Pacific Heights (1990)

Laurie Metcalf: Stephanie MacDonald

Quotes 

• [In court in the lawsuit hearing, the Honorable Judge Mitchell Black hands over the case file to the bailiff. And return it to the attorney Stephanie MacDonald] 

  Judge Mitchell Black : In answer to your suit against him, Mr. Hayes has submitted to the court affidavits A and B confirming plaintive's attempted unlawful eviction of a Mr. Hayes on the 15th of last May.

  Drake Goodman : [Talk quietly to Stephanie]  No, I turned his gas and electricity off. There's a policeman...

  Stephanie MacDonald : Your Honor, my client and I...

  Judge Mitchell Black : Miss MacDonald, I assume you have received these documents?

  Stephanie MacDonald : Yes, I have just received them, Your Honor. I think there's been a mix up.

  Judge Mitchell Black : I think the law is quite clear on this point, don't you? Mr. Hayes is entitled to a reduction of rent due to uninhabitability caused by Mr. Goodman's misguided attempt to force him from the premises by disconnecting his utilities.

  [the decision] 

  Judge Mitchell Black : Court rules for the defendant, Carter Hayes. Let the records show that according to the lease, Mr. Hayes's legal cost to be paid by the plaintiff.

  Stephanie MacDonald : Your Honor, I would like to ask for a 10-minute postponement.

  Judge Mitchell Black : Miss MacDonald, I see you have other cases before this court today. I hope you're better prepared for them. I assumed you'll wanna cooperate with the bench now in keeping things moving?

  Stephanie MacDonald : Yes, sir.

  [Gavel thuds. Drakes explains to Patty] 

  Drake Goodman : That's it?

• Stephanie MacDonald : Why didn't you tell me you tried to force him out?

  Drake Goodman : I didn't think it mattered.

  Stephanie MacDonald : You set us back months.

  Drake Goodman : He's lying!

  Stephanie MacDonald : This guy has been playing you like a piano concerto.

  Drake Goodman : Me? What about you? I got a guy livin' in my building who hasn't paid one cent! Not only can't you get him out, but now I owe him money?

  Stephanie MacDonald : Maybe you'd like to retain another attorney.

  [Stephanie McDonald walks away. And Patty Palmer has to stop her and give her a minute to talk] 

  Patty Palmer : Stephanie.

  [sighs] 

  Patty Palmer : Please don't quit. Drake's been under a lot of pressure. The bank is threatening to foreclose on us.

  Stephanie MacDonald : This isn't a moral question, Patricia. Morally, you're right. You win. Big deal. This is a game and the object of the game is to get Hayes out of your building before he destroys your lives. He knows you're gonna get him out eventually. He's just trying stay there as long as he can.

  Patty Palmer : Why?

  Stephanie MacDonald : I don't know! Because it's possible. Because he's evil. What difference does it make? It's nothing personal. God forbid he ever makes it personal.