Dowager Empress Marie [Narrating]
But we would never be together in Paris, for a dark shadow had descended upon the house of the Romanovs. His name was Rasputin. We thought he was a holy man, but he was a fraud; power-mad and dangerous.
Voiced by Angela Lansbury 
Anastasia (1997) · 69 quotes
Anastasia (1997) · 69 quotes
3rd most-quoted character in Anastasia (1997): in 19 of its 69 quotes
Most scenes with: Dimitri (8), Anya (6), Sophie (3)
There was a time, not very long ago, when we lived in an enchanted world of elegant palaces and grand parties. The year was 1916 and my son, Nicholas, was the Czar of Imperial Russia. We were celebrating the 300th anniversary of our family's rule. And, that night, no star burned brighter than that of our sweet Anastasia, my youngest granddaughter. She begged me not to return to Paris, so I had a very special gift made for her, to make the separation easier - for both of us.
More lines from Dowager Empress Marie
7 quotes Dowager Empress Marie Dowager Empress Marie [Narrating]
Consumed by his hatred for Nicholas and his family, Rasputin sold his soul for the power to destroy them.
Dowager Empress Marie [Narrating]
From that moment on, the spark of unhappiness in our country was fanned into a flame that would soon destroy our lives forever.
Dowager Empress Marie [Narrating]
So many lives were destroyed that night. What had always been was now gone forever. And my Anastasia, my beloved grandchild... I never saw her again.
Dowager Empress Marie My heart can't take it anymore! I will see no more girls claiming to be Anastasia. [She looks at the photo, of young Anastasia, on the desk and places it face down.]
Dowager Empress Marie Dimitri, I've heard of you. You're that con man from St. Petersburg, who was holding auditions to find an Anastasia look-a-like.
Dowager Empress Marie Knowing that you are alive, seeing the woman you have become, brings me joy I never thought I could feel again.
Scenes with Dowager Empress Marie
11 scenes Dowager Empress Marie [Young Anastasia and Empress Marie are stuck in Anastasia's room. Young Dimitri enters from a secret door in a wall] [As she tries to take Young Anastasia out the main door]
Please, hurry.
[Stops them and drags them to the secret door]
Come this way! Out the servants quarters!
Dowager Empress Marie [Young Anastasia accidently drops her music box as she's being forced in the door] [follows Anastasia]
Hurry, Anastasia!
[Anya and Dimitri leave the opera box and arrive at the Dowager's box room so she can be announced] [arrives at the Dowager's box room with Anya]
Wait here for just a moment. I'll go in and announce you properly.
Yes?
Well-- [loses it] Thank you, I guess. Yes, thank you for everything.
[Dimitri turns around, disappointed, and heads for the door and Anya goes the other way] [turns around; nervous]
Anya, I--
Well here goes.
[Dimitri walks into the Dowager's box. He enters Dowager's box and approaches Sophie]
Please inform her majesty, The Dowanger Empress, that I have found her granddaughter... [Anya listens to Dimitri from the other side of the door] ...the Grand Duchess Anastasia. She's waiting to see her just outside the door.
I'm very sorry young man, but the Dowanger Empress, she will see no one.
Dowager Empress Marie [Overhearing this, Marie turns to Dimitri very stern]
You may tell that impertinent young man that I have seen enough Grand Duchess Anastasias to last me a lifetime.
Dowager Empress Marie Now if you'll excuse me, I wish to live the remainder of my lonely life in peace.
Come, I'll see you to the door. Come, come now, come to the door.
[Dimitri ducks through the curtain after Sophie closes it and sits himself down in a chair next to Marie]
Your Majesty, I intend you no harm. My name is Dimitri. I used to work in the palace.
Dowager Empress Marie [sarcastically]
Well, that is one I haven't heard, I must say.
[She starts to walk away, but Dimitri walks after her]
Wait! Don't go, please! [gets in her way] If you'll just hear me out--
Dowager Empress Marie [snaps]
I know what you're after. I've seen it before; men who train young women in the royal ways. [rings a bell]
But if Your Highness will just listen--
Dowager Empress Marie Haven't you been listening? I've had enough! [Anya listens to the conversation closer] I don't care how much you have fashioned this girl to look like her, sound like her, or act like her. In the end, it never is her.
But this time it is her.
Dowager Empress Marie [remembering]
Dimitri... I've heard of you. You're that conman from St. Petersburg, who was holding auditions to find an Anastasia look-alike.
[Anya gasps after hearing this]
But, your Grace, we came all the way from Russia just to see--
Dowager Empress Marie And others have come from Timbuktu.
No, it's not--It's not that. It's not what you think.
Dowager Empress Marie [He tries to take her hands in compassion, but she angrily stands up]
How much pain will you inflict on an old woman for money? [Anya becomes shocked and horrified as she discovers who Dimitri really is and the guards arrive to kick Dimitri out] Remove him at once!
[struggling with the guards]
But she is Anastasia, I'm telling you! She's the Grand Duchess! If you only speak with her, and you'll SEE!
[Dimitri gets kicked out of the Dowager's box and looks at Anya, who overheard his argument with her and she confronts him after hearing who Dimitri really is]
It was all a lie, wasn't it?
You used me? I was just part of your con to get her money?
[trying to regain composure]
NO! No, no, no. [Anya walks away, and he follows and stops her] Look, it may have started out that way, but everything's different now. Because you really are Anastasia. You are!
[Anya becomes really angry]
Stop it! [shoves him] From the very beginning, you LIED! [shoves him again] And I not only believed you, I actually-- OH!
[She walks away again, but Dimitri follows and stops her]
Anya, please! When you spoke of the hidden door in the wall opening, and the little boy-- Listen to me. That was--
[The conversation is cut short as Anya refuses to listen]
NO!! I don't wanna hear about anything that I said or remembered. YOU JUST LEAVE ME ALONE!
[She tries to walk away, but Dimitri grabs her arm and she slaps him. She then storms off. Dimitri tries to chase after her, but fails as he is blocked by a crowd] [shouting]
ANYA, PLEASE! YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE TRUTH!
Dowager Empress Marie [Dimitri sneaks into the car containing Empress Marie and drives in a fast pace to Sophie's residence]
Ilya, slow down.
Dowager Empress Marie [gasps]
You! How dare you?! Stop this car immediately! [bangs the floor of the car with her cane through her last words] Stop...this...car!!
[They arrive at Sophie's residence; Dimitri gets out of the car and opens Marie's door]
You HAVE... to TALK to her. Just LOOK at her, PLEASE!
Dowager Empress Marie I won't be badgered by you a moment longer.
Dowager Empress Marie [gasps]
Where did you get this?
I know you've been hurt, but it's just possible she's been as lost and alone as you.
Dowager Empress Marie You'll stop at nothing, will you?
I'm probably about as stubborn as you are.
[The door opens and Dowager Empress Marie comes in] [finally turns around and noticed Dowager Empress Marie]
Oh, I'm sorry. I... I thought you were...
Dowager Empress Marie I know very well who you thought I was. Who exactly are you?
Eh...I ...I was hoping you could tell me.
Dowager Empress Marie [signs]
My dear, I'm old and I'm tired of being conned and tricked.
I don't want to trick you.
Dowager Empress Marie And I suppose the money doesn't interest you either?
I just want to know who I am whether or not I belong to a family, your family.
Dowager Empress Marie You're a very good actress. The best yet, in fact. But I've had enough. [starts to leave]
Dowager Empress Marie [holds her steps, still suspicious]
An oil for my hands.
Yes. I spilled a bottle. The carpet was soaked and it forever smelled of peppermint. Like you. I used to lie there on that rug and, oh, how I missed you when you went away. When you came here, to Paris.
Dowager Empress Marie [Dowager Empress Marie notices Anya, playing with a key around her neck] [pointing to the key]
What is that?
Dowager Empress Marie [holding out her hand]
May I? [Anya takes off the key and hands it to her] It was our secret. My Anastasia's and mine. [takes the music box from her bag.]
The music box. [takes the music box from Dowager Empress Marie] To sing me to sleep when you were in Paris. [Takes the key and begins humming the lullaby. The the music box begins to play and Anya starts to sing the lullaby and Dowager Empress Marie joins in to the end]
Dowager Empress Marie [with cracking voice]
Oh Anastasia! My Anastasia!
[Anya and Marie throw their arms around each other in an emotional embrace while Dimitri is on the street looking up at the window as he blows a kiss and he sadly walks away.]
Dowager Empress Marie Ten million rubles, as promised, with my gratitude.
I accept your gratitude, your Highness, but I-- I don't want your money.
Dowager Empress Marie What do you want, then?
Unfortunately, nothing you can give. [bows and starts to walk out]
Dowager Empress Marie Young man... [Dimitri halts] Where did you get that music box? [Dimitri is speechless] You were the boy, weren't you - the servant boy who got us out? You saved her life and mine, then you restored her to me. Yet you want no reward.
Not anymore.
Dowager Empress Marie Why the change of mind?
It was more a change of heart. I must go. [bows one last time and leaves]
Dowager Empress Marie [about Dimitri]
My darling... He didn't take the money.
[She and Dowager Empress Marie just finished reading Anya's farewell letter]
They've eloped! Isn't it romantic? It's a perfect ending.
Dowager Empress Marie No, it's a perfect beginning.
Footman
[Fade in a tiny music box] [Close-up] [The delicate box is set on a brocaded pillow. We pull back to see] [The pillow is carried by a pair of hands.] [Pull back to see a butler, he carries the Music Box on uts pillow. He rushes down a grand curving staircase, past other servants to.] [The front door. He races out the front door, careful to balance his precious cargo on the pillow.] [Enter. Mansion - evening] [A horse-drawn carriage stands outside, An escort of Cossacks on horseback wait, horses impatient, steam shooting from their nostrils, hooves prancing. The Butler comes out with the box on the pillow, carrying it to.] [An elderly woman stands regally beside the carriage door, dressed in full evening clothes. This is the Empress Marie. The Butler bows as he presents the box. She takes it from the pillow and puts it carefully in her beaded clutch. The Butler retreats.] [A footman opens the carriage door, and Marie climbs inside. As soon as the door closes, the carriage takes off, preceeded by the thundering Cossack horses.] [Enter St. Petersburg - night] [Marie's carriage races through the streets her honor Guard of Horsemen cutting a path ahead of her.]
Your highness…
Coachman
Hyah!
Marie [narrating]
There was a time, not very long ago, when we lived in an enchanted world of elegant palaces and grand parties.
Marie [Enter. Palace - night] [The gates swing open for Marie’s carriage. The palace is lit up, with opulently dressed partygoers streaming inside. They bow as Marie’s carriage pulls up.] [narrating]
The year was 1916…
Marie [The palace doors swing open. Music pours out, and sounds of gaiety. Marie sweeps inside, dancing couples bowing as she passes.] [narrating]
…and my son Nicholas, was the Czar of Imperial Russia. [Move into palace]
Marie [Enter. Catherine Palace - Night] [Elegant royalists, in 17th century costumes, waltz in the main hall as an orchestra plays. Nicholas dances with Anastasia, 8, graceful and spirited. Father and daughter are the couple of the monet - all eyes adore them.]
Hello, darling. [narrating] We were celebrating the three hundredth anniversary of our family’s rule.
Nicholas
[laughter]
Oh, Papa!
Marie [narrating]
…and that night, no star burned brighter than that of our sweet Anastasia, my youngest granddaughter.
Marie [Angle on Marie - the Dowager Empress] [Smiling as she watches her granddaughter dancing with her father. Anastasia, her dance finished, lights up at seeing her grandmother, runs to her.] [narrating]
She begged me not to return to Paris - so I had a very special gift made for her…
[gasps]
Marie [narrating]
… to make the separation easier for both of us.
[Marie hands her a beautiful music box. A servant boy named Dimitri, 10, enters through a secret opening in the wall behind Marie’s chair, to eavesdrop.]
For me?! Is it a jewelry box?!
Servant
[A kitchen servant catches Dimitri spying.]
Dimitri, you belong in the kitchen.
Let go!
Marie [Unnoticed by Anastasia and Marie, the boy is dragged quickly into the secret door.]
Look.
[Marie takes out a key, a small silver flower on a neck chain. She puts it into the back of the music box, and winds it.] [Music Box Theme] [gasps]
It plays our lullaby!
Marie You can play it at night before you go to sleep. And pretend that it’s me singing. [singing] ♪On the wind, cross the sea, hear this song and remember.♪ [with Anastasia] ♪Soon you’ll be home with me once upon a December.♪ [Marie hands Anastasia the key] Read what it says.
[Close on music box key bearing the inscription "Together in Paris."]
"Together in Paris". Really? Oh, Grandmama!
[Marie smiles and nods. They embrace.]
Chauffer
[Cross Dissolve to: Enter. Paris Opera] [Long shot Paris Opera House. Marie coming out the door down the steps. Dimitri is still standing on the steps when he sees her.] [Dimitri’s POV as Marie is walking toward the car. A very proper CHAUFFER helps Marie in.] [Dimitri slides into the drivers seat and roars away, the stunned Chauffer left standing in the dust.]
Your majesty!
[Enter. Car] [Marie is jolted by the fast motion of the car.
Chauffer
Stop right now! Come back here!
Marie Ilya! Slow down!
[Dimitri turns from the front seat and looks at her.]
I’m not Ilya. And I won’t slow down! Not until you listen!
Marie [recognizing Dimitri]
You! How dare you?! Stop this car immediately! Stop this car!
[The car slams to a stop in front of Sophie’s House. Dimitri gets out of the car and goes around to Marie’s door and opens it.]
You have to talk to her! Just look at her. Please.
Marie I won’t be badgered by you a moment longer.
Do you reconize this?
Marie [Dimitri thrusts the music box into her hands. Marie is taken aback. Dimitri has her attention. Marie holds the music box against her chest tightly. She gasps.]
Oh, where did you get this?
[softer]
I know you’ve been hurt. But it’s just possible that she’s been as lost and alone as you.
Marie You’ll stop at nothing will you?
I’m probably about as stubborn as you are.
[Cut to: Enter. Sophie’s House - A Moment Later] [Anya is packing to leave Paris. There is a knocking at the door.] [angrily packing]
Go away, Dimitri.
Marie I know very well who you thought I was. Who exactly are you?
Eh… I … I was hoping you could tell me.
Marie [sighs]
My dear, I’m old and I’m tired of being conned and tricked.
I don’t want to trick you.
Marie And I suppose the money doesn’t interest you either?
I just want to know who I am whether or not I belong to a family, your family.
Marie [Marie stands.]
You’re a very good actress. The best yet, in fact. But I’ve had enough.
Marie [Marie pauses. Still suspicious.]
An oil for my hands.
[Anya closes her eyes, the memories flooding back.]
Yes… I spilled a bottle… The carpet was soaked. And it forever smelled of peppermint. [Looks at Marie] Like you.
[Marie is staring at Anya, stopped dead. Anya continues, surprising even herself.]
I used to lie there on the rug and oh how I missed you when you went away… When you came here. To Paris.
Marie [Marie notices Anya playing with a key around her neck.]
What is that?
This well, I’ve always had it… Ever since before I can remember.
Marie [Underscore: "The Music Box"]
May I?
Marie [Marie holds out her hands as Anya takes off the key and hands it to her. Marie takes the Music Box from her evening bag.] [through tears]
It was our secret. My Anastasia’s and mine…
[Anya begins humming the lullaby, then the music box begins to play. Marie is surprised that Anya knows how it works - is is Anastasia] !
[singing, broken with emotion] [The words to the lullaby from the prologue]
[Tears stream down Marie’s face as she joins Anya in the lullaby.]
♪Here this song and remember♪ ♪Soon you’ll be home with me♪ ♪Once Upon a December♪
Marie [Their cracking voices trail off as they look at each other and know that their search is finally over. Anya and Marie throw their arms around each other in an emotional embrace.]
Oh, Anastasia! My Anastasia!
[Cut to: Enter. Paris Street Outside Sophie’s House - Same Night] [Pan Down to Dimitri on street looking up at the window, he blows a kiss and turns to walk away.]
[Cut to: Enter Marie’s Study - Night] [The music box is on Marie’s desk beside an unopened jewelry box. Marie sits on a sofa, a large simple wooden box open beside her. Anya sits on a hammock at her feet, looking at an informal photograph of her family, touching the faces slowly with her fingertips, tears welling up in her eyes. Marie gently takes the picture from behind her, stroking her hair.]
I remember now, how much I loved them.
Marie They would not want us to live in the past, not now that we have found each other. Oh look here -- [taking a water color from the box] The drawings you gave me -- Remember?
[taking the picture]
Yes! Olga made me so mad -- she said it looked like a pig riding a donkey! She was right!
Marie [Her voice bubbles with laughter.]
In your laughter, once again I hear my Nicky, your dear father…
Marie [She stands and leads Anya to the jewel box, opening it. Displayed in rich velvet is a dazzling array of jewelry. Anya gasps.]
But you have the beauty of your mother, Alexandra, Empress of all Russia.
[Marie takes the exquisite tiara from the box and places it on Anya’s head, turning her to look in the mirror. Wide-eyed, ANYA sees that she looks like a princess indeed. From her C.U.] [Cross Dissolve to: Enter. Anya’s Bedrrom in Sophie’s House -- Day] [The same crown, the same wide-eyed expression, but now as we pull back from the reflection in this mirror, Sophie and a seamstress are just stepping back, rapturous, making final adjustments, and revealing Anya in her exquisite gown. Anya turns slightly, watching herself, touching the gown in wonder.] [Cut to: Enter. Marie’s Study - Day] [Dimitri stands before Marie and an open valise filled with the reward money.]
You sent for me, your grace?
Marie Ten million rubles… As promised, with my gratitude.
I accept your gratitude. Your Highness. But I don’t want the money.
Marie [Marie smiles.] [a bit suspicious]
What do you want, then?
Unfortunately nothing you can give. [Bows]
Marie [He starts to leave, Marie is puzzled and intrigued.]
Young man. [He stops] Where did you get that music box?
Marie [Dimitri doesn’t answer. She crosses to him.]
You were the boy, weren’t you? The servant boy who got us out. You saved her life, and mine. Then you restored her to me, yet you want no reward?
Not anymore.
Marie Why the change of mind?
It was more a change of heart. [Almost fleeing] I must go.
[Dimitri bows and leaves quickly. Marie is left wondering.] [Cross Dissolve to: Enter. Hallway of Marie’s House - Day] [Anya sees Dimitri coming down the steps. She draws herself to full regal height. He stops when he sees her.] [distantly]
Hello, Dimitri.
Hello.
Did you collect your reward?
My business is complete.
Major Domo
Eh, young man, you will bow and address the Princess as "Your Highness."
No, that’s not nec…
[Dimitri raises his hand to stop her. He bows.]
Please, your Highness. I’m glad you found what you were looking for.
Yes, I’m glad you did too.
Well, then… Goodbye. [Adding] Your Highness.
[Cut to: Enter. Marie’s Apartment - Afternoon] [Vladimir is looking in the mirror admiring himself. He is in full yellow fancy dress for the coronation. Anya wears yellow fancy dress and coffee colored dress shoe pumps for the coronation day. Pooka enters in full yellow fancy dress wearing a crown, a medal and a sword. Vladimir sees that Pooka looks and feels miserable.] [to Pooka: the dog’s clothes]
You look fabulous. Oh, do you mind?
[Vladimir steals the medal from around Pooka’s neck and pins it on his own chest.]
No, of course not, you’re a wonderful dog.
[Dimitri enters and picks up his travel bag. Vladimir sees his reflection in the mirror and turns.]
Well, if you’re ever in St. Petersburg again look me up. So long, Vlad.
Trust me, this is the one thing I’m doing right.
[Forcing a smile, Dimitri cuts Vladimir off, shaking his hand and patting him on the shoulder. Pooka understands that Dimitri is leaving, he whimpers. Dimitri scratches his nose.]
So long, mutt.
[Pooka licks Dimitri’s hand]
I can’t stay. I don’t belong here.
[Dimitri exits.] [Cut to: Enter. Grand Palais - Night] [Couples in splendor, waltz on the floor while guests whisper excitedly about Anastasia appearing. Many of them were at the opening ball in St. Petersburg. An Ornate Chir sits alone on an empty stage - waiting for the Princess.]
[Cut to: Anya hurries over to Dimitri, who lies there, still unconscious. She gently strokes his hair.]
Ooh… Oh, no.
Pooka
[whines]
Anya: Dimitri. No.
Pooka: [howls]
[Suddenly he growns!] [upon hearing Dimitri] [Gasps]
Ouch!
Dimitri! Oh!
Ow, ow, ow, ow. Oh, no, let go. Let go, easy.
Sorry!
[Dimitri picks himself up as Anya pulls back. He smiles.]
Yeah, I know. I know. All men are babies.
[Suddenly their faces move closer together. Both are so happy the other is alive that their love can’t help but sputter out…]
I thought you were going to St. Peter……
I was…
You didn’t take the…
I couldn’t.
Why?
Because… I…
[Their lips are about to meet when Pooka barks (off-screen). The romantic spell is broken.] [They pull apart to see Pooka with the crown in his mouth. Dimitri takes it and hands it to Anya.]
Oh. They’re waiting for you.
[Anya looks at him, at the crown. At him. The crown.] [Enter. Grand Palais Green Room - Night] [A hat box sits opened on a table. The crown sits next to it. Sophie cries tears of joy as she stares at the note that came with it.] [voiceover]
Dear Grandmama, wish me luck. We’ll be together in Paris again soon. A bientot.
They’ve eloped. Isn’t it romantic. It’s a perfect ending.
Marie [Vladimir enters the room. Marie, regal and wise, stares out a window at a distant boat on the Seine.]
No. It’s a perfect beginning.
[Marie wipes away a tear before Sophie can see it. She gives the boat one last look: happy and sad, then turns to go.] [Cut to: Enter. Riverboat - Night] [Dimitri and Anya are dancing on the riverboat.] [Laughter]
[Finally, Anya and Dimitri kiss. Pooka blushes.] [Pan up to see Bartok imitating their dancing. Suddenly a female bat flies down and joins him. He’s shy. She takes the upper hand and kisses him.]
Ah, hello. [Kiss] Wow! I tell you what, WOW! [giggles] So long, everybody! Ah ah!!!!
[As Bartok says his line, he pulls the shade down.] [Fade Out: The End]
