How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from An American in Paris.
Quote #1
JERRY: Hey, Adam, you wouldn't have 300 francs on you, would you? I'm going to Montmartre, and I need lunch money.
ADAM: Sorry, kid. Bought a postage stamp this morning, and it broke me.
In Paris—and just about everywhere else, for that matter—money is power. Jerry and Adam? They don't have much money, and that means they don't have much power. These two starving artists have to rely on their wits and the kindness of others.
Quote #2
MILO: Do you, uh, mind if I look, or will you chew my head off, too?
JERRY: Nah, go ahead, you're okay.
MILO: Oh, thank you.
JERRY: She's one of those third-year girls that gripe my liver.
MILO: Third year girls?
JERRY: Yeah, you know, American college kids. They come over here to take their third year and lap up a little culture. They give me a swift pain.
MILO: Why? They're harmless enough.
JERRY: They're officious and dull. They're always making profound observations they've overheard.
Being a starving artist, Jerry doesn't have a lot of power, except when it comes to his art. When it comes to appreciating his paintings, Jerry feels like what he says goes, and he has the power to say whose opinions matter.
Quote #3
MILO: Why don't you come to the hotel? I can pay you for them there.
JERRY: Fine. Is it far?
MILO: Would you care if it were?
Jerry, you're busted. Milo knows that, when it comes to getting paid, it doesn't matter if her hotel is two doors down or two countries away: Jerry doesn't have the power to say no. She's pulling rank.