31 quotes
Lex Luthor's Insight on Numbers and Identity
Lex Luthor
Do you know why the number 200 is so vitally descriptive to both you and me? It's your weight and my I.Q.
[to Otis]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Perry White on Clark Kent's Talents
Perry White
Lois, Clark Kent may seem like just a mild-mannered reporter, but listen, not only does he know how to treat his editor-in-chief with the proper respect, not only does he have a snappy, punchy prose style, but he is, in my forty years in this business, the fastest typist I've ever seen.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Longing for Connection and Understanding
Lois Lane
Can you read my mind? Do you know what it is that you do to me? I don't know who you are. Just a friend from another star. Here I am, like a kid out of school. Holding hands with a god. I'm a fool. Will you look at me? Quivering. Like a little girl, shivering. You can see right through me. Can you read my mind? Can you picture the things I'm thinking of? Wondering why you are...all the wonderful things you are. You can fly. You belong in the sky. You and I...could belong to each other. If you need a friend...I'm the one to fly to. If you need to be loved...here I am. Read my mind.
[voiceover]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Superman's Advice on Confession and Justice
Superman
Officer! Uh, good evening, Officer Mooney. Well, they say confession's good for the soul. I'd listen to this man. Take him away.
[lands holding a cat burglar; takes a handful of stolen jewelry out of the burglar's bag]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
A Moment of Departure and Understanding
Clark Kent
I have to leave.
Martha Kent
I knew this time would come. We both knew it from the day we found you.
Clark Kent
I talked to Ben Hubbard yesterday, and he said...that he'd be happy to help out from now on. Mother...
[struggling to maintain his composure]
Martha Kent
I know, son. I know. Do you...know where you're headed?
Clark Kent
North.
Martha Kent
Remember us, son. Always remember us.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Guidance for Kal-El's Purpose and Heritage
Jor-El
Live as one of them, Kal-El, to discover where your strength and your power are needed. Always hold in your heart the pride of your special heritage. They can be a great people, Kal-El; they wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I have sent them you...my only son.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Lex Luthor's Kryptonite Revelation to Superman
Lex Luthor
I told you. That's Kryptonite, Superman. Little souvenir from the old home town. I spared no expense to make you feel right at home.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Jimmy Olsen Introduces Himself Playfully
Jimmy Olsen
Hey, dork. Jimmy Olsen.
[to Clark]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Clark's Unique Perspective on New Experiences
Lois Lane
So, how did you enjoy your first day on the job?
Clark Kent
Frankly, the hours were somewhat longer than I expected, but meeting you and Jimmy and Mr. White on the whole, I think it's just swell.
Lois Lane
Swell"? You know, Clark, there are very few people left in the world who feel comfortable saying that word.
Clark Kent
What word?
Lois Lane
Swell".
Clark Kent
Really? It just sort of comes naturally to me.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Urgent Call for Planetary Evacuation
First Elder
...An unpleasant duty has been masterly performed, Jor-El. They have received the fate they deserve: isolation in the Phantom Zone; an eternal living death.
Jor-El
A chance for survival, nonetheless. As opposed to us, if we continue to ignore these facts...It's suicide! No, it's worse. It's genocide!
First Elder
Be warned, Jor-El. The Council has already evaluated this outlandish theory of yours.
Jor-El
My friends, you know me to be neither rash nor impulsive. I'm not given to wild, unsupported statements. And I tell you that we must evacuate this planet immediately!
First Elder
Jor-El, you are one of Krypton's greatest scientists.
Second Elder
Ah, yes, but so is Vond-Ah.
Vond-Ah
It isn't that we question your data. The facts are undeniable. It's your conclusions we find unsupportable.
Jor-El
This planet, along with its red sun, will destabilize and burst within thirty days...likely within seven.
Vond-Ah
I tell you Krypton is simply shifting its orbit.
Second Elder
Jor-El, be reasonable! Let Krypton die? Never! This is just another one of your...mistaken fantasies.
Jor-El
My friend, I've never been otherwise. This madness is yours...to do with as you wish.
First Elder
This discussion is terminated. The decision of the Council is final...Any attempt by you to create a climate of fear and panic among the populace must be deemed by us...an act of insurrection.
Jor-El
You would accuse me of insurrection? Has it now become a crime to cherish life?
First Elder
You would be banished to endless imprisonment in the Phantom Zone...the eternal void which you yourself discovered. Will you abide by the Council's decision?
Jor-El
I will remain silent. Neither I nor my wife will leave Krypton.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Urgent Call for Planetary Evacuation
Jor-El
My friends, you know me to be neither rash nor impulsive. I'm not given...to wild, unsupported statements. And I tell you we must evacuate this planet immediately!
[answering criticism from the Council leader]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Struggle Between Ability and Humility
Jonathan Kent
Been showing off a bit, haven't you, son?
Clark Kent
Uh...I didn't mean to show off, Pa. It's just that...well, guys like that Brad, I just wanna tear em apart...I know I shouldn't, but...
Jonathan Kent
I know. You can do all these amazing things, and sometimes you think that you will just go bust unless you can tell someone about it.
Clark Kent
Yeah!...I mean, every time I get the ball, I can make a touchdown. Every time! Is it showing off for a person to do what he's capable of? Is a bird showing off when it flies?
Jonathan Kent
No! No, now you listen to me. When you first came to us, we thought that people would come and take you away because if they found out about the things you could do, well, that worried us a lot. But then a man gets older and he thinks very differently, better, starts to see things very clear. And there's one thing I do know, son. And that is, you are here for a reason. I don't know whose reason it is, or whatever the reason...maybe it's...I don't know...but I do know one thing: it's not to score touchdowns.
Clark Kent
Thanks Dad. C'mon Dad! I'll race you to it!
Jonathan Kent
You will?
Clark Kent
C'mon! C'mon!
[runs into the barn with his dog]
Jonathan Kent
Oh, no.
[starting to have a heart attack; last words; collapsed dead]
Martha Kent
Jonathan...? Jonathan!
[looks over at the barn; realizing]
Clark Kent
Dad...
[runs out of the barn in shock]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Lex Luthor's Reflection on Superman's Legacy
Lex Luthor
You were great in your day, Superman. But it just stands to reason, when it came time to cash in your chips, this old "diseased maniac" would be your banker. Mind over muscle?
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Lex Luthor's Threat to Superman and Metropolis
Lex Luthor
This is Lex Luthor. Only one thing alive with less than four legs can hear this frequency, Superman, and that's you. In approximately five minutes, a poison gas pellet containing propane lithium compound will be released through thousands of air ducts in the city, effectively annihilating half the population of Metropolis.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Hope Amidst Uncertainty in Metropolis
Boy
In the decade of the 1930s, even the great city of Metropolis was not spared the ravages of the worldwide depression. In the times of fear and confusion the job of informing the public was the responsibility of the Daily Planet. A great metropolitan newspaper, whose reputation for clarity and truth had become a symbol of hope for the city of Metropolis.
[opening narration]
Miss Teschmacher
Why is it I can't get it on with the good guys?
Desk Sergeant
Mooney, first bottle's on me, let me get my hat.
[on seeing a boat in the middle of the street and Superman flying off]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Consequences of Ignoring Harsh Realities
Jor-El
A chance for life, nonetheless...as opposed to us, you cannot ignore these facts! It's SUICIDE! No, it's worse. It's GENOCIDE...!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Lex Luthor's Call for Miss Teschmacher
Lex Luthor
MISS TESCHMACHER-R-R-R-R-R!!!!
[repeated line; screams bloody murder]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Consequences of Misused Power in Council
Executor
The energy input to Jor-El's quarters is now in excess. Our data indicates the loss is due to a misuse of power.
First Elder
Investigate.
Second Elder
And if our suspicions prove correct?
First Elder
He knew the penalty he faced, even as a member of this Council. The law will be upheld.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Father and Son Seek Identity and Answers
Jor-El
My son, you do not remember me. I am Jor-El. I am your father. By now, you will have reached your 18th year as it is measured on Earth. By that reckoning, I will have been dead for many thousands of your years. The knowledge that I have, matters physical and historic, I have given you fully on your voyage to your new home. These are important matters, to be sure, but still matters of mere fact. There are questions to be asked, and it is time for you to do so. Here in this...this Fortress of Solitude, we shall try to find the answers together. So, my son, speak.
Clark Kent
Who am I?
Jor-El
Your name is Kal-El. You are the only survivor of the planet Krypton. Even though you have been raised as a human being, you are not one of them. You have great powers, only some of which you have as yet discovered.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Perception Shapes Understanding of Stories and Life
Lex Luthor
Some can read War and Peace and come away thinking it's an adventure story. Others can open the wrappers of chewing gum and unlock the secrets of the universe.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Questioning Negative Energy
Superman
Bad vibrations?
[After getting "clubbed" on the head by a crowbar by a thief; the crowbar shivers uncontrollably in the thief's hands]
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A Father's Legacy to His Son
Jor-El
You will travel far, my little Kal-El. But we will never leave you...even in the face of our deaths...the richness of our lives shall be yours. All that I have, all that I've learned, everything I feel...all this, and more I...I bequeath you, my son. You will carry me inside you...all the days of your life. You will make my strength your own, and see my life through your own eyes, as your life will be seen through mine. The son becomes the father, and the father, the son. This is all I...all I can send you, Kal-El.
[As he bids his infant son farewell before sending him to Earth]
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The Thrill of Presence and Power
Lex Luthor
Doesn't it give you kind of a, a, a...shudder...of electricity through you to be in the same room with me?
[after he's explained how a meteor from Krypton can kill Superman]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Art of Reporting Excellence
Jimmy Olsen
Golly, Miss Lane, how come you get all the best stories?
Lois Lane
A good reporter doesn't get great stories, Jimmy...
Perry White
...a good reporter makes them great.
[to Clark]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Lex Luthor's Claim of Deception
Lex Luthor
Because if any human being were going to perpetrate such a fantastic hoax, it would've been me!
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Power of the Human Brain
Lex Luthor
It's amazing that brain can generate enough power to keep those legs moving.
[watching Otis approaching the hideout]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Superman's Casual Observation About the Elevator
Superman
Hi there. Something wrong with the elevator?
[A cat burglar is climbing up the side of a building. He looks up and sees Superman standing there]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
The Imperfection of Goodness in Superman
Lex Luthor
There's a strong streak of good in you, Superman. But then nobody's perfect...almost nobody.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Council Deliberates Charges Against General Zod
Jor-El
This is no fantasy, no careless product of wild imagination. No, my good friends. These indictments that I have brought you today, the specific charges listed herein against the individuals, their acts of treason, their ultimate aim of sedition, these are matters of undeniable fact. I ask you now to pronounce judgment on those accused. On this...this mindless aberration, whose only means of expression are wanton violence and destruction. On the woman Ursa, whose perversions and unreasoning hatred of all mankind have threatened even the children of the planet Krypton. Finally, General Zod. Once trusted by this Council, charged with maintaining the defense of the planet Krypton itself. Chief architect of this intended revolution and author of this insidious plot, to establish a "New Order" amongst us with himself as absolute ruler. You have heard the evidence. The decision of the Council will now be heard.
[referring to Non; referring to Ursa]
Council Member 1
Guilty!
Council Member 2
Guilty!
Council Member 3
Guilty!
Council Member 4
Guilty!
General Zod
The vote must be unanimous, Jor-El. It has therefore now become your decision. You alone will condemn us if you wish, and you alone will be held responsible by me. Join us. You have been known to disagree with the Council before. Yours could become an important voice in the new order, second only to my own! I offer you a chance for greatness, Jor-El! Take it! Join us! You will bow down before me, Jor-El! I swear it! No matter that it takes an eternity! YOU WILL BOW DOWN BEFORE ME!! BOTH YOU, AND THEN ONE DAY, YOUR HEIRS!!!
[Jor-El signals the Phantom Zone; screaming with rage]
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Lex Luthor's Departure and Acknowledgment of Faults
Lex Luthor
I have to leave you now. No hard feelings. We all have our little faults. Mine's in California.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.
Salary Arrangement Inquiry in the Workplace
Clark Kent
Excuse me, Mr. White. I was wondering if, if, uh, perhaps you could arrange for half my salary to be sent to this address on a weekly basis.
Lois Lane
Your bookie, right?
Clark Kent
My what?
Clark Kent
Actually, she's silver-haired.
[brief pause as they both realize he's not kidding]
Perry White
Yeah. I'll see what I can do.
Lois Lane
Any more at home like you?
Clark Kent
Uh, not really, no.
Lois Lane
I didn't think so.
Quotes sourced from Wikiquote (© Wikiquote contributors), licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Modified for formatting/length.