Yes, I know it’s a misquote – (my blog!)
So, I was thinking about how we misquote or remember famous lines incorrectly and decided that I would seek out the correct one’s, just for you dear readers – I spent some time rewatching old movies, sections of movies and looking up literary passages.
I suppose it depends where in the world you are, whether or not these famous lines have become part of general usage, you know when you wake and say “I love the smell of coffee in the morning.” ? Do you know who you’re mis-quoting? Ever get the urge to say, “You lookin’ at me?” ? – I do, ALL of the time, that’s just me then is it? O-Kay…
For your delectation I’ve compiled an eclectic mix of movie and book lines, said by characters, that have entered our current zeitgeist, you might be surprised how your memory played tricks…
“You’re only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” Charlie Croker – The Italian Job.
“Play it!” Rick Blaine – Casablanca.
“You talkin’ to me?” Travis Bickle – Taxi Driver.
“Elementary.” Sherlock Holmes – The Crooked Man.
“I love the smell of napalm in the morning.” Lieutenant Colonel Bill Kilgore – Apocalypse Now
“Alright, Mr. Demille, I’m ready for my close up.” – Norma Desmond – Sunset Boulevard
“I’ve always depended on the kindness of strangers.” Blanche Dubois – A Streetcar Named Desire.
“Please sir, I want some more.” Oliver Twist – Oliver.
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn.” Rhett Butler – Gone With The Wind.
“There is no place like home.” Dorothy Gale – The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.
“Mine’s Bond- James Bond.” James Bond – Casino Royale.
“I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!” Howard Beale – Network.
“Live long and prosper.” Lieutenant Spock – Star Trek.
“Call me Ishmael.” Ishmael – Moby Dick.
“You’ve got to ask yourself one question. Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya, punk?” Harry Callahan – Dirty Harry.
“He-e-e-e-re’s Johnny!” Jack Torrence – The Shining.
“Stupid is as stupid does”, Forrest Gump – Forrest Gump.
“Say hello to my little friend!” Tony Montana – Scarface.
And pretty much anything said by any character from Shakespeare’s plays!
I think I selected these because, at one time or another, I have used these lines (albeit a little crookedly and adapted to the occassion).
Feeling irked at a colleague? Put your best Rhett Butler face on and say the line! Go on I dare you! You might even want to go all Oliver on your boss!
So until next time, go and hunt out your favourite quotes, try them out on some unsuspecting sap and enjoy the results, in the words of The Terminator –
