All language subtitles for The.Chaperone.2018.720p.AMZN.WEBRip.DDP5.1.x264-TEPES

Louise, are you in there?

Can you open the door?

It'’s norma carlisle.

I know you never did
anything i said 20 years ago,

but i wish you'’d
open the door.

My, my. They'’ve put
in quite an effort.

There'’s lois and jack.

Hello, norma,
alan.

Lois.

What are we
doing here?

It'’s a good cause.

My corset'’s
killing me.

Where'’s louise?

Getting ready.
She'’s first on. I should go.

When does she leave for new york?

Tuesday if she
goes at all.

I thought it was
all set.

So did i,
but leonard says

she can'’t go
without a chaperone,

and i suppose she can'’t,

but we haven'’t been
able to find anyone.

Well, why don'’t
you go?

Because i'’m giving a talk in town next week

and a concert after that in kansas city.

How could i?

Oh, it'’s a shame for her to miss the chance

when she'’s so gifted.

You must be
very proud.

I'’m proud of her,
and she'’s proud of me.

Zzzzzmmm!

Uh-oh. Leonard'’s
glaring at me.

Martin, come on.

Can i watch
from here, mom?

No. You'’re coming with me.

Do i have to? Yes, you have to.

"I'’m proud of her,
and she'’s proud of me."

Can i go
home now?

L-ladies and gentlemen,
in a moment,

the program will begin.

Please take your seat.

Did i tell you jack and i are joining the klan?

What clan?

The ku klux klan.

You can'’t be serious.

Heh. Why not?
You must have noticed

what'’s been going on
since the war.

What do you mean?

Laws, customs, morals--
everything'’s falling apart.

A decent woman can hardly walk down the street

in broad daylight
these days.

But the klan?

Persecuting negroes

with wizards
and bonfires

and hoods with spooky
eye holes?

At least they'’re interested in standing up for purity.

Let'’s leave it
for now, honey.

Hello, alan,
norma.

Oh. Hello, raymond.

You remember
ms. Burton?

Oh, i remember ms. Burton.

Hello, mrs. Carlisle.

It'’s good of you
to support this.

It'’s good of you.

Ladies and gentlemen,

tonight we have
a special treat.

You'’ve all heard
of myra brooks,

the well-known
wichita pianist.

Well, this evening,
we have a double helping

of talent as she has
generously consented

to accompany
her daughter louise,

who has recently
been accepted

to study dance
in new york.

Like thousands
of others.

You ready? Yes.

Yes. Good to
see you again.

Yes, mrs. Carlisle.

I did not
lose time.

Yes, mother.
Whatever you say.

Just a moment.

Mother, i don'’t want to do this right now.

I just wanted to say
well done.

I thought your performance
was very exciting.

Exciting?

I assume you'’re not
from wichita.

Oh. No. I am.
I am.

A woman from wichita
who believes

in modern dance?

I may need a chair,
mrs.--

carlisle.

This is my husband
mr. Carlisle.

Yes, he would be.

I was just wondering
what you were saying

earlier about looking
for a chaperone

to accompany your daughter to new york.

Yes?

Well, i'’d like to
propose myself.

Honey, don'’t
you think that--

i would.
I'’d like to go.

Norma, dear--

here'’s my card.

You come and see us
tomorrow.

Please come.

Thank... god.

Ugh.

Don'’t you think we might have talked about it first?

Why?

I want to go.

You really want to go
to new york city?

No. The other
new york.

Well, what
about the boys?

They'’re not used
to you gone.

They won'’t mind.

They'’re too busy
to care what we do.

I hope you won'’t go
digging around

when you get there.

I'’ll do what i like.

Think i have
the right, don'’t you?

By the way, what was
ms. Burton doing

with raymond walker?

How should i know?

Just thought you might,
that'’s all.

We thought you
were awfully good yesterday,

both of you.

That piano belongs
in a speakeasy.

I'’m sorry
about the mess.

Our girl hasn'’t come
for some reason,

and i'’ve been upstairs
writing all day.

I expect you'’d have
cleaned up yourself.

I imagine you'’re
pretty busy.

Oh, i'’m up
to my eyes!

I'’m giving a talk
on wagner next week.

How interesting.

Oh! Ohh. Children leave
everything everywhere.

So you think you'’d like to go to new york with louise.

Only if it would
suit you.

Oh! It would suit me.
Don'’t worry about that.

In fact, i'’m counting
on you.

I had such a struggle
getting leonard

to agree to her
going at all,

and then when we couldn'’t
find anyone to accompany her--

it would have been
such a waste.

I agree. She'’s
a real artist.

Anyone can see that.

And for denishawn
to take her on

when she'’s only 16,
there'’s the proof.

Denishawn?

It was founded by ruth st.
Denis and ted shawn,

the most innovative
dancers of our time.

You didn'’t see them when they came through here last june?

No.

You missed something.

Shawn and martha graham
were the leads.

They were sensational.

Put that down
right now! I told you!

Mother! Martin: give me that!

Ow!
Ow!

Shouldn'’t we
investigate?

No need.
She'’ll come to us.

Mother!
Martin hit me!

It left a mark.
I cannot tolerate

any more of his insolence
and his violence!

Your brother'’s
insolence and violence

won'’t be your problem
much longer.

Here'’s mrs.
Carlisle, come to talk about your trip to new york.

Of course.
Hello, mrs. Carlisle.

Sorry about your arm.
It looks sore.

She'’s never heard
of denishawn.

Never mind that.

What do you hope to do
when we get to new york?

I don'’t know.

I like good theater.

Well, that'’s something.

I think we'’re gonna
have a wonderful time.

So i guess it'’s settled?

I guess it is.

Well, then.

Of course
i don'’t mind.

Why would i mind?
I think it'’s great.

Your father was worried.

You don'’t want to
listen to dad.

This is 1922.
Haven'’t you heard?

Things have changed.

Women vote now.
They do whatever they want.

Including take a trip
to new york.

Hmm.

Give my regards
to lucy.

How is she?

Very well,

and that is all i have to say on the subject.

Ha ha ha!

Howard, you never told
us what dr. Winslow said

when he heard you got
into medical school.

Oh, he was very
decent about it.

I'’m sure he
was thrilled!

You know,
i wanted to be a nurse when i was young.

Not a doctor?

Not in those days.

I wrote away
for all these courses.

But you didn'’t go
through with it?

I was needed
on the farm.

Thank you, della.

Now i'’m trusting you
to look after my boys.

All 3 of them.ha!

All 3 of them.

We ought to get going.

Don'’t worry, mom.
We'’ll be all right.

All aboard!

Bolton steam to chicago.
Last call!

Just remember
you'’re a very lucky girl--

talented
but lucky, too.

I know.

I never had a chance
like this.

So you keep telling me.

Just in case
you'’re wondering,

if mrs. Carlisle wants
to come home,

you will come home
with her.

Oh, but, daddy--

you are not staying
on alone in new york,

so you can forget that
right now.

I know we'’ll
have a good time.

You hear that,
louise?

You better make sure
mrs. Carlisle has a good time,

or you are coming home.

Very good.

Appreciate it.thank you.

I checked both trunks.

They should be delivered
the night you arrive.

Let me know
if they aren'’t.

You should visit
the galleries.

Maybe.

Don'’t waste your time with that other stuff, please.

I should get aboard.

I love you,
you know.

I really do.

That'’s nice.

I'’m going
to chicago!

Here we go.

Don'’t want to learn anything bad from mrs.
Carlisle, you hear?

I hear.

You work hard.
With what they'’re charging,

you better come back the best dancer in wichita.

Don'’t be stupid.
I already am.

Good-bye, wichita.

I wish i could say
i'’ll miss you,

but i don'’t think
i will.

There are people here
from wichita.

I read that.
So did mother.

You... didn'’t
like it?

"The house of mirth"
was better,

but historical fiction
bores me.

Oh.

All those ridiculous
rules and manners.

It'’s just so tedious
and fake.

It won
the pulitzer prize.

She was the first woman novelist to get it.

So? And that
so-called hero.

He'’s in love,
but just because she'’s divorced,

he leaves her and marries a total dummy.

Oh. Did i spoil it
for you?

He'’s handsome--
mr. Carlisle.

Thank you.

Do you ever regret
marrying him?

What?!

My mother regrets
marrying my dad.

Who told you that?

She did.

I'’m sure she didn't
mean it.

Yes, she did.

Excuse me, miss.

Would you like me
to lower your window?

I don'’t mind.

Thank you,

but we'’ll let you know if
we want our window lowered.

How long before we get
to chicago?

Next stop chicago
union station.

Finish that now, norma.

We'’re nearly there.

Are you ready, girls?
This is where we get off.

Come on, girls.
Move along.

Norma, hurry up!

Louise?

How are you?

Good to see
you again.

Thank you.
I'’m doing well.

Ma'’am, table
for one?

No, thank you. Um--

norma,
over here!

Would you care
to join them?

I guess so.

Ooh!
Ohh!

Ha ha ha!

I'’m terribly sorry, ma'am.

Let me move along.

Please sit down.thank you.

Ha ha ha!

You were sleeping,
and i was famished.

I had to eat something
before we get to chicago.

Ma'’am?

I'’ll have the...
lamb stew, please,

and a cup of coffee.

Lamb and coffee.
How interesting.

When i got here,
the tables were all full,

and these gentlemen were kind enough to offer me a seat.

Wasn'’t it nice
of them?

Very nice.

This is mr. Ross.
This is his nephew,

who'’s also mr. Ross.

So isn'’t that easy
to remember?

Call me joe.

And i'’m norman.

I'’m mrs. Carlisle.

Are you from wichita,
too, mrs. Carlisle?

Since my marriage.

And before that?

I grew up on a farm
outside mcpherson.

Oh, i think
you'’ll find new york

a little different
from kansas.

Heh. I'’m from
new york originally.

Oh! Well, then you'’ll
agree with me

that, uh, they won'’t
put up with prohibition

for very long.

I think
the temperance people

have overreached
themselves.

Prohibition is stupid.

I couldn'’t agree
more.

That'’s because you'’ve never known different.

You'’ve never seen a man
drink up his wages

and forget his family
and his children.

So how old were you when you left new york for kansas?

Young. I was
quite young.

Well, then you can'’t have known much different either.

Kansas has been dry
since 1881,

and i don'’t think you're
over 60.

Ha ha ha!

Ha ha ha!

Lamb stew
for the lady.

Maybe not,
but i'’ve talked to women

who remember
the bad, old days,

and i think there are plenty of wives in new york

who'’ll be very glad of the change in the law.

Unless they need a drink.

Ha ha ha!
Ha ha ha!

Knickerbocker express,

all aboard!

Why can'’t you just
get on a train in wichita

and go straight through?

Because you can'’t.

But we don'’t change trains again before new york,

so we can have
a good rest.

As long as you don'’t have some rules that might prevent it.

Louise, i am not
your enemy.

I have not come
along to harass you.

I'’m here to
protect you.

What did you think back then when we were having dinner,

that they were gonna
have their way with me

in the--in the dining car
under the table?

A girl your age does not dine with men she doesn'’t know,

not without
a chaperone.

Why not?
Because it isn'’t done.

Why not?

Because of the appearance
of impropriety.

Let me put it
to you plainly. Ahem.

Men don'’t like candy
that'’s been unwrapped.

What?

Well, maybe
for a lark,

but not for marriage.

The candy may
still be clean,

but if it'’s unwrapped,

they don'’t know
where it'’s been.

Really? Ha ha!

Norma, you sound like
some old latin mama.

Who in the world
taught you that?

I have not said
anything funny.

Have it your own way.

What were your parents
doing in new york?

You said they were
farmers.

They were.

I didn'’t know them
when i was in the city.

I was an orphan,
and they adopted me.

Why did they come
to new york?

Why didn'’t they just
find a baby in kansas?

Well...

in those days,
the children'’s aid society

used to send the orphans
out on trains

all over america.

People came
to the stations

and adopted us.

You were just
standing there

like a slave market?

Jesus!

Don'’t swear.

And it wasn'’t like
a slave market.

The kaufmanns were
wonderful people.

They gave me
a good home.

We didn'’t have
much money.

We all had to work
on the farm,

but they loved me,
and i loved them very much.

When did you leave
the farm?

They died when i was
quite young,

but soon after,
i met mr. Carlisle.

Are you happy?

What?

With mr. Carlisle?
Are you happy with mr. Carlisle?

Of course i am.
I'’m very happy.

You didn'’t look
so happy.

You were kind of
funny with him.

I don'’t know
what you mean.

Well, if you don'’t
want to talk about it.

I'’m very happy.

So you said.

I'’m putting the light out.
Good night.

Good night.

I think i'’m in love
with new york already.

Louise, really.

It'’s exactly
as i'’d imagined it.

I'’ve known all my life that this is where i'’m meant to be.

Seems very loud to me.

Loud and very crowded.

You wouldn'’t know
we were on the same planet

as wichita.

We'’re not,
thank god.

Hello. I want to go
to riverside drive, please.

Uh, i don'’t know, lady.
I'’ll pick up something more central, huh?

My last ride
before i go home.

Please help us,
mr. Driver.

We'’re new here in town,
and we would be so grateful.

Sure. Yeah.

Thank you very much.thank you.

Heh.

Ahh.

How did your father
find this place?

I couldn'’t
tell you.

Ahh. It'’s not so bad.
I think it'’s nice.

Compared to what?

Do you mind
sharing a room?

Better than the couch.

Do you want
the first bath?

You have it.

Shall we go and see
times square?

We could take
the subway.

I'’m afraid i'm
a little tired.

Ok.
Well, is there anything you'’d like me to get you?

Louise, it'’s almost dark,

and you have a class
in the morning.

Not till 10:00.
I'’ll be fine.

I'’m sorry,
but you are not going out by yourself.

Fine. I'’ll stay in.

Yeah.

This is it.

I feel kind of nervous.

Don'’t be.
I'’ve seen you dance.

You'’ve got nothing
to worry about.

You'’re very good
really.

I know, but very good
isn'’t enough,

not for what i want.

Well, you won'’t get any better standing here.

Good luck.
You'’ll be great.

Sign in at
this table, please,

and then find a place for yourself on the floor,

and don'’t dawdle.

Would it be all right
if i had something to eat?

As opposed to what?

Have i seen you
in here before?

No, but i may be
a regular

for a while anyway.

Gonna be in the city
for a few weeks,

and we'’re staying
nearby.

Oh. Where you from?

Wichita, kansas.
What about you?

New york.
Well, westchester,

but i'’m studying law
at columbia,

so i'’m staying up
in morningside heights

at least
until i graduate.

I guess we are both
strangers

in this part
of the city anyway.

I feel less
of a stranger already.

Oh, that'’s good.
People like us,

we got to stick together.

I'’m floyd smithers.

Norma carlisle.

Heh. Ha ha!

What? Why you smiling?

You remind me
of my sons--

still with everything
to play for. Ha ha ha!

You think i could
look at a menu?

Oh, sure. Sorry.

Heh heh heh.

Right.

And i wonder

could you tell me how to get to this address?

What do you need
down on 15th street?

Why? Is it
a bad area?

Well, if i were you,
i would take a cab

and hold on
to your purse.

Oh, and take off
your jewelry.

Welcome, all of you,
to denishawn.

I am ruth st. Denis.

Please call me miss ruth,

and this is my husband
and partner, ted shawn.

By contrast,
you may call me papa shawn.

From this moment,
you are ambassadors

for denishawn,

and just in case
there is any confusion,

just because we are studying
modern dance,

there will be no lapse
of standards.

Young women who are denishawn students wear hats and gloves

and never roll
down their stockings.

Obviously, no drinking
or smoking will be tolerated

on or off the premises.

Obviously.

Dance is a spiritual experience.

Dance is a visualization
of divinity,

a way for you to realize
you are not in your bodies.

Your bodies are inside you.

Now who is familiar
with debussy?

Me. I am.

My mother plays
him all the time.

Lucky you.

All of you, take one
of these squares...

and form a ring.

Now... turn.

That'’s it. The scarf
is the extension of your breath.

It rises,
and it falls.

Dedans and turn.

And again.

And again.

Who thought that one up?

May i help you?

Oh. Yes. May i speak
to someone?

I used to live here
as a child.

I'’m afraid we have
mass now.

You can come back
in an hour.

Couldn'’t i wait inside?

I'’ve come such
a long way.

Very well.

Girls'’ choir:
♪ deep in the sweet abyss

♪ of holy charity

just wait here.

That was me once.

♪ O god of loveliness

♪ o lord of heaven above

♪ how worthy to possess

♪ my heart'’s devoted love ♪

♪ so sweet thy countenance

♪ so gracious to behold

are you ok?
Oh, dear. I'’m fine.

Thank you. I was
being a little nosy.

Come and wait in here.
Let me fetch you a chair.

Thank you.

♪ Bliss untold

please.
You'’re very kind.

This room is so much smaller
than i remember.

All the chairs are
so much smaller.

You were one
of the orphans?

Yes, yes.
I suppose i was.

Was your
placement good?

It was, sister.
They were lovely people.

I was very fortunate.

Praise god.
That'’s nice to hear.

Are you still
with the church?

No, sister.
I'’m afraid they weren'’t catholics,

the people who
took me.

What church do you
attend now?

Presbyterian.

We got wise to what
they were up to.

Now we send out
our own trains.

Children still go out
on trains?

Why? Would you stop
anyone sharing

the advantages
that you had?

No, of course not.

Right. Now what can
i do for you?

I want to learn about my birth parents, sister,

who and where
i came from.

I'’m afraid i can't
help you with that.

I know you'’re disappointed,
and i'’m very sorry.

Why can'’t i look
at the records?

Because they'’re confidential.
Why?

Because no good
can come of it,

and anyway, the likelihood
is your parents are dead.

How would it help
if you knew their names?

Sister delores,

i want to find out
who i am.

You'’re a child of god.
You'’re you.

If they'’re dead,
how would it help,

and if they'’re not,
it could cause a bigger problem.

Besides, they won'’t
want to be found.

How do you know that?

Do you have any idea what we'’re dealing with here

a lot of the time?

Drunks, broken homes, adultery, assault.
Let it go.

When i was brought here,
i wasn'’t a baby.

I was walking
and healthy.

My mother must have
known me,

and i'’d been cared for.

I remember a woman
holding me

and singing to me
in a foreign language.

Then keep that memory
for what it'’s worth.

I want to know
who i am.

It'’s not unreasonable to want to know who you are.

You'’re married,
mrs. Kaufmann?

Yes.

You look prosperous

as if your husband
has given you

a comfortable and privileged way of life.

Yes, i suppose he has.

Norma, voice-over:
you'’ll never believe it.

Apparently, it'’s
next saturday, not today.

Also, i knocked
on the door, and--

norma!

I think i might
cut my hair.

Make it different.

Hmm.

Should we ask
your mother?

She wouldn'’t care.

Can you see
why i love new york?

Hmm. Maybe in a way.

What'’s the matter?
Is it not what you expected?

I don'’t know
what i expected.

Open your arms
like a peacock'’s tail.

Smell the incense.

No, no. Peggy, drop out.

Louise.

Take her place.

Was that
a little unkind?

You tell me to search
for the best.

She'’s the best.

As long as
you'’re sure.

The girl'’s
a star.

Look at her.

Ha ha ha! Floyd: that'’s it.
That'’s better.

How about some whipped cream to go with that?

If you'’re offering.absolutely.

Hi, floyd.

Oh, hello. I just
got to get...

i was on my way
to fetch you.

They let us go
early.

So i would have just got there and found the place empty?

I came back
the usual way.

I'’d have seen you.

Want some?
Better not.

My corset'’s
tight enough as it is.

Why do you wear one?
I don'’t.

You will
when you'’re older.

No, i won'’t.

Shouldn'’t be here
without asking me.

Here you are.

Mmm.
How is that?

How'’s it going?

Summer job? Is that enough?

Yes, thank you.
Heh heh.

We should go.

How much will it be?

Don'’t be silly.

She'’s right. No charge.

And do your employers know you give free food to pretty girls?

Don'’t worry about that.

I don'’t worry
about anything.

Let'’s go.

Bye-bye now.

Do you often
do that,

get people to give you
ice cream for nothing?

But it'’s not
for nothing, is it?

I get the ice cream,
and they get the pleasure of my company.

Well, i'’m not sure
i should encourage you.

Do you mean i'’m
getting fat?

No.
You'’re right.

They'’ll only pick a few of us to join the company,

and they won'’t choose
me if i'’m fat.

Does your mother know
you want to join the company?

Because she never
mentioned it to me.

I thought it was just a course to learn to dance.

Myra said you
wouldn'’t like it,

to be escorting a professional hoochie-coochie girl.

You should have more faith in yourself, norma.

There are plenty
of men out there

who'’d be delighted to give you some free ice cream.

You just have to ask.

Don'’t be ridiculous.

♪ Immaculate mary

♪ your praises we sing

♪ you reign now in heaven

♪ with jesus our king

♪ ave, ave

♪ ave, maria

i'’m sorry.
The nuns have mass every day at this time.

May i wait inside
like last time?

Sure.

Thank you.

In fact, i meant
to thank you

for being so thoughtful
when i was last here

and today, too, of course,

offering me a chair again.

Sorry about the mess.

Your mess looks so interesting.
What is it?

Well, it was
a wireless.

What happened?
Who knows?

Someone probably
dropped it,

and they
threw it away,

so i thought i would try to mend it for the girls.

How nice of you.
So generous.

So why have you
come back?

Oh. Well, here'’s
the thing.

I'’ve come a long way
from kansas

to find my records

only to be told
that i couldn'’t see them,

and i started wondering
if you possibly

might be able to help me.

Are you trying
to be seductive?

Certainly not. No.

If you want a favor,
you don'’t need to throw yourself at me.

You'’ve misunderstood.
I was being nice.

I was just asking nicely for something i need,
that'’s all.

You know what?
Come with me.

What?

Come. I'’m taking you
for a drink.

Oh, not a real drink.
Just a cup of tea.

Why should i
come with you?

Because you'’re upset.

Besides, it'’s
a nice place.

I'’m joseph schmidt.

I'’m norma.

I was norma kaufmann
when i was here.

You'’re right.
This is a nice place.

I would buy you a proper drink if i could.

You look as if
you need one.

No, thank you.
I believe in prohibition.

Oh. You'’re
in that camp?

I am.

I used to have a beer garden in queens.

It was
a good place.

People would come
with their families.

Anyway, this is not what i wanted to talk about.

I wanted you to understand why i can'’t help.

What does it matter
if i understand or not?

It matters to me.

I don'’t hate the nuns,
you know?

They'’re kind
in their way.

There are worse places
on earth

than the home
for friendless girls.

I hope so.
My daughter is there.

Your daughter?

I was interned
during the war

as a german
down in georgia.

By the time i got out,
my wife was dead from influenza,

and my daughter had been taken into care.

By the nuns.by the nuns, yes,

but i didn'’t find
her for months.

When i did,
i had no money,

my business was gone,

so they let me stay on
to fix things.

It'’s not so bad,

and at least i know
greta is safe.

So you won'’t help me because you can'’t risk losing your job.

Greta lost her mother,

and the nuns gave her the only security she has ever known.

Why don'’t you
try writing?

I have. They always
turn me down.

Please. It won'’t
take long.

I find the file,
i look inside, and that'’s it.

I'’m gone. You won't
ever hear from me again.

I'’ll leave before they
come out of mass.

You must be out
of here in 20 minutes.

I will lock the door,
and you must knock when you are done.

I understand.

If they come up,
you will be there till they go to bed.

It'’s better if you go
in 20 minutes.

Is it locked?

I can get the key if it'’s where i think it is.

Never mind.
I'’ll come back later.

Norma, voice-over:
"my name is mary o'’dell.

"I'’m a friend
of the birth mother

"of the girl named norma,
who was brought here.

"No intention
of troubling norma,

"but any information
would bring her...

"i enclose
a self-addressed envelope

"in case you'’re able
to pass on any news.

With gratitude,
mrs. Mary o'’dell."

I got it.

Ha ha ha!

You found
what you wanted?

I have an address.

I have an actual name
and an address

in massachusetts.

You should go outside.

Ha ha!

You gave me a bad moment back there.

I gave you a bad moment?
Ha ha ha!

I'’m so excited,
and it'’s all because of you.

You'’ve been so kind
to me,

and you had
no reason.

You took such a risk.

Please. Can i pay you
for what you'’ve done?

No.

Oh, please. I don'’t
mean to be rude.

I just want to do something to show you how grateful i am.

I don'’t need anything.

How can you live here
with the nuns?

Is that allowed?

I don'’t,
not exactly.

I have a room up there.

So there'’s really nothing i can do for you?

You can tell me
who you are.

You know who i am.

No, i don'’t.
You may be norma,

but we both know you are not called kaufmann now.

You don'’t tell me
where you live.

All you trust me with
is kansas.

You don'’t miss
much, do you?

I was called kaufmann
before i was married.

That'’s true.

I used it because i'’ve written so many times before

in my other name,
i thought they wouldn'’t see me.

So what will you do
with the letter?

I'’ll write to the address,
see what happens.

Who knows?

People can surprise you.

They certainly can.

You'’ll never believe it.

Apparently, it'’s next saturday,
not today at all,

so i knocked on the--

oh, god.

You'’re looking
awfully chipper.

Ha ha. Did you have
a good day?

Yes, i did.
Very good, as it happens.

I thought so.

Who are you writing to--
mr. Carlisle?

No. I'’m writing
to an old friend

whom i'’d like
to see again,

who just might be able
to come to new york.

What about you?
Was your day good?

Papa shawn thinks
i could be a star.

I heard him tell
miss ruth.

And did she agree?

She agrees
with whatever he says.

Hmm.

Hold, right, left,
right, hold.

We'’re gonna add an arm.

2, 3, 4, 5,
6, 7, 8.

Now the head on 4.

Struggle
with the feet.

Ok. You, louise, show them.

Try it again like that.

We got lucky
with that one.

Don'’t get
too lucky, ted.

We should get
a move on.

We'’ll be late.

By the way,
i found a church for sunday.

Why would i want to
go to church?

I thought you were
religious.

Someone told me you always liked to go to ed vincent'’s class.

Who told you that?

I just heard it.

You heard it?
From whom?

From whom did you hear
this tidbit, norma?

Aren'’t you going to
tell me?

From ed'’s wife,
i think.

Effie and i
are friends.

Oh?
What else did little effie vincent have to say about it?

Nothing. That you
enjoyed sunday school.

That'’s not gossip,
louise.

That'’s a nice thing
for people to say.

Why are you upset?

I'’m not upset.

We have to go,
or we'’ll be late.

Excuse me.

Norma, they need to
get to their seats.

Oh. I'’m so sorry.

Hmm. Excuse me.
Excuse me.

I don'’t want any trouble,
but aren'’t colored folks

supposed to
sit in the gallery?

Isn'’t that the law?

Honestly, norma.
This is new york, not wichita.

I said i don'’t want
to make trouble,

but i don'’t want them to get into trouble, either.

They won'’t.

Wish i knew what kind
of show this is.

Well, you'’re about
to find out.

♪ Oh, i'’m just wild
about harry ♪

♪ and harry'’s wild about me ♪

♪ the heavenly blisses

♪ of his kisses

♪ fill me with ecstasy

♪ he'’s sweet just like
chocolate candy ♪

♪ and just like honey
from a bee ♪

♪ i'’m just wild about harry ♪

♪ and he'’s just wild about ♪

♪ cannot live without

♪ harry'’s wild about me ♪

you'’re right.
I do like new york.

First it seemed so loud
and so crowded, but now,

honestly, it'’ll be kind of dull to go back to wichita.

"Kind of"?

I'’m sorry about how i was
earlier with those people.

I know it'’s absurd.
I suppose it was the way i was brought up.

Well, shake it off,
norma.

I don'’t intend to live the way i was brought up.

What do you want,
louise?

To be the best dancer
in the world.

You think that'’s
ridiculous.

Not at all.

I like
your big dreams.

I think sometimes my dreams have been too small.

Did you ever think of coming back to new york

to get a job
before you married?

Oh, no.
I was much too young.

I was married
when i was 16.

Wow.

How'’d you meet him?

Well, my parents died
in an accident,

and i thought i was
going to lose the farm.

I was staying with a neighbor,
and she hired a lawyer for me and...

that'’s how i met
mr. Carlisle.

He was the lawyer?

You'’re an orphan
farm girl who'’s 16,

a big lawyer comes,
takes one look at you, and proposes?

I guess.

You must have had
something.

Yes,
i had something.

Innocence.

I was
a complete innocent.

I wish i could say
the same.

Do you, really?

No.

Good.

You have first turn
in the bath.

Do you think
you married too young?

Wouldn'’t be
without my sons.

16.

When you'’re 16,
you don'’t know what you think.

I wouldn'’t want a husband to teach me.

I had enough of that from my dad.

Sure know what to think
about some things.

I wondered
where i put it.

It was for my brother.
I wrote it when we first arrived.

I'’m going to bed.
Thanks, louise.

You don'’t like
to argue, do you?

I reckon, when you shout,
you hate yourself for a week after.

I don'’t believe it achieves much to argue and shout.

You'’re disgusting.

That was vile
and revolting.

I suppose you know what it says in the bible.

I do.

And in our home.

How could you bring that horrible man into our home?

I shouldn'’t have done that,
but he isn'’t horrible.

What?

Raymond is not horrible.

I was, norma!

When did it start?

At law school.

You mean...
you were doing that with him before we even met?

I wanted to stop.
I thought that i could.

You do not know
how i tried.

You used me,
all of these years!

You needed a wife.

You thought i was young enough and stupid enough

and grateful enough
not to make trouble!

This is why you
never touch me!

What do you want to do, norma? Me?

I'’m not doing anything.
I'’m going to lois and jack'’s.

When i get back,
i want you gone--

lock, stock,
and barrel!

I did not think i
would see you again.

Why not?

Because you got what you
came to new york for.

Did they answer
your letter yet?

Not yet.

What happens
if they don'’t?

I suppose i'’ll go
back to wichita.

I hope they do.

I hope it all turns out
like you want it to.

But you don'’t
expect it will.

How pretty.

Would you like one?

Don'’t spend your money.i want to.

How '’bout a posey
for your wife, huh?

Thank you.thank you.

That'’s very generous.
Thank you.

Nonsense.
I have something to celebrate.

What? What do you mean?

You told me you live
in wichita.

Norma.

What are you doing here?
I thought i was coming for you at 10:00.

We finished earlier than
they said we would.

Don'’t worry.
Two of the boys walked me home.

I hope it was two.
Norma.

They chose me.

They only chose one student to join them,

and it was me.join them? For what?

To go to philadelphia
for a performance.

That'’s wonderful.
Congratulations.

You can come to the dress rehearsal if you want.

Of course i want.
We must telegram your mother.

I almost forgot.
This was in the box downstairs.

It must have come
in the last post.

It'’s from haverhill,
massachusetts.

Really?

Mrs. O'’dell?
Mary o'’dell?

I chose
the shakespeare statue,

as i felt we wouldn'’t
get mixed up.

I was going to say
christopher columbus,

but then i realized
there'’s one in the park

and another at, uh,
columbus circle.

You'’re my mother,
aren'’t you?

You'’re not
a friend of hers.

You'’re my mother.

There'’s no point in denying it,
is there?

I don'’t know where
to begin.

How long have you
been married?

25 years.

He'’s a lawyer.

We have twin sons.

Oh!

Howard and earl.

They look like
fine young men.

You don'’t know what
a comfort it is

to see how well
you'’ve turned out.

I worried
and worried.

I didn'’t even know
if you had survived.

Well, i did. Heh!

And what were they like,

the kansas farmers
who took you in?

Kind. They gave me
a happy home.

Thank you for
telling me that.

But... i want
to hear about you.

You'’re married.

I guess it'’s not
to my father.

No. I was married
at 21,

had you at 18.

And... my father?

Oh!

A boy i met
at a dance.

God, i didn'’t know
anything,

nothing.

First time i bled, i
thought i was dying.

And he took
advantage of that?

Oh, did he? No.

He was just as young
and scared as i was.

The minute he heard i was pregnant,
he took off.

What was his name?

Jack murphy.

But if you want to search the great west

for a jack murphy who came from ireland by way of boston,

you got a lot
of interviewing to do.

Where was i born?

The st. Antoinette mission in new york.
It'’s gone now.

And when did you
leave me?

Oh, you were
6 months old.

They told me
to nurse you that long.

But i thought i was
with you until i was 3.

That'’s when i was taken
to the orphanage.

Oh. They must have
kept you at the mission.

But i remember
a woman holding me

and singing to me
in some other language.

There were a lot
of foreigners.

Hmm. Some of them
were barren

because of what they put themselves through.

They all wanted
to hold you.

And you left me with them
just as soon as you could.

Oh.

I don'’t expect you
can stay long.

No, not long.
I have to get back.

What happened next
to you?

I went on with my life,
went back to boston.

I told them that i left
the job in new york.

So nobody knows about me?

No.

I told no one, so i
could leave you behind.

Not even your husband?

No. Oh, no.

But we'’ve been happy.

Our two sons are
politicians,

and our daughter just married into a very good family.

So i have brothers and a sister?
Half.

Half-brothers
and a half-sister.

They don'’t know
about you.

Nobody does.

And you'’re not going
to tell them?

No.

Don'’t worry.
I won'’t trouble you.

I wouldn'’t have come to haverhill unless i was invited,

and it seems
i'’m not invited.

It'’s "hay-vur-ill,"
just so you know.

They don'’t, uh,
say the second "h."

Well, now--
i didn'’t know that.

I did not know that haverhill is pronounced "hay-vur-ill"

because until i found
your letter,

i had no idea that such
a town--this town where

my mother and my half-brothers and my half-sister live--

i didn'’t know that such
a town even existed.

I looked up the statue.

It was paid for by a benefit performance of "julius caesar,"

starring edwin booth and his brother,
john wilkes booth.

How interesting.

The following year,
john wilkes booth shot lincoln.

I wish things
could be different.

And i have to go.

You don'’t want
my address, do you?

You don'’t want to know how to get in touch with me.

You don'’t want
to meet your grandsons.

I'’m very pleased
to have seen you.

Oh, now.

The sleeper. Oh.

Oh. Shh.

You forgot your
lovely flowers.

Keep them.
I want you to.

Wonderful.

That was so wonderful.

Mrs. Carlisle, may i
have a word with you?

There'’s no need
to worry.

Louise will only be
away for one night,

and i'’ll be responsible for her.
That'’s very kind.

But what i wanted to say is that--that if louise does well,

we may invite her
to join the troupe.

My husband believes she
shows great promise.

He is very much
her champion.

But where
would she live?

We have a boardinghouse
for members of the company.

The men and women occupy
separate floors.

And there'’s a chaperone, naturally.

So you can probably go home.
You could leave tomorrow, if you like.

I think i should wait for ms. St.
Denis to make her decision.

Certainly.
You should.

We will need time
to consider,

and there'’s
no decision yet.

Of course, she
will need to prove

that she can adhere
to the moral, as well

as the aesthetic code
of denishawn.

Art is not tinsel;
art is gold,

and it must be handled and
delivered by the worthy.

I have every confidence
in louise.

Well, in the words of the prophet,
we shall see.

So how long you going to be in philadelphia?

Just one night.

Think they'’re trying to get your attention.

Excuse me.i'’m sorry, sir.

What can i get you? Can we please get a...

i should pack your overnight bag when we get home.

You'’ll be too flustered
in the morning.

I won'’t be flustered.

No, you probably
won'’t.

I would be,
but you won'’t.

I keep telling you,
you should be more sure of yourself.

I agree.

Are you ok?
You seem kind of down.

Everything'’s fine.

If you say so.

I'’m going to go get
some more cream.

Let him bring it--
i'’ll go.

Well,
i had a lovely time at the boardwalk

the last time
we were there.

That club,
it'’s on 17th street.

The velvet cat?

I don'’t know.
I heard that place was kind of rough.

Louise, stop
bothering floyd.

Oh, no,
she'’s no bother, mrs. Carlisle.

What was that about? Nothing.

Didn'’t sound
like nothing.

When you finish that,
we'’ll go.

You go. I'’ll be up
in a minute.

You will come
with me now.

Why?

Because enough is
enough, louise.

Really, enough is enough.

Ok.

Louise?

Louise?

Where are you?

What'’s happened?

Have you ever heard of
a club on 17th street?

I think it'’s called
the velvet cat.

Yes.

Do you see her?

There she is.

Oh! Mrs. Carlisle,
thank god you'’re here.

What is going on?
If anything'’s happened...

no, nothing'’s happened to her.
I just want to get her home.

Ha ha! Oh, no!

Louise.
Oh, jesus, not her.

Get me out of here.
I can'’t manage her, not now.

How about
a little politeness?

She has come
a long way to find you.

Do you like that,
norma?

It'’s gin. Gin is what it is.
You should try it.

Maybe you wouldn'’t be such a wound-up pain in the ass.

All right, that'’s enough.
We are going home.

Now!

Not so fast,
you dirty kraut.

Maybe the young lady doesn'’t want to leave--oh!

Easy! Man: all right.
Take it outside.

Let'’s go. Oh!
So virile. Ha!

I'’m going
to take you both home.

Be careful.
She'’s had a bit.

Floyd,
she can hardly stand.

I didn'’t know
what to do.

I'’ve never seen a girl drink that much.

I couldn'’t get her
to come away.

That'’s amazing.
I feel so much better.

But, louise, i have
to ask you something

and you must
answer me honestly.

Did floyd take
advantage of you?

No.

You understand what
i'’m saying?

You haven'’t been...
compromised?

He did not compromise me.

Oh, louise.

Oh, norma.

Please don'’t worry about me losing my virginity.

I didn'’t bring it to lose;
it'’s back in kansas somewhere.

What?

I told you i wasn'’t
an innocent.

But i never
for one moment--

i guess you ladies of wichita don'’t know everything

about my rides
with eddie vincent.

Mr. Vincent,
your teacher,

who drove you
to sunday school?

And so much more.

What are you saying?

He took photographs
of me afterwards.

Louise...

if this is true,

if this horrible
thing is true,

then he must be
reported.

Really? Why?

Oh...

i have to tell
your mother.

I think she knows.

She thought i might be able to use the pictures.

Your mother?

They'’re not all like marmee
in "little women," you know.

I know.

Do you?

I wonder.

Being an orphan is such
a big thing for you...

but if you ask me,
i think it gets you out of a whole lot of trouble.

Anyway, let'’s not
stir things up.

You'’re always saying that no one wants
a girl when her candy'’s unwrapped.

Oh, please forget
about the candy.

I won'’t forget
anything.

You poor child.

All the time i'’ve been lecturing you,
never knowing you

were the victim
of wicked abuse.

But that'’s
the point.

I don'’t want to be a victim;
not now, not ever!

I must brush my teeth
and i need to tinkle.

Can i have
some privacy, please?

I have breakfast for you
in the other room.

Why'’d you wake me?

Because if you'’re
late today,

miss ruth won'’t let you
go to philadelphia,

and you won'’t be able
to join the troupe.

Tell her i'’m sick.
It'’s true.

She won'’t care,
and papa ted won'’t be able to protect you.

Mmm. Ok.

So get up.
You mustn'’t put

everything you want at risk.

I'’m not packed.

I'’ll pack.

Louise...

i can'’t help
worrying

about what you told me last night.

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

Mr. Vincent.

I can'’t overlook it.

One word, and i'’ll deny everything;
so will mother.

You'’ll just make
yourself look crazy.

Are you planning to say anything to miss ruth?

Of course not. Why would i?
I don'’t want to ruin your career.

I don'’t have a career.

Maybe not yet,
but you can have one.

You'’re good. Louise,
you'’re very good.

No one can take that
away from you.

Really?

Yes, really.

I know you'’re pretty
and the boys like you,

but you got more
than that.

You got talent.

Talent gives you power.

People can try to stop you,
but they can'’t take away your talent.

Nobody can do that.

Thank you.

You'’re welcome.

Better get in there.

Wish me luck.
Good luck.

Mrs. Carlisle?

Floyd.

Please, mrs. Carlisle,
i know you'’re sore,

but i'’m truly sorry,
honest.

You shouldn'’t have had her sneak out like that.

Floyd...

you'’re a nice young man,
and i think you'’ll go far.

You'’re like me; we're
both kind of normal.

What we want from life
is achievable.

I'’m not sure louise
is like that.

I think about her all the time, mrs.
Carlisle, all the time.

She'’s the prettiest girl
i'’ve ever seen, by far.

And she'’s kind of...

fascinating,
you know what i mean?

I certainly do,
but if i were you,

i should let her be
a wonderful memory;

you'’ll be a lot
happier that way,

believe me.

I bet you'’re glad you'’re too old to mess with this stuff... right?

Sure you wouldn'’t like some coffee, mrs. Carlisle?

No, thank you, betty. You'’re very kind,
but i won'’t be staying long.

Thank you, betty.

I hope you'’ll stay
long enough

to have a grown-up
conversation.

Is that why we'’re here,
so i won'’t shout and throw a glass vase?

I like to think so.

You know, there isn'’t
a judge in the county

that won'’t give me
a divorce.

And when he does,

i'’ll not only be ruined,
i'’ll probably be dead.

There are people
in this town

who would have me
killed if they knew.

You should have thought of that a little earlier.

And how will you and the boys live when i'’ve been murdered?

Then i'’ll cite your infidelity and...

you can support us.

Is it what you want?

"There'’s norma carlisle.
She'’s divorced, you know."

What'’s raymond
planning to do?

He was talking
about settling up,

moving on.

But you don'’t
want him to.

No, i don'’t.

You wish i had died

when the twins
were born.

Then you could have
played the sad widower

with no one to get
in your way.

I value our family,
norma.

You know that.

Where is she this time?

No, she'’s fine.

I think she'’s fine.
She'’s in philadelphia.

Only i was in
the neighborhood.

Can i get you anything?

I don'’t think so.
No, thank you.

So what can i do
for you?

Well...

i hope you won'’t
regret this.

I cannot think
of anything

in my entire life
i would regret less

than what we are
about to do.

You honor me.

You are too good for me.i'’m not too good for you.

I'’m not even sure i'm
good enough...

but kiss me.

Alan'’s not
a bad person. He'’s kind.

But he'’s not
a husband to you.

I had a cousin
like that in germany.

He was a good man,
but one day he was beaten half to death.

Your alan is right
to keep his secret.

I'’m afraid so.

So how long will you
stay with him?

Oh, i don'’t want
a divorce.

Why not?

I did at first, but not now.
How would i explain it?

What would i say
to the boys?

They are not boys
anymore.

They'’re men.

Tell them you want
to be happy.

That'’s not enough.

No?
No.

More than anything,
i want them to be happy.

They are happy.

Don'’t want
to spoil that.

What a waste.

These marks are
from what you wear?

From my corset, yes.

Why wear it?

Must be so tight.

You get used to it.

But why get used
to it?

So... was it
worth it?

It was fun, but it'’s
great to be home.

I mean, philadelphia'’s fine,
and god knows it'’s an improvement on wichita,

but i just wanted
to be in new york.

Isn'’t that something,
to be so attached

to a place that'’s
still so new to me?

Maybe it'’s the right
place for you.

There'’s no maybe
about it.

When do you hear
about the troupe?

I got it.
They'’ve offered it.

When were you going
to tell me?

I'’m so glad.

I was afraid you'’d
be disappointed.

Miss ruth didn'’t
seem too convinced.

No, but papa shawn was,
and i knew he'’d get his way.

I'’m not so sure.

My guess is that when
the chips are down,

miss ruth st. Denis
runs that company.

She can'’t refuse him
anything.

To quote miss ruth,
we'’ll see.

What'’s happened?

What do you mean?

I don'’t know, exactly.
You just seem different,

as if something'’s
changed.

When do you move in?

They'’ll have a room
for me on friday.

That soon?

Why wait when it'’s
decided?

Go and make
your peace with him.

I suppose he hates me.

No, he doesn'’t,
and i think

he deserves
a proper apology.

Alone?

Alone... but come straight back to the apartment.

We really ought to cable your mother tonight.

You should never have shown me where your flat is.

Come in, come in.

I left the home.

We were seen.

I needed
to tell you.

I was worried you
would go back there.

What will you do?

It'’s all right.
I have a friend in brooklyn.

He'’s at work now,
but we can go to his place later.

Come on, greta.
Say hi.

Hello, greta.

She'’s not usually so shy.

What can i get you?

We got toast and jam.
Do you like strawberry jam?

And oranges? You'’ll like it.

Good.

There you go.

Thank you.

She'’ll eat
it all, in case

you come
to take it away.

Oh, god, i remember
that feeling.

Who told?

Sister delores saw us walking out of the gate this morning.

She fired me as soon
as i got back.

But greta hadn'’t
done anything.

They offered
to keep her,

but i said no.

You were right,
or she'’d have been on that train.

How long can you stay with this friend in brooklyn?
What will you do?

I'’ll find something.

I'’ve ruined your life.

I pushed into your life
and i ruined it.

What are you
talking about?

Norma, you'’ve given me
my only memory

worth keeping
since before the war.

If i found something
for you to do,

a place where you
could live,

would you let me
help you?

I have a young daughter.

I need all
the help i can get.

Louise.

Who'’s the little girl?

You again.

Where are you going to carry me off to this time?

I don'’t think you met properly the other night.

This is
my brother joseph.

Your brother?

Joseph schmidt,
louise brooks.

It'’s a pleasure
to meet you.

And greta is
my niece.

Yes, she would be.

That'’s how it works.

We should be going.

My friend is going to be home by the time we get there.

Fine. We'’ll meet
on saturday.

Ahem.

At grand central station

at the ticket office
at 10:00.

Grand central on saturday.

At 10:00.

And you better bring
everything with you.

We don'’t know how
long you'’re going

to be staying
in wichita.

No, i guess we don'’t.

Well, bye,
mr. Brother.

I don'’t think we'll meet again.
Not in kansas?

Least of all in kansas.

Then good-bye, miss brooks.

Well, you kept that
pretty quiet.

This brother all tied up with that letter
you were expecting from haverhill?

Exactly.

Do tell.

I'’d written to a friend
of my mother'’s.

I came across a letter from her,
so i wrote to her.

And?

And we met,
and she told me

how my mother died
when i was born.

It seems my father went home to germany with joseph,

but i was still a baby,
so i was left with a cousin in new york, then she died,

and that'’s how i wound up
in the orphanage.

Why didn'’t the friend
prevent that,

or at least write
to your father?

She had children of her own,
and she lost contact with him.

Then joseph reappeared?

He contacted her
a while ago

when he returned
to america.

He was trying to trace me,
so naturally,

they were pleased
when i wrote.

Wow.

That'’s quite a story.

Hmm. Oh,
and by the way,

it'’s "hay-vur-ill,"
not "have-ur-hill."

You don'’t pronounce
the second "h."

Well,
what do you know?

Wow. Thought you were
moving differently.

It'’s too hot.
It'’s hard to wear anything tight in the hot weather.

Well, i'’m glad our trip
has produced results.

I don'’t envy you going back to that town,
god knows...

but i hope things work out for you, norma.
I mean that.

Me, too.

I hope you get everything you want, louise.
You deserve it.

By the way...

you should have said he was your brother in the speakeasy.

Always say it straightaway before anyone can ask a question.

Horse feathers.

Papa?

Where are we going?

We'’re going to
my home in kansas,

which i hope will be
your home, too.

And you'’ll meet
your uncle alan

and your cousins,
howard and earl.

When will you tell him
the truth...

about us?

As soon as we'’re
alone, i guess.

What about the boys?

I won'’t tell
the boys,

and you won'’t
tell greta, ever.

It feels so dishonest.

Of course it'’s
dishonest.

In a better world,
we would shout who we are from the rooftops,

but i can'’t wait for
a better world, joseph.

I'’m living now,
and i want to be happy.

And if it doesn'’t work?

If it doesn'’t work...

my dear brother will
find a job elsewhere

and leave town and take
his daughter with him.

But i think it
will work...

'’cause i think we
want it to work.

Suppose they repeal
prohibition.

Can i have a beer?

All righty.
Have a beer.

He says not
to worry about him.

At least his unit is nowhere near the front.

What else does he say?

What can he say?
He'’s well. That'’s about it.

That won'’t tell us anything.
The censor inks it out.

Read it for yourself.
Let greta see it.

Think he is well?
Think he'’ll come home safe?

I hope he will.

Why'’d he have to go when his brother'’s already fighting?

I don'’t understand it.
He'’s a doctor.

They should be
protected.

I don'’t think he
wanted to be protected.

Maybe not,
but he has a wife and children to think about.

Lots of them have wives.
Lots of them have children.

I guess.
Look, mommy.

He'’ll be all right,
you know.

I don'’t know,
and nor do you.

Tell her, papa.
She'’ll believe you.

Well, i can'’t say what
is going to happen,

but both of your sons
are very fine men.

You should be
proud of them.

That'’s for sure.by the way,

i heard something
this morning

about your old pal.

I meant to
tell you earlier.

Which old pal?

Louise brooks.
She'’s back in wichita.

I ran into her mother
on my way here.

What?

When did she
get here, raymond?

A while ago,
apparently.

Why haven'’t i heard about this?
Maybe because

you had enough
on your plate,

looking after
all of us.

Ray,
what time are you coming for me tomorrow?

I'’ll pick you up around 3:00.

Aren'’t you staying for dinner tonight?

I will
if you'’ll have me.

I'’ve only just been told she'’s back in town.

I'’d have come earlier
if i'’d known.

She'’s been here
for 6 months.

Wichita'’s a bigger town
than it used to be.

Yes, wichita is
bigger,

and louise brooks
is smaller.

Did you hear about how ruth st.
Denis got rid of her

as soon as she
could?

Paramount did
the same.

Everything she
touches flops.

She'’s up there.

You'’ll have to knock,
but i doubt you'’ll get much out of her.

Thank you.

Louise, are you
in there?

Can you open
the door?

It'’s norma carlisle.

I know you never did anything i said 20 years ago,

but i wish you'’d
open the door.

What do you want?

I want to see you.

I only just heard you were here.
I didn'’t know it before today.

How'’s your german,
norma?

You mean my brother?
Oh, he'’s done so well.

No, german.

The language.

I wondered if you'’re familiar with the term "schadenfreude,"

pleasure in the misery
of others?

We don'’t have
an equivalent,

but it'’s a useful word,
especially in wichita.

I have not come here
to gloat.

You know me better
than that.

Do i?

Maybe i do.

Saw your mother
downstairs.

She has such a wonderful collection of your posters.

Oh, yes.

Mother was a big fan of louise brooks,
the movie star.

She'’s less of a fan of louise brooks,
not the movie star.

You were so magical.

I was very proud
to have known you.

Loved it when
your movies came here.

Most of them were
terrible.

Oh, no, i loved them.

"American venus,"
"social celebrity,"

"a girl in
every port"--so many.

As for the german films,

"pandora'’s box"
haunted me for weeks.

Did it?

Don'’t make them
nothing.

Don'’t you remember,
every shop girl,

every office worker,
they all copied you.

They copied your look.
They copied your hair.

Do you know why?

You made them feel free.

You changed things,
louise. You did.

If you say so.

Why'’d you stop
making films?

I stopped making films because i hated hollywood,

and hollywood hated me.
That'’s all.

Why are you here?
Why have you come back?

Because i'’ve reached
the end of the road.

I knew it.

I knew it the moment i heard you were back in wichita.

I knew you'’d given up.
That'’s why i've come.

Norma, look at me.

I'’m 35 years old.

I'’m broke. I have
nowhere else to go.

Horse feathers!

"Horse feathers."

Whatever you want to call it,
that'’s ridiculous.

You don'’t like your parents,
and why should you?

You don'’t like this house.
You don'’t like this town. Why come back?

Are you a homing pigeon for misery?
Just get on a train and go.

I'’m too old.

I am.

I am all used up, norma.
I'’m not even me anymore.

Louise.

You taught me
something once.

I taught you?

I just remember getting drunk and throwing up.

Well, that was part
of it...

but i know you, louise,
or i knew you then,

and i am certain you
are not used up.

I am certain there'’s still
quite a bit of you left.

Now, i'’m going
to give you...

a hundred dollars.

No, no, you don'’t
owe me anything.

Please--
you'’re wrong.

I owe you a lot more
than a hundred dollars.

Pack your bags today.

Go down to
the train station

and buy a ticket
for new york.

Norma?

When you took off your corset that day,

did you ever
put it on again?

No, i never did.

Good-bye, louise.

Good luck.

Don'’t come back.

How was it?

All right, i think.

You'’re not sorry
you went?

Absolutely not,
but you know louise.

She has to do it
her own way.

Let'’s go home.

Was greta right?

Do you think you had
too much on your plate,

looking after us all?

No.

I had enough
on my plate,

but not
too much.

Do we need anything
for dinner?

I don'’t think so.

Oh, maybe we should
pick up some butter

if mr. Taylor
is still open.