Fievel Mousekewitz Quotes in An American Tail (1986)

Papa Mousekewitz: Ah, so, Mr Curious, you've discovered the herring.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Herring? I thought they were fish.

Papa Mousekewitz: But Fievel, herring are fish.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Really, Papa?

Papa Mousekewitz: Oh, yes. In the ocean, there are many kinds of fish, and herring is one of them.

Fievel Mousekewitz: All kinds?

Papa Mousekewitz: Yes. Tiny fishes, not so tiny fishes, fishes as big as this boat.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Wow! Let's go up and see the fish.

Papa Mousekewitz: And for you, Fievel, a new hat. And not just any new hat. A new hat that has been in the family for three generations. It belonged to me, my father, and my father's father, and now it belongs to you. Happy Hannukah.

Fievel Mousekewitz: It's too big.

Mama Mousekewitz: You'll grow.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Henri, what's that over there?

Henri: Oh, that is more America.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Can we go see it?

Henri: You will, my little American. Someday, you will.

Orphan #1: So what's your story?

Fievel Mousekewitz: I'm looking for my family.

Orphan #2: Hey, fellas! He's looking for his family.

Orphan #1, Orphan #3: [Teasing] He's looking for his family!

Orphan #3: I stopped looking a long time ago.

Orphan #2: At least you know who they are.

Orphan #1: Besides, why are you looking for them? They should be looking...

Orphan #1, Orphan #2, Orphan #3: ...for you!

Orphan #3: They don't care. Forget 'em.

Fievel Mousekewitz: [Angry] You're right! They don't care, and if they did, they would have found me! Well, if they don't care, I don't care! I hope I never see them again!

Orphan #2: Yeah! Forget about them! You're one of us now!

Orphan #1: Here. Make yourself a bed.

[They toss hay over Fievel]

Orphan #1: Ha-ha-ha! Pitiful.

Fievel Mousekewitz: [Crying] I'll never find them anyway. Never. Never. Never. This is my home now.

Henri: Where is your mama, your papa, huh?

Fievel Mousekewitz: I don't know. They were on a boat to America.

Henri: Then you are in luck, my little immigrant. This is America.

Fievel Mousekewitz: America. But I thought it was bigger.

Henri: It is bigger. All of that is also America.

Henri: I know, my little immigrant. You want to find your family. And you will.

Fievel Mousekewitz: But how? They're so far away, and it's so big. I'll never find them.

Henri: Excuse moi, pardon, did you say never? So young, and you've already lost hope! This is America, the place to find hope. If you give up now, you will never find them. So never say never.

Henri: Now, are you going to find your family?

Fievel Mousekewitz: Yes!

Henri: Chantal! Take this little one to Immigration. You will find your family there. Everyone goes through Immigration. I would take you there myself, but then I would never finish my statue.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Henri, you said never.

Henri: Oh, so I did!

Fievel Mousekewitz: I'm looking for my family.

Warren T. Rat: You've come to the right fella, kid. I know exactly where they are. Follow me.

Fievel Mousekewitz: But Henri said I would find them here.

Warren T. Rat: Have it your way, kid. But remember what Shakespeare said, and I quote: "Opportunity knocks but... uh, but..."

Digit: Psst! Once.

Warren T. Rat: "... but-but once. Taken at the tide, t'will lead to fortune. If denied, t'will never return."

Fievel Mousekewitz: Do you really know where my family is?

Warren T. Rat: Heh heh, trust me, kid. Trust me.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Look, Papa! Smoke! Is the boat on fire?

Papa Mousekewitz: No! Keep walking!

Tony Toponi: Why didn't you tell me what time it was, huh?

Fievel Mousekewitz: But Tony, I can't tell time.

[Fievel sees Warren's true form from behind the mirror]

Fievel Mousekewitz: Warren T.!

Warren T. Rat: [Warren sees Fievel] You!

Fievel Mousekewitz: You're not a Rat, you're a Cat!

Warren T. Rat: How'd you get in here? Come here, you little...

[Warren grabs Fievel, but Fievel bites him and runs off]

Warren T. Rat: Gentlemen, cat's out of the bag.

[throws his mirror to the ground]

Warren T. Rat: [yells] Get me that mouse!

Mama Mousekewitz: Oh, my little boy, back from the dead. America, what a place.

Papa Mousekewitz: My Fievel. I thought I would never see you again.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Never say never, Papa.

Tiger: I like butterflies with big, golden wings, and blue and green tips.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Me too!

Tiger: I like Swiss cheese ice cream.

Fievel Mousekewitz: Me too! Me too!

Tiger: You too-too? Wait a minute. What's your favorite book?

Fievel Mousekewitz: Why, the Brothers Karamousov.

Tiger: [laughing] The Brothers... I don't believe it!

Fievel Mousekewitz: But that's impossible! I'll never find my fam...

Henri: Ah, ah, ah, ah! Never say never! Now say that! Go on!

Tony Toponi: Tony Toponi's the name. What's your name kid?

Fievel Mousekewitz: Fievel. Fievel Mousekewitz.

Tony Toponi: Fievel? Ooh, that name's got to go! I know... Philly!

Fievel Mousekewitz: Philly?

Tony Toponi: Yeah, fits you perfect.

Mama Mousekewitz: [Fievel has come out of his hiding place, a teapot; after the Cossack Cat raid; and is sitting in the snow, dazed yet relieved. Mama and the others arrive]

[greatly concerned]

Mama Mousekewitz: Oh, Fievel! Fievel, are you all right?

Fievel Mousekewitz: [blissfully] Yes, Mama.

Mama Mousekewitz: [strict] Never do that *Again*!

[Fievel snickers; embarrassed, yet still dazed]