Original subtitles

SEASON IN CAIRO

# Season in Cairo, this is a fairy-tale

# one must dream it

# once in a lifetime

# it is the longing

# of all loving couples

# to experience it, once in a lifetime

# the great wonders of ancient days

# the common people full of passion and sorrow

# Season in Cairo is the name of the fata morgana

# which offers a bit of eternity to every heart

I'm leaving now and I'm expecting you alone in the Conti Bar!

I'm tired.

I'll go home, to bed.

If you will excuse me, Madame. Goodbye.

- Good evening, gentlemen. - Good evening!

But I was going to sit there!

Ah non, je demande pardon! J'ai la place, je la garde.

Must you always push ahead!

That way you won't make any friends, trust me.

Always the youngster, always the same.

What do you say, Madame shall we go to the Peroquet tonight?

Ah no, io sta sera propongo di andare al Dervish. Io commando.

Ce soir, je demande pardon, c'est moi qui d�cide.

I beg your pardon, Monsieur, am I taking out Madame, or are you?

�coutez, Madame est invit�e par moi.

Io telefonato a l'hotel, la signora uscita con me.

Cet apr�s-midi m�me, j'ai parl� au t�l�phone avec Madame.

But gentlemen, I've invited Madame.

What was that, you've invited her?

O� est-elle?

Stay here, my boy.

It's no use anyway.

She surely has another rendezvous.

Good evening, mama.

Tobby!

You here!

I am. I've been searching for you for three weeks.

My boy, I'm glad to see you again!

Me too.

Only, I've wasted a lot of time finding you

and that's why we have to cut short the joy about our reunion

and occupy ourselves with more important matters.

Important matters?

You've got important matters to discuss with me?

Yes, mama, it's about the life you're leading.

I don't like it.

Is that so?

What is it you don't like?

Maybe you find it amusing that all the newspapers are writing gossip about you.

Look at this, for instance.

Here, in Paris.

Two gentlemen slap each other because of you.

In Milan a tenor has a screaming fit in the middle of his performance.

Because of you!

Is it my fault if men are so crazy?

As Mrs. Blackwell you shouldn't be the centre of such scandals.

Tobby!

Don't forget, you're talking to your mother!

Mama, I don't want to hurt you.

But don't you forget that you're Mrs. Blackwell.

Blackwell is a famous name.

Blackwell, Blackwell, Blackwell!

It's a world-famous company.

And I as director of that company...

Don't put on airs, will you? You seem to think you're grown-up already.

Mama...

The time of short pants and sailor's suits is long gone.

Stop it, silly boy!

Silly boy! I'm 27 years old!

26! I forbid you to grow older!

But Mama, you got married at 18.

If you please, I got married at 17.

No, at 18.

Even my own son wants to make me older!

Go on, shout it to the whole world!

Let everyone hear how old I am.

Anyway, I'm not going to let you lecture me.

I know exactly what I want and what I have to do.

I can't prevent those people to write in their newspapers, can I?

Thank God, I have nothing to reproach myself for.

There's been a knock at the door.

Really? I haven't heard anything.

I can't imagine who that might be.

Ellinor.

I beg your pardon, I thought this was Mrs...

Mrs. Blackwell.

That's right...eh... well... I...

I was going to bring her a book.

I'm her son, William Tobias Blackwell.

Delighted, Giacomo Ottaviani.

No, let me have it.

- What? - The book!

The book, yes...

Yes, the book...

It's not here.

I've forgotten it, that's why I came, to tell her that I've forgotten it.

- I'll tell her. - Thank you.

Giacomo!

You just don't know how men are!

They think they can take any liberties with a single woman.

You're perfectly right.

Being alone all the time is far too dangerous for you.

You mustn't stay alone any more.

I mustn't...

What do you mean?

That the time has come to marry you off.

Marry me off?

I think you're out of your mind.

I've never made a more sensible decision in my life.

Decision?

This is superb!

I'm glad you like it.

You seem to imagine it's enough if you say "I want it".

I'm not saying "I want it", I'm saying it's necessary.

And besides, there are the interests of the house of Blackwell to consider.

What do you mean? I shall get married? And to whom?

I don't know yet.

But your assets and your personal charms allow you to be demanding in your choice.

This is incredible!

And I'm sure we'll find a suitable gentleman.

For instance?

Not Giacomo.

My boy, you're making me lose my composure.

No. no, you're angry because I'm right, and besides you're tired.

But I'm not tired!

After a good night's sleep, everything will seem much clearer to you.

- Good night. - My boy, listen to me!

Furthermore, I've given orders to wake you tomorrow at 11,

That'll give you plenty of time to pack.

Pack?

Yes, we're leaving tomorrow evening, and in 5 or 6 weeks...

My boy, listen!

Tomorrow at breakfast we'll talk it over again.

- Good night, Mama. - Tobby!

Marry me off!

Dear Director, I think there are some savages living above my room!

They're making a noise as if they were at home.

I'll see to it at once that ...

I hope you will, and, dear Director,

now send a kawass to the chief of police to deliver my card,

and a 2nd kawass to the envoy to deliver my card

and a 3rd kawass to Ismael Pasha to deliver my card,

and after that, have 100 new cards printed.

- Where's my daughter? - Uphill, Count, at the pyramids.

Ah, up at the pyramids!

Antiquities.

Antiquities.

Wherever you look,

nothing

but

antiquities.

A miracle of ancient technology, the tomb of the great king Cheops.

Cheops, how do you spell him?

Cheops, I see.

C H E O P S

2600 B.C.

And now we're in 1933.

That adds up to 4500.

4500 years

How delightful it is to be young!

Up the steep mountain road is riding a troop of proud amazons

towards the eternal monuments.

With sweat pouring from his brow a fearless alpinist climbs the pyramid.

Good morning, Stefferl!

Good morning, papa.

- What are you writing? - For the newspaper.

I see, this is your new hobby, working!

Just like your mama, bless her soul,

she always wanted to work, too.

Well, she was a Prussian.

It's strange, a Weidling-Weidling, working!

It's an aberration!

You'll have to get used to it, papa.

We can't live on those nine prongs in your comital crown alone.

What's the matter, Stefferl?

Are you in a bad mood all of a sudden?

Or haven't they served you proper breakfast?

Very proper. They didn't forget anything

- Not even this. - What is it?

The bill.

But I haven't asked for it.

I want to know by what right...

I'll go straight to the director and I'll tell him...

- That we're leaving, yes! - What?

- And tonight! - What, tonight?

Papa, have you ever figured out how much money you've spent here?

Well, not exactly.

Of course you haven't. But I have.

Once we've paid the bill we'll have just enough for the ticket home.

Stefferl, I have a fabulous idea.

I'll just send a wire and ask for money.

Go away! To whom?

Well, I don't know yet.

Papa, I'm fed up with always living from one day to the next.

You're leading the life of a millionaire!

In spring the Riviera, in summer Ostend,

in autumn Baden-Baden, and in winter Egypt.

Well, if you think it'll help...

then we'll leave and I'll start a new life from today.

Count, long-distance call from Vienna!

Or let's say, from tomorrow.

Papa, you're talking with Vienna on the phone three times a day!

It costs a fortune!

But listen, Stefferl, this is important, you see, my banker...

Since when is Annie from the "Femina" your banker?

Hallo, is this Vienna?

Yes, Annie, is that you? Greetings, how are you?

How are you? What? You're still in bed?

That's sweet. So sweet.

Be quiet, Stefferl, I don't hear a thing!

Hallo, hallo, yes?

I'm sitting at the foot of the pyramids.

No, not Pyramidon.

Pyramids.

150 piastres the minute!

But Annie! Please, Stefferl!

hallo? what?

You have your first night's performance?

How's your costume? Pretty?

What's it like? Dots on the top? Just dots?

And below?

Yes, operator, I'm still on the phone.

Annie, are you there?

I've so much to tell you.

Servus!

Yes, servus!

No, now I've nothing more to tell.

Now we must finish.

Yes, I'll be faithful to you.

Again 150 piastres babbled away for nothing.

Papa, you remain an incorrigible Austrian.

18 flower arrangements, 17 long-distance calls,

100 calling cards... It's hopeless.

And you fall in love with another woman every other week.

All those Annies and Lulus and Suzys,

you can't go on like this, papa.

You must make up your mind and stick to one woman,

and for good, marriage license and all.

There are enough women who'd be most happy

to become the Countess Weidling-Weidling.

Just think of the blonde Italian lady in Monte Carlo.

That woman would have suited you perfectly.

A castle, cars, a yacht, and money.

Even plenty of money.

You should have married her, then we'd be free of all our worries.

Well? Why don't you answer, papa?

every time I speak of marrying, you're not listening...

Pardon.

You're welcome.

Where is papa?

He's full of fun, your papa.

He is indeed.

Perhaps too full of fun?

That's only the Egyptian air.

Blackwell, of Blackwell's department stores.

Weidling, of Weidling-Weidling.

Ah, Weidling-Weidling.

I don't understand a word.

He talks about an Arabian wedding.

Everybody seems to be talking of marriages around here.

Most interesting.

It's very interesting, I think so.

Where is this wedding, please?

In the east of the city,

at the foot of the citadel, near the bazaar of Halil Ibrahim Hassan,

behind the little mosque.

I have a very good place for you and your wife.

He thinks we're married.

We're not married!

it's interesting too for people "not married".

Did you hear that: it's interesting for people not married, too.

Well, how about it? Do you want to join me in the little mosque

at the foot of the citadel, opposite Ali Ibrahim Hassan?

Well, do you?

No, I don't have time.

Why not?

Because...

I have an appointment.

With whom?

You're rather curious, Mr. Blackwell.

Have a good day.

# I feel so, I don't know how, I could fall in love today

# I feel so, I don't know how, it's in the air

# The whole day, my heart has been beating like mad

# that I'm telling myself, this is too much!

# I feel so, I don't know how, I could fall in love today

# I feel so, I don't know how, it's not my fault

# Everything looks so different, and I'm asking myself, what will come of it

# I feel so, I don't know how, I think I'd rather stay home

# I feel so, I don't know how, I could fall in love today

# I feel so, I don't know how, it's in the air

# The whole day, my heart has been beating like mad

# that I'm telling myself, this is too much!

# I feel so, I don't know how, I could fall in love today

# I feel so, I don't know how, it's not my fault

# everything looks so different, and I'm asking myself, what will come of it

# I feel so, I don't know how, today I'm afraid of myself!

A good day, Madame.

Mahmoud, tell me...

Have you ever been at a wedding?

Yes, at my own.

Really? How was it?

I wished I had overslept at the time.

But they woke me up at 5 o�clock...

- Yes, thank you. - You're welcome.

Beautiful lady, do you wish to see an Arabian wedding?

I'm not interested in any wedding.

# Dear Annie, it's tiresome

# those young people today, their heads are empty

# my daughter Stefanie

# she locks away the telephone, she says it's too expensive

# Oh my Alfonso, it is hard

# the flirt is over, the sun isn't shining any more

# The firm's reputation, says my son,

# needs besides efficiency much discretion

# And I need, my dear child

# just one little hour with you

# I am to marry, she tells me

# I only say, it's tiresome

# The beautiful hours have passed

# my son never felt any pity

# I am to marry, he tells me

# when I think of it, tears fall on the paper

# And still, you'll never forget me

# even if I'm married to another woman

# And still, you won't forget me

# even if I'm married to another man

Your eternally faithful Leopold.

Your Ellinor.

After you.

Allow me to introduce myself: Weidling-Weidling

Ellinor Blackwell.

Delighted, Madame.

Quite an accident that we're only meeting today, Mr. Weidling.

Weidling-Weidling, if you please, Madame.

Always twice Weidling.

Unfortunately our acquaintance is over now.

- I'm leaving today. - I have to leave today, too.

- Yes, my son... - Yes, my daughter...

Blackwell's - 5 piastres - stores

Blackwell, he seems to be a really big fish.

So this is where you have your appointment.

No ...

Don't worry, I won't ask again with whom.

I just passed here by chance.

I'm deeply grateful to chance!

Step inside.

- Have a seat, please. - Thank you.

What will you have? Coffee, tea, ice?

Caf� turc, please.

Caf� turc!

This is the first wedding I've ever attended.

- Really? - Yes.

Where's the bride?

Over there.

I haven't seen the bridegroom.

She hasn't either.

In this country, the bridal couple see each other for the first time

when they're already married.

What? They don't know each other?

The two of them haven't seen each other?

They are married without being asked whether they like it or not.

Terrible, isn't it?

Well, if it's the custom...

I don't know.

There's the bridegroom!

He looks very happy.

Probably he'll get a rich dowry.

What about her? Do you think she'll be happy?

She can't complain. He's not bad looking.

I'm convinced the two of them will be very happy.

Yes, but...

After all, a man ought to fight for a woman, conquer her..

Go away! Fighting, conquering, all that takes far too long!

Or do you think two people ought to know each other for an eternity to be happy?

I don't know.

But I know.

You see, and if you agree with me, then...

I'd like to go now, the wedding is over.

No, no, it isn't over yet.

I mean the wedding I was going to talk about.

Miss Stefanie von Weidling-Weidling

I don't want to lose a lot of words.

In vital things I've never taken much time,

I'm used to come to a decision fast.

When chance brought us together this morning,

when I saw your father,

I felt as if, as if...

destiny had made us cross each other's paths, a stroke of fate,

or whatever you call it.

In short, I've thought it over carefully.

You ran away,

but now I won't let you run away again.

The matter cannot be postponed.

Miss Stefanie, now I have the courage to ask you something.

- May I? - Yes.

I'm asking you for your father's hand in marriage.

My father's...

Yes. I have certain reasons to marry off my mama, and as soon as possible.

My time is limited, I have to be in Copenhagen next week.

We're opening a new department store,

and 14 days later, there's the board of directors' meeting in New York.

I don't need to tell you much about my mama.

Ellinor Blackwell of Blackwell's department stores.

Lighters, coffee cups, ties, shoe polish, laces

even a volume of Goethe, and all this for 25 pfennig.

By the way, if you shop for more than 5 marks, you'll get 5% reduction.

- Good, isn't it? - Great.

Of course it's non-returnable.

I expect great things from the marriage between my mama and your papa.

A fabulous couple!

He's not too young, not too old,

first class family, well you know them.

She, elegant, rich, very rich even,

and if I heard correctly this morning

this isn't exactly inconvenient to you.

Yes, you're right.

It's even very convenient.

Let me confess now that I came to this wedding for the same reason.

But that's great, then I had the right hunch!

You had.

So, it's a deal? We'll marry off our parents!

It's a deal!

What's going on here?

Mama?

Mama?

Why are you packing?

I thought we were leaving today?

Who said anything about leaving today?

You did. Last night.

But mama, you shouldn't take everything literally.

We'll stay as long as you like, one week, two weeks!

This afternoon we'll go to the races.

The elegant society, I want to show off my pretty mama!

What's the matter with you, you're paying me compliments?

Copenhagen broke a record in the Christmas sales !

Vienna, Berlin, Paris, too.

Mama, make yourself young!

What do you mean, "make"?

I mean, make yourself even younger than you are.

This morning you preached me a sermon that we have to economize more,

that we have to leave.

But you didn't agree, papa!

But I've already started packing!

I didn't mean it like that. Of course we'll stay.

Something is bound to happen.

But that's what I'm always telling you!

I'm so happy that you've become reasonable at last!

Yes, very reasonable indeed.

Papa, we'll be late for the races. Get changed.

The dark blue, the pin-striped or the grey suit?

The grey suit, with a black tie.

And the light coloured hat, it suits you so well.

And the two-toned shoes.

I want to be proud of you.

Suit yourself, there's room for all of us.

Blackwell, my mama.

But of course we know each other.

My daughter Stefferl.

Madame.

My son Tobby.

Let's sit down.

- Coffee. - For me, too.

I'll have some ice cream.

Say, Stefferl, why haven't you brought your jewellery along?

My daughter owns some marvellous family jewels.

But she never wears them.

She always leaves them at home, in Weidlingau.

- Weidling? - Au.

- Do you know Weidlingau? - No, I'm sorry.

You must visit it, Madame, it's located in a wonderful countryside,

wildly romantic, mountains, valleys,

and right in the middle a medieval castle.

I'm not crazy about medieval castles, there's no comfort, no running water.

We have all that, haven't we, Stefferl?

Papa, don't you want to drink your coffee?

But let me tell them about it, Stefferl.

Right this moment, while we're chatting, at home there is deepest winter,

snow meters high, good for sleigh rides.

We'd get the pair of blacks into harness,

or the pair of browns.

You see, I own a racing stable.

What's the matter, Stefferl?

Nothing.

I own a racing stable.

I'll watch the next race.

Your papa has a vivid imagination, that castle in Weidlingau, great!

What's so funny, Mr. Blackwell?

You know, the bit about the castle.

This isn't funny at all, Mr. Blackwell

I'm sorry.

The castle in Weidlingau really exists.

Only it doesn't belong to us any more.

You see!

I don't "see"! The castle will have to be bought again.

I beg your pardon?

Or do you want your mama to marry an impostor?

Of course not, Miss, but...

How much does such a castle cost?

My dear Mr. Blackwell, you really should stop asking for prices.

If you want your mama to become the Countess Weidling-Weidling,

you ought to bring at least something into the marriage.

at least the castle, and...

a racing stable.

- A racing stable too? - Of course.

Or did you think you'd get away by just redeeming the family jewels

from the pawn broker?

The... the...

Redeem the family jewels?

With pleasure I notice, Madame, that you haven't left after all.

My son, who was in such a hurry to leave Egypt, suddenly changed his mind.

Strangely enough, my Stefferl all of a sudden...

- Strange! - Strange indeed.

Usually, my son never goes to the races.

Stefferl too never goes to the races.

Should the two of them be after all...

That's exactly what I'm thinking right now.

- What if they don't want to? - I won't hear of it! They must!

And if they refuse?

We mustn't ask them too often. We must take them unawares.

Without realizing what's going on, they must suddenly find themselves engaged.

Strangely enough, my Stefferl preached me the longest sermon today,

I ought to get married, to some rich stuck-up goose.

Just like my son, he wants me to marry some old donkey.

A donkey, of all candidates!

But what if they protest?

We'll arrange the engagement in public,

in a way they won't be able to pull out of it.

So that they'll have to bite the bullet.

You're really smart.

When you've been trained in Blackwell's department stores since childhood

you learn some things.

You don't happen to stock "love" in Blackwell's department stores?

No, that would be a far too risky item.

Let's watch our children's affair closely.

But careful, so that the two don't notice anything.

Everything like you ordered, Mr. Blackwell.

Radio reporters, the press, the newsreel.

Excellent.

- My plane, at 12:11? - It's been taken care of. - Thank you.

Stockholm, agricultural exhibition, great success - that's great.

The main thing is that papa will be able to pay his debts.

Buenos Aires, stocktaking sale, that's a poor show! A very poor show!

It doesn't matter what'll become of me.

London. What? Only 2% dividends?

I must make an inspection trip at once.

I'll go south, write for the newspapers, that's an alternative.

There's no alternative! One has to take care of everything personally!

Ah, Miss Stefanie!

You see, it's indispensable, I have to leave at once.

Business is going bad.

Look at this wire from Buenos Aires. Read it.

I'm very pleased.

The whole world is present, journalists, film crews, radio reporters.

It'll be a sensation, after all.

The Blackwells with 30 millions,

the Weidling-Weidlings with 30 ancestors.

At 11:57 I'll announce the engagement,

11:58 I'll notify the press,

11:59 the newsreel, 11:60 radio transmission,

11:61, eh, 12:01 the whole world will know it,

at 12:11 I'll fly to London. Well organised, eh?

Hadn't we rather tell our parents before...

But God forbid, you don't know my mama!

1. She'd protest on principle,

2. She'd order 20 new gowns, and 3. ...

I can't stand it any longer!

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

What would you say if you found yourself in such a situation?

What situation?

That your parents arrange your engagement without asking you first.

Something like that could never happen to me, never!

Mr. Blackwell!

Cheers!

Say, my dear Count,

what are your views on an alliance between merchants and the nobility?

Well, it isn't quite done in our family.

Family, family, my dear Count,

nowadays we are not only indebted to the family, but to the new times, too.

Yes, debts ... debts...

And that's why the demoiselle your daughter and I...

What was that? My daughter and you?

Yes, we thought it would be a good idea if...

Of course it would be a good idea!

You agree with me?

Completely!

My dear Tobby, I've noticed it for a long while.

Then our whole plan isn't a surprise?

No surprise at all!

Believe me, your mama and I completely agree on this.

I'd like to confide in you, regarding a private matter.

I could have gone to my father, but he's only a man.

Of course, tell me what's on your mind, just between women.

The thing is... the gentleman, your son...

Don't say "the gentleman, your son"! Say "Tobby".

Very well. Tobby... has a plan,

a terribly important matter,

of importance to our lives, I'd say.

And he wants to go through with it before having spoken to you.

But my dear child, Tobby can do as he pleases.

I always give my consent.

- You'd consent at once? - With all my heart.

You see, Miss Stefanie, your father is much more reasonable than you thought.

Did he speak to you, papa?

- Of course, Stefferl. - And?

You know me, if you consent to it, then I also agree.

I think we might announce the engagement at once.

Excellent, it's exactly 11:55.

The earlier the better!

Shouldn't we handle this more quietly?

But Miss Stefanie, the whole world ought to know!

When the Blackwells and the Weidlings...

Weidling-Weidling, if you please. Weidling twice.

Director, a fanfare!

Ladies and gentlemen!

Ladies and gentlemen, honoured assembly!

Let me speak!

A very special event this evening shall...

Let me speak, you're much too prosaic.

Tonight's evening, in a strange country,

on a faraway and dark continent...

Get to the point, my plane leaves at 12:11.

Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honour to announce to you

that the two families...

Two families of rank and name!

- In a word, the Blackwells... - And the Weidling-Weidlings

I have the honour to announce to you

- that... - that...

my daughter Stefanie

and Mr. Tobias Blackwell...

Have decided...

to become engaged.

Mr. Tobias Blackwell and Miss Stefanie von Weidling-Weidling

have just been promised to each other for life.

Ladies and gentlemen, attention!

A shot for the newsreel!

Smile!

My congratulations!

My congratulations, mon cher!

But I insist on acting as best man at your marriage!

Your Excellency, such an honour.

And when is the wedding going to be?

Your Excellency, the wedding cannot be ...

She means, because of the formalities, the documents...

Don't worry, I'll take care of all that, of course.

You'll be married in a week!

What's the matter with her? What's the matter with her?

Your Excellency, she's overjoyed.

It's been all so sudden.

I can understand that.

It's happened to me, too, at the time.

My congratulations, Tobby.

Miss Stefanie!

Miss Stefanie!

Miss Stefanie!

Miss Stefanie...

- Did you clear up the matter? - No.

Then go back at once and tell them it's all been a mistake.

I demand that you tell the people the truth.

I can't tell them, it's impossible.

It would create such a scandal.

All right, if you don't dare, then I myself...

Don't be unreasonable, don't do something rash.

Don't forget the whole world knows only one subject for conversation right now:

Blackwell junior's engagement.

I can't afford to get involved in a society scandal.

The sales of my department stores would drop by at least 25%.

It's impossible, no no no!

Of course there's only one thing to do

I can see clearly now.

Miss Stefanie, we'll get married!

We'll get married?

Yes, and as soon as possible.

Let me check my agenda, good God, my plane!

Breslau, Amsterdam, London, I must cancel it all.

It'll cost me a fortune, but it's no use, this matter comes first.

Are your documents in order? Leave it to me, that's what connections are for.

I'm sure I'll get the marriage over and done with within 5 or 6 days.

It won't be any trouble to you at all.

But I don't want to!

But Miss Stefanie, you can't let me down now.

Don't be so unkind.

Besides, the matter won't last very long.

A short ceremony, then you'll exit to the left, I to the right

Of course I'll never make any use of my rights as a husband.

You'll remain a free woman, and I'll look for a suitable ground for divorce.

I mean, I'll commit adultery, and...

Why you? I'll commit adultery!

What, you?

I mean, wouldn't it be more suitable if I...

Or, well... if you think so. I agree.

Mr. Blackwell, I'll swallow the bitter pill.

Bitter pill?

My God, the pill isn't that bitter.

But I'm telling you, this is the last favour I'm doing you,

and then we'll be through!

If you please, sir, for the illustrated news.

The first kiss!

On top of it!

Come here, Mr. Blackwell.

- You agree? - Of course.

Think of the sales drop, 20%.

business is business.

- Go ahead! - Now!

Bravo. Merci, merci.

Stefanie...

Would you grant me an interview?

Have you seen many interesting sights?

Certainly.

- And how did you find everything? - Sweet!

Indescribably sweet!

Then may I write that you are happy here?

Happy? Excessively happy!

My congratulations!

Bon complimento, signore.

Tous mes compliments, monsieur.

The Austrian president sends his congratulations.

Stefanie, a telegram from your country, from Vienna.

Very nice.

Woolworth congratulates.

Stefanie!

Woolworth.

Ah, the dear competitors.

Stefanie, our travel agencies report crowds of new customers.

All the parents are booking a trip to Egypt with their children.

A boom for those willing to get married.

I hope not everyone will get a divorce.

Why? Oh, I see.

Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell, an old custom in this country

promises eternal happiness to the young couple

if they spend their wedding night outside the city, in the desert.

I have the honour to convey to you

the invitation of the famous Bedouin tribe, the Hassanemi.

At the palm oasis, Sheik Hab Abdallah is expecting you.

He's prepared a wedding bed worthy of you.

Your Excellency, that's too kind, but I think my husband has already ...

Has already decided to accept, yes he has.

It is a great honour, Your Excellency.

I didn't expect anything else.

A refusal would have been an insult to my old friend Hab Abdallah.

A wedding night in the desert, divine!

A wedding night is beautiful everywhere.

- Are you content now? - I'm delighted.

We've avoided a scandal?

We have. I thank you.

No drop in the sales?

On the contrary. They'll rise!

Good.

What's the matter?

He's driving back!

Did you seriously imagine that I'd go to the desert with you?

I thought the idea about the desert very nice.

You did. I didn't.

But we accepted His Excellency's invitation!

You did. I didn't.

What will the people say if we return so suddenly?

Don't worry. We'll enter by the back stairs.

One moment.

- From Tobby. - From Stefferl.

But that's not possible!

What? A mistake?

Not the children?

We were to be...?

But then we have...

Made our children unhappy.

- My only Tobby! - My poor Stefferl!

Poor? After all, she's caught the rich Blackwell.

Allow me, it was your son who ran after us.

Probably he was eager for the name.

Your name? Don't make me laugh, Herr Weidling.

Weidling-Weidling, if you please, twice.

Anyway, we must cancel the whole affair.

I agree, I won't leave my poor Stefferl alone with your son in the desert.

And I won't leave my son with your daughter.

Why did we get married after all?

In order to get a divorce.

But there's no hurry.

Not for you perhaps, but for me.

But Stefanie!

- A car, please! - Get me a car, too!

But this is impossible.

- We'll see about that. - Yes, we will. A car, please.

We'll see about that.

- My son! - My daughter!

- My son! - My daughter!

- My son! - My daughter!

Car, please!

Excuse me, this is my car. Herr Weidling!

Weidling-Weidling, if you please.

Into the desert!

I'm very busy, my time is limited.

You're treating it like a business transaction.

That's right, after all; I've had some training

with Blackwell's department stores, and I've learned my lessons.

A good day, Mr. Blackwell.

Won't you even tell me of your plans?

With pleasure.

Tonight I'll provide you with the desired grounds for divorce.

- I forbid you... - I won't let you forbid me anything!

I wanted to marry off my mother

because as Mrs. Blackwell she embarrassed me in public everywhere.

And now that you're Mrs. Blackwell, you intend to embarrass me in public as well?

Yes, we Blackwell women tend to be like that, it's in our blood.

What's the matter? Why don't you drive on?

Road not good.

- What do you mean, not good? - Take camel.

Camel?

Camels?

I'll go back.

I wish you a nice trip back home, I'm riding to my daughter.

He's riding!

He's riding!

He's not going to ride without me!

Who are those people?

They're handsome horsemen!

Men?

How do I look?

Pleased to meet you, Weidling-Weidling.

Where is my daughter?

Where is my son?

My dear Mr. Bedouin, you see, I'm looking for a sweet little blond girl.

My daughter Stefferl.

She's been abducted by a disgusting fellow, into the desert.

Where's my boy?

Where's my son?

What did you say?

Why are you laughing?

- Do you know the latest news? - What is it?

They think we're our children.

Yes, they think we're the newly married couple.

Yes, look inside.

Where are the children?

Don't worry, they'll arrive in time.

Perhaps the camels had a puncture.

But what shall we do?

Nothing at all. We'll wait for them.

No, no, thank you.

Ah, thank you.

But they'll die of hunger, of thirst.

- I don't think so. - The poor children.

This music is charming!

Terrible.

Like cannibals.

I'm not afraid, they don't fancy elderly gentlemen.

Ah, Madame, how charming!

Do sit down here.

Inside it's so crowded.

You look delightful.

Pardon.

Stefanie, I beg you. The scandal!

Your table, if you please.

That young Blackwell has been getting on my nerves for some time now,

He should be careful.

- Stefanie! - Mr. Blackwell?

Nothing.

Take away that lamp, please.

- Orangeade. - Champagne.

- I beg your pardon? - Champagne.

Champagne.

What if they don't come at all?

I think it's very pleasant here.

But we can't spend the night here!

Why not?

I'll have some excellent drinks, then I'll sleep excellently.

I forbid you to speak of sleeping in my presence.

I beg your pardon.

Give me a book.

This will give me some distraction.

I'm sorry but I haven't brought my library along.

You haven't?

Then tell me a story.

I know a story, but it's a bit risqu�.

Once upon a time there lived a great Caliph

who every night...

Pardon, may I have this dance, Madame?

My wife doesn't dance.

With greatest pleasure.

Tobby!

What do you want?

- Sir, this is the limit - You!

You're welcome.

Take the fellow outside.

Excuse the interruption, nothing's happened, please go on dancing.

Music!

Tobby! Tobby, won't we go home?

Tobby, won't we drive out into the desert?

No, Mrs. Blackwell.

Tobby...

Mr. Blackwell, the wires.

Tobby, the wires.

Not now.

Don't you want to read them, they might be important.

- Paris, London! - Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Stockholm!

Let them wait!

Tobby, His Excellency!

Good evening, Your Excellency!

That I should live to see this!

I'll be the Countess Weidling.

Weidling-Weidling, twice Weidling, if you please.

Weidling-Weidling!

As many times as you like!

Ellinor, what will our children say to this!

But they wanted it that way, Leopold.

The end

subtitles: serdar202