The Shop Around the Corner
1940
(Alfred Kralik has just been called into his supervisor's office) Alfred Kralik: Yes, Mr Matuschek Hugo Matuschek: Eh, close the door. Kralik, why did you put me in that situation, in front of the whole shop? Alfred Kralik: Well, I'm very sorry, sir... but it was not my fault. Hugo Matuschek: Well whose fault was it? Mine? Alfred Kralik: Well... yes.
Klara Novak (Miss Novak) : (In her letter to Alfred) : Oh, my Dear Friend, my heart was trembling as I walked into the post office, and there you were, lying in Box 237. I took you out of your envelope and read you, read you right there.
Alfred Kralik: There might be a lot we don't know about each other. You know, people seldom go to the trouble of scratching the surface of things to find the inner truth. Klara Novak (Miss Novak) : Well I really wouldn't care to scratch your surface, Mr Kralik, because I know exactly what I'd find. Instead of a heart, a hand-bag. Instead of a soul, a suitcase. And instead of an intellect, a cigarette lighter... which doesn't work.
Alfred Kralik: Flora, take a letter. Ah... To whom it may concern. Mr Vadas has been in the employ of Matuschek & Company for the last two years, during which he has been very efficient as a stool pigeon, a troublemaker, and a rat. Ferenc Vadas: Now look here! Alfred Kralik: And if he doesn't clear out of here he's going to get a punch in the nose! Yours very truly, Alfred Kralik, Manager, Matuschek & Company.
Alfred Kralik: Now if I were a girl and had to choose between a young good-for-nothing with plenty of hair and a good, solid, mature citizen, I'd pick Mathias Popkin every time.
(Alfred Kralik has just disclosed to Klara Novak that he is her anonymous pen pal) Alfred Kralik: Are you disappointed? Klara Novak (Miss Novak) : Psychologically, I'm very confused... But personally, I don't feel bad at all.