Dallas (TV Series)

Taste of Success (1980)

Larry Hagman: J.R. Ewing

Quotes 

• [first lines] 

  J.R. Ewing : Now, Kristin, tell the Assistant District Attorney the whole story.

  Kristin Shepard : The very first minute I saw J.R... the first day I worked in the office... I wanted him. I tried everything. Anything I could do to make him notice me... want me. But he never did. Not once.

  [tearfully:] 

  Kristin Shepard : And I loved him so much.

  [continuing this performance for the whole family:] 

  Kristin Shepard : This went on for weeks. It was torture. I begged him. I pleaded with him. I didn't care about Sue Ellen or anybody else.

  [gasps:] 

  Kristin Shepard : I loved him.

  [sobs:] 

  Kristin Shepard : But he would have nothing to do with me. Finally, one night when he rejected me again... I shot him.

  [sits down] 

  Martin Purcell : But you waited until now to admit that you tried to kill Mr. Ewing. Can you tell me why you waited?

  J.R. Ewing : [as Kristin struggles for words like a fish out of water]  I think it's obvious. She was a very, very scared young lady.

  Martin Purcell : [to Kristin]  Would you answer my question, please? Why did you wait so long?

  J.R. Ewing : Go ahead, Kristin. Tell the Assistant District Attorney just the way you told us.

  Kristin Shepard : I couldn't... do that to my sister. I couldn't let her be accused of a crime I committed. I just couldn't do that to her.

  Martin Purcell : Yet the next day, after you shot Mr. Ewing, you brought the gun here to Southfork and hid it in a closet. Isn't that correct?

  Kristin Shepard : Yes.

  Martin Purcell : Where you knew it would be found? Weren't you trying to incriminate your sister... by planting the gun in her closet? Weren't you making sure she'd be accused of shooting her husband?

  Kristin Shepard : No, I swear It! I...

  [shakes her head] 

  Kristin Shepard : I don't even remember hiding the gun.

  [continues shaking her head] 

  Kristin Shepard : I was so frightened. I was in a panic.

  [voice catches:] 

  Kristin Shepard : I had no idea what I was doing.

  Martin Purcell : [ponders this for some time]  Do you have anything else to say?

  Kristin Shepard : [sobs, shakes her head]  No.

  [hangs her head in shame] 

  J.R. Ewing : I have a question. Would the District Attorney's office go on and prosecute even if I refuse to sign a complaint?

  Martin Purcell : Mr. Ewing, are... are you saying you would not cooperate even if I recommend charges?

  J.R. Ewing : That's right.

  Martin Purcell : May I ask why?

  J.R. Ewing : That night in my office... Kristin was beside herself. She was in a panic. She wasn't sure at all what she was doing. I'd say she was in a state of temporary insanity. And I forgive her. Even as... my wife, her own sister, forgives her.

  [Sue Ellen quietly stews] 

  Martin Purcell : [nods]  Mr. Ewing...

  J.R. Ewing : [rises, uses cane, but stands steady]  As you can see, I'm recovering very well... So what real harm has this poor girl done? A trial would be a sheer waste of time, to say nothing of the taxpayers' dollars. And in the end, I don't think she'd get anything heavier than a suspended sentence.

  Martin Purcell : Can we have a moment in private, Mr. Ewing?

  J.R. Ewing : Of course.

  Kristin Shepard : [after they left the room]  I'll never forgive myself for all the trouble I've caused you.

  Jock Ewing : [scowling at her]  Let me tell you something. If J.R. hadn't been the man that he is, you'd already be in jail by now, Kristin.

• J.R. Ewing : [at airport departure lounge]  And after you get yourself settled in, you let my lawyers know exactly where you are, and they'll start sending you... a big fat check every month. And when it's time for the baby to come...

  Kristin Shepard : Not 'the' baby, J.R. Your baby. You might as well be truthful, right, Sue Ellen?

  Sue Ellen Ewing : Like your little performance last night, dear?

  J.R. Ewing : No. She did a wonderful job last night, just like we rehearsed it. I was watching Purcell, and he believed every word you said.

  voice on public address : Flight One Oh Six now arriving...

  Airline Manager : Excuse me, Mr. Ewing, but we'll be boarding in two minutes. I can put Miss Shepard ahead of the others, if you like.

  J.R. Ewing : I'd appreciate that.

  Kristin Shepard : Why, thank you, J.R. How very kind. Sue Ellen, aren't you gonna wish me a nice trip?

  Sue Ellen Ewing : I don't think you wanna hear what I wish you, Kristin.

  Airline Manager : [as J.R. clears his throat]  Miss Shepard?

  Kristin Shepard : [smirking]  Oh, J.R... I'll be seeing you.