Mr. Darcy Underestimates Elizabeth’s Archery Skills ｜ Pride and Prejudice (1940) ｜ TCM

Sir, sir, I beg your pardon, sir. Do you, do you happen to know Miss Elizabeth Bennet? I do, sir. Has she, has she passed this way, may I ask? No, sir. She has not passed this spot. I suggest that you try the other side of the lake, sir. I'm obliged to, sir. All clear. Thank you, Mr. Darcy. You saved me from one of the most dangerous boars in the country. If the dragon returns, then George will know how to deal with him. Meanwhile, what do you say to a little target practice? Very well. Are you a good shot with a bow and arrow, Mr. Darcy? Tolerable. Only tolerable? Well, it's a fine old sport. And one in which even a young lady can become proficient. So I've heard. A short range, of course, and with a light bow. What a bad shot. On the contrary, well done. Well, it might have been worse. Now it's your turn. Now the bow, in the left hand. Ah, this way. So, the arrow goes like this. That's right, now these three fingers. So, one, two, three. Now the left arm, straight. Straight, straight, straight. Now turn sideways toward the target. Aim for the bullseye. That's right. Bullseye. And another bullseye. Next time I talk to a young lady about archery, I wouldn't be so patronizing. Yes. Thank you for the lesson. Thank you for taking it so well. Most men would have been offended. And rightly. Would you mind telling me, Miss Vennett, why you are so determined to offend me? Is that possible, Mr. Darcy? I thought you were invulnerable. You always look so... impassive. Perhaps you don't laugh enough. You may be right. But you haven't answered my question. Mr. Darcy. You promised to give me a lesson, Mr. Darcy. I give no more instructions to young ladies. Hereafter, they give instructions to me. What do you say, Miss Bingley? Miss Elizabeth thinks I do not laugh enough. I should be sorry to see you laugh more than you do. To me, there's something so unrefined about excessive laughter. Oh, if you want to be really refined, you have to be dead. There's no one as dignified as a mummy. And now may I ask you a question, Mr. Darcy? By all means. What would you think of a man who had everything the world has to offer? Birth, breeding, wealth, good looks, even charm, when he chose to exercise it. What would be your opinion of a man with such gifts, who refused to accept an introduction to another man who was poor and of no consequence? I should reserve my opinion until I knew the circumstances of the particular case. Do you suppose the gentleman would reveal those circumstances if he were asked? No. A gentleman does not have to explain his actions. He expects people to give him credit for being a man of honour and integrity. And now, if you will excuse me, I will retrieve the arrows.