The Lieutenant (TV Series)

Captain Thomson (1963)

Richard Anderson: Lt. Col. Clinton Hiland

Quotes 

• Lt. Col. Hiland : Ken, I filled out your fitness report this afternoon. I can't tell you how I marked you, but I can mention some of the comments on the back. I strongly recommended a three-year tour of administration and supply duty. As a matter of fact, I made it so strong that I doubt they'll promote you under any other circumstances.

  Captain Thomson : You don't think I'm going to sit still for that!

  Lt. Col. Hiland : Now listen... you can turn this down and get out. That's your decision. But since we can't put men like you in deep-freeze between wars, I'm going to make certain that those who stay in are fully qualified in those areas that you consider boring, penny-pinching and tedious in peace-time service. Without that, we wouldn't be able to fight when they need us and if you don't understand that, Mister, you'd better get out! Now they're waiting for me in there. I've got to get back... Will you join us?

• [Thomson walked out of an officer's mess when the company began making toasts] 

  Captain Thomson : You understand, I took over command of his platoon! Even in mock battle, I wanted to win so hard, I lost all perspective.

  Lt. Col. Hiland : Ken, you always fought hard to win and it paid off in combat, but you just said it. Perspective - you've got to keep your perspective!

  Captain Thomson : Now if you had asked me straight out this afternoon, I might have lied.

  Lt. Col. Hiland : But you didn't.

  Captain Thomson : Yes, but I might have! I couldn't sit in there knowing that.

  Lt. Col. Hiland : Which confirms something I always knew about you. A liar would have sat in that seat.

• [last lines] 

  Lt. Col. Hiland : And now, gentleman, our next toast. Mr. Vice-President - to the United States Marine Corps.

  Lt. William 'Bill' Rice : Gentlemen, the United States Marine Corps!