Tanner '88 (1988)

Cynthia Nixon: Alex Tanner

Photos 

Quotes 

• [making a toast at his son's wedding rehearsal dinner] 

  Tanner's Father : One hundred years ago, William Gladstone, after a particularly acrimonious debate in Parliament, bellowed across the floor at his arch-rival Benjamin Disraeli, "You, sir," he said, "will one day end your days on the gallows or of venereal disease." Disraeli raised himself up and replied, "That, sir, would depend on whether I embrace your principles or your mistress."

  Alex Tanner : Grandpa.

  Tanner's Father : I tell this humorous story because it hasn't been altogether clear to me this past year exactly what my son is embracing.

  Jack Tanner : Dad!

  [Jack's fiancee gets up from the table and leaves] 

• Jack Tanner : [writing in his diary]  March 11, 1988. I've spent the day talking with contributors. Even after a year of such calls, it still amazes me how many ordinary citizens feel strongly enough about an election's outcome to give. Their faith lends much dignity to the whole process by which we choose our country's ...

  [Alex knocks] 

  Alex Tanner : Dad? USA Today is on the other line. They want to know, if you were a fruit or a vegetable, which one would you be?