Original subtitles

Subtitles: Lu�s Filipe Bernardes

There's going to be an entirely different story in the papers tomorrow.

A retraction! You can do it right now.

- You won't? - No.

Then I will.

Wait a minute.

After all there's a little more involved here...

...than a Broadway star leaving her producer.

Our relationship was a little more than professional.

We can't drag this thing on any longer.

Val, what is it you really want? Is it Gunther's play?

If that means so much to you I'll get it from Gunther...

...if I have to blackmail him. We'll do it together. How's that?

Gordon, we're never going to do anything together again.

Now we get the truth, don't we?

It's not Gunther, it's not the play.

It's Morrell, isn't it?

Yes.

I'm going to marry him. It isn't funny.

- I happen to be in love. - You sound like a schoolgirl.

Maybe I do. Maybe that's what love does to you.

It's so simple when you find it.

You can't be cynical and smart anymore.

Even you can see that I've changed.

I begin to see that life can be very good and simple.

The way I felt before I met you.

You certainly were simple.

I put into that silly head everything you know.

I'd like to forget some of it.

You talk about love.

Love! That's a business proposition.

Something is set over the footlights and the suckers eat it up.

Success and money, that's what runs the world.

That's what you wanted, wasn't it?

When I picked you up a nobody...

...and taught you how to walk and dress and act.

Taught you how to get on top of this dog eat dog world.

Now you talk about love.

I don't know how you spell it except to the box office.

But there's one thing I do know.

You're something I've created and I can't let you go.

Maybe that's love, I don't know.

Right now it's hate and contempt for your stupidity.

I've had to knock off a lot of silly ideas out of your head...

and if you don't think I'll knock this Morrell business out of your head too, you're crazy.

- Are you going to issue that retraction? - No.

I think I'll issue a confidential statement to Morrell

I'll tell him myself.

But not what I'll tell him.

Remember I have an excellent and somewhat morbid imagination.

You're out of your mind!

Yes, maybe.

I get a little crazy now whenever you're out of my sight.

I might even kill you if I had to.

Don't be melodramatic!

You've produced so many bad plays you're beginning to believe them.

I don't have to kill you.

I can kill Morrell's love for you, that's smarter.

You can't get away with lies. Michael won't believe you. He'll throw you out.

I'll tell him things he'll never be able to forget.

And believe me, what I can't invent I'll leave to his imagination.

- You stop talking like that! - I haven't even begun to talk yet.

I think I'll go to Morrell now while I'm still in the mood.

Gordon!

You realize I can do it, don't you?

- Want to call it off? - No!

All you have to do is call Morrell on that phone...

tell him you'll never see him again because you really love me.

Aw, come on, Val, let's forget the whole thing.

Put your arms around me and admit that I'm your man.

Better do like I say while I'm still in the mood.

If I walk out of here alone, I'm going straight to Morrell.

I'll tell him things that'll make him wish he'd never seen you.

Things that'll make him sick every time he thinks of you.

Keep away from me!

When I get finished talking, if he ever touches you he'll go wash his hands.

- Stop it! - You're all washed up and you know it.

- You'll never have Morrell or any other man as long as I...

Stop it! Stop it!

Gordon. Gordon.

Paul, I hear you're gonna do a part in a new Moss Hart play!

- A terrific part, Susie, I've already signed. - Isn't that marvelous!

I hope it runs as long as this one.

Car's here, Miss Stanton.

Clayton must have slowed up a little. You know, Broadway traffic.

Well, it looks like we've wrapped up another great show.

Five straight hits and no misses.

That's right.

I don't like these closing nights either. They... they get me.

I was talking to Mr. Dunning yesterday about the new script.

Sounds like a beaut. Ought to be easy to cast, too.

I'll send all this stuff over to your apartment tomorrow.

Thank you, Ernie.

Eddie.

- Have they loaded that fancy mirror yet? -No, it's still in the prop room.

Have them wrap it in blankets. I don't want it to fall apart till they get it back to Louis'.

Don't worry, Ernie, I'll take care of it.

Miss Stanton!

Miss Stanton, this is Jimmy Ross.

The boy's been driving me crazy for an introduction.

- How do you do? - How do you do? I saw the play 7 times...

...and I kept hoping someone in the cast would break a leg or something.

Oh, not you, Miss Stanton. So Helen could have the chance.

Jimmy, don't. I won't always be an understudy.

Of course you won't, Helen. Good night.

Well, you gotta hear my side of it too. All right, I'll see you in Sardi's

- Oh, Miss Stanton. - I'll wait at the car.

I'd just like to say again it's really been a great experience working with you.

- Thank you, Howard. - Goodbye.

- I'll be seeing you, Terry. - Goodbye.

This is one night I hate to take that key, Miss Stanton.

I'll see you in the fall, Terry.

Mr. Dunning said he'd come to your apartment...

...when he's finished upstairs.

Thank you.

No, no autographs!

- Please, Miss Stanton! - You were wonderful!

Thank you.

Congratulations. You're smart to sign with Mr. Dunning again.

- Good night. - Good night.

- Are you somebody? - Strictly a nobody.

Why don't you teenagers go home?

- Need any help, Ernie? -No, thanks, I can make it all right.

Break it up, folks.

Gordon?

Gordon!

No! No! No!

No! No!

Hello, Miss Val. Where's Mr. Dunning?

He isn't here... yet.

I made him some of those p�t� sandwiches he's so fond of.

They sure closed the show in great style tonight, didn't they?

Maybe now we can have that vacation we've been promising ourselves.

You send Mr. Dunning home early tonight, Miss Val. You need some rest.

- Good night. - Good night, Nancy.

Hello?

Oh, Michael, it's you!

Oh, I'm so glad. What?

Oh, certainly I'm all right.

Darling, I've got to tell you...

Gordon? No, he hasn't left yet, he...

He hasn't arrived.

Listen.

I love you too... so very much.

No, you'd better not come over.

Yes, I'll phone you the minute he leaves.

What...? Hello? Hello?

I thought you'd hung up.

No, nothing.

I just wanted to hear your voice again.

Good night, my darling.

Why did this horrible thing have to happen?

Why?

Why?

Why?

- I've been waiting 3 and a half hours. - Oh, how sweet.

The best play I've seen in my life.

That's because you're such a wonderful audience.

Mr. Dunning, are you and Miss Stanton going to get married?

Would you mind writing something personal?

No, no more tonight.

- Oh, I'm sorry, forgive me.

- Here you are, honey! - Thanks, but we're in a hurry.

Two items in Jeff Trent's column and one in Winchell's.

I know what's bothering you, Val. That's why I invited Gunther tonight.

You think I'd put you together with a rival producer if I didn't plan it?

Of course that's an exaggeration. He's no rival of mine.

He's lost more dough trying to put art in the theater than any man on Broadway.

Well, I've set it up for you tonight...

so you can tell Gunther to peddle Hedda Gabler someplace else.

- That part's not right for you. - I happen to think it is.

Look, Val, no matter what else you may say about me...

...I certainly know what's good theater and what isn't.

- You know what sells. - You bet I do.

That genius Gunther.

He thinks an audience will pay to sit and watch...

...a smart sophisticated comedienne like you...

...play a tortured neurotic woman who kills herself...

...because true love has passed her by.

- My, you make it sound fascinating. - It's more than you do.

Listen, Val, we parlayed our partnership into the biggest thing on Broadway.

And whether you like it or not, you're no good without me.

Don't look now, Gordon, but your ego's showing.

Well, at least let's not disappoint our public.

They expect us to be enchanted with each other.

Enchantment coming up.

You might try being a least bit breathless.

-Good evening, sir, Miss Stanton. - Good evening, Len.

Well, here she is.

Uh-huh.

Come along, I'll introduce you.

Don't worry, Gunther, I'll do my own introducing.

It'll be interesting to know what you think of her.

I hope you're right.

- Valerie! - Oh, Peter, darling!

How good of you to come to Gordon's party.

- Hello, Gunther. - Now be careful what you drink.

He knows you've been talking to me about Hedda Gabler...

...and he isn't taking it too well.

- You think he might resort to poison? - Oh, nothing as obvious as that.

Gordon's the perfect host. He wants to make you feel at home...

...and wishes you were.

The queen's in her usual form.

Monotonous, isn't it?

Smile, darling. Everyone can see that you're still carrying that old, old torch.

It lights up like a Christmas tree every time Gordon appears.

- Mind your own business, Jeff. - This is my business, honey.

I'm here to work as well as entertain you.

I'll let you know if anything happens that's fit to print. Gin.

I'm interested in what isn't.

- What did I lose? - Everything but your Harvard accent.

$20,95.

Hm, dark in there.

I'll give you the lead item in tomorrow's column.

Thanks, I'll settle for a drink.

Valerie, darling!

Oh, Jeff, dear! Marian.

Hello, Jeff, dear.

- Wonderful party, Gordon, wonderful. - Thanks, Jeff.

I've had four exclusives, two rumors and one retraction.

Why did you leave the theater so early, Marian?

You should have come with us.

Thanks, but I don't like jump seats.

- How is the show holding up? - Terrific, thanks to our girl here.

Oh, Gordon, stop giving me all the credit.

You know Marian's a wonderful little actress. We couldn't do without her.

She's pulled me through 350 performances so far.

Isn't she wonderful? She counts.

Valerie, come with me this minute.

There are two men who are dying to meet you.

Well, what's the matter, Marian?

Nothing. The trouble with her is she's here today and here tomorrow.

Oh, you know how she is. Why don't you leave her alone?

I can take her or leave her,

which seems to be more than you're able to do.

I don't know what you're talking about.

What are you afraid of? She might wriggle off the hook next season?

I don't know.

Suddenly I don't know.

Don't worry about it, Peter. I'll talk to him...

- ...just as soon as everyone leaves. - Good.

I must know soon because of my other commitments.

- That I realize... - Ladies and gentlemen...

May I present Mr. Crouch and Mr. Putnam.

- This is Miss Stanton. - Oh, how do you do?

My, this is exciting. You and I must have a chat.

You have written the most wonderful book of the year.

Nonsense, I should say the century. And if I look tired tonight...

- Oh, but you don't, I assure you! - Oh, that's very nice of you, how kind.

- But if I do, it's entirely your fault. - No, no, not mine.

Yes, it is. I've spent the last three nights lying awake till all hours reading that book.

And exhausted myself to the point...

where I've given the three worst performances of my career.

- I'm sorry. - That's quite all right. It was well worth it.

Your book is so moving, so full of sedimented human values, Mr. Putnam.

- But uh... - You better have some food.

You're going to need all your strength to answer my questions.

Thank you, but I'm on the nine-day diet.

- Oh, are you? What day is this? - Wednesday.

Of course, so it is. Here, thank you.

Oh, thank you.

You know, a work as significant as yours should get the Pulitzer Prize.

And if there is any justice, you are going to get it.

Yes, a little salad, thank you.

Have you ever thought of dramatizing your book?

No, no potatoes, thank you.

- How could I... - You could.

I don't know a great deal about these things...

...but I do know a book like that could be dramatized.

Pardon me. Excuse me, what is the matter?

You've got the wrong man. That's Mr. Putnam over there.

This is his publisher.

That's right, Miss Stanton, I'm Mr. Mr. Crouch.

Oh, Mr. Crouch, forgive me. But do tell Mr. Putnam how I feel about it.

Yes, I will. Indeed I will, right away.

- Oh, your case. - Thank you.

- Are you grinning at me? - Of course not.

I have difficulty remembering names at a party myself.

Thank you.

- I don't believe we've met, Mr... - Morrell, Michael Morrell.

Oh, how do you do?

And may I ask your name?

- I am Valerie Stanton. - Delighted.

And what do you do, Miss Stanton?

Did you say 'What do you do" or "How do you do"?

Have I said something I shouldn't? Oh, I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to pry.

- I am an actress. - Charming.

And are you a good actress?

Promising.

Well, that explains why I've never heard of you.

I don't go to the theater nowadays.

- Too many draughts, Mr. Mortimer? - Morrell.

No, it's just that I prefer my emotions straight.

Not wrapped up in ribbons and cellophane as they are in the theater.

- Oh, a realist. - No, thank you, I never use one.

- Do you never take them off, even to eat? - Take what off?

- The gloves. - Oh, no.

- Actually I'm never without them. - Really?

I had a friend like that.

He was hardly ever without his gloves either.

Tommy Belcher. He was middle weight champion of England for two years.

- Do you like boxing? - I've never been so tempted to try it.

- Who brought you here? - An old friend, Peter Gunther.

He dragged me away from the most exciting game of chess at the club.

- Do you play chess? - lncessantly.

Wonderful! At long last we've found something in common.

Gordon, here's someone you must meet. He's never heard of me... er... you.

He's also member of the Antitheater Guild.

- Mr... - Morrell.

- How do you do? I'm Gordon Dunning. - How do you do?

- And this is Miss Webster. - How do you do?

Miss Webster is also an actress.

What's this about the Antitheater Guild? That's a new one on me.

Miss Stanton is just pulling my leg.

As a matter of fact, she's changed my whole attitude...

...to the theater in the last few months.

Well, I should run along. Thank you very much for a most pleasant party

See you at lunch tomorrow. One thirty at the Ch�telain, don't be late.

Good night.

Who the devil is that fellow? And why did you make a date with him?

You know we're having lunch with Ward at the 21 tomorrow.

Cancel it.

Good night, Margie and good luck with your show in Chicago.

Thank you ever so much, Gordon.

- Thank you, Mr. Dunning. - Nice having you, thank you.

- Good night. - Good night.

Well, how did Gunther take the news?

- I didn't tell him. - You didn't?

I didn't tell him what you hoped I'd tell him.

Now listen, Val, you'd better stop playing around with the idea...

The idea that I can do this play or anything else without you, huh?

Exactly.

Look, Gordon. I'm going to ask you a favor.

It's really a favor for both of us.

- Let me go. - Let you go?

- To that Ivy League impresario... - I want to do that play.

In heaven's name why?

Because I want to find out if I'm good enough to do it.

Well, for your information you're not. And one rehearsal will prove it to you.

I have a right to find that out for myself.

It isn't only doing this play.

For 10 years I've lived, walked, talked,

dressed, acted in the Dunning tradition, in the Dunning style.

I've let you dominate me and tell me what I can and cannot do...

until I've lost myself completely.

It isn't that I'm not grateful, Gordon, you know that.

I've made you a personality, one of the biggest stars on Broadway!

- You've made me something of a fake! - So what?

Suppose I have. It paid off, didn't it?

But the thing we have together is real.

That's where you're wrong, Gordon.

Are you trying to tell me that our 10 years together have meant nothing to you?

Don't call it love, it wasn't.

Call it circumstance, a partnership, even mutual admiration.

Whatever it was it's over now!

So you've convinced yourself that you don't need me anymore.

- Is that it? - Now that you've put it that way, yes.

I get it. But I won't take it.

You don't snuff off 10 years of my life with a pinch of your fingers.

If that's your idea,

you don't know me as well as I think you do.

Maybe that works both ways, Gordon.

- Good afternoon, Miss Stanton. - Hello, Albert.

- Mr. Morrell? - Yes, Miss Stanton, over there.

If you please.

Good afternoon.

- Am I awfully late? - Yes, half an hour.

- Oh, I'm sorry. - So am I.

We might have spent it together.

- Thank you. That's really rather sweet. - Not at all.

- Oh... no choice? - With me you take everything on trust.

Like believing you never go to the theater?

- Well, I sometimes... - And last night was one of them.

-Gunther, madam, is a cad. -Gunther, my friend, tells the truth.

Well, now that you've met me professionally and socially, what is your decision?

It might take me months, even years to make up my mind.

In that case I'd better fortify myself.

Oh, an artist?

No, an architect.

Oh, an architect. So you are an artist. Very well done.

I must say you can draw.

- Captain, what would you suggest? - It's all taken care of.

Not again.

I told you, with me you take everything...

- Ah, the lovely Miss Stanton. - Oh, Jeff, darling...

- And? - Mr. Morrell, Mr. Trent.

How do you do?

- How are you? - Weary, weary...

Morrel, one of the U.N. crowd, right?

I'm with the U.N. I didn't know it was so crowded.

Hm, that's rather good. Sit down.

Now, Valerie, what's all this talk about you doing a serious play?

- Why do you ask? - Just trying to be Trent.

- But you have that. - As a matter of fact...

- Yes! - Uh, yes.

Good.

But maybe I could run a squib on Mr. Morrell?

Got anything I could use?

You might say that when came through your customs...

I had nothing to declare except my genius.

Hm, very good. I'll use it.

If you do, be sure to credit the author.

- Oscar Wilde? - Very good.

- Jeff, where is your table? - I'll find it.

Now, don't do anything until I've said you've done it.

How could I?

Now that you've encouraged freedom of the press, finish your Dubonnet.

So, you're with U.N. Planning the peace?

No, the buildings.

Oh, yes, of course, of course.

- And are you a good planner? - Incomparable.

I don't know the first thing about it...

...other than the essentials, of course, stone and steel, glass.

Yes, but first there has to be a hope, an idea, a dream.

Then those essentials have to be arranged to make the dream a reality.

Made into a structure both useful and beautiful.

Cliffs of stone and glass, sheer but graceful.

Everything clean in line, exquisite in proportion, breathtaking.

You talk about buildings the way some men talk about women.

- Do I? - Yes, darling, you do.

Do you mind not calling me darling?

You toss affection around as though it were mass production.

- And you prefer individual attention? - Yes.

Your continuous performance must be rather a strain.

What time does the curtain come down?

At 10:52 every evening.

Good, I'll be there.

When you start calling me darling I'd like you to mean it.

That may take a long, long time, Mr. Morrell.

That might make it mean much, much more, Miss Stanton.

Out, out, out. All the way back home for nothing.

Sorry, honey.

Out every night this week.

We must certainly think this Mr. Morrell is something special.

Think we'll get married this time, Miss Val?

When we get married, Miss Nan, you'll be the first to know it.

- Hello, Nancy. - Hello.

You certainly raced through that third act.

I know we close in two nights,

but you still owe your bedazzled public $4.80 worth of decent acting.

- Someone picking you up? - That's right.

- The same someone, I presume. - Yes.

Oh, by the way, I ran into Gunther this morning.

He's very excited about the possibility...

of your debut in the world of heavy drama.

Really? So am I.

Of course, I hated to dampen his enthusiasm...

...but I thought it only fair to tell him, since you won't,

that he'd be very foolish to count on you.

I should think you'd play Morrell a little more subtly.

Nancy, tell Miss Webster I'd like to see her.

Yes, ma'am.

- Good night, Miss Webster. - Good night.

Miss Webster. Miss Webster.

Miss Stanton wants to see you, please.

I'll bet the please was your idea.

Come here.

- Yes? -Come in, Marian.

I wanted to be sure to get you before you left.

Oh, I would have come running back from wherever I was.

You've been seeing a good deal of Gordon this last week, haven't you?

Only by default. You've been so busy.

Look, Marian, you and I never exactly hit it off.

As a matter of fact, I realize that you hate the sight of me.

I'm going to be perfectly honest with you.

You must be desperate.

- Frankly I need your help. - Really?

Call it a favor then.

You have as much to gain by it as I have.

Is it that hard for you to get off the hook?

Why don't you just walk out on him? You don't need a passport, you know?

He refuses to accept the facts. I thought perhaps that you might...

I get it.

Exit Mr. Dunning, enter Mr. Morrell.

Only Mr. Dunning refuses to exit.

And you want me to uh... give him a little push.

Why not? I'd get what I want and you'd get...

What you want.

Let's leave out the sarcasm.

If you won't take this as friend to friend,

you'd be smart to listen woman to woman.

You and Gordon had something once.

Something that was pretty important to both of you.

I came along and interrupted it. I don't believe I really ever destroyed it.

If Gordon weren't so tied up in knots he'd realize it too.

What he needs now is a chance to find it all over again.

If you really want him, take him away now, fast...

from Broadway, from New York and from me.

- Do you really mean that? - Every word of it.

Don't ever change your mind.

Because once you let him go you'll never get him back.

- Well? - Okay.

Oh, by the way, I've got news for you.

I still hate the sight of you.

- You dance superbly. - You lead so well.

I'm so glad it's a rumba.

Oh, I could dance this way all night.

So nice the floor isn't crowded.

Well, if this gets too strenuous, we can always play.

What?

Chess.

One of the basic rules of chess is that the king rarely moves.

That's why so few women play it.

Well, in certain emergencies...

- Oh, so you break the rules. - Isn't that what they're for?

Michael... The view, remember?

It's beautiful.

- The novelty hasn't worn off. - It improves every time I look at it.

You sound like a man who has seen a great many... views

- You want me to lie or tell the truth? - Lie.

I have, honor bright.

And now the truth.

For the first time in my life I feel I've seen to many.

Does it really matter?

I never thought it would, but suddenly it does.

- Why? - I don't know, I...

All the careful defenses I've used don't seem to work.

I haven't got the answers anymore

- I'm glad. - Glad?

Because I haven't either and it's wonderful. It's perfect.

But I'm not perfect, Michael. I'm...

You don't have to tell me.

Look, Val, I've found out how you can really know when you're in love.

How?

You realize that all those times when you thought you were...

you just weren't.

All those times?

Look, Val. I can be honest with you because I love you.

Only because I love you.

Don't you realize that's the only way we can come close together...

so close that nobody can ever force us apart again?

We all make mistakes in life.

That's how we grow up and stop making mistakes.

That's the only way we can recognize the real thing when it happens.

And it's happened to us. At least it's happened to me.

Tell me it's happened to you.

- Do you want me to lie or tell the truth? - Better lie first.

No, it hasn't.

- Now tell the truth. And you'd better say it... - Oh, darling, I love you.

That's the way I've been wanting to hear you say it.

- I love you. - No 'darling'.

When you say it that way it means you do love me.

Have you ever said it that way before?

Isn't it awful? And I've been playing love scenes for years.

Just go on playing them the same way. Don't give away our secret.

Oh, Michael.

Say it again. You're improving.

Darling.

Darling.

-Herbie, why does it take so long to get a cup of coffee?

You've got loads of time.

- I suppose I know when the curtain goes up. - Don't be smart.

- I beg your pardon? - I said don't be smart.

Why does he have to be so fresh?

You're always jumpy on closing nights.

I know why I hate them. I hate things to end.

Oh, I'm all shot. Its's been a long run, I need a rest.

It might do you good to get away.

I can't leave now, I've got a million things on my mind.

I knew you when you had three million...

...but you still managed to take a month off and go to the Cape.

Yeah, we did go up there, didn't we?

We had a marvelous time.

Thanks for remembering.

That was a long time ago.

I'm the one who should have said that.

I've given you a pretty rough time, haven't I?

One of the things I do best is wait.

It's not always pleasant, is it, Gordon?

Sometimes it's awful.

The most important thing is to be sure that the one you're waiting for is...

...is right for you.

What do I say to that?

Because sometimes the right one for you...

...has been waiting all the time.

- Good evening, Miss Stanton. - Hold my table a minute, Mike.

Hello there, Susan, how are you?

- Marian, good evening. - Hello!

- Gordon, you know Mr. Morrell. - Hello, Morrell.

Gordon, I've made up my mind.

Could we have a little business chat tonight?

Yes, darling, I'd be delighted.

Will you come up to the apartment after the show?

Surely.

I'll try not to keep you too late.

- Bye now. - Goodbye.

- See you later. - Bye-bye.

- Gordon, I... - This'll be a cinch.

I knew that was an act with Morrell. That was the old Valerie talking.

Herbie, will you ask Mr. Trent to come over.

I want to buy him a drink.

- What were you going to say, dear? - Nothing!

Forget it.

Forget everything I said!

Marian, darling.

Hello, Marian.

If you were any sort of a gentleman,

I wouldn't find these pajama tops in my luggage!

- I don't want them back! - Well, I won't take them!

- I'll take them! - You mind your own business!

- Nicky! - They happen to be her pajama tops.

Yours.

She's not for you, Nicky. Wrong type.

Miss Webster, have you seen Jeff Trent's item...

...on Mr. Dunning's new play?

It's great. How can you miss with a title like that?

'Madly in Love'.

I gotta phone-bell cue.

Hello? Oh, Ronnie.

- Tell him to go fly his plane. - He can't without me. He promised.

Oh, the weather's cleared up?

Well, why don't you just taxi it up and down for a while...

...just to get the feel of it?

What?

What do you mean you can't rev up your motors without me?

Darling, I adore you.

Don't get excited. I love you too.

No, not you, Ronnie, my husband.

Oh, darling!

Clapping call, everybody up, everybody up!

- Oh, Miss Stanton, that was so... - Now, don't cry.

- I'll never forget this experience, Miss Stanton. - That's all right, Howard.

Paul, you were wonderful. We must do another together very soon.

- Any time you say. - Excuse me.

Marian.

Marian. I do want to thank you.

You know it couldn't have been this good without you.

I'm afraid in your next you'll have to do without my faultless support.

Well, I hope everything works out for you and Gordon.

After what you've done to him nothing could ever work out.

Miss Val, you were simply marvelous.

- Nancy! -Yes, Miss Val.

Take a taxi and hurry on home.

And set out some drinks and prepare something Mr. Dunning likes.

Give these checks to Ernie and ask him to pass them out to the crew.

- Yes, Miss Val. - I'll be along shortly.

All right, Miss Val.

Hi, Nancy. Hello, Miss Stanton.

Come in, Pansy.

It's wonderful that item in Jeff Trent's column!

Here's your check for the papers and your two weeks in the Catskills.

Thanks a lot, Miss Stanton,

but this year I'm going to Far Rockaway. Very classy people.

Well, good luck!

Hello, darling.

I thought you'd gone straight home. Nice of you to pick me up.

- Gordon! - You look tired, dear.

Here, let me fix you a drink before we leave.

Since when did you start giving out statements to the press...

...without first consulting me?

Oh, that. Well, I have to look out for your future, don't I?

What you call my future happens to be my life.

And I'm going to look after that myself from now on.

Now, let's not get temperamental, honey.

- Maybe I was a little premature, but... - You lied!

You're a cheat, Gordon. You always have been.

You thought by pasting that lie in every paper in New York...

...I'd be afraid to back out for fear I'd look like a fool.

Well, won't you?

No, you will.

Now let's cut out the kidding.

Maybe I haven't always been on the level with you, but I am now.

I gave out that statement...

...because I didn't think you'd be fool enough to do otherwise.

You yourself said to me to come over to the apartment after the show...

...and we'd talk things over.

I wanted to break the news gently and decently.

I see now I was an idiot.

Now there's no use to get so excited.

What you need is a good night's sleep. We'll talk things over tomorrow.

There's going to be an entirely different story in the papers tomorrow.

A retraction.

You can do it right now.

- You won't? - No.

- Then I will. - Wait a minute.

- Now we'll get the truth. It's Morrell... - I'm going to marry him!

I'll tell him things he'll never be able to forget.

Things that'll make him sick. You'll never have Morrell or any other man...

Stop it! Stop it!

Miss Val! Miss Val!

Miss Val, are you up?

Miss Val!

Are you up, Miss Val? Get up, Miss Val!

Come in.

It's Mr. Dunning. He's dead!

He's been murdered!

There, there, Nancy.

Answer that.

- Is Miss Stanton in? - Yes, she's in.

- Are you Miss Stanton? - Yes, I am.

Sergeant Oliphant. Homicide Bureau.

- I see you've read the papers. - Yes.

I'm afraid you're in for a rough time, Miss Stanton.

The lobby's jammed full of reporters, I put a man on the elevator...

...and told the front office to hold all incoming calls.

Thought you wouldn't like to be bothered.

Thank you, I...

We can sneak out the servants entrance...

... if you don't want all those flashlight bulbs popping in your face.

Sneak out?

Captain Danbury wants all the crew and the actors to come to the theater.

He's got to ask a lot of questions.

Oh, yes, of course.

Thank you very much. I'll get dressed then.

- Miss Val, I'll go with you. -No, no, I want to go alone.

I won't be long.

- Ron Button. - Right.

- Susan Frank, Ernest Boyle. - Right here.

- Eddie Brown. J. D. Watson. - Yes.

- Can I do anything for you? - No, thank you, Ernie.

- Harold Burns. James Brian. - Right.

- Valerie Stanton. - Yes.

Now, if you'll all be patient, folks. This won't take long.

If the cops have any brains at all they'll figure it out one two three.

Will you be quiet, Pansy.

They bust every case wide open.

Oh, here comes Captain Danbury now.

Miss Stanton, your glove.

Thank you.

How do you do, ladies and gentlemen?

Thank you all for appearing here in answer to my invitation.

I trust you'll all bear with me...

...in what may seem an unnecessarily prolonged...

...and sometimes discourteous procedure.

Routine, ladies and gentlemen, simply routine.

Everyone present, Olsen?

All except Miss Webster, sir.

I regret to say Miss Webster is in the hospital...

and in no condition to be questioned.

Now then, shall we start.

And as far as I can remember there was nothing unusual going on backstage...

...outside of it being our closing night.

If your dressing room is right near the door to the auditorium,

you would have seen anyone come through that door.

I'd imagine so, Captain.

- Did you? -No, I didn't, Captain.

Thank you..

After Susan and Paul left,

I poked my head into Miss Stanton's dressing room.

She was getting ready to leave.

I told her the car was here. She came out.

And you and Miss Stanton came out of her dressing room, and then?

Jimmy and I were leaving at that time,

we stopped Miss Stanton right here on the stage.

Miss Stanton told Helen she was sure to get a break next season.

Thank you.

- Mr. Soper, Mr. Barney Soper. - Yes, sir.

You were going about your duties in the lobby...

...as you always do after the performance.

Yes, sir.

The only way of reaching Mr. Dunning's office...

...is by using one of those stairways.

You must have been working around there.

I want you to think most carefully, Mr. Sober. This is quite important.

Did you see anyone going up or down those stairs?

Yes, sir, I certainly did.

- Who was it? - Miss Webster, sir.

May I suggest, ladies and gentlemen,

that despite the apparent implication of certain facts,

none of us pass premature judgement.

Miss Staton, your actions after the performance are accounted for,

but did you see anything peculiar about Miss Webster during the evening?

No, Captain, I didn't.

But I did. Why don't you ask me no questions?

I seen every single person...

...who came through the stage door and the main door too..

...and that don't include Miss Webster.

She was too busy up in Mr. Dunning's office conking him on the head!

Madame, you will please restrict yourself to what you saw.

Not to what your very vivid imagination may suggest.

Okay, if you just want facts,

it was a case of broken heart and she bumped him off.

Captain, I...

We're all very tired. I wonder if we could break for lunch?

How thoughtless of me. My apologies.

I think I have all I need now.

We'll get in touch with you individually from now on.

Oh, Miss Stanton.

I wonder if you can spare me a moment?

Why, yes. Yes, of course.

Let's go somewhere more private.

Something about an empty theater.

Memories, lingering images,

the echoes of all the emotions these windowless walls have seen,

That's where I usually sit, row E, on the aisle.

That allows me space in which to maneuver my rather mountainous bulk.

You know, I'm very fond of the theater. I'm virtually an addict.

I've seen every play you've ever done.

You're a superb actress, Miss Stanton.

Thank you, Captain.

I was about to go in my holiday when I heard the dreadful news.

Gordon Dunning, the great producer, murdered. Tragic.

Still more tragic is the fact that it involves all the gifted people...

...who have given me and countless others escape from sordid reality.

Such as... such as this.

This may be very trying for you, Miss Stanton.

How he must have loved the theater.

Oh...

Anna Pavlova, I saw her in 1909.

Good gracious. That's nearly 40 ago.

George Arliss in ''Disraeli'', 1911 or 1912.

Great talent.

''It's a Gay Life''.

First time you appeared under Mr. Dunning's set...

It must have been... which year was that, Miss Stanton?

Oh, that was 1938.

Do sit down.

These were found here on the desk.

One of them is for Miss Webster, the other for you, Miss Stanton.

But it might be personal. So it's only courteous...

...to ask you to be present while I read them.

This is Miss Webster's.

''Val, my dear, once again I offer you my deepest gratitude...

... for all you've done.

You know I'd be lost without you.

I can only hope that our next years will be as wonderful as all the others.

And that together we'll go on and on.

Forever yours, Gordon.''

And the one he wrote Miss Webster?

The sentiment addressed to Miss Webster was unfortunately quite different.

We found her, you know, last night, right there, huddled over Dunning's body.

In a state of acute shock, speechless, dazed.

Completely without possession of her senses.

- Oh, no! - Her fingerprints on the statuette.

Surely you don't think that Marian...

I am hungry. I should imagine you're starved.

Forgive me for keeping you.

- Here she comes, boys! - How are you, Captain?

Hold it, Miss Stanton!

How about a statement, Miss Stanton? What was the motive?

When can we have the whole story?

- Are you all right, darling? - Yes, I'm all right, dear

Captain Danbury, I'm Michael Morrell.

- Who's he? - I'll handle this, fellows. Take her home.

Thank you.

- Have you got any plans, Miss Stanton? - Can we see you at Headquarters?

Look this way, please.

Is Miss Webster facing a grand jury?

- How about some sort of a statement, Captain?

- Looks like a big case. - Don't be personal!

Same old guy!

And those questions, Michael, they went on and on.

This Captain Danbury, do you know what he thinks?

Do you know what they all think?

That Marian killed Gordon!

Just a minute, did Captain Danbury actually say...

...that he thought Marian was guilty?

Oh, no, he didn't. But all the others did.

Darling, you're all wound up. What you need is a drink.

But she didn't do it. I know she didn't!

Marian? Why not?

Well, because she loved him desperately, that's why.

Take it easy, darling. Marian will have plenty of chance to prove her innocence.

Michael, I've told you she's in the hospital, how can she?

She won't stay in a state of shock forever.

Of course not. That's right.

Well, there you are.

Michael, how long do people remain in that condition?

It all depends. Sometimes weeks, sometimes months.

That's a terrible thing for an innocent person.

Darling, let the police, let Captain Danbury worry about that.

Michael, what does this hideous thing do to us?

What could it do, except bring us closer together?

Look, Val.

You've got to face things as they really are.

- I'm here to help you... - Face things as they really are?

Yes.

Now, here's the program.

First of all, it was in the evening's editions...

that you've been made executrix under Dunning's will.

What? No, that's not fair. I can't do it. I won't!

Yes, you can and you're going to.

It's quite simple. The lawyers attend to all the details.

All you have to do is go through a few papers, sign things, that's all.

Michael, I don't want to do a thing like that, I couldn't.

Gordon's death doesn't mean the end of your life.

And your life has become mine. We're going on, Val, together.

- Together. - Yes.

I want you to marry me, now, right away.

Oh, no!

I didn't say that well.

Darling, I love you, I adore you.

I want you to marry me. Is that better?

- Oh, Michael. - It is better.

Say yes, please say yes.

Michael, I can't. Not now.

All right, not right now. But you will, you'll see.

Why, Miss Stanton!

- How nice to see you again. - Hello, Captain.

I was just up here in Mr. Dunning's bedroom, looking around.

I found this on his bedside table..

It must have been the last thing he was reading, ''Hedda Gabler''.

An amazing character. Beautiful, strong, intelligent

ad quite above the confining morality of her time.

- You look very much rested today. - Thank you, Captain.

I suppose you've heard I've been made executrix under the will?

- Yes. That's not a very pleasant business. - No.

Have you decided what you'll do with all these wonderful things?

No, I haven't. I suppose they'll be put up for auction.

Oh? I should think you'd like to keep some.

They all have memories. Memories can be painful.

Yes, indeed they can.

You have a big job ahead of you. To go over all of Dunning's possessions.

He seems to have collected a vast number of items.

How he must have loved these souvenirs.

The locket Sarah Bernhardt wore in ''Aiglon''.

The dagger from Barrymore's ''Hamlet''.

This cloak must have been one of yours.

It is.

Well, I'll be running along.

Oh, there's one thing I must take to the office.

Excuse me?

Oh, there it is.

I never knew before that Gordon kept a diary.

Really?

I don't mind telling you I wish it didn't exist.

I suppose my name runs all the way through it.

I suppose so.

But I do want to protect Gordon. You know, his reputation.

Naturally.

If I were in your place, I'd want to do exactly the same thing.

Yes.

Well, I hope you'll do your best...

...to see that anything embarrassing is kept confidential.

Miss Stanton, I always do my best.

Goodbye.

Wonderful spice pepper.

In all shell food and cold salmon, mix vinegar, mayonnaise...

...then add plenty of freshly ground pepper.

That's what gives it the zip

I don't understand why people are so afraid of it.

- Is that all, Captain? - No.

You waited on Mr. Dunning and Miss Webster last Saturday night.

The night of the unfortunate event.

I've always waited on Mr. Dunning.

I heard they had an awkward little scene here.

Well, he was all on edge, see? Snapping at everybody.

She calms him down and then they get very friendly.

Then Miss Stanton comes in, stopping at the table...

The minute she leaves, Miss Webster and Mr. Dunning...

...started saying some nasty words to each other.

Wham, she runs out of here just like she were struck by lightning.

Captain,

you don't think I go around here eavesdropping on my customers, do you?

Perish the thought. The last thing that ever entered my mind.

Hello, there.

What's this? Keeping yourself in theatrical atmosphere these days?

Splendid restaurant this. Actors know how to eat well.

- Had your lunch? - Yes, I was just leaving.

How is my favorite actress?

Quite well.

She's having daily conferences about her new play.

I think she's a little nervous about starting with somebody new.

She had such confidence in Dunning's direction.

I hope she does as well with Mr. Gunther.

Why don't you come up for a drink this afternoon?

At Valerie's place. She's giving an interview.

- Do you think she'd like that? - I'm sure she would.

And if you could just reassure her...

I think I will. Thank you, Morrell.

- Fine. See you later. - Goodbye.

''In 1942, she thinks."

Of course, it's none of my business, honey,

but I think you're completely off your rocker...

...to give up comedy to dabble at Ibsen.

Look, Jeff, you're here to interview me, not to tell me what to do.

All right, all right.

When did Gunther first approach you to do He...?

Oh, I expect that's Captain Danbury.

I forgot to tell you. I asked him up for a drink.

In heaven's name why, darling? You knew I had this interview.

Oh, he's such a nice chap and he was so flattered by the invitation.

Don't worry. I'll look after him.

Thank you.

- Hello, Morrell. -Hi, Captain, glad you could make it.

Miss Stanton, how nice of you to have me here.

How do you do, Captain?

And I'm so glad you could tear yourself away from your work.

May I present Captain Danbury, Mr. Trent.

How do you do, Mr. Trent? Now don't let me interrupt.

Captain, I don't wish to enter where flat feet fear to tread,

but you talked to everybody in town but me.

No need to, Trent.

If you had done it you would have confessed in print and scooped yourself.

My theory is that somebody on the inside...

hired somebody from the outside,

to come inside, do the job, and then... go outside

We thought of that.

I'd better take Captain Danbury on the terrace...

while you deal with Jeff singlehandedly... if anyone can.

Come on, Captain.

- What's he doing here? - I'm sure I don't know.

Maybe Morrell is asking him how to build bigger and wider jails.

- Jeff, can we get on with this thing? - Of course.

Is Gunther giving you a percentage?

My arrangements with Gunther are the same as they were with Gordon.

''The same as they were with Gordon.''

Hm, that should be interesting.

Jeff, must you play, talk, and make notes at the same time?

Jealous?

- Where do you want this, Miss Val? - On the terrace, please, Nancy.

I know we were talking of it earlier...

...but I've been giving a good deal of thought to Marian Webster.

Really? So have I.

Of course I'm only going on sheer instinct,

...but I feel she didn't do it.

Every actress, at least once in a while, should do something challenging.

- 'Challenging', that's a good word. -A change of pace.

- ''Pace'', uh-huh. - Jeff, I'm sorry.

But we'll have to do this another time.

We'll have to do this several times, darling,

if we're going to get so many interruptions.

There's no rush now, is there? I'll be rehearsing in a few weeks...

...and we can eat lunch together regularly.

- Your drink, Captain. - Oh, thank you.

Then you don't really think...

At this point I'm still using your instrument, instinct.

I won't even start to think until after I've talked to her.

I suppose she might be affecting all this trying to conceal her guilt.

Yes, it's possible.

Maybe a brilliant piece of deception, after all she's an actress.

- She might have done it in panic. - Yes.

Curious thing about this murder is the nature of it.

From what Val tells me, Marion has a patient, calm disposition.

- Really? - That's right, Michael.

Oh, there you are, dear.

Marian had no more to do with this murder than I did.

As a matter of fact, I could have done it.

- You? - Yes.

I think I could build a much more convincing case against myself...

...than the circumstances have built against Marian.

Well, it would have to be pretty good.

- Go ahead. Convince me. - And me.

Thank you, dear.

Well, it would go something like this. Let me see...

I left my dressing room right after the performance.

Went out into the empty theater, up the stairs to Gordon's office.

I went in, picked up the statue...

...and killed him.

- And then I came back. - Came back? How? Same way?

Yes, yes, of course.

- And nobody saw you? - Luck, sheer suck.

That's possible, isn't it, Captain?

Anything's possible. And then?

Then I returned to my dressing room in a perfectly normal manner.

It was closing night, nobody saw me, they were all saying their goodbyes.

Now that I've said all this, Captain,

I wonder why you haven't placed me under arrest.

Very ingenious, Miss Stanton, but you left out one detail.

Oh?

- What's that, Captain? - The motive.

The motive.

Oh, I seem to have forgotten that along the way.

There you are, there has to be a why.

People kill out of love or hate. Out of fear or rage.

No, my dear, I'm afraid no jury would ever convict you.

Unless you confess.

There's a call for you, Captain.

- Excuse me. - Certainly.

- Tired, darling? - A little.

We were supposed to be dining with Gunther.

- Should I call up and cancel it? - No, no, don't

.I'll change just as soon as he leaves.

- I'm afraid I must go. - Oh, your office, Captain?

No, that was Miss Webster's doctor.

- Is she worse? - On the contrary, she's conscious at last.

Now I can talk to her.

- Goodbye, Morrell. - Goodbye, Captain.

And thank you, Miss Stanton, for a very entertaining afternoon.

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Captain.

- Captain, tell Marian... - Yes?

Tell her I wish her all the luck in the world.

I will.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

No visitors, lady.

I'm Miss Stanton. Captain Danbury said that I might come in...

Oh, yes, go ahead.

Thank you.

Hello, Marian.

How are you? How do you feel?

- Why did you come here? - I wanted to talk to you.

I wanted to find out for myself how you are.

You're scared.

That's a strange thing for you to say.

You're scared about how much I know.

I'll tell you. I know what you know.

Just the two of us, Valerie.

- I know you killed Gordon. - Marian!

You don't have to worry.

They found me in the room. My fingerprints on the statue.

And they'll find me guilty.

No, no, they won't.

They won't believe anything I say.

It's a cute trick fate played on me, isn't it?

Where did you get your luck, Valerie?

Or has God pitied the wicked?

You've been very sick, Marian. You shouldn't talk this way.

You'll get away with it. You're sitting on top of the world.

Gordon's out of the way, great career, a new man.

But tell me, how are you going to buy off your conscience?

I told everyone, Danbury, the press, everybody...

that I don't believe you did this.

How nice of you.

But it doesn't matter, one way or the other.

It doesn't matter when you've got nothing to live for.

But you wouldn't know what it means to care that much for a human being.

Please don't talk like that.

It's so funny. Gordon made me lonely, miserable.

He made you cold, vicious.

A woman who can kill and keep quiet.

Don't.

You must be very tired. I think I'd better go.

That's right, Valerie. Run along.

And keep on running so that you never have to face the truth.

Oh, don't be afraid. I won't stop you.

If you had any decency, you'd face it yourself.

But you haven't. You're rotten. All the way through.

Now get out!

I'd like to see Captain Danbury. I'm Valerie Stanton.

Just take a seat, Miss Stanton, the captain's busy at the moment.

But this is terribly important. Can't you interrupt him, please?

I will, just as soon as he's free.

Yes? Okay, Captain.

There's a Miss Stanton waiting to see you.

Yes, sir. You can go in now.

I said you can go in now.

Thank you. Oh, Miss Stanton, do come in.

- Please sit down. - Captain.

- Excuse me. - About Marian Webster, I...

- Will you listen to me? - Quiet.

Uh-huh.

Yes.

All right.

Captain!

Marian Webster has escaped all her problems.

She committed suicide.

No! No!

No! No!

- Miss Stanton! - No! No, she didn't!

- No, she didn't! - Quiet.

- No, she didn't kill herself, no! - Now, now, quiet.

Well, fortunately there's no danger as long as I hold my tongue.

- Oh... what is it? Ernie? - ''So I'm in your power.''

I'm in your power, Judge Brack.

You have me at your beck and call from... from...

- ''From this time forward.'' - From this time forward...

...subject to your will and desire. A slave.

George!

- Well, is it a success? - Heaven knows, dear.

In any case, it will be a work of months.

Are you going to stand there? Is that where you're supposed to be?

Is he supposed to stand there?

He's right, Val. That's how we rehearsed it yesterday.

For the rest of the evening, you'll be so kind, dear judge, to keep her accompanied?

It will be an immense pleasure to me.

No, thank you.

I'm... I'm a little tired this evening.

I think I'll go in and lie down.

Valerie!

Valerie, you must feel more trapped here.

Now, when you come in the alcove, draw the curtains...

then take a short pause before you play the piano.

Remember, in less than one minute, Hedda is going to take that pistol and kill herself.

Now we must keep the audience dreading to hear that shot.

Peter, I can't. I'm tired, I've tried!

I'll just never be able to play this part.

Never! Never!

Nancy? Nancy?

- Why, Miss Val, I thought you were resting. - I can't rest. I want to go to the theater.

- But it's too early, Miss Val. - I want to go, Please get my things.

All right, Miss Val.

I'll never live through this opening night, I know I won't.

Oh yes, you will. You've lived through many an opening.

Right now I can't think of a line. Not a line

You will when you hear the cues, you always do.

Where did you get those gloves? What are you trying to do?

Where did you find those gloves?

I've been looking for them for weeks.

I found them when I was straightening out the drawers.

Why are you giving them to me now?

Because they go with your dress, Miss Val, that's all.

I'll get another pair.

I'll answer it.

- Hello. - Captain Danbury!

I'm sorry to interrupt at this late hour.

But I was just about to leave for the theater.

Oh, yes, of course. But this won't take but a moment.

I hope not. After all it is opening night, I would like to get there early.

Ah, yes.

Opening night, the most important night in the theater.

So full of excitement and nervous anxiety...

The uncertainty of the outcome. I understand how you must feel.

How about this plain black pair, Miss Val?

No, thank you, these will do perfectly. I'll see you at the theater, Nancy.

All right, Miss Val.

Well, Captain?

I hope the news I bring you might help you give a better performance.

Really?

I just wanted to tell you the case is closed.

- When did that happen? - This afternoon.

But I thought the police didn't like to close the case unsolved.

The Department closed the case.

Because all the evidence pointed to Miss. Webster's guilt.

Oh, I see.

- And everyone has been cleared? - Everyone.

No more questions, no more investigations.

No more questions, no more investigations.

Well, good luck tonight, Miss Stanton.

Thank you, Captain.

Oh, there is one thing that you haven't told me.

And that is, what was in Gordon's diary?

- Haven't I? - But, of course, if you'd rather not...

There's nothing in it the newspapers need ever see.

Nothing you need be ashamed of.

He adored you. Even in his most secret thoughts.

You were the most wonderful woman who ever lived.

Thank you, Captain. You did bring me good news.

Well, I hope you'll get that long deserved vacation now.

I'm looking forward to it.

I suppose I won't be seeing you again, Captain. So, goodbye.

Oh, but I'll be seeing you... tonight.

I'll be in my usual seat. Row E, on the aisle.

Oh, you're early, Miss Stanton. Everybody's still out for supper.

Yes, I know.

A lot of telegrams and flowers for you. I'll bring them over as soon as Nancy comes.

Thank you, George.

That's right, Val, keep on running.

But tell me, how are you going to buy off your conscience?

You're a cad!

You're the kind of a woman that can kill and be quiet!

You're rotten all the way through!

That's right keep on running! Keep on running!

You're rotten! Keep running! Keep running!

Valerie!

Michael! Michael, oh, Michael darling!

I'm so glad you're here!

Why did Peter want to open the play here? This theater is full of memories...

Darling, you shouldn't be here alone.

I went to the apartment and Nancy told me you'd left.

You're all unnerved.

The excitement of an opening night, the closing of the case.

So you've heard from Captain Danbury?

Yes, he phoned me. It's wonderful news, isn't it, darling?

Yes, yes, it is.

Now we can really be together. You'll marry me right away, this weekend.

Yes, Michael.

Wait a minute. What is all this?

Here, come and sit down.

You can do better than that, Miss Stanton.

Now, say it with a little more enthusiasm.

I'm sorry, dear. It's just that it's such a shock.

What is? My proposing to you again?

No. The fact that the case was closed so suddenly.

Well, that's all over now. And you're going on to that stage tonight...

and give the most magnificent performance of your career.

Do you really believe that, Michael?

Certainly, dear. Because you're no longer afraid.

- Afraid? - I mean of the play.

- Are you sure that's what you meant? - Of course, darling.

You meant I was no longer afraid for myself.

You believe I killed him.

How long have you known?

Does it matter?

You've known all along!

Why didn't you tell me, why didn't you say something?

I was waiting for you to tell me. I love you, Val

You know that. You must have felt it from the beginning.

Couldn't you believe in my love enough to trust it?

What did I ever do or say that made you think I did it?

It was nothing you said or did. The fact that...

The fact that you've known all along completes this stupid farce.

I played it well, don't you think, Michael?

- Even Danbury had to give up. - Stop this, Val.

On top of it all Marian killed herself so conveniently for me.

Did you count on that, Michael? I didn't. I almost slipped.

I went to Danbury to tell the truth.

Val, you're tearing yourself to pieces.

Why don't you ask me why I killed him? Or have you guessed that too?

Perhaps I have.

He threatened you with something far more deadly than a gun.

With words. That was it, wasn't it?

It's almost funny. I went to such ends to hide everything from you.

- Darling, you're all mixed up. - Oh, no, I'm not.

I've lived with this thing for a long time, Michael.

With the knowledge that I killed a human being and brought destruction to another.

You've twisted and distorted your guilt out of all proportion.

Your crime, Val, is being afraid to share it.

Not only with me but with society at large.

You can't hide a thing like that. It grows deep and rancid.

And will eventually destroy you.

My conscience and I have become pretty good friends.

We're no longer strangers.

I might even learn to live with it.

You'd better go now, Michael

All right, Val. If that's the way you want it.

But you'll find that pushing me out of your life isn't going to be the answer.

Maybe you're right. But I'll have to deal with this in my own way.

It's morbid, if you ask me. In the same theater where he was killed.

I little more reverence here. You know, this is lbsen.

Call in five minutes, Ernie.

Ernie, tell me, how is she?

Honestly, Mr. Gunther, I don't know.

I've never seen her like this before and I've been with her for ten years.

I've been avoiding her. I'm afraid to say anything to her.

Mr. Gunther, I think you'd better talk to her. Say something to her anyway.

All right. But you come with me, Ernie. You know her better than I do.

Valerie?

- Nancy, is Miss Stanton here? - Of course she is.

I left her just a few moments ago to get this coffee.

- But she doesn't answer. - Valerie?

Valerie!

Oh, my dear, you had me worried for a minute!

Did I? I'm ready.

All right, Ernie, you can go now.

First act, everybody! First act!

Well, Valerie, this is going to be the greatest night of your career.

You're going to prove that only a great woman can be a great actress.

Good luck, my dear.

- I'll be out there applauding with the rest. - Thank you.

Light off the orchestra.

Bring the foots up.

Take the house out.

Curtains going up.

Yes, Aunt Julie, Hedda she's the loveliest part of it all.

I think she's coming now.

Good morning Jorgen Tesman.

Such an early call. It is friendly of you.

Well, at least I'll have something to kill time with in the meanwhile.

Thank heaven for that. What is it, Hedda?

- My pistols, George. - Oh, for heaven's sake, Hedda darling!

So far so good.

Miss Stanton, you played that first act beautifully.

- Thank you, Ernie. - They liked it out there.

I've got to change.

- Peter, it's a big hit. - She's marvelous.

Thank you, Major. She's proving my faith in her.

Excuse me.

Oh, Miss Val, I'm so excited!

This is the greatest opening night we've ever had.

I always knew we could do a serious play.

I guess we're showing them now.

Nancy, I want you to go get Captain Danbury and bring him backstage.

He may be in the lobby. If not, you'll find him in row E, on the aisle.

But shouldn't you wait until after the show, Miss Val?

Please hurry, Nancy. Intermission's almost over.

Curtain going up.

Curtain going up.

Places, Miss Stanton.

Miss Stanton, how charming of you to have me backstage.

I thought you might enjoy seeing the last act from the wings.

Here's a good place. I think you can see everything right from here.

Oh, it's a wonderful night!

I thought perhaps you might like to have these.

Oh, I would. Thank you.

Excuse me.

Take it up, boys.

My dear Miss Tesman, I've already heard the news.

George sent me word.

Is there nothing... nothing at all that I can do to help you two?

No, nothing in the world.

For the rest of the evening, you'll be kind enough, dear judge,

to keep her accompanied?

It will give me an immense pleasure.

No, thank you.

I'm a little tired this evening.

I think I'll go in and lie down for a while on the sofa.

Hedda, my dear. Don't play dance music tonight.

Think about Aunt Rina, and about Ejlert too.

And of Aunt Julie and all the rest of them.

After this I will be quiet.

I'll tell you what, Mrs. Elvsted...

You can take the room at Aunt Julie's and then I'll come over in the evening...

...and we can work there, eh?

I hear what you're saying, George.

But how am I to get through the evenings here?

I daresay, Judge Brack will be kind enough to keep you company.

Every blessed evening, with all my heart.

We shall get along famously we two.

Don't flatter yourself, my dear judge.

I'm ready to go with you now, Captain.

Bring up the curtain once more, Ernie.

Take it up!

Subtitles: Lu�s Filipe Bernardes