Three Coins in the Fountain (1954)

Clifton Webb: John Frederick Shadwell

Quotes 

• Woman at Cocktail Party : My husband declares that I was simply born to be a writer. He says if anyone just took a pencil and followed me around, they'd have a novel.

  John Frederick Shadwell : My dear lady, I should be delighted to get behind you with a pencil.

• John Frederick Shadwell : Punctuality is the vice of virtuous women.

• John Frederick Shadwell : There's never any preparation for a death sentence, is there?

  Dr. Martinelli : There is a lifetime.

  John Frederick Shadwell : That sounds like something I might have written.

• John Frederick Shadwell : Unless I miss my guess, sending that girl into get me was a feminine intrigue of yours. Am I right?

  Miss Frances : What ever makes you think that?

  John Frederick Shadwell : Don't be evasive.

• John Frederick Shadwell : The possibility of arousing unsuspected passion at my age would be not only disturbing; but, rather miraculous.

• Miss Frances : [sarcastic toast]  To the fountain of Trevi! To the lovely, romantic fountain of Trevi. Where hope can be had for a penny!

  John Frederick Shadwell : People are looking at you.

  Miss Frances : Well, high time!

• John Frederick Shadwell : Why can't women play the game properly? Everyone knows that in love affairs only the man has the right to lie.

• John Frederick Shadwell : These girls in love never realize that they should be honestly dishonest instead of being dishonestly honest.

• John Frederick Shadwell : Don't forget, I knew you when you were still running around in three-cornered pants.

• Maria Williams : Hello. I'm Maria Williams. We met at the Burgoyne's, Mr. Shadwell, but I'm sure you don't remember me.

  John Frederick Shadwell : You're quite wrong. I remember you very well. It's the party I've forgotten.

• Woman at Cocktail Party : Tell me, do you get your best ideas at night? I always do.

  John Frederick Shadwell : Invariably; but, hardly material to write about.

• John Frederick Shadwell : Dino, take the advice of an old friend. Don't treat a work of art as you do an automobile, turning it in for a new model every year.

  Maria Williams : Well, we can't keep in the past forever, Mr. Shadwell.

  Prince Dino di Cessi : Exactly!

  John Frederick Shadwell : Nonsense. We live in the past from the moment we're born.

• John Frederick Shadwell : I shall leave heretics to their heritage.

• John Frederick Shadwell : Have you ever considered the possibility of marrying me?

  Miss Frances : Every woman considers that prospect with every man she meets.

• John Frederick Shadwell : Now, then, I shall like to know the exact procedure in having a body shipped home.

  Mr. Hoyt : Well, first I must have a letter making the request.

  John Frederick Shadwell : Who writes the letter?

  Mr. Hoyt : That's a good question - who writes the letter. The regulations say a close relative. Then I must have a certificate from the doctor, a notarized report from the American port of entry, then permission from the city of Rome, and an export license.

• John Frederick Shadwell : I shall like a bottle of scotch, some ice, and a side of soda.

  Waiter : Sorry, sir. No bottles.

  John Frederick Shadwell : Why not?

  Waiter : Drinks, yes. But, no bottles.

  John Frederick Shadwell : Very well, my friend. Bring me six double scotches and line them up before me.

• Miss Frances : What are you intending to do with those?

  John Frederick Shadwell : I intend to get drunk.

  Miss Frances : Why?

  John Frederick Shadwell : I've been cautious too long.