Does anyone know the legality of using a line, word for word verbatim, from another movie in an original screenplay. Just a sentance, not an entire scene or anything like that.

There are a lot of small quotes form movies, mostly lesser known, that I enjoy. Most of which are responses to questions. I am considering using one or two in a work I am creating. Is it okay?

I know directors and cinematographers pay obvious visual homage to classic movies all the time, and I am sure writers do as well. What I'm asking is, does one need permission to do so? Could one get by without even citing them in the credits?

If I was writing an essay, I'd better be damned sure to add a citation, but does that apply to scripts? I'm not talking taking away plot points, or anything of substance, just the occassional one liner that I find intriguing.

It comes to context imo.

However, if I may give you one advice: Don't overthink such kind of stuff. It's not your job to estimate that. Tell and sell a story, that's enough for one person. Filmmaking is based on teamwork and you're not the media lawyer of the team. The potential production company is responsible for liability. It's their job to supervise an release.

If the story or characters are going to acknowledge where the lines come from, or make it obvious that they are quoting something else then I think it may be considered fair use and be okay...

But as Prusssian says... write the script as you want and then check IF it gets to a production stage, you can always amend if needed.

Generally agree with the above two posts. That being said - here is a pretty good description of the general rule:

http://firemark.com/2011/02/04/asked-answered-can-i-use-famous-movie-line-my-screenplay/

Long winded way of saying a single line, especially one used in parody is going to be okay.