Queen Christina (film)

"There are other things to live for than wars. I have had enough of them. We have been fighting since I was in the cradle and many years before. It is enough. I shall ask the powers to meet for a speedy and honorable peace. There must be an end!...Spoils! Glory! Flags and trumpets! What is behind these high-sounding words? Death and destruction! Triumphals of crippled men! Sweden victorious in a ravaged Europe. An island in a dead sea. I tell you, I want no more of it. I want for my people security and happiness. I want to cultivate the arts of peace. The arts of life! I want peace and peace I will have."

"[disguised as a man] Stop fighting. I'll tell you the truth. Well gentlemen, I have the painful duty of telling you that you're both wrong. Sixes and the nines. The truth is that the queen has had twelve lovers this past year, a round dozen. [To Don Antonio] Any lie will find believers as long as you tell it with force enough."

"Why? Do I peer into the lives of my subjects and dictate to them whom they shall love? Will I serve them less if I'm happy? What strangely-foolish title is it that calls me ruler. Even what concerns me most dearly, I am to have no voice. It is intolerable! There is a freedom which is mine and which the state cannot take away for the unreasonable tyranny of the mob, and to the malicious tyranny of palace intrigue. I shall not submit! Know this, all of you."

"My business is governing and I have the knack of it as you have yours for your trade by inheritance. My father was a king, and his father before him. My father died for Sweden and I live for her. Now my good people, go home to your work and leave me to mine. My blessing on all of you."

"The question of the succession has long been the subject of my earnest consideration. I am come here today to tell you my decision. There is one among us who has served the state faithfully in war and peace, one who is also related to me by blood. I speak of the Prince Palatine Charles Gustavus. I believe I shall be in agreement with you in saying that above all others, he is the man best fitted for the government of this kingdom. The Prince has done me the honor of asking my hand in marriage. The Prince has my answer. I have given him the reasons why I cannot accept this offer. In the absence of an heir of my blood, our Constitution gives me the right to nominate for your approval my successor. I believe no one would gratify your wishes better than Prince Charles Gustavus. I am resolved, therefore, here and now, to place in your hands my abdication from the throne of Sweden. And now, farewell. I thank Almighty God who caused me to be born of a royal stock and raised me to be a Queen over so large and mighty a kingdom. I thank too those nobles who defended the state when I was a child and all of you for the fidelity and attachment you've shown. Let me look at you once more. And so, let me remember you with love and loyalty until memory is no more. God bless you. Farewell."

"Greta Garbo - Christina, Queen of Sweden"

"John Gilbert - Don Antonio"

"Ian Keith - Magnus Gabriel De la Gardie"

"Lewis Stone - Lord Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna"

"Elizabeth Young - Countess Ebba Sparre"

"C. Aubrey Smith - Aage"

"Reginald Owen - Charles X Gustav of Sweden"

"Georges Renavent - Chanut"

"David Torrence - Archbishop"

"Gustav von Seyffertitz - General"

"Ferdinand Munier - Innkeeper"

"Akim Tamiroff - Pedro (uncredited)"

"Muriel Evans - Barmaid at Inn"

"Hooper Atchley - Antonio's Companion in Coach"