Cheers for Miss Bishop (1941)

Edmund Gwenn: President Corcoran

Photos 

Quotes 

• James Corcoran, Midwestern U. President : You see, I heard Abe Lincoln talk at Gettysburg - and he talked sense. You know Ella, we've got something here in this country - the idea of people being free. But it's got to be taught and retaught, Ella, to each new crop of youngsters: the value of freedom.

• James Corcoran, Midwestern U. President : [addresses registering students]  I know some of you have walked miles to get here, and that everyday for four years you'll have to walk those miles; through rain, sleet and snow. But I know this: the end will pay you for those hardships; because the end is wisdom. Wisdom is first cousin to freedom, and freedom is the glory of our nation - and our people. Let us pray: almighty and most merciful God; here on free land, under free air, we have tried to build a house for wisdom, free to all. Look favorably upon us, O Lord. For today we light a lamp of learning. May it shine through the years to be. Amen.

• Ella Bishop : [Slowly rising from her seat]  President Corcoran, do you mean... Well, of course I know you couldn't mean... But I can't help thinking that you might mean... President Corcoran, do you mean I...

  James Corcoran, Midwestern U. President : Oh dear dear dear. There's a heap of repetition in that sentence... for a teacher of freshman English!

  Ella Bishop : Oh...

  James Corcoran, Midwestern U. President : I take it you're going to accept?

  Ella Bishop : Accept? Accept? Well, if I could... If I could only... Well, President Corcoran!

  [Kisses him on the forehead then runs away]