Strauss Dynasty (1991–…): Season 1, Episode 3 - Schani - full transcript

The audience likes Schani's
work and they want to hear it.

I won't play his music unless
he signs the contract.

We have to share and we have to share equally.

Edi, it's not the three musketeers!

We're brothers, Levi,
and blood is thicker than water.

Yes, but it's not all for one and one for all!
That's exactly what it is.

Which way is Prussia?
What? Over there!

It's simply not fair to split up
the income into three equal parts

Schani has written far more
music than either you or Pepi.

That's beside the point!

The prussians might be in Vienna at any moment
and we are discussing a nonsensical contract



which I for one certainly will not sign.

Well said, Schani.

I drew up the contract personally
it is fair and legal.

What does mother say about it?

I think we should leave mother out of this.

Our business affairs are a matter for us.
Don't let's leave mother out of this.

She's always been in favor of the family firm,
the three of us, equal partners.

Your mother's not well enough to be involved.

I'm told she visits your
father's grave every day now.

Which is very odd since she never
visited him when he was alive!

Jetti, I don't think this is any of your business.

Don't speak to my wife like that, Edi!

My mother slaved all her life for the success
and stability of the family business.

It's not a business, it's art!
Only an amateur can say something like that !



Edi, don't speak like that!

Let's face it, we're in this for the money!
All right!

Regard it as a business and ask yourself
what's made the business?

I'll tell you, the Strauss name.

It's my orchestra and it plays under my name!

No, it doesn't, it plays under our
father's name!

Pepi's right, the orchestra belongs to mother.

Not you, not Pepi, not me, mother.

Legally I'd say Edi is right.

Dr Halmi, you are my mother's advisor,
I don't want your advice.

As far as I'm concerned, legally and
morally, there is nothing more to be said.

Would you believe it?
The arrogance of those two boys?

Spare me your family quarrels, please.

I'll go and see.

Why you're so tense?

What's troubling you?
You know what's troubling me.

She is my wife.
She wants to be more involved in my career.

Schani, it's not possible to run a
career with two advisors.

I know you'll listen to the last person you hear

and since your wife goes to bed with you at
night at least I hope so, you'll listen to her .

She understands the way of the world.

She has wonderful instincts about what
one should or shouldn't do.

She knows how the world works.

Well, we're a partnership.

Another partnership.
It's how things are.

Schani, I have the greatest respect
for Jetti, but when it comes to ...

Schani!

Schani, terrible news!
The austrian army has been routed!

The prussians have won a great victory!

They're shouting it in the streets!

Father! Father, over here!

My dear Strauss, I wish we could meet under
happier circumstances

Get your jacket off Bauer. There's plenty for you to do.
We need all the help we can get.

I would help if I had the time,
you know that.

I'm here on behalf of his majesty,
to see you!

The things are bad, Strauss.

Bismarck is sitting in Mikulov with only one
thing on his mind:

Peace!

He's won the war now he wants to be paid!

Things are going to be hard, he's going
to accept a very high price!

Get to the point.
The point is this:

His majesty and his advisors
believe it necessary

to give solace to the people and at
the same time raise their spirits.

it has been decided to commission a piece from you

I don't write patriotic marches, Bower.
That was my father's speciality.

No, no, no, no.

It's more interesting than that.

The form of the piece is your decision but
this is a very beautiful poem.

And his majesty believes it'll serve the
purpose set to music.

who wrote it?

Inspector of police Josef Weyl.

Inspector of police?
What is it, a charged sheet in rhyme ?

No, no, he's a very fine poet and lyricist.

Unbelievable!
It's absolute rubbish.

How can I make a tune out of this?

Listen, Jetti.

"Vienna, be glad, ho, ho, why, why

A glimmer of light we see only night"

You made it up.

I haven't, I haven't,
Look! "Ho, ho, why why"

What could one possibly write to this?

"Vienna be glad"
No. I'm having none of it.

The emperor will have to find someone else.

It's really hard to know what to do next.
There's not much happening here.

I agree, Vienna's dead, money's short but...

This is where I live.
Well, it's where I live too.

But you know, Gustl, because I'm at home
everywhere and at home nowhere

Yes, there are only two truly
international languages: music and money.

You have your music and I'm broke.

Are you?

Well as it, broke I'm not ready to put on rags
and go out begging, but I've known better times.

I'm thinking of putting all I
have left into a small business.

What sort of business?
Music publishing.

You need to get some good composers.

Funny you should say that, because I know
of at least one good composer.

In fact I just happen to have here
a contract

From now on everything you compose
will be published by Gustav Levi.

If I can help in any way Gusel, I'm your man!

You can help by signing a contract

I really ought to discuss this with Jetti.

Yes, of course.

What the hell how could she possibly disapprove?

Give it back. Are you sure?

I don't want you to do anything you may
regret, anything that may cause you problems.

Give it to me.

And the pen.

I sign with the greatest of pleasure.

There.

So why aren't you at home, composing?

Publishers have to live you know!

Thanks, Schani.
Vienna be glad...

What's the matter?
No, it's a poem I read.

A really dreadful poem.

Vienna be glad, ho, ho, why, why!
It's really awful.

but it's odd how difficult it is to get the most banal
words out of one's mind

So what are you gonna do now, I mean
apart from writing me lots of music...

Go abroad. I've had offers from France, Russia but I
can't make up my mind yet.

Caroline! what a pleasant surprise!

How are you?
Looking lovelier than ever!

Motherhood obviously suits you!

Please, sit down. Thank you

Jetti said I'd find you here.
Something wrong?

The usual.

Pepi.

Pepi.
What's the problem now?

Shortage of funds, he works too hard

he doesn't sleep,
he needs...he needs help, Schani.

Jetti said she was sure you'd want to know.

Don't cry, Caroline, we'll rally round.

That's what the Strauss's do best, Caroline.

Rally round.

His music always reminds me of night,
of the moon

Yes, melancholy. As though he's inviting
you to a requiem instead of a dance.

I didn't walk a postman a miller and a clown

And so, the clown balances six chairs one
on top of the other

Then he climbs up the chairs and when he
gets to the very top

stands on his head and balancing there
produces a violin and plays something very flashy.

And there are these two hungarians in
the audience

One turns to the other and says:
"Well, Johann Strauss he is not".

Is that really true?

No Pepi, it's a joke,
It's doing the rounds of the cafes.

I never had much of a sense of humor

I can really only bear life with my eyes closed.

Why have you come to see me, when we last
met it was less than friendly?

You never do anything without a reason, Schani.

Now don't start again.

Schani and Jetti are here
because I invited them.

You invited them?

I asked them for their advice and their help.

You shouldn't have done that, Caroline.
I don't need any help.

Yes, you do, Pepi.
Now be quiet and listen!

God almighty, what a family!

Pepi, how would you like to go to Russia?

Russia?

But I'm perfectly happy here.
Pepi, you're like me!

You're not perfectly happy anywhere!

He can't go to Russia!

How could he go to Russia he's not well enough!
No, no it's unthinkable!

Pepi, have a look and see what they're
prepared to pay.

Good God!

But they want you, Schani
They pay this sort of money for you.

Don't you believe it! To the russians one
Strauss is as good as another!

and you take one half of the orchestra with you,
I keep the other half.

Edi won't like that.

Think it over.
We'll leave the contract here.

If you don't want to go, just tear it up.

Vienna be glad ho, ho, why, why..

Mr Schani, come in.

What the hell are you doing here?

I said what are you doing here?
I've come to see mother!

You're a bastard Schani, an absolute bastard!
Get out of my way, Edi

You got rid of Pepi,
you won't get rid of me that easily!

I don't know what you're talking about,
now just get out of the way.

Who is it?

It's me, mama.Schani.

So what do I owe this honor?
I've come to say goodby, mama.

Well, I didn't think it would be to inquire after my health.
Where are you going?

To Paris.
Oh, goodbye.

You're taking your half of the orchestra
with you?

You see, mama what did I say?

Pepi gets one half, he takes the other and they
leave nothing for me.

Edi, form your own orchestra, do
something for yourself this once!

Don't worry, I see the game.
You send Pepi to Moscow that way you get rid of him.

No competition from Pepi.

You leave me without musicians, so no competition from me.
You think i don't know the game?

Mother ...Quiet,Edi.
Mother, he has no right to take the orchestra

It belongs to the family, father founded it,
he has no right!

To act like an autocrat disposing one
half here one half there...

I said be quiet.

I had such hopes for my sons

You, consumed with jealousy and greed

All right, take off the orchestra!

I don't give a damn!

And you a puppet of that woman ! you only listen
to her and she's poisoned you against us all!

Thank God your father isn't alive, that's
all I can say, how he would have suffered!

Goodbye, Schani .

When you're no longer under the spell
of that witch perhaps we can meet.

Until then I'd rather not see you again.

You're supposed to be sensitive

There you are, you've had a dreadful row
with your mother and you behave as if nothing's happened..

Nothing has happened.
I've always had dreadful rows with my mother.

It's nothing new.

I wish i had a gulden for every time she
said she never wanted to see me again.

You know, what you need now is a spectacular success!

I always need a spectacular success!

The Paris world fair certainly offers a
great opportunity.

Offenbach will be there.
Of course he'll be there, he's french

Yes and i can imagine what he'll give them

Something really loud and vulgar
lots of brass and dancing girls

You should do the exact opposite.

What do you mean?

Nothing too showy,
nothing loud something quiet and subtle.

Well if i play this piece it'll have to
be loud enough to drown out the words
"vienna be glad ho, ho why why"

Perhaps we could play it without the
words

You don't need luck.

Excuse me, excuse me!

Why are you crying?
Because I'm so proud!

I'm so happy !

Mr Strauss!

Mr Strauss, the name's Gilmore,
Charles Pierpont Gilmore, ma'am

Can we talk?
My friends call me Charles.

I've always said there were only two
miracles in the whole history of the world,

one is the creation the other is America.

I guess you know all about creation
I'd like to introduce you to America.

What you say, Johann?
I'm speechless

I'm offering you an orchestra of 2 000 musicians together with
bells, cannons, giant organs you name it, you've got it.

And of course, a tour of the entire
country for you and your lovely lady

I'd like to think about it.
eighty thousand dollars

My husband's very tired
Ninety thousand dollars!

One hundred thousand dollars!

The truth is I have two terrible fears:
one of heights, the other of water.

I'm really terrified of the sea crossing

Of course I get seasick, but it's more than that.

I hate traveling by boat

You hear about ships sinking every other day!

On the other hand, my father's greatest
ambition was to visit the United States

But he never made it.
Now I have the chance.

Do I take it or do I go on touring in Europe?

Gilmore's offering a fortune.

Who's the telegram from?
It's just another admirer!

So what do I do Jetti ?
Do I put my life and career at risk?

endanger everything I've worked for,
because if I fail in America, my reputation here will suffer.

or do I play safe and simply go on
touring in Europe

What do you think Jetti? I know what i think .
What do you think?

I don't think I should go.
You don't?

Good evening, Mr Strauss, mrs Strauss.

There's some mail for you, mr Strauss.

I'll take it

From Vienna.
Nothing like that is from home

Jetti, please! What's all the mystery about
the mail?

Why can't I read my letters from home?

I'm nervous enough as it is .
Please let me have my letters.

Before I do, I have a confession to make.

You received a telegram a few weeks ago
and I didn't show it to you

Schani, your mother died, peacefully in her sleep.

Why didn't you tell me?

Jetti, why didn't you tell me?

It was just before we left Paris and you...
Just before we left?

You didn't tell me my mother had died
because you didn't want me to cancel the american tour!

You thought that if I went to her
funeral I'd cancel this tour!

Schani, that's not true!
Yes it's true all right!

If he doesn't go you thought we'd lose the money!
The prestige!

God,Jetti, your greed is limitless!

Whatever I did, I did for you,
your fame, your career!

To hell with my career !
Yes, to hell with your career!

If it wasn't for me your career would
have gone to hell long ago!

My mother devoted her life to me!
Yes and she'd have had you conducting at the Prater

Taking turns with your brothers like
some some ridiculous circus act!

Don't talk to me about circus acts.
What do you think I'm doing here?

I'm guilty of nothing but loving you

I'm wanting the best for you,
wanting you to reach for the stars!

you should have told me my mother
had died you.. cunning bitch!

If you want me to leave just
say so and I'll be gone.

Maestro Johann Strauss welcome back to
Vienna

It gives me the greatest pleasure to
present to you the Salvator medal.

Oh, Strauss should be glad

ho ho why why
he's written a hit that's why that's why..

Do you know what this means?

A million copies!
That's what this means!

Do you know what that means?
It means you're a millionaire, that's what that means!

The waltz of the century, a worldwide hit

And Levy is glad, oh, oh, why, why..

He published his Strauss, that's...

Eddie, how nice of you to come
I'm not here to welcome you home.

Why are you here then?
Because of Pepi.

Pepi? What's the matter with him, isn't he in Russia?

No, they brought him home.
He's in Vienna and he's dying.

He worked hard in Russia,
conducting, composing.

He used to put his latest compositions
in these green folders.

He was in a constant state
of tension in Russia

Pepi was a... is a perfectionist.

They insisted he augment his orchestra
with russian musicians

The concerts were dreadful.

Pepi couldn't
make himself understood.

There were rows and fights...

and then, I don't know whether out of
anger or shame or what

one night while he was conducting he
passed out

he felt from the podium and hit his head

He was all right for a day or two

and then gradually...

Doctor, there must be something we can do for him.

Nothing, I'm afraid.

You killed him.

What?

Now you don't like to hear the truth, do you?

You sent him to Russia and
look what happened!

What do you want done with his music, Caroline?

I don't know.

I'll ask dr helmi to look after it.

Pepe's music was so beautiful..

You're cruel and ruthless Schani.
Don't talk to Schani like that!

If you're going to raise your voices
please do so in another room!

This man is gravely ill.
This man needs quiet.

You killed him, Schani!
Don't try and get out of it!

Shut up!

Please, dear children, have some respect.

I respect Pepi, that's why these
things have to be said.

And the orchestra is mine from now on,
don't forget that!

The agreement was signed while mother
was alive, she had the right!

Edi..control yourself!

Yes, I suppose my life is in danger, too now,
you'll stop at nothing Schani!

No competition, that's your motto isn't it?

You have to get rid of any threat don't you, Schani ?
It has to be you!

You, you, you!

Please..
be quiet.

He's gone.

Come home, sweetheart.

terrible to have achieved so much
and lose everything

family, brothers

nothing left.

I am entirely alone.
Don't say that to me, Schani.

You're not alone.

You're not alone, never!

Never.

I'm not waiting much longer!
Relax

It's not 10 o'clock yet.
No, I hate the theater and I'm not staying.

you owe it to the theater manager it's a
great compliment to you

Look, all they're doing is wanting to pay
homage to your reputation!

I know theater people Jetti, they never do
anything without an ulterior motive.

They may want to pay homage to my reputation, but believe me.
they want something else too.

Well the manager did say that...
you see, what did i tell you?

He said he'd discovered a young composer
whose music he'd like you to hear.

My God !
They say he's the next Johann Strauss!

I thought we were here in honour of the
old Johann Strauss.

Maestro, Mrs Strauss,
welcome to our theater !

The ladies and gentlemen of my
company have a little medley of songs

by a most talented newcomer much influenced by you
maestro as you no doubt will instantly recognize.

So without further ado:

Heart it just belongs to
you, only you, only you

and it's true that it long for you,
just for you just for you

and I cry for the one I said is true
that my heart longs for you

fills my dreams, just for you.

While we're dancing and romancing
I can think of just one thing

Don't be shy, dear, don't be shy, dear
tell me that you love me true

don't differ dear, don't differ dear
please admit you love me too.

To sing, to love, to fall in love

that's what the futures bring my love,

we drink, we toast, to joy and love

tell me that you love me too,
tell me that you love me too!

Stop! it's an outrage!
Your talented young composer is a thief!

Every note we've just heard has been
stolen from me!

I shall sue you and I shall sue him!
I'd like his name, please!

His name is Johann...
Strauss!

You may think this particularly stupid
of me but I don't understand.

Promise you won't be angry.

No.

Your wife took some of your music and I had lyrics written
to prove that your music is particularly singable.

Singable? I see.
And where's all this leading to?

It's leading to the theater, maestro.

We're trying to persuade you to write
for the theater.

I'm extremely flattered that you've all
gone to so much trouble

So please don't think me unkind or ungrateful
when I say the theater means nothing to me.

I'm a musician you see, pure and simple.

I don't know anything about the theater.

I've been to only two operettas in my
life and on both occasions I fell asleep.

But when he got home he was able to
reproduce on the piano the entire orchestral score.

Maestro, don't be hasty.

Do me this one favor and read this..

What is it?
A libretto.

But when I say a libretto I don't just mean a libretto.
it's a truly sensational libretto with a great title.

And if the ladies will pardon me,
a very spicy plot.

Offenbach makes a fortune especially
here in vienna!

That's what my wife always tells me.
Yes

Well said, dear.

The young lady's right and what's more
dance halls are closing all over the place.

Even in the present financial crisis operetta continues to be
the most popular entertainment in Vienna.

People need to escape from the banks and
stock exchange making their lives a misery.

How much do you pay Offenbach?

for every ticket bought you receive 10
percent, but to you maestro I pay 12 percent.

How's that?
Extremely generous

But I'm afraid I'm not interested,
let the cobbler stick to his last.

Thank you for going to so much trouble.

I'm sorry, I must be a great
disappointment to you.

Well, we tried.

I'd like to see mr Strauss, please.
Do you have an appointment?

No, but I think he'll see me.

I'm afraid madam, the maestro sees no one,
beat out an appointment.

Perhaps you'd ask him.
I'm afraid madam he's not at home.

Who is it?

It's me, maestro!
We met the other day at the theater!

Yes, of course.
Please, come in.

Thank you, Frank.

Won't you come in and have a drink?
Thank you, I can't, I have a cab waiting.

I mustn't be late for the theater.
No, I'm sorry.

Well, what can I do for you miss...
Eva

My name is Eva Wessely.
Well, miss Wessely.

Eva.
Eva, you want to see me.

Yes, I'm here on a mission.

Let me guess.

You want me to write an
operetta with you in the leading role.

Yes, I would like that,
but that's not why I'm here.

No, I've been deputed...
yes, I think that's the right word

deputed by the entire theatre company
to ask you to read this.

That's all you have to do is read it !

It's a libretto, isn't it ?
You don't know until you've read it, will you?

Then I won't know.
Please, read it

How long will it take?
Too long

You really are very difficult, aren't you?

On the contrary.
I'm the kindest gentlest sweetest man you ever met.

It doesn't show.

But you could prove me
wrong by being kind to me.

How can I go back to the theater and say:

"I used all of my charms on him
and still he turned me down!"

No, I wouldn't want that.

That's what they'll say if
you don't read the libretto.

I'd better read it then.

You see?
You are kind.

And you let us know what you think.
In person

Well, I really must go now.
Thank you for coming to see me.

I know we'll meet again.

Yes, I know we will, too.

And please give my regards to your wife.

Theater people are very persistent.

What's it about?
The libretto, what's it about?

The usual rubbish.
A man seduces a beautiful masked woman

Very unoriginal.

But the masked woman
turns out to be his wife.

Does he know ?
No, no it's too far-fetched

And there's a vampire that sucks blood.
Disgusting.

what's it called?
Die Fledermause.

Dreadful title.

Does it interest you?
Not in the slightest

I'm pleased.
Doesn't sound right.

No

Gilmore, you stay here.

Come in! Come in!
What's that, sweetheart?

I'm doing something you've always wanted me to do!

I'm writing an operetta.
How? What libretto?

Vampires!

A husband who seduces a masked woman
and she turns out to be his wife!

But I thought you didn't like the story!
I can't get it out of my mind!

The music is all here, Jetti.
I just have to put it down.

Does the theater know?

Of course the theater knows,
I sent a messenger first thing this morning.

and they sent one back

Delighted, they said, opening night six weeks time.
Six weeks?

I know it isn't time but I work night and day .

They'll be sending messages for the
pages otherwise I'm not to be disturbed.

You'll take care of everything,
I know you will.

Franz, the maestro is composing

I know.
Everybody seems to know except me

Now it's the usual routine only this
time it's for six weeks.

The parrot is to stay in the greenhouse.

Gilmore won't like that.
Well, Gilmore will have to do as he's told.

The dogs are not to be allowed in the
house and no visitors

except for the messengers from the theater

He's not to be disturbed.

Madam, would you like
to tell the parrot?

Do you wish to be shaved now,sir?
no no, leave it.

it's better this way ,
the stubble stops me from going out.

Yes, yes, wait.

Any more pages, sir?

The messenger boy from the theater's here, sir

yes, yes, let me see.

This stock.
Wait a moment! I want to add something.

We'll slip it in here.

Where have you been?

What do you mean where have i been?
I ran as fast as I could!

Don't talk to me like that! Go, get more pages.

Yes sir.
There's a note in there for someone

Copies?

Eva?

This is for you.

A word for advice from an old man.
yes, yes, I know what you're going to say

Eva, take care, we cannot afford
a scandal before opening night.

Not at all, I would love a scandal
before opening night!

Nothing like a scandal for improving business.
No, no, I was going to say two things:

First, don't distract him from his work

and second: his wife is somewhat older than he is

Take extra care.

Messenger from the theater, sir.
all right yes let me see...

Did they ... is there a note for me or anything?

I'll go and see, sir.

No sir, there's no note.

Fresh air. You need it in here.

Don't you ever open the windows?
May I?

Please.

You look exhausted.
Thank you.

It's no wonder really.

I don't know how you do it.
Everybody's thrilled

The music is...
Well you know yourself how good it is.

You don't need me to tell you.
Yes, I do.

everyone needs encouragement

Why did you want to see me?
Why do you think?

How's your wife?
Well, thank you.

I've been given strict instructions not
to distract you.

Then you should have worn a veil.

perhaps you'd better give me the pages
and I'll go.

No, no. I've asked you here for a specific reason

That's what I was afraid of.

Not what you think .
Strictly professional

I've written an aria for you, I want you to try it.

How thrilling!

Silence, Gilmore.

No, no, you must breathe there.

Then you can sing the next phrase all in one.

and...
Good morning!

How lovely you look my dear.
Thank you.

I was listening at the door.
Schani, would you mind if I said something?

Of course not.

My dear, you have such a lovely voice!

I'm absolutely enchanted but I wonder,
may I just give you one or two little tips?

I'd appreciate it, thank you.

You are sweet.

What I think you need is more resonance,
you see, resonance from the chest.

and from the head, makes a voice more
expressive

I don't know that the part calls for
such a strangled sound

I really want the audience to
understand the words

Yes, but we mustn't forget we're singing
music by Johann Strauss, must we!?

No, I wouldn't do that.

So, I really do think the music ought to
dominate the lyric

I think that sort of sound would do very
well if I was singing a Valkyrie

but I 'm not.

well then a little grace and charm
wouldn't come a mess.

I can't bear all that sugary stuff can you?

It's so old-fashioned!

Well, perhaps what you need is a little dignity!
No we've got enough of that in the company!

Our primadonna is very dignified
she stands rooted to the stage like an elephant

then she gestures like an old
testament prophet and always looks to me

as though she's taking a pitchfork into manure!

Very amusing!
well seems there's nothing I can teach you.

Forgive me, child i was simply trying to help.

I'm very grateful, really.

Once more come and again.

Stop, stop, stop, what's this supposed to be?

It's a ball in a princess palace, not a
free-for-all in a brothel!

Elegance, elegance!

Again!

All finished lthe operetta, sir?

No, no not yet. I have still a lot to do.

But I thought that today i was entitled
to a little reward, a treat.

After you've shaved me I shall
be going out.

To the theater, sir?

The next one.

All right, next one!

Excuse me.

Come in!

Don't be silly, come in!

I'm late, they want to see me my act two
costumes.

I think I'm beginning to like the theater.

I thought you were supposed to
be writing the finale.

I have one or two changes for you in the aria.

Wait for me in the wings.

All right, let's see what it's like.

What do you call this?
She's not playing a nun.

She must be decollete.

No, let's look at the waist.

Look maestro, if you want your operetta to be ready...

I want to show you those changes.
Later.

No, now.

God you're beautiful!

Jetti! How lovely!

I tried to find you this morning
to tell you I was coming here.

Maestro!
Madame...

Two chairs on stage please!

We're having a little trouble with
costumes and I value your opinion.

But aren't you supposed to be working?
Yes, he is.

Please, please.
All right ladies, take your places.

All right, good, very good.
Next!

Beautiful my dear! Absolutely beautiful!

Don't you think so, maestro?
Absolutely!

I want to see her with Eva,
Where is she?

Where's miss Wessely?

I'm so sorry, I was as quick as I could be.

Is that it?
Is that what?

She's not actually going to appear like that, is she?

We think it's it's absolutely right!
Don't we, maestro?

Absolutely!

I would never wear such a costume!

You couldn't!

I believe in a certain dignity!

I can see that.

Have we finished now?
I've been on my feet all day!

A very unusual position for you, isn't it?

I believe you're more
accustomed being on your back!

And who told you that?
Your husband?

Ladies...

Ladies...

they burnt her kind at the stake!
I expect you remember those days only too well!

Have we finished now?

Little bitch!
She needs to be taken down a peg or two.

You know, I really do love the theater

REHEARSAL ACT 3
FULL CAST AND ORCHESTRA

Oh, Rosalinda, forgive your faithful Gabriel!

Blame it on the champagne!

Well, go on, go on.
We can't go on, we haven't any more music!

What do you mean, you
haven't any more music?

Exactly what I say!

The messenger went to Strauss today
as usual ...nothing.

All right, ladies and gentlemen,
back at seven o'clock.

Good afternoon.
Madam.

What's the matter?

Is my husband unwell?
I have no idea.

It's him I've come to see.

I thought he was at the theater.
No, we haven't seen him.

We're waiting for him to finish the finale.

He promised I would have it yesterday.

Well, there are only two more days to opening night!

I'm sure he's composed it.

Perhaps he hasn't made a fair copy of it yet.

But we have to rehearse it.

I came out here to see if I could
persuade him to finish it today.

Although God knows he has worked like a
demon, as it is.

Well, if he isn't at the theater and he
isn't here...

where can he be?

So what excuse will you give for not
being at today's rehearsal?

I shall tell them that I was exhausted
which is now perfectly true.

What excuse will you give for not
writing the finale?

I shall tell them I had to have my
inspiration with you, which is also perfectly true.

Here. You must have a rose petal to
remember this day

Promise me you'll keep it somewhere safe.
Forever and ever

I promise.
Oh, how I adore you!

You must go now !
I can't! I don't want to!

You must!

Maestro..

The theater manager was here today.
Or was it yesterday?

I lose track of time.

Where were you Schani?
Trying to find inspiration for the finale.

And did you find it?

I think so.

I'm very tired now,
I'll work in the morning.

Good night.
Schani!

I know what's going on.
Nothing's going on.

You're really such a child, Schani ...

You fall in love with the first
little soubrette you meet.

God, it's so predictable!
I don't want to have a row.

She's a tart, Schani, I know the type!

You don't know anything about her!

Did she sprinkle rose petals on your
pillow and ask you to keep one forever for remembrance?

Did she... did she spray the room with
heady scent?

Did she call you "maestro"?
I think that's in very bad taste, Jetti.

No, i'll tell you what would have been in
very bad taste

If you'd cried on my shoulder over her
infidelities which are and will be numerous!

Good night, Jetti.

Rosalinda, forgive your faithful Gabriel

Blame it on the champagne!

Schani, listen to this is:
"Is Strauss the second Offenbach?"

Is that the best you can find ?

All right, well...
What what about this one?

Just a moment.

Jetti, what is it you don't want me to see?
Nothing.

"Die Fledermaus" a posthumous triumph for
the late Joseph Strauss...

What's Pepi got to do with this it?

"It's common knowledge that Joseph
Strauss who died tragically young

had composed a musical drama
which has never been discovered.

The question is where is it?

The answer in the possession
of his brother Johann Strauss

who had access to Joseph's trunk
containing all his music..

How else can one explain the success of
"Die Fledermaus"?"

"Are we really to believe that a man can
write such a work in the space of one month?

Isn't it more believable and much
more likely that Johann Strauss

discovered the work written by his late
brother and now passes it off as his own?"

This is monstrous!

I want to know who planted this.

But this is ridiculous!
Everyone knows how I worked!

Jetti, you could testify for me.
Would you think they'd believe your wife?

I'll show them the original score in my
own handwriting.

They'll say you copied it.

Edi! what?
This must be Edi's work!

I know he's a little insane, but do you
really think he'd go that far?

Do you have the key to this trunk?
No, I don't even know where it is.

It's in Halmi's office, the lawyer!
I'm sure he went there!

Then we're all right.

We'll open the trunk in Halmi's presence,

compare the music, then afterwards
Caroline can make a statement.

Where's Edi?

He asked me to represent him.
Who has the key?

and as far as you know,
this is the only key to this truck.

As far as I know, yes.

Where are the green folders?
What's in the green folders?

Pepi kept all his most recent
compositions in green folders.

Where are they he kept composing all the
time on the train in Russia...

I saw those folders every day .
I know they were in the trunk.

This is embarrassing, Schani.
You're not in the clear at all.

Where are these compositions then?
Edi might know...

When Pepi was brought home i think...

I'm trying to remember...

I think Edi took possession of the trunk,
I think Edi must have had a key!

I have to ask you a painful question

Did you inform the newspapers that Pepi's
work had been copied?

Of course not !

We all know very well who it was.
It can't be anyone but Edi!

I will not have allegations like that made against my client.
Who else could have done it?

It's obvious!
I also want to ask Caroline something.

Do you honestly believe in your heart of hearts
I would have copied Pepi's music and passed it off as my own?

I don't know

They can't prove you stole Pepi's music
and you can't prove you didn't.

If I can't disprove it people will come to believe it .
If you want my advice, do nothing.

Believe me, after a week or two it'll all die down.
It'll go away, I promise you.

Tell me, officer, what do you think i'd
get for smashing somebody's faces?

Five days minimum, maybe two weeks.

Depends on the injuries.

Right.
Hey, wait a moment!

You promised you would stop,
why are you making it difficult?

well it's hard for me.
I can't keep up, you've always had it easy.

it's easy for you living
in the lab of luxury!

No, not another penny!
Well I'm not leaving till i get what i came for!

I'm not leaving!

Get out! I've had enough of this!
What am I going to do, I need the money!

I have told you never to come here!
Now just get out of my house!

So, you just abandoned me, do you?

The same old story let me fend for myself!

Get out!

Throw me to the wolves?
I'm in trouble, mother.

They're going to kick me out of the army!

I'm never paying your gambling debts again!
You'll regret this!

God knows what will happen, but you'll pay for it.

Good night, mother.

Who was that?
Who calls you "mother"?

Can't be my son!
I'd have known about it, wouldn't I?

Rattle the covert and outfalls a skeleton..
and a very old skeleton by the looks of him!

20 years old 25 years old?

And another thing:
if I'm not the father, who is?

Who's the father, Jetti?

I always knew I couldn't trust you!

If you're looking for brandy we've run out!

I have to talk to someone.

I don't know what to do.
There's no one else i can turn to.

Please. Please, I need your advice

I know you'll be shocked, but I also know
that you won't moralize.

You're too moral for that.
Tell me.

Well, it was a long time ago.

I can date it exactly,
the night Metternich fell from power.

Schani's father and I...

Schani's father?

I was frightened...
the world was coming to an end..

He heard me crying.

He came into my bedroom

that night we...

drowned out terror in each other's arms

I never saw him again

and by the time I knew that I was
pregnant

Johann Strauss was dead.

Our son was born and I sent him to be
looked after by an aunt.

I used to visit them but...

well less and less frequently until..

I should have told Schani...

This came today from my son.

The whole world is about to collapse

Do you see what he says?

If I don't settle his gambling debts
he threatens to tell the newspapers

to make it public!

I don't want to lose Schani,
I don't want to ruin him!

What can I do?

You must tell him.

You must, Jetti, there's no other way.
Tell Schani.

Mr Strauss, I think you know who I am.

I can't say I'm absolutely sure but...

You're the splitting image of Johannes Brahms.

I am Johannes Brahms.

yes...
and I'm the emperor of France..

God almighty!

No, just Johannes Brahms
I'm afraid.

What's all this about?

I want to talk to you about music

Your brother's music.
Edi?

Edward?

No, Joseph whom I believe you called Pepi.

What about Pepi?

I always found his music rather...
strange. Morbid.

Whenever I heard his music I used to think:
this man must be ill.

He was ill.

It wasn't a fall that did for him...
They found a tumor.

Yes, I heard.

But I've come here to discuss a
post-mortem of another kind.

To offer my assistance as a musical
pathologist.

I'm listening.

With your permission i
would like to say in public

that it would have been impossible for your brother
Joseph Strauss to have written "Die Fledermaus".

He would have composed it quite differently
he would have constructed it, designed it,

he was calculated and therefore slightly artificial.

You are the exact opposite, impulsive, natural,
spontaneous, inspired!

And you'd say all this in public?

I will .

I'll go further.

I'll say that only a complete idiot
without any knowledge of music

could have accused you of
stealing your brother's work.

You are an artist,
Your brother was an engineer.

Dr Brahms, I don't know how to thank you!

Jetti!

Jetti!

I don't know where she can be!

Sir!
Franz, do you know where my wife is?

Yes.
In the garden, sir

Be so good and show dr Brahms into the
music room!

Please make yourself comfortable have
whatever you care for I must find my wife.

I want her to hear what you've told me.

Jetti!

Jetti!

This has really to be the last one.

The night is young
What do you mean night, it's nearly noon!

Is it ?

Don't do that draw the curtains
I don't want any light.

Now!

Come along.
Once more on your feet!

I want to see you dance again!

I like watching you dance.

Come on, closer together.

Hold each other tight.

Closer together!

Go away!

Come on, you don't mean that.

You're right, I don't.

Where's the party?

The others have to have to
get back to the theater.

I don't go until act two.

That's good.

You know what"
You should dye your hair.

You'd look like so much younger.
Do I look very old?

I didn't mean that,
just meant you look younger.

Oh, I adore you..

What's your name?
Angelika.

Everyone calls me Lily.

And will you scatter rose petals on your pillow?

Spray the room with heady scent?

And will you call me "maestro"?

That's what you like?
No, I don't like.

I like people who are truthful.

Who are open and always themselves.

It's me exactly.

I adore you.

Eva.
Lily.

Lily.

I have to go soon otherwise I'll be out of job.

You know what they're like at the theater.

Tell them I was giving you singing lessons.

I've always wanted singing lessons!
Will you really give me singing lessons?

I'll give you any lessons you like.

Would make a wonderful operetta.
What would?

Marrying the mother of your father's child.
So beautiful.

You don't think it would make a better
greek tragedy?

Don't know any greeks.

she just died of a broken heart

So beautiful..

Of course there were rumors
that I'd murdered her.

that she committed suicide.

but the fact is Jetti just died.

So beautiful..

She did such a funny thing!

She left me all her jewelry

107 pieces of jewelry!

What's your birthday?

25th of october.

Scorpio, oh my!

I have to be careful of you!

You have a terrible sting and you're
really dangerous, you know that?

You're so secretive and jealous...
I'm terrified of scorpios.

Don't be, I'm harmless.

That's what all scorpios say

God, look at the time!

Can I see you again?
No, I expect you're very busy.

Yes, I am.

I'm booked up for the next three years.

I'm going to cancel all my engagements

You're really the most adorable creature
I've ever met!

You're the most wonderful man

No one's ever made love to me the way
you make love to me.

Stop flattering me.
I'm not, I'm telling the truth!

You're so strong, so potent...

No, I mustn't.
It's going to be terribly late!

I'm not going to allow it!

You're my publisher Gustle, not my legal guardian

I'm your friend, that's more important.
My mind's made up.

Schani, you can't marry her.
Why not?

Because she's a child, in the first place and in
the second place you're older than she is.

And in the third place, there's a well...
there's a terrific age difference between you.

Well, that's still only in the first place.

Look, Schani, set her up in an
apartment

enjoy your virility for as long as it lasts,
spend money on her

let the society columns have a field day,
but please please, I beg you don't marry her.

All my life i've been dominated by matrons

my mother, poor Jetti, but with Lily it's different.
She's endearingly, innocent..

Oh, really?

Yes she is.

She's innocent and honest
without the seat or guild.

It's fun being with her.

I've never had so much fun.
No, I bet you haven't.

And there's one other thing:
we want to have children.

What?
I want a son, Gusel

She's bewitched you!
Yes, I think you're right.

I'm under her spell

But that's no reason for marrying somebody!
No, I love her!

And what's more, she loves me!

Schani, listen!

Schani, put me down!
Certainly not, Mrs Strauss!

I'm going to carry you into every room
in the new home.

You will have an injury!

No, I won't.
Yes, I have.

That is so beautiful, Schani!

Wee're gonna be so happy here!

When did you buy this place?

Years ago, but I never did anything with it.
Till I met you.

It's your wedding present.

So wonderful, Schani!
You spoil me.

I want to spoil you a little more...

You know what?

I think we should make love
in every room in the house

and then when we run out of rooms
we should start all over again .

Very good, let's start here.

Here?
Well it's a room, isn't it?

Maestro... madam, I beg your pardon

but there are two men outside who
want to deliver a church organ.

A church organ?

It's my wedding present to you.
Would you like it?

It's a pump organ.

Come on, slow coach!

Wake up, lazy bones.

Go away, let me sleep

You're up early.
Early? it's nearly 9.

You know, you get awfully tired these days.

Not known anybody's sleep as much as you.

I don't want to ride a bicycle anymore,
it's killing me.

I can hardly move.

I tried to wake you this morning,
cuddle you and kiss you.

You just went on snoring.

You used to be so energetic.

I'm still energetic,

I feel exactly the same as I did 20 years ago.

It's just the bicycling.
You should get up early like me, do exercises.

It's no fun when you're asleep

I like a cuddle in the morning

And where are you going at this ungodly hour?

I've got a little surprise for you.

What surprise?
If I told you it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?

You know, Schani, I just don't have
any decent jewelry

You don't have anything lying about, do you?

hidden somewhere?

Jewelry?

I don't know your late mother
may have left something

or your late wife..
Didn't you say Jetti had left you her jewelry?

Everyone says she had wonderful jewels

I must go.

It's too late now, Schani.

First, the good news so far:

There have been 16 foreign
productions with another eight planned

There's never been anything like
it in the history of musical comedy.

What's the bad news?
This is embarrassing.

it must be a family matter.
Yes. Edi?

No, Lily.
What's the problem?

Look.

Women like to buy things.
Granted but so many things?

You know how it is.

The truth is Schani I don't know how it is.

I mean I understand a woman needs a
winter coat but nine winter coats?

I understand a woman needs
gloves but 83 pairs?

I understand...
Yes, yes...

I'm only trying to protect your interests
I have to pay these bills for you.

What am I supposed to do?
Talk to her, Schani!

ask her to go a little easy on the coach.

through the gloves, the silks, the satins,
the shoes, I mean 27 pairs?

All right!

What's the matter ?
Nothing's the matter, I just can't walk, that's all.

You should learn to ride a bicycle, that'll fix you.
It's the latest thing.

Would you hurry up? We're going to be late!
I'll be there in a moment!

I hate surprises!
You'll like this one

Well give me a clue!
Schani, I'm not telling you anything about it!

You'll see for yourself when we get there.
Where?

You'll see!

Just a little clue!

All right
I'll tell you one thing and that's all.

You are going to see
a side of me you've seen before.

Not an art exhibition!
I don't want to stand around looking at pictures!

Yes, you do! I hate standing about, it exhausts me!

Everything exhausts you these days!

Just have no energy anymore!
Yes I do

Welcome to my gallery, maestro!

Mrs Strauss.

Would you like me to guide you around the exhibition?
No, thank you.

We'll go at our own pace.

It's you! yes, you guessed!

Isn't it good?
Why didn't you tell me you were being painted naked?

He only used my head, Schani!
Then what's that?

I want my bet!
I told him you'd notice it

I want this painting removed!

Schani! Where is the director of this gallery?

Remove this painting!
I'm afraid that's not possible.

Why not?
Because it forms part of the exhibition.

Schani, stop behaving like this, is very embarrassing.

Be quiet!

I demand that you either remove this
painting immediately or cover it with a cloth

I can do no such thing.

A painting in my gallery will
only be removed on one condition.

And that is?
If it is bolt.

Consider it bolt.

How dare you humiliate me like that?

Umiliate you? What about me?
I don't give a damn about you !

That's it, you don't give a damn about me!
You don't care for me

How dare you say that?
You spend my money like water!

You said I could have whatever I wanted!
Within reason!

You never said within reason!

You say that now you never said
that when we were first married!

All right, I say it now.
You spend too much you have no sense of dignity!

That painting is a work of art!

That painting is pornography!

You don't know what you're talking about!

Every woman in viennese society would
give their eye teeth to be painted like that!

it's pornography, it's the painting of a whore!

You rotten bastard, you're rotten and old
and mean!

You've had everything your heart desires!
Yes, except Jetti's jewelry!

Where is Jetti's jewelry?
Why do you keep it hidden ?

Where is it, in the bank? Under lock and key?
Why do you keep it hidden?

Her jewelry has nothing to do
with you!

Yes, yes, it's everything to do with me!
You were the only beneficiary under her will

107 pieces of jewelry you told me, you told me!

I'm supposed to be your wife now,
or have you forgotten?

I'm supposed to...

Now, what?

It's my fault.
It's no one's fault.

I said some terrible things.
I expect she said some terrible things, too.

And Gustle, you must never breathe a word
of what I'm about to say to another living soul

I take that as an insult Schani. After
all these years I think you can trust me.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

I never knew she was pregnant.

I'm almost certain the child can't be mine.

You don't seem surprised.
Do you know something I don't?

The husband's always the last to know, isn't he?

There's been some gossip.
Gossip about Lily?

And who?

Who should've been having an affair with, Gustle?

You have to ask her that.

Gustle, I want you to tell me.

She's fine, she's going to be fine.

Of course, she lost the child.

You may go and see your wife now.

Mr Strauss.. be gentle.

I don't want to see you.
They said I mustn't get excited.

Just answer this one question then I leave it once.

you've ruined my life but now
you want to ruin my health?

Please go there's nothing to discuss!

I want to know only one thing, who was the father ?

You have no human feelings at all!

Get out! Get out! I don't want to see you again!

Please, Lily, tell me the truth tell me
the truth for once in your life

Don't come near me, I'll scream!

You were the worst mistake of my life.

My God, it's Schani, isn't it?

Come in!

Edi's in the old apartment.
Yes, I know.

I hardly see him.

Sleeps by day, works by night.

No dancehall story.

Still he always pays his rent on the dot.

I often think of the old days

Yes, so do I .

Another world, another world...

So Schani, what can I do for you?

You've heard about my marriage, I suppose.

Well, nothing you do remains a secret in
Vienna for very long.

I want to divorce her.
Divorce?

As long as I can remember you've advised
my family on legal matters

Usually against me.
So I know just how competent you are.

But now I'd like you to act for me.

I'm honored, Schani.
But divorce in catholic Austria?

Yes, I know.

It won't be easy.
I know but I'm going to have to depend upon you.

I don't want to be here when the wrangling starts.
Quite right.

It will become very ugly, I have no doubt.

I've had enough of scandal

I shall leave Vienna tomorrow.
Where will you go?

I haven't decided.

May I make a suggestion?
You're my lawyer, now please do.

Go to Budapest.
I have an office there.

As a matter of fact my daughter-in-law
Adele is in charge.

You know that my son... They'd only been
married a couple of years.

She's so young to be a widow..
Well, poor girl..

She, too wanted to get out of Vienna.

Yes, Budapest, I envy you!
I love Budapest.

Let me tell you how I like to conduct my
business affairs,

so that we start off on absolutely the
right footing.

I don't like bad news to be hidden from me .
Then I shall tell you at once.

Your wife does not consent to a divorce.

I expected that.

So I suppose I now have
to remain in exile from Vienna for the rest of my life.

Now shall I tell you how I like to work?

I, too prefer not to be protected from
bad news.

but this I think is where you and I differ.

I never accept it as you seem to do.

That may be because you don't know my wife.

No, it may be because I think more clearly.

I believe her refusal to divorce you may
in the end be a good thing for you.

Have you some magic formula?

or am I expected to bribe a couple of judges
or an influential cardinal perhaps?

I don't pretend it's going to be easy.
A legal separation is a complicated matter.

and of course as a catholic,
even if you were able to obtain

a legal separation you still
won't be free to remarry.

except of course if your wife died

but then I gather she's rather young, isn't she?

It seems she holds all the cards and i
can do nothing.

Not so!

You could enter into an agreement with her
in which you are each free to go your own ways.

Anything else?
Do you like horses?

A message was delivered of this office
inviting you to the country over the weekend.

That's all, i think.

Wonderful!Simply wonderful!

I'm so sorry to spoil your fun but a
telegram has arrived from Vienna.

My father-in-law instructed
me to inform you immediately

and you said you didn't like
bad news being kept from you.

I'm not so sure now.
I was having such a good time.

Well ?

Your wife has had all your bank accounts frozen.
Both in Vienna and here in Budapest.

which means...
It means I have no money not even for the journey home.

Well, I just have to stay here.
It could be worse.

I'll earn some money.
The thing about being a violinist this one can always play.

But I've taken the liberty
of buying you a boat ticket.

You must return to Vienna and fight this.

There's no point.

You do give in to bad news.
no it's not that

I simply acknowledge a chapter in my
life has ended.

I don't want to think about it again.

I can only think about the present

and that's for the future, I don't think I have one.

Give me your hand.
I'm afraid you'd find it very dull reading.

You might find this young lady's future
more interesting.

What?
Bad news, I think.

What have you seen?

Beautiful.

Beautiful, only happiness

Prospects of great fortune.

Wonderful life great, great happiness.

I think the price has just gone up.

A man of importance, a man of riches..

He will make you his wife,

No, you're wrong.

I shall never marry again.
Yes, yes.

Far away from here you will marry

you will marry ...

him.

That's impossible!
No!

I speak only truth

You belong together.
But... but this gentleman is married already.

I know, I know and there are certain laws..
The heart has no interest in laws

Heart is great law breaker.

What is written here is copied from book
of destiny

Must be obeyed!

You will see.

You will see.

I've been thinking.
Yes, so have I.

I know what you must do.
What must I do?

You must put all your future
earnings into a secret account.

Whatever you say.

What were you thinking?

I was thinking : history repeats itself.
How exactly?

My father left my mother, but
they were never divorced.

He met someone, fell in love and lived
with her till he died.

They were never married.

What are you doing in my room?
This is my room.

What's the meaning of this?

Why have you put me in the
same room as this gentleman?

I just took it for granted you were men
and wife, sorry.

I think somebody is trying to tell us
something!

Good night.
Good night.

Show me to another room.
Yes.

Yes?
This is a business call.

I'm relieved to hear it.
Can't I come in?

No, you can't.

It's purely business.
What do you want?

I want to know if you'd consider
undertaking employment on my behalf.

Guess what?

I obviously need someone to
take care of my money or the lack of it.

I was wondering if you'd be interested.

I thought mr Levy looked
after your money matters.

The secret account!
I see.

will you?
I'll think about it.

what's this?
Your salary.Very generous.

You accept?

From now on i'Il call you Adele.
What do I call you?

Maestro.

Schani.
Schani!

Schani, my darling!
I thought you'd never come!

I've been longing to see you,
I've missed you so terribly!

I want you to forgive me please,
please forgive me.

Maestro, welcome home!

My dear old friend

Leave us, please.

Schani, forgive his little Lily!

Little Lily behaved badly, didn't she?

God, Schani, it was just a stupid affair!

Let's pave like adults, I know I did wrong!

Please forgive me.
I've forgiven you.

I don't mind if you had affairs.

Is she very pretty this young widow Adele Halmi?

I'm not saying I wasn't hurt by your
liaison because I was extremely hurt

and they tell me she's very pretty

I cried for days when I heard.

That now i've forgiven you

and you're going to forgive me too,
aren't you Schani?

I want you out of this house by
nightfall.

It's not gonna be as easy as that

This is my house you gave it to me as a
wedding present.

Then I shall leave.

If you do I'll take a gun and shoot myself.

Just make sure it's loaded.

What are you doing here?
The maestro sent me.

He said there'd be some cleaning up to do

Bastard..

where is he now?
He's left.

He didn't even come to see if I was all right!

He sends his servant and walks out.

Which is exactly what the servant's
going to do, madam

May I say that I've had enough.

My only hope is that by leaving without giving notice
I've coasted the greatest inconvenience.

Good day, madam!

All the years we've known each other
it seems to me your life is one disaster after another.

Your first wife dies,
you leave your second wife.

That's life.
Or death as the case may be.

But that's not the real tragedy.

You want to know the real tragedy?

what?

The real tragedy is that you
keep losing your houses!

Schani, where are you going to live?

I don't know.

What you need is a bachelor apartment
with a couple of extra rooms for a young and pretty lady.

I mean a secretary.

Schani, please pay attention,
I'm discussing important matters that's bothering you.

I'm expecting Adele,
there was a meeting this morning.

A meeting? What sort of meeting?
dr Halmi, Lily and Adele standing in for me.

The good doctor wanted me to attend but
I refused.

I can't stand to be in the same room as Lily.
What are they meeting about?

My money.

The doctor thinks he can persuade Lily to
release at least some of my ill-gotten gains.

Well, how did it go?

My father-in-law asked me to return this to you.
What is it?

Your file.
I don't need it, he needs it.

Not anymore, from this morning dr Halmi
no longer represents mr Johann Strauss.

Who does he represent ?
Mrs Johann Strauss.

He has decided to act for
her in the proceedings.

The old swine. He obviously decided to
stay close to the money.

And where are you going?
You're not joining them too are you?

No, but I have to find new lodgings
Adele, tell me what happened ?

Well it was all rather
unpleasant and embarrassing.

Your wife accused me of
being too close to you

of having a liaison with you and my
father-in-law agreed.

It seems he has spies in Budapest who
confirmed her impression.

So he threw me out

That shouldn't come as a surprise

dr Helmi always was a thoroughly
decent fellow

Well, if you'll excuse me I have to find
somewhere to live.

Not so fast, you're too independent
that's your trouble, Adele.

Leave this to Levy and me, we can sort this out can't we?

Oh, easy all we have to do is find a
bachelor apartment with a couple of extra rooms.

Yes, sir.
Mr Strauss is expecting me. Gustav Levy

Wait here, sir.

This is most inconvenient, you know?

Edi, you said to come at this time,
I believe I'm punctual.

Even so.

Do you mind if I sit down? Suit yourself

So, Edi, how are you, how are things going?

Get to the point, Levi.

You didn't come here to ask after my health

but if you want to know, my doctor says I'm as strong
as a bull and the Strauss orchestra is flourishing.

I'm here on behalf of your brother Schani.

Does he know?
Of course he knows

You surprise me.

Schani is so consumed with hatred of me

that i would have thought he would
have been new to making me contact.

Schani doesn't hate you Edi.
Yes he does and worse...

he's frightened on me.
he's a very insecure man Schani.

Did you know that he can't bear
competition, that's how insecure he is.

You've heard about the breakup of his marriage

I read the newspapers Levy

That's another thing about my brother.

he has no judgment fancy marrying
a little whore from the chorus.

now i'm told he's taken up with a jewess

all i can say is I'm glad mother didn't live to see it ,
he caused her enough pain, and father and Pepi.

The fact of the matter is that Lily is
making life intolerable for Schani

with the help of dr Halmi of course

they've frozen his money
he has nowhere to live.

I was very pleased with dr Helmi.

I congratulated him on changing sides,
he knows how to deal with Schani.

Take him by surprise, it's the only way.

Schani's a very slippery customer

Always was, always will be.

yes, yes, dr Helmi has been a good family friend.

I'm here to ask of you a favor Edi,
don't make it too difficult for me, please.

While his money is frozen Schani
to put it bluntly his flat broke

I'm not lending him any money.

I will never forgive Schani for
stealing Pepi's music and passing it off as his own.

I don't think you should say things like that Edi.

I'm only speaking the truth
You know it's not the truth!

and if you go on repeating this
disgusting libel you'll find yourself in a court of law.

Say what you have to say then go.

I came to appeal to your family feeling, Edi.

You and the strauss orchestra may be
able to help Schani.

How?
By playing his music

You have the rights to great many of Schani's waltzes

play them, Edi!

It will provide some income which we can
keep separate from his frozen capital

The Strauss orchestra will never play
Schani's music as long as I am in charge!

because I know as a musician that the
Schani's music is profoundly second-rate

and my orchestra only plays
music of the highest quality!

be sure to tell him that

You know what you are, Edi?

I'll tell you.
You're a bastard!

Adele, I want you to listen to this: it's a love scene.

Do you know, in the old days when I was composing
I needed to be entirely alone in my own surroundings

familiar things about me coffee on tap,
cigars in the humidor

and I really believe I couldn't compose
in any other way

Now, look at me the only place I can find
to work is a theater

and you know I don't think the music's suffering

I'll be the judge of that.

No, seriously.

I just find it fascinating
how quickly we adjust to circumstances.

I love you working here because it means
I can be close to you and listen.

Because i feel at peace.
I feel at peace too. I've never enjoyed working so much.

Now, tell me what you think.

Keep in mind that gypsy feast near Budapest.

God, what an inspiration that was!
In more ways than one.

And try to remember that particular
sound of their music.

I smell success!
You've only heard one arya!

All right, I smell one success.
Beautiful!

Beautiful!

I wish you'd work in my office, maestro!
Nonsense!

I like it here. I think I shall always
work in an empty theater!

Well Gustl, how did it go?

Did you know there was insanity in your family?

Edi said no.

Not only did he say no he said "no, never and definitely not".

Same old Edi.

Well, what now?

As I see it at present you
have four enemies

A mighty host is ranged against you
consisting of the field marshall your wife Lily.

her general, dr Helmi, their army the law
of Austria and of the Holy roman catholic church,

and last but not least their secret ally
Eduard Strauss, your dear demented brother.

I don't think you stand a chance.
Are you saying there's nothing we can do?

Don't put words into my mouth.
Do you have a plan?

No.

Well as a matter of fact I do have a plan
but I don't think you're going to like it.

What is it?

Don't be impatient, just listen.

First. Shani, you become a protestant ,
that way you can get a divorce.

Second, you renounce your austrian nationality.
Hear me out!

Once you're no longer an austrian dr Helmy can go
to hell because you wouldn't be subject to austrian law.

Third, you become a citizen
of a foreign country,

preferably one where the breakdown of
a marriage is grounds for a divorce,

somewhere in northern Germany,perhaps.

I'm sorry, I think this is ridiculous.

Johann Strauss, perhaps the most famous viennese in the world
to become a citizen of ...I don't know..

Sleswig-Holstein or somewhere?

Whoever heard of the Sleswig-Holstein waltz?

I can't think of anything else.

You know what'll happen?

Can you imagine what your fellow
countrymen will do to you?

They'll tear you apart limb from limb.

It wouldn't be the first time.

They'll call you a traitor who betrayed
the country that gave him life, inspired his music.

What else can I do, Adele?

And there's something else more personal
to do with me.

People simply don't believe
I'm just your secretary.

You've had enough unhappiness,
I don't want to be the cause of any more!

All this has nothing to do with you!

I only have myself to blame.

But just think think of
the priests in that pulpit

sunday after sunday denouncing you as
a sinner, calling you an adulterer !

I won't be there to hear them

And the emperor how long
do you think it'll be

before he appoints someone else
as imperial music director?

Adele, I wrote music before I had an
imperial appointment

and I hope I'll go on writing music
after it's taken away from me.

Oh, Schani! You can't fight the entire
austro-hungarian empire!

You can't defy the whole of Vienna!

You can't throw your life your entire career into the danube
No, but I can try!

I simply don't understand.
I can't explain, just trust me.

Of course, maestro I trust you,
but why the secrecy?

I have my reasons.
You've been a good friend to me.

A faithful colleague and what's more
you're a first-class director.

I will not allow anyone else to present
the premiere of my new operetta

I'm very flattered, maestro but..

How soon can you mount the production?
Let's see..

Three months.

Three months...

That doesn't give me much time.

Haven't you written it yet?
Not all of it.

Mr Strauss, I've been thinking about
these matters ever since we began.

I hope you know what you're doing.
I hope so, too.

It shouldn't be done so quickly.

I really ought to have deposited copies with
the imperial registrar .. Yes, yes i'm sure...

Thank you.

How much do I owe you?

Given the speed I had to work, 20 gulden.

It's a sad day for everyone

It's a sad day for Vienna you renouncing
your nationality.

It's as if the Danube suddenly dried up.

I won't come up to the platform.

Goodbye.

Well it's not goodbye, is it?
You're not going to the moon!

We'll see each other, won't we?
Yes.

I can.. I can come visit you, can't I?

Yes, of course.

To hell with it, to hell with everybody!

I mean, what sort of a world do we live in?

Brahms, a german living in exile in Vienna

You, a viennese, asking for asylum in Germany.

The world's a madhouse, Gustle.

Yes.

I'll come and visit you.

Good luck!

Come on!

Come in.

Mr Strauss, so pleased to see you,
pray be seated

Well, well, this is a happy occasion.

I have the honor sir on behalf of his Majesty
to appoint you music director to the imperial court

Johann Strauss?

Yes. This way, please.

Welcome to Saxen Coburg, Mr Strauss.

We will do our best to make you very
happy in your new country.

Mr Strauss, Austria is behind you.

Johann Strauss? I am Johann Strauss.

Occupation? Musician.

Nationality?
I have renounced my nationality.

You seek now to reside in the confines
of the duchy of Saxen-Coburg?

I do.

It gives me great pleasure
to present you with this certificate

and to grant you with the protection
of the duchy of Saxen Coburg.

By virtue of the power vested in me

I hereby grant to Johann Strauss and
Angelica Strauss also known as Lily Strauss

a divorce absolute on the grounds
of the irrevocable breakdown of their marriage

The Holy scriptures testify with these
words

that marriage is a good and merciful
presence of God

So I ask you before God and this
congregation

Johann, will you take Adele as your wife?

will you love and honor her in good
and in bad days till death do you part ?

Then answer "yes with god's help"
Yes, with god's help.

And now I ask you, Adele,
will you take Johann as your husband

will you love and honor him in good and
in bad days till death do you part?

Then answer "yes, with God's help"

Yes, with God's help.

Exchange the rings, as a sign of your
love and your faithfulness.

Vienna,be glad, ho ho, why why..

I thought I missed you!

These are for you.

We will be late, the kissing and cuddling late!

We're gonna have some fun tonight!

They'll hang you from the nearest lamp first!

I think they've forgiven you.

Amazing! A wax cylinder!

I don't understand it.

No nor do I, but an american called Edison does,
and that's all that matters.

Yes, it's a wonderful time to be alive!

Mind you, I think every time is a
wonderful time to be alive!

But imagine one of these machines in every home

hearing the greatest
musicians playing the greatest music

and I say the age of miracles had passed.

There's just one other miracle I'd like to witness
What's that?

I'd like a collected edition published of my
best music, but that's not going to happen.

Why not?

Because my brother Edi is the jealous
guardian of the family archives.

I think we may be able to persuade him.
Yes and you probably think fish fly.

No, listen.
This is the anniversary concert press release.

The music of the Strauss dynasty has dominated an entire century,
from the napoleonic wars to the secession.

it is the monument of the century,
the accompaniment to a golden age

The very names of the stuff
of which legends are made:

Johann Strauss the father and his
sons Johann, Joseph and Edward.

Do we really have to include them all?

Surely it's just Schani's music that people want to celebrate.

There speaks a loving loyal wife.

This press release is called diplomacy
i know Edi, he'll be flattered to be included.

So he ought to be!

If you want to get all that music out of Edi,
the next move, Schani, is up to you.

Me?
Go and see him.

Crawl, grovel, but don't whatever you do lose your temper.
We need him more than he needs us.

Hello Edi.
I suppose you'd better come in.

I can't remember the last time I was here.

Do you live alone?
No. No, mother's with me all the time, she watches.

she's watching you and i
have the past of course

but it's a museum to decay, struggle
and defeats or price glory

I'll show you.

This ought to be sorted catalogued filed
Would take years.

We could employ an expert, an archivist.
Why waste the money?

It's all over, it's all in the past.

Father's been dead a long time.

All that's left is the Radetzki March.

And us, Edi.

Why have you come to see me,
like this, out of the blue?

We should have made an appointment.

As a matter of fact,
these archives are the reason for my visit.

Levy is planning to publish an anthology
of our music

Father's, yours, Pepi's, mine.
What royalties are gonna pay?

That hasn't been decided yet

but I suppose you will get
one half and i'll get the other.

What do you mean one half,
it's my archive, I want all of it!

You want to be paid for my compositions as well?
God, your greed is unbelievable, Schani!

You've got fame, what do you need money for?

All right, you can have all the royalties.
I shall have to think about it.

On second thoughts I may not allow it.

Why?

Why? Why?

Because I've always been in the shadows,
that's why!

You can't imagine what it's like!

I was always neglected!

Mother always preferred you and Pepi!

I'm not going to give you any more help!

You stood on my back for long enough!
All right,Edi.

Whatever you say, but let me have my music!

Some of these are the
only copies in existence!

No, they're all mine.

I inherited the archives,
everything belongs to me.

But they are my compositions, Edi, my copyright!

What use are they to you if they're not performed
and they won't be performed while I'm alive!

I assure you!

I was there, don't worry, on the first night of your
"gypsy nonsense".

I saw and I heard.Vienna loves you, Shani!
I have to slave to make a living!

to get them to take any
notice of me at all!

God help me!

If i'd stolen the work of my dead brother,

renounced my nationality,
married a jewess they'd have pilloried me

but you, no!
They welcomed you back with open arms!

The prodigal son returned!

No, no, legally this is my property!
and i'll decide what's going to happen to it !

But it's not your property, Edi!

Want to go before a judge and the
courts to decide?

I never want to see you again as long as I live!

You know we could leave town,
there's still time.

Look at this "to the king of the valtz, vienna"
No name, no address, but they still know who it's for.

I meant to show you this, Schani.

They've printed a list of the 10 most popular
people in the world.

Queen victoria's first and you come
third after Bismarck.

How does this work?

It's a horseless carriage and
it's called an automobile, sir.

It is self-propelled.

Does the emperor ride in one of these?

In this very one, sir.

I've had a long and not uneventful life

i've come through revolutions and
uprisings

i want you to give me your word that
this thing won't explode

i don't want to end up in little pieces
on the day of my jubilee

I give you my word, sir.

Not a bad reception for a german
composer!

His majesty, emperor Franz Joseph

Johann Strauss, it gives me great pleasure
to invest you with the Knight's cross.

Your majesty, with your permission,
I dedicate this waltz to you.

Schani, give me the 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?

Shani, you will go to commercial college
and there will be no arguments!

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

it's this: quit,

leave, go!

You'll never make a business man.

Your commercial instincts are zero.

No, I exaggerate.

minus zero.

Kathy's waiting outside, mr. Lanner.
Kathy's my daughter.

I know

Who are you?
A friend of hers.

Don't lie to me.
You're Schani Strauss!

You could have been my son.

Your mother was a beautiful woman

But I wouldn't have called you Schani.

How could you?

I'd 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

Nineteen encores...

It's more than I ever had.

Congratulations, Schani, I believe a new
star was born tonight.

I'm very proud of you.

I'll only ask one thing, that we join forces

With one orchestra we will conquer the
world

What do you say?

Never! Never!

Schani Strauss reporting
to the revolutionary staff for duty!

You will be on duty at an
installation of extreme importance.

You'll be guarding food supplies

Close his eyes.

Too late, always too late!

Yes, yes, you understand very well

In the Vauxhall Palais you will play.

one two three one two three one two
three

it's royal command!
is a command of tzarina of Russia!

cannot be refused.

How do you say "i love you" in russian?

Thank you so much.
I have a request to make.

We have in the audience one of Vienna's
greatest musicians, Johann Strauss!

Ladies and gentlemen, I have a favor to
ask of our most distinguished guest:

Maestro, would you do me the honor of
accompanying me on the piano?

Thank you but i've not been well...

Your father accompanied me once
I asked no more of his son..

I've come to say goodbye, mama.

Well i didn't think it would be to
inquire after my health, where are you going?

To Paris.
Goodbye, Schani.

When you're no longer under the spell of
that witch perhaps we can meet.

Until then I'd rather not see you again.

How can I go back to the theater and say

"i used all of my charms on him
and still he turned me down?"

No, I wouldn't want that.

with your permission i
would like to say in public

that it would have been impossible for your brother Joseph Strauss
to have written "Die Fledermaus"

He was calculated and
therefore slightly artificial.

You are impulsive, natural,
spontaneous,inspired.

A man of importance, a man of riches

He will make you his wife.
No, you're wrong.

I shall never marry again.
yes yes

Far away from here you
will marry...

...him

What is written here is copied from book of destiny ,
must be obeyed.

you will see

Maestro...

I'm sorry to have to tell you this but...

your brother

Johann Strauss is dead.