Lydia Ate the Apple (1958) - full transcript

FAREWELLS

based on the novel Farewells by Stanislaw Dygat

Directed

Camerawork

Have you finally paid your tuition?

Are you listening to me?

Have I finally paid my tuition...

I'm listening.

I'll pay tomorrow.

Tomorrow. Everything tomorrow.

You're unable to take care

of the simplest matter.

You're unfit for life.

I am unfit for life?

What?!

You lack persistence.

You're enthusiastic about everything,

and abandon everything half-done.

Running around some fields,

rings, shmings,

that's all you're interested in!

You don't care in the least

about your father's experience.

Figures!

In any case, do as you please.

You're at an age when

I can't make you do anything.

Good afternoon!

I'm sorry.

You're going out?

But everyone's waiting!

I'm about to serve tea.

When are you coming back?

I don't know.

Do you have some matches?

Let's go dancing.

You'll see how wonderful

we will be together.

Dancing?

I can't dance, and besides

I doubt we could be

wonderful together.

I wish you good night.

Good night, darling!

A glass of brandy, please.

Please pass me those matches.

Here you go.

Will you have a drink with me?

No.

I will have a drink.

What can I get you?

Anything.

Brandy?

Fine.

One brandy.

- Let me introduce myself.

- No.

And I don't want brandy, either.

I'll have some vodka, straight,

I'll pay myself.

Mr. Joe!

You're very amusing!

- You're boring.

- Why?

Because.

But why?

Because you keep

asking questions.

You want, I'll buy you a shot of vodka.

With pleasure.

You're going to let a dance girl

pay for your vodka?

Now you're asking questions.

You're not as thick as you seem.

What are you doing?

I'm trying to figure out

how to get out of this.

Out of what?

Out of everything!

Mr. Joe, two vodkas!

The ones you're paying for?

I've no intention to.

I changed my mind.

Would like to have

a bite to eat?

Hot sausages.

Sausages.

What's your name?

Genowefa.

But I always wanted

to be called Lydia.

I once went to see

this movie, Quo Vadis.

The heroine was

beautiful and noble,

and her name

was Lydia.

In this club,

I go by Lidka.

And you, too, would

like to be

beautiful and noble.

Everyone strives for perfection,

and wants to achieve

inner beauty and nobility.

Who told you that?

A priest.

A priest comes in here?

You've lost your mind?

A priest, when I was

at primary school.

I didn't want to have

you pay for my vodka,

because I feel

sorry for you.

You're either drinking away

your petty savings,

or embezzling someone

else's money.

How do you know?

One develops

a good eye over here.

This time you're wrong.

Today, I'm drinking away

my tuition.

Really?

Mr. Joe, two vodkas.

The gentleman is paying,

of course.

- Why are you sad?

- Not at all.

You'll become a dancer,

and we'll work here together.

But I'm a poor dancer.

Let's see.

Can you stay here

the whole night,

and be with me?

So that I don't have to

wait on those fools.

Very well, I'll stay.

Just don't fall in love with me.

With men like you,

anything is possible.

First of all, you talk too much.

Second, you're going

to waste.

Going to waste?

In a minute you'll tell me

I'm different from other girls,

and that you'd like to escape

with me to a quiet countryside.

You better go home.

I'm not going home.

Because at home,

I feel more or less

the way you do in here.

And about escaping into

some quiet countryside,

we might perhaps

talk later.

Let's dance.

Room number 8

an aged doorman

gave me the key with a smile.

Impatient, in the stairs,

you secretly

kissed my hair

Did golden leaves

outnumber

your caresses,

today I'm no longer sure.

You left so suddenly,

the door ajar,

a wind-blown leaf

fell at my feet.

And then I understood:

it was the end,

now it was time

to bid farewell.

Remember, it was autumn,

room number 8,

and darkness in the hall.

I will never forget

the little Rose Hotel,

although it has

been a year.

They're real whores,

they play grand ladies,

but steal whenever they can,

and each would sell herself

for a broken button.

I will be like them soon.

I'm glad you came.

I needed today precisely

something like you.

Neither fish nor fowl.

This is the first time that I feel

like I came here to have fun.

Darling, come back to me,

I miss you

and may farewells,

my darling

keep us no longer apart.

Stop all the trains,

may the mailman

never deliver bad news

to the little Rose Hotel.

Who are you, anyway?

Ha! I'd like to know

that myself.

Sometimes you speak

like a poet.

It makes no sense,

but it's beautiful.

Why don't you tell me

what you do in life.

I seek positive values.

What does it mean?

It doesn't mean anything.

I just felt like saying that.

What's the point in saying

whatever you feel like?

After all, we're here

to have fun.

That's true.

You left so suddenly

the door ajar,

a wind-blown leaf

fell at my feet.

And then I understood:

it was the end,

now it was time

to bid farewell.

Remember, it was autumn,

room number 8,

and darkness in the hall.

I will never forget

the little Rose Hotel,

although it has

been a year.

Why didn't you want me

to introduce myself?

Because you would say

that your name is Fikusinski,

or Pikusinski, and we'd

have the same farce,

as every night.

You've no idea how

stupid they are.

Perhaps they're not really

that stupid,

but that's what they

come here for.

I know them

in and out.

I'm glad to find you here.

Ah, Lidka,

you are a simple girl,

but very intelligent,

and I like you a lot.

Really

I really like you.

Where the first stars

light up in the sky,

there I will travel,

beyond the shadowy rocks.

I will glance at

swans flying across the sky,

and I will fly,

where they are flying.

Beautiful, maestro,

when did you write it?

That wasn't me.

That's Juliusz Slowacki.

We haven't met,

although you must have

recognized me by now.

I'll be off

chasing skirts.

He's not as stupid

as all the others.

He is really stupid.

In his real life, too.

...than all other

women I meet

It's only with you, Basia,

that I feel rested.

Because, you see,

deep down, I'm a simple

friendly guy

and what I'd like best of all,

is to escape

to some charming corner,

because I love nature

above all else.

I would put

my head in your lap,

and read poetry.

Oh, how I love poetry!

He fucking loves everything.

Meanwhile she plays

indifferent,

and tries to figure out

how to skin him alive.

He wallows

in self-pity,

and tries to figure out

how to get her in bed.

It's filthy, a club like this,

with dance girls.

I'm cold.

Let's get out of here.

Where to?

Some quiet corner.

In some quiet countryside.

Wait for me in the coatroom.

Mr. Joseph!

You're leaving already?

- This is the best act.

- Ok, ok, bring my coat.

Are we going yet?

Where are we going?

I don't know.

Hey, how did you sleep?

Excellent!

I found some interesting things.

Have a look.

An earthworm.

How funny.

What is it looking for?

What can it want?

Please throw away

this disgusting maggot.

And besides, pull down

your skirt.

Why does it bother you?

I'm hot.

It's indecent.

Indecent is what

indecent sees.

I might just take it

the wrong way.

I was kidding. You can wear

your skirt anyway you like.

You know...

I won't go back to Warsaw,

and they'll kick me out of the club.

You know, I won't go back, either,

and they'll kick me out of the house.

Good.

And what will we

do at night?

Night is still far away.

Night is still far away.

It had never occurred to me,

that you could just get away

a few miles outside the city,

poke at a puddle with a stick,

stretch out in the sun,

and it'd be all ok.

Miss Lidka,

where do you live?

At hit-and-miss

Bing-Bang street.

I used to live in

Praga district.

And now I live

in the grass,

with earthworms,

butterflies,

with you...

Why are you so grim?

Aren't you amused

by what I'm saying?

No.

- You're mad.

- Yes.

- About what?

- I'm hungry.

Come on now,

no more fooling around.

Get up or we'll be late.

We'll go to Forest Hoof.

We'll go to Forest Hoof.

I could use a good dinner.

Vegetable soup, chicken,

and ice-cream.

Aha, and some salad.

I'd like a good dinner, too.

Vegetable soup, chicken,

and ice-cream.

Aha, and a salad.

I think there should be

a train after 2.

I think there should be

a train after 2.

Stop mocking me.

Stop mocking me.

Stupid ass!

Stupid goat!

Can we get something to eat?

Get?

Somehow we're all out.

What do you mean

all out?

- Out of everything?

- Ahem.

- Perhaps I can find something.

You have chickens.

No, we don't.

- Maybe some vegetable soup?

- Nope.

Maybe ice-cream?

No. We've got nothing.

Some sausage?

None.

Perhaps a dinner, though.

And what's for dinner?

I'll go find out.

And bring two light

beers right away.

There's no dinner.

You can have boiled sausage.

And beer?

What beer?

The beer I ordered

just a minute ago.

- You ordered?

- I did.

We're out of beer.

Might have some,

but only dark.

That'll do.

Dark?

Clearly, dark.

I'll bring it in a second.

- And the sausage, should I serve it?

- Yes, and quickly.

And where are we

going to sleep?

We'll find a room.

- At a hotel?

- There're no hotels here, just B&Bs.

Bed & breakfast.

Clean starched sheets...

A record player...

The maid wearing

a white bonnet...

I've never stayed at a B&B,

- but that's how I picture it.

- Why?

I don't know.

You see, there is dinner.

That's what I've been

saying all along.

No, you said there's sausage.

There's no sausage,

only dinner.

- Do you want me to take it away?

- Leave it, let go!

What's for the main course?

Meat loaf,

or goulash.

What would you prefer?

- How did you like it?

- Quite.

Let's get away from here.

Here. Only here.

Why here?

- I don't like it here.

- But I do.

- What do you like?

- It's called "Quo vadis"!

Quo vadis. What do I care

it's called Quo vadis?

It's a ramshackle!

- At least I hope there're no rooms.

- I hope there are.

And I won't sleep

anywhere else.

You're looking

for something?

Would it be possible

to rent a room?

It would.

Will you be staying long?

We're not sure yet.

We'll stay as long as we like.

We're not rushing anywhere.

Newly-weds?

Yes.

We're coming straight

from the wedding.

Congratulations, congratulations.

Congratulations.

Please, come in, come in.

We came here on our honeymoon.

We work at a post-office.

I sell stamps...

I mean, my wife sells stamps,

and I receive wires.

We can't afford to

travel to foreign countries...

I myself am poor.

I would never rent a room

to any rich person.

The rich live on the

misery of the poor.

Whereas one poor person

won't let another come to harm,

will they?

Naturally.

All poor people are brothers.

Except poor women...

- who are sisters...

- Yes, brothers and sisters!

And your luggage?

- No luggage.

- How come?

Poor people don't have luggage.

- You should know that.

- Ah, that's true!

I'll take you to your room.

- What happened?

- Nothing. It's a bit dark,

my wife tripped.

Are you crazy, why did you

come out with that wedding?

So, have I lied?

We are coming from a wedding.

Anyway, what harm will

it do to you?

Misalliance?

Please come in.

It's a dream room.

A dream room for newly-weds.

I'll make your bed in a minute.

Will you have anything

to eat in the meantime?

- Can we have something for supper?

- But of course.

You can have anything you want.

Perhaps you'd like to

buy a clock?

I have a beautiful clock, a perfect

wedding gift for your bride.

Perhaps you might have

a dog for sale?

Certainly.

I do have a dog for sale.

I'll bring it in a second

and show you.

Have you gone crazy

with the dog?

Why? I'm not allowed

to get a dog?

I also want something

I can take care of.

I can't have an

earthworm as a pet.

And take it out for walks.

Stop fooling around.

And take that stupid garland

off your head.

If I'd said we were colleagues

from the post office,

we would have gotten

separate rooms.

And you had to

have us marry.

And what's wrong

with sharing a room?

Already sick of

my company?

- But it's inappropriate.

- Ah, having bad thoughts again?

Here's a dog for you.

But that's a cat.

Ah, a cat!

But it's very friendly.

It knows a lot of tricks,

and gets attached

Even better than a dog!

Much better! I'll you have it cheap!

No, I want a dog.

And here's the record player

you asked for.

I see you like it.

I would have never

parted with it,

if not for the fact that

you've just married.

I'll sell it cheap.

30 zlotys.

Please take it away

immediately.

Let's make it 5.

You can have both for 5:

the cat and the record player.

I beg you, please go away already.

We'd like to have supper.

- I'll find something else.

- Don't look.

Quo vadis, bloody hell.

But I like it here.

If you don't like it,

go back to Warsaw.

That woman is funny.

Who do you think she is?

Her husband was a wealthy merchant.

They were in love,

bought this house.

They wanted to spend their

time together here.

Everything would have been fine,

if she hadn't

developed the possessive drive.

She started to love her

house more than her husband.

The wealthy merchant worried sick,

until one day he said:

"I'm going out to the movies."

"I'll be back shortly."

But never came back.

And vanished without a trace.

That was forty years ago.

The merchant's wife

lost her mind,

and since then, aimlessly

wanders round the empty house.

People avoid the house.

What a riot! How do you know

these things?

How could I know?

I'm just guessing.

You must be tired.

I'm quite sleepy myself.

Why don't you wait a minute

out in the hallway.

Or else you might

see the devil himself.

Hello? Please connect me

with Warsaw 243.

Hania?

What are you up to?

Mr. & Mrs. have been worried sick.

Are they home?

No, they're out looking

for you in the city.

Very good, Hania...

Please tell them I'm

in Forest Hoof,

at the Quo Vadis house.

You can also tell them

that I'm here

with a dance girl.

And that her company

suits me very well.

Have you been a dance girl

for long?

Why do you care?

You could give a polite answer

to the man with whom

you're spending the night.

For three weeks.

- That's not very long.

- Long enough.

Would you like to

change your life completely?

I don't believe you.

That I would like to?

I don't believe

that one can change.

In that case, one

would have to

change everything.

I don't understand.

Neither do I.

You mean I should go back

to that joint and become a whore?

- No, God forbid, not at all.

- What then?

I'm supposed to wait

for you to change the world

and allow me to stroll the earthly

paradise as an angel?

I won't let you go to waste.

As if I were asking for your permission.

Missionary from the boondocks.

Very well.

Good night.

Good night.

Let the bedbugs bite.

Are you asleep?

Almost.

Tell me, please,

an earthworm, you know,

when it crawls, it moves like this,

is it because it wants something?

But does it know what

it wants or not?

And do you know what you want?

In general, I guess I don't.

Precisely.

And you move.

You even speak.

Even when you should

be long asleep.

Whatever.

Good night.

Are you asleep?

Well, keep sleeping then.

How did you sleep?

Well.

I dreamt the whole night

I was an earthworm,

and you were walking me

on a leash in the woods.

What's with the jacket?

I'm sewing a button for you.

Is it worth talking about?

No, it's not.

I'm hungry.

I'll ask the maid and she'll

bring you breakfast.

For God's sake, stop doing that.

Come in.

I'm glad you came.

I just wanted to have a word with you.

Lidka, please allow me to

introduce my father.

Father, this is Miss Lidka Genowefa...

I'm sorry, what's your family name?

I haven't had the pleasure yet.

Pondalinska.

Please sit down.

True, no place to sit.

Lidka...

- Perhaps I should leave?

- No, on the contrary, I'd rather you stayed.

- What does all this mean?

- Nothing special.

Well, perhaps the appearances

don't speak in our favor.

Well, anyway.

Well. Anyway.

Please get dressed

this very minute!

And come back home with me.

As for you, Miss,

I am prepared to

offer you recompense

for any wrongs committed by my son.

The wrongs committed by your son

add up to 2354 zlotys and 17 groszy.

Please don't make a mockery out of this.

Please try to understand:

you two are worlds apart.

And your relationship

wouldn't make anyone happy.

You stand in the way

of his career.

What career?

You never know.

Sooner or later, you'll have to

pursue some sort of career.

I won't pursue any career.

Please don't look.

Your notion of morality

is outdated.

There is only one morality,

and it's always up to date.

Yes, if that meant

being kind to other people.

The egg wants to

outsmart the chicken.

As usually, you are being

an impractical idealist.

Listen, then:

here's a girl I met

yesterday at a night club.

If life circumstances were different,

she would be a fine woman.

But she, in that joint,

has only one choice.

To become a whore.

For God's sake,

watch your tongue,

and in the presence of a woman.

He's right.

I'll become a whore regardless

of what your noble son decides.

Listen carefully.

I won't come back home

until you promise me

that you will take care of this girl.

You will give her an honest job,

and a chance at a decent life.

But you think that she

- can handle an honest job?

- She can.

In any case, you think

you are going to change the world

if we pull one girl

out of the gutter?

The world is as it is,

and it can't be any different.

Come now, no reason

to get upset.

We will do something for you.

Leave me in peace.

Get out, both of you.

Here it is!

I'll buy it.

And this is Mr. Wojciech Pondalinski.

My wife's father.

What is this tomfoolery?

I'd like to ask you

to pay for that puppy.

Would you, father?

But of course.

My father-in-law placed some bets

with the bookies, and won

quite a large sum of money recently.

He came to take us to foreign countries.

How much for the dog?

And I'm paying the whole bill.

For the doggy, 30 zlotys.

Out of question.

- 15, along with the cat and the record player.

- No.

Let's make it 5, then.

But without the cat

and the record player.

Without the cat and the

record player it will be 7.

Dear lady, this should settle it.

Go have breakfast together.

I'll shower, shave,

stop at a barber's

and meet you at the station.

He's cute, isn't he?

Adorable, Miss Lidka.

Adorable.

Here's my address, Miss Lidka.

We shall meet soon, then?

Warsaw Courier

I'll get a paper.

Let's go.

Good bye.

They're talking about nothing

but war. That's funny.

There will be no war.

What is it?

Miss Lidka won't be

coming with us?

No, she's staying here.

I'm not waiting any longer.

But I told you that I have

an aunt in Forest Hoof.

You're always going on

about that aunt,

but there's no money in sight.

I don't even know

if there ever was any

aunt, or no aunt,

but not a penny in sight!

- What is this supposed to mean?

- For instance what?

Get out of my room

immediately!

This isn't your room.

At best, the room you rent.

But because you're not paying,

you're not even renting it!

And in any case,

it's not your room!

If you put money

here, right here,

I'll give you the keys,

and then it will

be your rented room.

Is that all you've

got to say to me?

I can't remember ever talking

about anything else to you.

May God punish you.

Stop trying to scare me

with Bolsheviks.

Unfortunately, Ala & Witek

won't be able to come today.

They had to pay for

their replacements.

They had promised the Leons to play bridge.

But they'll come tomorrow, won't they?

They said they would for sure.

What are you doing here?

Are you going anywhere?

Yes, I am.

Where, if you don't mind?

To Cracow, I think.

To Cracow! Yes, yes....

But ... the road is very dangerous.

In Skierniewice, every single day,

they search the whole train!

- Really?

- Yes.

- And what is it like over here?

- Oh, well...

Just as you see.

Oh, just take a look around.

That is a supreme court judge.

A supreme court judge, sir,

with a shovel, going to dig ditches..

To dig trenches.

- Aren't these marvelous times?

- And you,

professor?

Marvelous times.

But, you'll see, everything

will be alright.

Really? You have any news?

No, it just suddenly

occurred to me that

it'll be alright.

You'll see.

That it'll be alright.

Good bye.

Trading goods?

Yes, goods.

- What do you deal in?

- Whatever I can: sausage, eggs, butter.

You know, I'd buy

some from you.

My wife's nagging,

asking for a sales stand.

She says, all women got one,

except her.

- Perhaps you could bring something?

- Why not.

Could I leave it with you?

I don't want to haul it around,

I still have to take care of something.

Go ahead. You can leave it

in the guard booth.

Over there?

Thank you.

- Is Mrs. Siekerzynska home?

- I will see.

Who should I say is asking for her?

Please tell her

that her nephew came.

You may come in.

You rascal.

Making your aunt wait

so long,

and she had to cheat death

just to get her nephew's attention.

Tell me all about yourself.

Did you fight in the uprising?

- No, I didn't.

- That's very bad.

Your great-grandfather

fought in an uprising,

your grandfather,

and what did you do?

Nothing!

That's your father's fault.

Has it been long since

you last heard from your mother?

Sometime... before the uprising.

Well, they're still in London,

doing well, but worried about me.

- Father was ill a little...

- You can spare me

the details of your father's health.

And worry...

That's too bad.

If someone abandons their

child to his fate,

afterwards, they must worry!

But, Auntie, I was at the front

when they ran away,

and, after all, I'm not a baby.

Now, now, then.

Every snotty brat

seems to think these days

that he's all grown up.

You're haggard

but not grown up.

Mon pauvre gosse,

you look terrible.

Tiens, put away

this little coin.

Or not.

So much money, you might lose it,

or drink it away.

Take this.

Thank you.

You have a guest, Walercia?

But, my dear Rose,

this is my nephew.

My God...

I remember you very well.

I carried you in my arms.

When was that? 1918...

But no, 1916.

28 years ago,

my dear Walercia

Please, don't let me interrupt you.

- I think I'll get going.

- Where?

I don't want to intrude.

Intrude? Not at all,

unless on Rose?

Rose, are we bothering you?

My dear Walercia, if you don't stop

talking to me this way,

you'll force me to take

my books...

Alright, alright,

my dear Rose.

You can't even appreciate

how wonderful she is,

my Rose,

At any given time and place,

she thinks only about others

and never about herself.

Her situation is just as

Poland's today:

dans son territoire, mais pas chez soi.

Walercia, stop it,

or you'll make me angry.

You won't even let me

give you the praise you deserve.

And yet I will never

stop repeating

that you're a pearl and

and an exception.

You finally came.

We've been waiting

for you two days.

Card games,

drunkenness.

None of your suspicions

are true.

I was playing with a kitten.

Mirek, you're talking

nonsense.

The longer all this lasts,

- the more I like to play with cats.

- Mirek!

My God, one is so

preoccupied these days

that one forgets the basic

rules of hospitality.

Let me introduce

my nephew.

Mirek, this is the nephew of

my dear and gentle Walerka.

Very nice to meet you.

I hope you'll become friends.

I am convinced that this

friendship would be good for you,

you spoiled naughty boy.

I would be very glad.

Mirek, what are you doing?

What is this supposed to mean?

Darling, please forgive me,

I met this

you know, this...

and we went...

- But...

- But I've no intention of

listening to your nonsense,

and enduring your madness.

This is repeating too often.

This must end.

Lidka, we have a guest.

Let me introduce the nephew

of my dear Walerka.

We know each other.

You've met already?

That's for the better.

I'm very sorry...

- but I must be going.

- That's for the better.

You're leaving already?

I thought you might

stay for breakfast.

Thank you, but I got up

very early today and had

my breakfast at home.

But I mean a real breakfast,

but since you're in a hurry...

I hope you will stop by

again some time.

Go, go now, but don't forget

about your old aunt.

If you had anything to trade,

soft, hard, powdered, or

in one piece, no difference,

you'll do best to come to me.

Can you exchange a 50 dollar note?

Why not, do you have many?

Right now only two.

No problem. I'll pay

450 each.

You must admit, I pay well.

Elsewhere, they'd rob you blind.

Here you go.

Thank you.

What's wrong?

Nothing.

I'm really very sorry.

Leave me be,

I'm very irritable today.

Because of you, I made

such a fool out of myself

in front of him.

In front of whom?

That...

That nephew of aunt Walerka.

Please go after him

and apologize.

Or invite him to our place

for supper.

Well, go on now.

Are you really in such a hurry?

Forgive me for

stopping you.

Am I in a hurry?

No, in fact, I'm not

at all in a hurry.

Is there anything today

we could be hurrying for?

If you're really not in a hurry,

perhaps you'll

agree to have a drink?

Or something like that?

With pleasure. Only

I won't agree to

Let's not start our

friendship with fussing.

My invitation, my treat,

agreed?

Agreed.

In fact, I wanted to apologize.

My wife

was a little upset

it seems she might

have been a bit rude to you.

Oh, that's nothing.

It often happens when

one is irritated.

You'd met before,

right?

We had.

How did you end up

here in all this chaos?

How did I?

- I was in Pruszków.

- What a nightmare.

I must admit that it seemed

quite idyllic to me.

I had spent two years

in Auschwitz.

Two years...

... in Auschwitz...

What does a man feel like

back at large

after years in that hell?

Not sure I know.

You see, luckily, man

has the gift of forgetting,

without which life wouldn't

be at all possible.

I remember only...

that might seem strange...

that I was no longer able

to enjoy freedom

in the same measure

I had desired it.

When I got out,

I rented a room,

and stayed there

for weeks on end,

staring at the ceiling,

not thinking,

not even suffering...

At times I thought

that everything was over.

The camp might have been

only an indirect cause

of my state...

And the direct cause?

I'm not sure...

But probably everything:

life before the war,

the war,

the present,

life.

I understand.

You know,

sometimes I feel like bidding

farewell to all my loved ones,

to everyone,

and escaping

doesn't matter where,

but I can never

make up my mind.

Nobody really understands that.

I'm listening.

It's not just the question

of the occupation, I think.

The Germans...

History is over for us.

Round-ups, torture,

perhaps they still pose a threat,

but deep within

deep within,

they no longer matter.

- That may be so.

- Yes, but what next?

What is there to go back to

after all this?

Before the war,

I felt the same urge

to escape from my world.

My aunt was right,

friendship with you

will do me good.

No, no more, thank you.

Let's go, I need to take care

of something before 3.

And your big breakfast

must be waiting.

And I know, your meal times

are sacred.

Your?

Let's say ours, then.

I came out looking for you.

Felix said there

may a round-up.

Peaceful as in heaven.

Felix spreads panic

to jumpstart stock prices.

Felix is always impossible.

I would have fired him

long ago.

You invited him over,

haven't you?

- You'll come?

- Naturally.

- Thank you.

- We will be expecting you tonight?

Tonight?

Unfortunately, tonight would

be a bit difficult.

- Perhaps tomorrow?

- Very well, tomorrow I can make it.

Good bye.

I'm very glad

you'll be able to come.

So am I.

Pay the bill.

And let's get out of here.

Felix, have you told the mistress

about any round-ups today?

No, sir, I know nothing

about any round-ups.

And I have not seen the

young countess today at all.

Countess...

Excuse me?

Shit.

It's you.

And your wife?

Is she coming?

We've got separated.

And I've nowhere to stay,

and I thought that perhaps

you might let me a room.

But of course!

I wouldn't to a stranger,

but to you I will.

But I must watch out.

Never let in any strangers.

They want to rob me.

- Who, the Germans?

- No.

- They.

- Who, they?

They.

They're not here, yet,

but they'll be here shortly.

In the meantime, I must watch

out, they have spies around.

After the wedding

you had no luggage.

That's... loot,

from Warsaw.

Loot.

Yes, that's what I thought,

it must be loot.

And your wife, she'll come

here when you find her?

Yes, she will.

We had agreed that

if we got separated,

we'd find each

other precisely here.

That's good, at my place.

And the dog?

Dog?

- The dog will come, too.

- How is it?

In great shape.

It's had six

litters since.

Beautiful puppies.

That's very strange.

It wasn't a bitch

only a male.

But now, there are such

things going on in the world

that one can hardly

be surprised at anything.

Please, come in.

Should I change sheets?

Probably not,

it's still the same.

No one's been here since.

This is the key to

the door downstairs.

But please be careful,

and leave quietly.

So they won't see that someone

is living here.

Because they would come

and take everything.

The count is awaiting

you in the playroom.

Don't play a comedy

in front of me.

Would you take me on

as a go-between in your...

dollar deals?

Why not. If there's

anything, just come to me.

I'll give you a share

right away, of course.

Count Tolo.

For a month now.

And hasn't complained.

I'm telling you,

think it over.

Won't you stay for supper?

Oh, no, I can't.

They've had a room ready

for me since 6.

Talk to Lidka.

She also

thinks it's the only

and the best chance.

Tolo.

I hope we'll meet again.

Good bye.

Lidka... My wife

will be down in a second.

How are you?

I'm staying in Forest Hoof,

there's a B&B I know

from before the war.

Why haven't you

just come to stay with us?

Your aunt would not

be too happy about it.

That's possible.

She starts rebelling

against charity.

At least under

her own roof.

It's nice you haven't

forgotten about us.

Please sit down.

Supper will be

served shortly.

You know those two old birds,

Jasia & Kocia, charged in here

and refuse to leave.

Aunt pretends to

be delighted.

But, inside, I see she's seething.

I'm sorry to touch on

such household matters

in your presence.

But today, these are

very common problems.

Excuse me, what problems?

That clown paid you a visit?

Tolo?

Yes, he did.

And probably was trying

to talk you into going to Vienna?

He was.

And what do you think about it?

Vienna...

I'm not sure...

We could go.

- That's what you really think?

- Yes.

Listen, Mirek, we're being

very impolite.

Could you tell us something

about yourself?

How are you doing

these days?

It's nice of you to remember

about us, after all.

My dear Lidka,

our guest must be hungry.

You're finally here,

you naughty boy.

Listen, Lidka,

we haven't waited

for Maryna.

And that's not good.

Maryna asked never to

wait for her with meals.

Around six, I saw her drinking

vodka with the rail men.

Why are you saying such things about Maryna?

She's just crazy.

I've always been saying that.

But I've always liked her a lot

and I still do like her

and respect her. The end.

She is someone...

Of course, everyone

round the trough.

Don't make a big deal.

Just tell me who you are.

This, my dear Maryna,

is my sister's son.

Mon neveu.

Can you translate

for me into Polish

what that parrot

just said?

I am my aunt Walerka's

nephew.

Walerka's nephew.

Probably nothing

interesting.

Pour me some vodka.

Leave it.

You all shouldn't drink too much.

You'd become too jovial

after the losses

you've suffered.

Felix...

Please tell the cook

to hurry up

Our guest must be

heading back tonight.

I live in Forest Hoof now.

Even not too

far from here.

At the Quo vadis inn.

Please pass the bread.

It's right here.

It's really too bad you

haven't come directly here,

What's more, it was

rather inconsiderate on your part.

My dear Rose

You're incorrigible, incorrigible

in your kindness and hospitality.

That's how it is,

my dear.

We're crammed,

but one cannot think

only of one's own comfort

while people suffer

such misfortunes.

Incorrigible, incorrigible.

Rose, where are you off to?

Please, at least finish

your dinner in peace.

Never listens.

She's gone.

No doubt somebody

needs to ask her some favor.

I'm bored with your ugly mugs.

I'm leaving.

Ladies and gentlemen,

there is much talk today

of Communism.

I claim that Communism

is completely impractical.

Let me take myself as an example

This morning, I spilled

some water from a vase

onto the window sill,

and didn't wipe if off

because I didn't feel like it.

And if it were mine,

in my own home, I would

have wiped it off right away,

because I'd be afraid that

the window might rot.

There you go.

Everyone!

A pleasant surprise.

Alive, and safely back with us,

our beloved maestro,

whose art we love

and value dearly

- Please, maestro, have a seat.

- Thank you.

- We were worried...

- She'd never even mentioned his name.

We won't let you go.

You'll stay with us

for the time being.

I won't dare resist.

I didn't know where to go.

I remember your kindness

and your hospitable house.

I would be very

offended, professor,

if you had forgotten about me.

A ship

is sinking.

Ladies and gentlemen,

we are completely ruined.

It's a miracle

we've survived.

Calm down, my dear Celina,

calm down,

we're all in the same boat.

Oh, my dear Rose,

if you only knew

what I went through.

I hope you won't refuse us

two, at most three

days of your hospitality.

Of course, my door is open

to all refugees.

But I'm afraid you won't

have all the comforts

because we are more

and more crammed.

I must be going.

Good night.

You still got time

before the curfew.

True, but I must meet

someone.

Whom?

Business.

I hope to see you again soon.

Have you got matches?

Walerka's nephew.

Come have a shot

of vodka with me.

It's getting late.

Nearly curfew.

I'll walk you home,

don't worry.

Come on.

Who's there?

Is there a fire

or what?

My throat's burning,

open up.

Ah, it's you.

Have you got anything?

A quart of vodka,

and something to snack on.

You got it.

Do you have any money,

because I don't.

500 or 600 zlotys.

That's enough.

It'll be on you.

I'll repay you

with a kind word.

In fact, I don't want

anything from you,

but one doesn't always

want to drink alone.

Understood.

We can manage on our own.

We're not at my sister-in-law.

Sausages.

Have a drink.

Lidka's in love with you.

What's it to you?

If that's how you're

going to talk to me,

you bastard, you can

go straight back home.

Please stop it.

I'm not interested

in that subject.

And, anyway, why are you

interested in Lidka and me?

I'm not at all

interested in you.

No more.

An empty glass is

like a coffin without a corpse.

As for Lidka...

Again.

I like her, and I feel

sorry for her.

Life derailed her, and turned

her into a circus horse.

I remember her

from before the war.

Even from afar,

she seemed worthwhile.

I was upset, when

Mirek kidnapped her

from that joint,

like an errant knight

rescuing a maiden

from a glass mountain.

Does Miss Rose know

that Lidka was

a dance girl?

She'd turn in her grave!

What do you mean in her grave?

She's alive.

Yes, she's alive,

but lives in a grave.

She had to be given

a toned-down version.

An actress.

There is something

in the two of you,

I'm not sure I can

find the right word,

something you share.

Ah, to hell with it.

Lidka's lost, you're lost,

leave me in peace.

Yes, we're lost.

You should escape

to the countryside with her,

you'd go out into the field

with a scythe,

Into the field with a scythe...

Maybe you want to me warm up

to the hammer & sickle?

You're an idiot.

I'm not a red baroness.

And I don't plan

on posing as such.

They think I escaped

from my own milieu.

Fools. It's they

who escaped.

Ran away,

went astray.

Enough of that.

Thank you for your company.

There's a gentleman

who wants to speak with you.

- Who is it?

- I don't know.

A stranger.

A complete stranger.

I came to inform you

that your aunt

has been taken ill,

- and wishes to see you.

- What happened?

A heart attack.

She even collapsed as she

was leaving the table.

I see.

Please tell her

I'll be there.

Unfortunately, I must

inform you

that it was the last time

I was in countess Rose's house.

- How come?

- I quit.

You. Quit.

Yes. I've had enough of

taking care of her & the house.

Now that God has been

favorable to me,

and I've saved up

a little something,

I decided to start

my own business.

Come with me,

I'll show you something.

I will still be serving

the young couple.

But in a different capacity.

I'm opening a restaurant.

Foreman, would you

come her for a second.

How's work coming along,

Mr. Grzebinski?

- Moving forward.

- When will it be ready?

- You can start on Tuesday.

- For sure?

When I say something,

it's not for sure or not,

it'll be just as I say.

Great.

I am sorry,

I won't be able to facilitate

exchange for you any more,

but as a

recompense,

I'd like to offer you

a job.

Why not? What would I be doing?

You'd serve our

customers,

share in the sales,

and free meals.

Count Tolo is applying

for the job,

but I don't trust him.

I'd rather have you.

Is that settled then?

Settled.

- Thank you very much.

- Don't mention it,

you've always played fair with me.

Very well, but what does

countess think about all this?

She... She was completely

unfair to me.

She got mad,

and told me to leave

her house immediately.

She said some things which

out of respect for her,

I cannot repeat.

All of them will now be

my best customers.

I will call the place

Chez Felix.

Good evening.

How are you?

As well as it is

even possible today.

And you?

You came out

to walk the dog?

Yes, it needs to

run around.

Earthworm!

- You named him Earthworm?

- Yes.

You don't like it?

Earthworm!

We're going for a walk.

You came.

I could die,

and you wouldn't notice.

This time,

nothing really happened,

but soon, it will be all over.

Paul,

you are my closest relative.

I demand

that you and Rose

follow my hearse.

She is the only

person in the world

who truly loves me.

And here,

something for you

because you came immediately

when you were called to the side

of your sick and dying aunt.

Or not.

You might lose it.

You'd better get everything

- when I'm dead.

- Auntie!

I don't know

whether I was a

good aunt to you.

Whether I knew how to...

I don't know at all...

whether I was good to people.

whether I knew how to...

I couldn't communicate with them,

and they with me,

but I wanted to.

I really wanted to.

Go now, go.

I must

get some rest

and peace.

How's aunt doing?

Better, I think.

Thank God.

Don't go so soon.

I'll tell Felix to...

I forgot...

I keep forgetting that Felix

went out on his own.

You've heard about it?

What do you make of it?

I support his initiative, because

he employed me as a waiter.

I see.

You know, after all, you working

for Felix as a waiter...

No, the whole world

is topsy-turvy.

Some shots were fired at the station.

Now they're patrolling the streets.

It's almost curfew.

Lidka, I think he shouldn't

be leaving now.

You're right.

We won't let you go.

No, I'll better go.

You've got enough headaches.

Mirek, stop him,

it makes no sense.

Really, don't do anything foolish.

You'll spend the night here.

Now, let's go to my study.

This way.

Please come in.

So what do you think

about all this?

What do you intend

to do next?

I'm not sure.

I'm not thinking about it.

It's a bit too late for that.

The train has left

the station.

- You can jump out.

- And break my neck?

No.

That's something I should have

thought about long ago,

before the war.

Well, now, we're

going

where the train

is taking us.

One must run

from one's aunt,

from the Bolsheviks,

from everything that's coming.

Perhaps what we used to

expect and consider

as Poland

will no longer exist.

Yes, these are what we call

our problems.

Tolo's got something lined up.

To go to Vienna,

and on from there.

To run away.

From your own shadow?

Anyway, I won't

give you any advice.

Good night.

Ah, welcome!

Good evening?

How are you enjoying

this hospitality?

You don't mention rope

in a hangman's house.

Rats flee the sinking ship.

And we, too, will probably

flee this house soon.

The air thickens

as population density rises.

And the countess,

unfortunately,

is beginning to

crack.

Time to sleep.

You, young man,

if you expect the gems

of our sense of humor,

you will be sorely disappointed.

I won't say another word today.

To hell with all of this.

Gentlemen, time to get up.

It's getting late.

Time to make up your beds.

Just to think

that only a few weeks ago,

when I was invited

here for dinner,

Miss Rose

reproached me

for personally carrying

a lawn chair to the garden.

A few weeks ago!

Damn it.

What's that, professor?

You're swearing?

You, educator of young minds!

Last time I checked, it was young

minds who were educating me.

On my way to Pruszków,

an extremely young man,

with a death's head on his cap

was teaching me

with steel-toed boots

the art of marching in line.

A propos, professor,

it's your turn today to

pump water from the well.

Why don't you

do it for me today,

and I'll give you my share

of bread at breakfast.

Ah, that's worth considering.

Are you planning on

lounging around till noon?

Listen, young man,

we will have to turn you in.

The water tank is empty.

If you would like to wash up,

you have to refill

the tank!

One more thing:

please make sure

you clean the bathroom

when you're done.

There's again a pool of water.

That really wasn't me.

Try to preserve at least

some dignity.

She turns me into a complete schoolboy.

You keep pointing out

that I'm an educator.

Former. I'm a former educator

just as you are a former maestro,

and everything else is former,

especially our hostess,

why refuses to

acknowledge her time passed.

In any case, the water

in the tank is also former,

- let me remind you.

- But a piece of bread is not former.

I've changed my mind.

In that case, I won't wash

myself today, either.

How's that, doctor?

You're abandoning hygiene?

No, I don't regard hygiene as highly

as you do keyboard exercises.

Now I'm going to

get some fresh air.

It's so nice to hear you

play again.

Excuse me, would you mind

leaving the room for a moment?

I'd like to get dressed.

No need to be shy.

I saw you in your underpants anyway.

Get out of here.

Breakfast will be served in 20 min.

In the meantime,

you can wash up.

Miss Rose asks kindly

whether you wouldn't mind

going somewhere else

to learn to play.

She's got a migraine.

My God...

A migraine...

You're leaving without breakfast?

I'm not hungry.

Could we talk a little?

No.

I've never a pig

such as you.

Excuse me, what is it

that you want from me?

What do you want from me?

I want you to stop being such a swine!

If I get mad I may even slap you!

I haven't forgotten everything yet!

Table 3 is asking for their bill.

Coming.

Does princess need anything

else from the kitchen?

No, Felix.

Then we're done for today.

Please add another quart.

No, not another one.

It's getting late.

We must go home.

Come one, we're leaving.

- Yes, home.

- Let's go.

Miss Nika, another quart of vodka.

I must explain.

I don't stick my nose

into other people's business.

I know, but I don't want

you to think ill of me.

So, I guess you've met

to go over your Vienna plans.

See you tomorrow.

10 o'clock. On the dot.

You think it's wrong?

It's not like making

deals with the enemy.

They're like

a transportation company.

Anyway,

I haven't completely

made up my mind yet.

- Lidka...

- What about Lidka?

Lidka doesn't want to go.

She understands little

in these matters.

You see,

I think this is our last

chance to get out of here.

When they come here...

perhaps it won't be

as bad as they say, but

it's better to avoid the risk.

I must get out of here.

Escape from this country.

Start a new life

among new people,

and new problems.

I'm glad you're still here.

Something important

came up.

Miss Nika, please

pour me a shot of vodka.

I've got a headache.

I see there's something on your mind.

Please tell me about it.

You'll feel better.

Have you been in love

many times in your life?

What does it mean,

to be in love?

When you feel physical attraction,

that's not love.

Love is desiring another

person's soul.

Love, Miss Nika,

is lust.

Love is pure when

desiring someone's

physical form

brings to mind

the smell of clover

and sun-lit ground.

And those things with

the soul come only later.

Or don't come at all.

I see, here we have

a pair of cooing pigeons.

Lidka!

Watch out little cunt,

or the missionary will

turn you into such a slut

as he did me.

Stop it, Lidka, what

are you talking about?

Shut up you tart

or I'll pull your hair out.

There's no Lidka.

Only Genowefa.

- You're carrying on like a streetwalker!

- Completely wasted!

Have you gone mad?

I'm sick of all this.

I'll have to restrain you.

Let it go.

Let the countess

show off her breed.

Oh, such happiness,

the young lady

came back and

is downstairs.

Aren't you happy?

On the contrary.

I'm paralyzed with joy.

Miss, miss, he's over here.

Come in, quick.

He's paralyzed with joy.

I made an awful

mess of things yesterday.

I think you're not

going to kick me out.

I don't know where to start.

Best don't start at all.

It's not necessary.

But I have to explain

everything.

Perhaps.

But not to me.

Precisely to you.

You wanted me to

become a decent girl?

So I did.

And the fact there's

the same mess at the counts,

and countesses are worse

whores than dance girls,

that's not my fault.

- I also have to tell you...

- What?

I've always

liked you a lot.

I don't want things

to be like this between us.

I'm sorry.

What next?

I must stay with him

for the time being.

Four years.

One quarrel

won't undo it.

But he's running away.

Going to Vienna.

He won't go.

Why not?

He loves me.

I'll have to help him

unpack again.

He's probably already

chasing after me to apologize.

Good bye.

Thank you for everything.

Now playing: A heart in love.

He did go.

That's sad.

But under the circumstances,

he won't get far.

He'll be forced to come back.

That won't change anything.

You think?

Stop talking about Mirek.

Ok?

Ok.

END

English Subtitle Re-sync by Virgil