In the movie "Big Jake" there is a scene in which John Wayne ( the good guy, Big Jake)

[Atticus]

narrows his eyes, and tells Richard Boone (the bad guy/ kidnapper of Jake's little grandson): "Understand this---anything goes wrong---anything at all, I'm gonna blow your head off. Your fault, my fault, nobody's fault---anything goes wrong, I'm gonna blow your head off."

I think of that line often these days. While I certainly don't endorse blowing anyone's head off, that style of no-holds-barred nuance-free here's-what's-gonna-happen-if-you-don't-cut-the-crap attitude does have some appeal as a method of dealing with those who shall not be named.

Ultimatums, though, should never be delivered unless one is absolutely positive they are prepared to follow through, so---------

[ProfessorGAC]

1. Earlier In That Movie...

...Boone says that to Wayne, threatening the grandson with death.
The reason that line is memorable is because of the turnabout that occurs.
The point of your post is excellent.

[Sneederbunk]

2. It was a line written for Wayne to say. He was acting.

[Atticus]

3. Really? nt

[lastlib]

4. In a movie?? Who'd'a thunkit?