Breaking Away (1979)

Jackie Earle Haley: Moocher

Photos 

Quotes 

• [as they go for a marriage license:] 

  Moocher : I wonder if I have to have a job to qualify.

  Nancy : I don't think so. I think it's mostly blood and relatives that they're interested in.

  Moocher : Blood and relatives... well, that's great. I got both of them.

• Moocher : [looking at Dave's beat up bike]  Doesn't look that bad to me...

  Dave : That's cause you don't have to ride it!

  Moocher : Well, you know, you don't have to ride it either, Dave. We're not gonna beg you.

  Cyril : We may plead, but we would never beg!

• Dave : Moocher, you're Catholic, right?

  Moocher : Yeah.

  Dave : Did you ever go to confession?

  Moocher : Twice.

  Dave : Did it make you feel better?

  Moocher : Once.

• Dad : If you eat so much, Moocher, how come you're so damned small?

  Moocher : Oh... It's my metabolism. I eat 3 times a day and my metabolism eats 5 times a day.

• Moocher : [watching the college kids on campus]  Sure looks like they've got it made.

  Mike : That's because they're rich.

  Dave : Italians are poor, but they're happy.

  Mike : Yeah? Maybe in Italy.

• Owner of Car Wash : [in a cranky tone of voice]  You're a little late - but I guess you won't let *that* happen again.

  Moocher : [meekly]  Sorry.

  Owner of Car Wash : Here's your sponge and here's your rag and there's your place...

  Owner of Car Wash : [sarcastically]  ... and don't forget to punch the clock, "Shorty."

  Moocher : [Moocher goes over and punches and breaks the time clock with his fist, then walks off the job] 

• Dave : You hear from your folks, Mooch?

  Moocher : Yeah, my dad called. He wanted to know if the house was sold. He could use the money something fierce.

  Dave : Well, you can come and live with me when it's sold. In Italy, everybody lives together.

  Moocher : [laughs]  Since you won that Italian bike, man, you've been acting weird. You're really getting to think you're Italian, aren't you?

  Cyril : I wouldn't mind thinking I was somebody myself.

• Dave : You mean we might be a father?

  Dad : No. I might be a father. And your mom might be a mother. And YOU might be a brother. See, that way I keep it all in the family.

  Moocher : Wow! Hey, I didn't think people your age still...

  Dad : [Immediately cuts him off]  The next word may be your last, kid!

• Nancy : You know what?

  Moocher : No, what?

  Nancy : I'm leaving home, that's what.

  Moocher : What? Where are you going?

  Nancy : About 5 blocks south.

  Moocher : [laughs]  Yeah?

  Nancy : I found this little place, it's so cute I could scream.

• Moocher : Hey, come on in, Dave.

  Dave : Nah, I read where this Italian coach said its no good to go swimmin' right after a race.

  Mike : Who's swimmin'? I'm takin' a leak.

• Moocher : Mike, the time comes when we just all have to go our own ways, you know.

  Mike : Oh, you're a real adult, aren't ya. B-town boy grows up.