edgar Buchanan: Mayor Sellers

Photos 

Quotes 

• [Destry is checking all the saloon patron's guns] 

  The Honorable Hiram J. Sellers, Mayor : I'm like you, I never carry a gun. I prefer a bow and arrow.

• Tom Destry : Everytime I start asking questions, the people kind of look vague and sort of drift away.

  The Honorable Hiram J. Sellers, Mayor : What kind of questions?

  Tom Destry : Oh, just ordinary things. Like what really happened to Sheriff Bailey?

  The Honorable Hiram J. Sellers, Mayor : I knew a fella once who made himself real unpopular asking questions. It got so nobody talked to him. He died lonely. You might keep that in mind.

• The Honorable Hiram J. Sellers, Mayor : As the poet says, "Life is real, life is earnest and the goal is but the grave." Or words to that affect. It is my sorrowful duty to inform you that one of our fellow townsmen has just made that goal. Our esteemed sheriff, Joseph Bailey, is no longer with us. In the absence of other officials, and in the interest of law and order, and in accordance with ordinance number eight thousand and, ah, six-five-four, I must appoint a temporary successor. I have considered this matter seriously, and sought the advice of prominent citizens. I have decided to appoint a sheriff, a man who is not without experience as a peace officer. A man you all love and respect, Mr... ah, what's his name again?

• The Honorable Hiram J. Sellers, Mayor : Deliver the prisoner at ten o'clock - Decker's Saloon. It's the only place in town big enough to hold a trial.

• Tom Destry : Do you have the authority to swear me in as Deputy?

  The Honorable Hiram J. Sellers, Mayor : I thought that had already been taken care of.

  Tom Destry : Seems like it kind of got overlooked and I think it ought to be done before I start work.

  The Honorable Hiram J. Sellers, Mayor : Well, I'll be glad to help you son. The moment I laid eye on you I figured you was the right man for the job.

  Tom Destry : Sort of the way I figured it, too.

  The Honorable Hiram J. Sellers, Mayor : Besides, like the fellow said, if anything goes wrong, it's your funeral.

• The Honorable Hiram J. Sellers, Mayor : By the power invested in me, I appoint you Deputy Sheriff. I hope you don't live to regret it.