Arnold Rothstein: [referring to D'Alessio brothers] Do you know what the nice thing is about the Bronx zoo, Charlie? There are bars between you and the monkeys.
Lucky Luciano: There's another 50 in the car. They're ingersolls. Meyer Lansky: I wish you would stop with this. We schlep around with a box of watches, what do we look like? Lucky Luciano: Fellas who know what time it is. Meyer Lansky: Might as well set up a pushcart. Benny Siegel: [comes in, surprised] Arnold Rothstein's here. Meyer Lansky: We're talking, Benny. Benny Siegel: Oh. So I should tell him go fuck a duck? Lucky Luciano: Enough with the crazy shit already, huh? Meyer Lansky: [glancing at Rothstein through the window] Bring him in before he breaks the house. [they scramble to look presentable] Meyer Lansky: A.R., did you come to sit in? Lucky Luciano: You know you're always welcome. Arnold Rothstein: I'm afraid those sharpers out there'd fleece me. Owing to his present difficulties, I've made a deal with Nucky Thompson. He'll be offloading his liquor shipments in Philadelphia. Waxey Gordon will ensure safe arrival. The route to Atlantic city will be my responsibility. Meyer Lansky: And you'd like us to recruit the muscle? Arnold Rothstein: I would like you to be the muscle. Lucky Luciano: A.R., we, uh, got some business going on just now. Arnold Rothstein: I can see that. But Mr. Thompson is paying me a premium. Lucky Luciano: Anybody could ride shotgun. Arnold Rothstein: Until you encounter Indians. Meyer Lansky: We're honored by your trust, A.R., and flattered that you would come below 14th street to discuss it personally. Aren't we, Charlie? Lucky Luciano: Sure. Arnold Rothstein: As it happens, I was down here having dinner with Joe Masseria, who left me with the distinct impression he'd still like both of you dead. Lucky Luciano: You broke bread with that prick? Arnold Rothstein: We were served a native dish of tripe, which I cannot abide. But I ate it anyway, to keep the peace. Some things, Charlie, you just have to swallow.
Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson: The puppies have grown fangs.
Arnold Rothstein: [during a card game] What should I do here, Charlie? Lucky Luciano: Depends on what the other guy got. Arnold Rothstein: Depends on what the other gentleman has. Lucky Luciano: Right. Arnold Rothstein: Well? What does he have? Lucky Luciano: How should I know? I'm no swami. Arnold Rothstein: The very reason this game is so challenging. There's a lot of money in that pot. How much do you think is in there? Buck: Plenty. Arnold Rothstein: 22,500$. How much mining equipment do you have to sell to make 22 grand, Buck? Buck: A lot. Now are you gonna call or fold? Arnold Rothstein: I'll see your two... And raise you five. Buck: Take it. I was bluffing. Arnold Rothstein: I know. So was I.
Arnold Rothstein: Meyer, Charlie, I believe you know Mr. Masseria. Lucky Luciano: Everybody knows Joe the boss. Arnold Rothstein: Then perhaps you also know, though it is of course news to me, that a card game you operate is located in territory that Mr. Masseria considers to be his. Joe Masseria: Not considers! Is mine. Arnold Rothstein: My thinking was, before any more blood is shed, that a compromise can be reached. Meyer Lansky: More blood? Joe Masseria: Tompkins Square Park, my two nephews? [imitates throat-cutting] Lucky Luciano: I don't know what you're talking about. Arnold Rothstein: Apparently two of Mr. Masseria's emissaries to your establishment were murdered shortly after their visit. Meyer Lansky: We do operate a game in what might be termed a grey area territorially. But as to any violence in the neighborhood... Joe Masseria: They stab themself, eh? Lucky Luciano: A coincidence then. It happens. Joe Masseria: On my streets, no coincidence. [indicates Charlie] Joe Masseria: This little prick, since he's 10 years old he causes problems. Arnold Rothstein: It seems to me you boys ought to extend a token of goodwill towards Mr. Masseria. Shall we say a one-time fee of $2,000 for the families of those gentlemen and a tax of 10% on the game going forward? Lucky Luciano: Hold on a fuckin' second... Arnold Rothstein: Charlie. Joe Masseria: 10% is okay. For now. Arnold Rothstein: Then we have an agreement? [shake hands] Joe Masseria: [in Italian] What are you doing with these Christ-killers? Come with me, I'll make you rich. Lucky Luciano: [in Italina] With your other hand in my pockets. Joe Masseria: [in Italian] I'm watching you, boy. Every fucking step. [Luciano stands up angrily] Arnold Rothstein: Charlie. Lucky Luciano: A.R., two grand is bad enough, but 10% of the fucking game? Meyer Lansky: We already pay half the take on that game to you. Arnold Rothstein: Yes. And now you boys know why.
Margaret Schroeder: I would be honored to name my child after you. Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson: Enoch? You couldn't possibly be so cruel.
Enoch 'Nucky' Thompson: You're sensitive. Chalky White: Like a baby's ass, motherfucker.
Lucky Luciano: You wanted to see me? Arnold Rothstein: Yeah, it turns out my sister-in-law's nephew, for a time at least, survived the shooting in the woods. Lucky Luciano: Well, I'm sorry about your loss. Obviously, if there's anything I can do... Arnold Rothstein: There is actually. You can kill someone for me to settle a debt. I have it on good authority that a James Darmody of Atlantic City was one of the two shooters. Lucky Luciano: Who was the other one? Arnold Rothstein: I don't know. But I'd bet you're persuasive enough to get Darmody to tell you. Lucky Luciano: That's a good bet. Arnold Rothstein: The only kind I make.
Chalky White: These here are my daddy tools. Klan leader: [nervously] What are you going to do with them? Chalky White: Well, I ain't building no bookcase.
James 'Jimmy' Darmody: To the lost.
Al Capone: [after killing a few enemies] Well I got that out of my system! Chalky White: You and me both.
[coming in to speak with her husband, Arnold Rothstein] Carolyn Rothstein: Arnold, a Nucky Thompson on the telephone. Arnold Rothstein: I'll take it in here, darling. Carolyn Rothstein: [about his diet, with a smile] How's that stomach? Arnold Rothstein: It's still a little tentative. Carolyn Rothstein: So much apple bread. Arnold Rothstein: [laughs lightly] It has a binding effect. Carolyn Rothstein: Is that the best thing right now? Arnold Rothstein: A sound elimination is the basis of good health. [Carolyn looks at him amusedly before exiting]