Melvyn Douglas: Stalin

Quotes 

• Stalin : That is the pattern for the next decade - after they've murdered me.

  Poskrebyshev : [nervously]  Surely all of this is academic, Comrade Stalin. You're not going to be murdered.

  Stalin : No, I shouldn't like to be murdered, Alexander. After all, if I'm murdered, what would happen to you, huh?

  Poskrebyshev : I don't find the thought comforting.

  Stalin : Of course, if you put in with them, that might save you. Have you considered that, Alexander Poskrebyschev?

  Poskrebyshev : I find that suggestion unpleasant.

  Stalin : That's no answer. Every man seeks to preserve his own life. Tell the truth. You considered it!

  Poskrebyshev : Of course not!

  Stalin : You're lying. The head! I can see it in your face!

  Poskrebyshev : As God as my witness...

  Stalin : God?

  [Poskrebyshev turns away nervously] 

  Stalin : God as a witness?

  Poskrebyshev : It amuses you to provoke me, Comrade Stalin.

  [Stalin laughs knowingly] 

  Stalin : Poor devil. You don't have much to show for your loyalty, do you? You know, Alexander, in Scandinavia, the old custom was to bury the king with a dog at his feet. You will be my dog, Alexander, won't you?