55 Days at Peking (1963)

Flora Robson: Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi

Photos 

Quotes 

• Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi : China's condition can be no worse than it is! Even if we should start a war and lose it, what more can the powers take from us?

• Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi : The boxer bandits will be dealt with, but the anger of the Chinese people cannot be quieted so easily. The Germans have seized Kiaochow, the Russians have seized Port Arthur, the French have obtained concessions in Yunnan, Kwan See and Kwantang. In all, 13 of the 18 provinces of China are under foreign control. Foreign warships occupy our harbours, foreign armies occupy our forts, foreign merchants administer our banks, foreign gods disturb the spirit of our ancestors. Is it surprising that our people are aroused?

  Sir Arthur Robertson : Your Majesty if you permit me to observe, the violence of the Boxers will not redress the grievances of China.

  Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi : China is a prostrate cow, the powers are not content milking her, but must also butcher her.

  Sir Arthur Robertson : If China is a cow, Your Majesty, she is indeed a marvelous animal. She gives meat as well as milk, and yet grows stronger.

• Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi : The voice of the nightingale is still. I hear only the sound of the crows.

• Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi : Who is there who can make muddy water clear?

• Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi : There is no greater calamity than to underestimate an enemy.

• Dowager Empress Tzu-Hsi : You will speak to the foreigners, Jung-Lu. You will explain to them there is no greater blessing than peace and no greater calamity than likely engaging in war.