GOLDWYNISMS
Sam
Goldwyn, Hollywood producer, 1882 - 1974.
Born in Warsaw as Shmuel Gelbfisz, he
walked to England after his father's death.
Here he anglicized his name to Goldfish. From England he emigrated to
Canada at the age of 19.
Here he built himself a career as a film producer, under his eventual
name: Sam Goldwyn.
Goldwyn was and is famous for his
idiosyncratic use of the English language.
His use of 'Goldwynisms' may at first have been due to his not
being a native speaker.
I suspect, however, that later he more or less cultivated his linguistic
performance.
After all, this may put you in absolute control of a conversation ('Malapropisms
are easy.')
A Goldwynism is an expression that is at
best awkward.
It may even be downright illogical.
What linguists call a 'malapropism'.
At first, a Goldwynism may make you laugh.
But then, it will make you think. Or think twice.
A few examples:
A bachelor’s life is no
life for a single man.
A hospital is no place to be sick.
A verbal agreement isn't worth the paper it's written on.
A wide screen just makes a bad film twice as bad.
Anybody who goes to a psychiatrist ought to have his head examined.
Colour television? Bah, I won´t believe it until I see it in black and white.
Don´t talk to me while I´m interrupting.
Fantastic! And it was all written with a feather.
For your own information, I would like to ask a question.
Gee, the lake comes right up to the edge.
Go see it, and see for yourself why it shouldn't be seen.
I don't think anyone should write their autobiography until after they're dead.
I had a monumental idea this morning, but I didn't like it.
I may not always be right, but I am never wrong.
I never liked you and I always will.
I never put on a pair of shoes until I've worn them at least five years.
I never thought I’d live to see the day.
I read part of it all the way through.
If I could drop dead right now, I would be the happiest man alive.
If we do not succeed, we run the risk of failure.
If you don't disagree with me, how will I know I'm right?
If you want something for free, you have to pay for it.
I'll give you a definite maybe.
I'm having déjà vu all over again …
In two words im-possible.
Include me out.
It´s more than magnificent. It´s mediocre.
It´s spreading like wildflowers.
Malapropisms are easy.
Never make predictions, especially about the future.
Nobody ever made money on a picture where people write with feathers.
Now, gentlemen, listen slowly.
Once you can fake sincerity you've got it made.
Our comedies are not to be laughed at.
Spare no expense to save money on this one.
Television has raised writing to a new low.
Tell me, how did you love my movie?
The harder I work, the luckier I get.
The scene is dull. Tell him to put more life into his dying.
This makes me sore, it gets my dandruff up.
We have all passed a lot of water since then.
We´re overpaying him, but he´s worth it.
When I want your opinion I will give it to you.
When someone does something good, applaud! You will make two people happy.
Why should people go out and pay to see bad movies when they can stay at home and see bad television for nothing?
Yes, my wife´s hands are beautiful. I´m going to have a bust made of them.
You are going to call him William? What kind of a name is that? Every Tom, Dick, Harry is called William.
You´ve got to take the bull by the teeth.