12. Lives Of A Bengal Lancer (1935)
The Misquote: "We have ways of making you talk."
The Real Quote: "We have ways of making men talk."
Why It Was Misquoted: Although an incredible cliché to even think of using for comedic effect, the misquote has rarely been used in any serious pieces. The film from which it originated, a little known Gary Cooper starring war caper, used the more general (and in a way ominous) men in a relatively unmenacing way (i.e no German accent). The constant use of the misquote in parody in the almost eighty years since makes it clear why the forgotten (despite a Best Picture nomination) films line is now so distanced from what it originally was.
11. Multiple Laurel And Hardy Films (1930 onwards)
The Misquote: "Well, here's another fine mess you've gotten me into!"
The Real Quote: "Well, here's another nice mess you've gotten me into!"
Why It Was Misquoted: Laurel and Hardy are renowned as some of the finest purveyors of slapstick comedy, but outside of their devout fans, few have experienced much of their work (piano skits aside). The only really known element is Hardys immortal catchphrase, uttered, obviously, whenever Laurels antics have gone too far. However, even with multiple repeatings, the line has been altered, nice becoming fine, thanks in no small part to the duos 1930 film Another Fine Mess. Obviously, more people saw the title than the film itself. Sometimes the quote has it as us, not me, which is just plain ridiculous.
10. Frankenstein (1931)
The Misquote: "Its alive!"
The Real Quote: "Hes alive!"
Why It Was Misquoted: In Frankenstein, scientist Victor Frankenstein (who every smart alec repeatedly shocks you by telling you is the title character, not the monster) creates a new person out of dead body parts (and not, as the same smart alec would say, neck electrodes). The key word in that sentence being person; to Victor, it is a living human being, not a monster. Which is why it makes a lot more sense for the character to say Hes alive; because, well, he is alive. The Its has been popularised thanks to our frenzied love of faceless horror, in particular our building of the previously mentioned misunderstanding.