Dodsworth (1936) · 21 quotes
Sam
She wants me to learn how to enjoy my leisure, now that I'm retired. But what it boils down to - well, I've been doing things myself for a long time now. I thought I'd give things a chance to do something to me.
Edith
The education of an American.
Sam
Yes, you might call it that.
Edith
How long have you given yourself?
Sam
Six months.
Edith
To get all that done?
Sam
Oh, I'll be homesick by then.
Sam
You've lived abroad. What's it like?
Edith
That depends on what one's after, as you would say.
Sam
When a man has no more job and his wife wants a fling there are worse things than travel. It wouldn't do for me though. No, not long, it wouldn't. For a steady thing, give me America. For Americans, that is.
Edith
Drifting isn't nearly so pleasant as it looks.
Sam
Why don't you give it up?
Edith
One drifts for lack of a reason to do anything else.
Sam
Well, what do you want?
Edith
What do you suppose any lone woman wants?
Edith
I hadn't realized it was your birthday.
Fran
No? Wish I hadn't. No woman enjoys getting to be 35.
Edith
When you're my age, you look back on 35 as a most agreeable time of life.
Fran
I hope I look as young as you do when I'm your age.
Edith
You're almost sure to, my dear.
Edith
Let's sit down, if you've got a moment.
Sam
Time is something I have nothing else but.
Edith
How's Mrs. Dodsworth? I remember her with much pleasure.
Sam
She's fine. I haven't got her along this trip.
Edith
She doesn't like traveling?
Sam
Does anyone? I expect most people travel to get away from themselves. I've been at it three months now. I'm glad to hear why.
Edith
Alone?
Sam
I'm getting used to it now. All museums look alike. All American Express offices look alike.
Edith
You knew I live here. You might've looked me up.
Sam
I've gotten out of the way of looking folks up.
Edith
The education, how's that coming along?
Sam
I gave it up. I found myself learning things I didn't want to learn.
Sam
Edith, I've spent six short weeks with you in this house, and I can't imagine ever being without you again.
Edith
I can't imagine being without you, either. I think I must love you a great deal.
Sam
God bless you for that.
Sam
She's dropped the divorce. She's going home on the Rex day after tomorrow from Naples. I've got to go with her.
Edith
I won't let you.
Sam
What else can I do?
Edith
I won't let you go back to her.
Sam
I know this is a jolt. It's a jolt to me too.
Edith
I won't see you killed by her selfishness.
Sam
You don't understand. It'll be tough on her with all the talk there'll be.
Edith
I love you, and she doesn't. You're miserable with her.
Sam
I know.
Edith
A moment ago, you had the whole world in your hands. I won't let her take it away from you.
Sam
She's not taking it away.
Edith
You were a young man a minute ago. I know everything's starting again. You shriveled the same way, every letter you got from her.
Sam
I can't think.
Edith
You're wrong to go back...
Sam
Please, be fair. She's in a hole. She needs me.
Edith
She does not need you, and you might think of me.
Sam
I am thinking of you.
...
Edith
One word from her, and you trot back.
Sam
You've got to be patient with me.
Edith
What is this hold she has over you?
Sam
I've got to take care of her. A man's habits get pretty strong in 20 years. I'll go into town and make the reservations. It's giving you up that hurts.
