Escape Me Never (1947) - full transcript

It is Venice, 1900, and Fenella is engaged to composer Caryl Dubrok until she hears that an unmarried woman named Gemma and child is staying with a composer named Dubrok. So the engagement is off and so is she for the mountains. There she meets and is intrigued by Sebastian, but she does not know that he is the composer that Gemma is staying with. When she learns about him, Gemma demands that she choose but Fenella cannot so Gemma and Sebastian leave to be married. They go to England to write his Ballet and Caryl and Fenella are re-engaged. But Fenella still loves the fun-loving Sebastian.

And here we are,

ladies and gentlemen,

in 1900, standing on

the very spot

where Desdemona first met

Othello many centuries ago.

Venice, queen of the Adriatic.

Venice, the city of silence.

That cannon,

ladies and gentlemen,

is fired off every day

to indicate the noon hour.

Every day in Venice at noon,

you hear, boom.

In Venice, there are 177 canals

measuring 28 miles,

and there are 156 bridges

connecting 114 islands.

And there is the great

Church of St. Mark.

The Church of St. Mark

was begun in 830,

but was not finished

until the 15th century.

There are more than

500 marble columns

in the Church of St. Mark.

The mosaic work covers an area

of 45,970 square feet,

and the interior is completely

produced and decorated...

- Are you finished, Caryl?

- Yes. Until 7:00.

You're a darling

to have waited so long.

I didn't mind.

You know, you must be made

of strawberry ices.

Oh, did you ask Ilanti

for an increase in salary?

Yes. And he said no.

Then you shouldn't

be working here.

Darling, you're a genius.

Oh, please don't say that,

Fenella.

I'm not a genius.

If you persist in thinking I am,

you're going to be

terribly disappointed.

Photographs of the big

fair and party, friends,

celebrating the opening

of the 20th century.

- Photograph?

- No, thank you.

I've got an idea.

Why don't you give a concert

of your own in a hall?

That's what I want to do,

but that takes money.

Don't you know some rich

person who'd sponsor you?

Even if I did, he mightn't

consider me a good investment.

Oh, silly, you'd be

a wonderful investment.

Caryl Dubrok, the son of the

great composer, Alfred Dubrok.

Why, any sensible sponsor

would jump at the chance.

Grazie Mille.

I know.

Professor Heinrich.

- Professor Heinrich?

- Of course.

Why didn't we think

of him before?

Professor Heinrich

is not only your friend.

He was your father's as well.

I'll ask him to arrange

a concert for you.

- He's at home now.

- No, I'm sure

he wouldn't consider me

talented enough to bother with.

He'd be embarrassed,

and so would I.

Very well, if you want

to be stubborn.

I'm not stubborn, Fenella.

It's simply a case of...

Then there's only one thing

left for us to do,

and that is to get married.

- Married?

- Of course.

Papa and Mama

know we're in love.

And our marriage

would solve everything.

- How?

- Don't be silly.

The MacLean money

and the Dubrok genius.

No. No, Fenella.

- Caryl?

- What, darling?

Don't you want us to be married?

You know I do, Fenella,

more than anything in the world.

That's why I'm saving my money.

In a year's time,

I'll have saved enough

to give a concert in Milan.

Then if I'm a success, we...

look here, though, I shan't

be able to save anything

if we always ride in gondolas.

I mean, wouldn't we get to your

house sooner if we walked?

The canal is so roundabout.

I don't wanna get home

sooner, as you put it.

This is Wednesday, you know.

- Wednesday?

- Yes.

That's why I don't

wanna go home early.

I don't understand.

Well, I, Fenella MacLean,

am at present residing

in the Neroni Palace in Venice,

which is a famous city of Italy.

All of Venice is famous,

and the Neroni Palace

is especially famous.

It's very old and smelly.

It contains on the lower floor

priceless paintings

and frescoes.

The MacLeans occupy quarters

on the second floor.

And on Wednesdays,

the public is admitted

to the art treasures

of the palace.

Little barbarians.

Giggling females.

Good afternoon, Herr Heinrich.

Good afternoon.

My dear.

This schoolgirl visitation

gets worse every week.

The place is fairly swarming

with the little wretches.

But it does give the palace

a certain atmosphere.

You must admit that, Ivor.

I don't want atmosphere.

I want peace.

Here, darling, drink your tea.

And your rehearsals,

Herr Heinrich,

are they going well?

Rather well, yes.

But I miss my own orchestra.

It will be a relief

to get back to London.

Let me go!

Let me go!

Let me go, or I'll crack

your shins for you.

Let me go!

Giuseppe, who is that

young person?

It's a thief, Signor MacLean.

We found her

in the Signorina's bedroom.

A thief, huh? Bring her in.

Don't. Let me alone.

Let me alone.

Giuseppe, you may

wait outside.

Oh, stop her.

She'll jump in the canal.

Yes, I will if you

don't let me alone,

you ninnies.

Why all the fuss?

I'm no thief.

Then what were you doing

in my daughter's room?

Oh, was it your daughter's?

She has a lot of clothes,

hasn't she?

Well?

I was hiding.

Hiding? From whom?

The schoolgirls.

Then the teachers

began to call roll,

and I had to skip.

You see, I'm not a schoolgirl.

But why did you

join them at all?

To get something to eat.

- To eat?

- Yes.

You see, it's this way.

These school groups

visit the museums

and stuffy old places like this,

then afterward,

they go to a shop for tea,

and then I go along

and eat with them

if they don't find me out first.

It's a good arrangement.

Works out very well, generally.

But you mean you've done this

sort of thing before?

I do it all the time.

But that's stealing.

A-ha.

Someone has been cheating

at solitaire.

There's a red eight on

a red nine.

Cheating a bit at solitaire is

quite different from stealing,

my girl.

- Yes, it is.

You have no need to cheat

at cards.

But sometimes,

I do have to steal food.

Oh, hello.

So, your present costume

was merely put on

for the occasion, right?

You are a clever

old verwandte, aren't you?

What does she mean, verwandte?

It's difficult to translate,

fortunately.

Young woman,

I shall call the police

unless you confine

yourself to English,

and sensible English at that.

If you call the police,

I shall tell them

you cheat at solitaire.

Now, then, what is your name?

Gemma.

Gemma what?

Gemma Smith.

You don't like Smith?

Then my name is

Gemma Porloniovsky.

However, it's really Smith.

But you're English.

I was born of an English father

and a Hungarian mother

on a Dutch ship

on the high seas.

But as soon as we made port,

they put my father in prison.

For fathering you?

No, for killing a man.

- What?

- Yes.

And later on, my mother

committed suicide.

And then?

Oh, nothing much.

Grew up with relatives

of my mother.

Decided I didn't care

for them and ran away.

But how did you get to Venice?

On a wine cart from Padua,

but the driver

wasn't a nice man.

And as soon as we came to the edge

of the city, he kicked me off.

And in Venice, what did you do?

I went to a hospital, free one.

Oh, were you ill?

No. No, I felt fine.

But I was having a baby.

Perhaps you would like me

to tell you about it, huh?

Thank you.

We shan't go into that.

Oh, but the baby is wonderful.

I call him Piccolo

because he is so little.

This, uh, child,

did it have a father?

What do you think?

Certainly, it did.

The father was my husband

for a while.

He is dead now.

Oh, dear.

Yes.

Well, that's about all,

Venice, a baby,

me discharged from the hospital

with no strength in my bones

and no money in my stocking.

But it all came out all right.

I'm like a cat.

I always land on my feet.

You know, inside of a day,

I fainted in the street,

and there my friend found me.

The baby and I are staying

with him for the moment.

And this friend

of yours, is he...

Oh, no, no.

He has no money either.

That's why I go about with the

schools, to get food for us.

This so-called friend,

who is he?

Young musician.

His name is Dubrok.

Oh.

Yes, he's the son

of Albert Dubrok, the composer.

A famous father, but the son,

well, a much smaller

bush if you ask me.

- However, he might...

- You may go.

You mean it?

I do, indeed.

Please go at once.

Oh, all right.

Arrivederci.

Thank heavens Fenella

wasn't here.

By the way, where is she?

She... she's out

with Mr. Dubrok.

Oh, hello, everybody.

I have news for you.

Oh, I'm so glad you're here,

Professor Heinrich.

- Oh, darling.

- Mama.

- Papa.

- Fenella, listen to me.

No, you listen to me, Papa.

I have a wonderful surprise,

and it won't keep.

I'm going to marry Caryl Dubrok.

Great Scott.

What did you say?

She said she's going to marry

Caryl Dubrok.

Oh, no, darling.

You couldn't possibly.

The fellow's a scoundrel.

We're leaving Venice at once.

It's just as well.

One can't trust it.

You know, the whole idea of catching

a train in a boat is ridiculous.

I can't get used to it.

Fenella, I...

what's happening?

Are your parents going away?

- Yes. And I'm going with them.

- You're what?

Fenella, come along.

I can't marry you, Caryl.

But why not?

Because of Gemma.

Gemma?

Gemma?

But who is Gemma?

Ask Professor Heinrich.

Fenella, please wait a moment.

I... really,

I don't know any Gemma.

I've never even heard

of such a person.

You've got to believe me.

Fenella.

Look, Professor,

I don't know any Gemma.

I've never even heard

of such a person.

You've got to believe me.

I do.

The trouble is the MacLeans

prefer to believe Gemma.

That's why they are taking their

daughter out to the Dolomites.

The parents would have objected

to you in any case.

They don't like musicians.

Musicians are not practical.

They don't make money.

But Fenella doesn't

care about money.

Rich people

are always saying that,

but they don't really mean it.

Which way, Signore?

- Diritto.

- Diritto? Bene.

Listen.

Oh, it's an original tune

and rather diverting.

Why, that's one

of my father's things,

and that concertina's mine.

It is your concertina?

Yes, I loaned it to Sebastian

in Milan last year.

Don't you see? That must

be my brother Sebastian

playing the concertina up there.

Gondolier, stop.

The music's coming

from that upper window,

the one with the white rags

hanging out over the ledge.

Your so-called white rags

are baby napkins,

my young friend.

What do you mean?

They're Gemma's.

Gemma, huh?

Piccolo, there is positively

no boy soprano part

in this composition, so shut up.

Thank you.

I knew it.

- Oh, hello.

- Look here, Sebastian...

I'm glad you dropped in. There's

something I want you to hear.

- I've got something I want you to hear.

- Listen.

You've upset my applecart

again, haven't you?

Have I?

It must be

a very poorly balanced

applecart to upset so easily.

Besides, how could I?

I haven't seen you since Milan.

Do you know a girl named Gemma?

Gemma, also her brat.

He's a cute little fella, isn't he?

Mm-hmm.

Oh, no, thanks.

I create music. It's Gemma's.

Would you be so kind as

to explain who Gemma is?

Certainly. I found

her wandering around

in the streets one day, sort of

starving and so on, you know,

so I thought the only

humane thing to do

was to take her in, so I did.

Very noble of you.

It certainly was, considering

the state of my finances.

Um, by the way...

Not a lira.

Loaning you money is like

feeding straws to a fire.

What's that you're whistling?

It's a little song I'm writing.

Gemma has got

a pretty nice voice.

I thought she might

sing it someday.

Here, take a look.

"Escape Me Never".

Mm-hmm. Words by Browning,

with slight additions

by Sebastian Dubrok.

♪ Escape me never

my beloved... ♪

♪ While I am I... ♪

♪ ...And you are you ♪

Of course, I'm not

letting Gemma know

she's got voice

enough to sing it.

You know how women are. Once they

begin to think they're important,

they get absolutely out of hand.

Oh, from what

I've heard of Gemma,

she's already out of hand.

Why? Do you know her?

No. But she forced her way

into the Neroni Palace

yesterday,

and the palace happens to be in the

residence of some friends of mine,

Mr. and Mrs. MacLean,

and Miss MacLean.

And your precious Gemma

told them she was living

with a musician named Dubrok.

So, naturally,

they assumed it was me.

They... oh...

they thought I...

Oh...

Oh, shut up.

Oh, that's very funny.

Hey, Gemma.

Signore.

Oh, is your name Gemma? If it is,

you've put on a bit of weight.

Gemma.

Yeah?

Huh?

Come on up.

Something's happened.

Come on up quick.

I'll be there in a minute.

All right, everybody

to the fountain.

I'm in a hurry. Come on.

You must go now, Signorina.

Maybe someday,

you will not have to go.

That would be nice.

All of us here

feel the same way.

I know, I'm older

than you and I'm fat,

but perhaps,

there's other things.

If you were my wife,

you will have all

the bread you want to eat

and love and five little ones.

You think five is too many?

Ah, but everybody

must have at least

five to be happy.

You marry me and you

get five all at once

without no trouble, huh?

Oh, Signorina, if you could...

Dino, we talk about

it later, huh?

Antonino.

Up.

Ah, thank you, Antonino.

Thank you.

Piccolo.

He's all right.

Nothing wrong with him.

Gemma, hey.

- Hmm?

- Behold my brother, Caryl.

Oh, the fool of the family, huh?

Ah, but he's in trouble.

You remember that palazzo you

went barging into yesterday?

Mm-hmm. What about it?

The family are friends

of Caryl's.

Ahem, especially the daughter.

You have no right to laugh at Fenella.

You've never even seen her.

Nevertheless, I know exactly

what she's like.

She's the kind that is

always taking cold baths.

And she's frightfully

keen on croquet,

you know, and the only perfume

she ever uses is cologne water.

Why don't you be quiet?

But she has nice gloves,

just my size.

You stole those gloves

from Fenella.

Of course.

And what if I did?

- Give them to me.

- No. You try and get them.

No.

You know... I like you.

Well, I don't like you.

How Sebastian can stand having you

around, I can't, for the life of me see.

I am going.

Wait.

Is she really your sweetheart?

She was until you spoiled it.

Aw.

I'm sorry.

I had no idea you were

more than friends with her.

I shouldn't have laughed

a moment ago.

Why don't you just

go to this Fenella

and knock some sense into her?

Being a woman, she'll

love you all the more.

She's gone.

- Left Venice, you mean?

- Yes.

But where did she go?

- To the Dolomites.

- Well, what will you do?

I'm gonna find her and tell her

about you and Sebastian.

Bravo. That's the stuff,

and I'll go with you.

Oh, no, you won't.

Well, you better not go alone.

I know women.

She'll never believe you.

You need a witness.

The Dolomites, yes.

We'll take my concertina

and set out immediately.

We'll cross valleys,

climb mountains,

sing for our supper in every

swank hotel until you find her.

What do you say?

- But it's not the way to do it.

It's not dignified.

Digni...

Oh! If she had wanted

someone dignified,

she could have had her

pick of them at home.

But, no, she took you

because you are the opposite

sort of person

her parents would have

chosen for her.

Besides, think how

pleased she'll be

to have you come after her.

That's what

a woman really wants,

to be needed, pursued,

made to feel that she's...

Oh, what do you know about it?

I need a holiday,

and the Dolomites

are just the place for it.

So, stop grumbling.

It's all settled.

Very well. Come along

if you've got the money

for your train fare.

Train fare? What do we need

train fare for?

We're going a piedi,

on foot, shanks' mare.

What's the matter with you?

Can't you walk?

Are you a cripple?

- All right.

- Good.

Oh, yes, it'll be wonderful.

We'll eat wild strawberries

with our lunch

and sit under the pine

trees when we are tired

and pick edelweiss

and alpenrosen and...

But you're not coming.

Well, what I mean is

somebody's got to stay here

and take care of Piccolo.

Hmm?

After all, this jaunt of ours

might be nothing but...

well, a wild goose chase.

Be kind of hard on a baby.

Don't you think?

Caryl, what time is it?

Oh, that's the watch Father

gave you, isn't it?

Yes.

Mm-hmm. Gold, too, eh?

Oh, no, you don't.

It's the last valuable thing I

own, and I won't part with it.

What? Do you mean to tell me

that you'd allow

a miserable gold watch

to stand between

you and Fenella?

Come on, we're gonna need

a little denaro, aren't we?

I'll pawn it first thing

in the morning.

And in return, I shall bring

you together with Fenella.

You shall be wed and go to live

in a little

green-shuttered house.

Of course, there's a hitch.

You'll have to make

a living for her.

I'll expect to.

Don't worry.

She'll expect you to.

Every morning

you leave that little house,

you'll have an attaché

case full of contracts

and music, and Fenella

will be upstairs

waving goodbye to you.

And then after

you have children...

Oh, stow it.

How do you know so much

about my future?

Because I know your past.

But it'll be a pretty

good life for you.

Why wouldn't it be a good

one for you, as well?

My dear Gemma, Caryl

is the nice, dependable sort,

solid from tip to toe.

I only wish I were like him.

Hmm, I'll bet you do.

But I never shall be.

I'm what the lady poets

call a free spirit.

Meaning a selfish pig,

about everything but your music.

Uh-huh. Ah, but

honest about it.

Don't you think?

Funny little codger, isn't she?

Goodbye, Gemma.

My little Piccolo,

my pupazzetto,

I still have you, haven't I?

For a while, I have.

But in a few years,

you'll grow up to be

a big, strong, handsome man,

who makes some woman

very unhappy.

Oh, so sweet.

You'll make her happy

at first, no doubt,

but in the end,

it'll be the same story.

Yes, it will.

Oh, it's all right, yes.

It's all right, Piccolo.

Yes, it's all right, my Piccolo.

I thought Piccolo oughta have

a feather to wake up with.

He gets a lot of fun out of it.

I suppose you don't like

being left behind.

I don't mind at all.

You shouldn't.

You'll be all right

here, won't you?

Perfectly.

But Dino has asked me

to marry him.

I think I'll do it.

You'll what?

Marry Dino.

What for?

Well, it would be

a very good arrangement.

I could take care

of his children,

and he could take care

of Piccolo and me.

Why, that's absolute nonsense.

I never heard anything

so ridiculous.

You ought to be pleased

to get rid of me.

Maybe I should, at that.

Very well. Then there's

nothing further to discuss.

You'll go your way,

and I'll go mine.

And we shall both be free

as we were before,

and Dino will be kind to me,

much kinder than

you've ever been.

Oh, so, he's been

kind to you, has he?

Why, that fat bread peddler.

I suppose the next thing

you'll be telling me,

he calls you his carissima.

I can hear him now,

"Ah, Signorina, I love you."

Shut your mouth.

I don't understand

your wretched Italian.

You don't?

Then I'll translate it.

"Without you, my love,

without you on my arm,

I cannot live."

Come to think of it,

you don't sing as much

through your nose

as you used to.

You might be useful.

Caryl can play the concertina,

and you and I can

do the singing.

But what would I do

with Piccolo?

Put him in an orphanage.

He's not an orphan.

Well, all right.

I can live with it.

Take him along.

The mountain air

will be good for him.

Good for you, too.

Wouldn't it?

All right.

Then it's settled.

Piccolo, Piccolo,

we are going with him, yes.

Behold, the Dolomites.

A region named for the famous

French geologist Dolomieu.

Because it was he who made

them known to the world.

I wish he'd made

them less steep.

Ha-ha.

How much farther is it

to Orzano?

Oh, about a kilometer.

Orzano tonight,

tomorrow night, Martino.

She may have left Martino.

No, Heinrich's letter said

they'd be there until Wednesday.

They might have

changed their plans.

Oh, here.

You carry Piccolo for a while.

That'll give you something

to worry about.

Great Scott, Piccolo, you're

getting heavier every day.

Naturally.

Hey, look, Sebastian, edelweiss.

Isn't it beautiful?

Mm-hmm.

She loves me.

She loves me not.

No, don't. You'll ruin it.

Oh.

Oh, come on.

You're wasting time.

We're not wasting time.

We're enjoying ourselves.

Don't tease him. He's unhappy

without his Fenella.

Well, just because he's unhappy,

he wants everybody

else to be unhappy.

Come along, Monsieur Le Duc.

We have to find

Caryl's lady love.

Then he won't be so cross.

Come on.

♪ Come, follow,

follow, follow ♪

♪ Follow, follow, follow me ♪

♪ Come, follow, follow, follow ♪

♪ Follow, follow, follow me ♪

♪ Come, follow, follow, follow ♪

♪ Come, follow, follow me ♪

♪ Come, follow, follow, follow ♪

♪ Follow, follow, follow me ♪

♪ Come, follow, follow, follow ♪

♪ Follow, follow, follow me ♪

Oh, Sebastian, I think

we better find another way.

Why? Afraid of getting

your feet wet? Go on.

Wait until I take my shoes off.

You know, I think

it might be deep.

Well, you go first, then if you

sink, we'll know it is.

Come on, come on.

Come on, Monsieur Le Duc.

Shove, Caryl.

Pull.

Piccolo, Piccolo.

What are you trying to do,

drown my baby?

Piccolo, oh, Piccolo.

I'm sorry, Caryl.

Does it hurt very much?

I can walk.

It can't be very far now.

I wonder if you could tell us,

how far is it to Orzano, please?

Just a few kilometers.

You'll see it around the turn.

Uh-huh. And what about

lodgings, cheap ones?

Oh, there's an inn there that's

very cheap and also very good.

Just this side of the hotel,

Zumkefeldzen, it's called.

Well, that's very kind

of you, indeed.

And may I say that if all

the natives of the Dolomites

are as charming as you, our

travels will be most pleasant?

Oh, for heaven's sake,

Sebastian.

Auf wiedersehen.

Auf wiedersehen.

Auf wiedersehen.

There it is, big as life

and twice as wonderful.

Hey, Caryl, take this

to the landlady

and ask her to fill it

with warm milk, huh?

All right.

Oh, don't take

that off, Sebastian.

It's his good luck charm.

- This?

- Mm-hmm.

Hey, be careful.

That's valuable.

Valuable?

Yes.

It's a composition, my father's.

Signed by his own hand.

Look. I could sell this

for a barrelful of money.

Well then, why don't you?

No, I'm keeping it

for something to shoot at.

Ah, he was a master

of melody, the old man.

- You do better than that.

- Hmm?

You're a master of everything,

but nothing ever masters you.

Miss, uh, madam, I think

it's just warm enough.

Danke schon, Frau Huber.

Take care of your knee

in a moment, Caryl.

Piccolo, look.

Hmm, pretty good...

for the price.

Sebastian, better

get over to the hotel

and see if they'll let us

sing tonight, huh?

All right. Wait until

I make myself seductive.

Hmm, you must expect

the manager to be a woman.

No, but he'll probably

have a wife.

See if the hotel orchestra

will help us out.

It'll make a better concert.

That way, we can expect

a fee from the manager

on top of what we collect

from the guests.

- Will you remember?

- Mm-hmm.

You know, you two are lucky

to have me along.

We've landed a concert

engagement every night

since we left Venice.

Don't take all

the credit for that.

You've had to use Gemma's baby

to clinch the deal

more than once.

Well, how do I look?

Uh, like a duke in disguise.

What? Only a duke?

Wow.

Oh, yes, you better

wear this tonight.

It's quite becoming, it makes

you look like a woman.

Well, arrivederci, children,

and don't forget to keep

the door locked,

there may be dragons

in the forest.

Let's see.

Yes, it's a bad bruise,

all right.

Gemma.

You think this is going

to be too tight, huh?

Gemma,

you really are in love

with him, aren't you?

Ah!

He's a dreadful man.

That girl we met on the bike,

he could never expect

to see her again.

Oh, but he had to spread

his charm on her

like jam on a piece of bread.

He does it all the time.

He's probably ogling some

woman at this very moment.

He just can't help it.

He's always been like that.

Now, you lie down and make

yourself comfortable.

I have to get Piccolo

ready for bed.

Women are nothing

but parsley to Sebastian.

Music, that's his meat.

I know.

That's the only thing

in this whole world

that he's really

unselfish about.

It's a pity you don't care

more for music.

But I have the baby.

You know, Caryl,

Piccolo actually belongs to me.

He's my music, hmm,

and much more wonderful

than anything Sebastian

could ever write.

I still think it's a pity

you don't care

more for his music.

What difference does it make?

Does a wife have to be...

I mean, a woman mad about the

profession of the man she loves,

is that necessary?

No, I suppose not.

I could take care of him.

Cook for him, mend,

keep him well,

see that he worked

when he should.

That's important, isn't it?

We could be happy together.

Except that it wouldn't

be fair to you.

Sebastian's wife

will have a rather

unpleasant time of it,

I imagine.

Oh, my dear Caryl,

do you expect

love to be pleasant?

Has it been pleasant for you?

Is your Fenella perfect?

Practically, yes.

Parsley.

I don't even mean

that much to him.

But... ah, but surely...

No, it's not

what you think, Caryl.

A pat on the head,

an occasional hug,

absent-minded kiss

now and then,

that's all that's ever been

between us,

and it's not enough.

I want more than that.

I want my share of love.

I want him to be my husband.

Your brother's a beast.

He seems to think I have

no feelings whatsoever,

no blood in my veins,

no need to be happy

like other women.

I hate him.

Caryl, I think you had better

stay home tonight with that knee.

Then you can take care

of the baby for me.

All right. If you and Sebastian

can manage without me.

Of course, we can.

Piccolo,

did you hear what he said

about my dress?

You know, he's never really

noticed my clothes before.

That's because I've never

had anything stylish.

And I wouldn't

have had this time

if I hadn't bought the stuff

and made it myself.

And it'll look even better

in the moonlight,

because after the concert,

we'll walk home together,

and I'll take his arm,

and perhaps he'll say

more nice things,

but not about

my dress, about me.

Perhaps he'll even tell me

he's in love with me, huh?

We'll see you later.

Thank you.

Thank you very much,

ladies and gentlemen.

And now for your pleasure,

for your pleasure, a song.

"Love for Love".

♪ Promise me love for love ♪

♪ And I'm yours ♪

♪ Till the end of time ♪

♪ Love is a wondrous adventure ♪

♪ Something that

no one should miss ♪

♪ If you want me ♪

♪ Darling, take me ♪

♪ All that I ask is this ♪

♪ Give me love for love ♪

♪ Nothing more ♪

♪ Nothing less ♪

♪ Don't promise me the moon ♪

♪ Leave the stars ♪

♪ Where they are ♪

♪ Give me just your heart ♪

♪ Say it's mine ♪

♪ Only mine ♪

♪ Promise me love for love ♪

♪ And I'm yours ♪

♪ Till the end of time ♪

Collect now.

What?

Collect now.

But we haven't

given them a fair go.

Shouldn't we play

one or two more songs?

Go on.

Thank you.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, sir.

It was charming, monsieur.

Charming.

Indeed it was, madam.

Charming.

Our pleasure, I assure you.

Charming.

The manager's wife.

Of course.

Charming.

Your pleasure,

ladies and gentlemen.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you, sir.

Madam, thank you.

Not there, the old geezer.

Oh, boy.

Thank you.

Oh, thank you, sir.

Melvin.

Thank you,

and you, madam, thank you.

Our pleasure.

Did you do well tonight?

Uh-huh.

Pretty well.

Ah, you did all right yourself.

Ha-ha-ha.

I don't just mean the money.

You were wonderful, singing.

Thank you.

You're happy tonight, huh?

Yes, I am.

And do you know something?

What?

I didn't mind your

flirting with that woman.

Me, flirting?

What woman?

The manager's wife.

Oh, the manager's wife.

We got to be nice

to people like that.

After all, our bread and butter.

Yes, I know but, Sebastian,

we wouldn't even

have to bother with them

if you'd settle down and write.

And I know you can,

really good music.

Gemma, darling,

to write really good music,

you've got to be inspired.

Inspired?

Yes. By a place,

by somebody.

Somebody?

Look, a falling star.

Make a wish.

Aw. Too late.

Yes, it generally is too late.

But if you had seen it,

what would you have wished for?

Well, what would you

have wished for?

Me? Ooh, a nice

cold glass of beer.

How about you?

Oh, I don't know.

A pair of new shoes

or a woolly for Piccolo.

Well, if Piccolo needs

a new woolly, buy one.

We can afford it.

Thanks, Sebastian.

And Caryl,

if he'd seen that falling star,

he would've wished

for the lovely Fenella.

Oh, that reminds me.

I must collect our fee

from the hotel manager

in the morning.

Then we can go on to Martino.

Sebastian?

Hmm? Hmm?

Then we can go on to Martino.

Yes.

Did you really think my dress

looked attractive tonight?

Very, very attractive.

Maledetto.

I forgot my concertina.

Well, is that important now?

Well, certainly, it's important.

Someone might pinch it.

I better go and get it.

Look, you go along

and I'll join you, hmm?

All right?

Huh?

Go on.

Oh.

Good evening.

Good evening.

Please don't think me rude.

But I couldn't help noticing you

back there on the terrace.

I said to myself,

I've seen that face

somewhere before.

Possibly Innsbruck, was it?

I've never been to Innsbruck.

Sorry.

Oh.

Monte Carlo, perhaps.

Don't you think this

talk of seeing me

before is a little

old-fashioned?

Frankly, yes.

Well, would you be more

willing to believe me

if I admit that I've never

seen your face before,

but once having seen it,

I had to see it again?

If I say yes, I'd be a bit

conceited, don't you think?

No.

Really, I must be going in now,

but thank you for the

charming compliment.

Oh, please don't go,

not just yet.

I hate to repeat the obvious,

but you are beautiful.

There's something so cool

and lovely about you.

You're like...

well, you're like edelweiss.

Yes, that belongs on you.

Will you wear it?

Satisfied?

Thank you.

You know, I think every woman

is a little bit

like a flower, don't you?

Some are like roses,

some, poppies,

but you, you're like edelweiss,

preferring the mountaintops,

hard to reach.

That girl who sang, what of her?

Oh, you mean my

professional partner?

She's like a little buttercup.

You do have a way

with words, don't you?

You think so?

I think I have a way with music.

You're a very talented

fellow, aren't you?

Oh, very.

Tell me, do you like music?

I adore it.

Oh?

Good music or just concertina?

Oh, any kind that's really good,

symphony, opera.

Why?

Well, I do a bit of composing

now and then, that's all.

- Really?

- Uh-hmm.

How amazing.

Seeing you here

at the hotel like this,

I should never have

taken you for a composer.

Well, even composers

have to eat.

Look at that.

Beautiful, isn't it?

Yes.

Tell me about your music.

What kind of music is it?

Would I have heard it?

I'm really interested.

Do you know what you look like,

standing there in the moonlight?

A picture I once saw in

Florence by Botticelli.

The Goddess of Spring, in the woods,

I think.

I know the one you mean,

"Primavera".

That's the one.

"Primavera".

What a wonderful

name for a ballet,

that's marvelous.

I can see the whole thing now,

the symbol of spring.

You, you're Primavera yourself.

I am?

Listen.

That's the theme.

Do you like it?

Oh, yes.

It must be terribly exciting

to do things like that,

be able to create

something out of the air.

I never could.

You don't need to.

Some people are born to inspire.

I really mean it.

I knew that it was

no mere coincidence

that sent me to seek

you out tonight.

Do you believe in destiny?

I don't know.

I never did until now.

I'd better get back

to the hotel.

No.

Not until you tell me your name.

Primavera.

Very well, then.

Don't go yet, Primavera.

I should.

Please.

Well, all right,

but only for a few minutes.

Can you tell me where

the manager is, please?

His office is just upstairs,

to the left.

Oh, Ms. MacLean,

if you please.

- Yes.

- A letter for you.

Oh.

Perhaps the one you have

been expecting.

Thank you.

Uh, Fenella.

Oh, yes?

How do you know my name?

Well, Caryl told me.

What did you say?

I'm Gemma.

What are you doing here?

I thought you were

staying in Martino.

I'm spending the

weekend with friends

if it's any of your concern.

So, you're Gemma Smith.

That's right.

I have some news for you.

Caryl is here.

- What?

- Yes, in Orzano.

Caryl Dubrok?

Well, do you know

any other Dubroks?

He's here with you.

In a manner of speaking, yes.

Now, listen,

I'm not Caryl's girl.

I never was.

But you told my parents...

Well, it was a bit

of a crisscross.

I meant Sebastian, not Caryl.

Sebastian?

Who is he?

Caryl's brother.

Sebastian.

I have a wonderful

surprise for you.

Fenella, this is Sebastian.

Sebastian, this is Fenella.

How do you do?

You, you're...

Sebastian, Caryl's brother.

Oh!

Another raffle card, eh?

Which is Miss MacLean's

room, please?

Number 5.

Thank you.

What do you mean by coming

into my room like this?

- Sorry.

- Please go!

I have nothing further

to say to you.

Oh, yes, you have.

Look, we've been hunting

for you for weeks on end.

Sleeping in the rain,

bruising our feet

on stony roads,

just because we wanted

to straighten it out

with you about Caryl and me,

and now when we do find you

and things are apparently

in a worse mess than ever,

you climb on your

high horse and...

Sebastian gave you this.

You have no right to take that.

No one has a better right.

Are you Sebastian's wife?

No.

What, then?

We belong together.

Then why did he assure me

you were only his

professional partner,

someone to sing tunes

to his concertina?

Oh, that.

What about Caryl?

Do you love him?

Certainly I do.

We were engaged to be married.

That was in Venice.

How about afterward?

Did you change toward him?

Naturally I did,

after my parents

told me about you.

Any girl would have.

No, some girls would

have believed in him

no matter what they'd heard.

But that's neither

here nor there.

Do you still love him?

I told you I did!

But did you mean it?

Get out of here.

You are mixed up.

You don't know whether it's

Caryl or his brother

you want, do you?

Well, which is it then,

Caryl or Sebastian?

Answer me.

I don't know.

Will you stop pestering me?

I tell you, I don't know.

I, I don't know.

I know.

What a pity.

Where's Caryl?

Gone to meet Fenella, I presume.

He was getting dressed

when I left the inn.

Did you tell him about you

and Fenella last night?

What would have been

the sense of that?

Well, what did you tell him?

Simply that we'd met her

in the lobby of the hotel.

I said that she

was waiting for him

in the summer pavilion.

Then you did have an

appointment with her.

Did Caryl know about that?

Of course he

didn't know about it.

And why don't you

stop badgering me?

I had no idea it was

Fenella last night.

I wonder if it would have

mattered if you had known.

Oh, for heaven's sake, Gemma,

why are you holding Piccolo

on your hip like that?

It looks like

an old sack of potatoes

you bought at the market.

Here, give him to me.

He's too heavy for you

to lug around anyway.

Now, if you'd care to listen,

I'll explain how I met

Fenella. Last night...

We haven't time to go into that.

Sebastian, I want to talk

to you very seriously.

Oh. Go ahead.

Who's stopping you?

We're leaving Orzano.

- Leav... Why? When?

- Today.

We'd have to see a lot of Caryl

and Fenella if we stayed on

and I think that'd be

a little embarrassing.

All right.

We'll go back to Venice.

We are not going to Venice.

What?

Oh!

Afraid the MacLeans might be

going back there, aren't you?

We'll go to Vienna.

I don't like Vienna.

Then we'll go to Paris.

I don't like Paris, either.

Besides, you know we

haven't got the money.

Oh, yes, we have.

I sold the concertina and...

the duke.

You...

The concertina

belonged to Caryl,

and so did half the donkey.

Well, getting rid of you and me

will be worth more to him than

a concertina and half a donkey.

Oh, why don't you stop...

Women.

I also sold your father's

autographed music.

You did what?

Sold your father's

autographed music.

Why, you...

you little runt.

You've certainly got a nerve.

Well, instead of carrying

other people's stuff around,

you should be writing

great things of your own.

Yes.

That's what I'm going to do,

beginning with Primavera.

What?

Oh, I haven't told you

about that, have I?

That's to be the

name of my ballet.

What ballet?

It's a brand-new idea,

wonderful,

symbolizing the very

spirit of Spring,

Primavera.

Listen.

Oh, I'm sorry, Gemma.

Oh, I wish we could

go away somewhere

where I could get

this down on paper

so it could be staged.

You would help me, wouldn't you?

Gemma? Hmm?

The way you always have?

Are you bawling?

If I am, it's my affair.

It's mine, too.

Sebastian, I've known a lot

of rotten people in my life,

but none the equal of you.

You lie, and cheat,

and break promises

right and left

and then think because you

put your arms around me,

everything's all right,

forgiven and forgotten.

- Wait a moment, I...

- You're rotten.

I say it again,

and I say it to your face.

I have a star to follow.

I've always told you

and I must follow it alone.

What you follow isn't a star,

they don't come that low.

But whatever it is, go after it.

I'm finished.

What do you mean by that?

I'm leaving you, Sebastian.

Gemma!

Gemma!

Put Piccolo down.

Put him down!

Now, come here.

You little fool.

Oh, if I could only tell you

how thoroughly I despise you,

then up and leave you, let it

be finished once and for all.

It'll never be

finished between us.

Gemma, you know it won't.

Loving you is the

most awful thing

that has ever happened to me.

Is it?

Yes, it is.

Perhaps you're right.

Maybe you do deserve

a better man.

But I don't want

a better man, Sebastian.

I just want you.

Fenella.

Oh, Fenella, darling,

you're looking wonderful.

I've never seen you so...

so beautiful.

- Thank you, Caryl.

You didn't expect me to follow

you to the Dolomites, did you?

No.

Oh, it doesn't seem any

longer than yesterday

we were sitting

in the Cafe Galante.

I feel as if... as if there'd never

been a misunderstanding at all.

I know how you feel but...

I say, Gemma explained the

mix-up in Venice, didn't she?

Yes. She explained

very thoroughly.

Well, everything's the same

and yet everything's changed

since I saw you last.

Yes. That's what I

want to talk to you...

I have a surprise for you.

I've come round to

your way of thinking.

How do you mean?

About our getting married,

of course.

- Oh, Caryl.

- Yes.

I think it would be

a good thing.

And to make myself

acceptable to your parents,

I'm... I'm going to get a job.

Oh, not the sort of thing

I had in Venice

but something with a future

and, at the same time,

something which will

further my career.

I know it sounds rather vague,

but I'm positive

I can work it out.

What do you think?

Oh, I...

I don't know.

Where would you find such a job?

Oh, lots of places,

Vienna, Salzburg,

perhaps London.

Yes, London would be best,

I imagine.

My father had a great

many friends there,

music broker by the name of

Steinach, to name just one.

He'd be a good contact for me.

Would you marry me if I

had a proper job, Fenella?

- Well...

- I can make you happy, darling.

I know I can.

Oh, Caryl, I don't know

how to say this,

but there's something

I've got to tell you.

Last night, I...

Excuse me.

Mr. Caryl Dubrok, please?

Yes. What is it?

- I have a note for you, sir.

- Oh, thank you.

Excuse me.

It's from Sebastian, my brother.

- Oh?

- Good heavens,

he and Gemma

are leaving for London.

- London?

- Yes.

He intends to finish his ballet.

He says at last he's got

a name for it.

It's to be called Primavera.

Primavera.

They're getting

married right away.

Oh, that's wonderful.

Well, it's just like Sebastian,

one never knows

what to expect of him.

Now, what was it, darling?

You said you had

something to tell me.

It was nothing, nothing at all.

So, Sebastian's getting married.

Do you, Sebastian Dubrok,

take this woman. Gemma Smith,

to be your lawful wedded wife?

I do.

And do you, Gemma Smith,

take this...

And do you, Gemma Smith,

take this man, Sebastian Dubrok,

to be your lawful

wedded husband?

I do.

Then I pronounce you

man and wife.

♪ Won't you buy my

sweet-scented lavender? ♪

♪ There are 14 branches

for a penny ♪

♪ If you buy it once ♪

♪ You buy it twice ♪

♪ Because it makes your

clothes and handkerchiefs ♪

♪ Smell very nice ♪

I'll take a bunch, please.

Thank you, sir.

♪ Won't you buy my

sweet-scented lavender? ♪

Caryl.

I ought not to be glad

to see you.

You have lunch with

Sebastian time after time

but you never once

come to visit me.

Time after time.

Only twice.

Those lunches were business.

Oh, you have a new suit.

Let me see.

My, you are turned out in style.

Look, Sebastian.

Well, I can afford it now.

My job with Steinach

pays me £200 a year

and besides that,

I get commissions.

Oh, that's wonderful.

How is Fenella?

Oh, splendid. We're planning

to be married very soon.

Well, well. Congratulations.

I'll congratulate you

if you've licked that finale.

Oh, yeah?

It looks good.

Well, now I have

a surprise for you.

Have you?

A pleasant one, I hope.

Fenella and her family are

giving a party next Friday

and you're both invited.

- Oh, really?

Well, it's Fenella's

doing, actually.

She's asked Mr. Steinach

to come on the idea

that you're to play

your ballet for him.

If he likes it, he'll probably

offer to produce your Primavera.

You could use Heinrich

as conductor

and perhaps Natrova

as the prima ballerina.

That is, if we can get her.

Caryl.

Good old Caryl. We can

always rely upon you.

Little one, I'm going to take

you to a party, at last.

Yes. It'll be wonderful.

And if the ballet is a success,

we can all go back to Italy.

If it's a success...

Confound that gas.

- It's always going out.

- Here. I have some change.

Oh, put it back in your pocket.

We don't need your money.

Gemma, put a shilling in

the meter will you, darling?

I don't know what

I'd do without her

and that little sewing machine.

Between the two of them,

they support the three of us.

Where is it?

Huh? Oh.

I wonder if I spent it.

Hmm, for beer.

Oh, yes. The beer.

There you are, Gemma.

Thank you, Caryl.

Well, I guess I'd

better be running along.

Oh, would you, uh, like these?

Oh, thank you, Caryl.

I have some Mexican

jumping beans.

I thought they might

amuse Piccolo.

- Hmm?

- They jump as soon as they get warm.

They won't do much

jumping in here.

This place is like an icebox.

It was very thoughtful of you, Caryl.

Piccolo will love them.

All right. I'll see

you two at the party.

If the baby is all right

and I can leave him.

Oh, he'll be all right,

just got a bit of a cold.

No, Sebastian.

Not a penny.

Oh, for heaven's sake, Gemma, will

you stop stitching those cuffs?

You're going to sew

yourself blind.

Well, when I finish these,

I get 12 shillings.

We can use it, I imagine.

Oh, Sebastian.

Look.

- A five-pound note.

- Uh-huh.

Mutton chops for supper.

Did you sponge this off Caryl?

Well, what if I did? He's solvent.

He can afford it.

And there's not gonna be

any mutton chops.

You're gonna buy yourself

a new dress for the party.

No. I can use my blue one.

Oh, no, I can't.

What? I didn't pawn

your blue dress.

No, but I did.

Oh. Well, we'll buy

a new one.

I tell you, I can borrow one

from the landlady's daughter.

That's a good idea.

Yes, the pretty one.

She's just about your size.

And by way of reward,

we shall allow her

to take care of Piccolo

while we go to the party.

You have a nerve.

Oh, go on. Hurry up.

Hurry up!

Amore mio.

It was beautiful, Sebastian.

Very good, my boy.

Thank you, Mr. Steinach.

I must talk this over

with your brother.

- Fine.

- Thank you, sir.

You look lovely, my dear.

You may tell the dance

orchestra to start now.

Yes, madam.

We shall have supper later.

Oh, you are very kind.

Not at all, my dear.

May I have the pleasure of

dancing with you, Mrs. Dubrok?

Oh, thank you very much.

Rather odd having

to call you missus.

You don't look to have

a husband, you know.

Oh, sometimes I wonder

if I have.

I suppose wives do wonder

about that at times.

I beg your pardon.

Oh, no, no.

It was my fault.

I don't dance very often.

I wish Fenella

didn't dance so much.

She's out practically every

night with her young man,

never spends the evening

in anymore.

Oh?

Restless sort of girl,

but marriage will settle

her, I suppose.

At least, I hope so.

Well, then why don't you

let them get married?

Huh?

Why not?

You may be right.

By Jove, yes.

I think I'll speak

to her young man about it,

tell him it's time to dust

off the wedding bells.

I say, you're a smart

little thing, aren't you?

Oh, I wouldn't

be too sure of that.

Primavera is going to be

a marvelous success, Sebastian.

Of course, I never had

any doubts about it,

not even that first night

when you whistled

the theme for me.

Then you do remember Orzano.

Did you think I'd forgotten?

Frankly, I didn't think much

about it one way or the other.

Bad business, thinking.

What do you mean?

Simply that the worst mistake

anyone can ever make

in life is taking it seriously.

It's too unpredictable,

too haphazard.

But you're a musician,

and music is based

on order and purpose.

That's exactly

why I am a musician.

I pursue art to help me forget

that life is not worth pursuing.

Surely you believe

that it's wanting things

and getting them

that brings us happiness.

No.

Who knows what they want?

Do you?

Yes. Of course, I do.

Then you're one

of the rare exceptions,

a woman who knows

what she's after.

Not only that,

but I always get what I'm after.

You do?

Then you're a very

fortunate girl.

I don't see it that way at all.

My life is nothing

but a flat, stale vacuum.

I hate it, and I loathe it.

And if you changed it,

would it make you any happier?

Yes.

Are you sure?

You'd better be.

Once you've made the break,

it might be difficult

to get back.

But I shouldn't

want to get back.

Never?

Never.

Sebastian.

Sebastian.

Sebastian, I have a note.

Piccolo is ill.

I think we ought to go home.

Would you try and find a cab?

I'll get your things.

Well, good night.

Fenella.

Fenella, I want to talk to you.

Yes?

This is very different

from Orzano, isn't it?

You are engaged to Caryl,

and Sebastian...

Please take your foot away.

You know, you aren't the first

distraction we've had.

There have been others,

but, you see, once Sebastian

makes a conquest of this sort,

he forgets it.

You're being spiteful,

and you completely

misinterpret our relation.

- Oh, do I?

- Yes.

Sebastian is going to be famous.

He's not an ordinary man.

You are so right. He's an utterly

selfish, cold-hearted pig.

Don't you know

that he's a genius?

I ought to.

He's always telling me so.

Would you mind

my speaking frankly?

Haven't you been?

Gemma, give him up.

So that you can have him?

Yes. There's so much

I could do for him.

Just as I've already helped him.

- Oh, have you?

- Yes.

I gave this party so that

he could meet Steinach.

I persuaded Heinrich

to conduct his ballet.

I even inspired Sebastian

to write the ballet

in the beginning.

He got the idea for it

in Orzano the night we met.

So, you see, if you were

to give him up, I...

Don't say that again.

Very well.

But you must realize

that no woman

can hold a man like Sebastian

if he doesn't want to be held.

What do you mean by that?

Suppose he were to leave you.

Leave me?

Never.

I've got a cab at the side gate.

Thank you.

Darling, I have

good news for you.

Your father suggests we be

married early next spring.

Isn't that wonderful?

My dress is torn.

I must go in and change.

Did you tell her?

- Yes.

- Good! Then it's settled.

And so is your brother's ballet,

I understand.

- What?

Heinrich says that they're going

to start rehearsals immediately.

No, no. That curtain

is two bars late.

All right, lads.

This is a quick change.

Now, come on, ladies.

Off the blooming stage.

Take your limes off, Fred.

Take up your tableau curtain.

Charlie, douse your foots.

Fred, turn off your limes.

Now, come on, lads.

Get a move on.

Props.

- What'd you think of it?

- Oh, it's splendid.

The orchestration

is very effective.

Yeah? Thanks.

Sebastian.

Five minutes, gentlemen.

I wish it were your ballet

instead of Sebastian's.

You could write a ballet

if you really applied yourself.

I told you in Venice that

I wasn't a genius, Fenella.

I had my heart set on you doing

something really important in music.

Oh, I haven't given it up. I've

merely exchanged composing for a...

For a steady job.

You're so utterly

different from Sebastian.

He cares nothing for money.

I wish you wouldn't keep

dragging Sebastian into this.

He has nothing to do with it.

Or has he?

Sebastian's like his father,

a great, cruel,

wind of a man that...

that no one can leave alone,

that women apparently

never want to leave alone.

I resemble our mother,

solid and proper and dull.

There are times, Caryl,

when I'm inclined

to agree with you.

Fenella.

Well?

If you have made

a mistake about us,

now is the time to say so.

Are you trying

to break our engagement?

I am, if it needs to be broken.

We can't talk here,

the next scene's about to begin.

Stop it! Stop it!

It's impossible!

It cannot be done!

But why?

You've been doing it that way

for the last 2 weeks.

Well, in short skirts, yes,

but today is the first

time in a long dress.

All right.

Change to short skirts.

How can I?

The role calls for

a long, full costume.

If anything is to be changed,

it is your music,

Monsieur Dubrok.

I hope you're not serious.

Professor Heinrich.

Madame Natrova,

if you would, perhaps.

- May I make a suggestion?

- Yes. What is it?

I was thinking that perhaps something of

Tchaikovsky might be used at this point.

But Tchaikovsky,

that's wonderful.

His music is always good.

Don't you think so,

Monsieur Dubrok?

Certainly, Madam, yes.

No one appreciates Tchaikovsky

more than I, but not in my ballet.

This is my music, and it's

going to remain my music.

I tell you, it cannot be danced.

The tempo is too fast,

too exhausting,

and just when I must catch

my breath before the finale.

What about a slower

tempo, Sebastian?

Yes, professor.

What?

What do you want me to do,

change a Spring waltz

into some sort of funeral dirge?

Nonsense.

I have spent weeks on my solo.

It must be done my way

or not at all.

Excuse me.

Would you tell Mr. Dubrok

I would like to speak

with him, please?

I can't go out there now, miss.

Yes, but my baby

is very sick. Please.

I'm sorry, miss.

All right.

If she can't dance it,

let's get someone who can.

People come to see Natrova,

not to listen to the music

of an unknown composer.

They'd sooner watch some

kangaroo hop around the stage.

Enough of this, both of you.

I'm finished.

We are dismissed!

We are dismissed!

- Sebastian.

Don't you realize

what this will mean?

The posters are all ready.

Some of them are up.

Well, take them down, burn them,

do anything you want

with them, I don't care.

Don't argue with him.

It's useless.

- Sebastian.

- Hmm?

Sebastian, please

come home with me.

The baby is very sick

and I'm so frightened.

Is he? Well, get

a doctor for him.

But how can I?

We have no money.

Darling, please, please, don't you

see I've got so much on my mind?

I've got to have time to think.

I must talk to you, Sebastian.

Caryl...

I was right, wasn't I?

That stupid, preening woman

with her ridiculous airs.

It's not the ballet I want

to discuss at the moment.

- Oh? What's is it?

- It's Fenella.

Fenella? Doesn't anybody

care about the music?

At least I expected you,

a musician...

You're in no position

to force issues.

You behaved like a fool.

Thanks.

Thanks very much.

Don't let them do anything

to your music, Sebastian.

Fenella. Why did you stay?

Well, I...

I thought there might be

something I can do.

Did you? How nice of you.

There isn't.

I'm not engaged

to Caryl anymore.

Oh, but that's silly.

Caryl's a wonderful fellow.

What happened?

Please let's not talk about him.

I wish I could get away.

I hate London.

So do I.

I wish I could get away

somewhere, too,

somewhere where I could

pull myself together and...

I know a place, in the country.

Do you?

Where?

Down in Kent.

It belongs to my family.

It's lovely, quiet and...

Is it?

Here we go.

He's coming now, darling.

Shh.

How is he?

Mrs. Cooper gave me

some medicine,

and he's quieter now.

That's good. You shouldn't

let it upset you so much.

Babies always have earaches

or something like that.

Sorry I blew up

like that at rehearsal.

Oh, that's all right.

Now that you're home,

I'm not so frightened.

That's the last time I'll

ever write a ballet, I swear.

But, Sebastian,

there's money in it.

And when they do

pay you for the ballet,

do you think we could

use some of it for...

Well, to get some warm

things for Piccolo?

He just can't stand

this cold climate.

Fat chance there is of them

paying me anything.

You mean they won't pay you?

Oh, but, Sebastian,

that can't be.

After what happened

this afternoon,

the ballet might

not go on at all.

Oh, don't worry about it,

something will turn up,

it always does.

I wonder.

I had to do it.

There comes a point

when one more compromise

would have ruined the music.

That point was reached

this afternoon.

Well, that's that.

No ballet, no money.

Money's not that important.

Not to you, perhaps.

What do you want

me to do, hack work?

If so, you're going to

be very disappointed.

You always seem

to be complaining.

Because I don't make you

a fortune, I suppose.

Oh, it isn't that, Sebastian.

The baby's sick, and I'm...

I'm tired.

- I know.

And I don't consider a shilling

for the gas meter a fortune.

What are you doing

with those clothes?

- I've got to go down to Surrey tonight.

- Why?

To see Natrova,

make her listen to reason.

She's down there,

staying with friends.

But you said everything was over

with the ballet and finished.

Exactly. That's why I have

to go down and see her.

You said yourself you wanted

the ballet to go on, didn't you?

Don't lie to me, Sebastian.

You're not going down there to talk

to Natrova. I know you too well.

- What do you mean by that?

- You know exactly what I mean.

No, I don't, but I do

know one thing.

- I'm getting out of here!

- So you were going down

- This constant bickering about.

- ...to Surrey to talk to Natrova,

were you?

- Yes, I was.

You liar!

I know who you were

going to see.

Fenella, and don't

try to deny it.

Well, go on.

Get out of here.

I don't need you.

Go to her.

Let her tell you

what a genius you are.

Wait a minute. You'll ruin

that, you little fool.

That's yours as much

as it is mine.

Mine?

It's never been mine.

It belongs to Fenella.

You wrote it for her.

That night in Orzano, you got

the idea for it, remember?

Well, go on. Take your

precious ballet to her.

And I hope I never

set eyes on it,

or you again, as long as I live.

- You mean that?

- Yes.

Yes, I do.

Now, get out of here.

Get out.

Get out!

- Who is it?

- Caryl.

Oh.

Caryl, would you mind

putting a shilling

in the gas meter, please?

Where's Sebastian?

He's gone.

When will he be back?

He won't.

I'm sorry, Gemma.

What was it you wanted

to talk to him about?

Fenella and I have

broken our engagement.

Oh.

Piccolo. Piccolo.

Darling.

Oh, Caryl.

Mrs. Cooper. Mrs. Cooper.

Yes, what is it?

Please, Piccolo, he's terribly sick.

I know he is.

Would you try and do something?

Do you think a little warm oil

in his hair might help?

I think you ought to take

him to the hospital, ducky.

They'd know what to

do with him there.

That sounds like

good advice, Gemma.

Yes, but I'd have to stay

there with him.

You see, he just

couldn't stand it

with a lot of strange people.

Oh, don't worry.

I'll go with you.

Nothing could happen to

him, could it, Caryl?

He's so little.

It just wouldn't be fair.

Thank you, Mrs. Cooper.

He's quiet now.

Do you think he's

a little better?

You should have

brought him sooner.

Oh, yes, I know. But you

see, we didn't have...

There's nothing we can do now.

Well, then give him back to me.

I will take care of him.

It's too late.

No.

That's a lie,

a dirty hospital lie.

Give him back to me.

Give him back to me,

do you hear?

That's a lie.

Give him back to me.

It's a lie.

It's a lie!

He'll be all right, Caryl.

He'll be all right.

It's just this awful

English weather.

As soon as he gets better,

I'm going to take him back

to Italy, where there's sun.

That's all he needs,

because back in Italy,

he was well and...

happy all the time.

And in Venice he was...

In Venice he was...

Come on. Let me

buy you a cup of coffee.

You're...

you're cold.

A cup of coffee, please.

Here you are, sir.

You know, back in Venice,

I was gonna marry Dino.

Dino was a baker.

We would have had all

the bread we needed.

Caryl, you must marry.

You must marry Fenella,

and be very happy,

and live in a little warm house,

and every morning

when you go to work,

you will leave

your little house,

and you will have

an attaché case

full of music and contracts,

and Fenella will wave goodbye

to you from the window.

- Please, Gemma.

- Oh, Caryl.

Please don't let her go.

Bring her back.

Marry her and never leave her

because people

have to be families.

There has to be

a mother and a father,

and the father has

to go to work,

and the children go to school

and then the children

come home, and they play.

Oh, Piccolo.

Piccolo.

Gemma!

Gemma!

Gemma!

Gemma, come back.

Two bottles?

Two people.

Oh, not tonight.

Hey, I'll be needing that.

Tonight's too precious.

Later on, you'll bring

me back that bottle

with your own little hands.

Oh? Why should I?

You'll see.

To us. All the

people who like us,

and all the ones who don't.

Drink up.

It'll help.

Nonsense.

Well, it was so cold and strange

on the way down here.

Let's go sit by the fire.

Yes, it's burning

nicely, isn't it?

What do you see in the fire?

Coal.

Oh, don't you see us?

I do, the way we're going to be.

Perhaps in this very house.

It'll be mine one day, you know.

Will it?

Nice parties,

rooms full of flowers and music,

nice people.

- Oh, nice.

Will you stop using

that stupid word?

I'm sorry. I didn't

mean it, darling.

Oh, everything's going to

be wonderful, isn't it?

Mm-hmm.

No more poverty for you,

no worry, no Gemma.

Let's leave Gemma out of it.

Out of it?

Of course.

I quite like Gemma.

I think she has

a lot of good in her.

Some of these girls have.

What girls?

Well, her sort.

Father says that every genius

has some little creature

like that in his past,

because when he's

starving in a garret,

he has to have someone cheap.

Of course, they don't

understand about his...

art or his career,

but they're useful.

Useful.

Loyal.

Unselfish.

Forgiving.

Why are you doing them up again?

Because I'm taking

you home, my dear.

So.

- You're angry.

- No.

Grateful.

Look at me.

Even the most selfish

pig may have...

may have something

he won't face,

even though... even though

it's the only decent thing

that ever happened to him.

I was afraid, that's it.

I was afraid to admit

what Gemma meant to me

because, I suppose,

I wanted to go on

being a selfish pig.

Sebastian, you mean you

brought me down here...

And that's the luckiest thing

that ever happened to you,

because I'm taking

you back to Caryl.

Caryl, he's your kind of man.

And Gemma,

Gemma's my kind of woman.

Look, Fenella,

you're a sensible girl.

What you want is a nice

marriage, a nice husband.

Now you're using that word nice.

I'll give it to you

for a wedding present.

Friends?

Please?

Good friends.

Where's Gemma?

She's gone.

The baby died while

you and Fenella...

Good evening.

It's going to be a great

success, Sebastian.

Any word from her?

Nothing.

I've looked all over London.

I'm so sorry.

Good luck tonight.

Gemma!

Gemma!

Gemma.

I hoped you'd come.

I don't want to talk to you.

- Please.

- They're going to start.

Let me go. Let me go!

Gemma!

Gemma, wait.

Please.

Gemma, I don't know what to say.

Say nothing.

It's better.

I didn't know about Piccolo.

Don't tell me you're

sorry, Sebastian.

Be like you always were,

not sorry about anything.

I wasn't gonna say

that I'm sorry.

That's such a...

such a small word.

It's so easy

for people to be sorry,

but no one can tell what

it means to a mother to...

to lose a child,

because she's the only

who understands,

who can imagine the kind of man

he was going to grow up to be.

I loved the little fellow,

too, Gemma, in my own way.

Oh, Sebastian.

Listen.

Your music.

Yours, too.

I could never have

written it without you.

You know that, don't you?

No, don't lie to me,

not at a time like this.

I'm not.

Look.

I wrote it for you

long ago in Venice.

It's your song.

You're hurt.

When we get home, I'll...

I'll try to change.

Perhaps in time,

I'll be a better man.

But I don't want

a better man, Sebastian.

I just want you.