The Verdict (1946)

John Goldsworthy: Chaplain

Quotes 

• [first lines] 

  bell ringer : [ringing the Newgate Prison bell, signaling the proceeding of the execution]  May God grant mercy on your soul.

  English Policeman : [greeting the superintendent by the front gate as he leaves the prison]  Superintendent Grodman Sir, good morning.

  Supt. George Edward Grodman : Good morning, sergeant.

  English Policeman : Are you leaving so soon? It won't be long now, sir.

  Supt. George Edward Grodman : Do you want to watch a man walk to the gallows knowing you'd sent him there?

  English Policeman : He's only getting what he deserves. You *proved* him guilty of murder, sir.

  Supt. George Edward Grodman : Guilty beyond doubt.

  Chaplain : [reading Job 14:2 out of his King James Version of the Bible]  'Man, that is born of a woman, hath but a short time to live, and is full of misery. He cometh up, and is cut down, like a flower; he fleeth as it were a shadow... In the midst of life we are in death: of whom may we seek for succour, but of thee, O Lord.'

  English Policeman : It was a difficult case, sir; and if I may say so, you handled it with great success.

  Supt. George Edward Grodman : Success? Ours is a profession of disturbing contradiction, sergeant. To man who builds a great ship or composes a classic symphony, success means the fruits he tastes are sweet. To us, the success is too often measured by the number of lives we have taken. The fruit is bitter.

  English Policeman : But sir...

  Supt. George Edward Grodman : But I have no personal feeling - we're only instruments of justice, like the court which condemns.

  English Policeman : [looking up at the black flag being raised over the prison, signalling that the death penalty has been served]  Black flag: it's all over now, sir.

  Supt. George Edward Grodman : [removing his hat and placing it over his heart to show respect]  May his soul rest in peace.