That Hamilton Woman (1941)

Alan Mowbray: Sir William Hamilton

Photos 

Quotes 

• Mrs. Cadogan-Lyon : [Greeting a lady in waiting for the Queen of Naples]  Good morning, your ladyship. My daughter, her ladyship, is still resting. And how is Her Majesty's sore throat? You know the best thing for a sore throat is to wrap a woolen sock around your neck before bed.

  Sir William Hamilton : Good morning, your ladyship.

  [to Emma's mother] 

  Sir William Hamilton : Is Emma still asleep?

  Mrs. Cadogan-Lyon : She is asleep. In my village, a husband just turns round in bed to look for himself.

  Sir William Hamilton : Yes, and the Queen of Naples does not wear woolen socks!

• Sir William Hamilton : [places left hand on statue]  Look at this statue. Two hundred years in a Greek temple, then thrown in the the mud by some barbarian soldier. Two thousand years sinking lower and lower into the mud, then dug up by the power of a peasant - changing hands every year until, at last, it comes to its rightful place: into the hands of someone who understands the glory of its beauty. Because my friend, it is still beautiful isn't it? Despite its past.

• Emma : I don't care how dull it is. I want to know.

  Sir William Hamilton : Well, here's England.

  Emma : Such a tiny little bit. Where are we?

  Sir William Hamilton : Here at Naples.

  Emma : But why should England fight?

  Sir William Hamilton : Well because, all through these centuries, she has built up a commonwealth in which every little spot has its purpose and value to the balance line of life. And there are always men, who for the sake of their insane ambition, want to destroy what other people build. And therefore this 'tiny little bit', as you call it Emma, has to send out its ships again and again to fight those who want to dictate their world to others.

• Sir William Hamilton : You know Emma, there are three kinds of deceived husbands in the world: first are those who were born to be decieved, second who do not know, and third who do not care. I've been wondering for some time now which of the three I'd be myself.

  Emma : Have you forgotten the fourth kind William? The kind that is hard, and empty, and gives nothing. You married me because you wanted a new ornament for your house -

  [motions to each] 

  Emma : like that painting, or that statue, or that vase. As far as you're concerned I'm just as ornamental, and just as dead.

  Sir William Hamilton : But my dear, how can you call my statues dead? When I'm alone and rather tired, think what it means to me to have my statues with me. To know that they'll always be lovely, will never grow old, and never walk out with sailors. What a pity you're not going to see him again. It would have been a farewell scene of lasting beauty. I shall sleep beautifully tonight.

  [nods] 

  Sir William Hamilton : Goodnight my dear.

  [Exits the room] 

  Emma : [she says sadly]  My darling... come back... come back.

  Mrs. Cadogan-Lyon : [Hushed]  Emily, he's waiting for you, out on the balcony.

  [Emma runs gleefully out onto the balcony into Lord Nelson's arms and they passionately kiss] 

  Mrs. Cadogan-Lyon : .