Context

This line is spoken by J.J. Hunsecker, played by Burt Lancaster, in the film Sweet Smell of Success, directed by Alexander Mackendrick (1957).

Sidney Falco is a struggling press agent who's being bullied by newspaper mogul J.J. Hunsecker. See, Falco's supposed to be helping Hunsecker get rid of his sister's boyfriend, but Falco hasn't been holding up his end of the bargain. If Falco doesn't come through, Hunsecker won't give Falco's clients any press. We believe that's a little something called blackmail.

That's why Hunsecker isn't amused when Sidney walks up to his table in the 21 Club. Hunsecker laces into a long, bitter, contemptuous speech insulting Sidney in every way possible. Then, to add insult to injury, Hunsecker turns to Sidney, sticks his unlit cigarette in the man's face and commands the slimy press agent to light it.

Sidney, who can't afford to make J.J. mad, but isn't amused by his antics, somehow manages to refuse. Poor Sidney, you don't know what's coming for you.

Where you've heard it

This quote can pop up in any situation where one person wants to claim dominance over another. Sorry if you end up on the Sidney end.

J.J. Hunsecker is so bad, he was named #35 on the American Film Institutes lists of top movie villains.

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Commanding someone to light your cigarette for you (especially after insulting them) is gonna make you look super pompous. Also, smoking kills.