Tennessee Johnson (1942)
Lionel Barrymore: Thaddeus Stevens
Quotes
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Thaddeus Stevens : You're a great stickler for the Constitution, aren't you?
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Thaddeus Stevens : Unfortunately, the contraption you're hitched to is the United States of America, and we've got to keep it on the move.
Andrew Johnson : Stevens, if you'll just state your case and let me state mine, I think we'll see better where we stand.
Thaddeus Stevens : Very good Mr. President. I propose that we treat the South as an outside conquered people: that we confiscate all estates worth $10,000 and containing 200 acres. Then sir, I would give every adult colored man 40 acres of land. Sell the rest pay for the war with it.
Lincoln's Emissary : No use vetoing that program, Johnson.
Congressman Hargrove : We have the votes to override your veto.
Andrew Johnson : So it comes to this: you fought a war to preserve the union. Having preserved it, now you deny that it exists. Gentlemen, my one aim is to carry out Lincoln's policies.