[first lines]
[Joe is painting a picture of a woman in a negligee; he becomes frustrated, and paints a red slash over the painting]
Nora Manning: [his mother, Nora, enters.] Well, it's different...but is it art?
Joe Manning: Art? It's not even fit to hang in a barroom.
Nora Manning: I wish I looked as good...and I did, once.
[looking at the painting more closely.]
Nora Manning: What's wrong with it?
Joe Manning: I don't know, Nora. I don't know! I can see it in my head, but it doesn't come out on the canvas. I want her to have warmth, and humor, and wisdom...and innocence...a girl you'd want to know.
Nora Manning: Have you ever known a girl like that, Joe?
[smiles]
Nora Manning: No, I didn't think so. She wouldn't be quite human, you know. You're idealizing, Joe.
Joe Manning: About women or art?
Nora Manning: For you, is there any difference? Everything has to be perfect, or you destroy it.
Joe Manning: Aw, Nora, you make me sound like a case.
Nora Manning: The army changed you, Joe. You went away a boy, and came back a man. I wish I knew what kind of man.
Joe Manning: I think I'll get drunk.

- John Bromfield in Crime Against Joe (1956)