Strother Martin was a wonderful character actor who often played supporting roles with cinematic superstars such as John Wayne, Robert Redford and Paul Newman.

One of his most famous roles (that included one of his most famous lines) is that of the prison “Cap’n” in Paul Newman’s portrayal of Cool Hand Luke (1967).

Luke was a particularly infuriating prisoner who was constantly attempting to escape the prison camp and otherwise thwart the Cap’n and other powers that be.  On several occasions, in which it was deemed necessary to violently remind Luke that he needed to “get his mind right,” the irate Cap’n, barely able to contain his rage would say by way of explanation, “What we have here is failure to communicate.”

(The line is #11 on the American Film Institute’s list of top 100 movie quotations in American cinema.)

It’s a great quote but grossly inaccurate!

Married couples (and others) often report that they are unable to communicate, when in fact, they do communicate. Tragically, the things they say and the way they say them can inflict terrible, long-lasting damage on each other. In fact, communication can do harm that may last a lifetime.

Many of you are familiar with the truth about communication as verbalized by authors, trainers and marriage and family therapists Helen LaKelly Hunt and Harville Hendrix: “Talking is the most dangerous thing people do!”

In just 3 weeks (June 4) another Safe Conversations event will take place at the Prestoncrest Church, just next door to our counseling offices.