Billie Burke Quotes in The Great Ziegfeld (1936)

Billie Burke: I'm here.

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: Yes, and so am I.

Billie Burke: But it must seem like kindergarten to you.

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: Why?

Billie Burke: The great Mr. Ziegfeld, producer of the Follies, surrounded by hundreds of beautiful women, sitting on a bench holding hands, watching the riverboats go back and forth. Doesn't sound a bit like you, does it?

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: No, it doesn't. But, here I am, sitting on a bench, holding hands and watching the riverboats go back and forth... And regretting all the years I haven't known you.

Billie Burke: Didn't Anna Held take up a few of those years?

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: Yes, Billie, she did. She was truly a wonderful woman.

Billie Burke: I love you for saying that.

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: Look, there's another ferryboat going across to the Palisades. Will you keep your eyes on it while I tell you something?

Billie Burke: Must I look at a ferryboat to listen to you?

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: Yes, or I won't be able to tell you.

Billie Burke: You mean the great lady's man is bashful?

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: Strange as it may seem... in your presence, he is.

Billie Burke: All right, I'm looking.

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: I love you, Billie.

[Billie turns to look at him. Flo points]

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: The ferryboat... I haven't anything to offer you, because there's nothing that you really seem to need. You've made the most of yourself unassisted, and that's grand. But

[Billie starts to face him]

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: Ferryboat. You're a great star already, so there's little I can offer you. Nothing I can give you... except my love.

Billie Burke: That isn't enough... I expect part of your ambition, half of your trouble, two-thirds of your worries... and all of your respect.

[They kiss]

Billie Burke: I wonder what General Grant would think if he knew we were using the very shadow of his tomb as our meeting place?

Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.: Well, I never knew the general personally but I have an idea that he'd approve.