The Song of Songs (1933) Movie Script

Wind's from the south.

Gonna rain.

Tonight, maybe.

Don't you worry.

I'll take care

of your father's grave.

Train's coming soon.

I was in Berlin once.

Thirty years ago.

Big place.

No end to it.

Well, Lily...

go to church every Sunday,

and obey your aunt.

She's all you got.

Yes, she's the last.

Well, then...

goodbye.

Thank you, Miss.

Are you Lily?

Yes, Tante Rasmussen.

Did you have to arrive

in the middle of the night?

The train doesn't leave

until 7:00 in the evening.

Huh. Well, haven't you got a kiss

for your old aunt?

There, there, there,

there, there, there, there, now.

Let's have a look at you.

I'd forgotten people wore clothes

like that.

- What have you got there?

- My things.

Well, bring 'em here.

I'm going to give you

my daughters' room-

My ungrateful,

unnatural daughters...

who deserted

their old mother.

But I tore them

out of my heart.

I've torn them out

by the roots.

And all my love

shall be for you.

Not as my niece, no.

As my own child.

Yes, Tante Rasmussen.

Why, what's this?

- A Bible?

- It was his.

Is that all your scamp

of a father left you, a Bible?

He wasn't a scamp.

He was a good man.

I don't know

what he was good for.

Leaving you a charge

on your old aunt.

However, he taught you to read.

That's something.

Maybe you'll be of some use

about the shop after all.

My father was a good man.

Every night I read to him

from this Bible.

The Lamentations of Job,

no doubt.

No. The Song of Solomon.

He loved it best.

I don't remember

the Song of Solomon...

but knowing your father,

I imagine there was something dirty in it.

The Song of Songs

is beautiful.

That's more than I can say

for your get-up.

- He was a good man.

- All right, all right.

He was a good man.

Take that black pancake

off your head...

and climb out

of that shroud.

See if these

will fit you.

They belonged to Anna.

- Have you had your supper?

- I'm not hungry, thanks.

Good. Then you might

as well go to bed.

And in the morning I'll start

teaching you about the books.

I'll lock up tonight,

but after this you'll do it.

Yes, Tante Rasmussen.

We open the shop at 6:00

and breakfast is at 7:00.

And you'll have a good home here

if you behave.

But you might as well understand

right now I'll tolerate no nonsense.

No, Tante Rasmussen.

Mercy! How many

of those things do you wear?

What, another?

I've never seen a girl

unpeel herself like an onion before.

This is the last.

A figure like that will get you

into trouble if you're not careful.

You'll bear watching.

Go to bed.

Goodnight.

My precious brother.

Isn't it like him?

Dies and leaves me

his daughter...

with nine petticoats

and a Bible.

Does he leave any money?

Not a pfennig.

A daughter and a Bible.

Always was a restless,

good-for-nothing, no-account chap.

"By night on my bed...

"I sought him...

"whom my soul loveth.

"I sought him,

but I found him not.

"I will rise now...

"and go about the city.

"In the streets

and in the broad ways...

"I will seek him

whom my soul loveth.

I will seek him

whom my soul loveth."

- Are you looking for a book, sir?

- What?

I said, are you

looking for a book?

Well, I'll tell you.

When a man goes into a book shop...

he's usually

looking for a book.

Of course, he might be looking

for the fountain of youth...

but I don't think

you sell that.

I meant, is there some special book

you're looking for?

Ha!

There is nothing special.

Everything is just the same

as everything else.

Well, I'm afraid

I can't help you.

No. No, I'm afraid

you can't.

Oh!

No. No, no!

Stand up again.

- Stand up. I want to see you.

- No, I will not.

Oh, I see. You think

I'm interested in your legs.

Well, I'm not-

at least, not just as legs.

My dear child, if you'd seen

as many legs as I have...

you'd get more excited

about a pair of crutches.

I'm a sculptor, my dear,

a sculptor-

or that is,

I'm supposed to be...

and there was something

about you as you stood there that-

that was almost an idea.

Are you the sculptor

that lives across the street?

I'm the sculptor

that's going crazy across the street!

Why? What's the matter?

- I'm stuck.

- Stuck?

- Yes. Stuck.

- You mean- You mean-

- I mean I'm stuck.

- Yes, I know, but-

Oh, don't say you know

and then say "but."

If you can't talk straight,

don't talk at all.

Now, come on, please.

Stand up.

This is a book store...

and if you don't want

to buy a book...

then better go back and-

and be stuck.

I don't have to go back.

I'm just as stuck here. That's the trouble.

The trouble is,

you're probably no good anyway.

Ho! Do you know,

I never thought of that.

I tell you what.

You come over

and pose for me.

- Perhaps you'll bring me inspiration.

- No, thank you.

- How about 8:00, hmm?

- I wouldn't wait, if I were you.

Oh, no, no, no.

But you must come.

You know, I believe I could

get something really interesting.

Oh-Oh, please come.

Please come, won't you?

- You must be crazy.

- Well, what's that got to do with it?

I don't know you.

Well, I don't know you either,

but I've got to sculpt you.

Now, when will you come?

Tonight?

Certainly not.

You know, really,

I should have thought...

that living here as you do,

among all these marvellous books...

you would have had

some sympathy for art.

If you'll come,

I'll buy a book.

- Oh, you will?

- I-I'll even read the blessed thing.

It's no use. I couldn't-

- I shall expect you.

- You are crazy.

- Tonight at 8:00.

- Please go away.

- Oh, please come. Please come.

- Never.

Well, I shall expect you.

Auf Wiedersehen.

What did he want?

Oh, nothing.

- Didn't he take a book?

- No. He was just looking.

Well, you get on with your work. And don't you

let me catch you carrying on with any young men.

No, Tante Rasmussen.

Come in.

Come in, come in.

I don't believe it!

I only came to-

Oh, never mind

why you came.

You're here,

that's the main thing.

Oh, come in, come in.

It was wrong of me to come.

It was charming-

charming of you.

Here. Here,

let me take this.

If Tante Rasmussen

should find out-

You know, I believe you're scared of her.

Well, so am I.

Are you still stuck?

Well, I was, but hope

has come in now, hasn't she?

I've been making

a sketch of you.

- You want to see yourself?

- Oh, yes!

- Oh! I haven't any clothes on!

- Clothes?

Do you think I model people

with their clothes on?

But how did you know

I was like that?

And just what

does that mean?

I mean it is me and-and it isn't me.

I mean it's-

Go on. This begins to sound like

art criticism of the highest order.

Oh, it's wonderful.

I mean, it's the way

I want to be.

- It's me as I dream of me.

- Oh, ho.

It's the girl

in the Song of Songs.

- Who?

- The girl in the Song of Songs.

- She's in the Bible.

- The Bible?

She's the girl who

feels in her heart...

that somewhere the perfect love

is waiting for her.

She says, "I sleep,

but my heart waketh.

"It is the voice

of my beloved saying...

'Open to me my love,

my undefiled."'

- Mercy on us!

- Oh, I know what she means.

I know it because

I feel it inside.

I mean, it is the voice of my beloved,

that's what I mean.

Hold that pose!

Now, don't move.

Yes.

Yes, that's wonderful.

Yes, there's my statue,

and we'll call it The Song of Songs.

- Oh, really?

- Think of it!

What luck to find just what I've been

looking for in old Rasmussen's book shop.

Take your clothes off.

What?

Take your- Well, what's the matter?

What's the matter?

I can't take my clothes off.

- Why? Why can't you?

- Why, I-

I'd be undressed.

Well, what do you

expect to be?

All you need is the face.

Everything is in the face.

Oh, I see. You're going to

tell me how to do it now.

No, but- but-

Oh, now, now, now,

look here.

You mustn't think of me as a man.

Don't you realize that?

Why, a-a model means

no more to me than a tree.

All I see is the-the-the

thing she creates.

- Look, what's your name?

- Lily.

Well, now, Lily, don't irritate me

with silly prejudices.

I see you as an artist.

You must believe that, Lily.

I mean- Well, I mean,

you must believe that.

- Yes, I think I believe that.

- Good. Well, now, come on.

You see that curtain?

Well, you can undress behind there.

Now, wait a minute.

Take this and put it around you.

There's a good girl.

Now, don't be long.

Oh, there you are.

That's right. Step up there.

You can drop the smock.

It's cold.

Cold?

I hadn't noticed it.

Well? Well?

Are you going to stand like that?

What about the voice of your beloved?

Why don't you listen to it?

It's pretty hard to listen

when you are as embarrassed as I am.

Oh, you'll get used to it.

And what's more, I'm freezing.

You'll get used to that too.

I don't understand

how I ever got into this.

Now, look here.

Wait a minute.

Wait a minute and take it easy.

You don't have to do this,

you know, if you don't want to.

Hmm?

Well, all right.

You put your clothes on

and go home.

No. I said I'd do it,

and I will do it.

That's the way to talk! Good!

Lily!

Close the window!

Lily!

An earthquake

wouldn't wake her.

The brat!

Lily!

Oh!

All right.

That's enough for now.

I'll get it. I'll get it.

Next the clay,

and then the marble.

- The Song of Songs in marble.

- Was I all right?

You were fine at first.

You got a bit tired later.

Come in.

- Am I welcome?

- Yes, of course. Come in, Baron.

I saw your light so I thought

I'd drop in to see what you were up to.

- Well, I've been working.

- Good! It's about time.

There's the beginning

of your statue, Baron.

Mmm. Not bad.

- Do you see any idea to it?

- She's a little beauty.

Oh. That's all you see, eh?

It's enough for me.

- Oh, is she, uh, here?

- Yes. Yes, she's in there.

Oh. Not, uh-

Not overdone?

- As good as this, really?

- Uh-huh.

Mm-hmm!

Ah. A pretty face as well

as the hidden charms.

- I'd like to meet the young lady.

- Mmm. Oh, Lily.

This is Colonel von Merzbach.

Lily. How do you do, my dear?

How do you do?

So you are to be

our young friend's inspiration, huh?

Oh, these artists are privileged people.

- I think I'd better go.

- If I thought I'd frightened you away...

I'd never forgive myself.

You know, I'm not

altogether an intruder.

The statue our young friend

is to do of you...

will belong to me.

I've already paid him for it.

- But it's late. I must go.

- Oh, that's a pity.

But no doubt

we shall meet again.

Now that I've seen you, the statue

will interest me more than ever.

Goodbye.

Well, tomorrow night?

- But-

- The same time.

A lovely girl.

Lovely.

Where have you been?

Sneaking out of my house!

I'll show you!

Where did you find her?

Oh, I, uh-

I just found her.

She's not

a professional model?

Oh, no, no.

She works in the book shop

across the street. Why?

She interests me.

Of course, my dear Richard, if there is

any reason why I shouldn't be interested-

Oh, none at all.

She means nothing to me.

Fine.

Because she interests me

very much.

Very much.

"Mrs Rasmussen," he said...

"you have a very beautiful daughter."

"She's my niece," I said.

Then he gives his

moustaches a twist...

and he asks

would I be offended...

if he was to show

his admiration...

by making you a little present.

Old fool.

And him a colonel too.

I said, "I don't allow my niece

to accept presents from gentlemen.

"But," I says,

"she sometimes takes

a little rum with her tea."

And I said, "I see no harm

if you'd care to send her some."

And he-

It's the very best kind.

It comes from Jamaica.

I suppose you

never heard of Jamaica.

No, Tante Rasmussen.

It's a place in Asia Minor.

A drop of rum in your tea

is supposed to build up your strength...

only the doctor says

you must take it...

after you've got into bed

and be sure to keep well covered...

as it's heating to the blood...

and you're liable

to take a chill.

You can bring it now, my child.

Bring the bottle too.

You're a good girl, Lily.

If I'm severe

with you sometimes...

it's because I have

your own welfare at heart.

We've forgotten the sugar.

Uh, j-j-just half a spoonful, dear.

Thank you, darling.

You weren't very nice

to the Baron yesterday morning.

Now, next time he comes,

I want you to smile and be civil.

- Yes, Tante Rasmussen.

- Goodnight, darling.

- You can go to bed now.

- Thank you. Goodnight.

Goodnight.

- Say your prayers.

- I will.

Ah!

Jamaica.

- Ah!

- I know, I know.

Late again.

Third time this week.

I don't see anything funny

about keeping a man waiting.

- And what's that?

- Flowers.

- Well, where did you get them?

- A man.

- Oh, the Baron, I suppose.

- Oh, no.

- Who, then?

- I don't know him.

I met him downstairs

in the street.

Do you mean to say you accepted flowers

from a stranger in the street?

Oh, he was

such a handsome man!

What's that

got to do with it?

Nothing.

I never heard

of such a thing.

A perfect stranger

and you accept-

Why-Why, i-it's

positively indecent.

Jealous?

I? Oh!

Certainly not.

It's nothing to me

what you do.

You sounded jealous.

Don't be ridiculous.

Well, come on, come on.

Let's get to work.

Well?

Aren't they lovely?

Let's get to work.

- Oh, smell them!

- Oh, come here!

Look what you've done.

And I bought them for you.

Oh. Hmm. Well, thanks.

Well, let's get to work, shall we?

Oh, yeah. All right.

Uh, ready, then.

Are you warm enough?

Yes.

I finally found

the coal man.

Told him if he didn't

deliver some coal I'd-

Told him I'd, uh-

Hmm.

Told him something.

No. You, uh-

You've turned too far.

No, this way.

Look.

What's the matter?

Nothing.

Santa

Lucia

You were off-key.

Well, I can't sing, row the boat

and admire you all at the same time.

- Something has to go.

- Why don't you throw me overboard?

Now, that's a good idea.

Why didn't I think of that before?

Wait a minute.

Come on.

Now, gently does it.

Careful.

Oh!

Come on!

Oh!

- Mmm. You happy?

- What do you think?

Well, I think

you look a bit surly.

Yes. Yes, I see a distinct resemblance

to your Aunt Rasmussen.

No, really. It's striking.

Another Rasmussen! Good heavens,

what have I fallen in love with?

- Are you tired?

- No.

Well, come on. Let's take that path

up through the woods.

- Oh, yes. Let's get lost!

- Forever.

Forever.

Come on.

- Oh, Excellency!

- Good day, Frau Rasmussen.

- The young lady is-

- I-Is out on an errand, Excellency.

Ah. I've bought her

some rum.

Oh, Excellency!

Two whole jugs full.

She will be very grateful.

Hmm.

I want to talk to you.

Let's not beat about the bush,

Frau Rasmussen.

I have a library-

a very extensive library-

and I require someone

to take care of it-

someone familiar

with books.

Your niece could

do it very well.

My niece, Excellency?

She would have to live

at my place.

I'm prepared to pay her

a very liberal salary.

Why, Excellency,

my niece could hardly-

All the proprieties

would be observed.

Still, Excellency,

a young girl

in a bachelor's household-

Hmm.

A very rare edition.

A thousand marks?

That's a lot of money

for a book.

Understand me,

Frau Rasmussen.

When I set my mind

on a thing...

I usually get it,

one way or another.

Perhaps your Excellency

would be interested in my other books.

Yes, no doubt,

no doubt.

I shall be dropping in

from time to time.

Let me see.

What were we talking about?

Oh, yes.

Your niece.

Oh! Oh!

- Oh, smell that.

- What?

Mmm, the grass

and the earth.

Oh, smell this grass.

- I don't smell anything.

- Oh, you're so funny, darling.

Look what he calls grass.

No. You've got to bury

your nose in it.

You've got to get into the ground.

You've just got

to be grass!

You've got spring fever. Kiss me.

You know, I won't have you squandering

all that love on grass and things.

What about me, hmm?

When I put my hands on the earth...

it's you I'm touching.

The wind on my face

is your kisses.

You are in everything

I think and feel and do...

and will be till I die.

Darling!

You know,

you frighten me sometimes.

Why?

Well, when I think

if anything should happen to us.

Oh, nothing

is going to happen.

No, no. But still,

supposing something did.

People in love

have had to separate, you know.

Oh, but not we.

You'll be rich and famous...

and I'll always pose for you...

and we'll have

a fine home and children...

and we'll grow old together...

and every day I'll love you twice as much

as I did the day before.

"Set me as a seal

upon thine heart...

"as a seal upon thine arm.

For love is strong as death."

That's fine.

The best you've ever done.

And the model?

She's well, thank you.

How's your romance

coming on?

Oh, Baron.

Let's stick to art.

Oh, don't be offended, Richard.

- Anyone can see the girl adores you.

- Well, I adore her too.

- But, uh-

- But what?

Oh, nothing, nothing.

She has notions in her head about

eternal fidelity, marriage and children.

Oh, it's all very awkward.

And you haven't thought

of marriage, naturally.

Well, I've a career to make

and no money and...

well, marriage is something-

Yes. Well, what do

you propose to do about it?

What can I do?

If I go on with it,

I'll be doing her a grave injustice.

On the other hand-

Oh, it's the devil of a mess.

- Leave her.

- Huh! How would that help?

Well, it's kinder

to do it now than later.

The longer you're together, the harder

it'll be for her to get over you.

No.

- Give her to me.

- To you?

Give her to me, Richard.

I can make her happy,

and you won't.

More, I can- I can educate her,

refine her to a great lady.

And I can provide for her, yes.

And love her.

This is the most preposterous-

W-What do you take me for?

When you say that,

are you thinking of yourself or of her?

For a temporary paradise, are you willing to

kick a helpless girl into a permanent hell?

- No.

- Now, now. Hear me out.

I'm getting old, Richard.

And for some time now, I've been thinking

of resigning from the Army...

retiring to my place in the country

to finish my life...

among my books, my paintings,

my statues and my farm.

It would amuse me to devote

the rest of my days to- to her.

To mould the real Lily

just as you have this statue.

To make her my masterpiece,

just as I think you've made this yours.

How could I give her to you,

even if I wanted to? And I don't.

All I ask is that you step aside

and give me a chance to win her.

Oh, th-this is obscene!

Obscene! Because I'm not

as young as you?

Obscene, because I consider

her welfare and you don't?

Obscene, because I'm willing

to marry her and you're not?

Yes, stare!

That's how I want her.

Enough to make her

the Baroness von Merzbach.

Now, tell me again

that what I'm asking is obscene!

Surprised, eh?

You didn't know I knew

all about your midnight excursions.

- Tante, I-

- You go to your lover and stay there!

- Stay there? Oh, Tante-

- I warned you.

I've appealed to your better nature.

I've scolded you.

Why, I've even beaten you!

And all to no avail. Now there's

nothing left but to put you out!

Oh, please. Maybe I was wrong.

But if you'd let me explain-

I'm not interested

in the details of your sin.

Sin?

Oh, it wasn't sin.

Get out!

Get out.

And don't come back.

Goodbye, Tante Rasmussen.

- Where's Richard?

- He's gone. Left today.

- Gone? Where?

- To Italy, I think.

- Italy-

- He asked me to see you and explain.

- When is he coming back?

- Not for a long time. Perhaps never.

I don't believe you. Richard!

Richard!

There's a note for you.

I'm sorry.

Don't take it too hard, my child.

It's unfortunate,

but Waldow's an artist.

All he wanted of you

was this statue...

- and now it's finished.

- No.

- I'm afraid it is so, my child.

- No. I don't believe you.

- He isn't like that.

- You don't know him.

Waldow hates scenes. That's why

he asked me to stay and see you.

No, he couldn't. He loves me, I tell you.

He told me he loved me.

No, you're lying.

You're lying!

Lily. Lily, my poor child.

It will pass. Everything passes.

I know. Don't be afraid.

You're not alone.

I'll see you through this. I'll do

everything in the world for you. Everything.

Everything.

Things he couldn't do- wouldn't do.

Ah, now come.

Come, Lily.

- Oh, leave me alone.

- Come, my dear.

Oh, no. Let me alone.

Let me alone.

Lily, you don't understand.

I love you, my dear, and he didn't.

You think he's the only thing in life?

Trust me. Believe me.

- I'll make a great lady of you.

- No, no. No!

I'll make you my wife, Lily.

You shall be my heir.

I have no one else but you, Lily, no one.

And I love you.

- I love you!

- Oh, Richard. Richard!

Are you going to let him

spoil your life?

He didn't let you disturb his, did he? He

took what he wanted and was through with you!

Lily, my darling, I want to give.

I want to give you everything.

Love, happiness,

position, money.

He didn't consider you

his equal. I do.

I'll make you more than his equal.

I'll make you the Baroness von Merzbach!

Then when you see him again,

you can treat him as he's treated you.

Patronize him, scorn him,

revenge yourself upon him.

He lied to you.

Don't let him crush you.

He lied to me.

What for? What for?

- And only yesterday-

- That was a thousand years ago, my dear...

and I'll make you believe

it never happened.

The Baroness.

This is Fraulein von Schwertfeger,

the, uh, housekeeper.

This, my dear,

is Edward von Prell.

My felicitations, Baron.

Baroness.

Edward works for us.

He's an agriculturalist.

Good blood, though. His father

carried a sword, but he chose the plough.

My Lord, may we extend

our heartfelt congratulations?

Very good, very good, very good.

- Supper is ready, Baron.

- Huh. No supper, no supper, no supper.

But, uh, another glass of champagne

might be acceptable, huh?

To our wedding night!

Come, come! Drink up! Drink up!

I'm not used to champagne.

It'll make me dizzy.

Heh. All the better.

All the better.

That's right.

I shall join you presently, my love.

Are you looking for a book, sir?

Are you the sculptor

that lives across the street?

When I put my hands on the earth,

it's you I'm touching.

The wind on my face

is your kisses.

You are in everything I think

and feel and do...

and will be till I die.

Set me as a seal

upon thine heart...

as a seal upon thine arm...

for love is strong as death.

Two, three. One, two, three.

One, two, three.

Easy. Relax.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

One, two, three.

That's very nice.

One, two, three.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

One, two, three.

One, two, three. One, two, three.

One, two, three-

"Le livre de la vie

est le livre supreme."

- "Supreme"!

- "Supreme."

"Qu'on ne peut ni fermer

ni rouvrir a son choix."

- Tres bien.

- "Le passage adore-"

- "Le passage"!

- "Le passage adore-"

- "Adore." Tres bien.

- "Adore."

"Ne se lit pas deux fois,

mais le feuille-"

Tres bien! Maintenant, si vous voulez,

nous allons l'ecrire meme le Baron.

"Le livre de la vie

est le livre supreme. "

"Le livre...

de la vie-"

Watch your phrasing, please.

Your left hand, please.

It's very important.

Very good.

Now...

it's a little difficult, but-

Oh, fine! Very good!

Sah ein Knab'ein'

Roslein stehn

Roslein auf der Heiden

War so jung und morgen-schon

Lief er schnell

es nah'zu sehn

Sah's mit vielen Freuden

Roslein, Roslein

Roslein, rot

Roslein auf der Heiden

Und der wilde Knab'brach

'S Roslein auf der Heiden

Roslein wehrte sich

und stach'

Half ihr doch kein

Weh und Ach

Muust'es eben leiden

Roslein, Roslein

Roslein, rot

Roslein auf der Heiden

And now, Fraulein Toller

will favour us.

I'm pleased with you, Lily.

Very pleased.

- What's the matter?

- Nothing. Our guests.

Oh, they don't matter.

They're nobodies.

I only brought them here

for you to practise on.

And you've done very well, Lily.

I'm very, very proud of you.

Next month, I'm going

to give you a grand ball.

I'll invite anybody of any consequence

to meet the Baroness von Merzbach.

Aren't you pleased?

- Yes.

- Heh! I'll invite Waldow, too.

I want him to see you now.

He'll marvel at my work.

You want him

to see you, huh?

If you like.

What's the matter with you?

You're always as cold as Waldow's statue.

Are you still in love with him?

Answer me!

I never think of him.

Never.

Aah.

- I beg your pardon.

- Huh? What's the matter?

- Shall I have coffee served to the guests?

- No, get rid of them.

Look here. Why do you follow us

about all the time...

sticking your nose in

at unexpected moments?

Are you jealous of my wife?

I might have been. Once.

Well, then?

Oh, I've spoken to von Prell

about riding lessons for your wife.

- Riding lessons?

- You've apparently forgotten our conversation.

- The Baroness ought to be taught to ride.

- Perhaps, perhaps, perhaps.

Everybody rides. It might be awkward

when you show her off.

- Von Prell's a good horseman.

- Very well. So he is. All right. You see to it.

At once.

Then I can tell the Baron

you'll give her the first lesson tomorrow?

- With pleasure.

- Thank you.

And Edward. I'd be careful.

- The Baron is very jealous.

- Why, I don't know what you mean.

I happen to know

the Baroness admires you.

- In fact, she's spoken of it.

- Me?

- You're not in earnest?

- Oh, don't look so surprised.

After all, you're both young.

The Baron is old, and-

Well, just be careful.

That's all.

Pleasant spot, isn't it?

Shall we sit here and rest a bit, Baroness?

You must not trouble so much

about me, Mr von Prell.

Trouble about you, Baroness?

Why, there's nothing in this world I-

I wouldn't do for you.

Is this part of my riding lesson?

You know...

I wish people were as free to say

and do what they think as that water.

Oh, the water isn't free.

It is hemmed in...

by banks on both sides.

You know what I mean.

Are you making love to me?

I love you. From the day you came,

I've loved you.

You were never out of my thoughts. I've

watched you. I've even felt you in my arms.

Yes, I know all about that.

That's what they call love.

I know that you're unhappy.

I know that you-

I know that I want you.

Still I love you.

Remember that.

- Perhaps some day-

- Let's say no more about it.

Come on.

We'll ride home.

Being the Baroness von Merzbach

suits her very well, Waldow.

I've done something of a job

if I may say so.

- Uh?

- Yes, you modelled her in marble...

I modelled her in the flesh,

so to speak.

I'm a bit of an artist myself,

don't you think?

Umm...

- She's happy, of course?

- Oh, of course, of course!

You'll see for yourself. Ah.

- Charming. Charming.

- So good to see you again.

Waldow's changed, don't you think?

Looks, uh, thinner.

A bit peaked.

I haven't seen you since

your return from Italy.

- Or was it Italy?

- Heh.

Tell me about yourself.

There's nothing to tell.

Dinner is served.

Ah, dinner!

That's the word.

Uh, will you take Lily,

my dear Waldow?

The young first,

the old trailing behind.

Yes, there's a treat

in store for you, Waldow.

Anything you say.

Mozart, Meyerbeer, Mendelssohn.

You wouldn't believe

what a musician she's become.

Isn't that right, Lily?

- I'm afraid you exaggerate. - Oh,

no, no. You-You're too modest, my dear.

I tell you, she plays beautifully.

Anything!

You'll hear for yourself after dinner.

You'll play for Waldow, won't you, my dear?

- If you like it.

- Ah! There's a wife for you!

Yes. And dance!

Y-You haven't danced with her yet,

have you, Waldow?

You will! Y-You'll dance with Waldow,

won't you, my dear?

- If he likes.

- Of course he likes!

- Of course. Wouldn't you, Waldow?

- Of course, sir.

Of course! You can talk to her about

anything you like, my dear boy. Anything.

Books, art- Why, she speaks French

just like a native, don't you, Lily?

- Hardly.

- I tell you she does! You hear me?

- Just like a native!

- I'm sure of it.

Yes, she does.

And she reads everything.

Everything. All the latest books.

I'll bet she's ahead of you, Waldow. Say,

what-what are you reading now, my love?

Nothing.

What's the matter with you two?

Not a word out of you all evening.

Aren't you glad to see each other?

You ought to be glad to see Waldow.

You owe everything to him.

Doesn't she, Waldow?

I-I haven't told you how much

we owe to Waldow, have I, my love?

Merzbach!

You remember, Waldow,

your saying... mmm...

"She has a notion in her head

about eternal fidelity.

Marriage, children, and all that.

Oh, it's a devil of a mess."

Lily, Lily. Please, I-

"Stick to your art," say I,

"and let me have the girl."

And he does, by gad!

Merzbach, this is monstrous!

Well, it's the truth, isn't it?

There's friendship for you.

The noble Waldow

graciously steps aside...

so that his old friend

might renew his youth.

Lily. Lily. I beg of you-

Was this what

you brought me down here for?

Well, it was the truth, wasn't it?

Do her good to hear it.

Getting uppish anyhow.

Lily. Lily!

Please listen to me, Lily.

No, no, no. You must hear me, Lily.

He's twisted and distorted everything.

Lily!

Lily! I had nothing to offer you.

I was poor. I thought there was

something better in store for you.

You've never been out of my thoughts,

or my heart.

I love you.

I've always loved you.

Oh, let me take you away from here.

You're unhappy!

- Unhappy?

- You can't deny it.

You forget I'm a Baroness.

I have everything.

Money, position, jewels, servants.

I can play the piano and speak French.

- What more could a woman ask?

- Oh, Lily, Lily.

Come away with me. I can give you

the one thing you haven't got.

Love?

- I have that, too!

- Oh, you hate him.

- My husband, yes.

- What?

- Are you surprised that I have a lover?

- That's not true.

Oh, isn't it?

There's his house.

- I don't believe it.

- Oh, don't you? It doesn't matter.

- I'm going to him now.

- Lily, Lily. Why are you pretending?

You're lying. You're lying!

You have no lover except me.

It's me that you love. Me!

You? Love you?

Anything-

Anybody but you!

You see if I am lying!

You'll see!

Baroness!

Well?

- Lily!

- Close those shutters.

I can hardly believe it!

You've come.

You've come to me.

- You love me?

- Love?

Yes, love.

That's what I've come for.

Love.

Lily, my darling.

I've dreamed of this.

I've hoped for it.

Milord! Milord!

There's a fire.

- There's a fire in the lodge!

- What?

There's a fire, milord.

In the lodge.

Fire? Well, put it out,

why don't you?

Get him out of here.

Give us a hand.

Are you all right?

Leave us.

- Fool!

- What?

You've disgraced your husband publicly.

He'll kill you for this!

Come on.

- Where are you taking me?

- I'm taking you out of here.

Yes, out of here.

You stay there.

There's a train

in about an hour.

If you'll write me care of General Delivery

at the village, I'll send you your things.

Thanks.

- Th-They told me! They told me!

Where is she? - Sh-She's gone!

Gone?

I'll kill her, the-

Yes, kill her!

And then hear them laughing at you!

- "The old fool! The lecherous old-"

- Oh, stop!

I'm waiting.

"The old fool who married a-

out of his class,

and then couldn't keep her."

Go on. Kill her on the high road!

Go on! Go on!

- Twelve pfenniger.

- Not twelve. Ten.

You keep this book six days.

That's twelve.

Five days I keep that book.

You couldn't read a book

in five days, Mrs Schwarzbrod.

Even in six, you must have

skipped most of it.

I pay you ten

and no more.

You will pay me the-

Oh, very well, Mrs Schwarzbrod. Give

me the ten. We'll make it up next time.

Ten is all I owe!

Any news?

Aren't you sick of asking me that?

I've looked everywhere. Even been

down to the village where she lived.

- Not a trace.

- How much more time are you going to waste on this business?

I don't know where else to look.

Have you tried the gutter?

That's where girls like her end up!

- Oh, very, very much. Marvellous, marvellous.

- Lily.

Lily. Lily!

Fritz is really

a marvellous dancer.

Oh, now Marie, you know-

Don't paw me in public, Gansfleisch.

It isn't nice.

Oh, did you hear that?

Marie wants to be nice.

- I am nice.

- Lily's the one who knows what's nice.

- Eh, Lily?

- Give me some more champagne.

- You're coming to my apartment later, Lily?

- No.

- But you promised.

- I've changed my mind.

I said no!

What's the matter with you?

You go along laughing and singing

like everybody else...

- then suddenly, you freeze up like this, and for no reason.

- You bore me.

- Oh, come, come, Lily.

- Don't tell me men are human, are they, Lily?

- They're the only animals that

have money and buy champagne.

That's right.

Good evening, sir.

- Good evening. I, uh, I want a table, please.

- Yes, sir.

Listen, Lily- "Johnny."

That's for you.

- Come on. Be a good girl.

- Please, Lily. - Do, Lily.

Johnny

When will your birthday be

Reserve that night for me

Just me and you

Johnny

We'll disconnect the phone

And when we're all alone

We'll have a lot to do

Oh, Johnny

I've got to celebrate

And I can hardly wait

Until we do

Johnny

I hope you realize

That there's a big surprise

In store for you

Johnny

I need your sympathy

There's something wrong

with me

I can't say no

Johnny

All night I long for you

And I'm so strong for you

You make me feel so weak

Oh, Johnny

You know I can't refuse

What have I got to lose

Come on, let's go

Johnny

What are you waiting for

I need a kiss or two

Or maybe more

- That's the girl.

- Fine, fine.

Lily!

I want to talk to you.

- Oh, do you? Go ahead.

- Alone.

- Look here! This is a private party.

- Oh, I beg your pardon, sir.

Excuse me. I'll be back.

- Yes?

- Lily, where have you been? I've looked everywhere for you.

Now you've found me.

So what?

- I want you to come with me.

- Where?

Oh, anywhere. Anywhere out of here.

I must talk to you.

We have nothing to say

to each other.

- Besides, I have an engagement.

- Oh, forget your engagement and come with me.

Have you got a cigarette?

- What's your name?

- Lily.

Now, Lily, don't irritate me with

silly prejudices. I see you as an artist.

You must believe that, Lily. I mean-

Well, I mean, y-you must believe that.

Yes, I think I believe that.

She's still the same.

She's a fool.

What is she waiting for?

What is she listening for?

What a fool I was.

Remember how ashamed I was

to take my clothes off?

I remember.

A silly country girl,

always chattering about love.

No wonder you got tired of me.

I never got tired of you.

I've always wanted

to have you back.

Well, I'm back.

For tonight.

Lily, Lily, please. Please!

One makes mistakes.

One does things. Heaven knows why.

I-I was wrong. But, Lily,

need I suffer forever for one mistake?

I want you back.

I want you back as we used to be.

As we used to be?

That's funny.

There was a young girl once

who came up those stairs...

who loved you with

all her heart, all her soul.

But she has nothing

to do with me.

There she is!

The Song of Songs.

Don't you remember?

"I sleep, but my heart waketh.

It is the voice of my beloved."

No. "I sought him

who my soul loved.

"I sought him,

but I found him not.

"I called him,

but he gave me no answer.

"The watchmen that went

about the city found me.

"They smote me,

and they wounded me.

"The keepers of the wall

took away my veil from me.

They took away my veil from me."

- Lily, Lily, Lily. I hurt you

and I've been punished.

Oh, can't you forgive me?

I've never stopped loving you!

Then you love somebody

who's dead.

I'm dead, do you hear?

Dead!

I am dead!

What right has she to live?

It's all right, my dear.

It's all right.

Let it go.

We'll begin again here.

Do you remember long ago,

when we climbed a hill into the sky?

Well, we'll climb again now,

and find the sky perhaps.

The Song of Songs (1933) - full transcript