The Shootist (1976)

Ron Howard: Gillom Rogers

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Quotes 

• Gillom Rogers : [first lines, voiceover]  His name was J.B. Books, and he had a matching pair of 45's with antique ivory grips that were something to behold. He wasn't an outlaw. The fact is for a while he was a lawman. Long before I met Mr. Books, he was a famous man. I guess his fame was why somebody or other was always after him. The wild country had taught him to survive. He lived his life and herded by himself. He had a credo that went:

  John Bernard Books : I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, and I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.

• Gillom Rogers : [Books has just given Gillom a shooting lesson]  But how could you get into so many fights and always come out on top? I nearly tied you shooting.

  John Bernard Books : Friend, there's nobody up there shooting back at you. It isn't always being fast or even accurate that counts. It's being willing. I found out early that most men, regardless of cause or need, aren't willing. They blink an eye or draw a breath before they pull the trigger. I won't.

• [last lines] 

  Gillom Rogers : LOOK OUT!

• Gillom Rogers : Bat Masterson told Cobb...

  John Bernard Books : [Interrupts]  Bat Masterson?

  Gillom Rogers : Yeah, he said that a man has to have guts, deliberation and a proficiency with fire arms.

  John Bernard Books : Did he mention that third eye you better have?

  Gillom Rogers : Third eye?

  John Bernard Books : For that dumbass amateur. There's always some six-fingered bustard that couldn't hit a cow in the tit with a tin cup. That's the one who usually does you in. But Masterson always was full of... sheep-dip.

• John Bernard Books : [after Gillom tells him that Pulford and Cobb will be at the Metropole the next day]  What about the other one, Mike Sweeney?

  Gillom Rogers : Now you watch out for him, Mr. Books. He's mean, and he hates you.

  John Bernard Books : Well, we'll see if we can't clear that up tomorrow.

• Gillom Rogers : [Gillom is dusting off a carriage as Books and Mrs. Rogers prepare for a drive to Lake Tahoe]  Moses says he don't rent out this buggy too often.

  Mrs. Rogers : Doesn't.

  Gillom Rogers : 'Doesn't'... except for funerals.