Strauss Dynasty (1991–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript

In 1814 after a series of savage military
defeats, the emperor Napoleon abdicated

and he was banished to the island of Elba.

The people of Europe breathed a
collective sigh of relief

and the victors began the task of
creating a new order.

In Vienna prince Metternich, the brilliant
austrian chancellor was at the center of events.

Beyond the city, in the countryside, the people continued
to live their lives in time-honored fashion.

Working the land by day and by night
drinking, making music and celebrating life.

Johann!
Over here!

Coming!

Johann, come back to the kitchen!

The defeat of Napoleon's armies brought
in its wake a new danger: deserters.



Desperate men living off the land
preying on the people like vultures.

Come on.

You can do it!

you can do it!

What the hell do you think you're doing?

I'm playing the violin.
well, don't.

You play like a blacksmith with rheumatism.
Come on, I'm not that bad.

What's your name?

Johann Strauss.
What's yours?

Joseph Lanner, now sod off.

Nice to meet you.

I'm not impressed.

what else can you do?

Stand on your head
and whistle Mozart out through your ass?



Shit.

Hey you two, come in here, we'd like to
look at your instrument!

You can tune my strings any day!

Out!

This is a respectable establishment,
you give the place a bad name!

We have our invitation, mother!

Don't you dare call me mother!
I'm not your mother!

I'm a respectable woman, get out of my house!

Come on boys, in here!

We can form a trio
Let's make it a quartet, I'll join you.

Girls, girls, we're broke...

Money's not everything!

Where are they?

Where are they?

Where did they go?

Leave them they're giving the
girls some music lessons.

Where are they?

Gone
We've got rid of them.

I don't want musicians in the house!
Musicians are the lowest of the low!

I'm not having my good name dragged
through the mud!

They've gone!

Don't worry girls, we'll be back!

Don't worry boys,
you won't!

It's not much but it's home.
It's better than the park bench.

Sure, it's got all modern conveniences.

You see, running water.

but unfortunately only when it rains.

Where do i sleep?
You don't. I sleep and you watch.

Hungry?
No, you eat I'll watch.

You know, you're not at all a bad fiddler.

A little bit flashy but not at all bad.

From you that sounds like a compliment.

You're not so bad yourself.

I'm the best violinist in Vienna.
Till I came along.

Where did you come from?

I was born here. Leopoldstadt.
My father had a tavern.

Where's he now?
He's dead.

Where'd you get that violin?
I like the tone.

I got it off a dead gypsy.
yeah.

You're not on the run, are you?
In a way, yes.

What way?

I was apprentice to a book binder
and then I told him where he could stick his books.

I did the same with the glove maker.

My father wanted me to make gloves,
God knows why.

On his deathbed I told him I'd rather be a musician.
I bet that's what killed him.

Right?
Sat up and gave me a crack across the face.

I don't think much of that band you play with.

Pamer?

You know, the drunk is the best in Vienna.
But he can't hold his drink.

That vibrato sounds like an earthquake.

Chases girls, girls love him, lucky son

What about you?
Do you chase girls much?

No, my standard's far too high.

So I notice.
You fancy yourself, don't you?

There's magic in these fingers my friend.
Magic.

See if you can play this.

Who wrote this?
Mozart's successor.

Who's that?
Me

Doesn't look very difficult
Doesn't it? Well, just try it.

Go on, just try it.
We'll we'll...wake the house.

To hell with the house.
If you want to stay here you play my music.

Too difficult?

I can't read music.

You play like an angel and you can't
read music!

No, I play like a blacksmith and I can't
read music!

I'll teach you.

Stop the noise!Quiet!

Will you please be quiet down there!
You have no respect at all for genius!

Be quiet up there!Stop waking the house!

Stand back, please.

Good evening, sir.

Isn't it beautiful?
I've never seen anything like it.

When my spirits are low I imagine
myself playing in here and i feel better.

Did you see Metternich there?

Who? Metternich?
Who's he?

Who's he? Who's he?

Don't you know who prince Metternich is?

He's the chancellor of Austria, your own country.

He's the most powerful man in the world

I only care about music.
But you can't read.

I do know the music they're dancing to
down there bores me stiff.

You really are the most
ignorant man I've ever met.

Did you know the nobility
only dance to the minuet?

Why don't we play in here,
give them something different.

I also think you're a bit soft in your head.

They don't have people like us in the Apollon.

Don't mean tonight.
Don't mean tomorrow, but one day...why not?

Yes and when Metternich comes up to you and say
"excuse me, who are you, what do you do for a living"?

Listen, we'll start a little band,
then with a bit of luck we will play in here.

You've got as much chance of playing in
Apollo as I have eating caviar for breakfast.

Nice little group.
You'll see.

What do you think? Not bad.
It looks as though she likes them old and rich.

No, no, I think she fancies me.

If I was with an ugly old sod like that
I'd fancy you too.

Good afternoon. I'm Joseph Lanner.
I'm Johann Strauss.

Are you enjoying yourself mrs...
Miss.

Anna Streim is my name and this is my
father.

Good.

I want to talk to you.

I own a restaurant, it needs music and i
want to talk to you about playing for me.

I must go, someone may see us.
You'll be alone?

Sorry, I was dying of thirst.

The waltz, the waltz!

This is not my table.
Who is the owner here?

Stein
And which one is he?

Over there.

And how are you enjoying yourself, sir?

Everything to your satisfaction,
no complaints, I trust.

Can you spare me a
moment, Mr Stein?

Sure, but just a moment, we are very busy.

Yes, I can see.

My name is Hirsch, I'm a lighting expert.

i specialize in illuminations for dance halls,
chinese lanterns, unimaginable cascades of light.

Lamplight hirsch, they call me.

Thanks. I can see well enough.

No, listen. I have an idea
that could double your profits.

I have already doubled my profits,
thanks to my musicians, Lanner and Strauss.

two very fine musicians but
playing in this small place...

You should get a bigger hall now.

I know all the halls in Vienna
and surrounding districts.

and I'd be very happy to act as
your agent to find bigger premises.

Otherwise you might lose them.

Very popular people with bigger
premises might come after them.

See what I mean?

Sorry, I'm extremely busy.
Let's talk again some other time.

You see that man over there, table 12.
yeah

Watch him, don't let him near the band.
All right, sir.

Broken string.
I'll be back.

Shouldn't you be playing?
Broken string.

I like the way you play.
I think you like the way that Joseph plays.

I do but.. when you play it's um it's different..

It's exciting,
but you know, it makes me tingle..

Come, I'll show you what makes me tingle.

Anna, where are you?
Come here!

Yes? Where have you been?
I've been calling for you!

Never mind.
Listen, I want to keep the boys happy.

Which boys? which boys, which boys..
Lanner and Strauss, of course the boys.

I want them happy.

There are people about who will see how good they are
and they will make them a better offer.

I want them to feel at home,
I don't want them getting dissatisfied.

So..

So tonight we'll give them food and
drink for their journey home.

Just tonight?

All right, every night.
It will be their little bonus.

I want you to give it to them personally,
be nice to them.

I want them to feel like members of the family.

I'll do my best.

Thank you.
Thank you, gentlemen

Good night.
Thank you, thank you.

Such a beautiful music..
You're very kind. Thank you. Thank you.

Please come again

Come back tomorrow.
thank you

With the compliments of the house.
For us?

From your two most ardent admirers.

Eternal gratitude.
Your devoted servant.

The old Streim is appreciative.

What do you think of the daughter?

Anna?

It's all right. And you?

I can take her or leave her.
Me too.

Best leave her.
Yeah. Yeah, that's what I think.

Hear that?
A waltz.

It's coming from the Apollo.

Driver, stop!
We want to listen!

Can't be! They don't play waltzes at the Apollo!

Boy!

"Invitation to the dance" by Von Weber.

Von Weber. He's one of them.

upper class are so.
Couldn't compose himself a sleep

Had all they only played minuets in there?

Now they're getting our music from their composer

God, that depresses me!

You know what i want now?
What?

I thought I recognized you, mr Lanner, mr Strauss!

I was at Streim's tonight.
May I offer you a drink?

You took the words right out of my mouth.

What's this great idea then?

You form yourself into two bands so that
you can play in two places at once.

So allow me to inform you..
you are very drunk indeed.

try to understand like all
great ideas it's very simple.

You Lanner play in one place

you, Strauss play in the other.

Then, halfway through the evening say,
you change

Lanner plays where Strauss played

and Strauss plays where Lanner played.

You wouldn't be breaking your agreement with Streim,
you would go on playing at his place, that's one.

and I'll find you another place, that is two.

I've always wanted to be an impresario.

Carl Friedrich Hirsch presents
Joseph Lanner, Johann Strauss.

Hirsch presents Johann Strauss and Josef Lanner.

Who's Hirsch?
Me!

well, what do you say?

I say.. let's have another drink.
A good idea.

Who's that?

You're completely wet.
I think we have to take away that

What about this one?

"Beloved maestro

the magic of your music has cast a spell
on me i never miss your appearances"

I sit at the fourth table on the left
please come and talk to me."

Fourth table on the left, right.

You make up your mind so easily.
listen to this:

" I am 17 with blonde hair and other features"..

Sounds promising.

Oh,no no.
This is the best this one can't spell, listen.

"Mr Strauss whenever you play passion
overtakes me and you make me think of spring bosoms"

I think she means "blossoms".

What time is it?

You're late.
I lost track of time.

Look after it, it's the only one we've got.
Yes, yes, you say that every night.

Come along, my dear, when Strauss plays it
simply isn't our sort of music.

We should follow Lanner to Streim.

Anna, stop that and come here!

I can't. My father likes to know
how much we've made tonight.

Never mind your father.

Come over here, I want to play you something.
Please.

I've written a waltz, especially for you.

Do you want to hear it?
Yes.

Do you think it's pretty?

It's lovely.
It's yours.

You see, Anna if i really like a girl, I compose
something... a waltz especially for her.

No words, just a tune most beautiful I can find.

I really like you.

So this is for you.

Strauss, I have to talk to you,
please come with me to the kitchen.

I don't want to have a row with him but
something's got to be said.

Playing my waltzes and then telling
people that he's the composer

that's not right.

I know he's my partner I
know he's my best friend

Do you know what I think?
I think he's a little bit jealous.

People really like my style more than his.

I want to be my own boss.

Anna, what should i do?

Should I have it out with Lanner?

Should I tell him I think it's
better that we end the partnership?

You always know about these things.

You haven't listened to a word I've said.
What's the matter with you today?

Nothing.

Why do women always say nothing
when they mean something?

I'm pregnant.

who's the father?
You bastard, you lousy bastard!

I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I didn't mean it!
I'm sorry!

How long have you known?
About a week

And who have you told?
No one. Who could i tell? My father would kill me.

I haven't eat, I haven't slept.
Oh, my God this is all we need.

I know.

Look, it's nobody's fault.
It's just bad luck, that's all.

Anna, I don't know what to say.

Don't you?

It's difficult.
What is?

What will happen to me?

They're here!

Anna.

All right, ladies and gentlemen...
ladies and gentlemen,

I want to make a speech
to the bride and groom.

Today is a happy day

or should be

I don't know whether to laugh or cry...

I'm not going to disguise the fact that
I for one feel sad for several reasons.

First Anna, now mrs Strauss.

I feel sad because she didn't marry me.

She's a wonderful girl in every sense
and i wish her happiness now and forevermore.

Second reason for sadness i am not only
losing a best friend, but..

I loved you like a brother.

But from today there is no more "Lanner and Strauss".

only Lanner, and Strauss.

Do I make myself clear?
We have dissolved our partnership.

Not "we"

We haven't dissolved
our partnership. He has.

Johann Strauss is going his way
Joseph Lanne God knows where.

and it's all because Strauss and this
so-called impresario Hirsch

- candle maker- has driven a wedge between us.

listen, listen, I'm also sad because my friend here
has accused me of terrible things.

He's accused me of stealing his tunes.

That's enough! This is a wedding!
He's only interested in himself!

take that back!
Strauss, Strauss..

I tell you something.
I'm sick of you, Strauss!

Why do I need to steal your tunes for?
I have tunes bursting out of me!

He writes a few tunes, what the hell it matters?

it's better the public think of the most
Lanner waltzes I was famous long before you were!

Why do I need to steal your tunes for?

I tell you what!

He's probably stealing all my
tunes just like he stole my girl!

Make them stop.

No Strauss, no life!

They really shouted that?
Yes. it doesn't mean anything.

Hirsch starts it.
He thinks he can fool me but he can't.

Even so the people shouted it too.

I think it's wonderful.

just remember how it was when you first started
when you and Joseph had one shirt between you

and soon we'll be able to
afford our own apartment.

Then what?

What's that supposed to mean?
Why are you so miserable?

Everybody knows your name
We're making money hand over fist.

Isn't that enough?
I still play in the suburbs.

Occasionally in the park.

I feel like I'm stuck

Stuck? what are you talking about?

Everybody loves your waltzes, they love
the way you play your music.

Will you never be satisfied?

I can't see the way ahead

and I hate it when I can't see the way ahead

There's a wall, a high wall
and I cannot see over it.

I need something to stand on for someone
someone to give me a leg up and then...

and then...

No, you never will be satisfied and I'm
never gonna get enough sleep.

Bravo, Paganini!

Silence(it)

who is playing?
Silenzio!

One by one, please.

I want to know who is playing?

It's just some cheap musician in the park, signor Paganini.

Cheap, no. Not cheap.

Bravo, Maestro!
Bravo, again! I want to hear you again!

No, better. I wish to hear you again
while I am playing with you!

You've got your home at once!
Anna started labor!

But do you know who that is who wants to play with me?
I don't care who it is, you are wanted at home!

But it's Paganini!

And he wants me to play with him.
Never mind that.

Your wife is having your child!

Signor Strauss...I'm waiting!

Press.

It's a boy, a lovely little boy!

Have you a name for him?

Yes: Schani.
Johann Strauss the second.

Nicole! Yes, ma'am!

Take Pepi and give him his lunch.

Schanni is in with his father and...

Goes in there

Honestly, I don't know where we go
from here, Vienna is ours.

Every dancehall clamors for him
they let me write my own terms.

it's like taking sweets from children
that are willing to pay anything... well almost anything.

the Apollo the Sperl, the Redoute...it's no fun anymore.

You know, there's an old saying:
"every new baby brings its own luck."

and I made our success from little Schany's birth.

Be careful of that, it belonged to my father.

Do you realize the significance
of what I'm saying?

It has taken five years to overthrow Josef Lanner.

He used to be the main attraction
in this city but no longer!

Excuse me mom, where does this go?

That belongs in the main bedroom.

I'll show you.
Thank you.

The fourth part is the same as...Make sharp.

Please remember next time.

Hirsch..you've been with me long enough to know
that i would not be interrupted while I'm rehearsing.

please

Just show you this and get out.
Sir, what do you think?

This is very nice.

Now, gentlemen from the beginning again
and this time let the peace breathe.

Hold the third beat,
then we'll have the necessary tension.

And..

Do you know how many windows we have in
this apartment? Twenty-seven!

Twenty seven windows and eleven rooms!
Anna, please...I'm trying to work!

Come and see the bedroom it's all looking quite wonderful!

Nobody listens to a word I say.
I am trying to rehearse!

Gentlemen, please.

Stop! Stop at once!

I give up this isn't a
rehearsal room, it's a cattle market!

Just look out of the window.

I'm trying to work! Please.

So? They like my music, but they won't
like it if I don't rehearse it properly.

Please don't play. Silence!

Stop! not another minim, not a crotchet,
not a hemi semi-demi quaver!

Don't you understand?
Don't you realize how dangerous it is?

Dangerous? Why?

Because someone out there could
be copying down every note.

Oh, my God, he's right!

Quick, shut the windows!

Yes, yeah. Shut the windows.

You've gone mad what are you talking about?

I'm talking about thieves.

I'm talking about unscrupulous people

I'm talking about men sitting out there
copying down every note of your music,

and playing it before you can say
Josef Lanner, that's what I'm talking about.

Wait a moment, we're suffocating in here!

Better to suffocate than to starve to death.

They'll steal the music, there'll be no air

there'll be no Strauss orchestra, there'll be nothing!

There'll still be Lanner!

Yes, laugh! You know what Lanner's doing now?

He's putting words to the music
people sing while dancing

Don't underestimate Lanner!

Never underestimate the competition.

Words?
I can't even think of titles!

Well, never mind titles...

Yes, I have an idea about a way to find titles.

Now I want the windows closed!

Everybody who is not a
musician kindly leave the room.

Come along, Schanni. Your father is working.

No, he can stay.

And..

Ladies and gentlemen!

Devotees of Johann Strauss, who is I'm sure you will agree
the greatest musical maestro in Vienna

I have a request please listen
very carefully to the music

Now what do you feel when you hear
such beautiful music?

What thoughts does it evoke?

In short what should be the title of this
latest composition by Johann Strauss?

And the prize for the person who makes
the best suggestion about the title is...

Go on!
The winds of spring!

Sounds like indigestion!

I'd like to tickle antoinette where the king b
tickles the violets

keep it clean keep it clean!
There are ladies present!

What else?
Come now! another suggestions?

Spirit of desire!
The man said keep it clean!

Come on there's a bottle of champagne to be won!

But a few words, a third of phrase, a surprise!
The surprise waltz!

A hundred surprises!
A thousand surprises!

Ladies and gentlemen, by popular consent

this tune is now named "The thousand surprises waltz"!

Please, sir, come up and claim your prize!

Thank God you're here!

What's the matter?
What's the matter?

I'll tell you what's the matter, we are ruined
that's the matter totally ruined!

Calm down Hirsch, tell me what happened.
Get your coat, see for yourself!

it is a great honor for me today
to be able to introduce to you

a brand new work which will be played for the very
first time before your imperial majesty.

The piece is entitled
"The afternoon waltz"

Don't do anything you may regret!

This is the proudest day of my life when
I think of how I started...

Mr Lanner, you should keep it in the bank.

Be certain that i will, I will guard it with my life.

Visitors are only admitted by invitation.

May I ask what you call the tune you
just played for your imperial friend?

I beg your pardon?

I believe mr Strauss speaks quite clearly:
what is the name of the waltz?

The afternoon waltz it's my latest composition.
Your latest composition, is that so?

You're a thief Lanner. you're always a lousy thief!

Please, I don't know what this is all about and I don't want a scene,
so would you kindly leave.

No, I will not kindly leave
not until I've had a public apology

For what?
For stealing my tune!

Not again!

You're demented Strauss,
you know, you are absolutely insane!

You always think someone's stolen your
tunes and that someone always happens to be me.

Don't allow your imagination
to get the better of you

Don't insult my imagination.

Supplies you with enough new waltzes

please, unless you can prove this
accusation..

Prove? You want proof?
Here, you can have it.

This proves nothing, you could have
stolen this from me.

Kindly look at the date, one week ago.

Anyone could have added a date.

This tune was played in public by me and was named by
a member of the audience "The thousand surprises waltz"

I have more than 100 witnesses, my orchestra and my neighbors
people who heard me rehearse

This tune was stolen by you!
That's a lie!

It was sold to me legitimately by
a student who said he'd written it.

I paid him for it and that was that.

Look , here's the original manuscript

I buy new tunes all the time and so do you

We put on names to them we both do it, Strauss and
neither you nor I check to see that everyone is original.

Do you want the name of the boy?
No, I do not!

I'm very sorry.
I will not play the tune again.

118 and 121, across the street.

Come on, come on, hurry up!

Hurry, come on!

Hello, mrs Strauss.
You don't remember me, we only met once.

My name is Halmi ,dr Halmi, I'm your landlord.

Yes, of course, I'm sorry.

May we come in please?
This is a matter of some delicacy and and urgency.

We've paid our rent!

yes yes yes of course but this
is something else...something...

thank you

Please forgive me for disturbing you so early
but we've come on a very important matter.

Would you be so kind to find a jar or
some other receptacle with a lid?

I'm sorry, I don't understand all this,
what's happening?

This gentleman is
from the office of public health

There are poisoning the well!

What's happening?
what's going on?

They're putting lime in all the wells in the city.

You see, it's the cholera.

Don't be concerned, mrs Strauss.

This special vinegar compound gives 100 complete protection.

It has only been given to selected families

and of course the family of Johann
Strauss comes very high on the list.

I'm a great admirer of your
husband's music.

Will this do?
Perfect.

Come along, be generous, it's a big apartment.

A terrible smell! It's making my eyes water.

Put a little in each room and that way
the vapor spreads through the whole place

and you'll be safe from the disease.

No, not in there.
My husband's in there working

I'll do it later

Well, my respects.
We must hurry on.

I have another property further up the street.

How do you make an emperor know that you exist?
We'll come up with something.

I know.
We'll invite him to one of my concerts.

Dear friend, on this earth the emperor is
second to God!

You can't invite God to one of your concerts
and you can't invite the emperor.

Besides neither of them is very musical!

But there must be a way of bringing me
and my music to the emperor's attention!

God, that cigar smells absolutely foul!
What's in it, horse manure?

That's from Havana, is in Cuba.
What are you talking about?

The eyes are watering.
So are mine!

Oh, my God.

There.

An entertainment, just what we need

It will take people's minds off the cholera
and we'll make a fortune!

We'll build a pavilion oriental style here.

I'll put the orchestra over there
and over here we'll have the imperial box.

Excellent! Excellent!

I want his majesty to be really
comfortable while he's listening.

Just one problem.
We don't yet know if the emperor is going to attend.

Anna will kill us if he doesn't come.
All this will cost a fortune.

Well even if he doesn't actually
attend he can't help but notice.

We'll make this a dazzling event!

Now what else can we do to make sure that he
really enjoys himself?

Well if you want him to enjoy himself,
what about pretty girls ?

What about pretty girls?

Pretty girls always impress emperors.
You're right.

I've got it.

We'll build a dance floor just
here and we'll have dancing girls

The most beautiful
dancing girls we can find.

Dance by the emperor on the dance floor

and then balloons, fireworks, unimaginable cascades of light

and we'll call the whole thing...

I'll tell you something

I got it! Strauss at Schonbrunn!

Thank you! enjoy the concert

Two tickets, please and a program.

Is he here yet ?
Not yet, not yet.

We can't wait much longer.

No, yes that's right.
Well, you know how are royalty like.

They come when it suits them.
He'll be here, he'll be here!

I certainly hope so.

Call me when it's time, I'll be here.

They're ready for you now, sir.

Is his majesty here?

Ladies and gentlemen!

Welcome to the imperial gala at Schonbrunn

It gives me the greatest pleasure to present
the one and only Vienna's most beloved musician

"maestro di maestri"
the king of waltz himself,

Mr. Johann Strauss!

What's up?

We've been betrayed!
The emperor's not coming?

Not coming? He's not even here!

What do you mean he's not even here?
He left Schonbrunn last night.

He's afraid of the cholera.

First he leaves Vienna, then he leaves Schonbrunn
What's he trying to do, ruin us?

We'll have to think of something.
The audience will go crazy if they find out that he's fled.

Don't panic,
I'll think of something

Play accord what ?
Play accord!

Ladies and gentlemen, the emperor will not be long,

but before he arrives we
have to welcome our own royalty

and by that I mean, ladies and gentlemen
we have to elect a queen of waltz!

And who is to select her majesty?

Why, no other than the king of waltz himself,

Mr Johann Strauss!

Will you please now ladies
and gentlemen dance,

and allow mr Johann
Strauss to make his choice!

Ladies and gentlemen,
the maestro has made his decision

and will now crown the queen of waltz!

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you her
majesty the queen of waltz.

Will the king dance with the queen?

Tell me first the queen's name.
Emily Trampusch, majesty.

Come

Public health, Vienna.

I have to clear this with the ministry of the interior.
Read the back page.

It has the approval of the minister and
chancellor prince Metternich

I don't see Metternich's signature.
I assure you he approves.

Stop! Stop!

Ladies and gentlemen

by order of the minister of the interior

and with the approval of the chancellor prince Metternich
this public gathering is hereby terminated!

No!

This action has been taken in the interest of public health!

You must now disperse!

In the name of his imperial majesty!

I repeat, this event is terminated!

This is my last warning!

No Strauss, no life!

No Strauss, no life!

Advance!

That way!

What about Anna?
I'll go back to her!

Don't worry about Anna!
i'll go back!

Emiliy Trampusch?

Yes. Hold me, I'm frightened.

But I say categorically, chancellor,
there would have been no trouble

if my police had not been ordered to intervene
by some petty official from public health.

I take full responsibility for that.

That gathering was a health hazard of the
worst kind,chancellor

if you hadn't sent the police in..
If I hadn't sent the police in?

I gave no orders to the police!

The ordercame from your official!

While this epidemic continues i have a statutory
duty to forbid gatherings of more than three people!

I cannot allow by law these public
entertainments!

According to my information and I speak
of reports from eyewitnesses, chancellor

the entertainment was perfectly well behaved!

That's not the point!

It was only when some jumped up official from public health
ordered my police to interfere that chaos descended!

You signed the order too that's my point!

When the mob heard that the emperor was
leaving Schonnbrun because of the cholera

wisely in my opinion, the riot might have erupted then.

But the music of this man Strauss
calmed them.

He's extremely popular with the lower orders
They even call him "the king of waltz" .

if we had left it to Strauss they'd have
gone home happy and content in their own time

without a thought of cholera in their heads.

It seems that this man, Strauss's music
is more influential than the fear of cholera?

indeed chancellors the people love him, his music is first class...

I rather prefere Joseph Lanner..
I am a great admirer

Well, he is very influential.

No!
He's very influential indeed.

Indeed he is, sir, most influential .
Well, I'm a Strauss man.

What happened this time?

Don't tell me your carriage broke down again!

Where did you sleep last night, at Hirsch's home?

In a field, on a park bench?
Or somewhere else?

There's no point even trying to explain.
You're obviously determined not to believe me.

Why don't you try telling the truth for
a change, that may convince me.

Who is she?

What are you talking about?

Why are you so determined there has to
be another woman?

Yes, as a matter of fact i did spend the
night at Hirsch's.

Since i didn't want to disturb you.
How very thoughtful!

You didn't want to disturb me instead
you'll give me a sleepless night!

allowing me to toss and turn worrying myself, stupid
imagining one minute you'd met with some dreadful accident

and the next...

thinking of you in the arms
of some young strumpet!

Anna..

The first performance ended after 1 am

I left immediately for the next venue

What was I supposed to do?

Send a messenger to come around here and knock
on the door and say I was going to be late?

That's the way things are, it's the pattern of my life!

yes i know

You leave me and three children all alone

and the doctor says I've got to
spend these next few weeks in bed.

God, how am i supposed to manage
how am i supposed to cope?

I'm sorry!
Sorry?

Night after night you do it crawling
back here in the early hours

Sorry ?
Sorry, yes. Well, I'm very sorry !

You come back here sneak in like a thief

Anna will you please try to calm yourself!
You're letting your imagination run !

"Dear mrs Strauss,
it grieves me to have to tell you

that your husband the renowned
king of gigolos, Johann Strauss

has for some years been conducting
a liaison with a diseased little whore.

Her name is Emily Trampusch who
pretends to be a milliner,

a career she seems to pursue lying on her back.

He visits her often spending the nights with her.
Her adress is Lerchengasse11.

Who's it from?

Well...
Don't tell me it's anonymous.

Anna... I'm surprised that you're
believing an anonymous letter like that!

Gives her name and address.

I have never even
heard of this Emily Trumplish

Trampusch!

I have never heard of her!
She probably wrote the letter herself!

You know how these admirers are like!

They have fantasies that one day I'm
gonna marry them or I don't know what!

Do you realize how many letters I receive?

Literally hundreds!

So of course there are going to be
some malicious people who... who want to..

Stop it, please! Stop it!
Do you think I'm a child?

I know that you are the heartthrob of every
female in Vienna and I don't give a damn,

but I will not be humiliated like this!

Anna you're exaggerating
Are you in love with her?

How can I be in love with someone who doesn't exist?

I want you to be absolutely clear
about what I'm going to say now.

I will not allow a scandal to ruin
our lives do you understand ?

Put an end to this affair or i'll ...
Sir

Sir!

How many times I've been told you
to knock before you come in!

What is it ?

You must come at once, please!
At the front door!

Mr Johann Strauss?

I'm instructed to deliver this to you
personally, from prince Metternich.

What is it?

It's from Metternich.
He wants to sue me.

I think they're going to replace Lanner as
music director to the imperial court.

There's been a lot of rumor
about his drinking.

They are going to appoint me, I know it!

I know it!

All the more reason for
getting rid of your little whore!

Remember, the higher you rise
the harder you fall!

Thank you for coming to see me

I don't believe I've had the
pleasure of meeting you before.

No, Excellency but I saw you once at the Apollo ballroom.

Indeed? Were you leading the orchestra?

No, I was up in the balcony.

Ah,interesting..

Well, well...

I expect you're wondering why i've summoned you

I think excellency
that I have some idea..

Really?

If that is so, you must be a mind reader.

In which case excellency I suppose I
don't have some idea.

No, you see I've not mentioned this proposition to anyone

It is my method, I believe in democracy.

I make decisions and I inform people of
them afterwards

I've long wanted to reward you Strauss

I keep a list of people i want to reward
and you are on it.

I want you to undertake a journey on
behalf of Austria

A journey?

A pleasurable journey and
perhaps even a profitable one.

Although I know that you as a musician
doubtless have little interest in financial reward.

None, whatsoever excellency

Good. I like a man who says what he means.

We understand each other

And where does
your excellency wish me to go?

England, to be precise London, to be even
more precise, Buckingham palace.

Princess Victoria shortly will be crowned
in Westminster Abbey.

There will be great celebrations

The young princess is apparently a lover of the waltz.

To send the king of waltz to play for her
would it occur to me to be a perfect gesture

I'm deeply honored.

I should hope so.

It will also help I trust to
keep the young queen sweet.

Alliances are tricky matters
and need constant adjustments.

But I won't go on, I expect affairs of state bore you.

I know they bore me.
When do I leave?

Shortly.
All will be arranged.

I'm extremely grateful to you, Strauss.

And since I believe in the maxim
that one good turn deserves another

let me ask you what might I do for you?

There is something.
Will you surprise me?

His imperial majesty..

Yes.
Do speak frankly.

I should be grateful...
when the occasion arises

if his majesty would consider
me for an appointment at court.

Say no more!

Of course, the appointment is
entirely a matter of his majesty

But there is I believe a rumor that I am
a man who has some influence over him.

I shall put that rumor to the test.

I guarantee nothing,
you understand but I hope very much

that on your return I shall be
able to welcome you to court.

Now, I really mustn't keep you any longer!

We're on our way and after England...
France

That's right, we're on our way!

We've begun the conquest of Europe!

Once again the french are sending a locomotive on its way

The french railway train will go out into the world

faster than any coach drawn even by wild
horses

Railways will connect countries,
reconcile nations, bring peace to the world.

Vive la france!

You know mr Johann Strauss.
Of course.

I just wanted to thank you for agreeing
to go by locomotive mr Strauss

It's important to us that someone as celebrated as you
travels with this new form of transport.

It helps people overcome their fears

thank you very much

Yuffie, thank you.

If we go faster than 40 miles an hour
they say would make us all go crazy.

it'll never get up to a speed like
that

Shut up! This is wonderful, it's new!
it's... it's wonderful!

Good God, my son has grown nine inches!

Yes, but how tall is he?

No, listen he couldn't have been more
than two and a half feet when we left

either he grows abnormally fast or we've
been away longer than we think

We've been away longer than we think!

My wife says she's missing me dreadfully

Then we must have been away longer than
we think!

Hey, mr Hirsch, when are we going home?

Soon, soon.
When you see the maestro, ask him will you?

When are we going home?

All well?

Bad news?

It's a letter from Anna.

What's the trouble? is she ill?

Are the children ill?

She's written to tell me that
i've become a father again.

But that's wonderful, congratulations.

There's a complication.
She's not the mother.

Your wife is not the mother of your child?

So, who?
Emmily.

Emily Trampusch.

Your "queen of the waltz".

My queen of the waltz ?
Don't blame me!

You're the one who crowned her so to speak...

and Anna wrote to say that Emily's had a child.

So it's all over Vienna then.
we can't go back

Wait, wait, wait, wait.
Think about it.

It may increase your popularity.

I'm not going back to Vienna for the moment.
Book some more dates.

Listen, I like traveling, I'm a gypsy by
temperament, but the band, the musicians...

Pay them a bonus, we'll keep them quiet.

Hirsch...

Send some money to emily
enough for her and the baby.

I don't want to see her go short.

Make it a regular allowance and be generous.

Boy or girl?
Boy.

So this is really wonderful news!

The maestro has generously decided to
give all members of the orchestra an additional bonus

Well that's what I call generosity,
that's what I call magnanimity!

When are we going back to Vienna, Hirsch?

Well.. Did I not make myself clear?

I thought i explained:
this is an extended tour bonus.

I thought I said that.
We are not going back to Vienna.

And we know why.

Yes of course, we all know why.

Ever since playing at the coronation ball
of our britannic majesty queen Victoria

we have been the toast
of Europe, that is why!

That's not the reason.
what else?

We're in demand everywhere,
the maestro is generous,

why should we not want to go
back to our beloved Vienna?

Haven't you seen the newspaper?
I bet the maestro has!

"The queen of waltz Emily Trampusch
has given birth to a son

and the father is reported to be none other
than the king of waltz Johann Strauss"

The truth is mr Strauss, I'm tone deaf to everything
except the sound of money

and when i watch you make music
and i see the way people react

You know what I hear?
More money.

More money, exactly.
That's why we're still on tour in France.

We make more money here in a week than
we'd make in a month in Viena.

Believe me there is no greater patriot
than a Rothschild.

It doesn't matter which country

I happen to adore France

But the money to be made in France is small change.

I'm talking of the United States of America.
I'm due to leave for New York early next year.

Why don't you accompany me on my boat?

All you have to do is let me know by the
end of november.

Tell them about America, mr Strauss.

That will raise their spirits.

Maestro, what is this about America?
It's only just been suggested.

I haven't made up my mind yet.

Hirsch, we want to talk to you.
Later later.

We need help!
One of the coaches is turned over!

What is it? I cut my hand.

Everybody listen to me!

Split up into the other coaches and
we'll stop at the first inn!

All the joints are soaked!

It's falling apart!

So am I!

My lips are snapped ,never mind your lousy joints
I couldn't blow down a house of cards!

Also is my clarinet

Something has to be done,
we can't go on like this.

We're not animals!
Tell that to the ringmaster.

Come!

Good morning.

Is your hand all right, maestro?

Yes, fine fine nothing to worry about it's
his right hand he'll be able to hold the bow.

Maestro, I'm here on behalf of some
members of the orchestra.

Not all.

We don't want to travel anymore.

I'm terrified of railway trains.

I can't sleep the whole night before a journey.

I just want to go home.
I want to see my wife, my children.

That's my personal view.

Tell him.
What?

Maestro, there have been some desertions.

Gentlemen, I give you the new members of
the orchestra.

And gentlemen something
else rather important .

You see all those presents under the tree?

Gifts from the maestro!

And he has another surprise for you!

A very special surprise!

what's this?

the boat tickets

But i thought we were going home by coach not by boat!

No, stupid to New York
we're going west to find more fame and fortune!

No, that's it! No more travelling!

Wait a moment! Wait a moment!

This is mutiny!

Oh, come on, maestro!
This isn't a goddamned army!

You are in breach of contract!

So sue us!

You have signed agreements to play wherever
the maestro decides and designates.

We'll play so long as it's in Vienna!

yes wait, wait, wait...

Think of it...

America! We should be cultural ambassadors!

Don't give us that hush we know why
we're going to America!

So that he can escape from his wife,
his mistress's son is an illegitimate child!

How dare you?
Take your hands off me!

Thank you! Thank you all, very much indeed!

it's great to know the ones among friends

This is a wonderful Christmas for me!

I've worked with you all for years

I paid you salaries that you couldn't
possibly earn anywhere else!

Now, when i really want something

when playing in America would be the crowning
glory of all we've worked for, you desert me ..

well... I'll tell you what I think of you all

I think you're a bunch of ungrateful
bastards!

Don't be hasty!

Gentlemen, please... please be considered

Schanni! Aren't you Schanni Strauss?

Papa?

Papa, it's me, Schanni!

See you tomorrow!

Schanni!
Pepi!

Edi, little Edi

Mr Hirsch, things can't go on like this
he's been sitting like that for days now

When is he going to start working again?

He's had a bad time on that.
He's had a bad time? What about me?

He came back from an endless tour with no money

What little I had left is almost gone

you tell me how we are supposed to live
and he just sits there

The doctor said it would take some time.

I suppose I ought to have thanked to you.

What for? For saving his life...

but you see ...we've done perfectly well on our own.
He needs to be taken out of himself!

Needs, needs.. He needs?

I'll think of something...

No Strauss, no life!

We want Strauss! Strauss must play!

No Strauss, no life!

We want Strauss!

Strauss must play!

Stop that! Stop that at once!

I don't want to hear you playing music ever again!
Do you understand me?

You ought to be in an
institution you know that?

In an institution for the mentally insane!

I will not have them go through what
I've gone through!

Sleepless nights smoke-filled holes,
clothes drenched in sweat

headaches, aching legs and for what?

For what?

Disappointment and defeat...

A slave for a bunch of lousy rotten musicians
you treat them like family and what did they do?

They robbed me of the greatest
opportunity of my life...they ruined me!

No!

A thousand times no!

My sons will not follow in my footsteps!

That's final!

Schanni will go to commercial school
Pepi to a military academy

and Edi can take up the law.

But one thing is certain!

They will none of them become musicians!

I forbid it and I don't want to discuss it ever again!

Yes, they were here.
The old orchestra wanting to play again.

Enough is enough
you've had your way

You've wallowed in self-pity but the
time has come to face the facts!

The cash box is empty if no money comes
in soon we're going to have to sell the furniture!

and then we will have to move

but Hirsch has already got the leading dancehalls
interested in you making a comeback...

I don't...
Don't interrupt!

It is no longer a question of what you
want or what you don't want!

You are going to go back!

I don't care what happens to our marriage,
you can do what you like so long as i don't know about it

but you are going to play your music again!

because this family is not going to
starve to death!

In part three what is that? G sharp or G natural ?
G sharp.

Well play it.
Play what is written, it makes a difference!

First cello, are you with us or against us?

Stop! Stinks!

It's not you, it's me.

It sounds like
fingernails scraping down a wall.

I think we better leave it for today.
TGomorrow morning 10 o'clock.

Excuse me, where can I find mr Johann Strauss?

Mr Strauss, in there.
Thank you.

Who is it?

I couldn't stay away any longer.

i want you to...

I...I want you to see our son.

Claudette, this is mr Johann Strauss.

It's all thanks to you.

This is your nest as well as mine.

I saved as much as I could
from the money you sent.

Every model is exclusive no two are alike.

That's my guarantee.

I always say thank God there are
such a lot of rich women in Vienna!

A veterinary surgeon?

It's absolutely true, ask Hirsch.

What did he give you?
Goat medicine.

You know, I can't remember
when I last felt this relaxed....this content..

I'm pleased.

I haven't felt this peaceful since...

So, you've come back home to pack!
Anna, I don't want a scene.

What man ever does?
I want us to behave like decent civilized people

It's very good coming from you.

Anna please i've made my decision

What I can do is thank God
you won't be able to divorce me.

If i could, believe me I would.

So at least i can maintain a
semblance of respectability

Is that all you're interested in, respectability?

And money, I'm also interested in money!

Don't worry, I'll send money enough for
you and the children.

How very generous!
Anna, this is for the best.

I'm sure it is for you, but I'm not too sure about me!

Although when i think of what i've
had to put up with all these years

with your moods and your affairs and your arrogance
perhaps I should be thankful that you're leaving.

When I said it's for the best
I meant for both of us.

Who's playing?
Schanni.

I forbade him to play.

Well, I didn't.
In fact I encourage it.

I gave strict orders!

You gave strict orders?
Who do you think you are?

You have no rights here anymore, these
are my children and I shall bring them up as I wish!

You have no say in the matter
We'll see about that!

Schanni, give me that violin!
Give it to me!

If any of my children pursue careers in music
and not the ones that I have laid down for them

then the financial arrangements I have
made will come to an end, is that understood?

They will pursue the careers that I have
chosen for them.

Schanni, you will go to commercial college
and there will be no argument!

and if I hear that you leave
college for any reason whatsoever

or if i hear that you are taking lessons

or even being encouraged in
any way to be a musician

I will make no further monies available
to this family!

...which is often the case in bankruptcy proceedings.

The creditors must under article 27
section 3 submit their claims in full and in detail

and the settlement will be made ...
Good morning Strauss or should I say good evening?

Did you sleep well?
Of course you did.

But I am always surprised you need so much
sleep, because you do enough of it in class.

I would have thought at night you'd lie awake worrying
about your future but that would be too much to hope.

See me afterwards.

A settlement will be made
according to the assets both fixed and movable.

Hey, Levy, aren't you coming?
No, I'm waiting for Shani.

You cause me a great deal of anxiety, Strauss.

I'm sorry, professor.

So I'll give you some advice.
i've never given any other student

Thank you.

Wait until you hear the advice.
It's this: quit

Leave.

Go.

You'll never make a businessman.

Your commercial instincts are zero.

No, I exaggerate.
Minus zero.

So go home now and don't come back.

I can't.
You can't? Why not?

You don't love your classes, you don't
love supply and demand why can't you leave?

I promise you professor, I'd like to
please you just this once, but i can't!

Nothing personal.

I'm relieved.

It's my father

A great musician.
Yes, but...

Well, he's made certain conditions...

If i stop my commercial studies he
stops all payments to my family.

It's as simple as that.

Talk to him, tell him what I've said.

No man likes to waste hard-earned cash.

I would talk to him if i could

He won't even see me.

I'm sorry.

Yes... well I'll see you tomorrow morning.

I wish I could say I look forward to it.

Only one favor try to keep awake during
class

Well?
He wants me to leave!

I told you he's a great man!

There she is!

Every time there's a concert.

I wonder who she is.

Obviously very musical.
And very beautiful!

I don't see what you see in her.

I'm going to find out her name today

Well, she has a nice name, Schanni.
you don't mind you?

And if I did?

No, you go and enjoy yourself,
don't worry about me.

I'll sit over there and listen to
the music and think impure thoughts.

Do you mind if I sit down?
No.

Is it all right if I talk during the music?

You can talk while Strauss plays.

When Lanner takes over you have to be quiet.

Don't you like Strauss?
I prefer Lanner.

I'm just the opposite
You would be.

Why do you say that?
Blood is thicker than water, that's why.

You know who i am?
Heavens, you're quick!

You knew all along!

My father said you were a Strauss

He could tell by the eyes and then your
friend over there.. I asked him and he confirmed it.

You talked to Levy!
He didn't tell me.

I asked him not to.

who's your father then?
One of the musicians.

In Lanner's band?
yes, in Lanner's band.

They call me Schanni.
I know.

What's your name?
Kathy.

Is that it ? Just Kathy?
I mean kathy what?

Kathie Lanner.
Kathie Lanner?

Gentlemen..

Bye-bye children!

That's better.

Very old-fashioned.
So is Mozart.

Are you going to be a musician?

No

Your friend Levy says you're the best
young violinist in Vienna

and he says you're a wonderful pianist.

and he told me you were going to form an orchestra one day
and he was going to be your impresario.

You two certainly seem to have had a long conversation.

Don't get upset, was all about you.

Why aren't you going to be a musician?

My father doesn't approve.
I need lessons but..

yes...

They used to be friends, did you know that?

yes.. but now just mention the name Strauss in front
of my father and he smashes everything in sight.

I wonder what's happened.
Something about a girl, I think.

Well, if they found out we were going to
see each other again, we'd really be in trouble!

What do you mean, see each other again?

"Heavens you're quick"

hello

Schanni, she's still in class

So, what did he say?
He wants to hear you play first.

wonderful

How much does he charge?
One gulden a lesson.

Where I get a golden from?

Don't worry, I've solved it !

I told my father I wanted to take private ballet classes.

but i need a pianist and pianists cost
one gulden!

He agreed!

I don't understand how does that help me?

you're the pianist!
You play the piano for my private lesson!

and earn the golden my father gives me

Then you have a violin lesson with my
father and give him back his own gulden.

Simple.
Not simple. Brilliant!

Good!

I'm glad there's something
I can still teach you.

Start tomorrow.
I charge one gulden in advance.

I missed a beat. Go back again.

Schanni, it's your turn to do the dishes.

Peppi and Edi are going to do it for me.

i've got a lesson tomorrow on the
industrial cost-effectiveness of coal...

If you spent more time with your
books and less time with that girl...

Mama, he kicked me !
Come on you two! I'll bring the rest later!

What's all this about a girlfriend?

I don't know what he's talking about.

Is he talking about the girl
that left this on the piano?

Or have you taken any ribbons in your hair?

Oh, that girl!

I play piano for her dancing class.

Does she pay you?

Of course.

And what do you do with the
money?

I don't know.

Food, fairs...

You're a terrible liar, Schanni!

I'm taking violin lessons, it pays for my
violin lessons.

Now I understand.
She's Joseph Lanner's daughter, isn't she?

Is he teaching you?

Is Joseph Lanner teaching you the violin?

Yes.

Are you mad?

What happens if your father finds out ?
You know the conditions he made!

There'll be no more payments if he
so much as gets a sniff of this.

Never mind that you're taking
lessons, but from Joseph Lanner?

You want me to stop taking lessons?

If i said yes would that make any difference?

No. No, I'm pleased you're studying with Lanner.

He knows more about technique and
interpretation than anyone in the city and he always has.

And he's a very kind man.
I never realized you knew him!

I thought he and father
hadn't spoken for so long.

I knew him.

Joseph Lanner is a good man.

and I'm thrilled he's teaching you,
but God help us if your father finds out, that's all, God help us!

This has got to be kept a secret, Schanni.

Could you wait here a few minutes, please?
Thank you, sir.

Mr Lanner, it's time to go home.

Who the hell are you?
Schanni Strauss, mr Lanner.

Strauss...

Don't mention that name in my presence.

Do you know who i am?
Yes, mr Lanner.

I am music director to the Imperial court.

Which is more than you can say for
Johann Strauss

whoever the hell he may be.

Say your name was...
Schanni.

Do you know this fellow Strauss?

No. Never heard of him.
Me neither.

What's he doing?
Is he a musician?

Because this place is for musicians only, you know?

I know.
Come on, maestro, let's be on our way.

Anyone here ever heard of a musician
called Strauss?

Kathy's waiting outside, mr Lanner.

That is my daughter.
I know.

Who are you?
A friend of hers.

Don't lie to me, you, Schanni Strauss!

You could have been my son.
Your mother was a beautiful woman!

But I wouldn't have called you Schanni.

I would have called you...
son of a bitch.

This is Johann strauss's boy
and my name is Joseph Lanner.

I'm going to turn this boy
into a better violinist than his father!

That won't be difficult.

Excuse me.
Please, don't upset him!

Something has got to be done, he should be writing music.

He is happy here,
he doesn't talk anymore about not going to America.

No one will ever know how great
a disappointment that was,

he felt let down and now he's found a form
of relaxation that takes his mind off things.

I think I want this one.

Yes, coming madam.
Please don't upset him.

Watch out maestro, the slave driver is here!

The man who saved my life

Play a hand Hirsch.
No, I prefer to watch.

Then have a drink.
Well no, thank you it's a little early for me.

Your disapproval Hirsch is drilling holes in my spine.

You should have seen Lanner the other day.
It's never too early for him.

How the emperor can allow a drunk like
Lanner to be his court music director is beyond me!

I hear he's even teaching one of the
archdukes to play the violin!

He seems to be teaching a lot these days!
He probably needs the money

There's no money in teaching
How much does he charge, maestro?

How would I know?
I don't take lessons from him..

No, but your son does, you must be paying for that!

What do you mean- my son does?

Lanner was in the pub.
Stewed, I mean really stewed.

He must have been drinking all night.

Then came your boy Schanni to take him home.

and Lanner announces loud and clear that
he's teaching the son of Johann Strauss the violin.

We were both there.
We witnessed it.

Well, that's enough for today, time to do some work !

Go away Hirsch, I'm playing cards!

And furthermore, since I pay maintenance

I have the right to make conditions
concerning the education of my children.

Don't be so pompous!

I have here notarized statements that my
eldest son has been taking music lessons.

Notarized statements?

Why didn't you ask me? why didn't you ask Schanni?
Why do you need notarized statements?

If you took more interest in your children instead of
laying down the law like some old testament tyrants

Anna, be reasonable the maestro
is paying for you and the boys

so you must seize allowed some
saying how they're brought up!

No, I do not see and I have no intention
of being reasonable!

May I say something?

I'm a lawyer by profession, but I'm also
I hope be regarded as a family friend.

Well, if not exactly a friend,
then certainly as landlord's apartments...

What is it you want to say?

Are you here as her lawyer?
In part...

BBecause you mr Strauss no longer live here, your wife
has to exercise her personal judgment...

Shut up!

Shut up all of you,
what are we, trained animals...

who are supposed to sit up and beg?

Must we ask him who we can talk, to how we should pass
the time what we should do with our lives?

I've never asked anything from
you and I refuse to start now!

You've never asked anything of me!

you have a wonderfully short memory,
you've done nothing but ask, nag and demand!

You cannot force your will on us!

Let's try to keep calm!
No, we will not try to keep calm!

You are not going to push us around anymore!

I am not pushing you around but
I insist that my conditions are kept!

It's my money!
Take your money and go to hell!

I'm not going to take orders from you any longer!

From now on we'll manage on
our own.

Then suffer the consequences.
Get out of my house!

Who is the best teacher of composition in Vienna?

Drexler, professor Drexler.

Then we must arrange to see him.
Forgive me asking this, but I'm a practical man.

How will you pay for such lessons?

Well, he can work at night if he has to

During the day it will be nothing but
music, music, music.

Schanni, you have to thank your father,
he's just done you a great favor.

Now where can we find this man, Drexler?

No, no, no!

I don't give lessons anymore

We'll pay anything!

Money, money...

If I were interested in money
I should become a banker

what I'm interested in is his time, that's
because I'm old there's not much left of it.

My time is valuable.

I don't intend to waste it in teaching
untalented children.

It's very cold here.
You are a woman of remarkable perception.

Your hands must be frozen.

My hands are my own business, thank you.

Now would you please go away, I have to practice!
Even at my age I have to practice!

Try these.

And look, a woolen shawl.

I was going to sell it but i forgot.
Now, isn't that warm?

Well, it's made of wool, isn't it?

What sort of wool would it be if it wasn't warm?

Try the mittens.
You won't get around me like this, you know.

Professor, even if you don't teach anymore
won't you just give us an opinion of my son's musicianship?

"My son's musicianship" ..Anyone would think you were mrs Bach
and this was your little Johann Sebastian..

Yes, these are warm, too!

Right! Variations with exposition
and modulation in three keys!

There you are!

Stop! Stop! Stop! I may vomit!

Just as I expected! superficial sugary
cheap showmanship!

I know..

Playing all that awful theater music
in this church it's sacrilege!

I hate the theater, it's the most vulgar
and debased form of art in the whole history of mankind!

I agree!
That's why I want you to teach me!

I know my music isn't any good!
There's no depth in what I write.

Madam, would you mind leaving us alone for a moment?

I want to talk to this child genius who seems to know that his
music is like cream cakes with cream.

Now then, what did you mean just now, when
you said your music had no depth?

I mean it comes too easily to me.

I can write that sort of stuff in my sleep.

It's all like a game, a trick, a bit of stage magic.

My music, the way I play the violin, everything
doesn't seem to have any feeling, any soul.

That's because you don't know who you are.

As a matter of fact the reason your music lacks soul is
because you don't know yet if you have a soul.

I have this sense of something inside me,
something that demands to be expressed.

but I don't know how to express it .

Do you know what the problem is?

The problem is that god's invisible,
that's a terrible problem!

You know what I think?

I think he's always going to be invisible.

what's your opinion?
I've never really thought about it.

That's another problem. you ought to
think about it

Listen, this is just between ourselves.

Music...not many people know this..
It's music that makes God visible.

Shhh..not a word to anybody.
It's a great secret!

If you want to be a serious composer,
you must learn how to make God visible!

Difficult?
I'm not sure how to do that.

Start with fugues.
Fugues?

You're not hard of hearing, are you?
No!

That had to be a terrible drawback.

After all Beethoven was an exception,
he was deaf as a post but he saw God every day of his life!

yes,fugues!

Harmonics, the figured base, that's how we
start to begin our work!

You mean you're going to teach me?

What are those things your mother's got
in that basket?

Apricot jam, pickles, sausage, preserved fruits...

Yes, of course I'm going to teach you.

Good, good!

Nothing like a student to have a mother
who makes delicious apricot jam!

Right! Tomorrow eight sharp,
start with the fugues!

Come, run away, will you?

Thank you, thank you!

he said yes

How much does he charge?

I hope you're gonna afford me,
I'm very expensive, you know!

Another fugue for professor Drexler?
Another fugue!

That's all Drexler knows: fugues, fugues...

and of course he also knows about fugues

and after only four hours sleep at night
I'm not exactly at my best.

You know that factory I work in it ?
It used to be a dance hall!

The new age, I suppose, the age of profit and loss!

Factories make more money than dancehalls.

Simple.

What's so funny?

My father came home at
about two o'clock this morning.

He could barely unlock the door.
That's not funny.

As I was getting him into bed, he started
to sing

"Bruderlein fein".
It's a wonderful song

People still sing it.
A good sugary theater piece.

what Drexler would call "cream cakes with cream".

But do you know who wrote it?

No idea.
Professor Drexler.

Never!

Just as papa was about to fall asleep, he said:

My God! Old Drexler wrote better stuff
than any of us!

Your father was drunk, he didn't
know what he was talking about.

That's what I thought so I went to a studio
and started to search and I found this:

"Bruderein fein" de Joseph Drexler.

Good God!
I looked it up in one of papa's books.

Drexler used to write a lot of music for
the theater when he was young.

The hypocrite!

Stop that immediately!
Stop it, I say!

You recognize it?
It's superficial sugary cheap showmanship

Cream cakes with cream,
but it's a nice tune, don't you think?

I don't want to hear it ever again!

Why do you disown it?
It's a beautiful piece of music!

I'd have been proud to have written a song like that!

Yes you would. Frivolous, superficial, ungodly!

It was written when I was someone else.

Someone like you, somehow nothing in his
head but idiotic rubbish.

I didn't know who I was or what I was
with the tunes just poured out of me.

But I've learned, my God I've learned that
if there's no struggle there's no art.

And you'd better learn it too, if you
ever want to become a serious composer.

Otherwise you'll just be a cheap theater musician.

Now get out of my sight and don't come back
until you manage to write something that really matters!

Did it go down well?
About as well as a cup of cold castor oil!

He didn't like it?
You could say that.

He nearly hit the roof.

This is your moment then Schanni!
What moment?

To start an orchestra, to realize our life's ambition!

You know what he said?
Who you're talking about now?

Drexler.
No, what did he say?

He said I'd never make a serious composer

Good, because serious
composers never make any money.

So, we're set up an orchestra, now's the time!
We'll be millionaires!

Do you know what I'm going to do?

I'm not going back to Drexler!

I don't want to end up a church organist like Drexler
with patches on my trousers!

and an old piece of rope for a belt.

I think you'd look rather sweet.

kathy, be serious!

And I'll tell you another thing:

Those candles, the smell of incense, the cold,
that's not for me it all stinks of death!

I need something more, something vital to do with life

What do you think?

What should I do, you're always so wise!

I think you'll only follow the advice
you want to hear

All I know is that the kind of music he
teaches doesn't give me any pleasure.

What does give you pleasure, Schanni?

You do.

I want to make love to you, kathy.
Please don't say that.

Have you ever made love before?

No.

Once... years ago,
I must have been about 13 or 14.

I saw on the window across the street..

I saw a woman getting undressed.

She was naked, she stood before the
window and breathed the fresh air.

I thought the sight of her was one of
the wonders of the world.

I want to see you like that, cathy

Please, Schanni.It's not fair.
You're so beautiful.

So beautiful.

Where have you been?
I walked kathy home.

Do you know what time it is? It is nearly nine o'clock.
Is it?

i'm sorry, we were talking.

Looks delicious!
Don't have to eat it.

No no

Wonderful!
I suppose you'd like to make some inquiries.

About what?

A position.
What do you mean?

You can't go on working at the factory
all night and studying all day,

you'll collapse with exhaustion.
No!

No, I think you need to find a church
that needs an organist.

I never thought a son of mine would end up as a church organist.

And which son are we talking about now?
You.

We are talking about you.

I'm not going to be a church organist, mama!

Well, how are you going to earn your living?
Support a family?

Are you going to write concerti and masses
and symphonies in a garrett and starve?

What are you going to do for money?

I'm going to write waltzes.

So..

well... I knew there was something.
When did you come to this decision?

Today.

Have you...Have you spoken to professor Drexler?

No..

Drexler has always said I was just a
cheap theater musician.

Well i can't help it!
I like cream cakes with cream.

Another waltz king.
Well, a waltz prince, perhaps.

We must see what we've got to do about getting you started.
I already have.

My friend Levi's got some money,
we're going to form an orchestra.

Well, well, well..

Papa?

Papa, where are you?

Papa, are you all right?

Papa, you've been drinking again,
you promised me!

I want to see Johann Strauss.

Anna...

My dear Strauss!
Please be seated.

You look younger than when I saw you last .
How long ago was that?

Six years give or take a month, excellency.
Six years, is it!

Tempus fugit.
Seems like yesterday.

No, the day before.

And how am I looking, Strauss?
Just the same as ever, Excellency.

You mean older than ever.

Well you've traveled much
since I saw you last.

I've made extensive tours of the
major european countries, Excellency.

But not to the New World?

No.

Well, now Strauss, why did I want to see you...

Oh, yes...

Terrible news about poor old Lanner..
Yes, Excellency.

His death leaves a terrible hole.

He is irreplaceable, Excellency.
I wouldn't say that.

The one thing that art and
politics have in common

is that there's always someone
who wants to take one's place.

Now very true, Excellency.

If it isn't one's enemies,
then it's one's friends.

You remember the last time we met?

Was it really six years ago?

You did me a favor and I made you a
promise in return.

I remember very well, Excellency
I'm sure you do.

And so, the moment I heard of poor
Lanner's demise

the question arose of who should succeed
him as music director to the Imperial court.

I said to the Emperor

"Strauss".

and you know, it is one of the privileges of my high office
that what I want, the emperor wants.

well more often than not.

and so my dear Strauss it gives me the greatest
pleasure to present you

with your appointment as music director to the imperial
court in succession to the late Joseph Lanner.

I'm deeply honored, Excellency.

Now, i've yet another favor to
ask of you.

Anything, Excellency.

if you should hear any
unwarranted criticism of me

I want you to say "yes, but
there is one thing that

has to be said in prince Metternich's favor.
he always keeps his promises"

When did you say you made the application?
Over a month ago.

It should be here, then.

Yes, I got it at last.

I understand you're Jojann Strauss junior,
is that right?

Yes.

Strauss junior?
My my... is the great Johann your father ?

Yes.

what a composer!

You probably won't believe this, but I saw him
when he first started at a place called Strime's.

yes i spotted his talent right away

I said to my wife...well she
wasn't my wife then but i said

"that young man will go
far" and was I right!

You were right !
Yes, what an honor to be the son of such a man!

Yes, yes...hey now let's see now...

I, the undersigned Johann Strauss junior,
hereby declare that it is my intention

to engage twelve men band with a view to
performing at dance's end

as the need may rise, works of my own composition.

What a talented family...

I therefore request the
municipality of Vienna

to grant a permit pursuant with
my aforementioned intention.

That's all I want, a permit.

As I say, I've been waiting over a month.

I can't see why there should be this today
There's no problem here.

Yes of course, technical matter!
Nothing to worry about.

You see, you need your father's consent.

So?
So you need your father's consent.

Just get him to sign this and the
permit will be issued immediately.

But you see, my father mustn't know.

The fact is he would never allow it.

You're trying to deceive your father,
that great and good man Johann Strauss,

music director to the imperial court.

No it's just..

Worse, are you trying to deceive the municipality of Vienna
that such a fine man should have such a devious son!

Terrible!

The law is the law my boy and

until you get your father's written consent
no permit will be issued

Good day.

Narrow-minded bureaucrats, fossilized pen pushers.
How dare they?

It won't do any good mama!
Schanni, you shouldn't give up so easy!

The man says...
The man said, the man said...

All the men knows is rules,
regulations and forms.

I shall simply point out to him that the support
of the entire family depends upon a favorable decision.

It won't do any good, it's the law mama!

There was never a law passed by
a man that has not been broken,

bypassed or ignored by a man
or in this case a woman!

Shall we go.

Wait here.

I wish to see the mayor.

Have you an appointment?

I don't need one.
Of course you'll need one.

I was told by prince Metternich that
no appointment would be necessary,

kindly summon the mayor
or take me to his office.

Madam, at least once a day
someone comes into this office

and claims to have some
connection with prince Metternich

If you want to see the mayor I'm afraid
you must make an appointment.

I am mrs Johann Strauss, the wife of the
music director to the imperial court.

I go a whole lifetime without meeting a Strauss,
now I meet two in one week.

Mrs Strauss, I'm honored.

Now kindly tell the mayor that I wish to see him.

Is it about your son and his permit?
Exactly.

I am in charge of permits.
Believe me, there is nothing to be done.

I would rather hear that from the mayor himself.

Mrs Strauss, I am a great admirer of your husband
and believe me, if there was anything i could do

I would do it, but the law is the law.

The mayor cannot help you

Besides this is strictly confidential

The mayor was always an ardent supporter of the late Joseph Lanner
A Lanner supporter, really?

Even if he could I don't think he'd raise a finger
to help a member of the Strauss family.

Be that as it may I will not leave this
office until i see him.

Mrs Strauss, my official here has fully
informed me of the facts of this case

and I have to tell you that he's simply
enforced the law.

A permit cannot be given to your son without the
consent of his father.

My son is my sole support,
not only mine, but also my family.

I have two other sons ..

Come, mrs Strauss, your husband must be one of
the better of musicians in this city!

if not the world !

My husband and I no
longer live under the same roof.

This is ... this is very distressing for me...

he... he deserted me and my small boys
some time ago.

i told you he was a scoundrel

But a great musician.
Joseph Lanner was greater in every way!

Forgive me, mrs Strauss, my official and i
have a long-running musical battle.

He supports your husband.
I was always a supporter of Lanner.

I miss Joseph Lanner as if he were my brother.

I do you, too. He was always the gentleman.

What did I tell you?

which is one of the reasons why I
decided to plead my son's case in person.

I trust that anything I say
here will go no further

Absolutely!

You see, my husband always despised
Joseph Lanner.

who incidentally was my son's first teacher.

Really?

Really?
He studied under Lanner?

When Joseph Lanner died my husband was
reported to have said:

Good! Now I have no serious rival!

He said that?
He's disgraceful!

So you see our dilemma there is no possibility of us giving
his consent to his son forming an orchestra because...

That would mean another rival!

Exactly!

My husband knows very well that his own son would
provide fierce competition and if the truth be known

My husband is terrified of competition

I would do anything to spite a man who
rejoiced at Joseph Lanner's death!

May I make a suggestion?

Please, dearly.

I am my son's guardian not in law but de...

de...something ...

Please forgive me, I do not have a legal mind

De...
De facto!

Exactly!
De facto!

Could I not sign the document as my
son's de facto guardian?

You can start auditioning the musicians tomorrow!
You got it!

Fine, seal the mouth of it.

But how did you bribe someone?
Certainly not.

God, I don't know how to thank you

Don't thank me, thank Joseph Lanner.

Where is Strauss?
Over there.

Rhat's not strauss.
I've seen Strauss

That's his son.

It's going to be his orchestra .
You're pulling my leg.

You mean I'll come all this way to be auditioned by a child?
Looks like it.

Well... we'll have some fun with him.

Excuse me little boy, where is Johann Strauss?

I'm Johann Strauss.

Get away!
When I last saw you you looked a lot older!

And are you the one auditioning us then,
little boy ?

That's right!

What's it for?
A children's band, is it?

"Johann Strauss and his tiny tots"
something like that little boy?

How old are you?
12? 13?

Still at school, are you?
Does your mommy know you're here?

You're not very talkative, I hear.

Do you know what a bass clef looks like?

Yes... and I also know what a horse's arse
looks like.

Right, gentlemen, let's try this

one

Stop! Play what is written, don't embellish!

Would you like to try to keep together?

You sounded as if you're playing in somebody's backyard
or at a wedding after midnight.

and..

You've got the job, go and see mr Levine.

Go to mr Levi, you will sign your contract.

Would you like to sign?

Very good, go to mr Levi.

Both cellos.

I'm sorry.

Good! Violas!

Sorry.
Yes.

What about me then, little boy?

You're a damn fine musician, I'll say that.

What's the problem then, little boy?

Two problems:

First: you call me little boy

Second, I'm not sure you'll like the contract..

I'll be the judge of that, maestro!

Good evening

Tell him, don't tell me.

Ace of diamonds
mine again, I think.

Who still is it ?

Maestro, is this a good moment to give you some bad
news?

What is it now?
You tell him.

Go on, it may do him some good .

What may do me some good?

I was in the pub "City of Belgrade"
I hope you're not spending too much time there!

I heard something was going on so I dropped in.

Your son Schanni is forming a band!

No, his mother is forming a band.
He's just doing what he's told!

I didn't see her there,
but i listened to the auditions.

A lot of losers who can't
get a job anywhere else!

One or two I thought pretty good.

Schanny certainly knows what he wants

Don't be ridiculous he's a child,
how can he know what he wants?

Believe me, the mother's behind this
They do it to spite me.

But I make a prediction:
they'll play two performances.

The first and the last.

Even so, perhaps we should post someone
outside the apartment to jot down the tunes.

See what the band is like.

I don't need to hear his tunes
and I can imagine what the band is like.

Yes, but even so, something tells me we
should take precautions.

Do what you like.
It's mine again.

I'm getting all the good cards tonight.

Sorry, only take established artists.

No, no, his father has threatened to
boycott anyone who employs the son.

I can't afford it.

What are you doing?
Closing the windows.

in case anyone hears.

Sorry, we've been warned not to engage you.

I couldn't have you here, even if you
offer to play for free!

We have to talk.

Gentlemen, 10 minutes pause.

There's no point going on,
we have nowhere to play.

It's a bloody shame, I thought we were
just beginning to play really well.

Hirsch got to every one of them,
they were frightened of their wits.

Never mind, you did your best.

Well, I'm not giving up without
a fight there must be somewhere.

Only places out of town.

Hirsch wouldn't have bothered with those

At Dommayer, I suppose.
That's where my father gave his last performance.

Dommayer, of course that's it !

Mama, no one goes to Dommayer anymore!
We'll see about that!

Strauss vs Strauss, son against father

It might just work.
It will work, mr Dommeyer!

Like the old days, like Strauss versus Lanner.

like the old days we had some nights here. mrs strauss
but this is more of a risk.

You risk one night's rent that's all.
My son risks his whole career.

Never mind about the rent,
I talk about the food.

I'll have to be prepared for 600 covers
and if no one turns up I'm done for.

I'll do a deal with you.
I am willing to reimburse you for any loss.

I hope you know what you're doing.
I know what I'm doing.

I have absolute faith

Very well, it's a deal.
Strauss versus Strauss.

Listen to this:

Next tuesday the 15th of october, at 6 pm

Johann Strauss jr will conduct his own orchestra in public
for the first time at the famous old hall of Dommeyer's

I never thought of Dommeyer.
No one thinks of Dommeyer.

Perhaps we could take out an injunction
against them for taking an unfair advantage of your name.

It's his name too.
what's he supposed to do, change it?

Something in my bones...
Never mind your bones Hirsch..

You're up against Anna's ambition and her hatred.

She's ruining the boy's life.

So? Will you do nothing?
No, I didn't say that.

Well what then?

We'll go to Dommeyer's, of course.
We'll witness a disaster.

and then we'll decide what to do with
johann strauss jr and his mother.

My God, there's going to be trouble

Yes, I hope so.
You hope so? They'll smash my place up.

ut remember you promised to reimburse me.

No, I only promised to reimburse you
if people didn't turn up.

Fetch him!
I'll be ruined! I'll be ruined!

Don't complain, mr Dommeyer.
You're about to go down in history.

God be with you!
Courage!

You shouldn't let him see us here, you know.

Bravo

You're too kind, really.
Thank you very much!

Congratulations!

Congratulations!

19 encores.

It's more than I ever had!

Congratulations, Schanni.

I believe a new star was born tonight.
I'm very proud of you.

I only ask one thing, that we join forces.

With one orchestra we will conquer the world.

What do you say?

Never! Never!