Lionel Stander: Monk Williams

St. Benny the Dip

Monk Williams

Matthew: [Delivering an improvised sermon to the male unfortunates at the mission] Gentlemen and, uh, gentlemen ... unaccustomed as I ... no, I mean ... now that I look at you, I see your faces, an odd notion comes into my head. Yes. Did you know that it's later than you think? Heh, heh. A word to the wise. I, uh ...
Monk Williams: [Interrupts] Don't grow on trees. Yeah, it is later than you think. Remember that. It's later than any of us think. You out there and us up here.
Monk Williams: [Confused] Thank you, Reverend Monk. And that I think will be ample food ... for ... for thought.

Mr. Kovacs: [Entering with his cello at the mission] I have come to explain myself. I haven't been to church in 20 years, but I never lost God. A man plays in here
[Points to his heart]
Mr. Kovacs: in his cathedral, do you understand?
Matthew: Indeed, I do.
Mr. Kovacs: For 20 years I have played in my own way. Beethoven. Mozart. Fine music, revered. You're a good player too. But today I'm tired of playing alone only for myself. Today, I'd like to bring my music to church.
Matthew: And you came here.
Mr. Kovacs: If I'm welcome ... if my music is wanted here.
Mr. Kovacs: Oh, it is, indeed.
Mr. Kovacs: I've come to the right place.
Matthew: [Looking at Monk] And he chose this mission
Monk Williams: Wanna know somethin'? You've been selling this religion for a week and you are your own best customer.

Monk Williams: [Seeing his wife for the first time in a long time] Aren't you gonna say somethin', Mar?
Mrs. Mary Williams: [Unemotional] Where have you been?
Mrs. Mary Williams: Around. Chicago ... San Francisco ... Georgia ...
Mrs. Mary Williams: How was Georgia?
Monk Williams: Hot ... in the summer. You wouldn't like Georgia. Not the way ya can stand the heat. Um, you tie up with somebody, Mar? Oh, boy, with your looks.
Mrs. Mary Williams: There were too many of us for somebody. There were too many of us for you too.

Monk Williams: [On the lam from police wearing minister outfits] Now what?
Benny: Well, these suits. We gotta peel 'em off.
Matthew: Aw, couldn't we wear them a little longer?
Benny: Are you balmy? Why?
Matthew: Those cops. They tipped their heads. Heh, it was a rare moment.
Benny: Yeah, and, oh, that sucker was another rare moment. That cute idea of yours died with McKinley.
Monk Williams: We shoulda died with McKinley for fallin' for that two-bit bunker game of his.
Matthew: If that scheme had only materialized ...
Benny: What scheme of yours ever materialized?
Matthew: No, I'm afraid not. I thought it was possible to you and myself. Therefore, goodbye and best of luck to you both.
Benny: [Stops him and smiles] What's the matter with you? Come here. Sit down.
Monk Williams: [Pats him on the shoulder] What's the matter with you?