The Paradine Case (1947)

Charles Laughton: Judge Lord Thomas Horfield

Photos 

Quotes 

• Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : I do not like to be interrupted in the middle of an insult.

• Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : Remarkable old girl, Lady Millicent. We used to have great times together, Deauville, back in the 20s. I persuaded her to go in swimming at 70. I watched her frolicking in the surf and had sad thoughts about the impermanence of beauty.

• Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : Surprising how closely the convolutions of a walnut resemble that of the human brain.

• Anthony Keane, Counsel for the Defense : Does the name of Margaret Wells convey anything to you?

  Andre Latour, Paradine's Valet : [hesitating]  Yes, sir.

  Anthony Keane, Counsel for the Defense : What does that name convey to you?

  [Latour doesn't respond] 

  Anthony Keane, Counsel for the Defense : Well, I must try to help your memory. I put it to you that some years ago you were engaged to Margaret Wells of Three Rivers, Quebec; that on your wedding day she left you at the church door and went off with a saddler named Richard Truton.

  Andre Latour, Paradine's Valet : That is finished! That is in the past!

  Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : Your question may be relevant, Mr Keane; its relevance escapes me.

  Anthony Keane, Counsel for the Defense : M'lord, I submit that the witness has shown, in his evidence and also in his behavior, an almost pathological bias against, not only my client, but against all women.

  Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : I may be stupid, but I fail to understand what this jilting has to do with the case; after seeing the witness and observing his appearance and bearing, I should be inclined to regard the young lady's conduct as pathological, not his.

• Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : You look very, very appetizing tonight, madam.

  Gay Keane : A charming complement from such a gourmet as yourself, Lord Horfield.

• Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : Must I listen to more of your silly pity for every scoundrel, man or woman...

  Lady Sophie Horfield : I do pity her! Who needs pity more than a woman who's sinned?

  Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : You always forget that punishment is part of the scheme! An extremely necessary part of it.

  Lady Sophie Horfield : Doesn't life punish us enough, Tommy? Doesn't it? Why should we hurt each other? We've no right to be cruel. If I'm certain of anything, it's of that.

• Lady Sophie Horfield : Oh, that poor woman. Couldn't you do something for her?

  Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : How dare you speak to one of His Majesty's judges like that, you silly woman?

• Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : That's a charming ruby. Tell me, did your husband earn all of that whacking away at jurists?

  Gay Keane : Lady Horfield was admiring it too. It pleased me so much, because she has such excellent taste... in most things.

  Judge Lord Thomas Horfield : Hey Keane. I'm afraid your wife is wearying of me. Pity. Pity.