Dashiell Hammett

“I like women. I really like women.”

“Another man whose social life has ruined him.”

“Our lawyers had their chat with the Supreme Court Justice, and promised to repast the chat to other members of the Supreme Court to find out whether they wanted to hear us out.”

“The roof might fall in; anything could happen.”

“Feed the lettuce to the bunny and eat the bunny.”

“It's sometimes better to pretend I don't hear the sound of somebody in the nearby woods with a shotgun.”

“Thanks for the information about what we call business.”

“It's awfully easy to be in love in jail.”

“She seems to be having a pretty good time despite her worrying. That's Lily.”

“He looked rather pleasantly, like a blonde satan.”

“I've been as bad an influence on American literature as anyone I can think of.”

“I found I was repeating myself. It is the beginning of the end when you discover you have style.”

“I have not killed anyone. They will not let me.”

“You know Quinn?" Macaulay asked me."Ten minutes ago I was putting him to bed."Macaulay grinned. "I hope you keep his acquaintance like that - social""Meaning what?"Macaulay's grin became rueful. "He used to be my broker, and his advice led me right up to the poorhouse steps.""That's sweet," I said. "he's my broker now and I'm following his advice." Macaulay and the girl laughed. I pretended I was laughing and returned to my table.”

“You got to look on the bright side, even if there ain't one.”

“Looks like she's been slapping the kid again.”

“Yes,' Spade growled. 'And when you're slapped you'll take it and like it.' He released Cairo's wrist and with a thick open hand struck the side of his face three times savagely.”

“With what dope I got I think it fills me in pretty well.”

“People always say things like, Oh, well, he was suffering so much that he was better off dying. But that's not true. You're always better off living.”

“Joel Cairo: You always have a very smooth explanation ready.Sam Spade: What do you want me to do, learn to stutter?”