The Magnificent Yankee (1950)

Ann Harding: Fanny Bowditch Holmes

Photos 

Quotes 

• [referring to President Theodore Roosevelt] 

  Oliver Wendell Holmes : He said, among other things, that he could carve a judge with more backbone out of a banana.

  Fanny Bowditch Holmes : [outraged]  Well, the very idea!

  Graham, reporter for Boston Transcript : Is there any statement, Mrs. Holmes, that you would make?

  Fanny Bowditch Holmes : Yes, Mr. Graham, there is.

  Oliver Wendell Holmes : Fanny...

  Fanny Bowditch Holmes : You may say that we adore dear Mr. Roosevelt at all times -

  Graham, reporter for Boston Transcript : Adore, Mrs. Holmes?

  Fanny Bowditch Holmes : Yes, Mr. Graham, we adore everything about him... except his taste in bananas.

• Fanny Bowditch Holmes : I know, a Yankee never bows to the inevitable. But she prepares for it just the same and sets her house in order as best she can.

• Fanny Bowditch Holmes : You know and I know that a Yankee wife is a good wife, only when he's a good mother too.

  Oliver Wendell Holmes : Oh no. Oh No Fanny, you mustn't let go now. Fanny, you have the joy of living in you. You've shared it with me all these years. Not your fault if we're unable to pass that joy along.

• Oliver Wendell Holmes : Fanny, I'm delighted to see Brandeis here today. But why did you have to invite Adams?

  Fanny Bowditch Holmes : Oh, I just had an idea. I'd like to see Mr. Adams congratulate Mr. Brandeis.

  Oliver Wendell Holmes : You're not only a beautiful but a dangerous women.

• Fanny Bowditch Holmes : I'm not so sure that a lonely heart is the best heart to serve the law with, especially when you're young. Oh don't be such an eternal Yankee Mr. Holmes. Do a little thinking with your heart instead of your head. This isn't the common law we're talking about this is love and I think it's wonderful.