The Swan (1956)

Alec Guinness: Prince Albert

Photos 

Quotes 

• [last lines] 

  Prince Albert : Your father used to call you his swan. At least I'm told. I think that's a good thing to remember. Think what it means to be a swan. To glide like a dream on the smooth surface of the lake and never go on the shore. On dry land, where ordinary people walk, the swan is awkward. Even ridiculous. When she waddles up the bank, she painfully resembles a different kind of bird, n'est-ce pas?

  Princess Alexandra : A goose.

  Prince Albert : I'm afraid so. So there she must stay. Out on the lake. Silent White. Majestic. Be a bird but never fly. Know one song but never sing it. Until the moment of her death. And so it must be for you, Alexandra. Head high. Cool indifference to the staring crowds along the bank. And the song - Never.

  Princess Alexandra : Take me inside, Albert.

  [Albert takes her hand, and they go inside the palace together] 

• [Alexandra passionately kisses Agi] 

  Prince Albert : That's a different matter. That's a completely different matter altogether.

• Prince Albert : I always wish I had an appetite like the Bourbons. You know, Louis XV once ate 10 cutlets at a sitting. Or was it Louis X and 15 cutlets?

• Princess Beatrix : Albert, we're serving a little aperitif now and then supper. I thought you'd prefer it privately, just the family.

  Prince Albert : The family circle. Delightful. Give me circles every time. Triangles are such a bore, eh?

• Prince Albert : And you know nothing at all about music? Then I must congratulate you on your courage.

  Dr. Nicholas Agi : I fail to see why, your royal highness.

  Prince Albert : Do you? I doubt if many a practiced performer would try to take part in a duet, a trio, and a full orchestra all at the same time.

• Father Carl Hyacinth : Albert, you're not just a prince. You're a gentleman.

  Prince Albert : I'm a liar, too. I may also be an idiot.

• Prince Albert : Cousin Alexandra was, uh, well, uh, she was something of an icicle, and I was, um, what was I?

  Father Carl Hyacinth : A fish.

  Queen Maria Dominika : Fish?

  Prince Albert : Yes, I suppose I was.

  Father Carl Hyacinth : Mind you, one that we're all devoted to.

  Prince Albert : An icicle and a fish. Not much chance of warmth there.