Classic Quotes from Hollywood’s Original Leading Ladies

Hollywood’s sirens of its most glamorous era sound off.

1920s Hollywood and onward boasted a bevy of women who exploded onto the silver screen, not only for their striking beauty, but because of their confidence, style and verve. They were dreamers, pioneers, and yes, feminists, women in the spotlight whose ballsy, modern and even ribald retorts still have us smiling. Here are some of our favorites.

A dame that knows the ropes isn’t likely to get tied up. 
- Mae West

I am just too much. – Bette Davis

Sex. In America an obsession. In other parts of the world a fact. -
 Marlene Dietrich

If you are blessed, you are blessed, whether you are married or single. 
- Greta Garbo

It [prejudice] is such a waste. It makes you logy and half-alive. It gives you nothing. It takes away. – Dorothy Dandridge

A 41-inch bust and a lot of perseverance will get you more than a cup of coffee – a lot more. – Jayne Mansfield

Enemies are so stimulating. – Katherine Hepburn

Egotism – usually just a case of mistaken nonentity. 
- Barbara Stanwyck

I’m selfish, impatient and a little insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. But if you can’t handle me at my worst, then you sure as hell don’t deserve me at my best. – Marilyn Monroe

I’ve been through it all, baby, I’m mother courage. 
- Elizabeth Taylor

I’m letting no man handle my bank account. 
– Hattie McDaniel

Look at me and tell me if I don’t have Brazil in every curve of my body. – Carmen Miranda

I’ve never really thought on myself as a sex goddess, more a comedienne who could dance. – Rita Hayworth

I am not a has-been. I am a will be. 
– Lauren Bacall

As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others. 
- Audrey Hepburn

Every age can be enchanting, provided you live within it. 
- Brigitte Bardot

I’m not young. What’s wrong with that? – Vivien Leigh

I like to wake up each morning feeling a new man. – Jean Harlow

I was the shyest human ever invented, but I had a lion inside me that wouldn’t shut up. 
- Ingrid Bergman

Everything you see I owe to spaghetti. – Sophia Loren

I was never the girl next door. – Bettie Page

A gentleman is simply a patient wolf. – Lana Turner

I don’t fear death because I don’t fear anything I don’t understand. When I start to think about it, I order a massage and it goes away. – 
Hedy Lamarr

Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.  – Judy Garland

From the moment I was six I felt sexy. And let me tell you it was hell, sheer hell, waiting to do something about it.  – Bette Davis

ALSO CHECK OUT:

40 Best Quotes About Solitude

50 Best Quotes About Love

All Creatures Great and Small: 30 Best Quotes About Animals

30 Best Quotes About Nature

40 Inspirational Quotes on New Beginnings

Most Ridiculous Quotes About Women: 2011 Edition

50 Quotes About Meditation And Yoga

Image: provocateuse