Broken Lullaby (1994) - full transcript
Rich Hungarian-born orphan Katya Davidov commissions Jordan Kirkland to research her past starting from a photograph, showing her as a child next to an elusive Fabergé music box. Luckily experienced Yankee-Hungarian treasure hunter and womanizer Nick Rostov gently forces his help upon her, although Jordan stubbornly risks dealing with his dodgy competitor Gudrun Kuper and her ruthless employer, count Borodin.
[music playing]
[gun fire]
[bell tolling]
[music playing]
[train whistle]
[music playing]
Molly, I need to
borrow your car.
Don't tell me.
They're telling yours.
No, it wouldn't start.
That's what you get
for keeping the wreck
and giving the good
car to the Latin lover.
I did not give
my car to Ramon.
It was part of the
divorce settlement.
Settlement?
Jordan, he got the half
that was worth something.
And I got what I deserve
for falling in love with him.
I'll be on the cellular
if my Aunt Kitty calls.
Here.
Is she still trying to get
you to go to work for her?
Well, if she is she's
just trying to be helpful.
She hasn't quite accepted
my choice of profession yet.
Researching family
histories will
never turn into a
multimillion dollar
cosmetic business like hers.
Hello.
How are you, Jordan?
Beside late as always.
Oh, I'm sorry, Aunt Kitty,
but my car broke down.
I wish you'd let me
buy you a decent one.
You have spoiled
me enough already.
Would you please bring
us a nice pot of tea?
Yes, ma'am.
How are your mom and dad?
They're just fine.
And how is business?
Not bad.
People are interested as ever
in tracing their family history.
And more and more
adopted kids are
looking for the birth parents.
Well, if you're not too busy,
I have a little job for you.
You want me to track
down someone's family?
Yes.
Mine.
Yours?
I was an orphan,
abandoned in Hungary
just after the First World War.
An orphan?
Did Uncle Jack know this?
I've never told anyone.
Why?
When I was younger, it
didn't seem to matter.
But since Jack's
death, I've become
more aware of my own mortality.
Without too long a
time to look ahead to,
I've decided to finally
uncover my past.
I feel silly talking of this.
Don't.
We all want to know
where we came from
and be certain of who we are.
What do you know about Hungary?
Not much.
I was only four years old.
But I was in a
Catholic orphanage
in the village of Litka.
Back then I was known
as Katya Davidov.
When I was found in the
streets of Budapest,
I was carrying this photograph.
JORDAN: Is this you?
AUNT KITTY: It could be.
I don't know for sure.
It's all so long ago.
I've been told that
the egg is a Faberge.
The encrusted jewels and gold on
it could be worth $10 million.
An object of such value is sure
to have an owner somewhere.
It could be a significant clue
to that little girl's identity.
The first thing I would
do is contact an art expert.
Jordan, if the word gets
out of the head of Ridgewood
Cosmetics is an orphan,
I'll have hundreds
of relatives in a week.
I'm always
discreet Aunt Kitty.
Only my assistant
Molly will know.
Do you have anything
else I can go on?
All I had when
they found me was
that photo, and
a little necklace
I gave you on your 16 birthday.
JORDAN: I had no idea.
Please do what you can.
If I do have an unknown
family out there,
I'd dearly love to find
them while I still have time
enough to get to know them.
You're on the
overnight to Milan.
And who's this Dr.
Antonelli you're meeting?
He's an authority
on Faberge eggs.
And I faxed a photo to
him and another expert
named Gudrun Kuper in Budapest.
I'm hoping that whoever owns
the egg will be able to tell me
who the girl in the photo is.
Well, you better get going.
You might miss your plane.
And be aware of
tall, dark strangers.
No more Ramons for me.
I've learned my lesson.
[music playing]
[knocking]
Dr. Antonelli?
Hello.
Dr. Antonelli, is anybody home?
Hello.
Dr. Antonelli, it's
Jordan Kirkland.
[music playing]
[gasps]
Not a sound, not a word.
I won't hurt you.
I'm on your side.
Police are on their way.
We have to go.
Now.
Come on.
Hey, who are you?
What happened to Dr. Antonelli?
- I'll explain later.
- No.
Now.
You can't just walk out of
there and leave that man--
[sirens approaching]
For your own
good, walk with me.
Act like you've known
me all your life.
Tell me what is going on.
My name is Nicholas Rostov.
I'm a specialist in
Russian artifacts.
Well, what were
you doing in there?
I was a friend
of Dr. Antonelli's.
He sent me a copy of the
photo you faxed and asked me
to meet with you this morning.
I came here this
morning from Budapest,
found him, called the
police, and you showed up.
Well, shouldn't we
go talk to the police?
I was told your client
didn't want any publicity.
I'll tell you what, why
don't I get you out of here
and I'll come back later
and talk to the police.
Why should I trust you?
You're right.
You shouldn't.
Here.
It's my card.
You can check me out.
[whistles]
Ms. Kirkland,
the Italian police
are very thorough and
very unsympathetic
of people wanting to
keep out of the papers.
[music playing]
If you want to talk, I'll be
at the Cafe Rudolfo at 4:00.
[music playing]
Sorry if I
frightened you earlier.
Glad you agreed to talk to me.
Well, Mr. Rostov,
the Smithsonian
tells me that the
great galleries
vie for your services.
And according to the Louvre,
few people recognize a fake
as quickly as you do.
You're very thorough.
You're very young to
have such a reputation.
I learned from the best.
Dr. Antonelli?
Do the police know
what happened?
It might have been a burglary.
He had several
priceless pieces but--
But?
Well, there are a lot
of disreputable people
in the art world.
Fortunes can be lost
if an expert appraises
an articles as a fake.
I see.
Dr. Antonelli was very
excited about your photograph.
May I look at the original?
Of course.
NICK: Do you know
where this Artifact is?
No, but my client believes
it could be a Faberge egg.
Oh, yes, it's the centerpiece
of the Borodin music box.
It's a music box?
Yes, in 1913, Count Yuri
Borodin foiled an assassination
attempt on Tsar Nicholas II.
And the Tsar out of gratitude
commissioned this music box
as a gift for him.
It was lost during the
Russian Revolution.
I never knew a picture
of it even existed.
Who owns this picture?
Someone who wishes to
remain anonymous, Mr. Rostov.
I'm researching
their family history.
That may be a picture
of her as a young girl.
Is the Borodin family
still in Russia?
NICK: No, they were thrown
out after the revolution.
The present day count
lives outside of Budapest.
But it wouldn't do you
much good to contact him.
Why not.
He's trying as hard as
the rest of us to find it.
Ms. Kirkland, I can help
you with your research.
And I promise I won't pry into
the identity of your client.
In exchange for?
You share any information
that leads to the music box.
It could be the
find of the century.
I don't think so, Mr. Rostov.
I've already contacted
another expert in Budapest.
Dr. Gudrin Kuper?
I know the Count has her on
retainer to find the box.
And maybe she has
some information.
NICK: Just be careful
what you tell her.
She'll stop at nothing
to get what she wants.
So she also will think I
could lead her to the music box?
Yes.
But she'll be much
more difficult to get
rid of than I am, and
much less fun to be with.
It's been a pleasure.
[music playing]
I'll give you all the
details when I get back.
But it's the best
lead we've had so far.
Yes, I'm sure of it.
Yeah, all right.
You always take the overnight
train to Budapest, Mr. Rostov?
No, of course, not.
I usually fly.
What about you?
I'm on my way to Vienna.
It's my way of seeing the
sights while I'm working.
Excuse me.
[suspenseful music playing]
[music playing]
[music playing]
[dog barking]
Photography was in its
infancy when this was taken.
Of course, the
method of processing
or the type of paper
used even could tell us
exactly when it was done.
Yes I'm having some tests
done at the lab in Vienna,
but the results won't
be available for a week.
Good.
Dating the picture
is most important.
It's essential that we know
whether it was taken before
or after the music
box disappeared.
I've been told that
you're helping Count Borodin
search for the music box.
Yes.
Unfortunately,
without much luck.
Could the little girl be
a relative of the Count's?
I doubt it.
Given that this was taken
between 1913 and 1920,
she doesn't fit the profile
of any member of his family.
I see.
GUDRUN KUPER: But don't worry.
We'll turn up something.
Do you think it would be
possible to get an appointment
to see the Count?
Certainly I have the feeling
that he would be prepared
to drop everything to see this.
Well, you have my
number at the hotel.
Call me as soon as you can.
Thank you, Miss Kuper.
You've been wonderful.
Anything you need, just ask.
Thank you.
It's definitely the music box.
It was all I could do to
control myself when I saw it.
Does she know who owns it?
KUPER (OVER THE PHONE):
Well, she says she doesn't.
But she's being very
careful about giving out
any information
Where is she now?
She's headed for
the train station.
I happen to know that the
concierge at her hotel
arranged a ticket to Litka.
COUNT (OVER THE PHONE):
Keep me posted, Gudrun.
I want to know
everything she finds out.
[sound of train]
How was your
conversation with Gudrun?
I have friends at the cafe.
How did you know
I'd be on this train?
I have friends at the
railway station too.
You have a lot of
friends, don't you?
Yeah, just the
kind of guy I am.
According to the conductor,
we're on our way to Litka.
I told him I'd be going
wherever you're going
and he sold me a ticket.
Does Gudrun know
your destination?
No, I'm doing this on my own.
She's not going to
leave you alone, you know.
Unlike you, of course.
So what are we going
to do when we get there?
Well, if you must know, I'm
going to have a conversation
with a local priest.
If you're in the
mood for a confession,
I'd be more than
willing to listen.
Let's see how
much I can guess.
75 years ago your
client is a young orphan
fleeing the Russian Revolution.
She's taken in by a small
town priest and given shelter.
Very clever.
Well, it's not such an
unusual story for back then.
And it's rumored that the
box was sent to Budapest
with some escaping refugees.
I'm searching for my
client's family history.
I really don't
care about the box.
Nothing Faberge ever made
has so much history around it.
I'm told it's
worth $10 million.
Yeah, for a price
tag that high,
people get a lot
more just anxious.
[non-english speech]
He's asking if you'd
like anything else.
No thank you.
You don't speak Hungarian?
No.
You know, sooner
or later you're
going to need an interpreter.
No, thank you, Nick.
I'm going to do this alone.
[knocking]
[speaking hungarian]
Miss Kirkland, I thought
you were coming alone.
This gentleman was kind enough
to walk me from the station.
Bless you, for your
kindness, my son.
[music playing]
We haven't operated as
an orphanage for 50 years.
But before that,
thousands of children
passed through these corridors.
This little girl
would have left
Russia after the revolution.
She would have been
four years old.
I'm not sure what
remains of the father.
I'm afraid our records
are not in the best order.
What was her name?
Katya Davidov.
In Russian, the feminine
form of a surname ends in a.
So she'll be listed as Davidova.
But perhaps over there.
NICK (OVER THE
PHONE): That's all
I know right now, although
I'm sure her client knows
a lot more about the box
than she's letting on.
The night train gets back
into the city at midnight.
I'll call you then.
How long ago did the
train from Budapest arrive?
45 minutes ago.
I had some car trouble.
I hope I'm not too late to
spoil any deal that you might be
cooking up with Miss Kirkland.
As a matter of fact, you are.
She never even
got off the train.
I'm going to meet her in
Vienna in a couple of days
to finalize the details.
- Really?
Mm, hm.
So why are you hanging around?
This is where I got off.
Waiting for the train
back to Budapest.
You know, maybe I can
get a ride back with you.
Hey, Gudrin, I'm going to
be watching her like a hawk.
So if she comes
close to something,
she won't be left alone
like Antonelli was.
What makes you
think that I had
anything to do with his death?
Because with Antonelli
out of the way,
she would be forced
to confide in you.
I could make the
same accusation.
But you don't scare me, Rostov.
I know too much
about your motives
to be swayed by your charm.
[music playing]
I found something.
Look.
Katya Davidova, 1921.
What does the rest of it say?
I can't read Hungarian.
It's a standard registration
form, date of birth,
age, parents.
In this case, all unknown.
Unknown.
She was transferred
here from St.
Nicholas Hospital in Budapest.
Perhaps they have some record.
Thank you, Father.
I'm Sure this will help.
Well, it's about time.
I see you had an exciting day.
Well, I thought I better
stick around in case
your friend came back.
- My friend?
Yeah.
Gudrun Kuper.
I told her, you
had gone to Vienna.
So do you want to
go back to Budapest
or should we get
a hotel in here?
I don't know what
you're going to do.
I'm going back to Budapest.
Hm.
One ticket to
Budapest, please.
[music playing]
I thought we should celebrate.
Mr. Rostov, I really
do have work to do.
Oh, come on, just one drink.
You probably found
something wonderful
and you're just
dying to celebrate.
You know, there
are some people
that you can't win
over with charm.
Yeah Good thing
you're not one of them.
So go ahead, ask me anything.
I want to prove to you
how helpful I can be.
Have you ever heard of a St.
Nicholas Hospital in Budapest?
In Budapest?
No, not in Budapest.
That is if there was
one, there isn't now.
Your client spend
some time there.
You might as well tell me now.
Little by little, I'll
drag it out of you.
Let's change the subject.
All right.
How did you become
an art expert?
Well I've always been
attracted to beauty.
And when I admire
something or someone,
I like to learn everything
I can about them.
Does your love of
beauty run in the family?
I would say so.
My sister Daria is a ballerina,
magnificent to watch.
I always wanted
to be a ballerina.
But I took my
refuge in libraries.
A very clumsy child.
I can't imagine you as
anything less than graceful.
Why don't we just stick
with the family history.
OK My mother was an American.
When my father died, my
sister and I split our time
between Budapest and New York.
That sounds wonderful.
So what about you?
Tell me about yourself.
Oh I was raised in Minnesota.
And my mother-- my
mother paints and takes
ballroom dance lessons.
And my father is a
retired FBI agent.
And they raised a
romantic with a thirst
for the truth, huh?
I think I inherited more of
my father's practical nature.
No, the romantic side
still shows through.
So is there a Mr. Kirkland.
No but I used to
be Mrs. Ramirez.
Used to be?
Yes he was an
Argentine interpreter
that I met in South America.
It just didn't work out.
I hate to admit it, but I
don't feel all that sorry.
I think I really
would like some privacy.
Of course.
Would you like some wine?
No.
Thank you.
[music playing]
[gasps]
Hey!
Jordan, what's the matter?
Somebody was in
my compartment.
That's it.
The next car is the engine.
You sure he came this way?
I never said he came this way.
You came this way.
You were coming toward
me in this direction.
Doesn't matter.
He's long now any way.
How convenient.
Are you saying that--
listen, I'm trying to help you.
I've had enough of
your help, Mr. Rostov.
Good night.
[music playing]
Ah, Miss Kirkland.
Good morning, Miss Kuper.
Forgive me for not
calling your room.
But I wanted to be
sure that nobody
was there, like Mr. Rostov.
I've concluded my
dealings with Mr. Rostov.
Good, because I made an
appointment for you with Count
Borodin this morning.
I hope that's not inconvenient.
Absolutely not.
Good.
Shall we?
[suspenseful music playing]
This the count's family home.
No just his most
recent purchase.
Actually, his family lived
here between the wars.
But when the communists took
over, they had to leave.
When the communists
left, they got it back.
This is fascinating.
You can trace your family
back to Ivan the Terrible.
Yes.
But not one Katya Davidova
on either side of the family,
I'm afraid.
Then what's her
connection to the music box?
Perhaps she's related to
the people who stole it.
When did the
music box disappear?
In the fall of 1920
when the Bolsheviks
finally cracked down on the
last remaining intellectuals
and aristocrats.
Nick Rostov told me that
the box came from Budapest
with some refugees.
I assume Nick also told you
that his grandmother claims
to be the rightful owner.
No, he didn't.
The woman is a fraud.
And Nick sees me as his
chance at a life of luxury.
I see.
Miss Kirkland, I'm a
very influential man.
I can open many doors to
help you with your research.
And in return, you'd
like to know what
I find out about the music box.
It was stolen from my family.
Well, right now I'm
trying to find a St.
Miklos Hospital in
Budapest, but no one
seems to have heard of it.
And your hall of records
is closed to foreigners.
Gudrun, could
you please call Dr.
Viski at the Hall of Records?
Tell her to make
any arrangements
Miss Kirkland requires.
Of course.
It's not easy?
For some of us.
Yes.
Well, I must be going.
So soon?
We're only just getting
to know each other.
Please call if there's
anything else I can do to help.
You're welcome here anytime.
Thank you.
[music playing]
Thank you.
I'd be quite willing
to give you a hand.
Oh, thanks, but I
work quicker by myself.
Thanks.
Nick, if this is your
way of apologizing--
I haven't done anything
I have to apologize for.
A beautiful woman like you
deserve flowers every day.
Please get out of my way.
Look, if I had
stolen your papers,
I'd already be in
the Hall of Records.
I'd be halfway to
my next clue by now.
You didn't steal my papers.
Oh, you figured
that out on your own.
No, there was nothing missing.
Whoever it was was scared away
before he could take anything.
Now, why did you say he?
It could have been Gudrun.
I don't understand why
you trust her and not me.
Maybe because you didn't
tell me about your grandmother.
[music playing]
I caution you not
to get your hopes up.
St. Miklos Hospital was
bombed during the war.
And the records we recovered
are little more than scraps.
Some effort has been made
to organize what's left,
but there's not much.
What time are you open till?
6:00.
But the Count has asked
that you be allowed
to remain as long as you wish.
Thank you.
[music playing]
Can I get you anything?
Maybe a mint condition
birth certificate.
I'll be in my office as soon
as you are ready to leave.
Thank you.
NICK: Excuse me.
I'm sorry, sir.
We're closed.
Oh, my friend is still
in there, Jordan Kirkland.
She'll be working
quite late tonight.
Well, what about
the other gentlemen,
the one who just went in?
Oh, I'm sorry, you
must be mistaken.
Miss Kirkland and I are
the only ones here now.
Excuse me.
[music playing]
Katya Davidova.
[door opens]
Dr. Viski?
[foot steps]
[light switch snaps off]
[music playing]
Hello?
Who's there?
Hello?
[suspenseful music playing]
Relax, it's just me.
Why are you sneaking up on me?
I'm not sneaking up.
I came in through a window.
I came up those stairs.
You've been creeping
around in there.
I haven't even had time
to get in there to creep.
[grunts]
My file.
Well, he's gone.
Now he knows as much
about Katya as I do.
JORDAN: Do you think
Gudrun hired him?
Makes sense.
She and Borodin knew
you'd be in there alone.
Maybe he was the one
on the train from Litka.
Yes, I could have sworn I saw
him on the platform in Milan.
I guess I owe you an apology.
I'm just glad
you're all right.
I don't want anything
to happen to you.
Did you get a chance to
examine the document?
Yes.
We're going to have
to work together here.
Time is of the essence.
Whoever attacked you knows
the name you're tracing.
If I'm going to help you,
I have to know it too.
Her name is Katya Davidova.
And the document was
a hospital admission
form dated December of 1920.
I also saw the
name Pyotr Davidov.
Pyotr, that's
Russian for Peter.
There was something else
beside his name in brackets,
the letters A-P-A.
NICK: That's Apa.
It's father.
Any idea where they were from?
St. Petersburg.
She was diagnosed with typhus.
Typhus.
Not much you could do
about that in 1920.
Oh she's one tough cookie.
I'll need to make arrangements
to go to St. Petersburg.
I think you'd be
wasting your time.
If Pyotr Davidov had fled
Russia after the revolution,
he wouldn't have gone back.
Then we'll need to
find out where he went,
and why he and Katya
were separated.
All right.
Well, you get some rest.
I'll pick you up in the morning.
OK.
- If Gudrun calls--
- Don't worry.
I'll be careful.
Good.
[music playing]
[piano music playing]
NATALIA ROSTOVA: I
don't remember anybody
by the name of Katya Davidov.
Of course, we had so
many friends back then.
Our home was always
alive with laughter.
I just thought Miss
Kirkland had found something
we could take advantage of.
And you don't remember
her either, Maria?
No.
No more than Natalia.
Are you sure that
is her right name.
I don't think Miss
Kirkland would lie to me.
Careful how much trust
you bestow on he, Nickolai.
Too much trust was the
downfall of your family.
I'm telling her as
little as possible.
For all we know, the woman
she's working for already
has the box.
Does Count Borodin
know about her?
Yes, Gudrun introduced them.
Oh, those two will
stop at nothing.
And if Borodin
finds the box first,
he will hide the proof that
it was his family that stole
Natalia's lands and title.
Her life would have been
so much easier if her title
had nothing stolen.
Her life would have
been nothing at all
without you, Maria.
Without you, none of us
would have been here.
How my mother
loved that music box.
And we'll find it again,
Grandma, and finally
prove your claim to his title.
NATALIA ROSTOVA: Borodin's
title is your, Nicolai.
It's yours whether the world
acknowledges me or not.
Daria, back to your class.
Yes, Maria.
Call me later, Nick.
MARIA: I will see you out.
Good bye.
MARIA: Sometimes I worry
that your grandmother is
slipping away into her dreams.
If we can find
that music box, it'll
give her a new lease on life.
Is-- uh--
Miss Kirkland, is
she really so close?
Like I said, it's the
best lead we've got.
And if we can find out who
this Pyotr Davidov is I
think we'll be very close.
I wish there was something
I could do to help.
You've got your hands
full with the charity ball.
Yes.
Are you coming?
Of course.
Why don't you bring
Miss Kirkland with you?
It would give the rest of
us a chance to meet her.
Maria, I don't
think Miss Kirkland
would be interested
in coming out with me.
You have finally met a woman
who is immune to your charms?
Well, I could give it a try.
From the way you
talk about her,
I don't think it would be
such a difficult chore.
She's useful only in our
search for the music box.
Nothing more.
All women are not
like Sophia, Nick.
This one perhaps you
should get closer to, hm?
What happened to
Peter Davidov after he
took me to the hospital?
That's what we're
trying to find out.
We?
Nick Rostov and I. He's an
art expert I'm consulting.
Jordan.
Don't worry, Aunt Kitty, I
haven't told him about you.
He speaks fluent Hungarian.
So he can go through the
archives faster than I can.
I suppose I should
be very pleased you
may have identified my father.
Although without
the actual document,
the trail is a little
harder to pick up.
What do you mean
without the document?
It was stolen.
Stolen?
Jordan, I get the feeling you
are not telling me everything.
It's nothing.
The last time you told me
that you came home with Ramon.
That won't happen this time.
I promise.
I'll call you tomorrow.
Bye.
NICK: Well, so far
I found 20 Russians
named Pyotr Davidov, all of whom
have applied for citizenship
or paid taxes or
asked for an exit
visa, all in December 1920.
Well, how many
from St. Petersburg?
I don't know.
I'm still checking.
Like some more wine?
Sure.
Oh, sorry.
Thanks.
Mm.
It's my fault.
JORDAN: Thanks.
It's OK.
I'll do it.
I guess I better
get back to work.
Yeah, I guess.
Nick if you've got a child out
of the revolution, what would
make you leave her behind?
Nothing, I'd die
rather than abandon--
Have you looked for
death certificates?
No, no, but I'll
get right on that.
That's good.
Listen, can I ask you a favor?
What?
My godmother Maria
wants you to be our guest
at the ballet's charity ball.
And I'd like you
to accompany me.
I'm sorry.
I don't have any time.
Come on.
I know you're going
to enjoy yourself.
And if you meet my family, it
might make you feel a little
more comfortable about me.
Will your
grandmother be there?
Of course.
What's the story behind
her claim to the music box?
Well, my great
grandmother was a prima
ballerina, Olga Galinin.
She and the original
Count Borodin were lovers.
Really?
Mm, hm.
She bore him two
daughters out of wedlock.
They later got married
in a private ceremony
so his family
wouldn't interfere.
Why were they opposed
to the marriage?
Same old reasons.
They wanted to marry
for money, not love.
He died in the revolution.
But his family denied
my great grandmother
a claim to his estate,
even though she
had the music box as proof.
What do you mean proof?
Well, he inscribed it to
"Olga, my beloved wife."
What happened to her?
It's said that
she tried to use
the music box to buy
her way out of Russia,
but something went wrong.
Olga and Grandma Natalia's
little sister were killed.
Natalia made it out, but
the music box disappeared.
So the music box would
prove that your grandmother
is the rightful heir
to the Borodin name.
Right.
And wouldn't then that
title be yours one day?
Well, that's not
really important.
I just want to make sure
that Natalia is acknowledged
for who she really is.
Anyway, how about that ball?
Well, if I'm still
here then, well--
- It's tonight.
- What--
Yeah, it's for the tonight.
I don't have
time to get ready.
I need a gown.
And my hair, I--
Don't worry about that.
I know a great little
dress shop where you
can borrow something formal.
I know friends in
the fashion industry.
Great.
So, you'll pick a dress.
I'll do some research.
[music playing]
[chamber music playing]
Ladies I'd like you to meet
Jordan Kirkland from New York.
This is my godmother
Maria Rachmanova.
What a pleasure.
Hello.
My sister Daria.
Pleasure.
Hello
What an interesting necklace.
Oh, this was a
present from my aunt.
Where's Grandma Natalia?
Oh, she wasn't
feeling very well.
So I had to take her home.
She will be so
disappointed not to have
met your, Miss Kirkland.
Daria, why don't you take our
guest and show her around?
Yes.
Thank you.
Nicolai, I would like
a glass of champagne.
Of course.
You make a very
attractive couple.
She's just someone
I work with, Maria.
How is work going?
I'd be a lot happier if Gudrun
Kuper didn't keep showing up.
Her and Borodin have a lot
of contacts that I don't.
They might be able to convince
Jordan she doesn't need me.
Oh, Nicolai, you'll
think of something.
You always do.
These are members of
the famed Kusov ballet
who fled Russia
during the revolution.
This is my great grandmother,
Olga Galina, Natalia's mother,
and the ballet's
prima ballerina.
Nick told me about her.
She's quite beautiful.
And this is the Anatoli
Kusov, the group's maestro
and Maria's adored mentor.
He's very handsome.
And this is Maria in 1920.
She was the one who took care
of our grandmother Natalia
after the escape.
Miss Kirkland.
Good evening.
Would you care to dance?
Yes.
Daria, please.
Thank you.
Excuse us.
I didn't expect to see
you here this evening.
The Ballet Ball attracts
the cream of Budapest society,
even though it includes
the Rostov family.
Uh-- Nick is my
date this evening.
How sad.
Gudrun tells me she
has some information
about Katya Davidova for you.
You stop by our gallery
tomorrow morning.
Yes, I will.
Congratulations,
you charmed the Count.
Some men are easy to charm.
All men are susceptible
to a beautiful woman.
[music playing]
Smile, Nicky.
Damn it, Bertie, cut that out.
Don't go after the film, Nick.
There's a lot of other
photographers around here.
You wouldn't want that kind
of publicity, would you?
Bertie, come on.
Who's your new friend?
It's not important.
If it wasn't
important, you'd tell me.
Who was that?
That's Bertina Wax.
She's a newspaper photographer.
- Newspaper?
Don't worry, it's me
she's interested in.
Listen, I should
get you back inside.
[chamber music playing]
GUDRUN KUPER (IN THE
DISTANCE): Nothing
in the official adoption
files lists anyone
by the name of Katya Davidova.
Nothing in the private
church files either--
Gudrun?
GUDRUN KUPER (IN THE DISTANCE):
Even though they're incomplete.
Gudrun?
Gudrun, it's me.
GUDRUN KUPER (ON RECORDER):
There is, however,
an authorization to declare
four-year-old named Katya
Davidova a ward of the state.
Gudrun?
GUDRUN KUPER (ON RECORDER):
I'd love to talk to the Count
and see what he makes of it.
Nothing in the
official adoption files
lists anyone by the name
of the Katya Davidova.
[music playing]
I don't like people
telling me how to do my job.
Look, I'm tired of
arguing with you.
You hired me to do a
job, and I'm doing it.
I thought playing rough in
Milan would scare her off,
but she doesn't scare.
So now I'm doing it my way.
Look, I know what
it's going to take.
Good bye.
[music playing]
Excuse me, this is
yesterday's paper.
Do you have a copy of today's?
Right here.
Thank you.
New York City.
Nicky, what are you up to?
I told the police I had
an appointment to see her,
but when I got there--
Calling the police
was a little risky.
Well, I couldn't just
leave her like that.
Do they know when she died?
Sometime last night
when we were at the ball.
Well, good, does that
mean you've written
me off your list of suspects?
Please don't joke about this.
Why don't you just go
home let me handle this.
No, I made a promise.
So just tell your client--
Nick.
I owe her.
If Borodin and Gudrun were
behind the other attacks,
why was she killed?
I don't know.
Maybe she knew something
that even Borodin
couldn't afford her to know.
I found this on her desk
playing her research notes.
You took this?
I did--
I didn't want my client
dragged into this.
Listen.
GUDRUN KUPER (ON RECORDER):
There is, however,
an authorization to declare
four-year-old named Katya
Davidova ward of the state.
Her father couldn't
pay her medical bills.
Where are you going?
I've got to check
something out.
I want you to stay
here and lock the door.
Don't answer the phone.
I'll try to be back
as soon as possible.
[music playing]
[phone ringing]
Hello.
Hello.
I have a message
from Jordan Kirkland.
To whom am I speaking, please.
Kitty Ridgewood.
Kitty Ridgewood of
Ridgewood Cosmetics.
AUNT KITTY (AUNT PHONE): Yes.
And do you know
Jordan Kirkland?
My niece, yes.
Your niece?
Who is this?
Maxwell.
It's Bertie.
Did you guys develop the
film on the charity ball?
Good, because have I
got a story for you.
[knocking]
December 10, 1920, Pyotr
Davidov of St. Petersburg,
Russia, no dependents, requests
that the state of Hungary
grant an exit visa so
that he can go to Vienna
and seek employment.
How do you know
it's the right man?
Well there are no
death certificates,
but this guy leaves
the country right
after a young girl named Katya
becomes a ward of the state.
So he couldn't afford
to take care of his child.
[music playing]
Considering the conditions,
the typhoid epidemic, crush
of refugees, maybe
giving her up was better
than watching her starve.
The poor man.
Yeah.
[shutter snaps]
You know most visas require
an address in the host country.
[gun cocks]
Oh, look, Lieberman Violins,
218 Dibenstrasse, Vienna.
I'll book us a flight.
Nick, do you think there's any
chance this man is still alive?
[gun shots]
[glass shatters]
Stay down.
[shutter snaps]
[gun shots]
All I wait here
NICK (ON VOICEMAIL):
Hi, this is Nick Rostov.
Leave me a message and I'll go
back to you as soon as I can.
Nick, it's Bertie.
I don't know what the
hell you're involved in.
But call me.
[knocking]
Who is it?
It's me, Nick.
Open up.
Hi.
Whoever it is is long gone.
You OK?
Oh, yeah, I'm having a
great European vacation,
stumbling over dead bodies
and not knowing who to trust,
and getting shot at and mugged--
Don't be afraid.
I'm right here.
And believe me, I'm scared
enough for both of us.
You know, for a while
there tonight, I thought--
well, anyway, I realized
that treasures and titles
are meaningless unless you have
somebody to share them with.
And I don't want to
lose you, Jordan.
[music playing]
I won't let anything
happen to you.
[music playing]
I want to stay here
the rest of my life.
So why can't we?
Well, well we have
to go to Vienna.
I think I know a way we can
do that without being followed.
These tour boats
leave every morning.
Some do day trips
along the river.
Some go on to Vienna.
But if we didn't take any
luggage, no one would suspect.
We We could change boats to
make sure we're not followed.
NICK: Just press the button
and I'll hear the messages.
DARIA (OVER THE PHONE): OK.
Here goes.
MARIA (ON ANSWERING
MACHINE): Hello, Nick.
It's Maria.
Just calling to see
how you are doing.
[beep]
BERTIE (ON ANSWERING
MACHINE): Nick, it's Bertie.
I don't know what the
hell you're involved in,
but call me.
[beep]
Sounds like that's it.
NICK (OVER THE PHONE):
All right, thanks, Daria.
Tell Maria I'll call
her from Vienna.
And I'll take care
of Bertie myself.
Good luck.
Bye.
Bertie Wax called?
Yeah, I told her I'd
buy the film of us.
It sounds like she's
willing to deal.
Come on.
[music playing]
Why don't you wait
here and hold the cab?
I'd rather deal with
Bertie on my own.
OK.
[suspenseful music playing]
NICK: Oh, god, Bertie.
Did you get the film?
Don't worry, she
won't be selling it.
[music playing]
JORDAN: I'm sorry I
haven't called before.
But this is the first but we've
been on that's had a phone.
Well, you've had
me worried sick.
I hope this guy is worth
it, because your Aunt Kitty
is frantic to talk to you.
She's been calling you?
MOLLY (OVER THE PHONE): Yes,
she wouldn't tell me anything,
but she seemed really worried.
Well, we'll be in
Vienna in an hour.
I'll call her then.
OK.
And please, be careful.
I'll be fine.
Bye
Oh, excuse me,
have you seen the man
at my table, Mr. Rostov?
I just saw him
at the newsstand.
Thank you.
[music playing]
Well.
Oh, there you are.
I booked us reservations
at the Hotel Ursula.
Perhaps you'd like
to explain this.
It says here that the
photographer who took
these pictures was murdered.
Her body was found by
an anonymous caller
the same day that
we left Budapest.
Jordan, let me explain.
And which lie would
you like to start with?
It also says here that she
was killed the same way
that Gudrin and Antonelli were.
His body was also found by
another anonymous caller
who didn't stick around to
talk to the police either.
Antonelli was
a friend of mine.
And you know I was with you
the night Bertie was killed.
Why didn't you tell me?
My client's identity
has been revealed.
She's livid.
The same story is
all over the states.
You lied to me.
How do I know
you've been telling
me the truth about any of this?
You've just been using me.
What did you want
me to do, Jordan?
We needed our secrecy.
[music playing]
Guten Morgen, Fraulein.
Hello, I have an appointment
with Sonya Lieberman.
Oh, Miss Kirkland?
Yes.
Oh, I've been expecting you.
Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
- Hello.
Why don't you come this way?
Thank you.
Pyotr Davidov was a
poor Russian emigre,
just like my grandfather.
That's him.
He became a very good
craftsman and for a while
he lived with us.
Did he ever mention a
little girl named Katya?
Oh, yes, many times.
As a child I
reminded him of her.
She fell ill with
typhus in Hungary.
He had no money to
pay her medical bills.
So he had to give her up.
It must have been very hard
for him to leave his own child.
Katya wasn't his daughter.
In fact, that was just a name
he gave her to smuggle her out.
She was just a child he
helped get out of Russia.
Really?
Yes.
You know what?
My father stored some of Pyotr's
things away after he died.
They are downstairs.
Why don't we go and have a look.
Great.
[music playing]
I'm just as bad as my mother
at throwing things away.
What does this say?
Uh-- to my most loyal
servant, signed Anatoli Kusov.
Thank you, so much, Sonya.
You've been a great help.
Thank you.
Bye bye.
Hotel Ursula, bitte.
[music playing]
Hey, are you American?
Yes.
You know, I'm
learning English.
You are a beautiful,
very beautiful lady.
I pronounce good?
Yes, yes, you do.
[suspenseful music playing]
A car's been falling us
since we left the store.
Oh, you want me to lose him?
No.
Just make a couple of quick
turns but don't signal.
OK.
[tires screeching]
[music playing]
Uh-- can you pull over please?
Yeah.
And wait until I go into the
store before you go, please.
JORDAN: Call the police and tell
them that the man in his car
is carrying an illegal firearm.
OK.
JORDAN: Thanks.
Oh, thanks.
[music playing]
[car sirens blaring]
Wait, please stop.
[grunts]
Hey.
Hey.
Damn.
[music playing]
[grunting]
You OK?
[distant sirens]
[music playing]
How did you find me?
I was standing in
the lobby, and I heard
all the car alarms go off.
I went outside and--
Thank you.
Listen, I'm sorry
about the papers.
My ex-wife Sophia
was an actress and--
more jet setting party girl
than an actress really.
Tabloids used to
follow us everywhere.
Why are they
still following you?
Because my grandmother's
claim on Count Borodin.
It keeps us in all the papers.
I'm sorry about not
talking to the police.
If you want me to call
them right now, I will.
You want me to go?
No.
[music playing]
If Pyotr Davidov
was Kusov's servant,
it's conceivable he smuggled
the music box out of Russia.
[knocking]
Well, but from the way
Sonya Lieberman described him,
I think he would have
sold the box to pay
for Katya's medical bills.
Let's go over what
we have so far.
All right, my
great-grandmother
marries Count Borodin, the
owner of the music box.
He dies.
There's a revolution.
My grandmother, Natalia,
and the music box
are smuggled out of Russia.
The music box disappears.
Back in Russia, my
great-grandmother and
my grandmother's sister die.
But the music box turns up in
a photograph owned by an orphan
who was smuggled
out of by Kusov's
loyal servant, Pyotr Davidov.
What's this.
It's from the photo lab.
The photographer used an acid
bath to date the photo to 1916.
Well, my Aunt Kitty
was born about 1916.
So she can't be the little
girl in the photograph.
NICK: I think it's about
time we talk to someone who
can tell us who she really is.
Mother woke us that morning
and dressed us herself.
She said we had to be
very brave little girls
Papa would be proud of.
We tried very hard.
But then she said, we
had to go without her.
Little Alexandra, my
sister, started to wail.
My mother relented and
let her stay behind.
Who took you
across the border?
NATALIA ROSTOVA: Oh, Maria.
I wouldn't have
lived without her.
Oh, we were all sick with
fever, cold, and hungry.
And then one morning I
woke, the fever had gone.
Maria had led us to freedom.
What about the music box?
I was so young.
I didn't know what
had happened to it.
Later, word came that
Alexandra and Olga had died.
This was when Maria became
Natalia's new mother.
Grandmother
Natalia, do you know
the little girl in this photo?
Oh, where did you find this?
It belongs to the woman whose
family I'm trying to find.
NATALIA ROSTOVA: It's me.
I gave this to young Alexandra
so she wouldn't forget me
until we were reunited.
Bye.
Bye.
This is incredible.
My Aunt Kitty might
be your great aunt.
How closely would
we be related?
Well, technically,
we'd be fourth cousins.
Oh, well, that's a relief.
Good day, Miss Kirkland.
Count Borodin.
I've been reading
the tabloids.
You've heard my rival's
side of the story.
I thought you might
like to hear mine.
Over lunch?
She doesn't need to.
It would be a pleasure, Count.
Good.
I'll expect you at 1:00.
I can't let you go
through with this .
That man is the only one who's
known every move we've made.
Well, if you're
so concerned, you'll
just have to come with me.
JORDAN: Aunt Kitty's
mystery is solved.
But now we have to find
the box to prove it.
[music playing]
Miss Kirkland.
Hello.
Thank you for escorting
my guest, Mr. Rostov.
Frederick will take care of you.
Uh-- excuse me, I'd
like Mr. Rostov to witness
anything we have to discuss.
As you wish.
Please, take a seat.
Now, where shall we begin?
Why don't you describe how
you smeared my grandmother's
name all these years?
After the revolution,
Western Europe
was overrun with impostors
claiming to be dukes, counts,
even lost children of the czar.
And almost all of
them turned out to be
frauds or fortune hunters.
Yes.
And those of us with
legitimate bloodlines
had our reputations
tarnished with the rest.
It has been a long
struggle back.
You're not the only
one who had to struggle.
Nick.
Count Borodin,
there's been a man
who's been trying to kill me.
He didn't have anything to
do with Gudrin's death, did he?
Oh, and you don't know.
JORDAN: Only the three of us
are looking for the music box.
Nick, thinks you killed Gudrin
to hide something she found.
But she didn't have enough
pieces of the puzzle.
What are you trying to say?
I think there's
someone else involved
in the hunt, someone who knows
more about this than all of us
put together.
Is anyone else after
your fortune, Count?
Only Natalia Rostova.
She's not interested
in your money.
She's just trying
to prove who she is.
If the title's her, it's hers.
But to be honest, calling
yourself a count these days
is a little gauche.
Then I was right.
This is about something else.
Thank you.
[music playing]
Nick, I'm going to need to
talk to your grandmother again.
I mean, there's something
that's just not right.
Hang on a second.
JORDAN: What is it?
It's a bomb.
What?
Nick.
[music playing]
Nick, look out.
[gun shot]
[music playing]
You saved my life.
Actually, I think I've
just saved both your lives.
All we have to do now is
figure out who hired this man.
And hope he doesn't
hire somebody else.
Who exactly is it that's
trying to prevent Nick or I
getting a hold of this box.
Kusov smuggles out his ballet
company, everyone but Olga.
The box was to pay her way out.
But he was brokenhearted
when she was killed.
He probably would have
given up the ballet if--
What?
If he hadn't found
someone else to rely upon.
Who?
The same one that's
been relying on me.
Come on.
JORDAN: With the
hired killer dead,
you'd think the search
would go much faster now.
Police have a strong
lead on who hired him.
Well, the important thing
is that you are both OK.
Alexandra is arriving
tomorrow, you say.
Yes, except she calls
herself Kitty now.
I am so glad that
Natalia's sister is alive.
Aunt Kitty really
wants to meet you.
Nick told her what
an important role you
played in her family history.
We'll see you tomorrow.
Oh, yes.
Bye.
[music playing]
Oh.
Give me the case, Maria.
Olga trusted you to sell
the music box and help her
out of Russia, but you didn't.
Nicolai, how
dare you accuse me.
And you know why you didn't?
Because of your own ambition.
No, give that to me.
[music playing]
I never meant Olga any harm.
I only wanted her
to stay in Russia.
Kusov never saw anyone
else's dancing, but hers.
I only wanted to show
him what I could do.
NICK: You knew that
Pyotr Davidov was trying
to get Alexandra out of Russia.
But when he asked for
your help you refused.
And what servant
would dare argue?
He had no one to tell
and no one to turn to,
so you assumed he was safe.
NICK: Until you
saw the photograph.
When I discovered that
Alexandra was alive,
I was afraid it might have
been Davidov who raised her.
And that she wouldn't know.
I tried to get Alexandra
out of the hospital.
But I was too late.
She was gone.
I never meant to the children.
NICK: Oh, no, no, you
just wanted to keep
them away from their mother.
And how about that guy you
hired to kill everybody that
could lead us to the truth?
No.
I only wanted to scare you.
He said he had to go further.
I never meant to harm anyone.
But I couldn't let
you find me out.
You were all my family,
a family that I maintained.
I caused it to happen and kept
it going for three generations.
I didn't want to lose you.
I don't know what
to say to you, Jordan.
I ask you to conduct a
discreet investigation.
The next thing I know, my name--
Aunt Kitty, you can berate
me all you want in a minute.
But for now, not another word.
[music playing]
Nick, this is Kitty Ridgewood.
Aunt Kitty, this
is Nicholas Rostov.
Hi.
How do you do?
Is he the reason I'm here?
Please, come in.
Welcome home, Alexandra.
Your real name is
Alexandra Borodin.
This is your older
sister Natalia.
JORDAN: 15th Countess
Borodin, fourth in line
to the throne of Russia.
After all these years,
I thought you were dead.
I didn't dare tell
myself that you existed.
We wanted you to be here when
we turned over the final proof.
But that's just like--
The one you wore as a child.
I didn't know what it was for.
It was just that it was the
last gift Mother gave me.
To Olga, my beloved wife.
Well, Countess Borodin, looks
like we finally got your proof.
And you have your
family, Aunt Kitty.
Considering all the
pain Maria had caused her,
your grandmother doesn't
seem very bitter.
I think seeing her sister
after all those years
erased all that's gone before.
Yeah, well, I've reunited
family members before,
but it never made me so happy
as it did this afternoon.
Because it's our family.
That's what makes it so special.
Our family.
It sounds so strange.
I think it has
a nice ring to it.
It's going to be hard
leaving this all behind.
Then don't.
Why don't you stay here?
I love you, Jordan.
I don't ever want
you to go away.
I don't know if I could get
used to calling you a count.
Well I have a great
solution for that.
Just marry me and
call me your husband.
[music playing]
[fireworks exploding]
[music playing]
[gun fire]
[bell tolling]
[music playing]
[train whistle]
[music playing]
Molly, I need to
borrow your car.
Don't tell me.
They're telling yours.
No, it wouldn't start.
That's what you get
for keeping the wreck
and giving the good
car to the Latin lover.
I did not give
my car to Ramon.
It was part of the
divorce settlement.
Settlement?
Jordan, he got the half
that was worth something.
And I got what I deserve
for falling in love with him.
I'll be on the cellular
if my Aunt Kitty calls.
Here.
Is she still trying to get
you to go to work for her?
Well, if she is she's
just trying to be helpful.
She hasn't quite accepted
my choice of profession yet.
Researching family
histories will
never turn into a
multimillion dollar
cosmetic business like hers.
Hello.
How are you, Jordan?
Beside late as always.
Oh, I'm sorry, Aunt Kitty,
but my car broke down.
I wish you'd let me
buy you a decent one.
You have spoiled
me enough already.
Would you please bring
us a nice pot of tea?
Yes, ma'am.
How are your mom and dad?
They're just fine.
And how is business?
Not bad.
People are interested as ever
in tracing their family history.
And more and more
adopted kids are
looking for the birth parents.
Well, if you're not too busy,
I have a little job for you.
You want me to track
down someone's family?
Yes.
Mine.
Yours?
I was an orphan,
abandoned in Hungary
just after the First World War.
An orphan?
Did Uncle Jack know this?
I've never told anyone.
Why?
When I was younger, it
didn't seem to matter.
But since Jack's
death, I've become
more aware of my own mortality.
Without too long a
time to look ahead to,
I've decided to finally
uncover my past.
I feel silly talking of this.
Don't.
We all want to know
where we came from
and be certain of who we are.
What do you know about Hungary?
Not much.
I was only four years old.
But I was in a
Catholic orphanage
in the village of Litka.
Back then I was known
as Katya Davidov.
When I was found in the
streets of Budapest,
I was carrying this photograph.
JORDAN: Is this you?
AUNT KITTY: It could be.
I don't know for sure.
It's all so long ago.
I've been told that
the egg is a Faberge.
The encrusted jewels and gold on
it could be worth $10 million.
An object of such value is sure
to have an owner somewhere.
It could be a significant clue
to that little girl's identity.
The first thing I would
do is contact an art expert.
Jordan, if the word gets
out of the head of Ridgewood
Cosmetics is an orphan,
I'll have hundreds
of relatives in a week.
I'm always
discreet Aunt Kitty.
Only my assistant
Molly will know.
Do you have anything
else I can go on?
All I had when
they found me was
that photo, and
a little necklace
I gave you on your 16 birthday.
JORDAN: I had no idea.
Please do what you can.
If I do have an unknown
family out there,
I'd dearly love to find
them while I still have time
enough to get to know them.
You're on the
overnight to Milan.
And who's this Dr.
Antonelli you're meeting?
He's an authority
on Faberge eggs.
And I faxed a photo to
him and another expert
named Gudrun Kuper in Budapest.
I'm hoping that whoever owns
the egg will be able to tell me
who the girl in the photo is.
Well, you better get going.
You might miss your plane.
And be aware of
tall, dark strangers.
No more Ramons for me.
I've learned my lesson.
[music playing]
[knocking]
Dr. Antonelli?
Hello.
Dr. Antonelli, is anybody home?
Hello.
Dr. Antonelli, it's
Jordan Kirkland.
[music playing]
[gasps]
Not a sound, not a word.
I won't hurt you.
I'm on your side.
Police are on their way.
We have to go.
Now.
Come on.
Hey, who are you?
What happened to Dr. Antonelli?
- I'll explain later.
- No.
Now.
You can't just walk out of
there and leave that man--
[sirens approaching]
For your own
good, walk with me.
Act like you've known
me all your life.
Tell me what is going on.
My name is Nicholas Rostov.
I'm a specialist in
Russian artifacts.
Well, what were
you doing in there?
I was a friend
of Dr. Antonelli's.
He sent me a copy of the
photo you faxed and asked me
to meet with you this morning.
I came here this
morning from Budapest,
found him, called the
police, and you showed up.
Well, shouldn't we
go talk to the police?
I was told your client
didn't want any publicity.
I'll tell you what, why
don't I get you out of here
and I'll come back later
and talk to the police.
Why should I trust you?
You're right.
You shouldn't.
Here.
It's my card.
You can check me out.
[whistles]
Ms. Kirkland,
the Italian police
are very thorough and
very unsympathetic
of people wanting to
keep out of the papers.
[music playing]
If you want to talk, I'll be
at the Cafe Rudolfo at 4:00.
[music playing]
Sorry if I
frightened you earlier.
Glad you agreed to talk to me.
Well, Mr. Rostov,
the Smithsonian
tells me that the
great galleries
vie for your services.
And according to the Louvre,
few people recognize a fake
as quickly as you do.
You're very thorough.
You're very young to
have such a reputation.
I learned from the best.
Dr. Antonelli?
Do the police know
what happened?
It might have been a burglary.
He had several
priceless pieces but--
But?
Well, there are a lot
of disreputable people
in the art world.
Fortunes can be lost
if an expert appraises
an articles as a fake.
I see.
Dr. Antonelli was very
excited about your photograph.
May I look at the original?
Of course.
NICK: Do you know
where this Artifact is?
No, but my client believes
it could be a Faberge egg.
Oh, yes, it's the centerpiece
of the Borodin music box.
It's a music box?
Yes, in 1913, Count Yuri
Borodin foiled an assassination
attempt on Tsar Nicholas II.
And the Tsar out of gratitude
commissioned this music box
as a gift for him.
It was lost during the
Russian Revolution.
I never knew a picture
of it even existed.
Who owns this picture?
Someone who wishes to
remain anonymous, Mr. Rostov.
I'm researching
their family history.
That may be a picture
of her as a young girl.
Is the Borodin family
still in Russia?
NICK: No, they were thrown
out after the revolution.
The present day count
lives outside of Budapest.
But it wouldn't do you
much good to contact him.
Why not.
He's trying as hard as
the rest of us to find it.
Ms. Kirkland, I can help
you with your research.
And I promise I won't pry into
the identity of your client.
In exchange for?
You share any information
that leads to the music box.
It could be the
find of the century.
I don't think so, Mr. Rostov.
I've already contacted
another expert in Budapest.
Dr. Gudrin Kuper?
I know the Count has her on
retainer to find the box.
And maybe she has
some information.
NICK: Just be careful
what you tell her.
She'll stop at nothing
to get what she wants.
So she also will think I
could lead her to the music box?
Yes.
But she'll be much
more difficult to get
rid of than I am, and
much less fun to be with.
It's been a pleasure.
[music playing]
I'll give you all the
details when I get back.
But it's the best
lead we've had so far.
Yes, I'm sure of it.
Yeah, all right.
You always take the overnight
train to Budapest, Mr. Rostov?
No, of course, not.
I usually fly.
What about you?
I'm on my way to Vienna.
It's my way of seeing the
sights while I'm working.
Excuse me.
[suspenseful music playing]
[music playing]
[music playing]
[dog barking]
Photography was in its
infancy when this was taken.
Of course, the
method of processing
or the type of paper
used even could tell us
exactly when it was done.
Yes I'm having some tests
done at the lab in Vienna,
but the results won't
be available for a week.
Good.
Dating the picture
is most important.
It's essential that we know
whether it was taken before
or after the music
box disappeared.
I've been told that
you're helping Count Borodin
search for the music box.
Yes.
Unfortunately,
without much luck.
Could the little girl be
a relative of the Count's?
I doubt it.
Given that this was taken
between 1913 and 1920,
she doesn't fit the profile
of any member of his family.
I see.
GUDRUN KUPER: But don't worry.
We'll turn up something.
Do you think it would be
possible to get an appointment
to see the Count?
Certainly I have the feeling
that he would be prepared
to drop everything to see this.
Well, you have my
number at the hotel.
Call me as soon as you can.
Thank you, Miss Kuper.
You've been wonderful.
Anything you need, just ask.
Thank you.
It's definitely the music box.
It was all I could do to
control myself when I saw it.
Does she know who owns it?
KUPER (OVER THE PHONE):
Well, she says she doesn't.
But she's being very
careful about giving out
any information
Where is she now?
She's headed for
the train station.
I happen to know that the
concierge at her hotel
arranged a ticket to Litka.
COUNT (OVER THE PHONE):
Keep me posted, Gudrun.
I want to know
everything she finds out.
[sound of train]
How was your
conversation with Gudrun?
I have friends at the cafe.
How did you know
I'd be on this train?
I have friends at the
railway station too.
You have a lot of
friends, don't you?
Yeah, just the
kind of guy I am.
According to the conductor,
we're on our way to Litka.
I told him I'd be going
wherever you're going
and he sold me a ticket.
Does Gudrun know
your destination?
No, I'm doing this on my own.
She's not going to
leave you alone, you know.
Unlike you, of course.
So what are we going
to do when we get there?
Well, if you must know, I'm
going to have a conversation
with a local priest.
If you're in the
mood for a confession,
I'd be more than
willing to listen.
Let's see how
much I can guess.
75 years ago your
client is a young orphan
fleeing the Russian Revolution.
She's taken in by a small
town priest and given shelter.
Very clever.
Well, it's not such an
unusual story for back then.
And it's rumored that the
box was sent to Budapest
with some escaping refugees.
I'm searching for my
client's family history.
I really don't
care about the box.
Nothing Faberge ever made
has so much history around it.
I'm told it's
worth $10 million.
Yeah, for a price
tag that high,
people get a lot
more just anxious.
[non-english speech]
He's asking if you'd
like anything else.
No thank you.
You don't speak Hungarian?
No.
You know, sooner
or later you're
going to need an interpreter.
No, thank you, Nick.
I'm going to do this alone.
[knocking]
[speaking hungarian]
Miss Kirkland, I thought
you were coming alone.
This gentleman was kind enough
to walk me from the station.
Bless you, for your
kindness, my son.
[music playing]
We haven't operated as
an orphanage for 50 years.
But before that,
thousands of children
passed through these corridors.
This little girl
would have left
Russia after the revolution.
She would have been
four years old.
I'm not sure what
remains of the father.
I'm afraid our records
are not in the best order.
What was her name?
Katya Davidov.
In Russian, the feminine
form of a surname ends in a.
So she'll be listed as Davidova.
But perhaps over there.
NICK (OVER THE
PHONE): That's all
I know right now, although
I'm sure her client knows
a lot more about the box
than she's letting on.
The night train gets back
into the city at midnight.
I'll call you then.
How long ago did the
train from Budapest arrive?
45 minutes ago.
I had some car trouble.
I hope I'm not too late to
spoil any deal that you might be
cooking up with Miss Kirkland.
As a matter of fact, you are.
She never even
got off the train.
I'm going to meet her in
Vienna in a couple of days
to finalize the details.
- Really?
Mm, hm.
So why are you hanging around?
This is where I got off.
Waiting for the train
back to Budapest.
You know, maybe I can
get a ride back with you.
Hey, Gudrin, I'm going to
be watching her like a hawk.
So if she comes
close to something,
she won't be left alone
like Antonelli was.
What makes you
think that I had
anything to do with his death?
Because with Antonelli
out of the way,
she would be forced
to confide in you.
I could make the
same accusation.
But you don't scare me, Rostov.
I know too much
about your motives
to be swayed by your charm.
[music playing]
I found something.
Look.
Katya Davidova, 1921.
What does the rest of it say?
I can't read Hungarian.
It's a standard registration
form, date of birth,
age, parents.
In this case, all unknown.
Unknown.
She was transferred
here from St.
Nicholas Hospital in Budapest.
Perhaps they have some record.
Thank you, Father.
I'm Sure this will help.
Well, it's about time.
I see you had an exciting day.
Well, I thought I better
stick around in case
your friend came back.
- My friend?
Yeah.
Gudrun Kuper.
I told her, you
had gone to Vienna.
So do you want to
go back to Budapest
or should we get
a hotel in here?
I don't know what
you're going to do.
I'm going back to Budapest.
Hm.
One ticket to
Budapest, please.
[music playing]
I thought we should celebrate.
Mr. Rostov, I really
do have work to do.
Oh, come on, just one drink.
You probably found
something wonderful
and you're just
dying to celebrate.
You know, there
are some people
that you can't win
over with charm.
Yeah Good thing
you're not one of them.
So go ahead, ask me anything.
I want to prove to you
how helpful I can be.
Have you ever heard of a St.
Nicholas Hospital in Budapest?
In Budapest?
No, not in Budapest.
That is if there was
one, there isn't now.
Your client spend
some time there.
You might as well tell me now.
Little by little, I'll
drag it out of you.
Let's change the subject.
All right.
How did you become
an art expert?
Well I've always been
attracted to beauty.
And when I admire
something or someone,
I like to learn everything
I can about them.
Does your love of
beauty run in the family?
I would say so.
My sister Daria is a ballerina,
magnificent to watch.
I always wanted
to be a ballerina.
But I took my
refuge in libraries.
A very clumsy child.
I can't imagine you as
anything less than graceful.
Why don't we just stick
with the family history.
OK My mother was an American.
When my father died, my
sister and I split our time
between Budapest and New York.
That sounds wonderful.
So what about you?
Tell me about yourself.
Oh I was raised in Minnesota.
And my mother-- my
mother paints and takes
ballroom dance lessons.
And my father is a
retired FBI agent.
And they raised a
romantic with a thirst
for the truth, huh?
I think I inherited more of
my father's practical nature.
No, the romantic side
still shows through.
So is there a Mr. Kirkland.
No but I used to
be Mrs. Ramirez.
Used to be?
Yes he was an
Argentine interpreter
that I met in South America.
It just didn't work out.
I hate to admit it, but I
don't feel all that sorry.
I think I really
would like some privacy.
Of course.
Would you like some wine?
No.
Thank you.
[music playing]
[gasps]
Hey!
Jordan, what's the matter?
Somebody was in
my compartment.
That's it.
The next car is the engine.
You sure he came this way?
I never said he came this way.
You came this way.
You were coming toward
me in this direction.
Doesn't matter.
He's long now any way.
How convenient.
Are you saying that--
listen, I'm trying to help you.
I've had enough of
your help, Mr. Rostov.
Good night.
[music playing]
Ah, Miss Kirkland.
Good morning, Miss Kuper.
Forgive me for not
calling your room.
But I wanted to be
sure that nobody
was there, like Mr. Rostov.
I've concluded my
dealings with Mr. Rostov.
Good, because I made an
appointment for you with Count
Borodin this morning.
I hope that's not inconvenient.
Absolutely not.
Good.
Shall we?
[suspenseful music playing]
This the count's family home.
No just his most
recent purchase.
Actually, his family lived
here between the wars.
But when the communists took
over, they had to leave.
When the communists
left, they got it back.
This is fascinating.
You can trace your family
back to Ivan the Terrible.
Yes.
But not one Katya Davidova
on either side of the family,
I'm afraid.
Then what's her
connection to the music box?
Perhaps she's related to
the people who stole it.
When did the
music box disappear?
In the fall of 1920
when the Bolsheviks
finally cracked down on the
last remaining intellectuals
and aristocrats.
Nick Rostov told me that
the box came from Budapest
with some refugees.
I assume Nick also told you
that his grandmother claims
to be the rightful owner.
No, he didn't.
The woman is a fraud.
And Nick sees me as his
chance at a life of luxury.
I see.
Miss Kirkland, I'm a
very influential man.
I can open many doors to
help you with your research.
And in return, you'd
like to know what
I find out about the music box.
It was stolen from my family.
Well, right now I'm
trying to find a St.
Miklos Hospital in
Budapest, but no one
seems to have heard of it.
And your hall of records
is closed to foreigners.
Gudrun, could
you please call Dr.
Viski at the Hall of Records?
Tell her to make
any arrangements
Miss Kirkland requires.
Of course.
It's not easy?
For some of us.
Yes.
Well, I must be going.
So soon?
We're only just getting
to know each other.
Please call if there's
anything else I can do to help.
You're welcome here anytime.
Thank you.
[music playing]
Thank you.
I'd be quite willing
to give you a hand.
Oh, thanks, but I
work quicker by myself.
Thanks.
Nick, if this is your
way of apologizing--
I haven't done anything
I have to apologize for.
A beautiful woman like you
deserve flowers every day.
Please get out of my way.
Look, if I had
stolen your papers,
I'd already be in
the Hall of Records.
I'd be halfway to
my next clue by now.
You didn't steal my papers.
Oh, you figured
that out on your own.
No, there was nothing missing.
Whoever it was was scared away
before he could take anything.
Now, why did you say he?
It could have been Gudrun.
I don't understand why
you trust her and not me.
Maybe because you didn't
tell me about your grandmother.
[music playing]
I caution you not
to get your hopes up.
St. Miklos Hospital was
bombed during the war.
And the records we recovered
are little more than scraps.
Some effort has been made
to organize what's left,
but there's not much.
What time are you open till?
6:00.
But the Count has asked
that you be allowed
to remain as long as you wish.
Thank you.
[music playing]
Can I get you anything?
Maybe a mint condition
birth certificate.
I'll be in my office as soon
as you are ready to leave.
Thank you.
NICK: Excuse me.
I'm sorry, sir.
We're closed.
Oh, my friend is still
in there, Jordan Kirkland.
She'll be working
quite late tonight.
Well, what about
the other gentlemen,
the one who just went in?
Oh, I'm sorry, you
must be mistaken.
Miss Kirkland and I are
the only ones here now.
Excuse me.
[music playing]
Katya Davidova.
[door opens]
Dr. Viski?
[foot steps]
[light switch snaps off]
[music playing]
Hello?
Who's there?
Hello?
[suspenseful music playing]
Relax, it's just me.
Why are you sneaking up on me?
I'm not sneaking up.
I came in through a window.
I came up those stairs.
You've been creeping
around in there.
I haven't even had time
to get in there to creep.
[grunts]
My file.
Well, he's gone.
Now he knows as much
about Katya as I do.
JORDAN: Do you think
Gudrun hired him?
Makes sense.
She and Borodin knew
you'd be in there alone.
Maybe he was the one
on the train from Litka.
Yes, I could have sworn I saw
him on the platform in Milan.
I guess I owe you an apology.
I'm just glad
you're all right.
I don't want anything
to happen to you.
Did you get a chance to
examine the document?
Yes.
We're going to have
to work together here.
Time is of the essence.
Whoever attacked you knows
the name you're tracing.
If I'm going to help you,
I have to know it too.
Her name is Katya Davidova.
And the document was
a hospital admission
form dated December of 1920.
I also saw the
name Pyotr Davidov.
Pyotr, that's
Russian for Peter.
There was something else
beside his name in brackets,
the letters A-P-A.
NICK: That's Apa.
It's father.
Any idea where they were from?
St. Petersburg.
She was diagnosed with typhus.
Typhus.
Not much you could do
about that in 1920.
Oh she's one tough cookie.
I'll need to make arrangements
to go to St. Petersburg.
I think you'd be
wasting your time.
If Pyotr Davidov had fled
Russia after the revolution,
he wouldn't have gone back.
Then we'll need to
find out where he went,
and why he and Katya
were separated.
All right.
Well, you get some rest.
I'll pick you up in the morning.
OK.
- If Gudrun calls--
- Don't worry.
I'll be careful.
Good.
[music playing]
[piano music playing]
NATALIA ROSTOVA: I
don't remember anybody
by the name of Katya Davidov.
Of course, we had so
many friends back then.
Our home was always
alive with laughter.
I just thought Miss
Kirkland had found something
we could take advantage of.
And you don't remember
her either, Maria?
No.
No more than Natalia.
Are you sure that
is her right name.
I don't think Miss
Kirkland would lie to me.
Careful how much trust
you bestow on he, Nickolai.
Too much trust was the
downfall of your family.
I'm telling her as
little as possible.
For all we know, the woman
she's working for already
has the box.
Does Count Borodin
know about her?
Yes, Gudrun introduced them.
Oh, those two will
stop at nothing.
And if Borodin
finds the box first,
he will hide the proof that
it was his family that stole
Natalia's lands and title.
Her life would have been
so much easier if her title
had nothing stolen.
Her life would have
been nothing at all
without you, Maria.
Without you, none of us
would have been here.
How my mother
loved that music box.
And we'll find it again,
Grandma, and finally
prove your claim to his title.
NATALIA ROSTOVA: Borodin's
title is your, Nicolai.
It's yours whether the world
acknowledges me or not.
Daria, back to your class.
Yes, Maria.
Call me later, Nick.
MARIA: I will see you out.
Good bye.
MARIA: Sometimes I worry
that your grandmother is
slipping away into her dreams.
If we can find
that music box, it'll
give her a new lease on life.
Is-- uh--
Miss Kirkland, is
she really so close?
Like I said, it's the
best lead we've got.
And if we can find out who
this Pyotr Davidov is I
think we'll be very close.
I wish there was something
I could do to help.
You've got your hands
full with the charity ball.
Yes.
Are you coming?
Of course.
Why don't you bring
Miss Kirkland with you?
It would give the rest of
us a chance to meet her.
Maria, I don't
think Miss Kirkland
would be interested
in coming out with me.
You have finally met a woman
who is immune to your charms?
Well, I could give it a try.
From the way you
talk about her,
I don't think it would be
such a difficult chore.
She's useful only in our
search for the music box.
Nothing more.
All women are not
like Sophia, Nick.
This one perhaps you
should get closer to, hm?
What happened to
Peter Davidov after he
took me to the hospital?
That's what we're
trying to find out.
We?
Nick Rostov and I. He's an
art expert I'm consulting.
Jordan.
Don't worry, Aunt Kitty, I
haven't told him about you.
He speaks fluent Hungarian.
So he can go through the
archives faster than I can.
I suppose I should
be very pleased you
may have identified my father.
Although without
the actual document,
the trail is a little
harder to pick up.
What do you mean
without the document?
It was stolen.
Stolen?
Jordan, I get the feeling you
are not telling me everything.
It's nothing.
The last time you told me
that you came home with Ramon.
That won't happen this time.
I promise.
I'll call you tomorrow.
Bye.
NICK: Well, so far
I found 20 Russians
named Pyotr Davidov, all of whom
have applied for citizenship
or paid taxes or
asked for an exit
visa, all in December 1920.
Well, how many
from St. Petersburg?
I don't know.
I'm still checking.
Like some more wine?
Sure.
Oh, sorry.
Thanks.
Mm.
It's my fault.
JORDAN: Thanks.
It's OK.
I'll do it.
I guess I better
get back to work.
Yeah, I guess.
Nick if you've got a child out
of the revolution, what would
make you leave her behind?
Nothing, I'd die
rather than abandon--
Have you looked for
death certificates?
No, no, but I'll
get right on that.
That's good.
Listen, can I ask you a favor?
What?
My godmother Maria
wants you to be our guest
at the ballet's charity ball.
And I'd like you
to accompany me.
I'm sorry.
I don't have any time.
Come on.
I know you're going
to enjoy yourself.
And if you meet my family, it
might make you feel a little
more comfortable about me.
Will your
grandmother be there?
Of course.
What's the story behind
her claim to the music box?
Well, my great
grandmother was a prima
ballerina, Olga Galinin.
She and the original
Count Borodin were lovers.
Really?
Mm, hm.
She bore him two
daughters out of wedlock.
They later got married
in a private ceremony
so his family
wouldn't interfere.
Why were they opposed
to the marriage?
Same old reasons.
They wanted to marry
for money, not love.
He died in the revolution.
But his family denied
my great grandmother
a claim to his estate,
even though she
had the music box as proof.
What do you mean proof?
Well, he inscribed it to
"Olga, my beloved wife."
What happened to her?
It's said that
she tried to use
the music box to buy
her way out of Russia,
but something went wrong.
Olga and Grandma Natalia's
little sister were killed.
Natalia made it out, but
the music box disappeared.
So the music box would
prove that your grandmother
is the rightful heir
to the Borodin name.
Right.
And wouldn't then that
title be yours one day?
Well, that's not
really important.
I just want to make sure
that Natalia is acknowledged
for who she really is.
Anyway, how about that ball?
Well, if I'm still
here then, well--
- It's tonight.
- What--
Yeah, it's for the tonight.
I don't have
time to get ready.
I need a gown.
And my hair, I--
Don't worry about that.
I know a great little
dress shop where you
can borrow something formal.
I know friends in
the fashion industry.
Great.
So, you'll pick a dress.
I'll do some research.
[music playing]
[chamber music playing]
Ladies I'd like you to meet
Jordan Kirkland from New York.
This is my godmother
Maria Rachmanova.
What a pleasure.
Hello.
My sister Daria.
Pleasure.
Hello
What an interesting necklace.
Oh, this was a
present from my aunt.
Where's Grandma Natalia?
Oh, she wasn't
feeling very well.
So I had to take her home.
She will be so
disappointed not to have
met your, Miss Kirkland.
Daria, why don't you take our
guest and show her around?
Yes.
Thank you.
Nicolai, I would like
a glass of champagne.
Of course.
You make a very
attractive couple.
She's just someone
I work with, Maria.
How is work going?
I'd be a lot happier if Gudrun
Kuper didn't keep showing up.
Her and Borodin have a lot
of contacts that I don't.
They might be able to convince
Jordan she doesn't need me.
Oh, Nicolai, you'll
think of something.
You always do.
These are members of
the famed Kusov ballet
who fled Russia
during the revolution.
This is my great grandmother,
Olga Galina, Natalia's mother,
and the ballet's
prima ballerina.
Nick told me about her.
She's quite beautiful.
And this is the Anatoli
Kusov, the group's maestro
and Maria's adored mentor.
He's very handsome.
And this is Maria in 1920.
She was the one who took care
of our grandmother Natalia
after the escape.
Miss Kirkland.
Good evening.
Would you care to dance?
Yes.
Daria, please.
Thank you.
Excuse us.
I didn't expect to see
you here this evening.
The Ballet Ball attracts
the cream of Budapest society,
even though it includes
the Rostov family.
Uh-- Nick is my
date this evening.
How sad.
Gudrun tells me she
has some information
about Katya Davidova for you.
You stop by our gallery
tomorrow morning.
Yes, I will.
Congratulations,
you charmed the Count.
Some men are easy to charm.
All men are susceptible
to a beautiful woman.
[music playing]
Smile, Nicky.
Damn it, Bertie, cut that out.
Don't go after the film, Nick.
There's a lot of other
photographers around here.
You wouldn't want that kind
of publicity, would you?
Bertie, come on.
Who's your new friend?
It's not important.
If it wasn't
important, you'd tell me.
Who was that?
That's Bertina Wax.
She's a newspaper photographer.
- Newspaper?
Don't worry, it's me
she's interested in.
Listen, I should
get you back inside.
[chamber music playing]
GUDRUN KUPER (IN THE
DISTANCE): Nothing
in the official adoption
files lists anyone
by the name of Katya Davidova.
Nothing in the private
church files either--
Gudrun?
GUDRUN KUPER (IN THE DISTANCE):
Even though they're incomplete.
Gudrun?
Gudrun, it's me.
GUDRUN KUPER (ON RECORDER):
There is, however,
an authorization to declare
four-year-old named Katya
Davidova a ward of the state.
Gudrun?
GUDRUN KUPER (ON RECORDER):
I'd love to talk to the Count
and see what he makes of it.
Nothing in the
official adoption files
lists anyone by the name
of the Katya Davidova.
[music playing]
I don't like people
telling me how to do my job.
Look, I'm tired of
arguing with you.
You hired me to do a
job, and I'm doing it.
I thought playing rough in
Milan would scare her off,
but she doesn't scare.
So now I'm doing it my way.
Look, I know what
it's going to take.
Good bye.
[music playing]
Excuse me, this is
yesterday's paper.
Do you have a copy of today's?
Right here.
Thank you.
New York City.
Nicky, what are you up to?
I told the police I had
an appointment to see her,
but when I got there--
Calling the police
was a little risky.
Well, I couldn't just
leave her like that.
Do they know when she died?
Sometime last night
when we were at the ball.
Well, good, does that
mean you've written
me off your list of suspects?
Please don't joke about this.
Why don't you just go
home let me handle this.
No, I made a promise.
So just tell your client--
Nick.
I owe her.
If Borodin and Gudrun were
behind the other attacks,
why was she killed?
I don't know.
Maybe she knew something
that even Borodin
couldn't afford her to know.
I found this on her desk
playing her research notes.
You took this?
I did--
I didn't want my client
dragged into this.
Listen.
GUDRUN KUPER (ON RECORDER):
There is, however,
an authorization to declare
four-year-old named Katya
Davidova ward of the state.
Her father couldn't
pay her medical bills.
Where are you going?
I've got to check
something out.
I want you to stay
here and lock the door.
Don't answer the phone.
I'll try to be back
as soon as possible.
[music playing]
[phone ringing]
Hello.
Hello.
I have a message
from Jordan Kirkland.
To whom am I speaking, please.
Kitty Ridgewood.
Kitty Ridgewood of
Ridgewood Cosmetics.
AUNT KITTY (AUNT PHONE): Yes.
And do you know
Jordan Kirkland?
My niece, yes.
Your niece?
Who is this?
Maxwell.
It's Bertie.
Did you guys develop the
film on the charity ball?
Good, because have I
got a story for you.
[knocking]
December 10, 1920, Pyotr
Davidov of St. Petersburg,
Russia, no dependents, requests
that the state of Hungary
grant an exit visa so
that he can go to Vienna
and seek employment.
How do you know
it's the right man?
Well there are no
death certificates,
but this guy leaves
the country right
after a young girl named Katya
becomes a ward of the state.
So he couldn't afford
to take care of his child.
[music playing]
Considering the conditions,
the typhoid epidemic, crush
of refugees, maybe
giving her up was better
than watching her starve.
The poor man.
Yeah.
[shutter snaps]
You know most visas require
an address in the host country.
[gun cocks]
Oh, look, Lieberman Violins,
218 Dibenstrasse, Vienna.
I'll book us a flight.
Nick, do you think there's any
chance this man is still alive?
[gun shots]
[glass shatters]
Stay down.
[shutter snaps]
[gun shots]
All I wait here
NICK (ON VOICEMAIL):
Hi, this is Nick Rostov.
Leave me a message and I'll go
back to you as soon as I can.
Nick, it's Bertie.
I don't know what the
hell you're involved in.
But call me.
[knocking]
Who is it?
It's me, Nick.
Open up.
Hi.
Whoever it is is long gone.
You OK?
Oh, yeah, I'm having a
great European vacation,
stumbling over dead bodies
and not knowing who to trust,
and getting shot at and mugged--
Don't be afraid.
I'm right here.
And believe me, I'm scared
enough for both of us.
You know, for a while
there tonight, I thought--
well, anyway, I realized
that treasures and titles
are meaningless unless you have
somebody to share them with.
And I don't want to
lose you, Jordan.
[music playing]
I won't let anything
happen to you.
[music playing]
I want to stay here
the rest of my life.
So why can't we?
Well, well we have
to go to Vienna.
I think I know a way we can
do that without being followed.
These tour boats
leave every morning.
Some do day trips
along the river.
Some go on to Vienna.
But if we didn't take any
luggage, no one would suspect.
We We could change boats to
make sure we're not followed.
NICK: Just press the button
and I'll hear the messages.
DARIA (OVER THE PHONE): OK.
Here goes.
MARIA (ON ANSWERING
MACHINE): Hello, Nick.
It's Maria.
Just calling to see
how you are doing.
[beep]
BERTIE (ON ANSWERING
MACHINE): Nick, it's Bertie.
I don't know what the
hell you're involved in,
but call me.
[beep]
Sounds like that's it.
NICK (OVER THE PHONE):
All right, thanks, Daria.
Tell Maria I'll call
her from Vienna.
And I'll take care
of Bertie myself.
Good luck.
Bye.
Bertie Wax called?
Yeah, I told her I'd
buy the film of us.
It sounds like she's
willing to deal.
Come on.
[music playing]
Why don't you wait
here and hold the cab?
I'd rather deal with
Bertie on my own.
OK.
[suspenseful music playing]
NICK: Oh, god, Bertie.
Did you get the film?
Don't worry, she
won't be selling it.
[music playing]
JORDAN: I'm sorry I
haven't called before.
But this is the first but we've
been on that's had a phone.
Well, you've had
me worried sick.
I hope this guy is worth
it, because your Aunt Kitty
is frantic to talk to you.
She's been calling you?
MOLLY (OVER THE PHONE): Yes,
she wouldn't tell me anything,
but she seemed really worried.
Well, we'll be in
Vienna in an hour.
I'll call her then.
OK.
And please, be careful.
I'll be fine.
Bye
Oh, excuse me,
have you seen the man
at my table, Mr. Rostov?
I just saw him
at the newsstand.
Thank you.
[music playing]
Well.
Oh, there you are.
I booked us reservations
at the Hotel Ursula.
Perhaps you'd like
to explain this.
It says here that the
photographer who took
these pictures was murdered.
Her body was found by
an anonymous caller
the same day that
we left Budapest.
Jordan, let me explain.
And which lie would
you like to start with?
It also says here that she
was killed the same way
that Gudrin and Antonelli were.
His body was also found by
another anonymous caller
who didn't stick around to
talk to the police either.
Antonelli was
a friend of mine.
And you know I was with you
the night Bertie was killed.
Why didn't you tell me?
My client's identity
has been revealed.
She's livid.
The same story is
all over the states.
You lied to me.
How do I know
you've been telling
me the truth about any of this?
You've just been using me.
What did you want
me to do, Jordan?
We needed our secrecy.
[music playing]
Guten Morgen, Fraulein.
Hello, I have an appointment
with Sonya Lieberman.
Oh, Miss Kirkland?
Yes.
Oh, I've been expecting you.
Nice to meet you.
- Nice to meet you.
- Hello.
Why don't you come this way?
Thank you.
Pyotr Davidov was a
poor Russian emigre,
just like my grandfather.
That's him.
He became a very good
craftsman and for a while
he lived with us.
Did he ever mention a
little girl named Katya?
Oh, yes, many times.
As a child I
reminded him of her.
She fell ill with
typhus in Hungary.
He had no money to
pay her medical bills.
So he had to give her up.
It must have been very hard
for him to leave his own child.
Katya wasn't his daughter.
In fact, that was just a name
he gave her to smuggle her out.
She was just a child he
helped get out of Russia.
Really?
Yes.
You know what?
My father stored some of Pyotr's
things away after he died.
They are downstairs.
Why don't we go and have a look.
Great.
[music playing]
I'm just as bad as my mother
at throwing things away.
What does this say?
Uh-- to my most loyal
servant, signed Anatoli Kusov.
Thank you, so much, Sonya.
You've been a great help.
Thank you.
Bye bye.
Hotel Ursula, bitte.
[music playing]
Hey, are you American?
Yes.
You know, I'm
learning English.
You are a beautiful,
very beautiful lady.
I pronounce good?
Yes, yes, you do.
[suspenseful music playing]
A car's been falling us
since we left the store.
Oh, you want me to lose him?
No.
Just make a couple of quick
turns but don't signal.
OK.
[tires screeching]
[music playing]
Uh-- can you pull over please?
Yeah.
And wait until I go into the
store before you go, please.
JORDAN: Call the police and tell
them that the man in his car
is carrying an illegal firearm.
OK.
JORDAN: Thanks.
Oh, thanks.
[music playing]
[car sirens blaring]
Wait, please stop.
[grunts]
Hey.
Hey.
Damn.
[music playing]
[grunting]
You OK?
[distant sirens]
[music playing]
How did you find me?
I was standing in
the lobby, and I heard
all the car alarms go off.
I went outside and--
Thank you.
Listen, I'm sorry
about the papers.
My ex-wife Sophia
was an actress and--
more jet setting party girl
than an actress really.
Tabloids used to
follow us everywhere.
Why are they
still following you?
Because my grandmother's
claim on Count Borodin.
It keeps us in all the papers.
I'm sorry about not
talking to the police.
If you want me to call
them right now, I will.
You want me to go?
No.
[music playing]
If Pyotr Davidov
was Kusov's servant,
it's conceivable he smuggled
the music box out of Russia.
[knocking]
Well, but from the way
Sonya Lieberman described him,
I think he would have
sold the box to pay
for Katya's medical bills.
Let's go over what
we have so far.
All right, my
great-grandmother
marries Count Borodin, the
owner of the music box.
He dies.
There's a revolution.
My grandmother, Natalia,
and the music box
are smuggled out of Russia.
The music box disappears.
Back in Russia, my
great-grandmother and
my grandmother's sister die.
But the music box turns up in
a photograph owned by an orphan
who was smuggled
out of by Kusov's
loyal servant, Pyotr Davidov.
What's this.
It's from the photo lab.
The photographer used an acid
bath to date the photo to 1916.
Well, my Aunt Kitty
was born about 1916.
So she can't be the little
girl in the photograph.
NICK: I think it's about
time we talk to someone who
can tell us who she really is.
Mother woke us that morning
and dressed us herself.
She said we had to be
very brave little girls
Papa would be proud of.
We tried very hard.
But then she said, we
had to go without her.
Little Alexandra, my
sister, started to wail.
My mother relented and
let her stay behind.
Who took you
across the border?
NATALIA ROSTOVA: Oh, Maria.
I wouldn't have
lived without her.
Oh, we were all sick with
fever, cold, and hungry.
And then one morning I
woke, the fever had gone.
Maria had led us to freedom.
What about the music box?
I was so young.
I didn't know what
had happened to it.
Later, word came that
Alexandra and Olga had died.
This was when Maria became
Natalia's new mother.
Grandmother
Natalia, do you know
the little girl in this photo?
Oh, where did you find this?
It belongs to the woman whose
family I'm trying to find.
NATALIA ROSTOVA: It's me.
I gave this to young Alexandra
so she wouldn't forget me
until we were reunited.
Bye.
Bye.
This is incredible.
My Aunt Kitty might
be your great aunt.
How closely would
we be related?
Well, technically,
we'd be fourth cousins.
Oh, well, that's a relief.
Good day, Miss Kirkland.
Count Borodin.
I've been reading
the tabloids.
You've heard my rival's
side of the story.
I thought you might
like to hear mine.
Over lunch?
She doesn't need to.
It would be a pleasure, Count.
Good.
I'll expect you at 1:00.
I can't let you go
through with this .
That man is the only one who's
known every move we've made.
Well, if you're
so concerned, you'll
just have to come with me.
JORDAN: Aunt Kitty's
mystery is solved.
But now we have to find
the box to prove it.
[music playing]
Miss Kirkland.
Hello.
Thank you for escorting
my guest, Mr. Rostov.
Frederick will take care of you.
Uh-- excuse me, I'd
like Mr. Rostov to witness
anything we have to discuss.
As you wish.
Please, take a seat.
Now, where shall we begin?
Why don't you describe how
you smeared my grandmother's
name all these years?
After the revolution,
Western Europe
was overrun with impostors
claiming to be dukes, counts,
even lost children of the czar.
And almost all of
them turned out to be
frauds or fortune hunters.
Yes.
And those of us with
legitimate bloodlines
had our reputations
tarnished with the rest.
It has been a long
struggle back.
You're not the only
one who had to struggle.
Nick.
Count Borodin,
there's been a man
who's been trying to kill me.
He didn't have anything to
do with Gudrin's death, did he?
Oh, and you don't know.
JORDAN: Only the three of us
are looking for the music box.
Nick, thinks you killed Gudrin
to hide something she found.
But she didn't have enough
pieces of the puzzle.
What are you trying to say?
I think there's
someone else involved
in the hunt, someone who knows
more about this than all of us
put together.
Is anyone else after
your fortune, Count?
Only Natalia Rostova.
She's not interested
in your money.
She's just trying
to prove who she is.
If the title's her, it's hers.
But to be honest, calling
yourself a count these days
is a little gauche.
Then I was right.
This is about something else.
Thank you.
[music playing]
Nick, I'm going to need to
talk to your grandmother again.
I mean, there's something
that's just not right.
Hang on a second.
JORDAN: What is it?
It's a bomb.
What?
Nick.
[music playing]
Nick, look out.
[gun shot]
[music playing]
You saved my life.
Actually, I think I've
just saved both your lives.
All we have to do now is
figure out who hired this man.
And hope he doesn't
hire somebody else.
Who exactly is it that's
trying to prevent Nick or I
getting a hold of this box.
Kusov smuggles out his ballet
company, everyone but Olga.
The box was to pay her way out.
But he was brokenhearted
when she was killed.
He probably would have
given up the ballet if--
What?
If he hadn't found
someone else to rely upon.
Who?
The same one that's
been relying on me.
Come on.
JORDAN: With the
hired killer dead,
you'd think the search
would go much faster now.
Police have a strong
lead on who hired him.
Well, the important thing
is that you are both OK.
Alexandra is arriving
tomorrow, you say.
Yes, except she calls
herself Kitty now.
I am so glad that
Natalia's sister is alive.
Aunt Kitty really
wants to meet you.
Nick told her what
an important role you
played in her family history.
We'll see you tomorrow.
Oh, yes.
Bye.
[music playing]
Oh.
Give me the case, Maria.
Olga trusted you to sell
the music box and help her
out of Russia, but you didn't.
Nicolai, how
dare you accuse me.
And you know why you didn't?
Because of your own ambition.
No, give that to me.
[music playing]
I never meant Olga any harm.
I only wanted her
to stay in Russia.
Kusov never saw anyone
else's dancing, but hers.
I only wanted to show
him what I could do.
NICK: You knew that
Pyotr Davidov was trying
to get Alexandra out of Russia.
But when he asked for
your help you refused.
And what servant
would dare argue?
He had no one to tell
and no one to turn to,
so you assumed he was safe.
NICK: Until you
saw the photograph.
When I discovered that
Alexandra was alive,
I was afraid it might have
been Davidov who raised her.
And that she wouldn't know.
I tried to get Alexandra
out of the hospital.
But I was too late.
She was gone.
I never meant to the children.
NICK: Oh, no, no, you
just wanted to keep
them away from their mother.
And how about that guy you
hired to kill everybody that
could lead us to the truth?
No.
I only wanted to scare you.
He said he had to go further.
I never meant to harm anyone.
But I couldn't let
you find me out.
You were all my family,
a family that I maintained.
I caused it to happen and kept
it going for three generations.
I didn't want to lose you.
I don't know what
to say to you, Jordan.
I ask you to conduct a
discreet investigation.
The next thing I know, my name--
Aunt Kitty, you can berate
me all you want in a minute.
But for now, not another word.
[music playing]
Nick, this is Kitty Ridgewood.
Aunt Kitty, this
is Nicholas Rostov.
Hi.
How do you do?
Is he the reason I'm here?
Please, come in.
Welcome home, Alexandra.
Your real name is
Alexandra Borodin.
This is your older
sister Natalia.
JORDAN: 15th Countess
Borodin, fourth in line
to the throne of Russia.
After all these years,
I thought you were dead.
I didn't dare tell
myself that you existed.
We wanted you to be here when
we turned over the final proof.
But that's just like--
The one you wore as a child.
I didn't know what it was for.
It was just that it was the
last gift Mother gave me.
To Olga, my beloved wife.
Well, Countess Borodin, looks
like we finally got your proof.
And you have your
family, Aunt Kitty.
Considering all the
pain Maria had caused her,
your grandmother doesn't
seem very bitter.
I think seeing her sister
after all those years
erased all that's gone before.
Yeah, well, I've reunited
family members before,
but it never made me so happy
as it did this afternoon.
Because it's our family.
That's what makes it so special.
Our family.
It sounds so strange.
I think it has
a nice ring to it.
It's going to be hard
leaving this all behind.
Then don't.
Why don't you stay here?
I love you, Jordan.
I don't ever want
you to go away.
I don't know if I could get
used to calling you a count.
Well I have a great
solution for that.
Just marry me and
call me your husband.
[music playing]
[fireworks exploding]
[music playing]