I like watching old movies, and, as a watcher of old movies, I see the same actors show up time after time. These are not the ones who are famous and play in the leading roles. These are the ones who play in the supporting roles. They have familiar faces, but they do not have familiar names.
John Qualen was one of those actors. He was in tons of movies and television shows. In almost all of them, he had a Scandinavian accent. That is pretty good for someone who grew up in Illinois. In honor of John Qualen and other character actors, I have decided to continue the “Movie Wisdom” series with his movies.
In the past, I have searched for nuggets of wisdom from the movies of different actors. There have been many, but the search for wisdom in the films of Burt Reynolds and Don Knotts are the most popular. I have also covered Kevin Costner, Steve McQueen, Ellen Barkin, Don Johnson, Paul Newman, Jodie Foster, Tommy Lee Jones, Sheb Wooley, Lee Marvin, and George Peppard.
The rules are always the same. I must have seen the movie, but it does not matter which character spoke the line.
From The Grapes of Wrath
I wouldn’t pray just for a old man that’s dead, ’cause he’s all right. If I was to pray, I’d pray for folks that’s alive and don’t know which way to turn.
Seems like the government’s got more interest in a dead man than a live one.
Takes no nerve to do something, ain’t nothin’ else you can do.
Maybe there ain’t no sin and there ain’t no virtue, they’s just what people does.
From Knute Rockne All American
Anyone who follows the truth in his heart never makes a mistake.
From The Devil and Daniel Webster
A man can always change things. That’s what makes him different from the barnyard critters.
From Casablanca
I never make plans that far ahead.
If we stop breathing, we’ll die.
Well there are certain sections of New York, Major, that I wouldn’t advise you to try to invade.
From The Searchers
Figure a man’s only good for one oath at a time.
I don’t believe in surrenders.
From North to Alaska
A bullet through the head is always the best cure for love.
From Two Rode Together
Well, there are some men you just can’t trust to stay where you put ’em.
You know, sometimes it takes a lot more courage to live than it does to die.
I can tell when a man walks through that door whether he prefers blondes or brunettes, drinks whiskey or beer, plays blackjack or poker, is a cheapskate or a high roller.
From The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
When the legend becomes fact, print the legend.
Courage can be purchased at yon’ tavern!
From Cheyenne Autumn
Does it ever matter who fires the first shot?
Now, as I understand it, a mademoiselle is a madam who ain’t quite made it yet – only younger and friskier.
From A Big Hand for the Little Lady
There’s a whole world waitin’ for you out there.
That’s a bargain all right, but a bargain ain’t a bargain unless it’s something you need.
Now look, mister, the first rule of the game of poker, whether you’re playing eastern or western rules, or the kind they play at the North Pole, is put up or shut up!
SBI: A Thinning Crowd 
You got a bunch of favorites there. Big Hand for the Little Lady is a special favorite, a rare comedy for Fonda and a great ending 🙂 Good one!
Big Hand for the Little Lady was on yesterday. That’s what made me think about doing this one.
There’s some gems in there!
If I had only half the wisdom behind them I’d be ready for Sainthood.
Or at least a place at the bar.
I thought it was interesting to see how many great movies he was in.
“If you die, I’ll kill you”. (I think it’s from “The Steel Helmet”) I loved Qualen in “The Searchers”. Puts his glasses on when a letter arrives. Only he can’t read.
The Searchers is full of a bunch of great characters. I have never seen The Steel Helmet. Heck, I haven’t even heard of it.
I see all the eCommerce site deals one gets bombarded with, I’m reminded of that penultimate ‘bargains’ quote here. It’s just that I didn’t know the source of that quote till now.
It’s a great movie. You should check it out.
Will do. Thanks.
I remember that from Cheyenne Autumn. 😀
That’s an awesome movie.