Lady Hester Quotes in Tea with Mussolini (1999)

Lady Hester: The Germans and the Italians couldn't get rid of us. There is absolutely no reason why we should surrender to the Scots.

Lady Hester: Americans just simply don't understand picnics!

Lady Hester: Do look. Oh, look! Look at that ridiculous American monstrosity they've given the child. What do they call them? Knickerbocker glories. Oh! It's amazing. They can even vulgarize ice cream.

Elsa Morganthal Strauss-Armistan: Why are you helping me? You always hated me.

Lady Hester: Because we're creatures from two different worlds, you and I. Because I have despised you. And you have laughed at me and the Scorpioni. And because in spite of all that, you've been very kind to us and kept it a secret. And because we've both been very foolish women. We've both trusted men who've turned out to be bastards.

Elsa Morganthal Strauss-Armistan: Vittorio.

Lady Hester: And Mussolini.

Lady Hester: Americans. They can even vulgarize ice cream.

Lady Hester: Arabella, you might love art, but art certainly doesn't respond to your affections.

Giulia Meyer: I'm Giulia Meyer, a friend of Mrs. Morganthall.

Lady Hester: Oh, dear. I'm so sorry.

Georgie Rockwell: Hester, Hester, come on, chin up.

Lady Hester: That's typically American. Keep out of trouble and tell other people to keep their chins up.

Georgie Rockwell: Come on, you never know. I may be joining you sooner than you think.

Lady Hester: Is that supposed to make me feel better?

[during Elsa's escape]

Elsa Morganthal Strauss-Armistan: Are you trying to get rid of me?

Lady Hester: Absolutely.

Lady Hester: Luca, is this true?

Luca: Yes, Lady Hester.

Lady Hester: I'd bathe in the stuff to celebrate her departure!