A writer-editor-teacher’s quote of the week 205

Ludie Gutshall: Now, how come you make all the decisions and I end up taking all the risk?

Pap Gutshall: Because this time it’s a question of principles.

Ludie: Well, with me it’s a question of scruples.

Pap: What kind of scruple?

Ludie: Bad. You know how it is with scruples, Pap. Hell, you probably got as many scruples as I do.

Pap: I don’t think this here falls under the category of scruples. It leans more from your basic scruples to your basic principles. And my basic principles is that you and me and . . . all the rest of us . . . ought to do something to help that girl?

Ludie: You know what my basic scruple is?

Pap: What?

Ludie: Not to get my ass shot off for your basic principle!

— from the 1973 film adaptation Lolly Madonna XXX, based on the novel The Lolly Madonna War by Sue Grafton

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