Benjamin Braddock quotes from The Graduate (1967)

Benjamin Braddock

Mrs. Robinson, this is the sickest, most perverted thing that ever happened to me.

Benjamin Braddock

Look, I like you. I wouldn't keep coming here if I didn't like you...I enjoy it. I look forward to it. It's the one thing I have to look forward to...All right, I promise, for Christ's sake, I promise never to take out Elaine Robinson...Let's not talk about it. Let's not talk at all.

Benjamin Braddock

You're missing a great effect here. How'd you like that? Could you do it?

Benjamin Braddock

Elaine, would you just tell me where he proposed to you? [shouting after her as she leaves the library] Oh God, it wasn't in his car, was it?

What's the matter? The guests are all downstairs, Ben, waiting to see you.

Benjamin

Look, Dad, could you explain to them that I have to be alone for a while?

These are all our good friends, Ben. Most of them have known you since, well, practically since you were born. What is it, Ben?

Benjamin

I'm just...

...worried?

Benjamin

Well...

About what?

Benjamin

I guess about my future.

What about it?

Benjamin

I don't know. I want it to be...

...to be what?

Benjamin

...Different.

We're all so proud of you, proud, proud, proud, proud, proud, proud, proud. What are you going to do now?

Benjamin

I was going to go upstairs for a minute.

I meant with your future, your life.

Benjamin

Well, that's a little hard to say.

Mr. McGuire

I want to say one word to you. Just one word.

Benjamin

Yes, sir.

Mr. McGuire

Are you listening?

Benjamin

Yes, I am.

Mr. McGuire

Plastics.

Benjamin

Exactly how do you mean?

Mr. McGuire

There's a great future in plastics. Think about it. Will you think about it?

Benjamin

Yes I will.

Mr. McGuire

Shh! Enough said. That's a deal.
Note: the bolded line is ranked #42 in the American Film Institute's list of the top 100 movie quotations in American cinema.

Would you mind walking ahead of me to the sun porch. I feel funny about coming into a dark house.

Benjamin

But it's light in there.

Please...What do you drink? Bourbon?

Benjamin

Look, uh, Mrs. Robinson, I drove you home. I was glad to do it. But I have some things on my mind. Can you understand that?

Yes.

Benjamin

All right.

What do you drink? Benjamin. I'm sorry to be this way, but I don't want to be left alone in this house.

Benjamin

Why not?

Please wait till my husband gets home.

Benjamin

When is he coming back?

I don't know. Drink?

Benjamin

No. Are you always this much afraid of being alone?

Yes.

Benjamin

Well, why can't you just lock the doors and go to bed?

I'm very neurotic. May I ask you a question? What do you think of me?

Benjamin

What do you mean?

You've known me nearly all your life. You must have formed some opinion of me.

Benjamin

Well, I always thought that you were a very...nice...person.

Did you know I was an alcoholic?

Benjamin

What?

Did you know that?

Benjamin

Look, I think I should be going.

Sit down, Benjamin.

Benjamin

Mrs. Robinson, if you don't mind my saying so, this conversation is getting a little strange. Now, I'm sure that Mr. Robinson will be here any minute now and -

No.

Benjamin

What?

My husband will be back quite late. He should be gone for several hours.

Benjamin

Oh my God.

Pardon?

Oh no, Mrs. Robinson, oh no.

What's wrong?

Benjamin

Mrs. Robinson, you didn't - I mean, you didn't expect -

What?

Benjamin

I mean, you didn't really think that I would do something like that.

Like what?

Benjamin

What do you think?

Well, I don't know.

Benjamin

For God's sake, Mrs. Robinson, here we are, you've got me into your house. You give me a drink. You put on music, now you start opening up your personal life to me and tell me your husband won't be home for hours.

So?

Benjamin

Mrs. Robinson - you are trying to seduce me .... Aren't you?

Well, no. I hadn't thought of it. I feel very flattered.

Benjamin

Mrs. Robinson. Will you forgive me for what I just said?
Note: the bolded line is ranked #63 in the American Film Institute's list of the top 100 movie quotations in American cinema.

Will you unzip my dress? I think I'll go to bed.

Benjamin

Oh well, good night.

Won't you unzip my dress?

Benjamin

I'd rather not, Mrs. Robinson.

If you still think I'm trying to seduce you...?

Benjamin

No, I don't, but I just feel a little funny.

Benjamin. You've known me all your life.

Benjamin

I know that but I'm...

Come on. It's hard for me to reach. Thank you.

Benjamin

Right.

What are you so scared of?

Benjamin

I'm not scared, Mrs. Robinson.

Then why do you keep running away?

Benjamin

Because you're going to bed. I don't think I should be up here.

Haven't you ever seen anybody in a slip before?

Benjamin

Yes, I have, but I just...Look, what if Mr. Robinson walked in right now?

What if he did?

Benjamin

Well, it would look pretty funny, wouldn't it?

Don't you think he trusts us together?

Benjamin

Of course he does, but he might get the wrong idea. Anyone might.

I don't see why? I'm twice as old as you are. How could anyone think that...

Benjamin

But they would! Don't you see?

Benjamin. I am not trying to seduce you!

Benjamin

I know that, but please, Mrs. Robinson. This is difficult..

Would you like me to seduce you?

Benjamin

What?

Is that what you're trying to tell me?

Benjamin

I'm going home now. I apologize for what I said. I hope you can forget it. But I'm going home right now.

Don't be nervous.

Benjamin

Get away from that door.

I want to say something first.

Benjamin

Dear God.

Benjamin. I want you to know that I'm available to you, and if you won't sleep with me this time...

Benjamin

Oh, my God.

...if you won't sleep with me this time I want you to know that you can call me up anytime you want and we'll make some kind of an arrangement. Do you understand what I...?

Benjamin

Let me out.

Benjamin. Did you understand what I said?

Benjamin

Yes, yes, let me out.

Because I find you very attractive. Now, anytime you want, you just...

Oh Jesus, that's him.

Ben, are you all right?

Benjamin

I'm just a little worried about my future. I'm a little upset about my future.

I wish I was that age again because Ben...you'll never be young again...Ben, can I say something to you?...uh, how long have we known each other now? How long have you and I known each other? How long have your dad and I been partners?...I watched you grow up, Ben...In many ways, I feel as though you were my own son...So I hope you won't mind my giving you a friendly piece of advice... I think you ought to be taking it a little easier right now than you seem to be...Sow a few wild oats, take things as they come, have a good time with the girls and so forth...You have yourself a few flings this summer. I'll bet you're, you're quite a ladies man...You look to me like the kind of guy who has to fight 'em off. [To Mrs. Robinson] Now doesn't he look to you like the kind of guy who has to fight 'em off?

Benjamin

Look, I was thinking about that time after the party.

Where are you?

Benjamin

And I was wondering if I could buy you a drink or something?

Where are you?

Benjamin

Uh, the Taft Hotel.

Did you get a room?

Benjamin

No. Now I know it's pretty late and if you'd rather...

Give me an hour.

Benjamin

What?

I'll be there in an hour.

Can I help you, sir?

Benjamin

What? Oh, no. I'm just...

Are you here for an affair, sir?

Benjamin

What?

The Singleman party, sir?

Benjamin

Oh, yes, the Singleman party.

It's in the main ballroom.

Benjamin

Ah, thank you.

Did you get us a room?

Benjamin

What?

Have you gotten us a room yet?

Benjamin

I haven't, no.

Do you want to?

Benjamin

Well, I don't...I mean I could. Or we could just talk.

Do you want me to get it?

Benjamin

You? Oh no, I'll get it.

Do you want to get it now?

Benjamin

Now?

Yes.

Benjamin

Well, I don't know.

Why don't you get it?

Benjamin

'Why don't I get it?' Well, I will, and if you'll excuse me.

Benjamin

A room. I'd like a room please.

A single room or a double room?

Benjamin

A single just for myself, please.

Will you sign the register, please? Anything wrong, sir?

Benjamin

What? No, nothing.

Do you have any luggage, Mr. Gladstone?

Benjamin

Luggage? Yes, yes, I do.

Where is it?

Benjamin

What?

Where is your luggage?

Benjamin

Well, it's in the car. It's out there in the car.

Very good sir, I'll have a porter bring it in. [rings the desk bell]

Benjamin

Oh no. [covers the bell with his hand] I mean, I, I'd rather not go to all the trouble of bringing it all in, I just have a toothbrush. I can get it myself, if that's all right?

Of course. I'll have a porter show you the room.

Benjamin

Oh, well, actually I'd just as soon find it myself and, just have a toothbrush to carry up and I can handle it myself.

Whatever you say, sir.

Benjamin

Thank you.

Benjamin.

Benjamin

Yes?

Isn't there something you want to tell me?

Benjamin

Tell you?

Yes.

Benjamin

Well, I want you to know how much I appreciate this. Really.

The number.

Benjamin

What?

The room number, Benjamin. I think you ought to tell me that.

Benjamin

Oh, you're absolutely right. It's 568.

Thank you.

Benjamin

You're welcome. Well... I'll see you later, Mrs. Robinson.

Benjamin

Wood?

What?

Benjamin

Wood or wire? They have both.

Benjamin, would this be easier for you in the dark?

Benjamin

Mrs. Robinson. I can't do this.

You what?

Benjamin

This is all terribly wrong.

Do you find me undesirable?

Benjamin

Oh, no, Mrs. Robinson. I think, I think you're the most attractive of all my parents' friends. I mean that. I find you desirable, but I, for God's sake, can you imagine my parents? Can you imagine what they would say if they just saw us in this room here right now?

What would they say?

Benjamin

I have no idea Mrs. Robinson, but for god's sake, they brought me up, they made a good life for me and I think they deserve better than this. I think they deserve a little better than jumping into bed with the partner's wife.

Are you afraid of me?

Benjamin

Oh, no. You're missing the point. Look. Maybe we could do something else together. Mrs. Robinson, would you like to go to a movie?

Can I ask you a personal question?

Benjamin

Ask me anything you want?

Is this your first time?

Benjamin

Is this what?

It is, isn't it? It is your first time.

Benjamin

That's a laugh Mrs. Robinson. That's really a laugh. Ha, ha.

Well, you can admit that, can't you?

Benjamin

Are you kidding?

It's nothing to be ashamed of.

Benjamin

Wait a minute.

On your first time if you're afraid of being inadequate.

Benjamin

Who said it was my first time? Wait a minute.

Just because you happen to be inadequate in one way...

Benjamin

INADEQUATE! Don't move!

Ben, what are you doing?

Benjamin

Well, I would say that I'm just drifting. Here in the pool.

Why?

Benjamin

Well, it's very comfortable just to drift here.

Have you thought about graduate school?

Benjamin

No.

Would you mind telling me then what those four years of college were for? What was the point of all that hard work?

Benjamin

You got me.

Benjamin

Will you wait a minute, please? Mrs. Robinson, do you think we could say a few words to each other first this time?

I don't think we have much to say to each other.

Benjamin

Look, for months, all we've done is come up here and leap into bed together.

Are you tired of it?

Benjamin

I'm not. No. But do you think we could liven it up with a little conversation for a change?...Now look, we're going to do this thing. We're going to have a conversation. Tell me what you did today?

I got up. I fixed breakfast for my husband.

Benjamin

There. There's something we could have a conversation about. Your husband.

Ohh, him.

Benjamin

What kind of car was it?

What?

Benjamin

Do you remember the make of the car?

Oh my God.

Benjamin

Really, I want to know.

It was a Ford, Benjamin.

Benjamin

A Ford! A Ford! God-damn-it, that's great, a Ford!

That's enough.

Benjamin

So old Elaine Robinson got started in a Ford.

Don't talk about Elaine.

Benjamin

Well, I guess I'll have to ask her out on a date and find out what the big deal is.

Benjamin. Don't you ever take that girl out. Do you understand that?

Benjamin

Well, why shouldn't I?

I have my reasons.

Benjamin

Well let's hear 'em.

No.

Benjamin

Let's hear them, Mrs. Robinson, because I think I know what they are. I'm not good enough for her to associate with, am I? I'm not good enough to even talk about her, am I?

Let's drop it.

Benjamin

We're not dropping it. I'm good enough for you, but I'm not good enough to associate with your daughter. That's it, isn't it?

Benjamin.

Benjamin

Isn't it?

Yes.

Benjamin

You go to hell. You go straight to hell, Mrs. Robinson.

Benjamin

Elaine, I like you. I like you so much. Do you believe that? [She nods] Do you?

Elaine

Yes.

Benjamin

You're the first thing for so long that I like, the first person I could stand to be with. My whole life is such a waste. There's just nothing. I'm sorry. I'll take you home now.

Benjamin

That older woman that I told you about?...The married woman. That wasn't just some woman...

Elaine

Oh, no. Oh, my God. Get out!

Good-bye, Benjamin.

Benjamin

I'm going to marry Elaine Robinson.

Don't you think that idea is a little half-baked?

Benjamin

Oh no, Dad, it's completely baked.

Do you ummm... do you want to tell my why you did it

Benjamin

Mr. Robinson!

Do you have a special grudge against me? Do you feel a particularly strong resentment? Is there something I've said that's caused this contempt, or is it just things I stand for that you despise?

Mr. McCleery

Are you a student?

Benjamin

Not exactly.

Mr. McCleery

What's that?

Benjamin

I said 'Not exactly.' No.

Mr. McCleery

What are ya then?

Benjamin

Oh, I'm just sorta travelin' through.

Mr. McCleery

I like to know who's living in my house. Like to know what my boys are up to.

Benjamin

I'm not up to much, actually. I'm just visiting. I mean, I've always wanted to see Berkeley.

Mr. McCleery

You're not one of those agitators?

Benjamin

What?

Mr. McCleery

One of those outside agitators?

Oh no.

Mr. McCleery

I hate that. I won't stand for it. I won't stand for that.

Elaine

What are you going to do?

Benjamin

I don't know.

Elaine

Are you going home?

Benjamin

No.

Elaine

Well, where are you going?

Benjamin

Elaine, you're going to have to stop asking me that.

Elaine

I don't want you to leave tomorrow.

Benjamin

I don't understand.

Elaine

I don't want you to go anywhere until you have a definite plan.

Elaine

Benjamin...Will you kiss me? [they kiss]

Benjamin

Will you marry me? [She shakes her head no] You won't?

Elaine

I don't know.

Benjamin

But you might?

Elaine

I might.

Benjamin

Is that so? You might marry me?

Elaine

Yes.

Benjamin

When?

Elaine

I don't know.

Benjamin

What about tomorrow? I don't mean to be pushy but...

Elaine

I don't know. I don't know what's happening.

Benjamin

You mean you're confused? Look. Don't be confused. We're getting married.

Elaine

I don't see how we can.

Benjamin

We just can.

Elaine

I have to go now.

Benjamin

Elaine. Are you serious about this?

Elaine

I'll think about it.

Benjamin

You really will?

Elaine

Yes.

Benjamin

Good God!

Elaine

I just don't think it would work.

Benjamin

Why wouldn't it?
...

Why wouldn't it?

Elaine

I just don't think it would.
...

Benjamin

Tomorrow? Can we get our blood tests tomorrow morning?

Elaine

Why don't you drag me off if you want to marry me so much?

Benjamin

Why don't I just drag you off? All right, I will. Right after we get the blood tests...

Elaine

Good night.

Benjamin

Are we getting married tomorrow?

Elaine

No...

Benjamin

Day after tomorrow?

Elaine

I don't know. Maybe we are, and maybe we're not.

Benjamin

Listen to me. What happened between Mrs. Robinson and me was nothing. It didn't mean anything. We might just as well have been shaking hands.

Shaking hands? Well, that's not saying much for my wife, is it?
...

Benjamin

What happened between Mrs. Robinson and me was nothing. It didn't mean anything. We might just as well have been shaking hands...The point is I don't love your wife, I love your daughter, sir.

What makes you think she wants to marry you?

Benjamin

Oh, she doesn't. To be perfectly honest she doesn't like me.

Don't talk about Elaine.

Benjamin

Don't talk about Elaine?

No.

Benjamin

Well, why not?

Because I don't want you to.

Benjamin

Well, why don't you? I wish you'd tell me.

There's nothing to tell.

Benjamin

Well, why is she a big taboo subject all of a sudden? Well, I guess I'll have to ask her out on a date and find out what the big deal is.

Benjamin. [Pulling his hair] Don't you ever take that girl out. Do you understand that?

Benjamin

Well, why shouldn't I?

I have my reasons.

Benjamin

Well let's hear 'em.

No.

Benjamin

Let's hear them Mrs. Robinson, because I think I know what they are. I'm not good enough for her to associate with, am I? I'm not good enough to even talk about her, am I?

Let's drop it.

Benjamin

We're not dropping it. I'm good enough for you, but I'm not good enough to associate with your daughter. That's it, isn't it?

Benjamin.

Benjamin

Isn't it?

Yes.

Benjamin

You go to hell. You go straight to hell, Mrs. Robinson. Do you think I'm proud of myself? Do you think I'm proud of this?

I wouldn't know.

Benjamin

Well, I am not! No sir, I am not proud that I spend my time with a broken-down alcoholic!

I see.

Benjamin

And if you think I come here for any reason besides pure boredom, then you're all wrong; because Mrs. Robinson, this is the sickest, most perverted thing in the world that ever happened to me! And you do what you want, but I'm getting the hell out!

Are you?

Benjamin

Goddam right I am!

Well, when did you decide all this?

Benjamin

About an hour ago.

Wait a minute, you talked to Elaine this morning?

Benjamin

No, she doesn't know about it.

Uh, you mean she doesn't know you are coming up to Berkeley?

Benjamin

No, actually she doesn't know about us getting married yet.

Well when did you two talk this over?

Benjamin

We haven't.

You haven't?

Ben, this whole idea sounds pretty half baked.

Benjamin

No, it's not. It's completely baked. It's a decision I've made.

But what makes you think she wants to marry you?

Benjamin

She doesn't. To be perfectly honest, she doesn't like me.

Drive down the block.

Benjamin

Mrs. Robinson, Elaine and I have a date, we're going for a drive.

Do exactly as I say!

Benjamin

Now, it seems to me...

Listen very carefully to me, Benjamin: You are not to see Elaine again, ever! Those are my orders, is that clear?

Benjamin

Mrs. Robinson, do you think...

I can make things quite unpleasant.

Benjamin

How?

In order to keep Elaine away from you, I'm prepared to tell her everything.

Benjamin

I don't believe you.

Then you better start believing me.

Benjamin

I just don't believe you would do that.

Try me.