Quo Vadis (1951)

Patricia Laffan: Poppaea

Photos 

Quotes 

• Poppaea : [as Marcus enters]  As usual your entrance is proud and aloof.

  Vinicius : I came proudly as fast as my hands and knees will carry me.

  Poppaea : And as always, sardonic and unassailable.

  Vinicius : So happily, so unassailable? I've never been so readily expertly vanquished in my life.

  Poppaea : I believe everything except the word vanquished.

  Poppaea : [Suggestively while taking wine]  I should like to vanquish you Marcus.

  Vinicius : Like the spider who eats her mate when he is no longer a necessity?

  Poppaea : [Suggestively]  Mmm-Hmmm - Something like that.

• Emperor Nero : [as Vinicius and the other soldiers march past]  Come closer. Look. They march as they fight: strong, brave, relentless... our unconquerable children. We must take them to our breast.

  Poppaea : [Obviously attracted to Vinicius and interpreting the double-entendre literally]  Yes, my lord.

• Poppaea : It is foolish to kill those you hate, because once dead they are beyond pain.

• Poppaea : I've always found conflict between man and woman a waste of time. It consumes so much - so much vitality.

• Poppaea : I'm a priestess of Amon and you are the serpent. Therefore, poison is in your mouth. And I have a taste for poison, Marcus.

• Poppaea : I consoled myself with the thought of your death. I fondled your bodiless head running my fingers through your hair, making you smile and frown.

• Vinicius : You'd never - turn the other cheek to me, would you?

  Poppaea : I don't know what you mean. But my - mouth is here.

• Poppaea : My lord, have I ever disappointed you in conceiving new delights? New thrills?

• Poppaea : You seem sad and restless, my little black friend. But do not grieve. I promise you a rare playmate for your lonely horns to fondle and caress.