Serpico Quotes & Sayings

I had gone through a near-death experience, and that gives you an insight into how fleeting life is, and what's important. — Frank Serpico

Cops today are nothing but an armed tax collector — Frank Serpico

The fight for justice against corruption is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our self, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In the end, I believe, as in my case, the price we pay is well worth holding on to our dignity. — Frank Serpico

I used to think, 'How can I write my life story? I'm still living it.' — Frank Serpico

The whole f**king system is corrupt. — Frank Serpico

I love the early films of Al Pacino - 'Scarface,' 'Serpico' - and I love many science-fiction films. — Ornella Muti

I like, for instance, 'Serpico.' I enjoyed playing Serpico because Frank Serpico was there. He existed. He was a real life person and I could - I could embody him. I could, you know, I could work and get to know him and have him help me with the text, the script and become him. It's almost like a painter having a model to become. — Al Pacino

With so much money riding on reported numbers, human nature is to manipulate them. And with so many doing it, you get Serpico effects, where everyone rationalizes that it's okay because everyone else is doing it. It is always thus. — Charlie Munger

An honest cop still can't find a place to go and complain without fear of recrimination. The blue wall will always be there because the system supports it. — Frank Serpico

Today it is becoming harder to speak out, with the inception of the Patriot Act, the president has legislated free speech to be a crime. — Frank Serpico

I'm retarded - I mean I'm retired. — Frank Serpico

My acting career began on the streets of New York. When I was a cop, I played many impressive roles, from derelict to a doctor, and my life often depended on my performance. — Frank Serpico

The reality is that we do not wash our own laundry - it just gets dirtier. — Frank Serpico

The problem is that the atmosphere does not yet exist in which honest police officers can act without fear of ridicule or reprisal from fellow officers. — Frank Serpico