Hands of a Stranger (1962)

James Noah: Vernon Paris

Photos 

Quotes 

• Vernon Paris : [sarcastically]  The talented Dr. Harding, still in charge.

  Dr. Gil Harding : [furiously]  You were right about one thing: I'm not responsible for the loss of your hands... but I am for this.

  Vernon Paris : Like your friend, you imagine yourself a clever psychologist. It won't work, doctor.

  Dr. Gil Harding : You're interested in nothing but vengeance, beauty's no longer important to you!

  Vernon Paris : On the contrary, justice is a form of moral beauty! Or is that too unscientific?

  Dr. Gil Harding : I did everything I could surgically, and your body has accepted it. Beyond that, I know I failed you. Your mind couldn't accept it.

  Vernon Paris : That's very beautiful. What a shame it's only meant to throw me off-guard.

  Dr. Gil Harding : What do you want?

  Vernon Paris : I want you to take another look at your work. Just for this moment, I want to share this triumph with you.

  [Vernon attacks Harding as Dina watches helplessly, Vernon attempts to strangle Harding to death until a loud bang is heard] 

  Dina Paris : [screams and cries]  AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!

  [Vernon goes weak as he has been shot in the back by Lt. Sims, Vernon desperately clings to Harding until he falls and dies] 

• Dina Paris : [after finding out the truth]  Why, Vernon? It was only a matter of time before you would've played again!

  Vernon Paris : Time! Time to cut off these hands and give me others, and others if those don't work! Yes, the doctor has all the time he needs in his laboratory. He can do anything, except give me back my life!

  Dina Paris : [desperately]  He tried to SAVE that life!

  Vernon Paris : HE FAILED!

  Dina Paris : How do you know yet?

  Vernon Paris : Shall I show you?

  Dina Paris : It's too soon!

  Vernon Paris : I said I was going to play for you. I am, now! I want you beside me, Dina, because you were always there in the past.

• Skeet Wilder : [after Vernon fails to play the piano]  Gee, mister, it must've been a long time because you sure can't play now. How can you play the piano if you can't hit the chords.

  [Vernon trembles in anger triggered by this and suddenly grabs Skeet's hands and squeezes them hard making Skeet scream violently] 

  Vernon Paris : Don't say that! I can play; I WILL play again! Music is my life! You mustn't say I can't play--I WILL PLAY!

  [Skeet tries to pull away as he continues screaming until he falls back hitting his head on the side of the piano and dies instantly, Vernon kneels down to him shocked at what he has done] 

  Vernon Paris : [solemnly]  I've never known anything else. That's why I'll play again. I must play again. You see that, don't you?