The Alamo (2004)

Jason Patric: James Bowie

Photos 

Quotes 

• William Travis : We could try to get you out with an escort. If you're captured, perhaps given your condition, mercy would be extended.

  James Bowie : I don't deserve mercy. I do deserve a drink. You got anything stronger than water?

  [He smiles] 

  William Travis : I don't drink, Jim, you know that. I gamble, go to whores, run off on wives... but drinking, I draw the line.

  James Bowie : You know, if you live five more years, you might just be a great man.

  William Travis : I think I will probably have to settle for what I am now.

• William Travis : Their response?

  James Bowie : Shit!

  [throws down the note from Santa Ana] 

  James Bowie : Surrender at discretion... Buck.

  William Travis : Perhaps, Colonel, they'll only execute the officers.

  Crockett : I think we all just got promoted.

• David Crockett : That knife fight you got into, sand bar in Natchez. It was the one that got you written up. That all true?

  James Bowie : You believe everything you read now?

  David Crockett : I didn't read it, I heard it. And the way I heard it he put a swordcane and two shots in you.

  James Bowie : I don't remember.

  David Crockett : Figure ol' Sam will be here pretty soon. When he gets here we'll have a good ol' time.

  James Bowie : It was there shots. Sword came through my lung and went through my hand, and then I cut his heart out. Those ain't bears out there. Do you understand that... Davy?

• William Travis : Colonel, I became a little heated with you in front of your men. It was ill-advised and not terribly professional.

  James Bowie : Don't worry about it. Most of my men didn't even understand the words you were using.

• William Travis : Colonel Bowie, I understand that you plan to remove the cannon from this fort and take them to General Houston. I advise you not to do it; they are needed here.

  James Bowie : Where did you hear that, Buck?

  William Travis : Men tend to talk when they drink; your men tend to drink.

  James Bowie : I will do as I have been commanded; as for what that is, I will discuss it further with Col. Jamison.

  William Travis : Col. Jamison has left the fort on personal business; he left me in command.

  James Bowie : Whooee, that is a rapid rise, Billy. We better break out the long pants.

• William Travis : In a few days, all of Texas will know of our situation.

  James Bowie : Tell me, Buck, in Alabama, precisely how many is "a few"?

• James Bowie : [about Crockett's coonskin cap]  What happened to your cap? Crawl away?

  Davy Crockett : No, I only wear it when it's extra cold. The truth is, I only started wearing that thing... because of that fella in that play they did about me. People expect things.

• James Bowie : Sometimes... it's just the way you say things, Travis. That's all. I swear to God.