Being There
"Adapted by Jerzy Kozinsky from his own novel, the movie's about a simple-minded, middle-aged gardener who, after a lifetime of seclusion and safety in a Washington, D.C. townhouse, gets his first exposure to reality beyond the walls of his sheltered existence. His only reference to the world is through his childlike addiction to television, and when a chance encounter brings him into the inner fold of a dying billionaire (Melvyn Douglas), he suddenly finds himself the toast of Washington's political elite. His simple phrases about gardening are misinterpreted as anything from economic predictions to sage political advice..." - - Jeff Shannon (Amazon.com)
(For some reason, the rise of Barack Hussein Obama reminded me of this old movie....)
President "Bobby": "Mr. Gardner, do you agree with Ben, or do you think that we can stimulate growth through temporary incentives?"
[Long pause]
Chance the Gardener: "As long as the roots are not severed, all is well. And all will be well in the garden."
President "Bobby": "In the garden."
Chance the Gardener: "Yes. In the garden, growth has it seasons. First comes spring and summer, but then we have fall and winter. And then we get spring and summer again."
President "Bobby": "Spring and summer."
Chance the Gardener: "Yes."
President "Bobby": "Then fall and winter."
Chance the Gardener: "Yes."
Benjamin Rand: "I think what our insightful young friend is saying is that we welcome the inevitable seasons of nature, but we're upset by the seasons of our economy."
Chance the Gardener: "Yes! There will be growth in the spring!"
Benjamin Rand: "Hmm!"
Chance the Gardener: "Hmm!"
President "Bobby": "Hm. Well, Mr. Gardner, I must admit that is one of the most refreshing and optimistic statements I've heard in a very, very long time."
[Benjamin Rand applauds]
President "Bobby": "I admire your good, solid sense. That's precisely what we lack on Capitol Hill."