Our Betters (1933)

Charles Starrett: Fleming Harvey

Photos 

Quotes 

• Minnie, Duchess of Sourae : Ah, Mr. Harvey. Still enjoying life in London?

  Thornton Clay : Well, he should be. I've got him invitations to all of the nicest parties, but he will waste his time in sight-seeing. The other day - Thursday, wasn't it? - I wanted to take him to Hurlingham and he insisted on going to the National Gallery instead!

  Lady Pearl Saunders Grayston : What an outrageous proceeding!

  Fleming Harvey : Well, I don't see that it was any more outrageous for me than for you. I saw you going in just as I was going out.

  Lady Pearl Saunders Grayston : [recovering, after a moment's unease]  I had a reason to go.

  [sits by Arthur] 

  Lady Pearl Saunders Grayston : Arthur's just bought a Bronzino, and I wanted to see those at the National Gallery.

  Minnie, Duchess of Sourae : I think it's far more likely that you had a rendezvous. It's a marvelous place for that, I've heard. You never meet any of your friends there - and if you do, they're there for the same purpose and pretend not to see you.

• Fleming Harvey : Don't you love me anymore?

  Bessie : I'm just beginning to live. A new life. It's fun and gaiety and people. Brilliant, dazzling people.

  Fleming Harvey : I see, there's nothing - brilliant or dazzling about me.

• Fleming Harvey : Since you're talking of me, won't you please introduce me to Mr. Clay.

  Lady Pearl Grayston : Oh, how American you are. We haven't over here the passion you have in America for introducing people. My dear Thorton, allow me to present to you, my long lost cousin, Mr. Fleming Harvey.

  Thornton Clay : If I remember correctly, in America, one is supposed to say, "I'm pleased to make your acquaintance."

  Fleming Harvey : Aren't you an American, Mr. Clay?

  Thornton Clay : Well, I won't deny I was born in Ohio.

• Lady Pearl Grayston : Are you rich?

  Fleming Harvey : Not at all.

  Lady Pearl Grayston : Well, it doesn't matter. You're good looking. You know, if one wants to be a success in London, one must have looks, wit, or a bank balance.

• Fleming Harvey : There's something about these people that makes me feel terribly uncomfortable. Under the brilliant surface, I suspect all kinds of ugly secrets and everyone knows and pretends not to. This is a strange house in which the husband is never seen and Arthur Fenwick, a stupid vulgarian, acts as host. And its an attractive spectacle this painted Duchess devouring with her eyes a boy young enough to be her son. And the conversation. I don't want to seem like a prude, but, surely there are women who don't have lovers. There are such things as honor and decency and self-restraint.