Divorce American Style (1967)

Jean Simmons: Nancy Downes

Photos 

Quotes 

• Richard Harmon : [speaking to Nelson and Nancy Downes, a divorced couple]  Do you mean to tell me that the courts of this nation will see a man reduced to abject poverty, practically, while his wife goes right along living high on the hog? Huh?

  [Nelson and Nancy shrug] 

  Richard Harmon : No, I don't believe that. Why the devil didn't you ever re-marry?

  Nancy Downes : Economics. I haven't found a man who could afford to care for us as well as Nelson. I said us, Mr. Harmon. I have two daughters. One starts college next year, and the other will begin before the first one finishes. Now, what would you have me tell them? Forget college? Or, would you rather we gave up this house? They grew up in this house, their friends are in this neighborhood, their life, their security is here. Now, do we turn them upside down because their parents couldn't make a go of their marriage? Do we? Look, I know we're spoiled, but it's Nelson's fault. He was too good a provider. I'd love to get him off the hook. I'd like to get off the hook myself. That's why I'm willing to meet the men that he brings over. I'm lonely, Mr. Harmon.