The Winslow Boy (1948)

Cedric Hardwicke: Arthur Winslow

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Quotes 

• Arthur Winslow : Well, now, I understand that you wish to marry my daughter.

  John Watherstone : Yes, sir. Of course, sir.

  Arthur Winslow : Why of course? There are plenty of people about who don't want to marry her. Oh, we'll not quibble about that. I think we'll take the romantic role of the project for granted.

• Desmond Curry : A subject can sue the king by petition of right. And it's the custom of the attorney general on behalf of the king, to endorse the petition and allow the case to come to court.

  Sir Robert Morton : It is interesting to note that the exact words he uses on such occasions are, "Let right be done."

  Arthur Winslow : Let right be done. I like that phrase.

  Sir Robert Morton : It has a certain ring about it, hasn't it? Let right be done.

• Grace Winslow : Things we took for granted a year ago and now don't seem to matter anymore.

  Arthur Winslow : Such as?

  Grace Winslow : Such as peace and quiet, and an ordinary respectable life. Some sort of future for us and our children. A happy home, Arthur. A happy home. But you've thrown that all overboard. I can only pray to God that you know what you're doing.

  Arthur Winslow : I know exactly what I'm doing, Grace. I'm going to publish my son's innocence before the world.

  Grace Winslow : Oh, talk about sacrificing everything for him. But when he's grown up, he won't thank you or it, Arthur. Even though you've given your life to... publish his innocence, as you call it. Yes, Arthur, your life... You know as well as any of the doctors what's really the matter with you. You're destroying yourself, Arthur. And me... and your family. And for what, I'd like to know. For what, Arthur?

  Arthur Winslow : For justice, Grace.

  Grace Winslow : You sure it isn't just plain pride and self-importance and sheer brute stubbornness?

• Grace Winslow : Well, as a matter of fact, I was looking for something new to say.

  Arthur Winslow : No one, with the possible exception of Bernard Shaw, could possibly find anything new to say about an engaged couple.

• Arthur Winslow : Grace, dear, your son is facing charges of theft and forgery.

  Grace Winslow : It's so difficult. I simply can't be seen in the same old hat, day after day.

• Arthur Winslow : Brute stubbornness and a selfish refusal to admit defeat - that's what you mother says our natures are.

  Catherine Winslow : Well, perhaps she's right. Perhaps that's all we've been. But brute stubbornness may not be such a bad quality in the face of injustice.

• Arthur Winslow : I'm afraid, Cate, this must be the end.

  Catherine Winslow : No, father, we've got to go on.

  Arthur Winslow : It's not just this letter, Cate. I can't go on sacrificing other people's happiness.

• Arthur Winslow : Sir Robert, whatever the result of the debate may be, I must ask you to drop the case.

  Sir Robert Morton : What has happened?

  Arthur Winslow : I made many sacrifices for it. Some of them I had no right to make, but nevertheless, I made them. There's a limit, and I've reached it.

  Sir Robert Morton : What has happened?

  Arthur Winslow : I'm sorry, Sir Robert. More sorry than you, perhaps, but the Winslow case is closed.

  Sir Robert Morton : Balderdash!

  Catherine Winslow : My father doesn't mean what he's been saying, Sir Robert. I think I should tell you that he had a letter...

  Arthur Winslow : No, Catherine.

  Catherine Winslow : ...from the father of the man that I'm engaged to, saying that if we go on with the case, he will use every influence he has to prevent this son from marrying me.

  Sir Robert Morton : I see. An ultimatum.

  Catherine Winslow : Yes, but a pointless one.

  Sir Robert Morton : He has no influence over his son?

  Catherine Winslow : Well of course, but John's of age and his own master.

• Catherine Winslow : I've been a fool, father.

  Arthur Winslow : Have you, my dear?

  Catherine Winslow : An utter fool.

  Arthur Winslow : In the absence of further information, I can only repeat, 'Have you my dear?"

  Catherine Winslow : Well, there can be no further information. I'm under a pledge of secrecy.

• Catherine Winslow : Desmond's asked me to marry him.

  Arthur Winslow : I trust the folly you were referring to wasn't your acceptance of him.

• Arthur Winslow : Oh, think it over by all means, and decide against it.

• Arthur Winslow : I must thank you, Sir Robert, for all that you've done for us. I hope you don't mind if I confess to a certain feeling of relief that after today, you shall hear no more of the Winslow boy.

  Sir Robert Morton : Oh? Do you really think so?

• Arthur Winslow : Hmmm. What shall I say?

  Sir Robert Morton : Why I hardly think it matters, that whatever you say will have very little bearing on what they write.

• Arthur Winslow : Now about your own income. Are you able to live on it?

  John Watherstone : No sir, I'm in the regular army.

• Grace Winslow : [to John, after the engagement is announced]  May I kiss you? After all I'm practically your mother now.

  Arthur Winslow : By the same token, I'm practically your father but if you'll forgive me...

• Violet - the maid : You rang sir?

  Arthur Winslow : Yes Violet. My compliments to Mr Dickie, and if he doesn't stop that cacophonous hullabaloo at once, I'll throw him and his infernal machine into the street.

  Violet - the maid : Yes sir. What was that word again, cack something?

  Arthur Winslow : Never mind, never mind, say what you like only stop him.

  Violet - the maid : Well, I'll do my best, sir. Excuse me madam.

  Grace Winslow : Where are you going Violet?

  Violet - the maid : I've got to stop Mr Dickie's cacka cough something.