Esther and the King (1960)

Daniela Rocca: Queen Vashti

Photos 

Quotes 

• Queen Vashti : My king, my beloved husband! How long I've waited!

  King Ahasuerus : Adulteress.

  Queen Vashti : What? Have you gone mad?

  King Ahasuerus : No, I have my senses or I'd kill you. You shame this palace with your corruption.

  Queen Vashti : Someone has filled your head with lies.

  King Ahasuerus : True! Not lies. The soldiers of my replacements told me, men who fought and died. They had no reason to lie. Who shares your guilt, Vashti? Name them. Name them, I command you!

  Queen Vashti : There are no names. There is no guilt.

  King Ahasuerus : [pauses]  Well, whoever it was, it's best I do not know. My pride would fall with the public punishment. Therefore I condemn you in private.

  Queen Vashti : No!

  King Ahasuerus : You will be forever dead to me.

  Queen Vashti : [embraces Ahasuerus]  Oh no, Ahasuerus! I pray you, believe me! I would rather die a real death than lose you.

  King Ahasuerus : [throws her to the floor]  Now send for your lovers, harlot!

• Haman : The army is not even in sight yet. Time is still with us.

  Queen Vashti : No, Haman. Your time has ended.

  Haman : Huh! My time?

  Queen Vashti : Our time, if that saves your pride.

• Queen Vashti : I am going to the feast. Prepare me.