Bananas (1971)

Howard Cosell: Self

Quotes 

• Howard Cosell : Sir, you've been shot! When did you know it was all over?

• Howard Cosell : This is tremendous, Don, just tremendous. The atmosphere heavy, uncertain, overtones of ugliness. A reminder, in a way, of how it was in March of 1964 at Miami Beach when Clay met Liston for the first time and nobody was certain how it would turn out. The crowd is tense; they've been here since ten this morning. And... and I think I see... the door beginning to open. El Presidente may be coming out. The door opens. It's he... it's El Presidente waving at the crowd. A shot rings out! He turns... he runs back toward the building, trying to get in. This crowd is going wild. He's caught in a crossfire of bullets. And down! It's over! It's all over for El Presidente!

• [last lines] 

  Howard Cosell : I think we should leave the happy couple on that note. It's hard to tell what may happen in the future. But they may live happily ever after. Again, they may not. Be assured of this, though. Wherever the action is, we will be there with ABC's Wide World of Sports to cover it. Now, on behalf of Nancy and Fielding Mellish and all of the others who have made this possible, this is Howard Cosell thanking you for joining us and wishing you a most pleasant good night.

• Howard Cosell : [after interviewing General Emilio M. Vargas]  Well, you've heard it with your own eyes! Now we're going to have to see what the future brings. But right now, from the little dictatorship of San Marcos in Latin America, let's go back to Jim McLean in our studios in New York.

• Howard Cosell : They approach one another cautiously. Nothing unique about that. Now, Mellish begins to make his moves - and so does Nancy. The two are working together, closely. The action growing more rigorous. It is swift, rhythmic, coordinated - what's that? A cut over Mellish's right eye. The doctor comes into examine the cut. No, it will not be stopped. It continues. I tell you, ladies and gentlemen, although you can see for yourselves, I have never seen action like this. That's it. It's over. It's all over! The marriage has been consummated! Nancy and Fielding Mellish, in their most real since, are now man and wife. And, if humanly possible, I'm gonna break through these fans to talk to the two. Excuse me. Excuse me. Nancy, I know that this is very personal, but, was it - everything you expected?

  Nancy : Well, Howard, it all went by so fast. I just had no idea that it would be so quick. Really. I was expecting a longer bout.

  Howard Cosell : No difficulties of any kind?

  Nancy : Well, as you - as you know I'm extraordinarily ticklish. So, I had a kind of a little rough time there. I couldn't stop laughing and I - you know - I thought it'd get in my way; but, I really trained well for this and I think it sort of helped. So, there really wasn't any time that I didn't feel in complete control, you know.

  Howard Cosell : How about you Fielding? I was concerned about that cut. I thought they might stop the action. Did you have that feeling?

  Fielding Mellish : Yes, I was, Howard. I thought that - that I'd have to finish it up quickly; because, I thought the referee might come in and stop it. I knew I was leading at that point. And I was just hoping they'd let me go all the way. And I did.

  Howard Cosell : No disappointments at all?

  Nancy : Well, I had heard that he'd be in great, great shape. And I felt that he wasn't. That he could use a little seasoning and, you know, sort of, timing - the timing was a little off. But, I think he'll be fine. I mean he's not the worst I've had. Not the best! But, not the worst.

  Howard Cosell : Are you offended by what Nancy just said, Fielding?

  Fielding Mellish : Well, I'm not offended; but, I don't agree with it. I mean, I was in great shape. I thought I had her in real trouble with the right hand up early and I was in good form. My breathing was good. I've been training very hard for this. And I just gave a hundred per cent.

  Howard Cosell : When do you anticipate your next bout?

  Fielding Mellish : Well, I think we could probably do this again in the late Spring.

  Nancy : In the late Spring?

  Fielding Mellish : Well I think I'll be ready by the late Spring.

  Nancy : As long as the late Spring?