Moll Flanders (1996)

Stockard Channing: Mrs. Allworthy

Photos 

Quotes 

• Mrs. Allworthy : All men are fortune hunters and, therefore, are fair game to be hunted in return. And that woman, logically, might as well be taken advantage of by one of their own sex, than just give themselves to men and see no profit in it.

• Mrs. Allworthy : Some of the highest gentlemen in London come through my doors. Wouldn't you want to have power over such men? When all they can think of is worshiping your young body.

  Moll Flanders : I was raised Catholic.

  Mrs. Allworthy : So was the Virgin Mary and don't tell me she didn't do it.

  Moll Flanders : That's blasphemy.

  Mrs. Allworthy : No. That's common sense, girl. What are you saving yourself for? Give yourself some pleasure. Life's a terrible short for some. You ain't never been kissed, I'll bet. And why? Two flat pieces of fish where there ought to be a red ring of allure. You got to have a innocence of a doll. They wants the child in you. And the eyes - tease them down there with your eyes. When a man's part goes hard, his brain goes soft. That's when they'll say or do anything to possess you girl. That's when you feel the power.

• Mrs. Allworthy : Man's nothing but a bull. A beast of lust. Say anything. Do anything to ease his urges. God's not made a man fit to be woven up with yet. But there's precious few women who learn to lead them by the nose.

  [caressing her breasts] 

  Mrs. Allworthy : These are the most awesome weapons you have, girl. Prop them up and a man won't be able to raise his eyes to your face.

• Mrs. Allworthy : You lazy trollop! You work - or you leave.

• Mrs. Allworthy : So, you've been a trouble-maker.

  Moll Flanders : I've just stood for my rights.