Morton Azenauer Quotes in Pretty Poison (1968)

Dennis Pitt: [upon being released on parole from a mental institution] I must tell you, Mr. Azenaur, a lumber yard does seem like a slight waste of my talents.

Morton Azenauer: Is that so?

Dennis Pitt: Yes, sir. I've been taking a secret course in interplanetary navigation. I had hoped to be appointed to the first Venus rocket.

Morton Azenauer: [not amused] Cut that out, Dennis!

Dennis Pitt: I was kidding, sir.

Morton Azenauer: These fantasies of yours can be dangerous. Now, you lay off that stuff!

Dennis Pitt: Yes, sir. Well, I better not miss my bus to the lumber yard. You'll be hearing from me.

Morton Azenauer: Dennis... Believe me, Dennis, you're going out into a very real and very tough world. It's got no place at all for fantasies.

Dennis Pitt: [Meeting with Mr. Azenauer in the prison] There was some poison once, but no one recognized it. In fact, that poison was even quite... pretty-looking. So, the problem was, what to do about it? It took me some time to realize that what to do about it was very simple: nothing.

Morton Azenauer: Nothing?

Dennis Pitt: Correct, Mr. Azenauer, because who'd listen to me - known to be no good? But if that poison just stayed there, getting worse and worse, like poison always does - spreading, until even the blindest man could see, until he HAD to see...

Morton Azenauer: Go on...

Dennis Pitt: [Hesitating] Sorry... I've learned that people only pay attention to what they discover for themselves. So long...

Dennis Pitt: [Getting up] If you're ever in Winslow, see what Sue Ann is up to, will you?

Morton Azenauer: I'll keep an eye on her, Dennis.

Dennis Pitt: So long.

[Leaves the room, with Mr. Azenauer looking rather perplexed]