Since You Went Away (1944)

Joseph Cotten: Lt. Tony Willett

Photos 

Quotes 

• Lieutenant Tony Willett : [knocks on door]  Jane?

  Jane Hilton : Tony? Don't come in, please!

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Don't you want to say good-bye?

  Jane Hilton : I have an awful disease.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Can't scare me. I'm coming in.

  Jane Hilton : No, Tony. Wait a minute, Tony, please!

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : All right, Jane?

  Jane Hilton : Yes. But I wish you wouldn't.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Hello, Janie.

  Jane Hilton : Hello, Tony.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : You look fine in that kerchief. Probably start a new fashion.

  Jane Hilton : I look terrible.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Oh, no you don't. You could never look terrible. You're pretty, that's what you are.

  Jane Hilton : Don't laugh at me.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : I never laugh at anybody I love. And I've loved you from the moment you were born.

  Jane Hilton : Oh, is that all?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : It's the best love I have, Janie. It's a special kind of love I keep just for Anne and Tim and the two sweet girls who are part of Anne and Tim.

  Jane Hilton : Oh, Tony. You're going away, and maybe you'll be killed, and I have the mumps. Just like a baby!

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : I hope the mumps are the worst thing that ever happens to you your whole life long. And I won't be killed. Only the good die young, haven't you heard? And I'm neither good nor young.

  Jane Hilton : But Tony, you're just the right age for a man.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Little Janie. Wanna make a bet?

  Jane Hilton : What?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : I'll bet you that by the time I see you again, you're in love.

  Jane Hilton : You're silly. You're the silliest man I ever knew.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Now you're making sense. I always knew you had a good head on your shoulders.

• Anne Hilton : By the way, how did you leave Jane?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : With the mumps, and with tears, I'm afraid. I haven't much tact, I guess. I didn't know what to say.

  Anne Hilton : I know. Poor dear. Then you are very attractive, Tony.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : A bone from Mrs. Hilton?

  Anne Hilton : No, I mean it. It won't be too easy for Jane, getting over it.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Nonsense. Older men. Every girl goes through it. Didn't you?

  Anne Hilton : Still going through it.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Yeah. Older men named Hilton. Don't you ever worry about Jane.

  Anne Hilton : I won't. As long as the older men are like you.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : You know something, Anne? I'm chump enough to go on living on your compliments for the next six months. Like a camel and water, you know? How long can they go?

  Anne Hilton : I can't tell you. I never knew one.

• Emily Hawkins : Hello, Jane. What's this I hear about you working at the hospital?

  Jane Hilton : I'm a nurse's aide.

  Emily Hawkins : A nurse's aide? Oh! What a revolting idea for an unmarried girl of your age. Well, our whole code of living seems to be completely ignored these days, and possibly it's none of my business...

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : You're quite right, Mrs. Hawkins. It is none of your business.

  Emily Hawkins : I must say, Lieutenant, or Commander, or whatever you are, the Navy hasn't improved your manners any.

  Anne Hilton : Please, Tony. Please, Emily. It's the Colonel's birthday, and we're trying to have a party.

  Emily Hawkins : I'm sorry. I meant no offense to you, Jane. I simply feel that well-brought up young girls shouldn't be permitted to have such intimate contact with all sorts of...

  Jane Hilton : All sorts of boys who've lost their arms and legs? They're young too, lots of them. But they weren't too young for that, Mrs. Hawkins, and I don't think breeding entered into it either.

  Colonel William G. Smollett : Bravo, Jane.

  Emily Hawkins : I don't care to debate it with you, Jane. But surely there are women more suited to such...

  Jane Hilton : That's just it. There aren't women more suited. And women who might help, like you, Mrs. Hawkins, think you're doing your part if you attend a canteen dance for your own pleasure.

  Anne Hilton : You're tired, honey. Why don't you go upstairs?

  Jane Hilton : Yes, Mother. But there are just one or two more things I want to say.

  Brig Hilton : Come on, darling. She's not worth it.

  Jane Hilton : We're not V-girls! We're simply helping with the wreckage.

  [laughs sarcastically] 

  Jane Hilton : All right, Brig, let's go play with our dolls! Don't worry, Mrs. Hawkins. Please don't worry if our precious well-bred hands come in contact with those mangled bodies. We'll survive! Even if they dont!

  [runs upstairs with Brig] 

  Emily Hawkins : Anne Hilton! What on earth has happened that you would permit a child of yours to talk that way without so much as...

  Anne Hilton : Without so much as what? Thank heaven my child has the courage to say to you what should have been said long ago. And let me add that I'm ashamed. Ashamed that I've put up with you, that I've even known you.

  Emily Hawkins : Well! From now on, you needn't know me. Don't you think for a minute you have me fooled, Anne Hilton. I've not forgotten how you felt about your husband joining up. And may I ask just what other noble sacrifices you've made to give you the privilege of being so self-righteous?

  Anne Hilton : I'm afraid that's just it, Emily. I haven't really made any sacrifices. Oh, I haven't hoarded and cheated and done all the other selfish, unpatriotic things that you've done. But as far as making sacrifices, I'm afraid we're two of a kind. And the realization of it doesn't make me very proud or happy.

• Lieutenant Tony Willett : How's Jane?

  Anne Hilton : She's fine. Her thinking is as clear as a bell. How am I, why don't you ask?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Trying to figure out what sacrifices you can make, is that it?

  Anne Hilton : Don't Tony.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : I'm sorry. But after all you're been through, to have to listen to you berate yourself. You wouldn't sit down like a good girl and let me talk for a minute, would you?

  Anne Hilton : All right. But I won't promise to listen.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Look, Anne. What's your guess as to why I joined the Navy?

  Anne Hilton : Cause you want to do your part, just the way Tim did.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Don't kid yourself. I'm no Tim. I joined up because Top Hat suddenly seemed a little silly and I wanted to have some fun and excitement. I laughed up my sleeve at all the fellows who were giving out with noble motives, the Four Freedoms, and all the rest of it, but I found out that it all added up to a simple, corny phrase that I couldn't laugh off. Home sweet home.

  Anne Hilton : I know.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : You do know? Listen, Anne, you're doing a swell job here at home holding things together. Those daughters of yours, they're pretty wonderful. I know Tim's going to be mighty pleased with them. Though I imagine he'll be a bit surprised at how Jane grew up without so much as a by-your-leave.

  Anne Hilton : Yes, she grew up while Mother knitted. Or worse still, while Mother didn't even knit. That's the point, Tony. Can't you see it?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Boy, I see what you mean now about not listening. I guess I was pretty dull at that.

  Anne Hilton : All right, laugh at me. But it's settled in my mind once and for all. I have a husband who went off to fight for this home and for me - that's what you said, didn't you? And I have children. Children who had courage and intelligence while their mother lived in a dream world. Well believe me, I've come out of it. I buy your "home sweet home" idea, Tony, but I want to do something about it. Well, say something. Oh, don't tell me that the glib Tony Willett's at a loss for words all of a sudden.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Well, Annie, me girl. I'm afraid you're right.

• Headwaiter at Steak House : The white fish, signor, is simply delicious. Grilled. You'll like it.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Two steaks, thick.

  Headwaiter at Steak House : Lobster creole. Speciality of the house.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Two steaks, thick.

  Headwaiter at Steak House : I must tell the truth, Commodore. We are fresh out of steaks since last Tuesday.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : This is a steak house. Look, it says right here, "thick Kansas City steak."

  Headwaiter at Steak House : I can't help it, signor. There's a war on, you know.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : There's a war on, you know. Yes, I found that out. All right. Bring us whatever you have. Anything but hash.

  Headwaiter at Steak House : Bravo, signor. You will be very happy, you'll see.

• Major Sam Atkins : Hello, Tony. I didn't know you were in town.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Hello, Sam. It's quite a dance you fellows are putting on here. What's the matter? You look upset.

  Major Sam Atkins : Just got some bad news. Good evening, Mrs. Hilton.

  Anne Hilton : Good evening, Major.

  Major Sam Atkins : Plane crash. Don't say anything about it now, it might spoil the fun.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : That's too bad. Where'd it happen?

  Major Sam Atkins : Right outside town. Lost one of my best boys.

  Anne Hilton : What was his name?

  Major Sam Atkins : Mahoney. He hit some wires.

  Anne Hilton : Oh, not Johnny!

  Major Sam Atkins : Did you know him? Well, I hope he wasn't, uh...

  Anne Hilton : But it can't be! We were talking to him here just a little while ago.

  Major Sam Atkins : I'm extremely sorry, Mrs. Hilton. I had no idea that you knew him. I shouldn't have said anything.

  Anne Hilton : It was just that I liked Johnny very much. I know his father.

  Major Sam Atkins : A terrible thing.

  Soldier at Dance : Beg pardon, sir. The car's ready for you now, sir.

  Major Sam Atkins : Be right there.

  Soldier at Dance : Yes, sir.

  Major Sam Atkins : I've got to go and examine the wreck. Not a very pleasant job, I can tell you. Good night.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Good night.

  Anne Hilton : Oh Tony, how awful. His poor parents.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Lucky Johnny. Come on, Anne. Let's dance.

  Anne Hilton : Dance?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Look Anne, you'll be hearing plenty of things like this. Might as well get used to them now.

• Lieutenant Tony Willett : [sirens wailing]  Uh-oh. Yep. It's one of them all right.

  Anne Hilton : What have we been doing? You weren't speeding.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Have things changed around here? Do you have to be doing something now before you get a ticket?

  Police Officer : Where do you think you're going?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : I wish I knew. What's your guess? Gibralter? New Guinea? Kiska?

  Police Officer : You stationed around here?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Well, yes and no. Look officer, I don't want to be rude, but we're not in a particularly chatty frame of mind. So, would you mind filling out one of those pretty little slips and getting it over with?

  Police Officer : You weren't doing anything.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : I wasn't?

  Anne Hilton : Well, what's all this about?

  Police Officer : Oh, it's just that it gets so lonely along this road since gas rationing. And say, ain't it a beautiful night?

  Anne Hilton : Well, I hadn't noticed it before, but now that you mention it, officer.

  Police Officer : Well, guess I'd better be checking in. Nice to met up with you folks.

  Anne Hilton : Good night.

  Police Officer : Get one of them Japs for me!

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : If I lay my hands on one, I'll give him a ticket!

• Lieutenant Solomon : It's a wonderful party, Mrs. Hilton.

  Anne Hilton : It's Tony. He brings life to any party.

  Lieutenant Solomon : Tony's doomed to go through life as everybody's darling.

  Anne Hilton : Even to his men?

  Lieutenant Solomon : Well, they don't think of him as darling, exactly. Hero worship's more like it. I'll bet he didn't tell you he's been recommended for the Navy Cross.

  Anne Hilton : No, really?

  Lieutenant Solomon : Uh-huh. Oh, he'll make jokes about it, but he's very proud of it.

  Anne Hilton : Well, where did...

  [Tony enters] 

  Anne Hilton : Oh, I want to talk to you, John Paul Jones.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : What have I done now?

  Anne Hilton : The Navy Cross - that's what you've done.

  [Tony glares at Lt. Solomon] 

  Anne Hilton : Yes, he told me. Do they give you a ribbon?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Uh-huh.

  Anne Hilton : Well what does it look like? What are the colors?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : [pointing at a ribbon on Lt. Solomon's chest]  As a matter of fact, it looks just like that.

  Lieutenant Solomon : Aw, stop it, Tony. This is an old one. It's last year's model.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Listen, Anne, he'll joke about it, but he's really very proud of it.

  Anne Hilton : Well, he said the same thing about you.

  Lieutenant Solomon : If you people will excuse me now.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Oh, he did, did he?

• Lieutenant Tony Willett : Now I don't want to shock you, but it's no wonder those Italians can paint. There was a dame standing right in the middle of the street with a big tub of spaghetti, and she had - she had...

  Anne Hilton : Now never mind what she had. I have a little imagination.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Yeah. Well, even as I looked at her, I thought, "She's good, but what are they all? What are all the women in the world compared with Anne?"

  Anne Hilton : Tony, will you never stop?

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : No, I'll never stop, Anne. As long as I can dream about you.

  Anne Hilton : If you ever thought the dream had a chance of coming true, you'd...

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : I'd what, Anne?

  Anne Hilton : Finish it yourself.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : You make it pretty tough for me. I'd feel I'd been wrong about you all my life. I'd have to go looking for a new ideal. I'm afraid it's a little late for that.

  Anne Hilton : What's more, you'd run for your life. But first you'd wring my neck, as I'd expect you to.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : That's right, and what would be the fun in that? I'd never be able to break my heart over you anymore.

  Anne Hilton : Oh, Tony. Never grow up. Never, never. Or I'd lose something very dear to me. Something very dear to all of us.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : All right, but I'm going to sound awful silly someday making verbal passes at you when we're both in wheelchairs.

  Anne Hilton : [laughing]  You are looking forward to that.

• Emily Hawkins : Good evening, Lieutenant Willett. I didn't know you were back in town.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Oh, yes. I've learned a new trick. The Navy thought I ought to bring it home. You know, for purposes of moral.

  Emily Hawkins : I thought you already knew all the tricks, Lieutenant.

  Lieutenant Tony Willett : Touché, as we used to say in Minneapolis.