- [Mike's best friend, Tim Rourke, has been shot]
- Inspector Pete Rafferty: The police are handling this case and we haven't asked for any outside help.
- Michael Shayne: I don't feel like fighting with you, Rafferty. All I want is the person responsible for *that*.
- Inspector Pete Rafferty: So does everyone. What do you supposed a detective bureau is for?
- Michael Shayne: I've often wondered.
- [Phyllis finds Mike sitting on the floor of Tim's apartment rubbing his chin]
- Phyllis Hamilton: Oh, now you look natural. Mike Shayne, can't I leave you for an hour without you getting beaten up?
- Michael Shayne: Seems like old times. I guess I was getting soft.
- Phyllis Hamilton: Are you hurt?
- Michael Shayne: No. No, just my vanity.
- [addressing Brenner when his two henchmen enter his office]
- Michael Shayne: Ah, the affidavit collectors. Of course, they're not working for you - or will you fool me and tell me the truth?
- Burly Henchman: How come Bugeye let him in?
- Michael Shayne: Bugeye is now Shuteye. He's a sucker for a left.
- [to Mike after he confronts Brenner and his thugs]
- Phyllis Hamilton: What, no black eye?
- Michael Shayne: It's the day off for the strong-arm boys. They only work five days a week now, you know - union regulations.
- Michael Shayne: Is Mrs. Smith a brunette?
- Doorman: No sir! You never seen a blonde like that lady. Why, she'd shine in the dark!
- Michael Shayne: There's too many blondes in this case. I'm having blonde nightmares. I hope I never see another blonde as long as I live.
- Phyllis Hamilton: May I have that in writing?
- Michael Shayne: ...With options.
- [last lines]
- Phyllis Hamilton: Tim, notice anything strange about Mike?
- Tim Rourke: No. What?
- Phyllis Hamilton: This is the first time he ever got through a case without being laid out like a rug.
- Michael Shayne: Let me tell you one thing - nobody ever lays Mike Shayne out like a rug!
- [a nurse entering Tim's room slams the door into Mike's head, knocking him out]
- Tim Rourke: [talking on the telephone] Give me the Admission desk... Send another bed up to Room 216.
- [interviewing an African-American doorman]
- Michael Shayne: I'm in the market for some information.
- Doorman: You've come to the right market, suh... the black market. Sellin' information is what I is most fond of.