Scandal (1989)

John Hurt: Stephen Ward

Photos 

Quotes 

• Stephen Ward : All Russians are spies, it's how they're brought up.

• Stephen Ward : Must never say no to a dare, Christine, you never know what you might miss.

• Detective Inspector : You're for the drop, Ward. You know that, don't you? You're finished. They've all dropped you, haven't they? All your mates, all your lords and ladies, all your MP's, your royalty. They're all rushing off to America to do business, aren't they? Nobody wants to know. You haven't got a friend in the world. And there's no use you thinking your friends from MI5 are gonna come paddling up the Thames in a midget submarine. This isn't your James Bond. I said this isn't your James Bond!

  Stephen Ward : No.

  Detective Inspector : You stink, Ward! You're a stinking little ponce, and I've got 147 people to say the same. 147. You know how many witnesses we'd normally interview in a charge like this, poncey? 3 or 4. 5 at the most. And we generally get results. 147, Ward, that's 147 interviews! We've been busy boys, me and John. We've been at it around the clock. And you'd be amazed at some of the people we've dug up. Real filth! Eh, John? Real pox-ridden harlots.

  Stephen Ward : [breaks his glasses] 

  Detective Inspector : Oh dear, look at that.

• Christine Keeler : You took me down there. It was you who wanted to go snooping around Westborne Grove at 1 o'clock in the morning. I never wanted to go; you made me. I'd never have met Lucky if it wasn't for you. I'd never have met Johnny, I'd never have met any of those people. It was all your idea.

  Stephen Ward : You go too far.

  Christine Keeler : Be a devil, you said. Never say not to a dare, you said. You took me to all the parties, you introduced me to everybody I know. I'm yours, Stephen. You pull the strings. I'm what you made me.

  Stephen Ward : I'll drop you.

  Christine Keeler : Where?

  Stephen Ward : I don't know where. I dont know. Wherever you want to go. Vicky's.

  Christine Keeler : I cant go there.

  Stephen Ward : You say.

  Christine Keeler : Well, let's go for a drive. Please, Stephen, take me home.

  Stephen Ward : It's over, little baby. It's over.

• John Profumo : She must be stopped. She's talking to everybody.

  Lord Astor : Yes. If it's a matter of money...

  Stephen Ward : What she needs is a holiday. Bit of sun on her back, somewhere quiet. Spain or Portugal. That's what she needs.

  Lord Astor : Yes, just the job.

  Stephen Ward : Do her a world of good.

  John Profumo : You don't think she might kick up a fuss? Christine?

  Stephen Ward : Leave Christine to me, Jack, I dreamt her up. I can make her vanish.

• John Profumo : I have nothing to hide.

  Stephen Ward : Come off it, John. We all have something to hide. What a rum life it would be if we didn't.

• Stephen Ward : [as he sketches her]  God gave you beauty, Christene. You're lucky, you should enjoy it. You move like a racehorse. You walk like a Darby winner. You must let me help you. Introduce you to some friends of mine, and some photographers. Film people, television people. It's my vocation, you see? *My vice!*

  [chuckles] 

  Stephen Ward : When I see beauty like yours, wild, untutored, elemental beauty... I long to liberate it. It's my life's work, in a way. I could do wonders with you, little baby. Could shock the world.

• Christine Keeler : Stephen, it's wonderful! You said a cottage!

  Stephen Ward : Sure, it's just a little post for weekends. Bill lets me have it for pound a year. I let him cheat at bridge.

  Christine Keeler : Who's Bill?

  Stephen Ward : Lord Astor. He's very sweet. You'll meet him.

• Stephen Ward : [voiceover]  It's really more than I can stand. The horror, day after day, in the court and in the street. It's not only fear, it's a wish not to let them get me. I'd rather get myself. I do hope I haven't let people down too much. Try to do my stuff, but after Marshall's summing up I've given up all hope. Sorry to disappoint the vultures, I only hope this has done the job. The car needs oil in the gear box, by the way. Be happy in it.