Tennessee Johnson (1942)

Lionel Barrymore: Thaddeus Stevens

Quotes 

• Thaddeus Stevens : You're a great stickler for the Constitution, aren't you?

• Thaddeus Stevens : Unfortunately, the contraption you're hitched to is the United States of America, and we've got to keep it on the move.

  Andrew Johnson : Stevens, if you'll just state your case and let me state mine, I think we'll see better where we stand.

  Thaddeus Stevens : Very good Mr. President. I propose that we treat the South as an outside conquered people: that we confiscate all estates worth $10,000 and containing 200 acres. Then sir, I would give every adult colored man 40 acres of land. Sell the rest pay for the war with it.

  Lincoln's Emissary : No use vetoing that program, Johnson.

  Congressman Hargrove : We have the votes to override your veto.

  Andrew Johnson : So it comes to this: you fought a war to preserve the union. Having preserved it, now you deny that it exists. Gentlemen, my one aim is to carry out Lincoln's policies.