Pretty Baby (1978)

Keith Carradine: Bellocq

Photos 

Quotes 

• Bellocq : Her father unknown, and her mother deserted the child.

  Violet : My mother's name was Hildegarde. Hildegarde Marr. M-A-R-R.

  Priest : And she was Caucasian, or other?

  Violet : She was a whore, Father.

• 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.

• Bellocq : Leave me alone.

  Violet : You hate me.

  Bellocq : I have no time for hate or love.

• 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] 

• Bellocq : Why are you crying?

  Violet : [with irony]  With joy. And to amuse myself.

  [walks in] 

  Bellocq : You wanna come with me?

  Violet : No!

• Violet : Why did you buy me a doll?

  Bellocq : Every child should have a doll.

  Violet : I'm a child to you?