The Heiress (1949)

Miriam Hopkins: Lavinia Penniman

Photos 

Quotes 

• Aunt Penniman : Can you be so cruel?

  Catherine Sloper : Yes, I can be very cruel. I have been taught by masters.

• Aunt Penniman : [Referring to Morris]  But he's looking for a position most earnestly.

  Austin Sloper : I wonder if he's looking for it here, Lavinia.

  Aunt Penniman : What?

  Austin Sloper : Wouldn't the position of a husband to a defenseless young girl with a large fortune suit him to perfection?

  Aunt Penniman : How can you entertain such a suspicion?

  Austin Sloper : Suspicion? It's a diagnosis.

• Aunt Penniman : Good heavens, child. You are disinheriting yourself.

  Catherine Sloper : Yes. Completely.

  Aunt Penniman : Have you told Morris this?

  Catherine Sloper : Of course. I told him everything. He is to be my husband.

  Aunt Penniman : Oh, you should have waited. Did... Did he understand?

• Austin Sloper : [Referring to Catherine]  How is it possible to protect such a willing victim?

  Aunt Penniman : You will kill her if you deny her this marriage.

  Austin Sloper : You forget I'm a doctor. People don't die of such things.

• Aunt Penniman : Now, Catherine, if you will stay by me this evening, you will see that what I say is not always of the greatest importance, but dear, that doesn't keep me from talking.

• Aunt Penniman : Oh, that beautiful Paris lingerie, how fortunate that you kept it! I'm going to pack that for you. I will sprinkle it with fresh lavender.

• Aunt Penniman : My dear boy, you may let yourself go when you're with me.

• Aunt Penniman : Morris would be a feather in any girl's cap. You've only to use your eyes, which are as good as mine.

  Austin Sloper : Better.

  Aunt Penniman : Austin, you must help this along and be thankful that it's come about.

  Austin Sloper : Very well, Lavinia. When I'm being thankful, I hope you will not forget your duties as chaperone.

• Aunt Penniman : Oh, Catherine. Will you spend the night with him unwed?

• Aunt Penniman : Oh, Catherine. How romantic. Morris is so daring!

• Aunt Penniman : Wouldn't you like me to dress quickly and come with you?

  Catherine Sloper : There's no time, Aunt! Morris will be here any instant.

  Aunt Penniman : But I should. You must have a chaperone. Your father would be shocked!

• Austin Sloper : [to Aunt Penniman]  I'll be ready very soon. Will you tell Catherine?

  Morris Townsend : It's the best part of the evening.

  Aunt Penniman : It really is, Austin.

  Austin Sloper : Ah, but you're used to those gay nights at the parsonage. I, alas, must be an early riser. Good night, Mr. Townsend.

• Aunt Penniman : Mr. Townsend, you remind me so of the Reverend Penniman. The same ardency, the same passionate nature.