The Road to Singapore (1931)

William Powell: Hugh Dawltry

Photos 

Quotes 

• Rene March : But it isn't much fun, belonging to oneself.

  Hugh Dawltry : Don't you try to vamp me, young woman.

  Rene March : I could. Easily.

  Hugh Dawltry : Well, if this keeps on I shall either have to turn you over my knee or run from here.

  Rene March : In the first place, I'd scream. In the second, I'd run after you.

• Mrs. Wey-Smith : Dr. March says I'm like a feather. I'm so light on my feet.

  Hugh Dawltry : Whose feet?

• Rene March : Do you always ride alone?

  Hugh Dawltry : Sometimes the horse goes with me.

• Hugh Dawltry : My dear, sometimes even reputations have false faces.

• Hugh Dawltry : You know, when this country gets tired of parboiling you, it begins baking you til you're done to a crisp!

• Hugh Dawltry : [as he lights his cigarette in front of the open window of Philippa's steamship cabin, he talks to his engraved lighter, as she eavesdrops]  You know, for a very proper English lighter, you should be ashamed of yourself. A person would think that one flame would be enough for you without annoying every lady you see. You even make them dine in stuffy cabins to avoid you. I'm going to make you apologize... if I ever meet the charming lady. In the meantime, I think I'll drown you in a tall brandy and soda for being so rude.

  [He walks away] 

  Hugh Dawltry : [Near the finale, as he is leaving his bungalow for good, to join Philippa aboard the dawn steamship bound for Singapore. He lights his cigarette with the lighter and places lighter on the table as he leaves]  Sorry old fellow, but you'll have to find a new partner in crime. From now on, I'm a one-flame man. Cheerio!

• Philippa Crosby March : Where is everybody, do you suppose?

  Hugh Dawltry : Well, there only three places in this town where they could be. The bar of the club. The card room of the club. Or the swimming pool of the club.

• Hugh Dawltry : I wonder how Adam met Eve.

• Hugh Dawltry : This is my house.

  Philippa Crosby March : And just why did you bring me here?

  Hugh Dawltry : To get acquainted. You were such a stranger aboard the boat.

  Philippa Crosby March : I'm still a stranger.

  Hugh Dawltry : I hope you won't be after dinner. My houseboy is really a very excellent cook.

  Philippa Crosby March : And I suppose his master is an excellent entertainer?

  Hugh Dawltry : Ah, that depends upon the audience.

  Philippa Crosby March : The audience is leaving. Without any sign of applause.

• Dr. Muir : You remind me too much of myself.

  Hugh Dawltry : Yourself?

  Dr. Muir : I mean, the self I'd have liked to have been, at your age, if I'd had your courage. And your technique. You cad.

• Hugh Dawltry : Now let that be a lesson to you. Hereafter, don't you get too gay with young Johnny crocodile.

• Hugh Dawltry : Am I living down to my reputation?

• Rene March : I've been dying to see your bungalow anyway.

  Hugh Dawltry : You wouldn't like it. Orgies. Terrible goings on.

• Rene March : I wish you would forget George.

  Hugh Dawltry : I intend to.

  Rene March : So do I. And also stay out as late as I wish while he's gone.

  Hugh Dawltry : You'll find that a rather boring privilege with no place to go.

• Rene March : Wouldn't it be thrilling? I think there is something wonderful about a secret shared by two people.

  Hugh Dawltry : It certainly gives the rest of the community something to talk about.

• Rene March : Must you treat me like a child?

  Hugh Dawltry : I hope not. Because I don't want to have to spank you.