Once Upon a Time in America poster

Once Upon a Time in America Quotes

R 1984 · 2h 19m 84 Audience
17 quotes
Contrasting Perspectives on Life's Offerings
Maximilian Max Bercovicz Some we give them the good life, others we give it right up the ass.
Power Dynamics and Inequality in Society
James Conway O'Donnell You boys ain't a mild case of the measles - you're the plague. And bastards like him - - are immune. That's the difference between us and them.
[to Max; motioning at Crowning]
David Noodles Aaronson Take it easy. The difference is, they're always gonna win. And you're gonna keep gettin it up the ass.
[puts a jacket on O'Donnell, who flinches]
Crowning Sooner than you think.
The Consequences of Betrayal in Friendship
Maximilian Max Bercovicz When you've been betrayed by a friend, you hit back.
Fear of Unwanted Affection
David Noodles Aaronson I'm not that type of guy, besides if I hit you, I'm afraid you'd like it.
Perception of Winning and Losing in Life
David Noodles Aaronson Why was that a surprise? You can always pick the winners at the starting gate - the winners and the losers. Who woulda put a penny on me?
Concern for a Lifetime of Work
David Noodles Aaronson I hope the investigation turns out to be nothing; it'd be a shame to see a lifetime of work go to waste.
A Tale of Friendship and Sacrifice
David Noodles Aaronson You see, I have a story too, Mr. Bailey. I had a friend once. A dear friend. I turned him in to save his life. He died. But he wanted it that way. Things went bad for my friend, and they went bad for me, too.
Consequences of Ignoring Wise Advice
Maximilian Max Bercovicz You know, if we listened to you, we would still be out rolling drunks.
Reflections on Aging and Insecurity
David Noodles Aaronson I haven't had a gun in my hands for many, many years. My eyes aren't what they used to be, even with the glasses. My hands shake. And I wouldn't want to miss.
From Dreams to Betrayal: A Pact's Journey
Taglines As boys, they made a pact to share their fortunes, their loves, their lives. As men, they shared a dream to rise from poverty to power. Forging an empire built on greed, violence and betrayal, their dream would end as a mystery that refuse to die.
Perspectives on Revenge and Reality
Maximilian Max Bercovicz Is this your idea of revenge?
David Noodles Aaronson No. It's just the way I see things.
The Growth of a Nation and Its Struggles
Maximilian Max Bercovicz This country's still growing up. Certain diseases, you're better off having when you're still young.
The Challenge of Keeping Up
Sharkey Don't worry, Jimmy. With one leg a little shy, you're gonna take giant steps.
[O'Donnell has been shot in the leg by Crowning's henchmen]
James Conway O'Donnell Yeah... always one step behind you, eh Sharkey?
Embracing the Streets' Unpleasantness
Maximilian Max Bercovicz You'll live with the stink of the streets all your life.
David Noodles Aaronson I like the stink of the streets. It makes me feel good. I like the smell, and it opens up my lungs. And it gives me a hard-on.
Conflict Among Characters in a Heated Exchange
Police Chief Aiello I'm the chief of police, not the chief of the people.
Dominic Noodles, I slipped!
[dying words after being shot by Bugsy]
Chicken Joe I don't give a *shit* about you and your Socialist workers!
[as he and another thug are torturing Jimmy O'Donnell]
Frankie Minaldi Here they are, "The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse"! Did you happen to see that movie, Joe? It's a good movie.
[introducing the gang to Joe]
Deborah Gelly I read books, I want to learn everything, I want to know everything. Doesn't it make sense to have plans?
Brotherhood Through Time and Choices
Taglines As boys, they said they would die for each other. As men, they did.
Silence and Compliance in Tough Times
David Noodles Aaronson You'll put up, and you'll shut up! You hear nothing, and you see nothing! Just like you did for Bugsy!