Clarissa (1991)

Jonny Phillips: James

Quotes 

• Uncle Anthony : [talking about Lovelace]  Heir to a peerage, a fine paternal estate, two unmarried aunts. Mark that.

  James : And an army of whores and bastards. Mark that.

• [after Clarissa has fled from home, her family are trying to find her. Her brother goes to see her best friend] 

  Anna : Even if I knew where she was, which I don't, my mother has forbidden me to write.

  James : Surely you do not mean to frustrate any hopes we have of a reconciliation?

  Anna : On whose terms?

  James : [to Anna's mother]  Is it a daughter's place to bandy terms?

  Anna : Or a brother's to impose them? If my friend wishes to be reconciled, I'm sure she remembers your address.

• James : Pinch your cheeks, Bella. Your face must be your fortune now.

• [discussing the possible return of Clarissa] 

  James : No! If she ever enters these doors, I shall leave.

  Mr Harlowe : Then leave. The child has suffered enough.

• [Grandfather Harlowe has died and left the entire estate and wealth to his younger granddaughter, Clarissa] 

  Bella : Imagine! Leaving all the family paintings to her, just because she used to tickle with him! And wipe and clean with her own dainty fingers.

  James : [taking Bella's hand]  Dainty? Whose fingers could be daintier than these?

  Bella : He might just as well have left them to the maid.