- Challee: Sir, the witness is obviously and understandably agitated by this ordeal and I request a recess to give him a breathing space.
- Lieutenant Commander Phillip Queeg: I'm not agitated in the least. I'm glad to answer any and all questions. In fact, I-I demand the opportunity to set the record straight for any derogatory statements made about me in testimony that's gone before. I didn't make a single mistake in the 15 months I was aboard the Caine, and I-I can prove it. I've had a spotless record up until now and I don't want it being discredited by these lies and distortions told by these disloyal officers.
- Captain Luther Blakely: Commander, would you like a recess?
- Lieutenant Commander Phillip Queeg: Certainly not. In fact, if I had any say in this, I would ask there be no recess.
- Greenwald: Lieutenant, you are charged with relieving your captain willfully, without authority and without justifiable cause. Did you relieve Commander Queeg willfully?
- Maryk: Yes, I knew what I was doing.
- Greenwald: Did you relieve him without authority?
- Maryk: No, my authority is Chapter 11 of Navy Regulations.
- Greenwald: Did you relieve him without justifiable cause?
- Maryk: No. My justifiable cause was the captain's mental breakdown at a time when the ship was in danger.
- Greenwald: Thank you. No further questions.
- [first lines]
- Maryk: And what's the plan?
- Greenwald: It will only confuse you.
- Maryk: Listen, I can't be any more confused than I already am.
- Greenwald: Steve, I would rather be prosecuting than defending you.
- Maryk: Why?
- Greenwald: Because I think you're guilty as hell.
- Maryk: Well, maybe I should get another lawyer then.
- Greenwald: Well, I'm not looking forward to twisting the Navy'arm.
- Maryk: Why? What, are you scared of the brass?
- Greenwald: Worse. Respectful.
- Maryk: You know, sometimes I think the Navy's a master plan designed by geniuses for execution by idiots.
- Greenwald: Where did you hear that?
- Maryk: I couldn't have just made that up myself?
- Greenwald: Could have made up the Gettysberg Address too. Where'd you hear it?
- Maryk: That's one of Tom Keefer's wisecracks.
- Greenwald: Thomas Keefer, your novelist friend.
- Maryk: Yeah. He's got the sharpest mind on the ship.
- Greenwald: He's sharp, all right.
- Maryk: He knows everything Queeg did.
- Greenwald: I'm sure he does.
- [last lines]
- Greenwald: So, I'm not gonna eat your dinner, drink your wine. I'll make my toast and go. So here's to you. Here's to Caine's favorite author. Here's to your book.