- Jim Henderson: I'm worried about Ernie.
- Dr. Robert Lee: I wouldn't worry about it too much. He always puts on an act like that.
- Jim Henderson: Somehow it doesn't seem like an act today. I hope nothing goes wrong.
- Dr. Robert Lee: Don't you worry, warden. When the time comes, Ernie'll step right up there and throw that switch just like it's all in a day's work.
- Joan Wright: Well, your philosophy's slightly cock-eyed, Johnny, but I like the way you carry your chin.
- Johnny Martin: My chin?
- [She pantomines a punch at his chin]
- Johnny Martin: Oh, yeah, I get it. You mean I'm always leading with it, Joanie. I'm sorry, I meant Miss Joan. Always talkin' out of turn - that's me sure!
- Johnny Martin: [after hearing his parole's been denied] So this is what I've been working for, is it? For three years I've listened to a lot of guff and watched my step every minute because I want to get out of prison and now you're givin' me the business. And you want me to be a model prisoner for six more months and try again? Well, no thanks, mister! I'm simple enough to be a sucker twice from now on? You can take that model prisoner bunk and stuff it in the dismal swamp! I'll tell you what a model prisoner is, you hypocrite! Sure, I'll serve my stretch, every minute of it, but the day I get out, we've got a date, mister, and I'm gonna look you up and spit right in your eye!
- Guard Mike Gurney: Sure, I'll hit, and I'll hit hit you again any time you get outta line!
- Big Billy: Some day when you hit me, I'll squeeze your neck 'til it pops! I'm Big Billy. I'm strong - stronger than you are! Stronger tha anyone is!
- [Shakes his hands]
- Big Billy: That's why you're afraid to hit me without a blackjack. I'm smart, you know!
- The Kid: I'm gonna complain to the warden about that executioner testing his dynamos - interferes with my readin'! In about ten minutes Johnny'll be kickin' off.
- [Laughs]
- The Kid: Probably wishin' he could just have five minutes alone with you before he crosses over.
- Gus Barth: He won't get five minutes of my time! He's through!
- The Kid: Maybe... maybe not!
- Gus Barth: Whattaya mean?
- The Kid: Well, he may claim five minutes of your time on the other side... if there is another side, Barth.