Firecreek (1968)

James Stewart: Johnny Cobb

Photos 

Quotes 

• Johnny Cobb : [to Whittier, who is reluctant to give him a gun]  Search for a place where there are no bruises and tie it up with a ribbon, and tell yourself that what's inside is the sum total of your life, and what I didn't see was the day a man decides not to face the world is the day he better step out of it. Now give me that gun!

• Johnny Cobb : [Screaming to the townspeople after finding Arthur has been taken from the jail and lynched]  How could you let it happen? You were all here. How could let it happen?

• Aaron Cobb : If Mr. Broyles doesn't come, do we still have to make believe it's a church day?

  Johnny Cobb : You know, you fellas just might not make out too well on the day somebody says you either go up or you go down.

  Franklin Cobb : We like church better when you read us the prayer book on Sundays.

  [Johnny smiles] 

  Aaron Cobb : You don't talk so long to finish.

• Whittier : I don't think anything's happening worth you getting hurt over. In the morning, they'll be gone. Everything creeping along the way it was before. Everybody protecting his own little world.

  Johnny Cobb : I don't understand what you mean Mr. Whittier?

  Whittier : In what regard, Johnny?

  Johnny Cobb : Well, you sound like nothing mattered - if I heard you right.

  Whittier : Just unimportants, Johnny. Nothing important.

• Whittier : A town that collects losers, will exist for their lifetime, no more.

  Johnny Cobb : Losers?

  Whittier : Losers. Yes, Johnny. Take Arthur, for a simpleton that he is, six years ago he drifted in here not even knowing what his last name was. But, he still had the mental capacity to recognize a town that he wouldn't have to compete in.

• Whittier : You know, I once practiced law. Haven't you ever wondered why I came to these parts?

  Johnny Cobb : Well, you said it was your health.

  Whittier : Well, peace of mind is also a man's health. I found myself unable to cope with making important decisions; so, I came to Firecreek because, I could live out each day here without my word having any import. I'm no different than all the rest of 'em. No different, at all, Johnny.

• Johnny Cobb : This is somethin' for the Sweetwater judge.

  Earl : A judge? Mister, where I come from this calls for a rope.