The Enforcer (1951)

Zero Mostel: Big Babe Lazick

Photos 

Quotes 

• [Big Babe Lazich has just been invited to join Rico's gang. While he is waiting, he notices that Rico is always on the phone] 

  Babe Lazich : Who calls him on the phone?

  Philadelphia Tom Zaca : If you're a good swimmer, you can ask the guy who found out. He's at the bottom of the river.

  [He grins] 

• Joseph Rico : [Giving Babe money]  There's your first week's pay.

  Babe Lazich : Thanks, Mr. Rico, Now I'm ready for the big stuff - maybe even a killing.

  Joseph Rico : [grabbing Babe by the collar]  Don't ever say that! A murder is a contract. A hit is the sucker that gets killed. Remember those words and use 'em. Then, even if the cops tap our phone, they don't know what you're talkin' about! Get that?

  Babe Lazich : Yes, sir. Anything else?

  Joseph Rico : Yes. Burn that tent you're wearin' and get yourself a suit!

• Joseph Rico : [to Babe Lazich]  A blimp like you ain't got a girlfriend, have you?

  Babe Lazich : I've got a wife.

  Joseph Rico : Well, if anything happens to you, we take care of her. If you get into a jam, we get you a lawyer. If you get in jail, you're on the payroll all the time you're in.

• Babe Lazich : [as they enter, the moving camera is from Babe's POV]  It was a big day for me. They'd seen me in the neighborhood, and now they were sending for me, but I wondered why Duke was taking me to Olga's. I was sure excited because I was finally getting in with the real boys.

  James Malloy : [to someone behind the door]  It's me - Duke.

  Babe Lazich : Back room was just like what you'd expect at the back of a store.

  [the camera pans from face to face] 

  Babe Lazich : Shorty - that dope! And Philadelphia - he wasn't all there, but nobody ever said that when he was around. Vince - a bundle of nerves with no brain. And there behind the desk, all nerve and no brain - Mr. Rico!