No Questions Asked (1951)

Barry Sullivan: Steve Keiver

Photos 

Quotes 

• [first lines] 

  Steve Keiver : [voice-over narration as he hides in the night-time shadows from passing police cars]  My name is Steve Keiver. That's what all the sirens are about, they were screaming for me. I was very popular that night--everybody wanted me, dead or alive. Big Franko wanted me dead. I don't think it mattered to the police how they got me, just so they got me. You'd think there'd be a thousand hiding places in a large city, but there aren't. No, not when they want you.

  [more police cars arrive, blocking the street] 

  Steve Keiver : They turn a spotlight on you and they keep narrowing the circle, closing in for the kill. They let you wear yourself out until you're too tired to run anymore. You stand there hypnotized waiting for them to get it over with. You wonder how it happened and where it all really began. It started somewhere out there beyond the searchlights and the sirens. You had ideals and you went to a top law school. Then you went to work for an insurance company. No, but it wasn't any of those things. I think it really started when I received the telegram that Ellen was coming home. Really started that morning at the airport.

  [flashback to airport scene] 

• Marty Callbert : My boys are getting hurt. They don't like you, Keiver. And neither do I.

  Steve Keiver : Thanks. I won't enter any popularity contests.

• Detective Walter O'Bannion : [Keiver has duped Detective O'Bannion into getting the name of Ellen's new husband]  Gordon Jessman. He and his wife are at the Granby.

  Steve Keiver : Thanks.

  Detective Walter O'Bannion : [naively earnest]  Do we put a tail on him?

  Steve Keiver : I don't know, I think he looks pretty cute the way he is.

• Detective Walter O'Bannion : Now, listen, Keiver, I know it's a waste of breath, but I'm going to say it anyway. Will you kindly keep out of this?

  Steve Keiver : It's a pity you're a cop. You'd have made such a good governess.