Richard Sturges: [after a crewman plays a trumpet to announce dinner] Why do the British find it necessary to announce dinner as if it were a calvalry charge.

Richard Sturges: [after Richard and Julia have been quarreling over who will have custody of their son] May dear Julia, I've been around enough bridge tables to recognize someone who's holding a high trump - play it now if you will.
Julia Sturges: We'll discuss it later.
Richard Sturges: Now!
Julia Sturges: All right, Richard. One question first?
Richard Sturges: If it's about Norman, you know the answer. No court in the world, no power in the heavens can force me to give up my son.
Julia Sturges: He is not your son.

Richard Sturges: [after Richard has rejected his son Norman when Richard discovers that he is not Norman's true father] As you pointed out, Norman and I began as strangers. So be it.
Julia Sturges: Oh, my poor Richard. How you hate me, and for the wrong reasons. Not because I committed an offense against common decency, but because Norman isn't an elegant extension of Richard Ward Sturges. For you what happened isn't a mortal sin, it's an inexcusable breach of etiquette.
Richard Sturges: Thank you, Julia. I stand reproved.

Richard Sturges: [to Annette and Norman in their lifejackets] You two look fat and funny in those, sort of like Tweedledum and Tweedledee.

Richard Sturges: We may be having sand for supper.

Richard Sturges: You crazy woman. You're talking about the most important thing in my life. I have plans for Norman.
Julia Sturges: What plans? That he should grow up to be you?
Richard Sturges: Possibly. I'm satisfied. Is it so extraordinary that I should want to have some hint, some portion of myself survive?
Julia Sturges: Some portion of... Oh yes, I forgot, the best dressed man of his day. That's what they're going to put on your tombstone. Well, that may be all right for you, but I won't have it for Norman. He stays with me!

[to Julia]
Richard Sturges: Twenty years ago I made the unpardonable error of thinking I could civilize a girl who bought her hats out of a Sears-Roebuck catalog.

Julia Sturges: Before you go down and eat and drink, you'd better know how things are going to be. I've given up on Annette. Her standards will always be the chic club, the best table, the royal enclosure, and that's her decision. She's almost of age. But, Norman is still a child. I'm not taking any chances with him. He stays in America.
Richard Sturges: Now wait a minute, Julia. What is this all about?
Julia Sturges: I should think it would be perfectly clear. I'm not going to see Norman thrown away. He stays with me. And if you try to interfere, I'll be as common as you think I am! I'll fight you tooth and nail! I'll take you to the courts!
Richard Sturges: [closing the cabin door] Could you be common in a slightly lower voice.
Julia Sturges: I'll say it in any tone you want! I'll whisper it. I'll write it down, but that's the way it's going to be! He stays with me!