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Nick: I've also found someone to take an option on the photographs. Mrs Prentice: What photographs? Nick: I had a camera concealed in the room. Mrs Prentice: When I gave myself to you the contract didn't include cinematic rights. Nick: I'd like a hundred quid for the negatives. You've got until lunchtime. Mrs Prentice: I shall complain to the manager. Nick: It will do you no good. He took the photographs. Mrs. Prentice: Oh, this is scandalous! I'm a married woman. Nick: You didn't behave like a married woman last night.

Joe Orton#25

PowerPrivacyScandal

About this quote

What does it mean?
A private encounter is leveraged for financial gain with threats and accusations.
In plain terms
One person blackmails another using private photos.
What can you take from it?
Privacy violations can be exploited for profit.

Where it applies

  • legal dispute
  • personal conflict
  • bargaining

Putting it to work

  • protecting privacy
  • legal rights

Questions to consider

  • Who owns private moments?
  • Is revenge justified?

Another view

It highlights how easily consent can be disregarded.

More from Joe Orton

  1. Geraldine: I've no idea who my father was. Prentice: I'd better be frank, Miss Barclay. I can't employ you if you're in any way miraculous. It would be contrar…

    Permalink to quote #24
  2. Mrs Prentice: You put me in an impossible position. Nick: No position is impossible when you're young and healthy.

    Permalink to quote #26
  3. McLeavy: I'm innocent. (A little unsure of himself, the beginnings of panic) Doesn't that mean anything to you?

    Permalink to quote #23

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