Seven Sassiest Scenes That the Films Left Out
I previously looked at some of the funniest moments the films left out, but there are lots of other great scenes that didn’t make it in either. Below are my seven favorite sassiest scenes that were excluded.
1. Dudley and the Toilet
‘They stuff people’s heads down the toilet the first day at Stonewall,’ he told Harry. ‘Want to come upstairs and practice?’
‘No, thanks,’ said Harry. ‘The poor toilet’s never had anything as horrible as your head down it — it might be sick.’ Then he ran, before Dudley could work out what he’d said.” (SS 32)
Harry had so many sassy remarks in the book, and this is a great one. After all the bullying the Dursleys did, it was good to see Harry giving something back.
2. Fred and George’s Support
‘Oh, get out of the way, Percy,’ said Fred. ‘Harry’s in a hurry.’
‘Yeah, he’s off to the Chamber of Secrets for a cup of tea with his fanged servant,’ said George, chortling.” (CoS 210)
Fred and George had so many great lines and moments throughout the series that didn’t always make it into the films. This scene is typical of the brothers and how they showed their support by trying to add some comic relief to lighten a tense situation.
3. Harry’s Godfather
‘It’s not,’ said Harry cheerfully. ‘It’s a letter from my godfather.’
‘Godfather?’ sputtered Uncle Vernon. ‘You haven’t got a godfather!’
‘Yes, I have,’ said Harry brightly. ‘He was my mum and dad’s best friend. He’s a convicted murderer, but he’s broken out of Wizard prison and he’s on the run. He likes to keep in touch with me, though… keep up with my news… check if I’m happy….’” (PoA 434-5)
The Dursleys were aware of Sirius Black at the beginning of the book, where he was shown as a criminal. This sassy line was a great way of keeping the Dursleys in line for the summer.
4. Keeping Up with the News
‘What were you doing under our window, boy?’
‘Listening to the news,’ said Harry in a resigned voice.
His aunt and uncle exchanged looks of outrage.
‘Listening to the news! Again?’
‘Well, it changes every day, you see,’ said Harry.” (OotP 6)
Once again, we see that Harry was not afraid to stand up for himself and use his words to show his intelligence.
5. McGonagall vs. Umbridge
‘I should have made my meaning plainer,’ said Professor McGonagall, turning at last to look Umbridge directly in the eyes. ‘He has achieved high marks in all Defense Against the Dark Arts tests set by a competent teacher.’ (OotP 664)
One good thing about Umbridge’s presence is her ability to bring out Professor McGonagall’s sassy side. It’s such a shame we didn’t get to see more of these interactions between the two during the films.
6. When Harry Stood Up to Snape
‘Yes,’ said Harry stiffly.
‘Yes, sir.’
‘There’s no need to call me ‘sir,’ Professor.’” (HBP 180)
No matter what your opinions on Snape, there’s no denying that he was a harsh teacher to the Gryffindors. Harry, not one to take his jibes and insults sitting down, hits back with this fantastic zinger.
7. Ginny and the Tattoo
‘Three dementor attacks in a week, and all Romilda Vane does is ask me if it’s true you’ve got a hippogriff tattooed across your chest.’
Ron and Hermione both roared with laughter. Harry ignored them.
‘What did you tell her?’
‘I told her it’s a Hungarian Horntail,’ said Ginny, turning a page of the newspaper idly. ‘Much more macho.’
‘Thanks,” said Harry, grinning. ‘And what did you tell her Ron’s got?’
‘A Pygmy Puff, but I didn’t say where.’”
(HBP 535-6)
In the book, Ginny is a witty character who has her own moments to shine. This exchange is just one instance where we see how funny she can really be.
What did you think of these chosen moments? Are there any parts of the books you wished the films would include? Let us know in the comments!
