Nucky Thompson quotes from Boardwalk Empire

Nucky Thompson

[to Jimmy] First rule of politics, kiddo: Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.

Nucky Thompson

When you were 10 years old, I don't know if you'll even remember this, President Taft came to town, some campaign speech. You were in the crowd. I suppose you were with your dad. But you turned to me and said, "Nuck, what's a fella gotta do to become president?" I said, "well, you gotta study, learn everything you can about the world and do a lot of hard work." And you looked up at me in disbelief and said, "gee, is that all?" I used to think you'd own the world one day.

Nucky Thompson

Gentlemen of the Fourth Estate. Tragic though it is, I need hardly remind you that the passage of the 18th Amendment has given rise to a new breed of criminals. Vicious thugs, emboldened by the promise of an easy dollar. Last January, in the woods, only a few miles from where I speak to you today, a horrible massacre occurred. Five men, bootleggers all, were cut down in cold blood by a rival gang. The suspected ringleader of the killers, Hans Schroeder, was found dead days later, caught in a fisherman's net in one of our piers. Due to the tireless work of my brother, former sheriff Eli Thompson, we have since learned the Schroeder's conspirators in this cowardly attack were a group of killers laid to Philadelphia, well-known to law enforcement as the D'Alessio brothers. I am happy to report, they are being sought for questioning as I speak. Motivated by political gain, the Democrats have argued that the incumbent administration has been rife with corruption, soft on crime. On this election eve, I submit to you this: while this heinous crime did certainly occur on the Republican watch, the apprehension of those responsible did as well. Vote for Edward Bader tomorrow, and keep our city safe. I thank you all, and God bless America!

Nucky Thompson

[to Jimmy] Your father is a very duplicitous man. You've been told.

Nucky Thompson

I keep my promises, James, and I'll make you one now: I will ruin you, all of you.

Nucky Thompson

[to Margaret] You listen! If you want to punish yourself because your daughter got sick, that's your business, but I will not permit you to sacrifice me!

Nucky Thompson

Untie him. Oh, but before you do, put a bullet in his fucking head.

Nucky Thompson

[to Eli] Allowing you to simply go to jail is the last gift I'll ever give you.

Nucky Thompson

[to Tonino, after he kills Rosetti] Tell Masseria this can be the end of it, or the beginning. I'll oblige him either way.

Nucky Thompson

Year in, year out - different dogs, same fucking bone.

Nucky Thompson

I was a bellboy. The first time I was tipped a nickel, I thought, "The world is a wonderful place... but a dime, a dime would be better." Then it was a quarter.

I'd be honored to name my child after you.

Nucky Thompson

Enoch? You couldn't possibly be so cruel.

Jimmy Darmody

Nucky, all I want is an opportunity.

Nucky Thompson

This is America, ain't it? Who the fuck's stopping you?

Would you help me, Mr. Thompson? All I want is to provide for my children.

Nucky Thompson

I'd like to help you.

Then tell me what to do. What do you want from me?

Nucky Thompson

I want you to vote Republican.

Nucky Thompson

The split is 80 percent-20 percent, my favor. I supply the product, your people work their magic.

Chalky White

That's a whole lot of magic for 20 percent.

Nucky Thompson

It's the same deal I gave Mickey Cusick.

Chalky White

You know that motherfucker changed his name to Doyle?

Nucky Thompson

I did.

Chalky White

40 percent.

Nucky Thompson

What happened to 30?

Chalky White

I'll charge 10 extra for thinking I'd take the same deal as Mickey.

Nucky

I didn't know you were so sensitive.

Chalky White

As a baby's ass, motherfucker. [leaves]

Nucky Thompson

[to Eddie] What's motherfucker mean?

Eddie Kessler

I suppose it's a schvartze term.