The White Cliffs of Dover (1944)

Irene Dunne: Susan Ashwood

Photos 

Quotes 

• Susan Dunn's landlady : [Of Susan] 

  Susan Dunn's landlady : Such a nice young thing! Not a bit like an American.

• John Ashwood II as a Young Man : [From his deathbed]  Tell me how they look, mother. Tell me how they march.

  Susan Dunn's landlady : [She gets up and goes to the window to watch the British and American soldiers parade together to the tune of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home Again."] 

  John Ashwood II as a Young Man : Do you see them yet?

  Susan Dunn's landlady : Yes, John, I see them. Your people and my people. Only their uniforms are different. How well, they march, John. How well they march together.

  John Ashwood II as a Young Man : Tell me more, mother.

  Susan Dunn's landlady : There's a look of greatness upon them! All the strong young boys, beautiful and proud, with dreams. Just like you, John.

  John Ashwood II as a Young Man : [He dies, as she continues to watch the parade] 

• Susan Dunn's landlady : [on a train leaving England for America]  Johnny, don't you want to go to America?

  John Ashwood II as a Boy : Oh yes, mother. If you do.

  Susan Dunn's landlady : No, no. Tell me the truth. What are you thinking of sitting there so serious? I wouldn't for the world force you to do something you thought was wrong. But I do wish you could see it my way, darling. I want it so much.

  John Ashwood II as a Boy : Why, mother?

  Susan Dunn's landlady : Because I'm afraid. I'm afraid of what's ahead. I'm afraid of another war. Your father died when he was young. He died for England, Johnny. But you're half American. You're my son. You belong to America too, not only England.

  John Ashwood II as a Boy : Mother, is that why we're running away?

  Susan Dunn's landlady : [Taken aback]  Running away?

  John Ashwood II as a Boy : Mother, there's a world war I want to fight for England. You wouldn't want me to be a coward, would you?

  Susan Dunn's landlady : No, darling.

  Susan Dunn's landlady : Mother.

  Susan Dunn's landlady : Yes?

  John Ashwood II as a Boy : Do you think father would like me to run away?

  Susan Dunn's landlady : No, Johnny. I don't.

  [They hug as she tears up] 

  Susan Dunn's landlady : Darn little Englishman. You're just like your father.

• John Ashwood II as a Young Man : [On his deathbed]  You know, Mother, I wasn't afraid.

  Susan Dunn's landlady : [Comforting, sadly]  I know.

• Hiram Porter Dunn : [In bed with a food tray]  What in heaven's name is that?

  Susan Dunn's landlady : It's suet pudding. You put syrup on it and eat it for dessert.

  Hiram Porter Dunn : Do they eat it?

  Susan Dunn's landlady : I've seen them.

  Hiram Porter Dunn : What a people, You've got to hand it to them. They've certainly got intestinal fortitude!

• Susan Dunn's landlady : God will never forgive us, if we break faith with our dead again!