National Velvet (1944)

Anne Revere: Mrs. Brown

Photos 

Quotes 

• Mrs. Brown : That'll be a dispute to the end of time, Mr. Brown: whether it's better to do the right thing for the wrong reason or the wrong thing for the right reason.

• [Mrs. Brown is talking with Velvet in the attic] 

  Mrs. Brown : We're alike. I, too, believe that everyone should have a chance at a breathtaking piece of folly once in his life. I was twenty when they said a woman couldn't swim the Channel. You're twelve; you think a horse of yours can win the Grand National. Your dream has come early; but remember, Velvet, it will have to last you all the rest of your life.

• Mrs. Brown : What's the meaning of goodness if there isn't a little badness to overcome?

• Donald Brown : I was sick all night!

  Mr. Herbert Brown : Donald, you told a story, didn't you?

  Donald Brown : Yes, sir, it was a story.

  Mr. Herbert Brown : Well, you know what to do.

  Donald Brown : What?

  Mr. Herbert Brown : You say you're sorry.

  [Donald puts his head on his hand] 

  Mr. Herbert Brown : Well?

  Mrs. Brown : He's thinking.

  Mr. Herbert Brown : [to Donald]  Well, make up your mind.

  Donald Brown : Alright, I'm sorry.

  [continues eating his dinner] 

  Mr. Herbert Brown : Well, go on. Sorry for what?

  Donald Brown : For being sick all night!

  Mr. Herbert Brown : That boy will make a lawyer.

• Mrs. Brown : Win or lose, it's all the same. It's how you take it that counts, and knowing when to let go; knowing when it's over and time to go on to the next thing.

  Velvet Brown : The next thing?

  Mrs. Brown : Things come suitable to the time, Velvet. Enjoy each thing, then forget it and go on to the next. There's a time for everything. There's a time for having a horse in the Grand National, being in love, having children; yes, even for dying. All in proper order at the proper time.

• Mr. Herbert Brown : It's one thing to out-think a man, quite another to outsmart him.

  Mrs. Brown : And who will say which is which?