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Best 23 The Third Man Quotes
“The Third Man,” directed by Carol Reed and released in 1949, is a classic film noir that has captivated audiences for decades. With its atmospheric setting in post-World War II Vienna and gripping storyline, the film continues to be praised for its memorable dialogue. From witty one-liners to thought-provoking observations, here are the 23 best quotes from “The Third Man”:
1. “In Italy, for thirty years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, bloodshed—but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had five hundred years of democracy and peace—and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.” – Harry Lime (Orson Welles)
This quote, spoken by the film’s enigmatic antagonist Harry Lime, reflects his cynical view on the human condition and the paradoxes of history.
2. “Oh, Holly, you and I aren’t heroes. The world doesn’t make any heroes outside of your stories.” – Harry Lime
In this line, Lime questions the notion of heroism and emphasizes the stark contrast between fiction and reality.
3. “Like the fella says, in Italy for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.” – Harry Lime
This quote is a variation of Lime’s earlier quote, highlighting the irony of peaceful societies often failing to produce great art or achievements.
4. “You know what the fellow said – in Italy, for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.” – Harry Lime
Once again, Lime repeats his cynical observation, emphasizing the contrast between violent periods in history and the emergence of great artists.
5. “Don’t be so gloomy. After all, it’s not that awful. Like the fella says, in Italy for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.” – Harry Lime
Lime repeats his quote yet again, this time trying to lighten the mood with his dark humor.
6. “You should be smarter than that if you want to succeed in this business.” – Harry Lime
Lime’s words serve as a warning to Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten), the film’s protagonist, about the harsh realities of the world they inhabit.
7. “I never knew the old Vienna before the war, with its Strauss music, its glamour, and easy charm. Constantinople suited me better.” – Harry Lime
Lime reminisces about his past, implying that the war has changed Vienna for the worse.
8. “Like a moth to a flame. Give him a light and he’ll follow it anywhere.” – Harry Lime
Lime describes Holly Martins’ unwavering loyalty and determination, comparing him to a moth drawn to a dangerous flame.
9. “You know, I never feel comfortable on these sort of things. Victims? Don’t be melodramatic. Look down there. Tell me. Would you really feel any pity if one of those dots stopped moving forever?” – Harry Lime
Lime questions the value of individual lives and the extent of human empathy in a world full of suffering.
10. “After all, it’s not that awful. You know what the fellow said – in Italy, for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.” – Harry Lime
Once again, Lime repeats his quote, this time highlighting the concept of finding beauty and creativity amidst chaos.
11. “Nobody thinks in terms of human beings. Governments don’t. Why should we? They talk about the people and the proletariat, I talk about the suckers and the mugs—it’s the same thing.” – Harry Lime
Lime cynically exposes the dehumanization prevalent in both the language used by governments and society’s perception of individuals.
12. “Death’s at the bottom of everything, Martins. Leave death to the professionals.” – Harry Lime
Lime warns Martins against meddling in dangerous affairs, suggesting that death is a matter best left to those accustomed to it.
13. “You know, I never feel comfortable on these sort of things. Victims? Don’t be melodramatic. Look down there. Tell me. Would you really feel any pity if one of those dots stopped moving forever?” – Harry Lime
Once again, Lime questions the significance of individual lives in the grand scheme of things, challenging the notion of empathy.
14. “You’re not asking me to believe in ghosts?” – Holly Martins
“I don’t believe in anything anymore, except a few things like old friends.” – Major Calloway
This exchange reflects the loss of faith and disillusionment experienced by the characters in the film.
15. “In these days, old man, nobody thinks in terms of human beings. Governments don’t, so why should we?” – Harry Lime
Lime emphasizes the detachment between governments and the people they govern, implying that individuals are insignificant in the grand scheme of political power.
16. “You’re a great help to me. You give me a lot of laughs.” – Holly Martins
“You’re a silly little boy, giving me a lot of laughs, and I pity you.” – Anna Schmidt (Alida Valli)
This exchange reveals the complexity of the relationship between Holly Martins and Anna Schmidt, as well as their differing perspectives on life.
17. “I didn’t want to see it like this. I wanted to remember you as you were at the Kaiserhof, not this, not as you are now.” – Holly Martins
Holly Martins expresses his disappointment and disillusionment upon discovering the true nature of his old friend Harry Lime.
18. “Death’s at the bottom of everything, Martins. Leave death to the professionals.” – Harry Lime
Once again, Lime advises Martins to steer clear of dangerous situations, emphasizing the inevitability of death.
19. “Have you ever seen any of your victims?” – Holly Martins
“You know, I never feel comfortable on these sort of things. Victims? Don’t be melodramatic. Look down there. Tell me. Would you really feel any pity if one of those dots stopped moving forever?” – Harry Lime
This conversation highlights the moral ambiguity surrounding Lime’s actions and challenges the audience’s perception of right and wrong.
20. “I’m not a hero. I was never a hero. I’m a writer. A writer of westerns.” – Holly Martins
Martins reflects on his own identity and acknowledges his limitations, distancing himself from the idea of heroism.
21. “Nobody thinks in terms of human beings. Governments don’t. Why should we? They talk about the people and the proletariat, I talk about the suckers and the mugs—it’s the same thing.” – Harry Lime
Lime reiterates the dehumanization prevalent in society, questioning the empathy and consideration given to individuals.
22. “You know, I never feel comfortable on these sort of things. Victims? Don’t be melodramatic. Look down there. Tell me. Would you really feel any pity if one of those dots stopped moving forever?” – Harry Lime
Lime’s repeated quote challenges the audience to reflect on their own capacity for empathy and compassion.
23. “After all, it’s not that awful. You know what the fellow said – in Italy, for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had brotherly love, they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? The cuckoo clock.” – Harry Lime
Lime’s quote encapsulates the film’s central theme of finding beauty and creativity amidst chaos and tragedy.
FAQs about “The Third Man”:
Q: Who directed “The Third Man”?
A: “The Third Man” was directed by Carol Reed.
Q: When was “The Third Man” released?
A: “The Third Man” was released in 1949.
Q: Who are the main actors in “The Third Man”?
A: The main actors in “The Third Man” include Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, and Alida Valli.
Q: What is the genre of “The Third Man”?
A: “The Third Man” is a film noir, a genre characterized by its dark, atmospheric style and themes of crime and moral ambiguity.
Q: What is the significance of the movie’s setting in post-World War II Vienna?
A: The setting of post-World War II Vienna serves as a backdrop for the film’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the aftermath of war.
Q: Is “The Third Man” based on a book?
A: Yes, “The Third Man” was based on a novella written by Graham Greene.
Q: What are some other notable quotes from “The Third Man”?
A: Some other notable quotes from “The Third Man” include “In these days, old man, nobody thinks in terms of human beings. Governments don’t, so why should we?” and “You know, I never feel comfortable on these sort of things. Victims? Don’t be melodramatic. Look down there. Tell me. Would you really feel any pity if one of those dots stopped moving forever?”
Q: Why is “The Third Man” considered a classic?
A: “The Third Man” is considered a classic due to its exceptional storytelling, atmospheric cinematography, and memorable dialogue, making it a hallmark of the film noir genre.
In conclusion, “The Third Man” is a cinematic masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its compelling storyline and memorable dialogue. The quotes mentioned above showcase the film’s exploration of moral ambiguity, the human condition, and the paradoxes of history. With its dark humor and thought-provoking observations, “The Third Man” remains a timeless classic in the realm of film noir.
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