Confessions of a Nazi Spy (1939)

Edward G. Robinson: Edward Renard

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Quotes 

• Edward 'Ed' Renard : Funny thing working on a case like this for so long. Something like spending a great deal of time going through a madhouse. You see these Nazis operating here, and you think of all those in Germany, you can't help feeling somehow that they're, well, absolutely insane.

• Edward 'Ed' Renard : I told you I thought this man is an amateur. If he is, why did he become a spy? Well, because he's been listening to speeches, and reading pamphlets about Nazi Germany and believing them. Unfortunately, there are thousands like him in America. Half-witted, hysterical crackpots who go "Hitler-happy" from overindulgence in propaganda that makes them believe that they're supermen.

• [last lines] 

  [Kellogg and Renard hear remarks about the spy case by diners at a lunch counter] 

  U.S. Atty. Kellogg : The voice of the people.

  Edward 'Ed' Renard : Thank God for such people.

  U.S. Atty. Kellogg : Yes, thank God.

• Dr. Kassell : [Renard is going through Dr. Kassell's research papers]  It's all done to preserve Americanism. It's a very thorough research, don't you think?

  Edward 'Ed' Renard : Oh, yes, your research is thorough enough, but your facts seem to be all wrong. Your story fits Nazi prejudices. Oh, uh, Doctor, you wouldn't exactly describe this type of research as the essence of Americanism, would you?

  Dr. Kassell : I would. Precisely. In fact, it is as a loyal American that I am collecting this information, since I am convinced that certain subversive elements must be removed from our American life, before they can totally corrupt and destroy our cherished democracy.

• Edward 'Ed' Renard : [to Schneider]  Don't worry. There's no third-degree with the Federal bureau of Investigation.

• Edward 'Ed' Renard : By the way, uh, when did your wife sail for Europe last year?

  Dr. Kassell : In December.

  Edward 'Ed' Renard : And while you were a bachelor, you lived constantly at your apartment?

  Dr. Kassell : Of course. My office is adjoining.

  Edward 'Ed' Renard : You never went to a hotel?

  Dr. Kassell : No!

  Edward 'Ed' Renard : Yet, on the register of the Hotel "Olympic," your name appears on 4 different occasions... while your wife was away in Europe.

  Dr. Kassell : [a bit dumbfounded]  How... how do you know that?

  Edward 'Ed' Renard : We make it our business to know everything there is to know about a man before we bring him in for questioning.

  Dr. Kassell : What do you want from me?

  Edward 'Ed' Renard : I want you to tell me all you know about the German spy organization in this country.