The Heiress (1949)
Ralph Richardson: Dr. Austin Sloper
Photos
Quotes
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Austin Sloper : You have found a tongue at last, Catherine. 'Tis only to say such terrible things to me.
Catherine Sloper : Yes. This is a field where you will not compare me to my mother.
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Austin Sloper : Do you remember her mother? Her mother who had so much grace and gaiety. This is her child.
Elizabeth Almond : Austin, no child could compete with this image you have of her mother.
Austin Sloper : You're not entitled to say that. Only I know what I lost when she died and what I got in her place.
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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.
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Elizabeth Almond : Well, she has the prospect of $30,000 a year.
Austin Sloper : I see you appreciate her.
Elizabeth Almond : I don't mean it's her only merit. But you always have a way of alluding to her as an unmarriageble girl.
Austin Sloper : My allusions are just as kind as yours.
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Jefferson Almond : Well, Austin, who's sick? Who died? Who've you been cutting up lately?
Austin Sloper : Yes, I can see you're in good shape. When your gout's troubling you, you're more respectful to me.
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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.
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Austin Sloper : I've known you all your life and I've yet to see you learn anything. With one exception, my dear. You embroider neatly.
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Austin Sloper : Well, I suppose you'll be going off with him any time now.
Catherine Sloper : Yes, if he will have me.
Austin Sloper : Why not? You'll be a most entertaining companion.
Catherine Sloper : I will try to be.
Austin Sloper : Your gaiety and brilliance will make up the difference between the 10,000 a year you will have and the 30,000 he expects.
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Austin Sloper : [Referring to Morris] I'll see him tomorrow.
Catherine Sloper : You're so good that you will be fair and honest with him.
Austin Sloper : I shall be as fair and honest with him as he is with you.
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Catherine Sloper : Oh, Father, don't you think he is the most beautiful man you've ever seen?
Austin Sloper : Well, he's very good-looking, my dear. Of course, you wouldn't let a consideration like that sway you unduly.
Catherine Sloper : Oh, no! But that is what is so wonderful to me, that he should have everything, everything a woman could want, and he wants me.
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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.
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Austin Sloper : I believe her *money* is the prime attraction.
Mrs. Montgomery : What money?
Austin Sloper : She's an heiress! Didn't your brother tell you that?
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Austin Sloper : Oh, good heavens, Catherine! Don't hold yourself so cheaply.
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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.
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Austin Sloper : I've caught a chill, Lavinia. Would you be so kind as to get me some hot water for a toddy?
