"The true story of a real fake."
Catch Me If You Can - Movie Quotes
Memorable Quotes
Two little mice fell in a bucket of cream. The first mouse quickly gave up and drowned. The second mouse, wouldn't quit. He struggled so hard that eventually he churned that cream into butter and crawled out. Gentlemen, as of this moment, I am that second mouse.
— Frank Abagnale Sr.
Context:
Frank Sr. delivers this speech at a Rotary Club event early in the film, trying to project an image of resilience and success even as his personal and financial life is collapsing. The quote establishes the thematic foundation for his son's incredible story of survival and reinvention.
Meaning:
This anecdote becomes the central metaphor for the Abagnale philosophy of relentless striving against impossible odds. It encapsulates the idea of creating one's own success through sheer persistence, a lesson Frank Jr. applies to his life of crime. It is both an inspiring motto and a justification for never giving up the con.
You know why the Yankees always win, Frank? 'Cause they have Mickey Mantle? No, it's 'cause the other teams can't stop staring at those damn pinstripes.
— Frank Abagnale Sr.
Context:
Frank Sr. says this to his son outside a bank just before he unsuccessfully tries to get a loan. It's a moment where he passes on his cynical but pragmatic worldview about how society operates, a lesson Frank Jr. will soon master.
Meaning:
This quote is a lesson in the power of image and perception. Frank Sr. teaches his son that the appearance of power and success (the 'pinstripes') is often more intimidating and effective than actual substance. This becomes a foundational principle for Frank Jr.'s career as a con artist, who learns to rely on uniforms and confident performances to deceive people.
Stop chasing me! I can't stop, it's my job.
— Frank Abagnale Jr. & Carl Hanratty
Context:
This conversation happens during one of their many phone calls. Frank, feeling the pressure of the constant pursuit and his own loneliness, pleads with Carl. The line is a moment of raw vulnerability, stripping away the artifice of their cat-and-mouse game.
Meaning:
This exchange perfectly encapsulates the dynamic of their relationship while also revealing Frank's exhaustion. The glamorous chase has become a burden, and for the first time, he sounds less like a suave con man and more like a desperate kid. Carl's simple, factual response highlights his unwavering duty but also the impersonal nature of the system Frank is up against.
I'm going to let you fly tonight, Frank. I'm not even going to try to stop you. That's because I know you'll be back on Monday... Nobody's chasing you.
— Carl Hanratty
Context:
Towards the end of the film, Frank, now working for the FBI, is tempted to run away one last time. Carl confronts him at the airport but doesn't arrest him. Instead, he presents Frank with the freedom to choose his own path, effectively ending their long-running chase and solidifying their father-son bond.
Meaning:
This is the climax of Carl's transformation from pursuer to mentor. He offers Frank a choice, not a command, demonstrating trust and a belief in his redemption. He understands that for Frank to truly change, he must stop running on his own accord, finally letting go of the chase that has defined his life.