Maj. Demming Quotes in No Time for Sergeants (1958)

Maj. Demming: I think that I would rather live in the rottenest pig sty in Tennessee or Alabama than the fanciest mansion in all of Georgia. How about that?

Will Stockdale: Well, sir... I think where you wanna live is your business.

Maj. Demming: Do you get along alright with your mother?

Will Stockdale: No, sir, I can't hardly say that I do...

Maj. Demming: Oh, I see. She's very strict with you; she's always hovering over you, hmm?

Will Stockdale: No, sir, just the opposite.

Maj. Demming: Oh, she's never there?

Will Stockdale: That's right.

Maj. Demming: And you, uh, you resent this neglect, don't you?

Will Stockdale: Well, no, sir. I don't resent nothin'.

Maj. Demming: Ah, come now, son. Now don't be bashful - that's a common situation. Does, uh, she beat you?

Will Stockdale: Naw!

Maj. Demming: [he chuckles] Oh, so defensive. Well, it's not easy to talk about your mother, is it?

Will Stockdale: No sir, see, she died when I was born.

Maj. Demming: Now then - your father. Living?

Will Stockdale: Yes, sir.

Maj. Demming: Do you get along with him okay?

Will Stockdale: Yes, sir.

Maj. Demming: Does he ever beat you?

Will Stockdale: [laughs] You bet!

Maj. Demming: Hard?

Maj. Demming: And how! Boy, there ain't nobody can beat like my pa can.

Maj. Demming: So this is where the antagonism comes from.

[chuckles]

Maj. Demming: You, uh, you hate your father don't you?

Will Stockdale: No. Hey, I got a uncle I hate though. Ever time he comes out to the house, he's always wantin' to rassle with the mule. And the mule gets all wore out... and he gets all wore out. Well, I, I don't really hate him, though; it's just that I ain't exactly partial to him.

Maj. Demming: Did I ask you about your uncle?

Will Stockdale: I thought you wanted to talk about hatin' people.