31 quotes
A Declaration of Intent by Ned Kelly
Ned Kelly
I've never shot a man, but if I do, so help me God, you'll be the first!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Struggle for Humanity and Protection
Ned Kelly
They said I'd lost what it meant to be human, maybe never had it in the first place, but wasn't this about protecting the ones I loved? The ones who gave me food, and shelter, even the clothes on me back? And therefore wasn't it now a war?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Claiming Ownership and Freedom of Movement
Ned Kelly
The country belongs to us.
Woman in Crowd
Yeah.
Man in Crowd
That's right.
Ned Kelly
And we'll go wherever we like.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Joining the Circus with Greatness
Ned Kelly
I spose you're the Great Orlando.
The Great Orlando
That I am.
Ned Kelly
Well, I'm the Great Ned Kelly, and this here's the Fabulous Joe Byrne. We'd like to join your circus.
[raising their guns]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Defiance Against Authority and Injustice
Ned Kelly
And wasn't this the challenge of your whole life, Superintendent? A feather in your cap? You can't catch me. You don't have a hope of catching me, so you take my friends instead - over a hundred men arrested, stuck in stinking cells without trial while their crops perish in the fields. And guess what? Not one of em caves in and tries to claim the reward. Not one of em. They loved me the just same and hated you all the more, didn't they? Did you really think I was gonna let em all rot?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Thirsty Moment of Reflection
Joe Byrne
Jesus Christ, lads, I think I need a drink.
[in the middle of the Glenrowan shootout, right before his death]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Recognition and Identity in a Rural Setting
Old Man on verandah
Handsome looking horse you got there, Ned. You're cuttin a flash, all right.
Ned Kelly
Ah, great.
[sees a policeman up ahead]
Constable Hall
You're Ned Kelly, aren't ya? Red Kelly's boy?
Ned Kelly
Get down Jane. .
[Jane gets off horse]
Constable Hall
Fine animal you got there. Distinctive, wouldn't you say?
Ned Kelly
She's Wild Wright's.
Constable Hall
That's the postmaster's mare.
Ned Kelly
No, it isn't. It's Wild Wright's. He lost her when she bolted into the bushes.
Constable Hall
You're a liar, Kelly.
Ned Kelly
No, I'm not. I found her this morning, grazing.
Constable Hall
She's been reported stolen.
Ned Kelly
Stolen, my arse!
Constable Hall
A horse thief! It's not your horse!
Ned Kelly
Get your hands off me!
[pulled down from the horse.]
Constable Hall
You're under arrest! Stand, Kelly, or I swear to God, I'll shoot you down.
[Horse runs away, Ned jogs after it to no avail.]
Ned Kelly
I was only going after the horse.
Constable Hall
You were trying to escape, you blaggard. You're just as thick as your bloody father.
[gun shoots]
Ned Kelly
Jesus Christ! Now, what are you trying to do? I could've tanned your hide for that.
Constable Hall
Strike an officer, and you'll bloody swing for it!
Ned Kelly
Strike you down to the ground! No blows struck yet, Constable Hall!
[Pushes Constable Hall down to the ground]
Constable Hall
Help me someone!
Ned Kelly
Help him! Help Constable Hall! Poor Constable Hall! He's such a fuckin rat'!
Constable Hall
He's trying to kill me, the rascally blaggard! Help me someone!
[Other police officers run up to grab Ned]
Ned Kelly
Stand put! Go on! Put me down! He tried to shoot me for Christ's sake! All right! All right! Is that the best you can do, you bloody coward? Go on. I can take it.
[Hall hits him with gun butt; Hall hits him again]
Officer
That's enough!
[orders Hall to stop; looks at Ned got blood on his head badly hurt]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Reflections on Solitude and Freedom
Ned Kelly
What I best recall is riding alone with the sun behind me, seeing me own shadow cantering ahead against the roadside weeds and willows, and leaving me stretched far behind galloping to chase it. Like a centaur in the picture books.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Confronting the Kelly Gang Threat
Superintendent Hare
We have received word that one of your informants has been shot dead by the Kelly gang over near Beechworth. We will entrain immediately and proceed to Wangaratta. From there, you will be split up into units and will fan out across the country encircling the immediate vicinity. Stay close to your troop commanders for your orders of march. I would remind you all that the men we are hunting have not only plundered two banks, kidnapped men, women and children, but have murdered three of your fellow officers. They have outrun us before, gentlemen. Do not allow them to do so again.
Constable
Don't you worry, sir. We'll show the bloody animals. We'll blow em all to kingdom come.
[Officers laughter]
Superintendent Hare
These are not animals, constable. These are men who have been glorified as the leaders of a movement, a movement that threatens the stability of an entire country. Underestimate them and it will be you who will be blown to kingdom come.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Ned Kelly's Perspective on Life
Superintendent Hare
Do you mind if I have this?
Boy
Hey look! It's Ned Kelly!
Boys
Ned! Hey, Ned!
Ned Kelly
Such is life.
[narrating]
Intertitle
Despite petitions for a pardon that bore a total of 32,000 signatures, Ned Kelly was hanged on 11th of November, 1880.
Intertitle
He was 25 years old.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Killing a Man, Not His Legend
Taglines
You can kill a man but not a legend.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Enigmatic Night Dancer of the Past
Ned Kelly
There's a certain type of black tribesman that bends in the wind. Blends into the background. Mostly he employs the help of the dead to destroy other people. "The Night Dancer", they call him.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Symbol of Sacrifice and Honor
Ned Kelly
I wore it seriously, me hero's sash of green and gold - proof that I'd saved a life as well.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Dispute Over a Stolen Watch
Old Man
I say, give me that back. That blackguard just stole my watch.
Steve Hart
They say the Lord helps those who help themselves.
Ned Kelly
Give him back his watch.
Steve Hart
What?
Ned Kelly
You heard what I said. I said give him back his damn watch.
Steve Hart
Have you gone simple all of a sudden. We're robbing a bank.
Ned Kelly
Listen here, kid. This is the last time I tell you. Give him back his damn watch.
Old Man
You're not innocent men. You're a bunch of common criminals.
Ned Kelly
Now did you hear that? If we act like common thieves, that's just what they'll call us. My mother is rotting away in a prison cell. Because of the lies of a policeman named Fitzpatrick. She's an innocent woman, and so are these boys here. My Irish brethren have been imprisoned unlawfully and blacklisted from their selections. How do you expect me to behave other than to stand up against this treatment. Any one of you here can take a shot at me and not be charged for it. There's me gun. Any of you feeling brave enough, go ahead. No? That's what I thought. So if I can beg your patience, this is my statement to the Premier of Victoria, Graham Berry, and you here are my witnesses. Joe, take out a pen and paper. We'll write ourselves a letter.
[jumps the counter and talks to all the captive people.; places his gun on the counter.; looks around.; Superintendent Hare and the three police constables went up the stairs, back to bank when Joe begins writing.]
Ned Kelly
Dear sir. Dear sir.
Graham Berry
Dear sir. I wish to acquaint you with some of the occurrences of the present, past and the future. It will pay government to give those people who are suffering-
[reading the letter]
Ned Kelly
Justice and liberty.
Graham Berry
Justice and liberty. I seek revenge for the evil name given me and my relations. By the light that shines, this is my warning.
Ned Kelly
My brother and sisters and mother have to put up with the brutal and cowardly conduct of a parcel of-
Graham Berry
Big, ugly-
Ned Kelly
Big, ugly, fat-necked -
Graham Berry
Fat-necked -
Dan Kelly
Wombat headed.
Ned Kelly
Wombat headed.
Graham Berry
Wombat headed, big-bellied, -
Woman
Magpie legged.
Ned Kelly
Magpie legged. Thank you very much, ma'am. Joe, write that down. Magpie legged.
Graham Berry
Narrow-hipped, splaw-footed, sons of Irish bailiffs -
Ned Kelly
Or English landlords, better known as what? The Victorian police.
Graham Berry
This section here you might find less amusing, Superintendent.
Ned Kelly
I give fair warning to all those who have reason to fear me, not to attempt to reside in Victoria. Neglect this and abide by the consequences which shall be worse than the rust in the wheat. I do not wish to give this order full force without timely warning but I am an widows son outlawed and my orders must be obeyed!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Tension Among Characters in Ned Kelly Scene
Lonigan
What the hell happened to you?
Fitzpatrick
Ned Kelly shot me.
Lonigan
He what?
Ellen Kelly
Take your rotten hands off me, you bastard!
Kate Kelly
Get off her!
Lonigan
You're under arrest! I'm taking you to the cells!
Ellen Kelly
You're filthy, you mean bastards!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Balancing Dreams and Gunpowder in Conflict
Ned Kelly
They say the trouble with the Irish is that they rely too much on dreams and not enough on gunpowder. Whereas the English were shy on dreams, as usual, but had plenty of the other. Now we had both.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Reflections on a Father's Legacy
Dan Kelly
Where do you think Da is, heaven or hell?
Ned Kelly
No. He... he wouldn't be in hell, you know. He wasn't such a bad fella. He... he was just a dumb paddy who got picked on his whole life. And that does something to your pride, you know?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Legacy of an Outlaw's Story
Taglines
A film about the legendary outlaw whose story outgrew his life
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Ned Kelly's Defiance Against Authority
Ned Kelly
So I killed their policemen and I robbed their banks, but burning their mortgages, well, that was destroying crown property. It was like slapping Queen Victoria herself across the face. So they send in Hare, Superintendent Francis Hare, late of Cape Town, South Africa. And wasn't this the challenge of your whole life Superintendent? A feather in your cap. You can't catch me. You don't have a hope of catching me. So you take my friends instead. Over a hundred men arrested. Stuck in stinkin cells without trial while their crops perish in the fields. And guess what? Not one of em caves in and tries to claim the reward. Not one of em. They loved me just the same and hated you all the more, didn't they? Did you really think I was gonna let em all rot?
[narrating]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Ned Kelly Reflects on His Childhood Heroism
Intertitle
Australia, 1871
Ned Kelly
I was the hero of Hughes Creek. I can still see the glint in me Da's eye as he looked down at me, his hand on me shoulder. What did he call me that day? Ah, what did Da call me? That's right. He called me Sunshine.
[narrating]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Secret Visitor Named Mary Hegarty
Aaron Sherritt
Hey, gotta keep your voice down? I've a visitor.
[Coming outside half undressed]
Joe Byrne
Who?
Aaron Sherritt
Mary Hegarty.
Joe Byrne
Mary Hegarty?
Aaron Sherritt
Mm-hm.
Joe Byrne
Jesus, she can be only thirteen!
Aaron Sherritt
Ah, I'm not superstitious.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Facing the Inevitable: A Moment of Reflection
Steve Hart
I'm out of rounds. Do you have any left?
Dan Kelly
Only two.
Steve Hart
I guess that's all we need then, isn't it?
Dan Kelly
We never stood a chance, did we?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Memories of Heroism and Family Bonding
Ned Kelly
I was the hero of Hughes Creek. I can still see the glint in me Da's eye as he looked down at me, his hand on me shoulder. What did he call me that day? Ah, what did Da call me? That's right. He called me Sunshine.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Joe Byrne's Reaction to a Tragic Event
Joe Byrne
Ah! The monkey's been shot! Poor little bugger!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Unexpected Turn of Events in Conversation
The Great Orlando
Knights in shining armour!
Ned Kelly
Curnow stopped the train.
Steve Hart
Jesus.
Dan Kelly
What does this mean?
Ned Kelly
Hare's on his way.
Dan Kelly
You mean we didn't get any of em.
Ned Kelly
Not a soul.
Joe Byrne
There'll be a hundred of em. At least.
Ned Kelly
You okay Dan?
Dan Kelly
Yeah I'm okay Ned.
Ned Kelly
Steve?
Steve Hart
A short life. And a merry one.
Ned Kelly
Joe?
Joe Byrne
We're gonna give them a good old fight, or aren't we?
Ned Kelly
That's that then. Alright, everyone listen to me. We're getting you out of here.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Value of Friendliness
Joe Byrne
I'm sure there's no harm in being friendly.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Facing Mortality and Resilience
Julia Cook
Don't make me grieve for you
Ned Kelly
I ain't dead yet!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Ned Kelly's Strategic Conspiracy Outline
Ned Kelly
So our plans were set. One, the traitor, Aaron Sherritt; dead, as arranged. Two; the police special from Benalla coming to meet us, the line torn up to send the train to hell, as arranged. Three; Superintendent Hare, if he lives, easily worth an outlaw's mother. And four; the townspeople out of harms way, drinks on us, as arranged.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Acceptance of Life's Uncertainties
Ned Kelly
Such is life.
[last words]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Ned Kelly's Strategic Outline of Plans
Ned Kelly
So our plans were set. One, the traitor, Aaron Sherritt; dead, as arranged. Two; the police special from Benalla coming to meet us, the line torn up to send the train to hell, as arranged. Three; Superintendent Hare, if he lives, easily worth an outlaw's mother. And four; the townspeople out of harms way, drinks on us, as arranged.
[narrating]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Reflections on Solitude and Freedom
Ned Kelly
What I best recall is riding alone with the sun behind me, seeing me own shadow cantering ahead against the roadside weeds and willows, and leaving me stretched far behind galloping to chase it. Like a centaur in the picture books.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.