Once Upon a Time in America (1984) - Quotes

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.

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Brotherhood Through Time and Choices

Taglines: As boys, they said they would die for each other. As men, they did.

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The Challenge of Keeping Up

Sharkey: [O'Donnell has been shot in the leg by Crowning's henchmen] Don't worry, Jimmy. With one leg a little shy, you're gonna take giant steps.

James Conway O'Donnell: Yeah... always one step behind you, eh Sharkey?

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Power Dynamics and Inequality in Society

James Conway O'Donnell: [to Max; motioning at Crowning] 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.

David Noodles Aaronson: [puts a jacket on O'Donnell, who flinches] Take it easy. The difference is, they're always gonna win. And you're gonna keep gettin it up the ass.

Crowning: Sooner than you think.

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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.

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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.

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Conflict Among Characters in a Heated Exchange

Police Chief Aiello: I'm the chief of police, not the chief of the people.

Dominic: [dying words after being shot by Bugsy] Noodles, I slipped!

Chicken Joe: [as he and another thug are torturing Jimmy O'Donnell] I don't give a *shit* about you and your Socialist workers!

Frankie Minaldi: [introducing the gang to Joe] Here they are, "The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse"! Did you happen to see that movie, Joe? It's a good movie.

Deborah Gelly: I read books, I want to learn everything, I want to know everything. Doesn't it make sense to have plans?

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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.

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Consequences of Ignoring Wise Advice

Maximilian Max Bercovicz: You know, if we listened to you, we would still be out rolling drunks.

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The Consequences of Betrayal in Friendship

Maximilian Max Bercovicz: When you've been betrayed by a friend, you hit back.

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Contrasting Perspectives on Life's Offerings

Maximilian Max Bercovicz: Some we give them the good life, others we give it right up the ass.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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?