The Greatest (1977)

Richard Venture: Colonel

Quotes 

• Colonel : Morale is very important to us. Sports is very important for morale. Do you know what Sgt. Joe Louis did in World War II?

  Muhammad Ali : Yes, sir. I think he boxed exhibitions, did personal appearances and things like that.

  Colonel : Right. Now, there are no guarantees, but, you can be quite sure that that's what you'll be doing after your basic training.

  Major : We'd be crazy to use you where you don't have the most value.

  Muhammad Ali : Value for who? I mean, everybody know where I stand. I mean, I'm against the war in Vietnam. I've said on occasions, in the press, I don't think black people, I don't think they should go to Vietnam and fight Asians, yellow people, who've never lynched us, raped us, called us niggers, deprived us of freedom, justice, equality - for the same white man who's not freed us right here in America. Really, my conscience won't allow me to go. Although I won't have to go. You offer me deals where probably I don't have to fight or I could have it easy or do like Joe Louis did. Still, I know that you're usin' me to lead other people to the service, which is leadin' them to slaughter, and my conscience will still bother me. Sir, I just rather go to jail.