Quotes

Pretty Baby

Frieda: Do not forget, this guy is buying a virgin, so she's got to act it right. You've got to give him the idea that you don't know nothing. It should be like a rape.
Josephine: You don't know. Could be a different kind of guy. Someone that wants you to act like she wants it.
Frieda: The main thing is to whimper and cry when he starts, but then you've got to act like it feels good.
Violet: I know what to do. Leave me alone.
Hattie: Well, don't act like you know it all. You won't even get a tip that way.
Fanny: Violet, you should touch him down there, you know, like it's accidental.
Violet: I know, I know all that.

Hattie: Before the war, we used to close down in the summertime. But since the naval base came, we're busy all year round, now. Can I buy you a drink?
Bellocq: No, thank you. Perhaps we can take another one now, if you like.
Hattie: Yeah, why not? My breasts are very nice, nicer than the other girls'. Do you think maybe I should show them a little better?
Bellocq: Yes, that would be better. Let me see.

Violet: Madame Nell says there's something wrong with you, that you're a cream puff or something. She says you're pathetic, missing all the fun in life.
Bellocq: Perhaps Madame Nell is imagining she knows more than she does. Do you think she's having fun?
Violet: She's as happy as anybody. Are the afraid you'll get the little casino? The clap?
Bellocq: No.
Violet: Well, why, then?
Bellocq: Do I ask you questions? I don't have to explain myself to a child.
Violet: I am not a child!

Bellocq: [about Violet] What will become of her now?
Nell: What's going on with you? You don't have to worry about her. She's made a lot of money. She can do as she likes.
Bellocq: She's only twelve. She's completely alone.
Nell: Bellocq, you're in love with her.
Bellocq: Don't be absurd.
Nell: I've seen it a thousand times. I am old, and I know one thing - life is very long.

Nell: There's only two things to do on rainy days, and I don't like to play cards.

Nell: Sold to the man with the four hundred dollars cash.
Frieda: [to Violet] Do not give him any argument.
Violet's First Customer: Do you want some whiskey?
[He hands Violet a glass of whiskey. She drinks it all]
Violet's First Customer: Well, Jesus, I didn't mean the whole damn thing.
Violet: I'm glad it's you.
Violet's First Customer: Why are you glad it's me?
Violet: Well, you look nice, and you have a nice chest. I can feel the steam inside me right through my dress.

Nell: [starting the auction for Violet's virginity] A virgin, bona fide.
Brothel Patron: How old is she?
Nell: Do you want to put me in jail? She's just old enough. She's the finest delicacy New Orleans has to offer, and it's her wish that one of you gentleman be the first.

Bellocq: Madam, perhaps you know my name. I have... photographed in the district many times. Am I addressing Madam Livingstone?
Nell: Yes, you are, m'sieur. And you are too early.
[shakes her head]
Nell: My girls are all asleep. They work late, you know. It's ten o'clock in the morning, m'sieur.
Bellocq: I require the light from the sun. Now is the best time for me.
[gets no attention]
Bellocq: This young lady there...
[gestures at Violet's mother]
Bellocq: She would be fine.
Nell: [shakes her head] I run a good, old-fashioned whore house, msieur.
[frowns]
Nell: And you seem a little rabbity to me. Photographs? What the hell kind of thing is that? I don't care to inverts. If you're looking for something different, I can assure you, you can find her right down here in New Orleans.
Bellocq: Madam, please, don't tell me about New Orleans. I've lived here all my life.
Nell: I apologize, m'sieur.
Bellocq: You realize I'm willing to pay for her time?
[takes out wallet]

Violet: I love you once, I love you twice, I love you more than beans and rice.
[they kiss, and she strokes his face]
Violet: I'm gonna make you so happy. You're just my kinda man, you really are. I'm really good, you know, cheri.
Bellocq: [flies up] Don't talk to me like that, please. Don't talk like a whore!
Violet: Well, what do you want me to say? I feel something inside me, so I say it. And when you go away, it hurts me. Right here.
[clutches her chest]
Bellocq: You're only hungry, pet
Violet: And what's wrong with whores, anyhow? I thought you liked us.
[he doesn't answer, so she leans in close]
Violet: Everybody says I'm pretty, and getting to fill out soon. And all the other men like me. Don't you like me?
[gets hugged and kissed]

Suggest an edit or add missing content

Top Gap

What is the streaming release date of Pretty Baby (1978) in Australia?