Dust Be My Destiny (1939)

William B. Davidson: Warden

Quotes 

• [first lines] 

  Warden : [as Joe walks into his office]  Joe Bell, you've served here sixteen months.

  Joe Bell : [looking up as he remembers the details]  ... thirteen days, four hours, and twenty-three minutes. I've been keeping a record.

  Warden : I can't say you've been a model prisoner. You've been rebellious. Unruly. I've disciplined you. But I want you to know now that I acted in the line of duty. I'm a warden, not a judge. It wasn't my business to determine your guilt or innocence.

  Joe Bell : What are you getting at?

  Warden : Bell, you're free.

  Joe Bell : [with a surprised expression]  Free?

  Warden : Yes, I've a court order here for your release. The real criminal responsible for the burglary for which you've been serving time was caught in a stick-up, and he's made a full confession. I'm sorry.

  Joe Bell : [defiantly]  You're sorry? You didn't serve time. I did. I'm sorry I was chump enough to think the cops would believe a nobody like me when I told them I was only trying to help the guy who was shot. I should have kept my nose out of trouble. Don't worry, warden. I'm wised up now, 'cause no matter what happens or who gets hurt, from now on, Joe Bell runs the other way.