Original subtitles

You stupid!

Look what you're doing!

Be careful, you clod. What is the matter with you?

I found more civilization crossing the Gobi Desert.

My only pleasure in arriving at this misbegotten village is to be rid of you.

No one has insulted Rosa Montemelo as you have. No one, you hear? No one!

To the stupid, dull, ignorant women of your country, you may be a gentleman,

to me you are nothing but a farmer, a besante, a clod.

Ay, mascazzone, questi fragili.

Well, what are you standing there for, fool? Help them.

Do not think you have heard the end of this. The whole world will know how you

have treated Rosa Montebello.

Right.

Amen.

Here, a word you're saying. Hold on.

Now what?

I was saying you look great yourself.

Oh, I don't know how that could be. I tell you, I feel as though I've spent

last four days inside a bass drum with ten men pounding on it.

Artie, who was that woman?

Oh, that was no woman. That was Rosa Montebello.

That sounds familiar.

Yeah, opera.

Well, of course.

The famous Italian diva.

That's the one.

Oh, what's she doing in your car?

You'd better help yourself to a little wine. I tell you, this is a long story.

First of all,

La Bella Montebello happens to be the niece of the minister from Italy.

In the second place, President Grant found out that you were gracious enough

send the car up, pick me up in Washington, deliver me down here to New

And in the third place, by happy coincidence, Miss Montebello happened to

booked to sing in New Orleans. So, naturally, the president suggested that

might be a very nice gesture of mine.

if I just kind of gave her a ride down here. Of course, I agreed.

James, from the minute that woman set foot on this car, life has been absolute

purgatory.

The food wasn't good. The train was too noisy.

The wine was too cold. The wine wasn't cold enough. She did nothing but scold,

complain, scream, yell, nag, nag, nag.

I may have nightmares about her for as long as I live.

All righty. At least you're rid of her now.

Oh, I wish that were true.

You mean you're not rid of her? The president suggested that in view of the

delicate negotiations between Washington and Italy, it might be a very nice

thing on my part if I would act as official escort to Miss Montebello

three days down here in New Orleans. And I have to start tonight taking her to

the opera house for her performance in Lucia de la Mamour.

Arriving at this miserable village.

My luggage has gone all ahead.

The carriage is late. So that is Rosa Montebello.

Is everything ready at the opera house for tonight?

Yes.

Very well. I've seen enough.

Oh, and then there was this daughter of this congressman from Arkansas. From

Arkansas. Oh, I learned a great deal from her about Arkansas.

It's a very progressive state.

You have no idea.

Excuse me.

Yes? I have a letter for Mr. Artemus Gordon from Governor Turnbull's office.

Will you sign for me?

Yeah, sure.

Thank you, Jim.

I don't know what the governor wants.

My dear Mr. Gordon, I have just learned of your arrival in New Orleans, and Mrs.

Turnbull and I would consider it a great honor if you would attend a small

dinner party in honor of our daughter Nancy, to whom you were so kind during

recent visit to Washington. We will look forward to seeing you at the executive

mansion at 8 o 'clock.

What's the matter, Arnie?

The dinner's tonight.

Oh, that's too bad, Arnie.

Here, I have to give up a dinner with Nancy Turnbull at the executive mansion

order to escort Rosa Montebello to the Grand Opera, and all you can say is

that's too bad.

Oh, you're a real pal. Thank you.

That's too much.

I'm as patriotic as the next man, but there are some sacrifices that nobody

should be asked to make for his country. This is rubbing salt in my wounds.

Arnie.

Why don't I take Miss Monabella to the opera in your place tonight?

Hey, do you mean that?

You really mean you'd beard that female Genghis Khan in her own den after you've

seen... Boy, you really are a pal.

There's just one thing.

I mean, what if the president finds out, you know, after he told me specifically

to look after her? Artie, I don't think the president would want you to risk

insulting the governor of Louisiana, either, do you?

You're right.

You're absolutely right.

Oh, what can I say? What can anyone say at a time like this? You are a brave

man, James, and a true blue friend. And I'll never forget you for this. Never,

never. Artie, I'd better dress before you have me in tears.

James, you are a truly great man.

and come down. The performance is over, Signorina.

ring. What about the ring?

All

right,

Colonel. Nice to see you. Come on, Jim.

You're looking for Artie. He's on his way to see Miss Montabella to tell her

she's still in protective custody.

I don't envy him that job.

Oh, on this ring you gave me.

There is a code on the inside band. It's in Italian.

Ordina di Lucia.

Ordo Lucia.

Lucia, that's the role that Rosa Montabella sang last night.

Come in.

Oh, Miss Collingwood, come in, come in.

Miss Collingwood is the...

secretary to the chief of our bureau here in New Orleans.

This is Jim West, Miss Collingwood.

It's a pleasure meeting you, Miss Collingwood. Thank you.

The local police have finally identified the man who was killed last night. He

was Pierre Deluc.

He's been employed at the Opera House for years.

He's in charge of wardrobe and fills in as a supernumerary when needed.

Anything else?

Nothing. No home address, no friends or relatives.

Then all we know about him is that he was a member of the Order of Lucia here

New Orleans.

The Order of Lucia?

That's strange.

What's strange?

Well, something has happened to every diva who sang Lucia di Lammermoor at

theater in the last five years.

Specifically?

Well, there have been three. Two have disappeared.

Disappeared? Vanished completely without a trace.

And now the attempt to kidnap Rosa Montebello.

Anyway, a lot of people believe that the opera house is haunted.

By the ghost of the missing divas. A ridiculous superstition, of course.

Of course.

Peter DeLuca's apparently a member of that order.

Do you know where we can find any other members?

Yes, you could try the club music on Royal Street.

It's sort of a gathering place for singers.

Better head over there, Colonel. Would you have Artie meet me there, please?

Uh, Jim, I'm afraid you'll have to do without Artie.

President Grant made it quite clear that he wants Artie to escort the great

Montebello personally.

So? Well, there's a reception being given in her honor tonight.

A reception being given by someone named Crenshaw.

At Willow Manor? The Crenshaw brothers?

Well, yes, that's right. Why?

I don't know.

Just some strange rumors about one of them. About one of the brothers.

Do you think it's safe to let her attend?

I think New Orleans would be declared a disaster area if we tried to keep her

away.

Well, from what I've heard about Miss Montebello's feelings towards the Secret

Service in general...

And Mr. Gordon in particular.

He may save New Orleans, but what about himself?

Well, I don't think you have anything to worry about.

He's indicated he has a solution.

May I present my escort, Colonel Vladislav Draza, the Duke of Kolba, Mr.

Max Crenshaw.

An honor, sir.

Is it not a charming house, Vladislav?

Oh, yes, yes.

Yes, it reminds me of my gardener's cottage, my estate outside of Budapest.

Although, of course, this is much smaller.

He wants another.

Yeah, that's right.

I'd like to meet some of the members of the Order of Lucia.

The Order of Lucia, monsieur?

I do not believe any of the gentlemen are here this evening, monsieur.

Well, I'll wait.

Maybe one of them will come in.

Who are you, and where did you get that ring?

Well, my name is James West, and I'm not sure I know what ring you're talking

about.

Please, do not play games.

The ring you showed Armand.

I got that ring off a dead man's body. He was killed at the opera house last

night.

Pierre de Luc.

You know?

He was my uncle.

All my sympathies, Miss... Angelique.

May I have the ring, Mr. West?

Why do you want it?

He was my only relative.

I'd like it as a keepsake.

Angelique, did you know that your uncle was involved in a plot to kidnap Rosa

Montevelo?

May I have the ring, Mr. West?

Did you know about that kidnapping plot?

No.

No, not about that.

About what, then?

Only that my uncle was involved in something wrong.

Something he didn't want to do.

He was afraid I could tell, but he wouldn't talk about it.

We can't talk here.

Then where?

The opera house. There's no performance tonight.

I'll meet you there at ten o 'clock. Ten o 'clock.

Buffalo girl, won't you come out tonight?

Come out tonight.

Come out tonight. Buffalo girl, won't you come out tonight?

Dance by the light of the moon.

Buffalo girl, won't you come out tonight?

Come out.

Come out.

Buffalo girl, won't you come out tonight?

Dance by the light of the moon.

Buffalo girl, won't you come out tonight?

Come out tonight. Come out tonight.

Buffalo gal, won't you come out tonight?

But just a short while ago, I had occasion to be with one of the world

coloratura. And indeed, I found her to be vain, rude, arrogant,

shrewd, and completely the opposite of what you are, dear lady. Oh, Flati's

love. I cannot tell you how marvellous it is to be in the company of a real

gentleman again. A gallant woman.

Those American men have the manners of a... Forco.

Exactamento. You have not forgotten your promise to allow me to show you the

grounds, have you, Signorina? Of course not, Max. Why do I not get you some

champagne? Oh, that would be divine, carino.

Oh, it is a bit warm, is it not?

All the more reason for a stroll in the garden.

Let's jump ahead there.

Merci.

Oh, que bel giardino, signor.

Signorina, lei ha tutta la bellezza. Ma grazie.

Oh, you have a beautiful home, signor. Fit for a king.

But do you not have any family to enjoy it with you? No, signorina.

Of course, there is my brother.

Your brother?

Carl.

But why have I not met him?

Is he away?

No, he's here, but he...

Well, he stays to himself a virtual recluse.

He's only permitted myself and his man Igor to see him since he suffered an

affliction, which... Forgive me, Signorina. I know you'll understand if I

not to talk about it on such a happy occasion.

Certamente.

Tell me, Signorina, I've seen you in many of your roles, but do you not

Lucia the most difficult?

Oh, si.

I really like to sing this opera.

This room is too hot.

And the dinner you brought to me tonight was utterly without imagination.

Where does Max find his books?

They would be better serving pigs in the barnyard.

I tell you, the situation is getting to be insufferable.

Why is he not here at this moment?

I'll tell you.

He is more interested in entertaining his stuffy little provincial friends

his miserable music.

Where is he every time I need him?

Does he worry about me?

No. It's only himself that he cares about.

The fact...

That I remain here in this room is of absolutely no importance to him.

He doesn't think of me. Max never thinks of me. He goes his own way.

Indulges in his own pleasures.

Isn't true, Max?

Don't tell me. Look at them down there.

Tell Max I wish to see him.

Someone in this house is spying on us.

This way.

This is where my uncle lived the last five years of his life.

Before that, he was in the personal entourage of Carolyn Mason.

Carolyn Mason, isn't that the candidate that died in that fire at the Palace

Hotel in New Orleans?

Yes.

Uncle Pierre was never the same after her death.

What did he have against Rosa Montabella?

I don't know.

All I know is my uncle's strangeness had something to do with this room.

In what way?

The fact that he slept here.

That he would never leave it unless he had to.

And once I remember that... Who could that be?

Night watchman.

There is none.

After the fracas at the opera house, I returned to the club to find out if

anyone knew where the girl lived.

The bartender disappeared.

And no one, absolutely no one, ever heard of a girl named Angelique.

Well, one thing we're sure of now, we didn't even know at this time yesterday.

This whole thing pivots around a woman who's been dead for five years.

Artie, are you sure that was a portrait of Carolyn Mason?

Oh, absolutely, Jim. I saw Duaida in Boston, La Traviata in Chicago, Carmen

San Francisco.

That's her portrait in the Crenshaw home, no mistake about it.

Come

in.

Will I be drawn and quoted if I say good morning?

You'll be drawn and quartered if that's all you say.

532 River Street.

First floor, rear. What's this?

Angelic's address.

Artie, pour the lady some coffee.

I'm way ahead of you, Jim.

I hear you're taking Rosa Montebello to a society bizarre this afternoon.

That's correct.

Sit down, won't you?

Mr. Gordon, if you'll excuse me for saying so, I think you and Mr. West

forbid Miss Montebello from stepping foot outside her hotel room until you've

found the men who tried to kidnap her.

With a bazaar in her honor, she wouldn't listen.

But you must make her understand that her life is in danger, that whoever

to kidnap her is undoubtedly watching and waiting for another opportunity.

undoubtedly are, Miss Collingwood.

In fact, uh...

Miss Collingswood, that's exactly what we're counting on.

What? Mm -hmm.

Since her would -be kidnappers are watching her every move, I plan to set

out as a target in order to draw them out into the open.

Mr. Gordon, you're not serious.

I most certainly am.

But don't you realize what would happen to this country's diplomatic relations

with Italy if you were to use Miss Montebello as a cat's... Suppose

went wrong? I know, Miss Collingwood, I'm aware. It is very, very risky.

But I have no other way for drawing them out into the open. I have no other

alternatives. But that's awful.

Yes.

Unless, of course, we can find someone else in place of Miss Montebello.

Someone else?

Yes, you know, as a decoy. Sort of draw them out and at the same time protect

her.

Of course.

How marvelous.

There's some young lady who's...

professionally accustomed to placing herself in physical jeopardy.

Oh, that's a brilliant idea, Mr. Gordon. An absolutely brilliant idea.

Thank you.

But where would we go to find such a young lady?

Oh, now, wait a minute, Mr. Gordon. You said yourself it was a brilliant idea,

Miss Collingswood. Mr. Gordon. And I have no other alternatives. You remember

that? But, Mr. Gordon, you must remember that my duties with the Secret Service

do not include my jeopardizing my... Thank you, Miss Collingswood. Thank you

volunteering.

Ravishing, Pinarina, absolutely ravishing. Grazie.

Heaven must have wanted to prove it could achieve perfection when it put

beautiful voice in such a beautiful woman.

Are we being followed?

Oh, no, not yet.

Maybe the fish we're after are too smart to take the bait.

With patience, Miss Collins, with patience.

Something wrong?

No, not a thing.

Fisher finally risen to the bait by being kidnapped.

What's the trick is to act like we didn't expect it.

Driver! Driver! You're going the wrong way!

Stop this carriage!

Mr. Gordon, I have the uncomfortable feeling that Fisher on the wrong end of

line this time. Oh, nonsense.

Everything's working out perfectly.

It is?

Yes. Everything's just fine. Believe me.

That's asking a lot under this circumstance.

to sing Lucia.

Caroline Mason was beautiful. She was divine.

If you had heard Caroline Mason as Lucia, you would have gone back to doing

only thing that your voices are fit for.

Calling hogs!

They say the mad scene.

is the most difficult aria for a coloratura in all opera.

Yet Caroline Mason sang it with beauty and ease.

Sang it as it was never sung before.

Or... Or will ever again.

What made me think I could create another Caroline Mason?

I was a fool to think they could ever match a technique, a tonal quality of

Get rid of them. I don't care how.

But make sure, since they cannot sing for me, they do

not talk to the police.

We are so glad you came.

I saw you in Lucia recently.

You were not great, but not bad.

If you had been, I would not have gone to the trouble of having you brought

here.

Ah, these.

Oh, I don't know why I've troubled for such a long time with these braying

jackasses.

But I shall not be as patient with you.

Come.

Signorina, look at her and pray that I can make you the singer that she was.

For if I can't, Igor will dispose of you along with these two frauds who

blaspheme the memory of Caroline Mason every time they open their mouths.

Lucia was Caroline's favorite role.

She sang it over 100 times.

And she always carried this dagger in the mad scene after she has killed her

husband.

And that is the part you shall sing for me now.

Please, remove your veil.

I said remove your veil.

You cannot sing with a rag over your face.

This is not Rosa Montebello, you fools.

How could you have made such a horrendous mistake?

Get rid of her!

Max, I'm sorry.

This

time,

she is dead.

What about the hotel fire?

I was with her.

I rescued her.

It was her maid's body that was identified as...

Caroline. And you just let it go at that?

You had a voice, that hideous mockery of what had once been the greatest

coloratura in the whole history of opera.

The vocal cords were irreparably damaged by the heat and smoke inhalation from

the fire.

He must have loved her very much.

Not nearly as much as she loved him.

She knew that without her voice, she was but half a woman to him.

And she wanted to be whole again.

To give him back the one thing he had loved most about her.

Her voice.

Yes.

Even if it was the voice of another.

I

can't

help thinking how stupid and unnecessary it all was.

If Carolyn Mason could only have accepted what happened to her voice.

But she couldn't.

Someone once said, nothing exceeds the vanity of our existence but the folly of

our pursuits.

Oliver Goldsmith in The Good -Natured Man, Volume 1, 1759.

Someone also once said, a thing of beauty is a joy forever.

Oh, Monsieur West and Miss Collingwood, how nice of you to come.

I'm sure that with you here, now every nationality in the world is represented.

Do enjoy the buffet and mingle.

Oh, and all these people are most charming and understanding.

So don't worry for a moment about feeling a bit provincial, shall we say.

Do enjoy yourselves.

And, uh... Is something the matter?

I was just wondering if that Monsieur Gordon is coming tonight.

Oh, I'm terribly sorry, but Mr. Gordon can't attend tonight.

Oh.

Sorry.

Do enjoy yourselves.

I have wonderful news. That horrid man, Artemis Gordon, cannot come tonight.

Oh, I'm so happy for you. Of course, I'm terribly disappointed for myself.

You see, I have been standing here dreaming of explicit insults to her at

villa. Indeed, I was prepared to meet him on the field of honor.

Love is love, my love.

Don't waste one moment thinking about the rustic American peasant.

Tonight is ours.