Original subtitles

Subtitles: Luís Filipe Bernardes

Merry Christmas. Thank you.

Thank you very much, Merry Christmas.

Here you are. Thank you. Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas.

I shall convey your thanks to Mrs. Parkington.

Taylor, send them away.

You know how nervous children make me.

Come along, come along. Make way, make way, that's right.

Is the rest of the family here yet? You're the first one, madam.

That's good. People make me so nervous.

Oh, put them away, Taylor. You know how nervous they make me.

Come here, Bijou, Mignon.

Bijou! Mignon! How I dislike those French names.

My husband always called me by them.

I thought they meant lovely things in French, madam.

They do. He was a supreme hypocrite.

Where's my mother? Mrs. Parkington will be down shortly, madam.

Here you are, Mattie. Oh, thank you.

Mrs. Parkington was worried about them.

Mr. and Mrs. Al Swann.

Hello, there, Aunt Alice. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas.

I want you to meet my husband, Al Swann.

Al, Aunt Alice, the Duchess de Brancourt.

How do you do, mam.

Duchess... How are you?

He's still a little shy. He'll get over that.

We're always enchanted to meet Madeleine's husbands.

I realize I'm not her first, but this time it's for keeps.

They all thought that. The boxer from the Argentine...

The racket club boy...

Even the jockey. He wasn't a jockey, he was a horse trainer.

What's the difference? I like horses, too.

You're a cowboy, aren't you?

He's a rancher.

Is there something wrong with being a cowboy? On the contrary.

I'm sure you had no trouble roping her. Oh, shut up!

And better take some peppermints before grandmother comes down.

If there are candles on the table, that breath of yours will burst into flames.

Mr. and Mrs. Stilham, Mr. Jack Stilham.

Well, well, hello, hello. Merry Christmas, everybody.

Alice,. you look wonderful. It's nice to see you. And Madeleine...

there's no need to ask how you are. Radiance itself.

Oh, you're Al. I'm Amory.

How are you? Well, what do you think of us?

We're quite a family, don't you think?

Oh, this is my wife, Helen. And my son, Jack.

Merry Christmas.

You'll have to go some to catch up with us. We've been married twenty-three years now.

And no regrets, have we, darling?

It's a little late for regrets.

Merry Christmas. Merry Christmas to you.

So you're the famous cowboy, hm?

Home, home out on the range...

where the dear and the antelope play.

Where's Jane? Don't ask me. I don't know.

Nobody ever tells me anything.

Well, she isn't feeling very well. She has a slight... slight cold.

Don't worry, dear people. I represent the younger generation.

Anyway, there's always one of us missing at Christmas time.

Mother will be terribly disappointed if Jane doesn't come.

Christmas won't seem like Christmas to her.

Well, we'll do everything we possibly can to make it up to her.

And children, I'm going to let you in on a little secret.

I have the most wonderful surprise for Granny.

Hope you haven't been put to too much expense, Amory.

Mother's will is already made, you know. I should not like her to change it.

Always the wit, aren't you, Alice? Or should I say Auntie?

Don't worry, I think this is something you'll all like.

There's no trouble and expense I wouldn't go to if it would make Granny happy.

She's coming downstairs. Quick everybody. Come on, let's go out the hallway and meet her.

A toast!

I give you the long life and the health of our dearly beloved Granny.

Merry Christmas, Granny. Merry Christmas, Granny.

Sorry to keep you waiting, but I had a little argument with Mattie.

She didn't want me to use so much rouge.

Where's Jane?

Oh, isn't it a shame? She had a little cold, Grandmother.

Of course she sent you her love.

It isn't anything serious?

No, she just had the sniffles and we didn't want you to catch them.

Oh, I'm far too old to be attractive even to microbes.

Nonsense, Granny, you look younger than any of us.

I'll be 84 next month, but I'm still in my right mind.

Helen. Hello, Grandmother.

Jack. Hiya, Toots.

Mother. Alice.

Madeleine.

I see you're back from your travels.

Yes, Grandmother, and I've brought someone with me. This is my husband, Al Swann.

How do you do, Mr. Swann? Nicely, thank you, mam.

Hm. I like the way you say "Mam". Give me your arm.

What part of the West do you come from?

It's a little speck of a place in Nevada called Leaping Rock.

Naturally you wouldn't have heard of it. I wouldn't, eh?

I was born there. No!

My folks ran the boarding house. It was a hotel!

It was a boarding house. Graham's it was called.

On the main street. Believe it or not, Mam, it's still there.

It's a little frame building squeezed between a gas station and a ten-cent store.

Yes, I've had a caretaker there all these years.

It's a ripsnortin' town. I guess you wouldn't know Leaping Rock now.

Madam, there's a Mr. Norman Vance to see you.

I don't think I know him. Did he say what it was about?

No, Madam, but he's very insistent.

Oh, tell him some other time. No, Taylor, show him in.

Amory? Well, after all this is Christmas Eve...

and we can't send anyone away on Christmas Eve, Granny.

This is a great honor, Mrs. Parkington.

Thank you, Mr. Vance, but as you see this is a family gathering.

Mrs. Parkington, I am a writer.

A student of American history.

And this...

This is the result of my endeavors.

The Parkingtons!

A Great American Family.

I acknowledge with deepest gratitude

the invaluable assistance of Mr. Amory Stilham.

without whose unfailing interest this book could never have been written. Norman Vance.

Well, Amory, this is a wonderful surprise.

Well, I always told you that you and the major would make a wonderful story.

And it's all in there.

It's very important that people know about the Parkingtons and what they stand for.

Major Parkington was, if I may quote myself... page 17, I believe...

symbolic of his time.

That's right. I shall look forward to reading your book, Mr. Vance.

Now, if you would care to join us for dinner.

Oh, thank you, I...

No, we mustn't keep Mr. Vance.

You see, it's Christmas Eve and he has to go home. His children are waiting for him.

Oh, yes, of course.

Well, it was kind of you to bring the book.

Good night all.

Good night.

Good night.

Thank you for the book, Amory, it was very thoughtful of you.

Well, you know how I feel about the family

and my cherished obligation to continue the major's work.

By the way, I'd like to have a little chat with you tonight.

Yes, yes, of course.

Helen, I think I'll come over and see Jane tomorrow.

I'm thinking of enlarging and refinancing the Stilham Investment Company.

It looks so good... You know, Amory, the major had a theory.

That business should never be discussed until after a good dinner.

Well, I could use some liquid funds

and you can charge it up against my wife's share of the inheritance.

I'm not in a grave yet, Amory.

Oh, I didn't mean...

And I mean that the Major left everything to me to dispose of as I see fit.

Hogwash!

Written by a hack writer to pay his rent.

Do you know what he calls us here?

A royal family! Well, why not? That's right, isn't it?

Who's royal? You? Madeleine and her four husbands?

Jack? Me?

I think we stink!

Alice! That's enough of that!

I'm sorry, mother.

Dinner is served.

Jack, you will take in your Aunt Alice.

Al, your arm.

My champagne, please.

Your acidity will be something awful tomorrow.

Just like a vinegar bottle.

I only had one glass at dinner.

Three, madam. Taylor told me.

Why do you people watch me all the time?

Because we love you.

Why don't you go to bed?

Mattie, you're the one who needs more sleep. You're getting old.

I certainly hope you last as long as I do.

It would be a horrible thing if I were to outlive you and had to break in to someone else.

I could stay up with you, if you don't want to be alone.

No...

I'm never alone in this room.

It's too full of memories.

Well, go along to bed, Mattie. Go on, girl, go on, go on.

You wouldn't mind, Gus, would you? Not as long as it was champagne.

To the horror of the spectators...

among whom was his wife...

Major Parkington, in his attempt to establish a new world speed record...

in a racing car of his own design...

while travelling at breakneck speed

was hurled into the grandstand at Cheap Sand Bay.

He died a few minutes later in the arms of the woman he loved.

In the arms of the woman he loved...

Merry Christmas, Great-granny.

Great-granny!

You look so strange.

Jane! Oh, darling, I wasn't expecting you.

Your father said you were ill.

That wasn't true. I've come to say goodbye to you.

Please forgive me and don't ask me to explain.

there's nothing to forgive and nothing to explain.

But... I would like to know who he is.

You're the most dangerous woman I ever met.

How do you manage to be so clever?

What's he like? His name is Ned Talbot.

He was born in South Bend, Indiana, and he has no money.

He was working in father's office and studying engineering at night.

He's very ambitious. Oh, a democrat.

What makes you think you love him?

Oh, Great-granny, that's a tough one.

I know I love to be with him.

Ned makes everything, the present and the future, seem so exciting.

I've even thought of the children I'm going to have.

I'd like him to be their father.

Well, those are very modern reasons.

And not always too reliable.

Well...

Maybe I should just have said I love him the way you loved the major.

And he's the man in whose arms I want to die.

You understand. You know what love is.

Yes, I know what love is.

And I'm going to help you.

You'll get married here.

In this house. Now don't worry about your father. I'll talk to him.

But it's not father who's the obstacle. It's Ned.

Don't you see, Great-granny? He's not impressed with our name...

our money, our influence.

He just wants me.

And he wants to take me away from all this.

Well, it's quite an adventure.

I probably won't see the end of it, Jane, but I'd like to be in it at the beginning.

You tell your friend for me that I want to see him before you leave.

Great-granny, it's pretty late. Our boat leaves early in the morning...

besides, you need your sleep. No, I won't sleep anyway.

Well... gee, I don't what he'll say.

I think he'll respect the wishes of someone whose days will be very lonely when you've gone.

I shall be waiting downstairs.

It's exciting to stand here and wait for the future.

It isn't the first time.

Many, many years ago...

I stood at another window....

and looked down at a street.

Hey, son, take those in.

Yes, sir.

Howdy, boys.

How do you do, sir?

Madam, have you a room for a very tired traveler?

Sorry, we're full up, mister.

Oh, madam, I'm deeply disappointed.

All the way down from Virginia City they told me that Graham's was the best place in Leaping Rock.

It's the only place in Leaping Rock.

Since the mines have been working closed shift I've got plenty of regular borders....

I can't very well turn them out.

Hm... which one of you gentlemen would like to share his room with me tonight?

I don't snore and I bid five silver dollars.

Well, I'll make it ten and snore if I like.

Who do you think you are?

Er... huh...

Who do you think I am?

A tin-horn gambler or just a windbag. Get going!

Ever heard of Major Augustus Parkington?

You own the silver mine.

I hope you're impressed enough to find me a place to sleep, boys.

So you're the boss. It's about time you showed up.

There are a few things I'd like to get off my chest.

Well, now is your chance, partner.

This mine of yours is a blasted death trap.

The timbers are rotten.

The whole place could cave in if a man shook the sand out of his boot.

Then why do you work for me?

I'll tell you why. Because I pay double,

I'm a gambler and I don't care what I pay.

But I want results.

I own a mountain. It's got silver in it and I want to see that silver fast.

If you're afraid to go in and get it, then quit.

I'll show you who's afraid. That's enough!

I don't want any trouble.

There are just two alternatives.

You can either get yourselves full of lead...

or you can go across the street and get yourselves full of whiskey at my expense.

What's it gonna be?

I could use a drink. How about you, Joe?

Sounds good to me. No, thanks.

All right. But no fights now, understand?

I'm a peace-loving man. Here.

You keep order.

There you are.

Thanks, boss. Come on, boys. Let's get it.

Sorry I had to handle a gun in the presence of ladies.

In New York it's considered very bad taste. You'll excuse me?

The gentleman could have my room, mother. I can sleep in the upstairs balcony.

That sounds like a nice, cozy arrangement.

Did you accept it, sir?

I never refuse a lady's hospitality.

He has a very bad reputation, the major.

Most rich men have.

What kind of contraption is that?

In New York gentlemen wear them to fancy places like Delmonico's.

That's where they drink champagne out of ladies' slippers.

There are more important things than good looks.

A man should be a good provider. Oh, it's easy, if you're rich.

What in the world is this?

In New York men dress up to go to bed.

They call these unmentionables.

You know everything, don't you, Susie?

I read a lot, mother.

Is it wrong to dream?

No, I guess not, Susie.

If you never get anywhere, at least you've had the dream.

Well, I'd better get that bread in the oven.

Hello.

I just wanted to thank you for giving up your room.

It's all right.

Excuse me.

Is the bed comfortable?

I think so. I made it up fresh.

I just wanted to be sure.

Are there any more questions?

Yes, just one more.

Why did you wink at me when I drove up? I didn't!

Oh, but you did.

Well, what if I did? I have a theory.

If a girl winks, she kisses. Not me.

You, too.

You see?

For sweetly she sleepeth now...

Sweetly she sleeps, my Alice fair.

Her cheek on the pillow pressed.

Oh, how I hate to be alone on a beautiful night like this.

Why don't you answer me?

I'd appreciate it very much, Major Parkington, if you'd go to bed and leave me alone.

That would be a pity. I have such romantic things to say to you.

I'm sure you say them for every woman you meet.

Yes, but with infinite variations.

For you it would go something like this.

Hm... when I saw you my heart stood still.

Not because you're beautiful, I'm used to beauty.

I don't doubt it.

But I never met a girl with a character like yours.

Now, don't ask me how I found out. I can't explain.

It's just instinct, I guess.

Do you believe me? No.

What was that?

Mr. Humphreys is thrashing Mrs. Humphreys.

He usually does on Saturday nights.

He must love her very much.

How would you like to be thrashed by me?

You make fun of everything, don't you?

Would you like to change me? It wouldn't take long.

How long? Oh, about a lifetime.

You're leaving in two or three days. I'll never see you again.

Who knows? I may spend the rest of my life here with you.

Why should you?

You're adorable.

Does all this mean, Major Parkington, that you want to marry me?

Well, er... you see... It's like this, Susie...

That is your name, isn't it, Susie? Yes.

You see, Susie, spooning is a preliminary step which may or may not lead to marriage.

It rarely does at this late hour...

because of the difficulty of getting a license.

Humm... good night, Susie.

Where might your mother be? At the mine. She took the men's lunch.

Indeed? That's your job.

I just didn't feel like going today.

The major's there.

It wouldn't interest me in the least.

Do you know what he's doing?

He's working. Swinging a pick right along with the rest of the men.

The major this, the major that.

Didn't we find plenty to talk about before he came?

No.

Good morning, Sam. Good morning, Miss Minnie.

Good morning.

The major leave tomorrow. Wants plenty shirts.

Beautiful shirt. Chinese silk.

I don't want to hear another word about the major. Including his underwear.

The mine! Oh, Jack! Jack!

Mother!

Hey, Miss, wait! Let me go. My mother's in there!

There's nothing you can do.

Wait in here. The men will take care of that.

Jack! Did you see my mother, Mr. Humphreys?

Did you... oh, she was with the major... I hope he's dead and buried!

Honey, we need some hot water and quick!

All right. Here, I'll help.

Is mother...

I'm sorry, Susie.

I know...

It's tough, kiddo. Now you're all alone.

No, she's not.

I'm going to take care of you.

Don't you hear me?

You're not going to stay in this dump. You're coming to New York.

Don't look like that.

Look, kiddo. I know how it is.

I lost my mother, too.

You've never been to New York and it's a wonderful town.

If there's one thing I can bear less than women crying it's women who don't cry.

Get out and leave us alone, will you?

Look at me, Susie.

Don't you want to come with me?

Huh?

There, there, Minnie...

Here's your money, Major Parkington.

That's for you.

Mother's bill was $16, you stayed on five days after, that makes it $25.

You left $500 in this envelope.

I meant you to keep that. Thank you, I never take tips.

What's going to happen to you? I'll be all right.

Without a mine there won't be a town, without a town there won't be a boarding house.

They're building a new hotel in Virginia City. I'll get work.

And what are you going to do? Spend the rest of your life making other people's beds?

Guess I'd better sew on a button for you.

Virginia City's no place for a girl alone.

I can take care of myself. Is there anything else?

Yes, a lot more.

Those are my things!

Yes, they're your things all right.

I'm not going to leave you alone in this hole. You're coming to New York with me!

Don't you understand! I'm going to marry you!

Oh, Major Parkington!

Welcome to The Royal, Major Parkington, Thank you, Gaston.

Ah, madame... Will you follow me, please?

I took the liberty of reserving the Royal Suite for you and Mrs. Parkington.

If you will kindly follow me.

I do hope madame finds everything according to her taste.

Thanks, Gaston. We're very pleased.

I wish you and Madame a long and prosperous life on behalf of the staff of the Royal Hotel...

myself, and the city of New York.

Good night. Good night.

Thank you, boys. Thank you very much, sir.

Thank you. Good night.

Gus, please, we're not alone.

Oh... that's all, thank you.

Gus, all these people in the lobby and the manager, they treat me like a queen.

Well, what's wrong with that?

Everything here is... Oh, it's just like I've always dreamed but...

I'm scared.

Don't be frightened, sparrow.

Come on. Let's have some champagne.

We'll drink to the future. Our future, eh?

We'll conquer this town... Champagne!

The whole country.

The whole world. Yeah!

There we are.

To you!

What's the matter? Don't you like it?

It tickles.

Some day, when you're used to it...

you can take a bath in it if you want to, sparrow.

Why do you call me sparrow?

I once found a little sparrow that had fallen from its nest.

Its heart was beating like yours.

It was soft and gray.

And I taught it to fly.

Why... why did you marry me?

Oh, life was too simple without you.

Gus, is that gaslight?

It was gaslight.

Oh, Monsieur Parkington. Good morning.

I want to see the Baroness right away. Oh, but madame is still asleep, monsieur.

Gus, darling, what a surprise!

Gaston said you would not be back until tomorrow.

Will you wait? I'll be dressed in an hour.

I must see you at once, Aspasia, it's very important. May I come in?

Well, if you promise not to turn on the lights.

Aren't you ashamed surprising me like this? It's not fair.

I thought they only did it in French comedies. I'm sorry.

I will forgive you because I missed you very much.

Well, tell me! What is so urgent?

Are you broke? No.

Well, what else could it be, hm?

Oh, confess. You have been indiscreet?

Yes. Very much so.

I got married.

Oh? I met her out West.

Where is she? In the hotel asleep.

I don't know what to say.

Somehow I thought when you stood at an altar I would be beside you.

But life has taught me not to put faith in promises.

The main thing is that you're happy. But I'm not.

For the first time in my life I met a woman I don't want to hurt

and I know that soon, very soon, I will hurt her and I'll hate myself for it.

I only hope she will hurt you. Not a chance. She's like a sparrow.

And you are used to peacocks, eh?

Do you think I can change myself? No! Frankly, no.

Once a scoundrel, always a scoundrel.

I want to take her with me everywhere.

And wherever we go people will stare at me and envy me.

Just like they envied me you. You're a very vain man, Major Parkington.

And you deserve a lesson. Huh?

Open the drapes.

Rather ugly, am I not?

And not very young either.

You've never seen me like this before.

And as long as I had any hope of marrying you you never would.

This is the real me.

Baroness Aspasie Conti.

Without war paint.

But you've got so much things that can't be learned.

After all, you're a French aristocrat.

Did you ever see a French woman in America that was not?

Oh, Gus, do not be a sucker.

I started my career as a maid.

Aspasia, you're the greatest thing to come out of France since La Fayette.

Thanks from France.

Now go on to your office and make some more money and leave your sparrow to me.

I knew you were a friend.

I am your friend, but she is your wife.

Good morning, Madame Parkington.

It's a lovely day, isn't it?

Pardon, I'm the Baroness Conti.

Aspasie to my friends. Oh, my goodness...

Your husband sent me. It must be terribly late.

Have you been here long? Quite a while.

Just wondering what color your eyes were.

Do you know you speak in your sleep?

What did I say?

To my great delight you did not mention your husband.

But you did mention your mother.

She...

I lost her just a few days ago.

Everything seems to have happened so fast.

Where is the major...

Gus.

In his office.

You feel lonely, don't you?

Yeah.

When a woman feels lonely there is one infallible cure

and that is to go out and spend a tremendous lot of her husband's money.

Now, come on, come on, En avant. Come on.

Ça alors! What is that?

My new nightie.

My mother made it.

The major said he liked it.

Undoubtedly he loves you very much.

Voilà, voilà...

Oh, c'est ravissant...

Exquisite! Superb!

Don't you think it's too fancy for me?

Take a good look at yourself in the mirror.

Oh, good heavens! I'm practically naked! Ma petite!

When a lady is naked it is called "décolleté".

I don't want to go too far. Madame, trust us.

We know how far a lady can go.

Please, step down.

If madame will kindly see if this is correct.

Madame, faîtes les paquets tout de suite!

Aspasia...

This is a fortune! I couldn't possibly sign this.

I don't even know if Gus has all that money.

Susie, do you really know whom you married?

My husband, of course. You married Major Augustus Parkington.

He's not just a man, Susie.

He's a force.

And to remain a force, he must impress society.

And what is more impressive than a beautiful woman, eh?

Now, what do you want Gus to do? Spend fortunes on other women?

Oh, no, he couldn't do that.

He's married to me.

Monsieur Orlando, a pencil, s'il vous plaît.

Madame.

I think they will appreciate it if you add Parkington.

Mil mercis, au revoir, madame.

Aspasia, you've been so wonderful to me. Oh, when I heard you say in your sleep...

"Mother"

It made tears come.

Not in my eyes, that would spoil my makeup.

But in my heart.

Have a wonderful time tonight. And remember...

when you enter Delmonico's, walk very proud and very straight, like a queen.

And do not be too easily amused. It's the style.

Oh, I wish you were coming with us. I'm scared. Oh, heavens, no. I've an engagement.

Couldn't you give it up?

Ma chérie...

when one of my best friends takes his lovely young bride for the first time to Delmonico's

the very least I can do is to have a previous engagement.

À bientôt. À bientôt.

Gus!

Oh, that's wonderful.

Oh, Gus.

You're adorable.

Great-granny, this is Ned.

How do you do?

How do you do, Mrs. Parkington?

Yes, I like him.

I always had a weakness for obstinate men. Won't you sit down?

Well, it's rather late and we have to leave early in the morning.

But in order to convince you that I'm not too obstinate... Good.

You know, it always takes time to overcome prejudice.

But I think we can speed up the process if you'll give me a few days.

I have a job with the Peruvia Mining Company.

But I won't have it if we don't leave in the morning.

Oh, you'll be welcome whenever you arrive.

I happen to be one of the principal stockholders in Peruvia.

Yes, but they signed me up as an engineer...

not as a member of the Parkington family.

Evidently you're a snob.

Great-granny, Ned only means that...

well, that he wants to be on his own.

Are you afraid of me, Mr. Talbot? Frankly...

Yes.

I'm afraid of anyone who wants to keep us from leaving.

Have you had any trouble with Mr. Stilham?

No.

You worked in his accounting department, didn't you?

I did.

And he fired you? No, I left.

I wonder why.

Now you want to leave the country. Strange.

What are you driving at, Great-granny?

Oh, it's very clear.

Mrs. Parkington thinks I have to leave the country. Ned...

Darling, I trust you.

But if there's anything I should know, let's have it out now.

There's nothing to have out. I'm beginning to understand.

Ned, if you had anything to hide you'd be a great deal more indignant.

I believe that you're trying to protect somebody else.

Jane perhaps, or...

or perhaps Jane's father.

What on earth are you talking about?

Say something, Ned. Why don't you deny it?

I don't believe he can.

Oh, Jane, all this is just a waste of time.

Jane's happiness is not a waste of time.

Jane, here's a young man who wants to whisk you away from everyone who loves you.

and he doesn't trust you enough to tell you his reasons.

It's up to you to decide whether you'll go or not.

That's right. It's up to you.

I don't want to start out with unspoken things between us.

If you haven't complete confidence in me...

then I can't go with you.

When I was working in Mr. Stilham's office...

I discovered that two of the accountants working with me

were government agents.

They'd been investigating the firm.

Any day now the whole thing will crack wide open.

Jane, I hoped so much I wouldn't have to be the one to tell you.

Are you accusing Mr. Stilham of fraud?

It's true.

I'm sorry.

What some people call fraud others might call clever manipulations.

I'm not talking about manipulations, I'm talking about theft.

Theft on a gigantic scale, corruption, swindle...

If this is true, how does your running away with Jane solve anything?

If I were to stay here I'd have to testify...

I can't perjure myself. It wouldn't help Mr. Stilham if I did.

Jane, if I were you, I'd remember that you've heard only one side.

Your father must be given a chance to answer these accusations.

Get him on the telephone.

This is preposterous! It's libelous.

If I were a younger man I'd thrash you within an inch of your life, you...

you whippersnapper!

I'll have you arrested for this.

This is some dastardly plot to ruin me.

And you, Jane, have you lost all your senses?

How can you sit there and tell me you're going to elope with a man who says such things about your father?

The important thing, Amory, is are they true?

If they were true, don't you suppose this blackmailer would have notified the police?

Perhaps you did, huh? I'm no informer, Mr. Stilham.

All I tried to do is get Jane away from here.

Yes, so that eventually you could get your hands on the Parkington money.

Before the government men working in your office exposed you.

I'd like to talk to my lawyer.

Do you mind if I use the phone upstairs?

Wait a minute.

You might have left me alone this time.

It would have solved your difficulties about testifying and not testifying...

Father!

It wouldn't have undone the wrong you've done to so many people.

Can't you ever think of anything except what's right or wrong?

My father has failed, but he is my father.

You say you love me. What do you mean by that?

If I married you, would I have to apologize every day for what I am?

For my father, for my family?

That isn't my idea of love.

I'm not going with you.

Congratulations, Mrs. Parkington.

There's a lot of the major in you, Jane.

I hope your father appreciates it.

I don't want to go to jail, Granny.

What was it you said this evening about a loan, Amory?

Well, I thought I could float a new issue.

Pay back all that I... borrowed.

Create a new gap in order to plug up the old one, eh?

Anything might happen, there might be a boom.

After all, is what I've done any different than what the major used to do?

The major gambled with his own money.

I'm sorry.

Granny, you're not going to let them take me.

Perhaps you can still float that issue with my money.

Then it must be quick to do any good.

Once it gets to the papers...

Madame, I thought I heard a shot!

Taylor, I want you to take out the car.

Go and fetch every member of my family personally.

They are all to come here at once. And I will accept no refusals.

You see, it's their inheritance.

They must be the ones to decide.

What a shame.

Now this one's gone, too.

They were a pair, you know.

One, each into the mantle.

The major gave them to me when he got me this house.

They were made especially for the king of Saxony.

Augustus, the Strong.

They are unique, Major Parkington.

Funny, my name is Augustus.

And I'm not exactly a weakling either.

One more reason to buy them, eh?

They're really lovely, aren't they? I'd like to keep them myself as a souvenir.

To remember. This is a special day, Gus.

But it's just a Tuesday, isn't it?

Isn't it rather too expensive for a gift for a first visit?

No, not at all. After all, the best is hardly good enough for C.G.

He's a very important man.

Pretty?

Er... yes they are, aren't they? Will you wrap them up, please?

What a house! He must be fearfully rich. It's funny I never heard of him.

You see, there are the four hundred. You read about them all the time.

But above them are the upper four.

Very few people know them personally. And one of those four is C.G. Smith.

And who is above them?

The Almighty. But they won't admit it.

Nobody seems to be at home.

Well, I told them we were coming.

I'd consider it an insult if he forgot. Let's come some other time.

Gus, really, I want to be alone with you today. Especially today.

Why are you always talking about today, today, today? What is today?

Today is the 2nd of September, and it's our third wedding anniversary, Major Parkington.

I'd hoped you'd remember.

Great Scot! Three years already.

I'd never believe I could have stood it that long.

Gus, don't. When I pay a call I pay a call.

Come on here.

That's housebreaking. It's against the law.

Who cares about the law? It's a free country, isn't it? Come on!

Come on!

He must have spent a fortune on this place.

He built it for his wife. She's old and ugly, but he likes her.

Anyone home?

Hey!

Anybody home?

Well, I'll be hanged. Nobody home, not even the servants.

Let's take a look around. It's considered quite a showplace.

Well, how do you like it?

Better than the Royal Hotel, isn't it?

Come on now, there's a lot more to see.

I'm not going another step. And I don't care whether I meet C.G. Smith or not.

But you have to. I told you he's terribly important.

He's the only man in the world who can ruin me if he wants to.

And I'll tell you a little secret.

He's very anxious to meet you. Especially today.

What's he like?

There's supposed to be a portrait of him in here someplace.

Well, what do you think of him?

Gus!

Do you mean that all this is...

ours?

It's yours now. All yours.

You wanted a house. I've been two years building it.

I thought perhaps a little house...

Oh, Gus!

Thank you. Not just for the house but for remembering about today.

I never forget my mistakes.

Now I want to show you everything.

Why, who can that be?

It's probably C.G. I told you he'd show up.

Aspasia!

Well!

Many happy returns of the day, from C.G.

Well, my chérie, what do you think of your little shack?

Oh, it's...

I'm overwhelmed. I just don't know what to say.

Come, I'll show you around.

Show Aspasia around? Well, that's good! You have her to thank for everything.

Oh, I see. You helped. Yes.

Helped? Why she chose the furniture, designed the draperies, ordered the linen, everything.

Good heavens, she's been working day and night for months.

You're really lucky, Susie. Very few women could have another woman do all that for them.

Yes, the poor things have to do their own shopping. Yeah.

Thank you very much, Aspasia.

You buy me clothes, you give me lessons...

and now you furnish my house for me.

Really, I hate to give you some more trouble.

Oh, I have forgotten something?

Yes, I didn't see a nursery anywhere.

Nursery?

Sparrow, darling! Is it really true? Yes.

Oh... come over here and sit down.

Tell me. Have you seen the doctor?

Yes. And is everything all right?

Yes, quite all right. This was my surprise for you.

It'll be a boy! Don't you think so, Aspasia?

Without doubt, Gus. I'm so happy for you both.

The Livingstones, the Van Dines, The Marburies... we'll invite everyone.

What are you talking about, Gus? We have to give a ball, don't we, we have to celebrate.

When my son grows up he has to know the right people.

Perhaps you should wait and see. It might be a girl.

Well, all the more reason. Do you think I'd have a daughter of mine marry a nobody?

You married one, Gus.

There aren't two nobodies like you born in the same century.

You're my wife. I want them to see who you are. What you are.

Hm.. now how does this sound, Aspasia?

Major and Mrs. Parkington request the honor of your presence at a ball and reception

to be held at their residence 888, 5th Avenue on the evening of November the 23rd 1875.

Yes. Oh, engrave it in gold, Aspasia.

I will make all the arrangements. I'll join all the best clubs.

And we'll hire that famous tenor... er, Cellini.

And by the way, Aspasia. Get Susie a dress that will knock their eyes out.

Telegram, sir.

It's the snowstorm. I'm sure some of them will come in later.

They'd better. They accepted.

Who's that?

Signor Cellini and Mr. Ernst.

It's Cellini.

Signora, signore, good evening. Good evening.

It's my pleasure...

You must excuse me. The weather, very dangerous for my throat.

Horribly cold. My... Very great honor to meet you, sir, and the lovely lady.

Don't worry, sir, he's an admirable voice. We come straight from the Opera House.

It was packed. You never saw such a crowd. The Goulds, the Vanderbilts...

the Livingstones, everyone was there. I bet they are still applauding.

Could I speak to you for a moment, sir?

Please, sir, madame... Excuse me, sparrow.

I hope you will forgive me for mentioning it, sir, but...

Signor Cellini is accustomed to receiving his fee beforehand.

You'll find an envelope under his plate. Of course, it's just a habit of his.

These artists are so superstitious.

Susie, I've asked James to serve the supper. It's getting rather late.

The snowstorm, undoubtedly it must have... It didn't stop them from going to the Opera, the swine.

Regrets! I don't care at all, really, Gus.

Well I do!

Supper is served, madame. Supper...

That's your place.

Please!

It's all right.

Give me... Please! You're in public.

That's right.

I would consider it a privilege to sit a little nearer to you, if I may.

Please do.

I've been looking forward to meeting you, Mrs. Parkington.

I saw you once at Delmonico's.

Please tell me your name again, I'm afraid I forgot...

John Marbey, I'm a lawyer.

Do you defend criminals? Some people might say so. I'm a corporation lawyer.

Well, you were very brave. Mr. Marbey, to come out in this awful snowstorm

Evidently it's discouraged most of our other guests.

It's not the snowstorm.

Oh, no? No. It's the major.

Did you read the evening paper?

No, why?

Your husband applied for membership in the United Club.

He made a rather unusual speech today giving his qualifications.

Gus always says what he thinks.

That's what made it unusual.

Among other things he explained how he got his military rank.

It seems that during the war he shot a major of the Confederate Army.

If he had shot a general he would have made himself a general.

The president of the Club, Commodore George Beaumont, objected.

The major asked him what commodore did he kill.

There were eighty black balls against one white.

When you offend one Beaumont, you offend all New York.

Then why did you come here tonight?

The white ball was mine.

Thank you.

Now I understand.

This is George Beaumont's revenge.

You mustn't let it get under your skin. It's not that important.

It's not important at all to me.

But I know Gus. He won't take it lying down.

Have the tenor sing. I need a little diversion.

He will not sing while people are eating.

Why not?

Mr. Ernst!

Tell Cellini we're ready to hear him.

I'm sorry, Major Parkington, but Signor Cellini does not wish to sing.

What? Signor Cellini is accustomed to singing before an audience.

You understand, I'm sure.

Sure, I understand.

Ladies and gentlemen.

I had a treat in store to celebrate your presence here.

Signor Cellini, the famous tenor.

Thank you.

Unfortunately the signor doesn't think the acoustics are just right in an empty room.

So, I hope you won't object if I increase the size of the audience.

Stop that noise.

What's the matter, are you deaf? I said stop it!

Is anything wrong, sir?

I want you to come and sit with us as my guests.

Is that clear? I'm inviting you.

Yes, yes, all of them. Come on! Thank you, sir.

Fill up those seats. Hurry it up, come on. get a move on.

Hey, you waiters. See that the gentlemen get plenty of food.

Right in there. Any place you want to sit.

Well, Signor Cellini, I hope that's enough people for you.

What better audience could you wish for?

Or do you want still more people? Huh?

Non è professionale... Cantare per gli cavalliere...

It is as much to me as it is to you. I received the fee and you are going to sing.

Basta, basta, basta! Sono io que parlo qui.

All right, you cooks. Waiters, sit down there. Fill up those empty seats.

Come on, sit down. There's plenty of room.

Hurry up, there! Champagne for everybody.

Thank you. We got together after all, didn't we?

Pardon me, sir.

And now, ladies and gentlemen...

the great Cellini.

Do you want to return the fee?

Impossible.

Good night, Major Parkington.

Oh, you're leaving. You see, I'm not feeling very well.

Just a touch of indigestion.

You want to go, go!

Why don't you all go?

Why insult the ones who did come? Because I don't need them.

I don't need any of them.

Good night. Good night.

One more telegram, sir.

I've never seen him so angry. It frightens me.

You can't leave him when he's like this.

Wine.

My husband had planned such wonderful things for me.

Now he knows he's made them impossible.

He's furious because he thinks I'm being humiliated.

Every time he looks down the table at me he feels worse.

Good night, Mr. Marbey.

Thank you, please stay.

Mrs. Parkington is going to be all right.

Only... this time there won't be a child.

You may see your wife for a moment.

Gus...

I'm so sorry. Shhh...

Quiet, darling.

I know how much you...

wanted it.

Susie, sparrow, you're the only thing that matters.

We'll have others, Gus.

How is she? Asleep.

I want a list of everyone who was invited and didn't come.

Oh, Gus...

Gus, why not forget the whole thing?

They killed my son.

Cream or lemon, Mrs. Livingstone? Just sugar.

I do hope you, Mrs. Parkington, that you and the major will join our charity committee.

My wife and I get along very well without social activities.

Oh, but Major Parkington, a man in your position is obligated to take his place in society.

You know, this is quite an honor, Susie.

It's only four years since we invited Mrs. Livingstone to this house.

And here she is now.

I know. You were kind enough to invite my husband and me to a ball several seasons ago.

We wanted so much to come but at the last minute we were detained.

We were so regretful.

We regretted it too.

It turned out to be quite an occasion.

But... about the charity committee... I don't believe in charity.

Hmm... if you'll excuse me.

He's an extraordinary man, Major Parkington.

I think so too. But perhaps I'm prejudiced.

Another cup? No, thank you.

I'm sure you'll find plenty of assistance for your committee.

I don't care about the committee. I had to find a chance to talk to you.

I'm appealing to you as a last resort.

What about? Oh, please. Don't act as you didn't know.

You can help us if you want to. Your husband will listen to you.

We really didn't mean to offend you in not coming to your ball.

It didn't matter, Mrs. Livingstone.

Then why does Major Parkington want to ruin my husband?

Why did he ruin all of them, one after the other? It's common gossip on Wall Street.

Major Parkington's list.

Jacob, my husband...

he hasn't slept for weeks.

Not since George Beaumont killed himself.

You can't pretend that you don't know about all this.

I'm not pretending anything.

But I never interfere in Major Parkington's business.

Do you know what he did after Beaumont's suicide?

He took his list and coldly crossed out the name, just like that.

A man's life!

You seem to forget that you're talking to Major Parkington's wife.

A man like my husband is bound to have enemies.

Why, you're just as bad as he is.

Oh, mommy, I saw a squirrel. A squirrel, you did? What did he say to you?

No, he can't talk. He's too little.

Too little?

There you go with Hannah, darling. Hannah!

What's the matter with Mama'a honey bird? She's hungry, madame.

Do you think the bonnet strings are bothering her? I don't think so.

All right, thank you, Hannah. You go up. I'll be up before they're in bed.

Come on, honey, come on...

Aren't you afraid they will be punished for what you're doing?

Good afternoon, Mrs. Parkington.

Leaving so soon, Mrs. Livinsgtone? I'll see you to the door.

Good afternoon, Mrs. Livinsgtone.

Gus... Hm-hmm?

Is Mr. Livingstone very successful on Wall Street?

He used to be. And he isn't anymore?

Well, the market is rather capricious nowadays.

I think I'll drop at the club. Not now, Gus.

I have something to say to you. Sounds ominous. I feel guilty already.

I'm going away. Good! Where do you want to go? I'm coming along.

You don't understand. I want to take the children and leave.

What brought all this about? Why do you want to go away?

Because I'm ashamed to be your wife.

I'm ashamed to bear your name.

I don't want to be held responsible for what you're doing.

Careful, Susie. I don't allow women to talk to me like that.

Women! That's it, I'm just a woman to you. Someone you can pick up and put down in your house.

Someone you can turn on and off like gaslight.

I don't know. Maybe I have funny ideas coming from Leaping Rock, but...

I always felt that a real wife was kind of a partner...

who knows what her husband does and what he thinks.

She'd know it if he went around for years ruining people

and driving them to suicide.

All because of vanity. You don't know what you're talking about.

I'm talking about George Beaumont, who killed himself.

I'm talking about Mr. Livingstone,

whom you're going to finish off some of these days.

I'm talking about that list of yours.

Mr. Parkington's list! I'm talking about the hate that you're piling up.

Now that I know what's going on, I want no part of it all.

I can't stay here and be an accomplice.

I wanted to be your wife, but you don't need me.

There are plenty of others to take the place of "women" in your life.

Goodbye.

Susie!

Susie!

Susie, come here!

I said to come here!

Susie, do you hear me?

Well that's all right with me. I don't need you anyway.

Get out and stay out!

Aspasia, you'll take these down to the bank tomorrow, won't you?

They'll be needed for collateral till I can convert some more bonds.

I'd feel practically nude without them.

I don't need jewels. All I need is Gus.

Oh, take my advice, Susie. Go back. I know him. You must make the first move.

I know him, too.

There are things between a husband and wife that no third person can understand.

Gus! Well, this is a pleasant surprise.

You're looking very well, Gus.

A little thinner? No, perhaps not.

But then, I haven't seen you for nine weeks.

Ten!

Oh, sparrow! It's no kind of a life without you.

I've missed you every moment, day and night.

The house was so empty. And I invited crowds of people and still it was empty.

I missed you too. So much.

Even my luck went with you. Everything I try goes wrong.

Is the market still capricious? Things are happening that I can't understand.

Oh, poor Gus.

So you couldn't finish off Mr. Livingstone.

Who told you? Rumor, talk...

The grapevine reaches from New York to Long Island, you know.

Somebody's backing him. Somebody pretty darn clever.

That's too bad.

Give it up, Gus. I'm no quitter.

I'll get Livingstone. If only I could find out whose money is behind him.

Yours.

What?

It's fortunate you were such a generous husband.

You mean that you've been backing Livingstone with my money?

Every time you flooded the market I was right in there buying.

But it isn't serious, really.

I'll sell you back the stock at exactly the same quotation.

I don't want to make any profit.

So that's why you left.

That's why you've been hiding down here in this dreary spot

so you could stab me in the back. I'm only defending your interests, Gus.

Your real interests. My interests!

Is it in my interest to have a wife who spies and sneaks around

and gambles against me with my own money?

Don't shout so loud or you'll wake the children. I don't care!

They're going to find out about their mother soon enough.

I never should have trusted you.

I'm sorry I ever met you, that I ever married you out of pity.

You ungrateful little...

You went too far, Susie.

Now you've really lost him.

Never. What makes you so sure?

I love him. Oh, that's only half a reason.

Gus will never give up what he owns.

And he owns me.

Very few men and only one woman have ever outsmarted me.

Now how did you do it?

Well, John Marbey helped me.

And then, knowing the enemy is half the battle. And who knows you better than I do?

I'm not going to call you sparrow anymore.

You fly too high for me.

Uh...

Aspasia, wouldn't you like to catch the train?

Thanks for reminding me.

Oh, chérie. I feel like someone who's been trying to give acting lessons to Sarah Bernhardt.

À bientôt. À bientôt alors.

I want to ask you a question.

Yes, I love you.

It's what you wanted to know, wasn't it?

And you're not going to stay away because I wanted to punish those rotters who insulted you?

What hurt me was that I didn't know what you were doing.

And what you were thinking.

I suddenly realized that we weren't together.

I felt like a woman you had married out of pity.

I was angry when I said that.

Well, you came back tonight not out of pity.

Tonight tomorrow is all that counts.

Do you know what this is?

Major Parkington's list.

Yeah. I'm gonna forget all those names.

All those stupid, stingy little people. Clinging to every dime.

Because they haven't got brains enough to make money of their own.

They can only inherit it. Trash.

You know, they're trying to ruin this country. This great, blasted, wonderful country.

They're trying to make it into a closed corporation.

But they won't be able to do it.

These aren't the good old days. This is 1879.

You're right. You're too big a man, Gus, not to see further than the Livingstones and their crowd.

New York and the stock exchange, that's not the whole world.

Where New York ends the ocean begins. And beyond it, new ideas, new markets...

I could help you, if you let me.

I'd rather have you on my side than against me.

All right, partner.

All right, partner.

I'm going to keep these as a souvenir.

One day I'm going to show them to our grandchildren and tell them...

Tell them what?

That the little shepherd was broken on one of the many days

that their grandfather and grandmother fell in love with each other.

Mrs. Parkington, excuse me, madam.

Your family is waiting in the downstairs drawing-room.

I must be still asleep! This is a nightmare. A scandal!

What did you do with the money? You didn't give it to your family.

You certainly didn't give it to me.

A thief! I'll never be able to hold up my head again.

I thought there was something fishy about you, Amory.

You coward! Letting me find out about this in public.

You didn't dare tell me alone. I tried to spare you.

What have you ever spared me before? Except happiness.

I've never had a very high opinion of you as a husband or a father.

To me you have always been a failure. But Helen, we've been married a long time, I always believed...

What right have you to believe anything? I've never had even a chance to be happy.

I've wasted my life for this man. But I've been above reproach.

One thing I've always done, and that was to keep up appearances...

for the good of the family.

Jack! Will you stop doing that thing!

Now I find out I'm married to a thief.

I'm going to get a divorce.

Better stick to what you've got, Helen. You won't find anything good at your age.

I'm only forty. You don't look it.

Can you imagine what a field day this will be for the press?

That shouldn't worry you, Aunt Madeleine.

You and your husbands haven't been exactly stingy with headlines yourselves.

Oh, shut up!

Don't just sit there. Say something!

Well, I... this sort of stumps me.

You see, where I come from we never stole more than 20 bucks at a time.

I guess we didn't have the same opportunities.

That's all the advice you can offer?

Why don't you ask Mrs. Parking... grandmother? She'll know.

I didn't bring you here at this uncomfortable hour in order to voice your indignation.

What Amory did is done.

But perhaps we can keep up appearances, as Helen puts it.

Seems that there is a possibility of keeping Amory out of jail.

If we could only show a little family spirit, I...

I'm sure I could get myself out of this hole.

What are you driving at?

Well, if we could just hush it up for a couple of months...

I... I...

I think I'd better have another drink.

Amory...

The major could and did drink any man under the table when things were going well

but when things were going badly he didn't drink at all.

How much?

Well, Granny has absolute confidence in my ability

but she doesn't want to do it until she gets your approval.

As Aunt Alice said, how much?

I'll have to sell a million and a quarter shares at $25 apiece.

This amounts to around 31 million dollars.

Thirty-one million!

Nobody has that much money.

I have.

Don't you understand? It's our inheritance.

Well, after all, our one interest is to keep me out of jail!

I told you the market is very promising.

Suppose the market stops being promising. What happens to the shares then?

I can tell you. Shares based on Amory's abilities are worth a par to exactly nothing.

Oh, stop joking, Alice! I wouldn't say that.

You wouldn't. Because you habitually avoid telling the truth.

Oh, stop swiveling those keys!

It's quite obvious you'll take the whole of the Parkington fortune to keep Amory out of jail.

Well, we must defend the name.

What name? My name is Swann.

At the moment.

And yours is Stilham. You aren't a real Parkington anyway.

And if you were? What's a name without money?

Why should I lose my inheritance because of you? I need money.

I need a lot of it.

Why don't you sock him, the swindler?

You never considered anyone except yourself.

In all the twenty-three years of our marriage you've never even given me a thought except when you were sick.

And how often have you been sick?

Twice.

Do you think I'm going to pass down Fifth Avenue and not be able to go into those shops and buy?

I find the only things you have in this world are what you can buy.

And I intend to go on buying. With you or without you.

Jack, let's have your reaction.

Just between us. Forget that I'm your father.

It's difficult for me to be impartial.

You see, I never really liked you.

Well, what do you want me to do? I tried to kill myself.

Your sudden departure would have solved everything.

When I found out the duke didn't love me I wanted to kill myself too.

But I didn't. Now look at me.

Money once bought me a husband.

He turned out to be a heel. So money bought him off.

Now money buys the few joys I have left.

Money means more to me than you do.

Why don't you have another drink?

So all of you refuse.

Of course we refuse. You're sending him to jail.

Listen to me, all of you.

You're worse than father, much worse.

He gambled and lost. You haven't even the nerve to gamble...

you just hang on to what somebody else has made for you.

Ned was right. This whole family is rotten, worthless.

Wait a minute, Jane. Wait a minute.

Money is a very important thing.

It is to us.

The Parkingtons wouldn't be the Parkingtons without money.

I'm not important, not even to my own family.

So I'm going to do the only thing left for me to do.

I'm going to give myself up immediately.

That's what the major would have done.

Thank you, Granny.

It won't be so bad, Amory.

Sing-Sing will be like a club reunion this year.

What with Bill Jennings and Percy Harris, now you.

Alice, that's enough of that.

Sorry, Mama.

Don't, Jane, don't.

Thanks for trying, Granny.

Goodbye.

Great-granny...

I know. I know, dear.

First Ned, now your father.

But tears won't help. I know.

I shed oceans of them after my son was killed.

How long has this been going on?

Nearly a year.

Ever since her son was killed.

We almost have to force her to eat.

Did she ever ask about me?

No, madam, I'm sorry to say.

About the major?

She has never mentioned him ever since he went to Europe.

Oh... She doesn't even open her mail.

Oh, madam, please. Can you help her?

Chérie, look who is here.

Oh, Aspasia! I arrived one hour ago from England.

Did you? Now, let me look at you.

I can't see anything in here. It's so dark.

Oh, please, I can't stand the light. Oh, very well, very well.

I saw Gus.

He has rented a beautiful old manor house in Sussex.

Old Vail it is called.

It is so antique it is haunted by the grandson of the original ghost.

He's looking very well. Gus, not the ghost.

You know, Susie, you haven't seen him in nearly a year.

No, not since Herbert died.

Oh, it seems so senseless. You raise a son, he marries, he has children...

then a polo pony stumbles...

I was in Paris, too. I saw your daughter Alice with her handsome duke.

Yes, Alice. She's very like her father in some ways. Gus likes crowds and gaiety, too.

That's why I said to him... after we lost Herbert...

I said, "Gus, you're a man and you react differently, so...

so go away. Try to forget".

Oh, that is what you said to him.

Now I understand. Well, he took you at your word.

He's entertaining all the time. Very interesting people, very chic.

Even royalty.

Yes, Gus does his best to forget.

I'm glad... His house is beautifully run...

He has everything he needs. This, hum... oh-la-la, what is her name...

This Lady Nora Ebbsworth... Oh, but I'm chattering on and on.

This is not important.

Lady who? Lady Nora.

A brilliant woman. You know, she plays the hostess very well.

She's not my type, but then, Gus likes her.

So, you see, you don't have to worry about him.

It's just like Gus to get somebody to run his house for him.

He's so lazy. Well...

a man who loses a son...

an only son, needs someone near him.

Someone to talk to.

Someone who understands.

I didn't even know it was summer.

What did you say her name was?

Lady Nora Ebbsworth.

You must have read about her in the society pages.

You know the type. "Hello, old chap, how's the old boy today?"

Oh, when she says "old boy", it makes a man feel like eighteen.

She dresses well, too. Rather tailored but very smart.

Beautiful on horseback.

But, if she helps Gus to forget...

So, she plays hostess for my husband, does she?

Takes my place.

And he likes it.

Lady Nora Ebbsworth.

Mattie, pull all the curtains and open the windows. I need some air.

Mattie, we go to England by way of Paris.

Start packing my trunks right away. The baroness is coming with me.

Oh, Aspasia, you will, won't you?

Oh, you look so chic. You want it?

May I?

Mattie, I'll bring no sad mourning dresses with me.

But we'll take along some empty trunks.

We're going to buy loads of lovely new clothes in Paris.

Mattie, telephone the major's office downtown and arrange our passages on the next liner.

Bring the key for my jewel case, will you? And, Mattie...

Ask them to move up the sailing date, if possible.

And when you send the cables you might join us in Paris.

What are you standing there for, Mattie? Get rid of that stuff. Bring us some champagne.

Go on, dear, get a move on!

There! There she goes!

Your description of her was perfect. Always in the lead.

She wouldn't let any other woman outride her and win the brush.

Fancy wasting all that ambition on the tail of a fox.

Oh, look, there's Gus.

I wonder if he saw us.

No! He has his hands full with that horse.

Poor Gus, bringing up the rear.

He'll never catch anything that way. Catch what? The fox?

Never mind. I'll be in at the kill.

All right, thank you. Drive on.

Did you tick on me? Inadvertently.

A bumblebee mistook you for a flower.

Oh? What a near-sighted bumblebee it must have been.

Thank you. I was having a wonderful time.

I dreamt that breakfast was ready.

Ah, what time is the hunt breakfast? My dear lady, that rather depends upon the fox.

A most inconsiderate animal.

Did you miss the hunt?

Oh, no, I never miss a hunt.

Unfortunately I can't afford to. I have a reputation to defend.

But I have a system. I get on my horse and ride along for a little while.

And then, when we get to the first hurdle

I quietly turn around and look for the nearest shady tree.

Of course you understand this is just between us as a secret.

Oh, I promise you I won't tell a soul. Good.

How does it happen that I can't place you?

I usually have an excellent memory for a pretty woman's face.

Well, I... I just arrived... for the hunting.

Now I'll tell you something.

Another secret.

I wasn't invited. Or even expected.

Surely a creature like you is never expected.

Only hoped for.

Oh, thank you. Who invited you?

Me?

You don't know who I am?

The face is very familiar.

It's not my face, it's my beard.

Did Lady Nora invite you?

Oh, no, I'm never invited. I just announce myself.

Oh, in America we'd call you a gate-crasher.

Gate-crasher...

Would you...

Splendid!

I can't tell you how grateful I am to you.

I was beginning to run out of anecdotes about myself.

My reputation largely depends upon them.

Now you've given me this really choice one...

Gate-crasher.

What is your name?

Edward. Edward what?

Oh, just Edward to you.

Oh, you're the Prince of Wales!

Oh, Your Royal Highness!

I ought to have recognized you. Dearest lady, you tickle the Prince of Wales...

and you call him a gate-crasher.

But you also saved him from a bumblebee.

Won't you sit down?

Oh, thank you, Sir.

Now tell me who you are.

I'm Mrs. Augustus Parkington.

You don't say!

Not the major's, right? Good heavens, what a scoundrel.

To leave a charming wife like you in America.

Well, I'm very happy indeed that you've come.

For several reasons, one of which is Mama,

who is always dubious about my friends. You know how Victoria is.

She much prefers it when I visit married people.

And what are your preferences, Sir? In this case I thoroughly agree with Mama.

Ah, breakfast at last.

Who got the brush, Thormé?

Lady Nora, of course, sir.

There we are.

Who is that lady with the prince?

Susie!

Isn't this rather awkward, Augustus? Shouldn't you have told me she was coming?

Susie.

Susie, this is quite a surprise.

Gus! You're looking so well. It's wonderful to see you.

I'd almost forgotten what a handsome husband I have.

And you have my permission to kiss her.

By gad, Parkington, if you don't, I will!

Susie, this is Lady Nora...

I know, I know. I've heard quite a lot about Lady Nora Ebbsworth.

Why didn't you tell us you were coming?

I feel so apologetic, Mrs. Parkington. This is a very poor welcome.

Oh, you're very kind, Lady Nora.

But I'm one of those people who always feels welcome in my own house.

And never more welcome than here.

How long are you planning to stay?

Until the hunting season is over.

Well, how about some breakfast?

Gentlemen, Lady Nora is putting both of you to shame.

It seems that she is mistress of every male art.

Don't you believe in the equality of the sexes, Mrs. Parkington?

In certain things, yes.

For me, I believe in the superiority of the female.

You'd better be careful, sir. You're surrounded by suffragettes here.

Any moment they're liable to ask you for the vote.

In England we men have the vote, but mama has the last word.

It touched slightly. It did not!

Oh, yes it did. Decision, umpire.

I'm sorry to contradict Lady Nora, but it didn't.

The laws of physics are very democratic, sir. Splendid. I'm very democratic myself.

In a democracy, sir, you'd be out of a job.

Not at all. I'd stand en excellent chance of being elected president.

Or rather, vice-president.

Mama would be president.

I came over in one of our new liners, Gus.

I have several ideas for improvements. Oh, tell me about them, Susie.

It's your play, Augustus.

Excuse me, but I know. When an American starts talking business there's no stopping him.

Oh, you must be patient with us.

We've had to accomplish in a hundred years what other nations have taken a thousand years to do.

The best things can be achieved only with time.

That's true. They can't be destroyed in a short hunting season.

You risked it, Parkington. Game!

You seem nervous, Gus. yes, I need a drink.

Of course. I have it here all ready for you.

Fine. Oh, no, not champagne, my dear.

Augustus prefers whiskey after dinner.

Oh? Uhhh...

Well, uh... as a matter of fact...

I think I'll have uh...

Some ginger beer, yeah.

You know, there's really nothing like a good glass of ginger beer when you're thirsty.

Yes, sir.

Nothing like ginger beer...

when you're thirsty.

Poor Gus, you really are tired, aren't you? Lady Nora, you made him ride too hard this morning.

He's not used to so much exercise. He seemed very happy this morning before...

Before the ride, you mean, of course.

Of course. But if Augustus is tired,

he'll find ample time to rest in our trip to Switzerland for the winter sports.

Oh, he'll never admit that he's tired, but I know him so well.

We've been married... how long is it? I hate to think.

Don't you agree that after such a long time marriage ceases to be a game and becomes an institution?

I have always had a passion for games and a horror of institutions.

What do you say about it, Parkington? I really don't know what they're talking about, Sir.

About marriage?

Lady Nora has some rather modern ideas on the subject.

I must confess I haven't considered it very seriously.

Quite an oversight, Lady Nora.

Mama, for instance, believes first in matrimony and then in the British Empire.

You should have a little talk with her some time about it.

Would you like that? It would be a great privilege, sir.

Splendid. I think I can arrange it for you.

Poor dear Lady Hawley died recently at the respectable age of seventy.

Mama needs a lady in waiting. She'd be most interested in these...

modern ideas of yours.

I assume you'd accept the command.

The honor of a royal command demands unquestioned acceptance, Your Highness.

Excellent. Then consider it done. You will leave for Osborne with me tonight.

But Your Highness, I was not prepared for... For such an honor?

Of course, you were, my dear lady. Nevertheless the honor is yours.

Sir, I will need a little time. Of course you will. So we'll say er...

In half an hour.

Thank you, Your Highness.

I'm deeply honored.

Sorry I won't be able to stay for another game.

It is always best to stop when one is winning.

Your Highness.

Goodbye, Mrs. Parkington.

Goodbye, Augustus. Goodbye, Nora.

The hunting season was short, but stimulating.

With your permission, Sir.

Fill my glass, would you, Parkington? Oh, sorry.

Lady Nora will be very happy in Osborne. Life there is so very regular.

There you are, sir. Thank you.

To the Parkingtons.

Thank you, sir.

Now if you'll excuse me, I must leave you.

Goodbye. No, no...

Gate-crasher...

I do wish you were British.

I'd ask Mama to take out her trusted sword to knight you.

And then, on your coat of arms, you'd have

a bumblebee.

Oh...

Good night.

Susie, let me in!

Susie! Unlock this door!

Go to sleep, Gus. Pleasant dreams.

I want to talk to you!

Talk to me in the morning. Good night.

That's the fourth attempt tonight.

I wonder what he wants.

I can't imagine.

Chérie, I too want to tell you something.

Hm-hmm? It is goodbye.

Goodbye? Oui, yes.

I'm going back to France.

I bought a little house in a very respectable neighborhood.

Just behind the cathedral so I won't have far to go if I want to pray for the people I love.

Oh, but Aspasia... Oh, I have a sense of timing. I know when an actress should leave the stage.

I... I don't know what to say.

We'll miss you.

Very much.

I'm glad.

Chérie, there is something...

something I've been hiding from you all these years. I...

It's hard for me to say. Then don't try.

But I shall be living near the cathedral and I want to have a clear conscience.

You don't need to tell me. I knew it all the time.

Quoi? Oh, Aspasie.

When I woke up after my wedding night and found you sitting beside my bed

I knew that you were in love with Gus.

And you never said a word.

How you must have hated me.

You were the one person in my new life with whom I had a lot in common: Gus.

Gus had loved you and I wanted him to love me.

So I had to learn everything I could from you.

You did. Yes, I learned...

hating you.

I hated you so much when you arranged my life,

when you furnished my home and when Gus turned to you for advice.

Then there came a day when he turned to me...

I knew that he was mine for always.

From that moment I loved you.

Oh... oh, ma chérie.

It's Gus...

trying a new approach.

He's climbing the balcony.

Oh, I feel like Juliet.

When a man of his age risks his neck in his best clothes to join his wife

he deserves consideration.

Aspasia, wait... Susie!

Susie, help me! I'm caught on this blasted thorny vine!

Gus, Gus, where are you?

Oh, Gus, be careful! Do something!

Don't move, don't move. Wait a minute.

Blasted...

Gus, be careful.

Look, you can come through here. Through where?

Here, give me your hand. I'll help you.

You behaved absolutely outrageously the whole day.

You've offended our guest tonight and I'm not going to stand for it.

Aren't you glad you don't have to go fox-hunting anymore?

It must be awful tiring for a man of your age to pretend he's in his thirties.

Now with me, you don't have to pretend. Because I knew you when you were thirty.

What's the idea of keeping that door locked?

If you ever do that again, I'm gonna break it down.

A balcony is so much more romantic.

I'm too old for this. Well, at least you admit it.

Come on, let's sit down.

Thank you, sparrow.

Come in.

Pardon, madam. Shall I serve the champagne? Yes, please do, Taylor.

Thank you.

Thank you, Taylor.

Excuse me, madam. When her ladyship left she asked me to give you something.

Oh, what is it, Taylor.

The brush, madame.

Thank you, Taylor. Good night.

Good night, madam.

I can't... I'll never understand women as long as I live.

It's your charm.

You know, darling? Our world is growing smaller.

Herbert gone, Alice married...

Now Aspasia is leaving us too.

Could I ever leave you?

Well, could you?

Oh, you know, I like new places, new memories...

Oh, I know you so well.

You're always discovering new paths in the wood and you want to find out where they lead to.

Yeah... I found out.

They always lead right back to you.

There are two things you can rely on, sparrow.

I'll always be a scoundrel...

and I'll always love you.

You know what you married, huh?

I know what I got.

There's a part of you that's strong, and magnificent, and exciting.

A part I love.

Then there's the part that's egotistic, ruthless and very vain.

And, that part you forgive?

I always have and I always will. No matter what happens.

Let's drink to that, huh?

What?

Oh, I was just thinking of something the prince said...

Parkington, he said to me:

We have a lot in common.

We both have bad reputations and...

we both have lovely wives.

And we both rule an empire.

I guess he's right.

We're going on, partner.

We're gonna keep the railroads and build the ships...

and there's a new thing coming up, uh... automobiles. We'll go into that.

I don't know about his, but our grandchildren are going to inherit a lot of money

and a lot of power.

You changed, Gus.

You never had much respect for people who inherited their money.

Ah, but our grandchildren will be different.

But if they're not, I hope one of us is still alive to teach them.

What's the matter, sparrow?

Why are you crying?

Because we're together again.

Jane...

Jane, darling...

I made a mistake letting you send your young man away.

It's only one thing that counts: being with the man you love.

If you hold on to that and fight for it, nothing can touch you.

I know.

Now you go after your Ned, find him and make him understand.

Well, what are you waiting for? The boat won't wait.

Bless you.

Go on.

The condemned man ate a hearty breakfast.

Poor Amory. Isn't it characteristic of him to start a mess like this...

and then run out and leave us to clean it up for him?

Yes, it'll be a busy day.

The press will be after us like a pack of wolves.

There are some things you can understand on a full stomach.

That's right, Alice. I'm glad to see you all taking it so well.

It was really quite an ordeal. Some more toast, please.

Thousands of little people are going to be ruined because of Amory.

Have any of you given them a thought?

A smart man once said there's a sucker born every minute.

Yes.

And there are going to be a few more born any minute now.

And you will be one of them, Jack.

I have decided to pay back every penny Amory stole.

Nonsense!

Are you serious?

You can't throw our inheritance away without our permission. You said so yourself.

I was going to ask you before I made an investment I am not going to ask you when I pay back a debt.

What would your famous major have said to that?

I'll tell you.

His empire was built for people who deserve an empire.

People with guts and imagination.

Who know how to create, not exploit.

He wanted power because he knew how to use it.

You don't.

All these years I've seen you as we both wanted you to be.

Now for the first time I see you as you really are.

Weak, stingy, small-minded, selfish and afraid.

Amory is no worse than the rest of you.

When I pay back what he stole we'll all be starting from scratch.

You can't! It's as much our money as yours.

Talk about second childhood.

Mother, you should see a doctor.

I think she's insane.

She's nuts, but we may have trouble proving it.

Al, come on. I'm going to see my lawyer.

I'd like to see the duke's face when those alimony checks stop coming.

It's almost worth a journey to France to see it.

Unfortunately I shan't be able to afford it now.

So long, mother.

It's been a real privilege, mam.

Okay with you, partner?

Mattie!

Where is that girl?

Wake up, Mattie. We're going to be busy for the next few days.

When I'm through with the lawyers we're going back to Leaping Rock.

Subtitles: Luís Filipe Bernardes