For those of you just tuning in, I wrote about a bunch of the movies I misquote… like, a lot. And I’m not ashamed of it either.
Well, I asked you guys to send me your faves, and here they are (along with some more from me):
The one I got most from you all was “Play it again, Sam.” from Casablanca.
In the movie, it’s a much clunkier “Play it once, Sam, for old time’s sake, play ‘As Time Goes By.’” —which totally works in the film, but it just doesn’t roll off the tongue the way “Play it again, Sam.” does. Hence, why misquoting is way better sometimes than the actual way it’s used in the movie or TV show.
Wizard of Oz
Misquote: “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
Actual Quote: “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”
Great line to misquote.
Rocky III
Misquote: “I pity the fool."
Technically in there, but actual quote: "No, I don't hate Balboa. But I pity the fool, and I will destroy any man who tries to take what I got!"
I pity the fool who doesn’t enjoy misquoting this line from James 'Clubber' Lang AKA Mr. T. It’s the perfect fill in the blank saying. I pity the fool who [insert thing here].
Field of Dreams
Misquote: “If you build it, they will come.”
Actual Quote: “If you build it, he will come.”
Featuring Sacramento’s own one-time resident and B Street Theatre founder, Timothy Busfield. The movie that will make even the most-macho-of-macho men cry is usually misquoted over the thing that will bring you to tears. It’s he, not they.
I’m not gonna lie. I always say they, so I am certainly not judging anyone else here.
RIP Ray Liotta…
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
Misquote: “Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?”
Actual Quote: “Magic mirror, on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?”
Oh, if I only had a talking mirror, I would probably misquote this one more often.
Dirty Harry
Misquote: “Do ya feel lucky, punk?”
Actual Quote: “You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well, do ya punk?”
My mom loved Clint Eastwood, so his movies were a staple in my house growing up. I for sure misquoted this one way more than once.
Mommie Dearest
Misquote: “No more wire hangers!” or "No more wire coat hangers!"
Actual Quote: “No wire hangers! No wire hangers ever!”
I’m pretty sure anyone who has ever seen Mommie Dearest was affected by this scene. It was pretty brutal. Yet, I joke about this scene anytime I come across a wire hanger. I usually misquote it by saying, "No more wire coat hangers!" It's wrong on so many levels, but I love this one.
Frankenstein
Misquote: “He’s alive!”
Actual Quote: “It’s alive!”
Speaking of Frankenstein… I vented about wanting people to refer to Frankenstein’s Monster as that as opposed to Frankenstein, and a few of you threw down some logic in defense of using Frankenstein as the Monster’s name.
Brent S. made a case for scientists naming their creations or discovery after themselves, and Eric N. pointed out that Doctor Frankenstein is his "Father," with both of them concluding that Frankenstein’s Monster would, in fact, be named Frankenstein.
Honestly, I really can’t argue with either logic, so bravo to both of you! 👏 I stand corrected.
Joe
P.S. Keep 'em coming. I know there’s more misquotes you wish I would have mentioned, or just let me know which one is your favorite.
P.P.S. Speaking of Mr. T… did you know there was a band named after him? Yep, The Mr. T Experience AKA MTX. Fronted by the one-and-only Dr. Frank, author of King Dork and Andromeda Klein. Check 'em out.