Original subtitles

When I was growing up I always dreamed that that train would take me away from

Cromwell one day By

the time I graduated from high

school only freight trains went through town, but I was still dreaming

How was I to know the most important thing that ever happened to me would

here?

Steven, stop that damn music.

Can't you give it a rest?

I've asked you ten times about those leaves.

I want them raked before I get home tonight, and I mean it.

Why can't you read the leaves? I have to practice when I get home. You know

that.

He knows that.

Yo,

Liberace!

I know this is a silly question, but have you looked in the classified

yet? Because we are looking for jobs because we are mostly broke most of the

time. What? I'm doing okay.

Let me remind you, we are college freshmen who will be meeting many new

fresh women who will require whining and dining. Did you see that?

There's a new job listed.

It's part -time and it's more than minimum wage.

So go get it.

Well, maybe you should.

What is it?

Harper's Hardware.

You can't be serious.

Saturdays are bad enough.

Can't you just ignore him? I mean, your uncle would be there. Can't he run

interference?

Look, the thought of it makes me sick, okay? I'd have to be absolutely

to work for my father every day.

Come on.

Close the door.

Stephen.

Out of all the things he wrote, that was one of Chopin's favorites.

I don't relish talking to the back of your head.

We've been working together nine years.

Almost ten.

Mrs. Page, I'm sorry. I know I didn't... I know you know.

The tempo at the end was rushed.

You'll have to learn to play your best no matter how rude to your audience.

Stephen.

I can't go on.

What do you mean? Are you sick?

No.

Is it the money I owe?

Stephen, we've talked about this before.

Sometimes we have to face our limitations. I've had to face mine.

I can't take you any further.

Well, that's not fair. You can't just cut me off like that.

Look, Mrs. Page has got... Damn it, what a...

What about... I mean, I've been coming here twice a week to learn everything I

could. And you have.

I don't know where to go from here. If I emptied my bank account, I wouldn't

have enough money to send you to a good college.

Who's asking you to do that?

I've tried my very best to come up with a solution, knowing your father.

But facts are facts.

I'm not a very practical woman.

Other than working a few years and applying for a scholarship somewhere?

Maybe put myself on hold for two or three years while I play in some bar or

something? Stephen, don't exaggerate. You have a tendency to do that. Just

am I supposed to do now?

Just what the hell am I supposed to do?

I wish you would talk to us, Stephen.

Father loves you.

Hi.

We both try to understand what it is you need.

I want the job at the store.

Just like that, huh?

After you walked out on me last summer?

Glenn, don't. Stay out of this, Hope.

You coddle him too much.

I need the money. I want to get out of here.

I want no lip.

And I want you to show respect to the customers this time.

No problem.

Well, yes, Hillary, the paint is in, but it's the wrong color again.

Well, I'll be on the phone with Sinclair today.

Do you need some help?

Uh, no, not you, Hillary. It's my nephew. He's redecorating. I'll get back

you.

I'm going for coffee.

Stephen, if you took a little more interest in the business, he might be

different.

Yeah, right.

Stephen, your father and I started this place from scratch. I was 20 years of

hard work. Your name's already on the front door.

If Lynn and I had had a boy, I would have wanted his name on the front door.

It's only natural.

Uncle Frank, my not wanting a future here has nothing to do with him.

I'm going to play piano around the world and I'm going to get paid for it.

What is it?

Excuse me, Mrs. Norman, for barging in like this, but I'm a neighbor and a fan

of yours.

And since your phone's unlisted, I couldn't call, so I just came over

if you might sign my album.

Did it ever occur to you that my phone might be unlisted for a reason?

I beg your pardon?

Give me a pen.

What's your name?

Stephen Harper.

You know, I didn't know anyone lived here.

Mrs. Norman, I'm sorry to barge in like this. I hope you'll accept my apology.

You know, I'm a really big fan of yours. I've been listening to your work for

years.

Really?

Yes, I admire your style tremendously

What

well in in the sense that it's so original

You'll have to go I want to

get back

Open up, guys. I'm freezing my you -know -what sock.

Here, pack one here.

Oh.

Was it all right that Jerry asked me for you? I mean, I know you're shy and

everything. No, yeah, it's true. It's fine.

We're here, aren't we?

I've wanted to go out with you forever, Steven.

Um, well, yeah.

Stop. I've been busy.

Kiss me, Steven.

I've wanted to kiss you forever.

Oh, yeah.

Jerry. Well, uh, sure.

Okay.

Thanks a lot pal.

I have your dog.

Where was he? On highgate past Maine. He was headed right for the train and I

caught him just in time.

What's his name?

Sam. He's nice looking.

No, he's not. But we're very close.

What is he? Some kind of terrier? A mutt.

It's freezing out.

Come on, we should go inside.

No, actually, not at all.

Another drink?

No, thanks.

Take off your clothes.

What?

They're wet.

One was out in front of the fire.

Where do you say you live?

Right down the road on Cromwell Lane.

I see.

And you go to college, I suppose.

Yeah, Cromwell Community.

My first year. It's not very good, though.

Why's that?

Well, because the music department isn't very much.

Oh, I've forgotten. You're the budding pianist.

What?

I never said that, Mrs. Norman.

You didn't need to. You have pianist written right across your face.

Will you fill this for me, will you?

Why do you want to play?

I don't know. I just have to.

How old are you?

Eighteen.

Well, you'll get over it. No, I don't think so, Mrs. Norman.

I've been studying for almost ten years.

Music is all I care about.

I wouldn't be 18 again for gold.

Nor would I choose to be a musician.

But you don't choose.

What do you mean?

You don't choose music. It chooses you.

And it drives you and drives you till you...

Till you're all burnt out and there's nothing to show for it.

But you're famous.

Your albums sell around the world.

You don't know what the hell you're talking about.

The only thing that matters in life is connecting.

Connecting with another... Another human being or... God, maybe.

Art is meaningless. The joke? The joke is that I devoted my whole damn life to

it.

I've shocked you.

No, really.

Well, getting drunk, I don't care.

I want you to go now.

You know, Mrs. Norman, What?

People do need music.

I mean, life can be so terrible that... How can life be so terrible at 18?

You don't have to be old to suffer.

So you think my work matters?

Yes.

More than I can even tell you. To all kinds of people.

To me.

What's so funny?

Youth.

I better go.

I've hurt your feelings.

Go, go. What the hell, go?

If music doesn't matter to you, then why do you still compose every day?

Habit.

Just a few pennies for Christmas, sir.

Where'd you get that scarf? Karen, you made it for me. It's sort of an advanced

Christmas present. It's the way you've been. You never call, you never write.

So you guys doing it yet?

Let's just say that the scarf's the token of her gratitude.

They're not that bad.

There. Karen likes that one the best.

Wicked warrior.

Hey, Mr. Harper.

Jerry, where'd you get that scarf?

Wait, what's the matter with this scarf?

Steven, don't be late. Your mother's expecting all of us.

Yeah, I don't think so.

What? Mr. Excitement, don't pull a fade on my New Year's Eve party, too. Yeah,

yeah, I'll be there.

Mr. Harburg, good night. Merry Christmas.

You too, pal.

We always have eggnog after church. Why do you want to upset your mother?

Well, there's just, there's something I have to do first, all right? Um, I'll be

home, I'll be home soon. Can you just fix everything with Mom?

I'll try.

Mrs. Norman?

Mrs. Norman.

Mrs. Norman, what happened?

An accident.

I broke the ashtray. Are you badly hurt?

Let's put a bandage on this.

I don't need to.

Please, you're bleeding very hard, Mrs. Norman.

How do you feel?

Like hell.

What can I do? Can I get you something?

Yeah, a drink.

You've had enough.

What the hell do you know?

You know something?

I don't know what.

No hangover?

No.

No? Sure, good luck.

You want coffee?

Yes, thanks.

Did you

put me to bed?

Yes.

Did you do anything else?

I wouldn't remember.

Look at that snow, a blizzard.

Won't they be missing you at home?

I don't know.

I'm sorry, I don't remember your name. David, wasn't it?

Stephen.

Ah, yeah, that's right. Stephen. Stephen the pianist.

How's your hand?

Well, if it's Christmas, I suppose we should be drinking eggnog or something.

On the other hand, I always hated holidays. I always did my best as a

spoil them.

And what does your father do?

Oh, he owns a hardware store with my uncle.

And he thinks you're a faggot for wanting to be a pianist.

Well, yes.

He never actually used that word.

Don't worry, he will.

I have a feeling my language shocked you.

Well, I... I used to drive John crazy.

John?

My ex -husband, from whom I'm presently escaping.

Oh, is that why you moved out here, away from the city?

I'm writing a theme and variations for the Louisville Symphony. It's due in

April.

A friend of mine lent me this place while he's away in Europe.

Why did you stay here last night?

To make sure that you were okay.

I see nobody in your family drinks, I suppose.

No.

They're sort of square.

Actually, my mother's father is a minister.

Well, if you'll excuse me, I have to get to work.

On Christmas?

Most composers I know work every day.

Like most pianists, in case you didn't know.

Mrs. Norman, can I come see you again?

Whatever for?

Well, to talk.

There's no one here that I can talk to.

No one that can understand the way I feel.

So you've chosen me?

Yes.

I don't know why these things always happen to me. I swear I don't. What

Lost cats, lost dogs, and now lost children.

I'm not a kind person, as you must have noticed by now, so why did it happen?

Can I play for you?

Why would anyone want to hear you play?

Because I'm good.

Do you know why I came to this dead -end town of yours?

Please, just... To be alone.

To work, to not have to look at another single human being, and you come

crashing in here with all the subtlety of an elephant asking me to hear you

play. Okay, just ten minutes, okay? Please, just ten minutes. I don't have

minutes.

Excuse me.

Stan, where have you been?

What, doesn't Christmas with your family mean anything to you anymore?

You could have been killed and we wouldn't know it.

Didn't Uncle Frank tell you that I had something to do?

Yes, but we certainly expected you to be here last night.

How could you be so selfish?

Look, there was no phone, and I didn't want to walk home in the storm, Mom.

Stephen, I want to know where you were last night.

Glenn. Leave it alone, Hope.

Look, I'm going to take a shower, all right?

Yeah. Take a cold one.

Cool off.

don't you even want to open your presents all right happy new year uncle

don't do anything

What are you doing out here? It's New Year's Eve. What were you doing? Taking

nap? You almost plowed right into me.

I'm sorry, Mrs. Norman. I'm just on my way to my friend Jerry's.

Did your car just die or what?

It's been doing a lot of that lately.

Maybe you can get it started.

I think we better get a tow truck.

Locally, you've never heard of him.

Shouldn't do that. Pills and alcohol don't mix.

Play, Steven.

When you know more about life, we'll spend an evening discussing pills and

booze.

You didn't like it.

Come here, and if humanly possible, be quiet.

What you've just shown me is a very clever imitation of me playing my own

composition.

Wasn't there anything good about it?

Absolutely nothing. It was dreadful. A copy.

You have to let the music go through you. Make it your own.

Well, then, I guess I'd better go. What for?

What for? You just told me my playing stinks.

Be quiet and sit down.

Tell me, Stephen.

Could you be happy if you didn't play?

Supposing circumstances prevented you.

I'd die.

Then you'll, uh, probably will become a pianist.

Well, it's nothing to anticipate, you know.

You keep saying that. Ten hours a day in a room by yourself, practice till

you're perfect, which you never are, of course.

And then if you are any good at all and can stomach it, you wind up driven,

compulsive, and totally self -involved.

You make it sound like a total waste. You know the price I've had to pay for

talent? Complete loneliness.

The inability to love.

And as a result, I find myself without friends, without lovers, without

family.

But the music, it's got to be worth it.

Hell of a picture to look at in one's middle age.

When I started out, I was broke. I took in pupils.

I slaved over each one of them, trying to bring out his best.

Sometimes her best.

Anyway, at the end of each lesson, they always waited for me to tell them how

good they were.

Little puppy dogs.

I never did.

Why not? Because it's something they had to know.

Not be told. Know.

It's your armour. If you can believe in yourself, no one can bring you down. No

matter what happens, you can keep on going.

20 years ago.

About the time you were born, wasn't it?

Mrs. Norman?

What?

I'm good.

I'm feeling tired. I think this little tete -a -tete should end.

Come back on Tuesday with two new pieces.

Excuse me?

I'm under a tight schedule, but sometimes... How is, um, three o 'clock

Tuesday? Does it fit into your schedule at school?

We'll work together for a few weeks, and then I'll decide what to do next, if

anything.

By the way, not one of those students amounted to a thing.

Mrs. Norman?

What?

I don't know how to thank you.

Then don't.

Gratitude's a bore.

Yes!

Happy New Year. Thank you, Frank. Everything all right with you? How's

All right. What can I get you, Irene?

The kitchen drain is clogged up.

Is Henry Dobbins back?

There was smoke coming from the chimney on my way over here.

There's some gal living up there with a funny name.

Stand there while he's over in Germany. It's Hadley.

Hadley Norman. She's from the city.

Hadley Norman is here?

Yeah. You know her?

Hadley Norman happens to be one of the world's most brilliant pianists.

Does Stephen know she's here?

He probably does.

Let me ask you something.

Could Stephen make a living off of playing the piano?

If he can study more.

If Stephen were a basketball star... The Kiwanis would be paying his tuition to

community college.

But he plays the piano.

So who cares?

Well, I do.

And I... We... Didn't know if he had what it takes.

Well, I'm not saying Glenn is made of money.

But when you have a son who is gifted, you try to do something about it.

Tell Stephen about Mrs. Norman, will you? She might be able to help him.

Boy doesn't belong in Cromwell.

Well, don't suppose you heard any of that?

Some.

So?

No!

has ever had any musical abilities.

So what?

Neither one of us can hear you. I didn't

hear you.

Nothing.

No one person in our family has any musical abilities.

Not one.

Said that.

Suppose he's not a Harper.

What?

What kind of dumb idea is that?

I shipped out.

Right after we were married.

She could have gotten pregnant with somebody else's kid.

Lay off, Bates.

She loved you and she proved it when you got back.

She stuck by you. Well, nobody else could stand to be around you long enough

hold a conversation.

She felt sorry for me.

And guilty.

What?

She waited tables at Jules for two years to supplement your pension and my lousy

paycheck just so we could make a go of this place.

No, it's you who feels guilty, Glenn.

The war was your big adventure, was your...

ticket out of this town.

That's enough. No, it's not enough.

Now, let's get to it.

Let's tell it like it is.

Life has dealt you a lousy hand, and I'm not saying it didn't, but for some dumb

reason, you're putting all the blame on that boy of yours.

And the funny thing is, he's exactly like you.

Only you don't see it because he's into other things.

But if there was ever a boy who was a son of his father, it's Stephen.

And you're just pissed off because his adventure is just getting started.

Well, yours is already come and gone.

I never said I didn't love him.

Tell him that.

No, no, no. I want you to continue. Try not to be so conscious of fingering in

the right. The melody comes in on the left.

Now, start there.

Hello, Mrs. Norman. This is Kay.

You missed your appointment today, and we have you down again for next Monday

morning, 10 .30. Please call to confirm.

Thank you.

Gorgeous as ever.

My favorite client.

And the most gorgeous.

You look older than Moses, Sol, and we both know it.

Ben, you know what I want.

You are working too hard. You want me to move the Louisville deadline?

Good, because I got good news.

Minneapolis wants you. No to that too, Sol.

Why? Let's keep all the majors after you.

Take everything.

Create a body of work. It's the only way.

I'll stall him.

It's better than no.

Work coming okay.

I've had a few diversions.

Diversions?

Good.

Old work is never good.

You gotta get out, see the sight.

Are there any sights to see in Cromwell?

You met someone.

Not exactly.

Nah.

It's not like that, Paul.

What does Minneapolis want?

String quartet.

They want to feature their first chairs.

There's no time for a two -bit job, Saul.

A string quartet at Minneapolis Symphony is not a two -bit job.

You're right. Of course it is. It's just I, um... And he doesn't think the

priority. I guess that's what I'm saying.

The person you met is important. Is that it?

You're in town to see John?

So don't tell me why you're here.

That should be a D sharp.

Why didn't you hear that?

Publishers make the sake in music just as they do in books.

Listen, always listen, don't just play.

Are you waiting for me to tell you if you're good or not?

You never do that, remember?

I should have my head examined.

If we're going to work together, I suppose you could be able to get in, use

piano, if I'm not here.

Maybe walk Sam if I'm away.

Three days a week.

You miss one session and it's over.

We'll have a couple of months, at least until the beginning of summer.

I'm not sure I'm going to keep the house much longer than that.

Sam and I having warmed over something.

Stay if you want.

Like the Bach you played today.

Really?

Some clumsy attacks, but the first really good thing you've ever done.

The point is it had passion.

So you played it for someone you loved, and that gave it truth.

I played it for you.

I guess the time has come for me to make my speech.

What speech?

Well, the one about boys having crushes on older women.

Such things happen all the time and they rarely have any consequence.

The boy always gets over it and after being momentarily flattered, the woman

heaves a sigh of relief and goes back to her life.

You think this is a crush?

Absolutely. Then you don't know me very well. Nobody knows anybody very well.

If you were 20 years older, we might have been friends.

We're not friends?

Of course not. Friendship implies equality.

Do you know how cruel you are? I certainly do. My husband told me all the

What the hell are you doing?

I don't know.

Wasn't there anything good about it? Absolutely nothing. It was dreadful. I

you to leave.

I need you.

Don't be ridiculous, Stephen. You're a child.

Don't be ridiculous.

It doesn't matter.

Child.

I'm not going to be any good.

You're not a virgin.

Do you remember telling me how you had to slave over your pupils to bring out

their best?

I think I'm getting the hang of it.

What were your parents like?

Now for the inevitable inquisition.

What?

They're rich.

And like you and me, people who are rich are different.

Didn't they leave you any?

No, they didn't. My father inherited me when I was about your age.

Why? Because I was wild and rebellious.

A recording company was interested in me.

Had an affair with a married man.

All sorts of things.

Did she ever make up with him?

Hadley.

I love you. No, don't say I love you. It's bad love.

Is this what they mean by happiness?

She'd take a chance, work up his courage, and

ask her to dance.

She liked his smile, he liked her

eyes. With each new hello, there were fewer

goodbyes.

Won't you take my hand for a moment?

I can tell by the look in your eyes that we both

want the same kind of love in our lives.

I'm celebrating his name.

I've entered you in the New England piano competition.

Well?

You what?

New England's tough, but it's your way out of here.

Four years scholarship, the conservatory in Boston.

Mr. Juilliard is the best.

I think my heart just stopped.

Wait, what makes you think that I can win?

The only thing I'm not sure about is if you have kishkas.

Kishkas?

Isn't it wonderful? I heard Lenny Bernstein use it once.

It means guts.

A lot of people have talent, Stephen, but you never hear of them because they

don't have the guts to be a pianist.

You have to want it more than anything else. When you get up on that stage and

panic's about to step in, something has to keep you going.

I won't let you down.

I'm going to win this competition for us.

One of my students has to amount to something.

I don't know how to... Thank me.

I told you, gratitude's a bore.

I would like to know why you don't have time to work after school anymore.

What concept?

And where in the hell have you been keeping yourself the last three months?

Take these plates into the kitchen, honey.

Help your mom.

Maybe Stephen wants some more.

Go on.

I've tried to stay out of your personal life. Your mother's trying to stay out

of it, too.

We notice Jerry's not coming around anymore.

And you're hiding some kind of life.

And with all the disease floating around, I gotta know.

Are you a faggot?

Am I a faggot?

Am I a faggot?

Well?

Am I a faggot?

No.

Well, who is she? I mean, you meet her in college?

Her name's Hadley Norman.

You're going to bed with your piano teacher?

Well, you might say that she's been teaching me some technique. Don't wipe

off for me.

How old is this piano teacher?

Maybe 40. You are making it with a 40 -year -old woman? I love her.

Like hell, you're in love. You're in heat. And what you're doing is

sacrilegious, boy.

It's sick, and it's sacrilegious.

Forty! Jesus!

She's old enough to be your mother!

Well, I'm not thinking about Mom when I'm doing it.

It's a bear, so we work on it.

It's a good showpiece for the second round, and it's got to be memorized

naturally.

I paid $50 for these in the city yesterday.

You'd think they'd sell them by the pound.

Hadley, you've got to be kidding. I've never played with an orchestra before.

Neither have any of the other contestants.

It's one of the rules. Final round, you play with the orchestra.

When will I practice with an orchestra?

In Boston.

Not till Boston?

Do you know any unemployed orchestras in Cromwell? Look, if you can't cut it...

Wait a minute.

Give me a break.

Maybe I can do it. I don't know.

I mean, Tchaikovsky's not too cliché.

If you play it right, it'll bring an audience to its feet.

The others will stay away from it, thinking what you think.

The conductor's an old friend of mine.

He's gay.

You make a big head.

What's that supposed to mean?

Do it, and I'll kill you both.

Will it always be like this?

Why are you asking?

I don't know. I get scared to land.

Everything ends except the line at the bank.

It's just that sometimes I don't even understand why this is happening to me.

Or if I deserve it or anything.

Who gave you that bracelet?

John, my ex.

I wish you wouldn't wear it.

What do you like?

Words fail me.

Is he good in bed?

Stephen, I told you sick that not a tennis match.

But we're good, aren't we?

Yes, we are.

Did you like sleeping with him?

Why do men always want to know that?

Tell me.

There's nothing to tell.

He was a very repressed man, and in those days I thought of myself as a

fatale, so I enjoyed educating him.

Like me?

Not like you.

No,

no, that's going to be more legato.

Again. Beep, beep.

Beep, beep. Hey, Jer, how's it going? I heard you're working for the old rhino.

The Invisible Man. I haven't seen you at school. Nice car.

You know, my schedule's changed a little.

Are you still going out with Karen?

Yeah, we're getting married.

Married? You're kidding.

No, she's pregnant.

Yeah, your uncle's going to be taking me on here.

I mean, I'm going to need the box.

Hey, Sally.

Your dad says he never sees you around anymore.

Bet that really bums you.

Hey, Jerry, listen, I'm sorry.

Hey, things work out. How about you?

I'm doing all right. You know, the music. Looks like more of the music's

your time.

Hey, don't be a stranger.

Call me.

Again? The last one's decision this morning.

What was so important this time? Not important, really. I just got a few

to do.

What's wrong, Hadley?

Are you seeing John again?

Don't be ridiculous, Stephen.

Just tell me the truth.

The truth is none of your damn business!

I have a lot on my mind.

I've been working hard with you lately.

And I've started a new composition.

Okay, forget it.

I'm sorry I've been so awful lately.

It's okay.

No, it isn't.

I just can't seem to help it.

Poor boy, you look like you've been through a war.

I'm going to New Boston on a...

On Saturday, when do you think you'll get there?

Take it we're not going to stay together.

Back home, darling.

I think you'll have Stephen.

Why won't you? Because I'm tired.

Boy, I'm tired of your hands all over me.

Hadley. What is it with you? Do you have to have sex every minute?

Go home. Stop pouring me. Go home and practice.

We can make love.

Why can't we?

Because I'm tired of you, that's why.

That's a lie.

You love me.

I love a few rolls in the hay.

What's wrong with you?

We love each other.

I never said I loved you.

It's the booze and the pills, Hadley.

Baby, Stephen, you're a bore. Find a girl your own age.

Please, let me love you.

I'm tired, and I'm not feeling well, and all you are is this selfish brat who

thinks of nothing but getting off. It's over, Stephen. I want you to leave now.

Get the hell out of here!

All right, if that's what you want.

And don't come back.

I hate you.

You bitch

Hadley, don't do this to me!

Damn you!

Hadley, don't do this to me!

Yes.

Can I help you?

I was looking for Hadley.

Mrs. Norman, I mean.

Are you a neighbor?

My name is Stephen Hartman.

I'm John Norman.

Are you a friend of Hadley's?

You could say that.

I was her student. It's odd.

I was unaware that you'd been teaching.

We were, uh... We were friends.

I

was

her lover.

Excuse me?

I said I was her lover.

We, uh... Well, we broke up two weeks ago.

You must be joking.

No, I'm not.

Um... Well... I have been married to Hadley at one time.

Yes, I know that. She told me about you.

How long have you known her?

Around six months. Why? Can't you believe that we were lovers?

I'm not entirely sure.

It's just that I know Hadley. Oh, look, you don't know Hadley at all. Now,

listen, why are you packing her things?

No reason, really. She just asked me to help out.

She's sick.

Hadley's sick, isn't she? Now, look, dear boy.

I am not your dear boy, all right?

Now, I need to know what is wrong with her.

We love each other.

I find that hard to believe.

Well, I find it hard to believe that she ever married a man like you, but what

difference does that make?

She has cancer.

Since when?

I don't know.

For about a year now, I suppose.

No one knew.

She's a very private person.

I say that she's... She's going to die.

I don't believe you.

What hospital? I don't want you to bother. She's been through enough.

And as far as I'm concerned, you were just one more complication in the whole

business.

Now, I asked you what hospital.

Call me a Presbyterian.

You don't know which piano goes, do you?

I'm happy for you, pal.

Thanks.

If you ever get famous, come back and get me.

I know there's no way I can talk you out of going to this thing.

I'm not even going to try. Hell, they couldn't talk me out of signing up for

NAMM either.

You signed up for Vietnam?

That would have done all right, too, if it hadn't have been for a little bad

luck.

I guess that's what I'm trying to tell you.

You watch out for landmines out there, huh?

They're everywhere.

Yeah, well, this is just going to be for a couple of weeks, so... No, you won't

be back.

The first year you might come back for Christmas.

After that, it'll be card.

Your mother, she doesn't realize it yet, but I do.

But I... The way I would have done it.

Come in.

Why didn't you tell me?

John told me you were coming.

Sorry I look so bad. It must have been an awful shock.

No, honest.

You look fine.

You're such a bad liar, Stephen.

How did you get here?

I took the train.

The white is a sheet.

I was hoping I'd feel stronger today.

I had a bad night.

Are you in pain?

No.

They're giving me morphine.

So, uh, how's Sam?

Oh, he's fine. He's with John.

It's all right. John's kind to animals.

Hey, don't talk if it tires you.

It's all right. I just don't want any recriminations at all.

Sure.

I mean, I don't want to go over the whole thing.

And I want you to go to Boston.

Okay.

Okay, if that's what you want.

Thank you.

It has been extremely difficult this year to pick the semi -finalists, and

judges hope that those of you who are not called will not despair and forego

piano.

Maestro?

The semi -finalists are as follows.

Nancy Beck.

Harrison David.

Stephen Harper.

Why didn't you tell me?

Instead of the Chopin scherzo, I've chosen to play a composition by Hadley

Norman.

Variations on a theme.

I made the finals.

Only five of us out of 55.

Have you met Sasha yet?

Yeah, he seems all right.

Tell him you're my student.

When's the concerto?

I rehearse next week, next Tuesday morning.

Then I play that night.

There's something I want to ask of you that's very hard, Stephen.

Anything, Hadley. You know that.

I want to ask you not to come here again.

It would help me if you didn't.

But... There's one other thing.

Whatever happens in Boston...

And a regret's okay about us.

Okay.

Steven.

Yes? I loved you very much.

Hadley!

Oh, God!

Hadley! Hadley!

you

Yes, Hadley Norman's room, please.

No, wait.

Miss Beck is a native of Toledo, Ohio, and has been studying for eight years.

And now Stephen Harper is coming on stage to play the Tchaikovsky First

Concerto at this 23rd New England Piano Competition.

The story has no ending, Hadley.

You died before your work was finished, and I began my own.

Though you had flipped a key into my pocket and stepped away.

As long as I live, my heart will jump when I see a woman on the street who

resembles you.

For the rest of my life, I will walk into rooms and peek your face.

And no matter who I touch or make love to, there will always be an echo of

another time.

A moment when two people loved each other and the world was still.

But one thing is certain.

I hear your music and you appear again.

And for one moment it's enough.

And here I begin.