Three Secrets (1950)

Patricia Neal: Phyllis Horn

Quotes 

• Susan Adele Connors Chase : Why did you come here?

  Phyllis Horn : Just a reporter covering a story. Wouldn't it be ironic if it were my own?

• Mark Harrison : [Handing her a gift]  For my prettiest reporter.

  Phyllis Horn : Orchids? Next time bring nylons.

• Mark Harrison : I've met hundreds of guys coming back from overseas. You're just like they are. First thing they want is a companion and a chocolate soda.

  Phyllis Horn : What would I do with a chocolate soda?

• Mark Harrison : This will make you the biggest newpaperwoman since Nellie Bly.

  Phyllis Horn : Never heard of her.

• Phyllis Horn : There's one legitimate thing about me. The way I love you.

  Bob Duffy : Put it in your column.

• Bob Duffy : Ever since the beginning, you've been in and out of my life like a night visitor. This time don't bother to check in.

  Phyllis Horn : This time there happens to be a war. I didn't start it. I'm sorry there is one. But as long as there is, I'd be a chump if I didn't make it work for me.

  Bob Duffy : I don't like war profiteers. You sell agony by the paragraph.

• Phyllis Horn : I'd like to speak my peace before I go.

  Bob Duffy : Just so you keep it under a thousand words.

  Phyllis Horn : Only two words. I'm scared. I mean it, Duffy. Ever since I sold my first script for five dollars I've been fighting to get to the top. Stepped all over people. Been ruthless, conniving. Fought like a man in a man's world and I made it. But I don't want to lose you, Duffy. 'Cause this is home plate. If I lose you I'll roam around like a homeless alley cat with no place to come back to. Don't throw me out.

  Bob Duffy : Why is it the only time you sound like a woman is in this crummy room?

  Phyllis Horn : 'Cause it's ours, Duffy.

  Bob Duffy : I shouldn't let you in.

  Phyllis Horn : You couldn't keep me out. It's always been that way, Duffy.

  [They kiss] 

• Hardin : A good newspaper man leaves his emotions at home when he goes out on a job. You ought to know that.

  Phyllis Horn : All right, Hardin. I've done my best. Now you do your worst.

• Susan Adele Connors Chase : Who is the mother? Did you find out?

  Ann Lawrence : We cancelled the call.

  Susan Adele Connors Chase : But why?

  Ann Lawrence : We thought if was better if we never found out. In a way he belongs to all three of us. And since all of us can't have him, we decided that you are the one to try to adopt him.

  Susan Adele Connors Chase : I don't understand.

  Phyllis Horn : Yes, that was our decision.

  Susan Adele Connors Chase : But you just can't leave it like this. You aren't being fair to yourselves. You'll blame yourself all you life if you don't find out.

  Ann Lawrence : Listen, Susan. You can get Johnnie. No court in the world would turn you two down.

  Susan Adele Connors Chase : But if he's yours?

  Ann Lawrence : Even if he turned out to be mine I have nothing to offer him. Don't make me find him just to lose him all over again. It's much easier to tell myself that maybe he's yours.