J. Edgar Hoover: No one freely shares power in Washington, D.C.
Congressman: But your agency is already one of the most well-funded in Washington, is it not?
J. Edgar Hoover: Yes, that is true sir, but our car and bank robbery recoveries totaled 6.5 million last year, and our budget is only, well, 2 million. Unlike other departments in Washington, we actually run a profit.
J. Edgar Hoover: It's time we at least have one thing the bad guys don't.
Clyde Tolson: Decorating skills?
J. Edgar Hoover: It's easy to be the expert if you're the only person in the world with any interest.
Clyde Tolson: He does also claim he can tell as much from a cut of wood as a doctor can from an autopsy.
J. Edgar Hoover: Ah.
Clyde Tolson: He has, um, social difficulties.
J. Edgar Hoover: He is mentally ill, isn't he?
Clyde Tolson: He's only as mad as you are - sir.
Annie Hoover: We are the sinners, Edgar. We tolerated lawlessness in the land until it grew to diabolical proportions.
J. Edgar Hoover: Find Agent Purvis. He is to be demoted or, better yet, fired.
Agent Stokes: The crimes we are investigating aren't crimes, they are ideas.
Helen Gandy: The Bureau is stronger than just you and me now. Your child is sure and keeps the country safe.
Agent Stokes: Is it a date?
J. Edgar Hoover: I think so, I think so. I'm going to show her my old card catalog system at the Library of Congress.
J. Edgar Hoover: What's important at this time is to re-clarify the difference between hero and villain.
J. Edgar Hoover: I don't need to tell you that, what determines a man's legacy is often what isn't seen.