Quotes

Other

[to Shaft] You're really great in the sack. But, um, you're pretty shitty afterwards, you know that?

Dialogue

Vic Androzzi: How come a couple-a cats from Harlem come downtown this morning looking for John Shaft? John Shaft: Well, they're soul brothers. They came down so I could teach 'em the handshake. Vic Androzzi: They find ya? John Shaft: Of course. I wasn't hiding. Vic Androzzi: If you find out anything, give me a call. I'm still at the 38th Precinct. John Shaft: Right on!

Dialogue

John Shaft: Sorry, I can't make it. Ellie Moore: You got problems, baby? John Shaft: Heh. Yeah, I got a couple of 'em. I was born black... and I was born poor.

Dialogue

Ben Buford: A lot of hyped-up black people give you that money you're spendin', pimp! Bumpy Jonas: Don't you try to bullshit me, boy. We're all on the hustle. I sell broads and dope and numbers. You sell crap and blue sky. It's all the same game.

Dialogue

John Shaft: It looks like war comin', huh? Vic Androzzi: It's a bad thing, John. Mafia against Bumpy. I mean, it's hood against hood - on the inside. On the outside, it's black against white. It could be, we could have tanks and troops on Broadway, if this thing breaks open.

Dialogue

Sergeant Tom Hannon: Hey, where the hell are you going, Shaft? John Shaft: To get laid — where the hell you going?

Dialogue

Mafia contact: I'm lookin' for a nigger named John Shaft. John Shaft: Just found him - wop. Sit down. Mafia contact: I'm supposed to take you to visit a lady. Come on. John Shaft: I haven't finished my espresso. Why don't you have some. Maybe they'll put a little garlic in it, if you're nice. Mafia contact: No thanks. But you go ahead. We've even got time for you to have your soul food.

Dialogue

John Shaft: Warms my black heart to see you so concerned about us minority folks. Vic Androzzi: Oh come on Shaft, what is it with this black shit, huh? Vic Androzzi: You ain't so black. John Shaft: [Holds a white coffee cup next to Vic's face] And you ain't so white either baby.

Dialogue

John Shaft: Hey, baby. Please close the door, huh? Linda: Hey, close it yourself, shitty.

Dialogue

Bumpy Jonas: [answering his phone] Wrong number. John Shaft: Don't bull me, man. I got the right number. This is Shaft. Bumpy Jonas: How'd the hell you get this number? John Shaft: Off a bathroom wall in the god damn subway!

Dialogue

Bumpy Jonas: When will I hear from you? John Shaft: When I got something to say.

Dialogue

Willy: Got to see if you're clean before you can see the Man. John Shaft: [laughs] Better get yourself six more helpers then, Willy. Willy: That's how it's done. John Shaft: Who searches you? Willy: Nobody. John Shaft: Then get the same cat to search us.

Dialogue

Willy: Listen, Snow White. Me and you gonna tangle, sooner or later. Did you hear what I say? John Shaft: Why don't you stop playing with yourself, Willy? You ain't gonna do SHIT!

Dialogue

Ellie Moore: I love you. John Shaft: Yeah, I know. Take it easy.

Dialogue

Vic Androzzi: What'cha got? John Shaft: I got laid.

Dialogue

John Shaft: [on telephone] Vic, your case just busted wide open. Vic Androzzi: So close it for me. John Shaft: Cut the crap man, this is Shaft. Looks like you gonna have to close it yo'self, shitty! [cackles maniacally]

Theme song

Isaac Hayes: Who's the black private dick / That's a sex machine to all the chicks? Chorus: Shaft! Isaac Hayes: You damn right. / Who is the man / That would risk his neck for his brother man? Chorus: Shaft! Isaac Hayes: Can ya dig it? / Who's the cat that won't cop out / When there's danger all about? Chorus: Shaft! Isaac Hayes: Right on! / You see, this cat Shaft is a bad mother— Chorus: Shut your mouth! Isaac Hayes: But I'm talkin' 'bout Shaft! Chorus: Then we can dig it! Isaac Hayes: He's a complicated man, / But no one understands him but his woman. Chorus: John Shaft!