True Grit (1969) - Quotes

Defiance in the Face of Danger

Ranger La Boeuf: I ain't dead yet, you bushwhacker!

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Pride in Military Service

Ranger La Boeuf: I served under General Kirby Smith. And I don't have to hang my head when I say it.

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Courage in Confrontation Over Retreat

Ranger La Boeuf: You can't take men by watching them run away!

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Taking One Step at a Time

Ranger La Boeuf: I only take one step at a time. That's why I was given two feet.

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La Boeuf's Take on Name Pronunciation

Ranger La Boeuf: The French is La Bourf'. I say La Beef'.

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The Value of a Prepared Weapon

Rooster" Cogburn: Well, a gun that's unloaded and cocked ain't good for nothin'.

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Urgent Need for Medical Attention

Rooster" Cogburn: We've got to get you to a doctor or you'll be deader than he is!

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Frustration Over Abandonment in Crisis

Rooster" Cogburn: Damn that Texican! When you need him, he's dead.

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A Defiant Challenge in the Face of Danger

Rooster" Cogburn: Fill your hand, you son of a bitch!

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Confrontation of Justice and Revenge

Rooster" Cogburn: I mean to kill you in one minute, Ned. Or see you hanged in Fort Smith at Judge Parker's convenience. Which'll it be?

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Understanding Ned's Justification for Violence

Rooster" Cogburn: Ned doesn't go around killing people for no reason. Had he a reason, he'd kill them.

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Confrontation and Choice in True Grit

Rooster" Cogburn: Young fella, if you're looking for trouble, I'll accommodate you. Otherwise, leave it alone.

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Disdain for Whistling Men

Rooster" Cogburn: DAMN a man that whistles!

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Regret for a Young Boy's Lost Leg

Rooster" Cogburn: It's a shame, a kid like Moon losing his leg. He's too young to be hoppin around on a raw peg. Loves to dance too much, and sport!

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A Warning from Rooster Cogburn

Rooster" Cogburn: LaBoeuf, if you get crosswise of me you'll think a ton of brick had fell on you! You'll wisht you was back at the Alamo with Travis!

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Self-Reflection in True Grit

Rooster" Cogburn: By God! She reminds me o me!

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The Utility of a Big-Bore Carbine

Rooster" Cogburn: A fella that carries a big-bore Sharps carbine might come in handy… if we get jumped by elephants, or buffalo, or something.

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The Nature of Belonging and Dependence

Rooster" Cogburn: General Price don't belong to me. He just rooms with me. Cats don't belong to nobody. Course, I depend on him.

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Determined Spirit in the Face of Adversity

Rooster" Cogburn: Baby sister, I was born game, and I mean to go out that way.

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Consequences of Justice in Unusual Circumstances

Rooster" Cogburn: [to Mattie; shoots the rat] Mr. Rat, I have a writ here that says you are to stop eating Chen Lee's cornmeal forthwith. Now, It's a rat writ, writ for a rat, and this is lawful service of same! See? He doesn't pay any attention to me. You can't serve papers on a rat, baby sister. You either kill him or let him be.

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Demanding Change for Papa's Marker

Mattie Ross: Papa's marker is not what was ordered. I will make that wool-hatted fool of a stone man change it.

Questioning Rooster Cogburn's Loyalty and Grit

Mattie Ross: Rooster Cogburn is no good friend of mine! He led us straight into your hands, and now he has left me with a gang of cut-throats! Is that what they call "grit" in Fort Smith? We call it something else in Yell County.

Identity and Injustice in Yell County

Mattie Ross: My name is Mattie Ross, of Near Dardanelle in Yell County. My family owns property, and I don't know why I'm being treated like this!

Defiance and Independence in Mattie Ross's Journey

Mattie Ross: I'm going! And it's not because you say I can't, and it's not because you say I can. I paid good cash money to be here, and I'm on my own business! Now, we'll have no more talk about it.