Sudden Impact (1983)
Michael Currie: Lt. Donnelly
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Quotes
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[Harry, Lt. Donnelly & Capt. Briggs are meeting in the Commissioner's office, after Harry's confrontation with Threlkis the gangster]
Captain Briggs : [shouting] In more than 30 years of police work, this is the single, most OUTRAGEOUS transgression of authority I ever heard about. What the HELL did you think you were doing?
Harry Callahan : My job.
Captain Briggs : Is it your job, to harass & incite an old man into a heart attack?
Harry Callahan : My job is to investigate homicide. That old man happens to be one of the biggest crime lords on the west coast. How the hell was I supposed to know he was gonna vapor-lock?
Captain Briggs : But you hoped he would?
Harry Callahan : The Doker case is mine. It was at a standstill. I was just trying to break it loose.
Captain Briggs : Sure, with threats and intimidation!
Harry Callahan : Any way possible!
Captain Briggs : Are you aware that you have destroyed MONTHS - of intelligence & surveillance work? We're talking thousands of dollar, hundreds of man-hours? Special investigations has been BUSTING ITS ASS preparing a case against Threlkis.
Harry Callahan : He would have just snaked his way out of it. Maybe we saved the taxpayers a little money.
Captain Briggs : [with contempt] I ought to bust your ass down to traffic. Or better yet, kick it off the force! You're a dinosaur, Callahan. Your ideas don't fit today.
Harry Callahan : Just what ideas are these? That murder's a crime? That it shouldn't be punished?
Captain Briggs : [sneering] Hey, don't you lecture me, you son-of-a-bitch. You know who you're talking to, huh? You know MY record?
Harry Callahan : [disgusted] Yeah. You're a legend in your own mind!
Captain Briggs : [angrily] Goddamn you, Callahan!
Police Commissioner : Gentlemen, that's enough! Inspector, your methods are unconventional to say the least. Well, you get results. But often your successes are more costly to this department in terms of publicity & physical destruction than most other men's failures!
Lt. Donnelly : Commissioner, now I...
Police Commissioner : [cuts Donnelly off] Please, Lieutenant! The press will have a field day with this latest escapade. There may be further civil & legal repercussions. As a matter of fact there may even be attempts at retaliation. I think it would be wise if the inspector took some time off.
[Briggs nods approvingly]
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Lt. Donnelly : Harry, these bastards are not a bunch of junkies. In their minds you killed Threlkis, same as if you pulled the trigger. They're not gonna stop, they're gonna keep comin' after you.
Harry Callahan : Good, that way we'll know where they are.
Lt. Donnelly : You're incredible Callahan!
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Lt. Donnelly : So this is your idea of rest and relaxation? Peace and quiet?
Harry Callahan : [exasperated] Look, am I on the job or not?
Lt. Donnelly : Yes, you are.
Harry Callahan : Good. Then I'll get on it.
Lt. Donnelly : It's not what you think. Remember that cock-shot stiff up near the cliff house?
Harry Callahan : Yeah.
Lt. Donnelly : He's been in the city for a few years now. Mostly clean, but definitely out in the shade. He seems strictly small-time. But maybe he just didn't get caught.
Harry Callahan : What's your point?
Lt. Donnelly : He came from San Paolo, born and raised. I want you to get down there and find out whatever you can.
Harry Callahan : What is THIS bullshit?
Lt. Donnelly : It's a murder case, Harry! Look, you wanna work, then work! You got you assignment, get on it!
Lt. Donnelly : [as Harry is leaving] Take all the time you need. You don't have to hurry back!
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Lt. Donnelly : Helluva way to spend the night off, Harry!
Harry Callahan : You joining the act, too?
Lt. Donnelly : No, for chrissakes! Back off a little! I'm worried about your ass. You're either gonna get it shot off or kicked outta here!
Harry Callahan : So what else is new?