10 Inspiring Quotes from Classic Old Movies ...

By Lisa

10 Inspiring Quotes from Classic Old Movies ...

If you love classic movie starlets like me then I’m sure you’ve noticed that many of the most inspiring quotes from old movies come from old Hollywood. You have to admire classic movie actresses for paving the way for modern day actresses and providing us with examples of timeless style and grace! Below, you’ll find ten of some of the most thought-provoking and inspiring quotes from old movies.

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1

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

Holly Golightly was and still is an iconic character and she most certainly had some inspiring quotes from old movies to share with us! “Anyone who ever gave you confidence, you owe them a lot.” This is so true! The people in our lives who instill confidence and self-reliance in us are definitely people to treasure and value because they are rare and very hard to find in this world!

2

The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Although we lost Marilyn Monroe way too soon, she provided us with lots of food for thought on and off the big screen with her inspirational quotes and quips from old Hollywood. From The Seven Year Itch, “You think every girl's a dope. You think a girl goes to a party and there's some guy in a fancy striped vest strutting around giving you that I'm-so-handsome-you-can't-resist-me look. From this she's supposed to fall flat on her face. Well, she doesn't fall on her face. But there's another guy in the room, over in the corner. Maybe he's nervous and shy and perspiring a little. First, you look past him. But then you sense that he's gentle and kind and worried. That he'll be tender with you, nice and sweet. That's what's really exciting.”

3

All about Eve (1950)

Hailed the first lady of film, Bette Davis starred in many great movies and some of her lines from All About Eve really resonated with me. In fact, one particular line is one of the great inspiring quotes from old movies. “Funny business, a woman's career - the things you drop on your way up the ladder so you can move faster. You forget you'll need them again when you get back to being a woman. That's one career all females have in common, whether we like it or not: being a woman. Sooner or later, we've got to work at it, no matter how many other careers we've had or wanted.”

4

Imitation of Life (1959)

Another one of Hollywood’s inspiring quotes from old movies is from the stunning Lana Turner, who said to her daughter, “Now, just a moment, young lady! It's only because of my ambition that you've had the best of everything. And that's a solid achievement that any mother can be proud of!” Whether you had a great mom or you are the great mom, it’s because of you and all that you do for your kids that make the world a better place and it’s definitely something to be proud of!

5

Hell’s Angels (1930)

The infamous blonde bombshell Jean Harlow played the role of the vivacious Helen in Hell’s Angels and uttered the following inspiring quote about life, “I wanna be free. I wanna be gay and have fun. Life's short. And I wanna live while I'm alive.” Don’t forget to treasure every moment you have with the people you love and live every day like it’s your last!

Famous Quotes

Silence at the proper season is wisdom, and better than any speech.

Plutarch
6

The Strawberry Blonde (1941)

Big screen siren Rita Hayworth is another classic performer who had many inspirational quotes and quips from old Hollywood to share with us. In her breakout role in The Strawberry Blonde, she plays the role of Virginia Brush and has a conversation with actress Olivia de Havilland, who says, “The tyranny for man or for woman. The stupid convention that says a woman will wear such and such” after being chastised for not changing out of her work uniform and talking about a woman’s right to work. My, how times have changed!

7

Contempt (1963)

The stunning and uber talented Brigitte Bardot along with Jack Palance played opposite of each other in this old movie with a stimulating quote, “To know that one does not know, is the gift of a superior spirit. Not to know and to think that one does know is a mistake. To know that this is a mistake, keeps one from making it.” Not the most motivational quote, but it certainly makes you think!

8

A Streetcar Named Desire (1951)

Another inspirational quote from one of old Hollywood’s leading ladies Vivien Leigh says, “Deliberate cruelty is unforgivable, and the one thing of which I have never, ever been guilty of.” We should always strive to treat one another with kindness and practice random acts of kindness whenever possible! This quote makes me think of another quote I frequently see on Tumblr which is “Be kinder than necessary for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.” Definitely words to live by!

9

Myra Breckinridge (1970)

Myra Breckinridge was one of the more vocal and sassy characters and Mae West gave us lots of inspirational quotes and quips from old Hollywood. One of her most memorable lines in the film with Myron were “My goal is the destruction of the last vestigial traces of traditional manhood in order to realign the sexes while decreasing the population thus increasing human happiness.

UPD:

Mae West's portrayal of Myra showcased her unique ability to deliver lines with a biting wit and fearless confidence that resonated with audiences seeking both entertainment and empowerment. Her character's ambitious and provocative goal in Myra Breckinridge speaks to a desire to shake up societal norms and question gender roles. West's performance not only provides laughter but also a subtle nod to the burgeoning feminist movement of the time, illustrating that one can indeed wield humor as a tool for social commentary and change. Her words live on as a testament to her trailblazing spirit within the film industry.

10

A Star is Born (1937)

A Star is Born starred screen siren Judy Garland, who was one of Hollywood’s most legendary actresses and gave us one of the most inspiring quotes from old movies. "I'm going out there and BE somebody!” Simple and to the point, it reminds me to really give everything I do my all and to not be afraid to take risks to achieve my goals! I think one of the “secrets” of truly happy people is that they make a conscious choice to be happy regardless of anything life throws their way!

I hope you found these inspirational quotes from old movies helpful and interesting to read! I love how movies can inspire us, move us to tears, make us laugh and comfort us. Use these movie quotes or any quotes you love as reminders to always give life your all and to not be afraid to get out there and make your dreams come true! What movie quotes help inspire you?

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