The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

Cathy O'Donnell: Wilma Cameron

Photos 

Quotes 

• Wilma Cameron : You wrote me that when you got home, you and I were going to be married. If you wrote that once, you wrote it a hundred times. Isn't that true?

  Homer Parrish : Yes, but things are different now.

  Wilma Cameron : Have you changed your mind?

  Homer Parrish : Have I said anything about changing my mind?

  Wilma Cameron : No. That's just it. You haven't said anything about anything... I don't know what to think, Homer. All I know is, I was in love with you when you left and I'm in love with you now. Other things may have changed but that hasn't.

• [Homer has asked Wilma into his bedroom to see what happens as he prepares for bed. After removing his hooks and harness, he 'wiggles' into his pajama top] 

  Homer Parrish : I'm lucky. I have my elbows. Some of the boys don't. But I can't button them up.

  Wilma Cameron : I'll do that, Homer.

  Homer Parrish : This is when I know I'm helpless. My hands are down there on the bed. I can't put them on again without calling to somebody for help. I can't smoke a cigarette or read a book. If that door should blow shut, I can't open it and get out of this room. I'm as dependent as a baby that doesn't know how to get anything except to cry for it. Well, now you know, Wilma. Now you have an idea of what it is. I guess you don't know what to say. It's all right. Go on home. Go away like your family said.

  Wilma Cameron : [She kneels in front of him]  I know what to say, Homer. I love you and I'm never going to leave you... never.

  [She kisses him] 

• Wilma Cameron : Tell me the truth, Homer. Do you want me to forget about you?

  Homer Parrish : I want you to be free, Wilma, to live your own life. I don't want you tied down forever just because you've got a kind heart.

  Wilma Cameron : Oh, Homer! Why can't you ever understand the way things really are, the way I really feel? I keep trying to tell you.

  Homer Parrish : But, but you don't know, Wilma. You don't know what it'd be like to have to live with me. To have to face this

  [his hooks] 

  Homer Parrish : every day, every night.

  Wilma Cameron : But I can only find out by trying. And if it turns out I haven't courage enough, we'll soon know it.