Harmony Lane (1935)

Adrienne Ames: Jane McDowell

Quotes 

• Jane McDowell : Stephen, I don't mean to keep nagging you, but you haven't written a song in six months.

  Stephen Foster : But, dear... I... I'm

  Jane McDowell : You used to. I thought when we got a home you'd settle down, but you haven't.

  Stephen Foster : Well, I've tried. Heaven knows I've tried. Maybe that's the trouble.

  Jane McDowell : Stephen, I've given up everything for you. And for what. Nothing. All my clothes are out of style. I can't even go anyplace anymore. Other women don't have to save and scrape.

• Stephen Foster : Well, you don't seem very happy about my deal with Christy.

  Jane McDowell : I am. Why do you always have to tell everyone the news before me?

  Stephen Foster : Oh, Mother just happened to be here.

  Jane McDowell : That's just it. Someone always happens to be here. I'm sick of it. I'm sick of living in a house all cluttered up with relatives where I can't walk without tripping on a brother or a sister. I can't stand it any longer.

• Jane McDowell : Stephen, you've been drinking.

  Stephen Foster : Jane, will you please...

  Jane McDowell : Don't try and lie to me.

  Stephen Foster : I'm not in the habit of lying.

  Jane McDowell : In a drunken brawl with a common minstrel.

  Stephen Foster : I... oh...

  [Exasperated, he sits down] 

  Jane McDowell : I could have forgiven you anything. Your crazy moods, your eccentric habits, even your ridiculous songs, but I can't forgive you this. There's no use trying to go on any longer. This is the end and if you can't support Marion, I will. Stephen, I'm leaving you.

  Stephen Foster : Well, if that's the way you feel about it. I'm the one to leave. You and Marion ought to stay here.

  [He gets up to go] 

  Stephen Foster : And don't worry, I'll always send enough to take care of you both.

  Jane McDowell : Where are you going?

  Stephen Foster : I don't know.