Lou Antonio: Paul Knopf

Quotes 

• Paul Knopf : Y'know what I shoulda done? I shoulda smashed that guy. But I couldn't. There's something wrong with me, isn't there?

  Dr. McKinley Thompson : What do you think it is?

  Paul Knopf : Is he right? Am I a man or...

  Dr. McKinley Thompson : Or what?

  Paul Knopf : A homosexual?

• Paul Knopf : Look, Murray, I've been thinking. Well, the psychologists here think I can maybe use some psychiatric help on the outside.

  Murray Knopf : Are you crazy?

  Paul Knopf : Well, I don't know. Maybe it's a good idea.

  Murray Knopf : Look, you don't need any lace-handkerchiefed psychologist to cry to. You need to act like a man!

  Paul Knopf : Yeah, I guess so.

• Paul Knopf : You come out here every week?

  Betty Lorimer : Uh-huh. For the edification of the girl watchers back there. I don't mind much though, really. There's something about construction gangs; they're like Frenchmen at a sidewalk cafe.

  Paul Knopf : Must be embarrassing for you, though?

  Betty Lorimer : My ears do get a little warm every once in awhile.

• Paul Knopf : Look, you can't get around it. I finally had a chance to prove to Murray that I could be a...

  Dr. McKinley Thompson : A man? Is that still it? Now, we've been kicking this around for weeks, so let's get it out on the table, shall we? Now, what is a man? C'mon, you tell me.

  Paul Knopf : I don't know. A man is strong, tough. He can move in fast on a girl. He doesn't get sick and run away! He can fight when he has to. He can take care of himself. He's not afraid all the time. He's like my brother.

• Paul Knopf : What is a man, Murray? Beating up a guy smaller than you because you're afraid you may be just like him? Or is it women? Is that it? Making a pass at anyone who will stand still long enough? Is that what makes you a man? When did you ever really see a woman as a human being instead of just another scalp for your collection? What makes you so sure you're a man? Why do you have to spend all your time proving it?

  [Murray punches Paul in the face]