Dragonwyck (1946)

Vincent Price: Nicholas Van Ryn

Photos 

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Quotes 

• Nicholas Van Ryn : But I will not live by ordinary standards. I will not run with the pack. I will not be chained into a routine of living which is the same for others. I will not look to the ground and move on the ground with the rest: so long as there are those mountaintops, and clouds, and limitless space.

• Miranda Van Ryn : Nicholas, you do believe in God?

  Nicholas Van Ryn : I believe in myself, and I am answerable to myself! I will not live according to printed mottos like the directions on a medicine bottle!

• Johanna Van Ryn : What can you possibly do up there?

  Nicholas Van Ryn : Possibly? Anything from pinning butterflies to hiding an insane twin brother. Actually, I read. I hope that my explanation satisfies you?

• Miranda Wells : The breeze feels wonderful against my face.

  Nicholas Van Ryn : The breeze must feel wonderful indeed with a face as beautiful as yours against it.

• Nicholas Van Ryn : [dying words]  That's right. Take off your hats in the presence of the patroon.

• Johanna Van Ryn : You can't imagine what it's like to be sick in this miserable, drab house.

  Nicholas Van Ryn : I can't imagine that Dragonwyck could be either miserable or drab except to those who reflect misery or drabness within themselves.

• Nicholas Van Ryn : You mentioned my age several times now, sir. Does it affect your confidence in me? Alexander the Great, when he was younger than I, had conquered most of the world.

  Ephraim Wells : Maybe if he had been older, he'd have conquered all of it, or maybe he'd have had the sense not to try in the first place.

• Nicholas Van Ryn : [to Miranda]  To my wife promptness at meals is the greatest human virtue.

• Miranda Wells : [inquiring about Nicholas' grandparents]  Did they fall in love at first sight?

  Nicholas Van Ryn : No Van Ryn does anything at first sight.

• Nicholas Van Ryn : You might as well be on your father's knee! Do you believe there is a God who spends eternity snooping on human behavior and punishing all violators of the pastors latest sermon?

• Nicholas Van Ryn : Deformed bodies depress me.

• Nicholas Van Ryn : [while they're dancing a waltz]  Are you enjoying the ball, Miranda?

  Nicholas Van Ryn : [in Miranda's silence]  Well, aren't you going to answer my question?

  Miranda Wells : I can only think of one thing to say, and you won't like it.

  Nicholas Van Ryn : Say it anyway.

  Miranda Wells : [excitedly]  Golly Moses!

  [Nicholas begins to laugh]