Governor Hopper Quotes in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

James Taylor: I think we've got your man - Horace Miller.

Governor Hopper: Horace Miller!

Chick McGann: A born stooge! Why, ole Horace will preform like a trained seal.

Governor Hopper: But, Jim, if I throw a party man, like Horace Miller, in the face of those people...

James Taylor: For reasons I can't go into now, it's got to be Horace Miller. Do you understand? I've given you the man, now make out your ticket.

Governor Hopper: I won't let you stand there callously and perhaps wreck my whole political future!

James Taylor: Your political future? Why, I bought it for you. I gave it to you as a present and I can grab it back so fast it'll make your head swim! You've got a nerve to sit there and worry about your political future, when we're in a spot like this!

Governor Hopper: Well, forgive my abysmal ignorance, but I don't know this Jefferson Smith from a hole in the ground.

Governor Hopper: That settles it! I will not be attacked and belittled by my own children in my own home! Oh, my nerves are strained to the breaking point!

Mrs. Hopper: Oh, Hubert.

James Taylor: A Boy Ranger? A squirrel chaser to the United States Senate?

Governor Hopper: Listen, Jim, a simpleton of all times. A big eyed baby. Knows Lincoln and Washington by heart. Stands at attention in the Governor's presence. He even collects stray boys and cats.

James Taylor: He does what?

James Taylor: Chick, turn the ballyhoo boys loose. Its the greatest appointment ever made. Give a banquet and declare a holiday.

Governor Hopper: A star spangled banquet!

Chick McGann: Wow!

Governor Hopper: It is in that spirit that we gather here tonight, to acclaim and wish God's speed to Senator Jefferson Smith!

[Crowd roars]

Jefferson Smith: Thank you. I-I I-I can't help feeling that there's been a big mistake somehow.