The Flame of New Orleans (1941) - full transcript

'Between the banks of the
mighty Mississippi, Father of Waters,

'how many things have happened.
For instance...

'has anyone in this audience ever seen
a wedding dress floating down that river?

'Here, oddly enough, is just that.

'How, you may ask, does a wedding dress
happen to be on the Mississippi River?

'Which is what these fishermen
are asking this very moment.

'Yes, it's an empty wedding dress,
and the bride is gone.

'And this is how was started the legend
of the Countess of New Orleans

'who disappeared a century ago -

'exactly a century ago,
this coming Saturday.

'On the day of her wedding.'



Where's Charles? Where's Charles?

Why would a girl who had
everything to live for do this?

On her wedding day.

'These people never found out
what happened, but you will.

'Before we open this door,
a little secret.

'This countess we mentioned
is not really a countess.

'Shh!

'Open please.
We're late for the opera.

'Thank you.

'The show has already begun,
but never fear,

'we're in time for the beginning
of our story,

'and we hope you enjoy it.
Good night.'

My, what's happening?

Somebody done fainted.



Oh, sir.

Oh, please, everybody,
stop crowding.

Give madam some air.

Are you...
Are you feeling better?

- I'm so sorry.
- Oh, please, it was a pleasure.

That's your mistress that fainted.

Yes. I know it.

Well, I'll...
I'll leave you alone.

Thank you.

- Would you care to have this around you?
- No, thank you.

He's behind you.

- Is he looking at me?
- Can't you feel it?

You afraid of the dark?

You're not so dark.

How's your mistress
like New Orleans so far?

Oh... it's all right for a small town.

A small town? New Orleans?

Well, after Paris, London, and Vienna...

this ain't much of a town.

My, my.

She's the most beautiful woman
in New Orleans.

- Thank you.
- After you.

Come, come, there must be some way
to meet the countess.

- Where does she go shopping?
- In Paris.

Uh-mm...

- Where does she go walking?
- In the courtyard.

Mm-hmm.

Well, she must leave the house sometime.

Only to take a drive in the park.

A drive.

Driving. Ha-ha!

Oh, that... Oh!

Where did you get these?

In the daytime?

- I was bribed.
- Bribed?

Someone's going to insult you today
if you get out of bed.

The banker? Where? How?

When you're driving in the park,

a big man's gonna get
in an argument with you.

And Mr Giraud,
that's the banker's name,

- is gonna come along...
- ...and give him a good beating

after which I throw my arms
around his neck.

Pretty old.

What do you mean by talking
to a lady in this fashion?

- Do you want to make something out of it?
- No.

"Do you want to make
something out of it?" No!

Do you want
to make something out of it?

Yes, sir.

What do you mean by talking to a lady
in this fashion?

- Do you care to make anything out of it, sir?
- Oh...

Be careful! Stop!

Stop!

Stop the carriage!
Driver, can't you hear me?

Whoa. Whoa.

Excuse me, I'll only keep you a minute.
Don't move till I get through here.

This monkey is one of the family.

Oh, nice, Jacques. Nice.

Now, don't be frightened.
You're not hurt.

Don't cry now.
Just hold on to my hand.

Oh, nice, Jacques. You want to take
a little drive in the park, eh?

Why did you stop, Samuel?
Drive on.

Wait a minute. I haven't got him loose yet.

Can't you hear me?
Stop the horses!

Hey, stop that!

Now, you're a very lucky lady.

You have no idea how lucky you are.

My monkey shouldn't have run into the road,
but on the other hand...

when someone hollers at you to stop,

you can't be in such a hurry
you can't find out what he's hollering about.

You hear me behind that umbrella?

- Drive on, Samuel.
- Are you crazy?

One move out of this carriage
and you'll both get a surprise.

One, two, three.

- I don't understand this, Madame.
- You don't understand it?

Do you want to make something
out of her?

- Do you want to make something out of "it"?
- Oh, yes, sir. Yes, sir.

Careful.
Here comes somebody.

That's the one. Stop the horses.

Stop! Stop!

Madame, we's being attacked at again.

One of them had me by throat, like this.

The other one had the horses
by the throat, like this.

Then two other scoundrels
had pistols to my head.

Then another scoundrel sneaked up
and pulled out his knife.

Now, that makes five scoundrels.

I thought you said there was only four?

Wait for me.

Clementine.

I'm going to New York. I can't get any money
from the men in this town.

I understood madam had been assaulted
while driving,

and I came to offer my services.

- But I seem to have come at the wrong time.
- Just a minute, please.

- He's downstairs.
- What?

Mr Giraud.
He heard every word.

Oh!

Go down and tell him I'm not at home.
Oh, no, no. That's no good.

Who could we say is up here?

Oh, sir.

- Madame will be right down.
- Well...

Madame say won't you please
come in the parlour and rest yourself?

Oh, well...

When a day start wrong,
it look like everything happens.

First that old man
who turned the carriage over,

and now this awful person.

Clementine, I'm going.

If the countess doesn't want to see me,
I don't want to see her, either.

Tell her that.

Madame is too soft-hearted.

Family trouble?

Yes, sir.

Who is she?

I can't tell you. I just can't.

And goodbye!

A woman alone is helpless.

I'm not going to let your attacker
go unpunished.

But I don't know what he looks like.

- I only saw his feet.
- His feet? Enough!

Now, er... look carefully.

Are those the ones?

- No.
- Well, that eliminates him.

Every night we'll eliminate one person.

There are 100,000 men
in New Orleans with feet.

- Did you see that?
- I can do that.

It's a trick.
He puts that sticky stuff on the ropes.

No, no, the sticky stuff
is on his shoes.

I know the secret. The whole thing
is keeping your ears on a level.

You watch me.
Keep watching my ears.

- May I?
- Why, sure.

Hey, hey!

Don't worry, partner.

I'm worried.
He's been drinking a little.

What's that got to do with his ears?

That's the monkey!
There are the feet!

I mean, there's the man.

Don't worry.
I'm not gonna fall on you.

I'm sure he's the one.
I'd know him anywhere.

Please don't excite yourself.

I'll deal with our friend.

I'm sorry.
I thought I'd hit the pole.

I'm sorry.

I don't approve of
turning over carriages in the park.

My seconds will expect yours tomorrow.

Why tomorrow?
My seconds are here.

You may choose your weapon.

- I get the choice?
- You do.

Say, which lady was in the carriage?

The skinny one?

You have insulted the countess!

Well, what do you think of that?

What weapons do you choose, sir?

Weapons?

Oh, yes. Er...

May I borrow this?

Thank you.

This is a very unusual type of duel.

It comes from Trinidad.
Er, the southern part of Trinidad.

Pardon me.

Thank you.

It's called "Rulli Bah Suba",
which means "shut your mouth".

Now the rules are very simple.
A child could follow them.

Would you be seated?

The important thing in the duel
is the handkerchief.

Andrew!

That's yours. Now...

We each take one end
of the handkerchief.

You take the other end...

and you put it between your teeth.

Like this.

The important thing to remember
is not to let the handkerchief go.

Can you remember that?

Now, you hold your knife like this.

And when somebody counts to three,

you can pull the knife
from the table and attack.

The one who drops the handkerchief first,
he loses.

That's why it's called "shut your mouth".

Now, will somebody please
count to three?

Anybody.

- I'll count.
- I'll count.

I'll count.

One.

- Now I'll say "two".
- No, no, let me.

You said "one",
now I want to say "two".

All right.
You say "two", I'll say "three".

No, no, no.
We'll say "three" together.

Two.

Now together.

Stop.

Why, this isn't the man at all.

I've made a terrible mistake.

Really?

I don't know what I can possibly say.

Would you please forgive me
and accept my apology?

And my apologies, sir.

I'd never have forgiven myself
if I had harmed you.

I don't see how I could have thought
you were the other man.

He was much shorter...

and blonde.

Er, won't you join us, Mister...

- Latour. Robert Latour.
- Mr. Latour.

I would like to propose a toast.

To the most beautiful lady
who has ever visited our New Orleans.

May your stay become permanent.

I'm sorry he wasn't the man.

It deprived me of the privilege
of fighting for you.

I'm glad.

By accident
you might have been harmed.

And I wouldn't have wanted
that to happen.

You know that short, blonde fellow
in the park?

I know him very well.

He's charming and a gentleman.

I'll always be in his debt.

♪ Oh, for the life of a sailor

♪ Oh, for the life of the sea

♪ With the bow, the starboard and me

♪ With a gal at port for your knee

♪ Yo-ho for the soul of the sea ♪

Look who's here.

It couldn't be Don Juan.

No, it couldn't be him.
I know where he is.

- This must be a mirage.
- Well, it looks like him.

Hey, cook, I forgot to tell you,

don't bother to make breakfast
in the morning for our captain.

A lady's gonna cook it,
and with her own little hands.

Everybody below!

Now, I want everybody up at dawn tomorrow
to go looking around for a cargo.

What do you think I'm running here,
a rest home?

I heard that.

More flowers.

- Any note?
- No, Madame.

You got yourself
all prettied up for nothing.

Mr Giraud ain't coming around today.

How do you know?

William say he got a touch of the gout.

Gout?

What a boring town.

You don't catch men in Paris having gout.

I've got a good mind to go back there.

You maybe got a good mind,
but you ain't got the boat fare.

Oh, money.

There are other things in the world
beside money.

Jacques, come back here.

Jacques!

Jacques, what are you doing?

Jacques!

Jacques, come back here.

Excuse me.
My monkey jumped in the window.

I was just passing.

I'm awful sorry.

Just pick him up. He won't bite you.

I can't catch the monkey.

And, er... I'm afraid of it.

I think you will have to get it yourself.

I'll be right in.

I hope he didn't frighten you.

Just a little.

I was just taking him for a walk.
There isn't much room on the boat.

- You have a boat?
- Oh, yes.

The water must be beautiful
on these moonlit nights.

Yes, it is.

I've never seen it.

- Would you like to see it?
- Oh, yes, I would.

- Tonight. I'm sure you'd like it.
- I'm sure I will.

Maybe, er...
Maybe we could have supper together.

- I know we'll have a bright moon.
- That's very important.

- This is the best time of the year for it.
- Is it really?

- I can hardly wait.
- Just fill tonight.

$110, $120...

$130... 40... 50.

$150.

Now, you understand that the boat
is not to leave the dock

- until the loan has been repaid to us.
- Oh, sure.

- Good day.
- Good day.

- Is this all you've done?
- Well, I just...

Why, this boat looks like a pigpen.
Do you want her to think we live like this?

- Well, don't we?
- Get on with the cleaning.

Yes, sir, Captain.

Turn them over.

Why, look at those nails. There's enough
dirt under there to grow a rose bush.

- Dig it out.
- Yes, sir.

Now, you behave yourself, partner.

- Madame, I'm against this.
- You're against this?

Yes, I am.

Why don't you go for a long walk in the park
and get your mind off him?

- Why don't you get your mind off William?
- That ain't the same.

Every woman needs a little William.

- Who's that?
- Whoever it is, I'm not at home.

Is madam at home?

Is Madame at home?

Yes, sir. Yes, she is.
Won't you come in?

Madame is in the parlour, sir.

Mr Giraud.

Oh!

What a wonderful surprise.

I thought you'd be surprised.

You may go now, Clementine.

I'll see you later.

Yes, Madame.

What has happened?

A very unruly horse and I
met in a clash of wills.

He is now quite gentle.

You are so dominating.

I hope so, my dear.

I hope so.

All the men in my family
have been impulsive.

I, myself, would never have dared
to presume so soon,

except that my aunt urged me to do so,
knowing my true feelings.

She points out that there are
few families in this new world

suitable for an alliance,
and she is right.

You mean... marriage?

Oh, madam, you must forgive this...
this ill-mannered haste,

but my aunt urged me to speak at once.

The women in my family
are very impulsive, too.

My answer to you is...

yes.

Fate made me stay home tonight.

I know now I was waiting for you.

You are too good for me.

- No, I'm not.
- Oh, yes, you are.

- No, I'm not.
- Oh, yes, you are.

No, I'm not.

One of you has always got to be
in this cabin.

If you are taking out the soup plates,

you wait here till he comes back
with the chicken

because she's a lady,

and you must never embarrass a lady

by leaving her alone with a...
with a gentleman.

Here comes the carriage.

- Good evening, Mr Latour.
- Good evening.

Good evening.

- Oh, Madame, she ain't here.
- Where is she?

Madame say, will you please excuse her,
she can't come.

- Why not?
- She ain't feeling so good.

Oh.

She ain't complaining.

Do you think she may be feeling better
a little later on?

Not tonight.
And I don't think she'll be better tomorrow.

Or even the day after.

Poor Madame, she very brave.

Mr Latour, I wouldn't have knowed you
from a gentleman.

- You like it, huh?
- Yes, sir.

Good night.

Good night.

Too bad.

She's sick,
but she isn't complaining.

She isn't?

- Maybe she ought to have a doctor.
- Yeah, maybe she ought to.

She probably doesn't even know
a doctor here.

No, she probably don't.

All alone in that house without a man.
Why, that's terrible.

Yeah, that's terrible.

Doesn't she play delightfully, Auntie?

Uh? Oh, yes.
Don't you think so, dear?

Hmm. Delightfully.

My wife plays the harp, you know.
Professional jealousy.

Nonsense!
We can play duets together.

What exciting evenings are ahead.

Oh, charming! Charming!

Ho!

- How did you get here?
- I thought maybe she'd need me.

- She must have got better.
- I'd like to see her.

No, you stay here.
I'll tell her you come.

He followed me here. He right outside there.
He heard the music and everything.

Oh, I knowed something like this
would happen!

Not so quick.

How can you ever forgive me?

I started to feel better
as soon as my servant left.

I even tried to call her back,

but then some of the family
dropped in unexpectedly.

You know how families are.

Oh. Oh, sure.

I knew you'd understand.

You're one of the most understanding men
I've ever met.

It's nothing.

I hope I didn't put you
to any trouble.

No. I didn't go to any trouble.

I just had a little snack fixed up,
but I can eat it myself.

I'm so glad.

Oh, what's a couple of chickens?

You're making me feel much better.

Good night.

Good night.

Good night.

Good night.

I didn't know Giraud was in your family.

There is more to being a gentleman
than wearing tight pants.

When a lady says she is ill...

she's ill.

And a gentleman doesn't go around
looking into windows.

And one more free piece of advice...

Stay a sailor, sailor.

It becomes you more.

- Where shall I put these?
- Put them anywhere.

- Your hat.
- Clementine.

All right. Give it to me.
I'll give it to Madame.

No! I have to give it to her personally.

This way.

Are you noticing how it drapes?
How it clings?

- May I speak frankly?
- Yes.

This cape is deliberately revealing.

Cross again.

He's got something.

From Mr Giraud.

Oh.

Oh!

Two more days to the wedding,
and then you are all mine.

- You embarrass me.
- You embarrass easily.

I'm doing so many strange things.

You know I've never accepted presents
from a man before.

Don't worry, my dear.
You'll get used to it.

Here she is. Ask her.

- You must sing for us.
- We can't wait to hear you.

- Oh, no, please.
- We won't take no for an answer.

- Charles.
- I order you to sing, my dear.

- I'll arrange it.
- He's so dominating.

- She's going to sing.
- Oh, how delightful.

- Claire's going to sing.
- Oh, that's nice, Charles.

Yes, isn't it? Yes.

How a grown man can act so silly
is beyond me.

It's not beyond me.

Well, you're probably attracted
to that type.

She grows on one.
I wish she'd grow on me.

I should think you'd have some resentment
at the size of this reception.

I'm just as upset as you are.

I didn't count on your decrepit brother
getting married.

Did you marry me for my money?

Well, yes and no.

What do you mean, yes and no?

I mean, yes.

- But aren't you going to miss Europe?
- She could go abroad every year.

No, it's another world.

I'll never go back.

Goodbye, Europe.

I'll wait here for you. Don't be long.

Oh, come on in.
There are some men here you'll like.

Look here.
I've been for four weeks on a boat.

I don't like men tonight.
Not even you.

- Well, there are women here.
- Mm. With husbands.

I'll just say hello to my friend,
and we'll be out of here in two minutes.

Fine.

Will you please excuse me?

I don't believe my eyes!
Tell me I'm not dreaming.

Pinch me some place.
Any place.

If you don't pinch me,
I'm gonna pinch you.

I am Zolotov.
Don't you remember Saint Petersburg?

What are you doing here?

- I'm going to sing.
- You're a singer now?

Excuse me.

Don't you feel well?

Oh, yes. I feel fine.

Uh-huh. You're just nervous.
But you needn't be.

We all love you.

- We can go now.
- Oh, no. Now we are staying.

I just met a girl here
whom I used to know in Saint Petersburg.

I didn't exactly know her,

but I know stories about her.

What a girl! What stories!

She says she's a singer now.

♪ Sweet is the blush of May

♪ When love is a budding rose

♪ When shy is the glance of eyes
where romance dances

♪ Merrily, merrily

♪ Sweet is the blush of May

♪ 80 come, be gay

♪ Let the joy of spring hold sway

♪ For spring is love

♪ And the heart of spring is May

♪ Pale is the blush of May

♪ When cool is the heart of love

♪ And still is the stream
that danced to the theme of

♪ I'm ever thine, ever thine

♪ Pale is the blush of May

♪ 80 come, be gay

♪ Let the joy of spring hold sway

♪ For spring is love

♪ And the heart of spring is May

♪ Sweet is the blush of May

♪ When two hearts in love entwine

♪ And blessed is the pair
that chooses to share

♪ Love for evermore, evermore

♪ Sweet is the blush of May

♪ 80 come, be gay

♪ Let the joy of spring hold sway

♪ For spring is love

♪ And the heart of spring is May ♪

Hurry. Hurry, here we go.

Will you kindly repeat
what you said about my fiancée?

Oh, I didn't know she was your fianc...

My seconds will call on you
in the morning.

Well, there is no need of them to call.

In the first place,
I made a terrible mistake.

The girl, I mean,
she only looks like her.

And in the second place,
I don't see very well.

I usually wear glasses, thick ones.

And in the third place,
it's pretty dark in the other room.

What time will it be convenient
for my seconds to call on you?

Anytime. I mean, I really wasn't
speaking about your fiancee, believe me!

There was a certain girl in Saint Petersburg,
and she had a trick of fainting.

- Fainting?
- Yes.

Well, I shan't keep you any longer
away from your guests, sir.

Remind me to tell you all about it someday.
I must be going now.

Lovely party,
and I hope you'll be very happy.

Good bye.

What's the matter?

She's... She's fainted.

- You shouldn't have fainted.
- Oh, I didn't know what else to do.

- What time will he be here tomorrow?
- Two o'clock.

We is ruined.
That's it. We is ruined.

We'll be thrown out on the street.

- I knowed this was too good to last.
- Quiet, let me think.

Let me think.

There ain't no use thinking.
We is ruined.

You ain't go fooling this time
like you did before,

inventing somebody illegitimate in the family
and blame it on her.

Charles, be firm.
Remember the family.

- I'm not a child, you know.
- And don't forget the necklace.

- Don't be nervous.
- Shh!

Good bye.

Bye-bye!

Are you afraid to come out
and say goodbye?

And count your silver, I stole some.

Don't be in such a hurry to close the door,
or I'll break your arm off.

- Won't you step inside, please?
- Huh?

Looks like every time you come,
Mr Giraud, you got to see that girl.

Huh?
Yes, yes. Mm-hmm.

- I'll tell Madame you is here, sir.
- Huh?

Oh, certainly, certainly.

You never saw nobody so surprised
in your life! He dumbfounded!

- All right?
- Fine.

- Good afternoon, Charles.
- Good afternoon.

- Won't you sit down?
- Thank you.

- Don't you feel well?
- Huh? Oh, I'm fine. Fine, yes.

That... That girl I just met,
she is your twin?

- I beg your pardon?
- Oh, excuse me.

Who is she?

She belongs to my family, in a way.

An uncle of mine,
before his marriage...

- You understand?
- I understand, yes.

How does she happen to be here?

I thought if I brought her to this new world,
she'd lead a better life.

She was terrible abroad,
just terrible.

That's very interesting.

I wish she had stayed where she was.

I'd like to ask you a few questions.

I wish she had stayed
in Saint Petersburg.

Were you ever in... Saint Petersburg?

What's the matter, Charles?

Was she ever in Saint Petersburg?

Oh, yes. Why?

Were you ever there?

Oh, no.

It's much too cold.

And I don't like Russians.

Claire, this is important,
very important.

- What, Charles?
- That girl that just left here.

- Yes?
- I want you to bring her to me.

That would be very difficult.

- But I must see her. I absolutely must.
- Why?

Please don't ask any questions,
but trust me.

Our happiness depends on it.

Our happiness depends on that girl?
I don't see how.

Well, not exactly, but you see,
my family must be convinced.

You see...
Oh, I can't explain.

My dear, we must see that girl,
and you must help me.

I don't know what's on your mind.

But I will never permit you
to see me with that girl.

I must speak frankly, Claire.

We cannot be married
until I find that girl.

Then we cannot be married.

- Good day.
- Very well. I shall find that girl myself!

I'll search everywhere.

Every nook and cranny in New Orleans.
Good day.

Uh-oh! There's
Mr Giraud's brother-in-law.

That's bad.

A crowded place
where they won't see me too clearly.

Where?

Yes, yes, but wait and see how
this whole story is going to sound to Auntie.

Come on.

Wait! Wait!

Can I speak?

Yes, certainly.

- I know where you can find that girl.
- Where?

Most every night
she's at the Oyster Bed.

Shh!

It's a café.

That's where we're going.

You and your suspicions
are going to look pretty foolish.

Drive on, Turner.

Oh, please, sir.
Don't let Madame know I told you.

- Here.
- Thank you.

- Good day.
- Good day.

- Where can I find your Russian friend?
- Charles, there's no use looking for him.

- He will not take part in a duel.
- I am not interested in that.

He told me yesterday
that duelling is against his religion.

And anyway,
he's in the diplomatic service of the Czar.

- He isn't allowed to be killed.
- Is it against his religion to go to a cafe?

Oh, yes, absolutely forbidden.

A café?
What's at a café?

An old friend of his we want him to identify.
Come on.

But he said that he would be busy
in the middle of diplomatic business today.

You mean you're an underwear salesman
from Saint Petersburg?

Mm-hmm.

And your company
lets you give away samples?

- Mm-hmm.
- When are we going to get ours?

Well, I thought
tonight would be a good time.

- Do you give many away?
- Not in the last four weeks.

- Are you free tonight?
- Yes, he's free.

Yes, yes, you're free.
We're going to the Oyster Bed cafe.

- This way.
- Gentlemen, have pity!

- What will it be?
- Have you brandy?

- Four brandies?
- Wait a minute, what kind is it?

- Huh?
- Who makes it?

Who makes it?
We make it right here.

- Waiter, how much?
- Ten cents.

- Something happen to your appointment?
- Looks like it.

- I'm through here at two.
- I'll think it over.

I'll wear a coat.

I didn't do it.

Lily, don't you remember me?

Oh!

Saint Petersburg.

Can I see you later tonight?

Maybe I'll be back.

I've got a date, but...

Sorry about the slap.

You probably deserved it
for something else.

What do you say now?

There is a resemblance,

but I don't see how you could confuse
one with the other.

- I've been rammed.
- Excuse me.

- You're a new one here.
- And it's about time.

- Hey, look what I got.
- Come on, boys, let me go.

You want to be initiated, don't you?

Sure you do. Line up.

How was it?

- Mighty tasty.
- I have to go.

- Tasty's right.
- I haven't been kissed.

Let me go.

Them other guys have been wasting
your time, sister.

Let me go. Let me...

You frightened the little pigeon.

You ought to be ashamed of yourself.

- I've had enough of this.
- Let go of me. You're hurting my arm.

You get out of this place
and never come back here.

- I don't know you.
- But I know you.

You are an immoral,
ungrateful girl

who's been taking advantage
of the countess long enough.

Oh! You're the one
she's going to marry?

- I didn't get my invitation to the wedding.
- Not another word out of you, not one word!

Now, that's all right, Mr Giraud.
I'll take care of her.

A very nice family, just wonderful.

- Have a drink.
- Some other time.

- I have to go.
- Wait a minute.

Are you her twin sister?

No, we're kind of cousins.

Oh!

Is... Is she going to marry him?

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow.

I wish her luck.

Are you in love with her?

I hit my best friend
the day before yesterday.

I've been drunk for a week.

I'm losing my boat
because I'm not working.

It must be something.

You're not in love.

You're just impressed with a lady.

You're right.
I'm just impressed with a lady.

I guess I must have said that now
about 10,000 times.

I ought to be convinced, huh?

Aren't you?

Sure I am.

Can't you tell?

If I were you, I'd forget her.

Who?

I can't even remember
who you're talking about.

I'm talking about someone...

who's not good enough for you.

Beat it.

Go on. Go home!

Say...

Don't you ever tell her what I said.

- Not one word. You understand?
- I won't.

She will never even see me again.

Good bye.

You'll drink later.

You and I have a little business deal
to discuss. Come on.

Huh!

- Can't we discuss it here?
- No, we have to hurry.

The $150 that you borrowed from our bank,
my friend, have you got it?

Well, no,
but I'm looking for a cargo now.

It's a little late, isn't it?
It was due two days ago.

Two days ago?

Legally, we could sell your boat.

Can't you give me a few days
to try and find a cargo?

Take that girl out of New Orleans,
and we'll cancel your debt.

- Kidnapping, eh?
- Oh, she'll probably be glad to go.

- A girl like that. Why not?
- Not on my boat.

Your boat? For how long?

Don't be foolish.

Come on, or we'll lose her.

Mr Giraud, I'll give you $300
if you can wait a month.

- Don't talk so loudly.
- That's double your money.

No. I'm not interested.

Either you'll lose your boat,

or you take that girl and...

Did she mention that
she was going to her cousin?

She said she'd never see her again.

Something mysterious
going on here. Come on.

If she were expecting her,
there'd be some lights.

There's a light.

There's no telling what a girl like that
might be up to, you know.

I want to see what's going on.
Give me a hand.

Now take this. Now give me a lift.

Care... Careful.

The light went out.

It's over there now.

- Thank you.
- Shh! Not so loud.

- Climb on those vines.
- They wouldn't hold me.

- You climb on them.
- Huh?

Go on, you idiot,
before something happens in there.

Quiet.

What's happening?

- The girl from the cafe is there.
- And the countess?

I don't see her.

Speak up, you idiot.
Is the countess there yet?

Answer me. Is she there?

Yes, she's there.

They're both there.

Are they close together?

Oh, very close.

Does it look as though
there'll be violence?

I don't think so.

- Do you think she might strike her?
- Oh, hardly.

This is all your fault, stupid.

If you'd kidnapped her on the way here,
this wouldn't have happened.

Now, are you going to take that girl
away tonight or aren't you?

- Tonight?
- Yes.

I guess I haven't any choice.

- I'll do it.
- That's better.

Why are you smiling?

I'm not smiling.

Is my fiancée fully dressed?

- Oh, yes, certainly.
- Get down.

- Get off, we're gonna fall.
- What's that?

What you doing down there?

Tell Madame that I'm waiting for the girl
who just went in the house.

I'm in no hurry.
I'll wait right here.

It's the sailor.

- He followed me here?
- He's gonna stay all night.

I'll get rid of him.

Tell him I'll be right down.

She'll be right down.

Ow!

- I turned my ankle.
- Everything's coming out fine.

Come over here.

Now, I want you to follow my instructions
to the letter.

Yes, Mr Giraud.

When the girl comes down here,
you engage her in conversation.

Yes, Mr Giraud.

I will drive by here in the carriage,
the door will open,

you seize the girl and push her inside.

- That's very clever, Mr Giraud.
- Nothing. Huh!

I'm off.

Here I am.

What took you so long?

What do you mean
by following me here?

Oh, I just felt lonely.

- Where are you taking me?
- Home.

Oh, such a long walk.

I'm going to ask my cousin
to let me sleep here tonight.

- Why? Are you tired?
- Yes.

I'll carry you home.

- Carry me?
- Certainly.

- This is the only way to travel.
- Put me down!

Hey, wouldn't it be nice
if that carriage would stop?

Maybe the door will open.

This is unbelievable.

Put me down! Let me down!
No, I don't want to!

No!

You must be quiet.

We mustn't disturb your cousin.

This is just a sample
of what you can expect

if you ever set foot
in New Orleans again.

- You have no right to do this.
- I shall have the right tomorrow at noon

as head of the family,
when I marry the countess.

- Here's a little a something extra for you.
- Thank you, Mr Giraud.

I'll cancel your note tomorrow.

Thank you, Mr Giraud.

- Help! Let me go.
- Easy now. Take it easy.

Let me go.

- Turner, to the docks as quickly as possible.
- Yes, sir.

Help! Help! Let me go!

Help! Let me go!

Help!

Well, it never looked good
on me, anyway.

Now, why be angry?

You haven't been hurt,

and you got me my boat back.

After all,
I owe you something for that.

Want an apple?

A man who'd kidnap a woman
would do anything for money.

Well, most people are like that.
Do anything for money.

- Wouldn't you?
- No.

Well, you got a better character
than I have.

But don't worry,
I don't kidnap women.

You can go if you like.

- You mean that?
- Certainly.

- But he paid you to take me away.
- I don't care about him.

And I may never be back here.

- I can leave right now?
- If you don't want to stay.

I knew you were a gentleman.

Oh, no.

Just a sailor.

And I'm going to stay a sailor.

It's funny your being here.

Your cousin, the countess...

was supposed to come
to this very cabin one night.

You know that money
I borrowed from Giraud?

What do you think I bought with it?

Gentleman's Clothes. Huh!

And, uh... And that shawl
you're sitting on.

She never sat on it.

No, she was just
amusing herself with me.

- No, she wasn't.
- How do you know?

- Maybe she wasn't.
- I thought you didn't like her.

I don't.

Well, what excuse
could she have had?

Women have to do things
for a lot of reasons.

Maybe.

Well, I don't care.

I'll pay her back...

in my own way.

How?

I've got a peculiar feeling somehow

that sooner than you think,
she's gonna fall right in my hands.

Can I go now?

Certainly.

I appreciate this very much.

Good bye.

Come here.

I said, come here.

You're walking so slow.

Come closer!

I forgot to tell you something.

You seem nervous.

I'm not nervous.

Why did you kiss me
in the café tonight?

Answer me! Why?

Was it because
you felt sorry for me?

Yes.

The countess treated me
pretty dirty, huh?

She ought to be punished, huh?

I'm glad you agree with me.

And what's the hurry?

If you want to be at your cousin's wedding,
I'll let you go in plenty of time.

We can talk a little.

Then you can leave.

Look how nice the sky is.

It's going to be a beautiful day.

Just right for a wedding.

Isn't it?

Yes.

I imagine she'll be very happy.

- Let's not talk about her.
- Why not?

- When do you sail?
- Half an hour.

I'd better go now.

We'll never see each other again.

We might.

Never.

You'll be far away,

and even if you come back,
you won't find me.

I'll find you.

You might not recognise me.

The next time I see you,
I'll just look at you,

and you'll look at me,

and wherever we are,
you'll come to me.

Won't you?

Good bye.

Good bye.

Claire, here are three more cousins.

Amelia, Sybil, and Clarissa.

And this is your new cousin-to-be.

Amelia is Charles' uncle's daughter.

She lives in Arkansas.

You are to visit her
for the month of March.

And this is Sybil...

my own sister's husband's niece
by his first marriage.

Poor man,
died exactly on his wife's birthday.

Of course she was dead at the time.
It's a long story, I'll tell you one day.

And this is Clarissa,
who lives here in New Orleans.

She will be your constant companion

and will teach you the most exciting
needlepoint you can imagine.

Auntie, the bride must hurry.

She's kept the family waiting
long enough.

Hmm! Girls,
leave this room immediately.

Go on, girls. Go on. Go on.

My girl, you are about to be married.

Since you have no family here,
I take it on myself to advise you

in a matter more fittingly discussed
with one's mother.

However...

...concerning men...

...unfortunately...

...there is a side to man's nature

that has always been...

...a woman's burden.

I must speak frankly.

Be brave.

♪ Ring those bells, wedding bells

♪ Ring so hard the world may hear

♪ Ring those chimes many times

♪ Ring out sweet and clear

♪ Ring those bells, wedding bells

♪ Ring so hard the world may hear

♪ Ring those chimes many times

♪ Ring out sweet and clear

♪ Joy to the bride

♪ On this very merry wedding day

♪ Joy to the groom

- ♪ Every man be as happy as he
- ♪ Happy bridegroom

♪ Long may they be

♪ With united hearts for everyday

♪ Long may they be

♪ Be a pair immeasurably

♪ Long hearts a caring thing

♪ Long with a wedding ring

♪ Through sorrow everything

♪ Oh, joyful day

♪ Oh, joyful day ♪

- Some water.
- Air! Air!

- Don't crowd.
- Open that door.

- It's so hot in here.
- How do you feel?

Are you all right?

Yes, I'm all right. I...

- Where is she?
- She's outside getting some air.

- How's Cousin Charles?
- All right.

- Why did you leave her?
- She wanted to be alone.

She's just walking.

What shall I tell everybody?
They've been waiting over an hour.

I've been waiting, too.

Didn't she give you a hint
of where she was going?

No, she didn't.

Where can she be?