Three Coins in the Fountain

Maria Williams arrives in Rome and is greeted by Anita Hutchins as they head to the Villa Eden. They stop at the Trevi Fountain on the way into town, where legends say a coin throw can ensure a return visit. Maria and Frances toss their coins while Anita declines, foreshadowing different fates.

At the Rome-based United States Distribution Agency, Maria is introduced to Giorgio Bianchi, a translator. There is a sense of potential attraction between Anita and Giorgio, though Anita warns that colleagues should not fraternize. Maria takes note of the tension and possible romance.

That evening, Maria attends a party in Rome and meets Prince Dino di Cessi. He charms her as usual, despite his reputation as a womanizer who takes lovers to Venice. Dino urges Maria to ignore rumors about him.

While walking home after the party, Anita confesses she has no fiancé and hopes to marry in the United States. She explains that wealthy Italian men are not interested in secretaries, while the less hopeful ones are out of reach. Maria listens as Anita voices her practical concerns about love and status.

The next day, Giorgio invites Anita to a celebration at his family's country farm. Anita reluctantly agrees, hoping the trip might offer more than her current prospects. The invitation introduces a new complication in her life.

Giorgio picks Anita up in his cousin's dilapidated truck, and Burgoyne spots them, raising suspicions at the agency. The pair proceed to the farm despite the risk of gossip and consequences. The moment sets the stage for the affair under scrutiny.

At the farm, Giorgio articulates his ambition to become a lawyer despite poverty. He and Anita give in to their attraction and share a kiss, complicating their loyalty to colleagues and family. The moment deepens their bond while threatening their futures.

Back in Rome, Maria gathers details about Dino's interests, including his love of modern art and wine, even fabricating a claim of being three-quarters Italian. Dino introduces her to his mother, who expresses her approval, fueling Maria's confidence. The ruse foreshadows trouble when Dino discovers the truth.

On Monday at the agency, Burgoyne questions Maria about Anita's weekend with Giorgio and accuses them of an affair. The pressure leads to Giorgio being fired, straining the personal bonds within the group. Anita blames Maria for betraying her confidence and decides to move out.

Anita and Giorgio admit they are in love but cannot marry due to Giorgio's poverty. Anita contemplates a future in the United States while Maria struggles with the consequences of her scheming. The tension among friends intensifies as loyalties shift.

Frances decides to return to the United States, fearing she would become an old maid abroad. Shadwell, unaware of her feelings for him, offers her a marriage of convenience based on mutual respect. The proposal marks a new, if uneasy, arrangement between them.

Shadwell learns he is terminally ill and has little time left unless he seeks experimental treatment in the United States. He coldly ends his engagement with Frances. He then travels to inform Dino that he will be leaving and that he plans to marry Frances, using reverse psychology to imply he loves Maria.

Frances phones to arrange a Trevi Fountain meeting with Maria and Anita. The fountain, briefly emptied for cleaning, is brought back to life as Frances arrives with Shadwell. Dino and Giorgio arrive with their girlfriends; Shadwell declares he is leaving for the United States to marry Frances, and the couples celebrate the fountain's revived water by embracing their loves.