Your Three Minutes Are Up (1973)

Ron Leibman: Mike

Quotes 

• Mike : And how are you today, Mrs Wilk?

  Mrs. Wilk : You have been unemployed and collecting benefits for the past twelve weeks, haven't you, Mr. Robinson?

  Mike : Ye... oo, wait... I didn't know it was that long. I'm sorry. I guess I have.

  Mrs. Wilk : Could you tell me what you have done in that time to gain employment?

  Mike : Sure. You people have sent me out on, er, various er job interviews. As a matter of fact, I was to one this morning. Not from you people but from some friends of mine who are in the industry...

  Mrs. Wilk : Mr. Robinson, you are a claims adjuster and this office set up an interview for you with one of the most respected firms in the industry, Connecticut Casualty.

  Mike : Yes, yes, a wonderful company; excellent benefits and all that. However, I really didn't feel that that was the particular...

  Mrs. Wilk : Mr. Robinson...

  Mike : Yes, Mam...?

  Mrs. Wilk : We received an angry call from Mr. Delaney who said that you appeared in his office in Bermuda shorts, sweatshirt and sneakers. And noticeably under the influence of alcohol. Mr. Robinson, we are all adults here. I think the picture is quite clear. You have made absolutely no effort to get a job and, in fact, you have deliberately jeopardised your chances by irresponsible behaviour. I can see no other alternative than to cancel your unemployment benefits right now.

  Mike : Now, wait a minute. You can't do that. How am I gonna live?

  Mrs. Wilk : I can. And I must.

  Mike : Erm, Mrs. WIlks, wait a minute will you? Now, you're quite accurate about me showing up drunk in that place. My mother's very sick...

  Mrs. Wilk : I'm sorry. I am sorry, Mr. Robinson.

  Mike : You're sorry?

  Mrs. Wilk : I have no other course.

  Mike : You're not sorry. Don't give me that shit, that you're sorry. You couldn't be happier, taking away somebody's 75 bucks, like it was your money, huh? Well, I got news for you Mrs. WIlk: you're not supporting us, we are supporting you, with your snotty attitude and your stupid, plastic name tag and if it wasn't for people like these

  [referring to the other people waiting] 

  Mike : you wouldn't have a job to go to and it'll be your turn to come here and kiss fucking ass for a lousy 75 bucks a week! Am I right?

  [the crowd respond positively] 

  Mike : . You're closing in, Goddammit, I knew you were closing in.

  [the crowd erupt in applause; he exits] 

  Mike : .