Quotes

The Notorious Bettie Page

Bettie Page: I'm not ashamed. Adam and Eve were naked in the Garden of Eden, weren't they? When they sinned, they put on clothes.

[Bettie reacts angrily when John sings a ribald song during a bondage photo shoot]
John Willie: What's the matter, Bettie?
[John pulls the gag from Bettie's mouth]
Bettie Page: It's your language, Mr. Willie.
John Willie: Oh, it's just an old army ditty to help keep our spirits up while fighting the beastly Hun. Do you approve?
Bettie Page: I believe in Jesus.

[for her photo shoot, Bettie is tied up wearing slinky lingerie]
John Willie: Do you mind if I ask you a question, Bettie? What do you think Jesus would say about what you're doing now?
Bettie Page: Well, Mr. Willie... I've thought about this quite a bit and I'm...
[shakes her head]
Bettie Page: not really sure anymore. I think... God has given each of us some kind of talent and he wants us to use it. That's why he gave it to us. Mr. Willie, would you mind untying my hands? It's hard for me to think like this.
John Willie: Certainly.
[he starts to oblige]
Bettie Page: God gave me the talent to pose for pictures. That... it seems to me, make people happy. Well, that can't be a bad thing, can it?
John Willie: Not to me it's not, but what does God think?
Bettie Page: Well, I can't say for certain, I can't speak for him. I do worry sometimes about some of the things I've done.
John Willie: What things?
Bettie Page: I've posed naked for photographs.
John Willie: [scoffs] Have you, my dear? Naughty girl.
[fighting back laughter]
Bettie Page: But is that really bad? Adam and Eve were naked in the Garden of Eden!
John Willie: So they were!
Bettie Page: I don't know what God thinks about all this. And I hope that... if He's not happy with what I'm doing... He'll let me know somehow.
John Willie: I'm sure he will, my dear.
[continues taking photographs]
John Willie: I'm sure he will.
[perplexed-looking, Betty raises her elbow-gloved arms above her head in mock surrender]

Bettie Page: God gave me the talent to pose for pictures and it seems to make people happy. That can't be a bad thing, can it?
John Willie: Not to me it's not, but what does God think?

Bettie Page: [out in the woods] Sometimes when I get homesick, I just go out to Central Park, and walk around for hours.
Charlie: Gee, I like to do that too.
Bettie Page: Some people think I'm... funny for spending so much time alone.
Charlie: Oh, no, Betty. You're in very good company. Many of the world's greatest speakers spent their time alone.
Bettie Page: [smiles] They do? Well, I'll be...

Charlie: [lots of snapshots later] I'm roasting. Do you wanna call it quits?
Bettie Page: [in leopard-print bikini] No, I'm fine. I love the sun.
Charlie: Well, we better move into the shade after these shots, though. You don't wanna get a mark from your bathing suit straps.
Bettie Page: Oh, thank you, Charlie, that's very thoughtful of you. You know, I could take this silly old bathing suit top off, if you like...?
Charlie: Really?
[face lights up]
Charlie: Oh, sure, yeah! If you don't mind...
Bettie Page: Oh, I've been thinking about it.
[her hands go behind her back to undo]
Bettie Page: What difference does it make, little piece of cloth?
Charlie: [and down goes Betty's top] I agree, absolutely!
[Betty proudly displays her bare breasts]
Charlie: Thank you!
[camera shutter clicks in appreciation too]
Charlie: You know, Betty, you're the most popular model at our club.
Bettie Page: Flattery's the Devil's tool, Charlie.
[snickers, adopts arms held high akimbo pose]
Bettie Page: How's this?
Charlie: I don't know how to say this. Don't be offended, but... Well, we've come this far. Do you think you could take off the bottom as well?
[smiles]
Charlie: After all, it's just a little piece of fabric.
Bettie Page: Now don't you go throwing my words back at me, Charlie.
Charlie: I'm - I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked.

John Willie: Tell me...
[fights back breaking wind]
John Willie: what do you think of all this tying-up business? You seem to have a knack for posing, and I'm always on the lookout for comely wenches... who don't mind a bit of the old rope and gag!
Bettie Page: Well, it certainly was different.
John Willie: [shaking his head blissfully] I like what you did with that riding crop. It's a treat to see a girl with so much spirit!
Bettie Page: Oh, I enjoy acting very much. I've been taking lessons.
John Willie: Ah. We shall have to put you in a little film or something, shan't we?

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Top Gap

By what name was The Notorious Bettie Page (2005) officially released in India in English?