To Live and Die in L.A. (1985) - Quotes

Director Returns to Gritty Urban Storytelling

Taglines: The director of "The French Connection" is on the streets again!

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Chaos Unleashed in the City of Angels

Taglines: A federal agent is dead. A killer is loose. And the City of Angels is about to explode.

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Legal Challenges in a Drug Case

Bob Grimes: I don't have a lot of time. I'm in the middle of a trial.

John Vukovich: What kind of trial?

Bob Grimes: It's a dope case. Client got busted smuggling fifty pounds of cocaine. I should be able to get him off, though. Seach warrant's weak.

John Vukovich: Weak?

Bob Grimes: Color of the house is listed as brown in the warrant, when in fact it's beige and yellow.

John Vukovich: You should be ashamed of yourself.

Bob Grimes: I don't make any apologies for being an attorney. If I didn't accept the case, somebody else would, without a doubt. Without a doubt.

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Justifying Unlawful Actions in a Conversation

John Vukovich: So now you want to commit a robbery?

Richard Chance: I wouldn't call it that.

John Vukovich: What would you call it?

Richard Chance: Taking down a douche bag who's trying to break the law.

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Contractual Demands and Consequences

Rick Masters: I want my paper, Jeff. I can't afford to have it circulating right now.

Jeff Rice: I told you I don't have it.

Rick Masters: Get it. You broke your contract with me Jeff. Now, I don't know whether you're into it but you're gonna have to suck on this until you give me back my paper!

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A Tense Exchange About Uncertainty

Richard Chance: You know what this is?

Thomas Ling: What's the game?

Richard Chance: It's no game. Just walk.

Thomas Ling: Why?

Richard Chance: Why? Because if you don't, I'll blow your fucking heart out.

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Confrontation Between Chance and Judge Cedillo

Richard Chance: If I was one of your asshole cronies, you'd be spread-eagled on your desk to do this for me!

Judge Filo Cedillo: Don't say something you'll regret later.

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Consequences of Actions in Law Enforcement

John Vukovich: We got an FBI agent killed. You hear that?

Richard Chance: What do you want me to do about it, John?

John Vukovich: It's just a matter of time before they fuckin identify us. They got a good look at us.

Richard Chance: A face is bullshit without a name.

John Vukovich: They got a make on the car!

Richard Chance: Look, they would have sent it out over the teletype if they had anything. They're grabbing at shit.

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Choosing Collaborators in Uncertain Situations

Richard Chance: Can I talk to you for a minute?

Thomas Bateman: You must be a mind-reader. I was just going to call you. I have decided to let Vukovich work with you.

Richard Chance: Do I have a choice?

Thomas Bateman: Oh, is there someone else you'd prefer? You're welcome to fill out a Form 19, and list all the reasons you'd rather not work with him. Your info would be strictly confidential.

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Loyalty Amidst Betrayal and Danger

Richard Chance: I wanna get Rick Masters.

Carl Cody: I've taken four falls, I've never ratted anybody in my life, and I've had plenty of chances, believe me.

Richard Chance: Masters is your friend. I don't blame you, I would never hang up a friend. Anybody who would is a piece of shit. Thing is, your friend tried to have you iced.

Carl Cody: That doesn't mean I'm gonna roll over and play informer. If you're looking for a pigeon, go to the park.

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The Cost of Information in Law Enforcement

Ruth Lanier: How much do I get for the information I gave you on Waxman?

Richard Chance: No arrest, no money.

Ruth Lanier: It's my fault he's dead? It took me six months to get next to him. I got expenses, you know.

Richard Chance: Guess what? Uncle Sam don't give a shit about your expenses. You want bread, fuck a baker.

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Confrontation Over Failed Deal

Jeff Rice: Yo! Yo! Yo! Yo!

Rick Masters: Hello Jeff.

Jeff Rice: What are you doing in my crib.

Rick Masters: You sent two assholes to do Cody and they blew it. I paid you half, I want it back.

Jeff Rice: Yeah, well uh... I'm trying to get that money back myself. I had to front the whole purchase to get my people to do their thing. So I ain't got any more.

Rick Masters: Well, then uh... you better try and shit 40 grand, because I ain't leaving without it.

Jeff Rice: I owe you Cody. Next time there be no fuck-up.

Rick Masters: What next time? He's in protective custody.

Jeff Rice: Hell, protective custody don't mean shit to me! The man's dead.

Rick Masters: In a pig's ass!

Legal Promises and Uncertain Outcomes

Rick Masters: You have my word you won't have to do the whole nickel.

Carl Cody: What does that mean?

Rick Masters: Grimes is the best lawyer in the state. It'll either be an appeal bond or a sentence reduction.

Carl Cody: And the check is in the mail, and I love you, and I promise not to come in your mouth...

Daily Struggles in a Tough Environment

Rick Masters: How you making it?

Carl Cody: Like every other swinging dick in this place makes it. Day by motherfucking day.

Vengeance Against Betrayal and Deceit

Carl Cody: [about Max Waxman] He's a lying son of a bitch! He's probably the motherfucker who did me. He ratted me to the feds. I'll kill him when I get out! I'm gonna give that fuckin scumbag a serious headache. May God strike me dead if I don't waste him.

The Importance of Front Money in Business

Eric Rick Masters: Everybody knows Rick Masters won't go near a job without front money. You should also know that I never fucked a customer out of his front money. I've been coming to this gym three or four times a week for five years. I'm an easy man to find. My reputation speaks for itself. The fact is that if you can't come up with the front money you're not for real.

Confrontation and Warning on the Streets

Richard Chance: [to Vukovich] You ain't my partner! You ain't even my fucking friend. In fact, let me give you a little piece of advice: you better get your ass into protection, baby! Because you ain't shit on the streets! You understand that? You ain't got the nuts! Kiss my ass! Pussy motherfucker!