Anatomy of a Murder (1959)

Arthur O'Connell: Parnell Emmett McCarthy

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Quotes 

• Parnell Emmett McCarthy : Twelve people go off into a room: twelve different minds, twelve different hearts, from twelve different walks of life; twelve sets of eyes, ears, shapes, and sizes. And these twelve people are asked to judge another human being as different from them as they are from each other. And in their judgment, they must become of one mind - unanimous. It's one of the miracles of Man's disorganized soul that they can do it, and in most instances, do it right well. God bless juries.

• Parnell Emmett McCarthy : Gin!... I knew there was something wrong with that guy. I never met a gin drinker yet that you could trust

• Parnell Emmett McCarthy : [eyeing an empty liquor bottle]  You fought this soldier by yourself. You've been drinking alone, Paulie. I don't like that.

  Paul Biegler : Drop the stone, Counsellor. You live in a glass house.

  Parnell Emmett McCarthy : My windows have been busted a long time ago, so I can say what I please.

• Parnell Emmett McCarthy : The lieutenant goes to Quill's place and plugs Mr. Quill about five times, which causes Mr. Quill to promptly die of lead poisoning.

• Parnell Emmett McCarthy : You know I used to think the world looked better through a glass of whiskey. It doesn't. I think I'll keep it this way. Looks nice.

• Parnell Emmett McCarthy : Did you give the lieutenant the Well-Known Lecture?

  Paul Biegler : If you mean, did I coach him into a phony story, no.

  Parnell Emmett McCarthy : Maybe you're too pure, Paul. Too pure for the natural impurities of the law.

• Parnell Emmett McCarthy : [Paul and Parnelll arrive at the campground in order to procure the promissory note for legal fees and discover that Manion's campsite is vacant. Parnell reads note left behind out loud]  Dear Mr. Biegler, so sorry, but I had to leave suddenly: I was siezed by an irresistible impulse. Frederick Manion.

  Paul Biegler : [sniggers with wry smile]  Now how in the world are we gonna face Maida?

  Parnell Emmett McCarthy : [Pulling empty bottle out of trash barrel]  Gin. I knew there was something wrong with that guy. I never saw a gin drinker yet you could trust.

  Paul Biegler : Well partner, what do you say we go and see our first client?

  Parnell Emmett McCarthy : Who might that be?

  Paul Biegler : Mary Pilant. We're going to administer Barney Quill' estate.

  Parnell Emmett McCarthy : That's what i call poetic justice for everybody.

  Paul Biegler : Yeah.