Invitation (1952)

Dorothy McGuire: Ellen Bowker Pierce

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Quotes 

• Ellen : There is something much more important than keeping alive, and that is knowing that you have lived.

• Ellen : I 'm going to be a spinster, father. All my life. But there is an awful lot to be said for it.

• Maud Redwick : [Coldly]  Please say what you have to say to me and go.

  Ellen : If that's the way you want it.

  Maud Redwick : How else would you think I'd want it?

  Ellen : Well, I hoped things might have changed.

  Maud Redwick : Why?

  Ellen : That you might have thought it over.

  Maud Redwick : And say all right, Ellen, no hard feelings? It was a fair fight and the best man or, rather, girl won?

• Ellen : My conscience is clear, Maud.

  Maud Redwick : You know I think you mean it.

• Ellen : I made a mistake coming here. I assure you I never will again.

  Maud Redwick : You needn't.

• Ellen : [Joyously taking in the wintery scenery]  Oh, it's not real. I'm not real. Nothing's real!

  Daniel I. 'Dan' Pierce : I am!

  Ellen : Oh, yes, you are. Thank heavens you are!

• Maud Redwick : [to Ellen]  That's why you're really here, isn't it? 'Cause the year's dragging out fast. Only a couple of months left and you're scared to death. Well, Ellen, do you think I've given up?

  Ellen : I think you must be out of your mind. I feel sorry for you, Maud.