Original subtitles

A FREE WOMAN

a film by VOLKER SCHLONDORFF

and MARGARETHE VON TROTTA

At least today you could have been on time.

Good morning, Mrs. Junker. Please come right in.

Would you please swap seats?

Your IDs, please.

Submitted to the court is: The case Junker vs. Junker.

Mrs. Junker, would you please step forward?

First your personal data, please.

What's your name?

Elisabeth Junker, born Odelsdorf.

- To be sure: Elisabeth Charlotte? - Yes.

- And Odelsdorf with two Fs? - No, with one.

- When were you born? - May 25th 1943.

- And your profession? - None.

Didn't you keep house?

Yes.

Housewife then.

She's an educated foreign language clerk.

- Which is it to be? - I worked as a foreign language clerk.

Write down: Foreign language clerk.

When did you get married?

On March 18th 1966.

- Did you have a child in your marriage? - Yes, a son.

Nikolas Alexander.

- His date of birth, please. - June 7th of 1967.

When was the last conjugal sexual intercourse?

It's written in the indictment, in February I think.

Your husband said January 2nd. Is that right?

If he says so, it's certainly right.

Since when have you had separate households?

That's also in the indictment, I think since January.

- It says "the beginning of January". - Yes.

Your husband accuses you of leaving him maliciously, without reason.

- Did your husband ask you to return to him? - Yes.

- And you refused? - Yes.

- In that case you are the guilty party in the divorce. - Yes.

- Do you agree with that? - Yes.

This is the verdict in the Name of the People:

1. The marriage is divorced with the exclusive guilt of the defendant.

2. The defendant will bear all costs.

Can I drive you anywhere? One last time.

Thanks, but I'm motorized.

Do you even know how to drive that thing?

If you'd had that earlier I'd have saved myself quite a few trips.

You only needed to lend me the car.

Well then. Adieu.

- A Judas kiss! - You misinterpret everything.

Sun King! It doesn't suit me.

You haven't one with blonde curls?

Ah, yes.

Oh, a wig doesn't suit me. I don't have the right head.

Something more regular maybe?

I'll give it a try.

- That one looks good, Miss. - Miss? I'll take that one.

Sorry, Madame. You're married.

- Hi Theo! - I didn't recognize you.

- You look nice. - It's a wig.

You look quite different.

May I present: Oskar Merz, an old school friend.

- And Kruger, you know him. - Shall we sit over there?

- Thanks for asking if they had a job. - Unfortunately without results.

- What? - Well, you're a translator,

and especially for French there are so many.

- The latest trend is non-fiction. - Crime thrillers? What about those?

We don't publish crime thrillers. But how about Hans Helmut's new series.

- Would you like something to eat? - It tastes good. I'll have it as well.

- And what are you drinking? - Red wine as well.

I made different preparations on my own.

But translating is a hard job nowadays, he knows what I'm talking about.

It's easier from English. There are more English translations.

- I also speak a little English. - But you also need expertise.

You could do proofreading, but need to know the dictionary by heart.

I can actually manage orthography.

- What about advertising? - You heard what Mrs. Lobrecht said?

- Yes, I did. - Well, since the marriage...

Hans Helmut! Welcome.

- Hello, Hans Helmut. - Hi!

Oskar Merz, a school friend. He's in Munich by chance.

- Hello. - Not by chance.

Sit down. Have you eaten?

I guess a whole new life's starting.

He's working on a non-fiction series.

A teacher's a great job, but it takes too long to finish the training.

What a pity.

Unless you start when you're 18.

- Give me a call next time you're in Munich. - Good, OK.

Well. Bye.

- Are you driving to Frankfurt? - Yes. - Could you give me a lift?

- That took forever. - Sorry, I had to pick up some stuff.

What will you do in Frankfurt?

I've friends who'll maybe find me a job.

Your friends can really get on one's nerves.

I thought Theo was your friend.

- Do you have a dime? - A woman should always have one.

Do you have another? The first doesn't always work.

- Shall we have a coffee then? - Okay.

- Are you divorced? - Since this morning.

- I'm sorry. - That's perfectly alright.

I got on well with your husband. Didn't you have much in common?

He tends to impress people. He's nine years older than me.

How old are you?

I'll soon be thirty.

Stop!

It's not allowed on the highway. He should get a job and go by train.

That's what my father would say.

Wait here, I won't be long.

- Where shall I take you? - The station, I'll go back to Munich.

- Anything happen? - You shouldn't have brought me.

I'll drive you back, it's only 500 kilometres.

With that weather and fog tonight it'll take around eight hours.

Tomorrow I'm back at work.

- What's your work? - Civil engineering.

- Do women do that? - Not much.

- Can I at least invite you to dinner? - Thank you. - We've hardly talked yet.

- Shouldn't we go the cinema? - Best is the Aki near the station.

Why do you need to go back?

I talked to my lawyer on the phone, about child custody.

I need to prove I'm settled down.

A social worker might come anytime to check on my flat.

Good morning.

- Where were you all night? - I'll tell you later.

There's an auction at Edemann's. Want to come?

Old jewellery and porcelain. We need some bowls.

I'm too tired.

- Already? - I was in Frankfurt for a job.

- With whom? - Don't worry. I won't marry him.

You couldn't abide it for two days.

It won't last anyway.

- Niki. How are you? Alright? - Have you something for me?

Oh Niki. I can't always bring you something. Do I have to?

- That one had another colour. - Did you paint all those sharks, Niki?

Look, what Richard paints is beautiful. It's so wonderfully blue.

My painting is beautiful too.

Maybe you could try it like this.

- I'm finished. - Let's go.

Niki's found a new friend at kindergarten.

I bought some green beans.

- Don't you want to marry again? - I can take care of myself.

- Then I could move in with you. - Don't you like your apartment anymore?

You should do something with your hair.

You always managed to attract men.

I don't need that.

But you enjoyed being married.

- So why did I get divorced? - Well...

Don't you want to come back?

Helmut would certainly forgive you.

You weren't married either.

I couldn't have got used to a man.

- Couldn't you have called first? - I did.

I don't want you around when I'm here. You can always see him in the afternoon.

I waited for you because of the advance for the anthology.

I got into a higher tax bracket because of you.

But I did most of the work.

And I'll pay for the divorce, even for your lawyer.

Don't forget that you caused this whole mess.

You just came for the money.

Go play with Mimi.

There's a good story by Graham Greene you should include.

A couple with problems meets by chance in a porn theatre.

At first they are both embarrassed,

but then, back home, they can finally have sex again.

Should we have tried that as well?

It's a good story and not too long.

Translate it and send it to me.

I'll evaluate and correct it.

Look, cute breasts.

Niki...

It's your bedtime.

- Brushed your teeth, Niki? - We always do that. - Really?

Well, come on.

Stop it. Come on.

- Let's go. - I'll come to say "Good night".

It's late. You need to sleep now.

Good night. Sleep well.

Disgusting.

Without you I wouldn't be here.

How do you like this one?

Since the day you showed up I've not done any meaningful work.

Here's a group picture.

I had other plans than correcting such crap.

And as an employee.

- I didn't want to get married. - That's a good one.

Back then I could still have written my own stuff.

- Then give Niki to me and... - So that you have everything.

You won't get Niki.

I decide for my child.

- Don't mess with my books. - I'm just taking mine.

You could at least leave me my library.

I've a right to half these books, by our divorce laws.

Not if you just decamp like you did.

Still...

Take your books.

I don't want your library. I can buy one myself.

Can I have one?

Thanks.

I'm looking for a job.

I don't mean short term, but something permanent.

What's your profession?

Foreign language clerk.

I was married but want to start over again now.

Are you sociable? You'll need a friendly face. Why that wrinkle?

We need young people with language skills for the Olympic Games.

- I don't know much about sports. - That's beside the point.

It's really sightseeing tours in the city.

For contact between the delegates. You might be suitable.

But that's only temporary.

It doesn't help. Besides, I'd like to learn something new.

Companies don't like to invest in women of your age.

You're almost thirty.

How about data processing? Apprenticeship's paid. English required.

Feed computers? I've been a housewife for five years.

Sales agent for cosmetic products? French required.

I find cosmetics pretty superfluous.

Weather broadcaster for English tourists.

Microphone voice required.

- Obviously just for the summer months. - In that case...

You know, I want to use my personality.

To be challenged, to get personally involved.

Nurse? Child welfare? Paediatric nurse?

You'd like something like that? A typical woman's career?

- And how much do you earn? - 900 to 1000 DM. - A month?

Well that's a proper salary for a woman.

I can't live off that. I've got a child.

I get the feeling you don't actually want to work.

I think you just want something interesting,

to emancipate and develop yourself.

- Please follow me! - Could I take a picture with you?

- What did you say? - Could I take a picture with you?

One moment please. Please follow me!

I don't understand what the gentleman means.

May I help you? What do you want?

- He wants a picture taken with you. - So that's it.

All those things I've always pined for

Gee I'd like to see you looking swell, Baby

Diamond bracelets with a dazzling spell, Baby

Till that lucky day you know that well, Baby

I can't give you anything but...

Love

Well, that's nice. But tell me: What do you actually want?

To learn how to sing.

- Have you ever sung before? - No.

Well, it always seems so easy.

Your voice isn't developed, it hasn't been awoken.

You could say it's like a baby.

How's your musical sense?

Can you play music, can you read music?

- I had piano lessons as a child. - Oh, at least that's something.

Now try to sing something different, not that easy stuff.

Perhaps, I've got a song here.

The melody always follows the piano.

Give it a try. If you can sing it...

I'll help you. Try it.

That's enough.

- You've got musical sense. - That was a beautiful song.

Yes, more lies beneath.

The love theme is treated with more grace and dignity.

Instead of the woman always appearing as a baby.

You think I could do it? How long would it take, how much would it cost?

That's hard to say. We'll see. Let's just start.

I'd love most to sing in musicals.

Attention!

Bettina!

Elisabeth, it was good for a first time.

- How long will I need to get it right? - Two years.

- Two years? - Two years.

- That was good. - Think so? - Is it really your first time?

Well, when I was ten I danced ballet and the leader wanted me to go on tour.

My mother wouldn't allow it. Didn't want me to quit school.

- What's your job? - In an office. As a consultant.

I'm dreaming of going to America.

- I love Joan Crawford. - She's so nice.

She started as a dancer too and was known as the Charleston girl.

When she was a starlet she went out every night to get in the papers.

Like: "Famous person invited for the evening".

I love her. I've books about her.

- Oh, may I borrow them? - I've also written her a letter.

- Did she answer? - Yes, I went crazy.

- You framed it? - Yes, of course I did.

With her very own signature. My proudest possession.

- What did she write? - To Anne. Bless you. Joan Crawford.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

- How much does she earn? - Certainly not enough to make a living.

In America there are night clubs and musicals where you can work as a dancer.

- Andy Warhol is now also making musicals. - Oh, come on.

Our workers' appearance is of the foremost importance for us.

I'm not against a personal touch but the clothes need to match our style.

- Where did you work before? - At the InterExpo'72.

A black costume would suit you.

I'm against trousers due to aesthetic reasons.

But the InterExpo isn't over yet...

They wanted hostesses with Japanese. I can only speak French.

You can make use of your language skills here.

A large part of our clients are foreigners.

Well, well, Japanese. And before that?

- I worked at Hedenbach a while ago. - How long?

- Six years. I was married. - I see.

How old are you really? You look younger.

Is your wife working?

- Is your wife working? - No, my salary is high enough.

You've obviously missed the point.

And your diploma isn't relevant today.

I'll put you in the sales division, as an assistant.

There you'll have a chance. There you can become a saleswoman.

For something really exquisite, let me show you something over here.

A French couture model.

Russian O'Hara broad-tail.

Obviously the ne plus ultra in furs.

Our house can't offer you anything more beautiful.

Let me show you.

The usual curly Persian tends to make one look a bit madam-like.

I'd recommend a mink collar to enhance the contours of the face.

A fashionable coat with timeless flair.

And since we're convinced of the quality we will give you a five year warranty.

The small adjustments in length are included in the price.

Can I help you?

He yelled at me again.

Why don't you yell back? Defend yourself.

Why are you just lying there, broad?

The wife must participate, Scholz had read in "Marriage".

And that meant something to listen to.

Turn around, beauty. I don't need a face. Your hole should brew.

I don't care about manners. Maria also had an ass.

Would Scholz's dick fit in? He sniffed first to check it out.

The hole gaped like the gate to hell and spread its red handles.

However Scholz didn't hesitate. Criminy! He entered and started.

He shoved from behind. Well begun is half done.

Maria made a few sounds.

Such a filthy thing, and at breakfast too.

What goes on in the head of such a person.

Actually, not bad. Have you written more of those?

- My eighth notebook. - And are all pornographic?

No. It's nothing to do with porn. It's serious.

- I didn't mean it negatively. - No yodeling ahead!

You've been asked to the personnel office.

See my suffering here?

Why don't you quit?

They're paying well. And I love fur.

- Niki! - Where's your new car?

Up there.

Shall I carry it? Better like that.

- Watch out. Don't damage the hat. - Oh, I'm sure it'll last.

Put it on?

- That's the car. - But it isn't really new.

Yes, others have owned it. But for me it's new.

- How fast does it go? - 100.

- Dad's car does 180. - Well, Dad's car's much faster.

This one's nicer. Look, I'll show you.

I'll explain.

You can open it when the weather's nice.

You can go up there.

- Congrats. From a generous lover? - Can I have Niki for the weekend?

We're visiting the Eckhardts. Maybe next Sunday. I need to finish the manuscript.

- Hi. Hi there. - Come up. - Come on, Niki.

- Let's go back in. - Again? - Again.

Hi, Dear.

- Do you have a cigarette? - Sure.

He still doesn't pay?

He earns so little?

Enough for records and books. Without you he'd need a babysitter.

I'm here anyway. I never get bored with Niki. He always has some new ideas.

Especially now in summer we have a great time in the garden.

A child belongs to its mother.

And the birth was so hard. It took four days.

And he can't stay with Helmut all the time.

He's got a new girlfriend.

But he's still sad that you left him.

Well, I must go there.

And you know, Helmut always insists

that Niki's in bed on time.

Oh no, I've forgotten the key. But I've another over there.

She washed herself, shivering.

She was much too nervous to think of something unpredictable.

The consumer society suited Monica. She took commercial spots for real.

You can buy things you actually can't afford.

It's about a woman who robbed a bank.

Listen, this is the best bit: She disguised as a man for the crime.

She binds her breasts and glues on a moustache.

Even for a robbery you must be disguised as a man to be taken seriously.

- Do you have a cigarette? - Did you bring them with you?

They must still be on the table.

Perhaps she simply didn't want to be recognized.

- A man wouldn't dress up as a woman. - It happened in Vienna.

- A pensioner masqueraded as a woman to get a job. - What job?

Cleaning woman.

He was caught peeing in the men's bathroom.

- It just proves that men aren't burdened with cleaning. - It's a woman's job.

That's why it's called "cleaning woman".

Your friend didn't let me in. I had to put my foot in the door.

And you brought your suitcase.

I booked a hotel room.

- He can sleep here. - Where?

In the child's room.

Oscar. What are you doing here? Where are you staying?

- In the hotel, as usual. - Call me. - I will.

Who was that?

- Who was that? - Oh, some little girl.

Shall we go?

I don't want to push you. You decide.

Was she your ex? Very attractive.

Let me do that.

Which hotel do you use?

Pension Adrian.

- Irm said you've not paid the rent yet. If I can help... - We can pay ourselves.

- Don't be silly... - You seem to get along pretty well...

You pay the rent, move yourself in,

and we'll thank you for protecting us?

What would Sir like?

I'd like a fur for my wife.

I congratulate you on your choice. Furs are most laudable presents.

Furs were the kings' privilege. And kings were our customers.

Today every customer is a king.

Furs are for everyone.

Follow me, don't be shy.

Our models present the most exclusive furs a woman could dream of.

Chinchilla, black collar, or white polar fox.

Greenland fur, distinguished ocelot,

or white polar fox.

Well, Sir, what does your wife look like?

My bride... looks like...

like...

Her there!

Me?

I want no fur!

You can't decorate me like a golden calf.

I'm not an object of lust. And no representation piece.

Man is man But woman isn't woman

A woman is a vamp Or she is a house wife

A woman is a bed bunny Or she is a slut

If she's elegant She's a lady

If she cleans crap Cleaning woman

Never is a woman a woman

Only man is man

I don't want to be a vamp And certainly no Cinderella

Not a bed bunny Nor a slut

And I'm no lady either

I only want to be a woman

Like a man is a man

I just want to be woman

Well, nothing to do? Adjustment!

- May I ask for an advance? - For God's sake.

You've been here less than a month. Wait another six at least.

Well?

And 1 and 2 and 3 and 4. And 1 and 2 and 3...

No, no, one arm ahead.

- I'll never learn it. - Sure you will. - No, I'm too stiff.

You just need to want it. Let's try it with music.

Try to sing it. You know how to sing it. Don't you?

Right?

- I can't. - You can. Come on, just once.

Just once.

No, you always go down. You need to go up.

Once more.

- There? - Yes.

Let me. This one? - That one.

Little Hans Feeling fine

Travelling the whole world wide

Looking good With stick of wood

Goes just where he could

That was pretty good. Well done.

We've talked about it enough. I don't want to be dependant on you.

- Are you dependant? - Well, the child will soon be born...

...and you'll have lots of obligations. - And that one dependency is too much?

Hello?

For you.

I still don't understand. It seems as if you just make it up.

Yes?

Why? He's already asleep.

But we agreed that he would sleep here tonight.

Yes, we did!

And even if not. He should be able to sleep at least once at my place.

- No way. Out of question. - The police? Are you crazy?

The child doesn't matter to you at all. I can't just wake him up now.

Of course, you just don't want to give in.

No, I won't bring him.

Listen to yourself. You've really gone crazy.

Call the police, huh?

- Come on, I'll dress you. - Don't give in. He has no right to it.

The police won't bother.

- He doesn't even have custody. - Leave him. You know his condition.

If you give in now he'll have won again.

And if not he'll come and smash down the door.

Then let him come.

- He's always oppressing you. - It's okay.

Relax, he won't hurt you.

You haven't changed a bit.

Sorry for the surprise visit.

It's very important for me. I've been divorced for a while.

You can stay here. There's a room upstairs, you'll be left in peace.

Helmut won't give me the child.

But the law says that if I can prove

I was with someone else at the time of conception

that he's not the father, I'll automatically get custody.

I only need someone to confirm that I slept with him at the time in question.

Someone with the right blood type.

Weren't we together back then, in the Autumn of '67 at Tegernsee?

You know your blood type?

I just need you to swear on oath.

I haven't been to the city for a long time.

It's about my child.

I'd like to see it. Is it beautiful?

- Does it look like me? - Nonsense, you aren't the father.

Just act as if you were.

You're my last chance. Won't you help me?

That's why you drove out here today?

Yes.

- I've the money, but not all of it. - Doesn't matter, just transfer it.

That other issue you'd better forget. They can test who's the actual father

and we don't even want to start with something like that.

Your husband's attitude is more important.

I can't talk to him. I start off with the best intentions,

but he thinks he's always right.

Before I was the best of mothers, and now I'm an unworthy whore...

- Did he use these expressions? - Yes, frequently.

- Also in front of the child? - Yes.

Can you prove it with witnesses?

- Yes, but they are our common friends. - We can force them to give evidence.

- I don't like to involve them. - And your mother?

Don't let sympathies rule you. You must think according to the case.

I don't want that.

If you'd kept the child and asked your mother for help...

I was worried he might hurt himself.

We can't consider everyone.

You should have claimed a divorce based on disputes from the start.

We would have certainly found something to accuse him of.

I don't always want to think tactically. Can't I combine my feelings and rights?

You're talking like a man.

Your outrage is just a flash in the pan. If you really wanted to be independent,

you'd have started studying, made the necessary sacrifices...

You should have thought about that earlier.

No one forced you to marry so early.

Two C. Del peccato.

Once more "a la voce".

Right. Breath now.

Very good. Your voice gets better the more you sing.

You need to to intonate the "l".

Ascolta Dolce Maria.

One more thing. This is a church aria,

and any affectacious facial expression is out of place here.

You understand? You shouldn't form an O with Ascolta Dolce Maria.

Try to let your face remain entirely...

...at the service of the holy mass.

It's written for castrati voices.

A church aria couldn't be sung by women.

Why not?

Women in church, they had to remain silent.

It would have been impossible for a woman to sing in a Catholic church.

- It's meant for Maria... - But women aren't allowed to sing, no.

You're interested in the topic of "women's emancipation".

I'm telling you in advance it's a very dangerous topic. No illusions!

In antiquity women were either housewife or hetaera.

Christianity heightened woman. It gave her absolution.

Here's a Masolino, a truly wonderful late gothic masterpiece.

The Birth Giver. The mother of grace. But it's not at all realistic.

Reality is the opposite.

A women is a nothing. She belongs in the house.

She has to take care of kitchen, cellar and so on.

That's it for this painting.

Let's go on to another typical picture. Painted by Rogier van der Weyden...

...which shows the Angel of Annunciation.

He comes and tells her what to do. She should give birth to the child,

and then turn to a grieving mother at Golgotha.

The destiny of women is to listen and accept.

She's passivity in extension.

That's the real condition of the woman.

I'd especially recommend this one.

A new perspective on woman.

The woman exclusively as a house wife. The man gazing out into the world.

With a falcon. He knows what he wants. He's target-oriented.

The woman at his side.

His hand holding her, signalling the alliance.

While the woman looks only at the boy. The woman obeys the man's orders.

Explicit hierarchy of the family. Once again, no signs of emancipation.

When the boy grows up he'll become just like his father,

and so on into the next generation.

That's a main theme in art history. The man looks out into the world...

...while the woman looks at the man.

In the paintings we come to now,

the woman becomes object, and not subject anymore.

Here the woman is an object of desire.

You couldn't have depicted her as a mistress like that,

that was impossible. So she's camouflaged in an antique vesture.

Though you can't actually call this a vesture.

- The tender veil is a cover-up? - Right, it's a cover-up.

An ingenious cover-up. But obviously...

...that antique myth is misused...

...in order to legalize an object of sexual desire.

Emancipation means here to turn her into a subject.

That's Ludwig XV's mistress. The beautiful and infamous O'Murphy.

- She looks really stupid. - Well, she doesn't look very intelligent,

but her bottom was famous. Louis XV was envied for this bottom.

All of Paris admired it.

Thanks, a tea will be good after all that standing and talking.

Now you've seen the paintings and listened to a not so nice story.

The emancipation of women is a very long-lasting issue.

In fact it's not just emancipation of the woman but also of the man.

He's just as little emancipated as the woman.

Men just think that because they own power and authority. That's all.

He's kicking again.

- Can you feel the legs already? - Sure.

Let me see.

- Indeed he's kicking. - A he? - Yes.

- Only a boy can have such a temperament. - Well...

...you still think patriarchally.

My efforts were to no avail.

- I also wanted to have a boy. - You also wanted to have a boy.

See, we haven't got any further.

What shall we do? There's nothing one can do.

But take it easy now. You've exhausted yourself.

- Thank you very much. - Goodbye.

- I'll accompany you to the door. - Very kind. Thanks.

- I'd have liked a father like you. - A patriarch again. What a nice story.

Then we're back at the start again. What can we do?

Thank you very much. I enjoyed it a lot. Thanks. Goodbye.

Not so hard!

Look at those dirty ears. Let's clean them.

That was one. And the other one. Hold on. Done.

All clean again.

Did you dive? Don't do it. The foam'll get in your eyes and hurt.

- Where's Daddy? - Daddy will come soon.

He wants you to come now.

I don't have a heart of stone.

The child can live with you to start with,

under the condition that you fulfill the requirements.

The social worker checked the apartment and said we should come to an agreement.

Especially for the child.

I'll have a look.

I want to save the child any kind of conflict.

The motherly bonds are sacred to me also.

I'd still be there for you if you'd been more reasonable.

You were only there for yourself. The child isn't important for you.

You were already bitter when we met.

I hoped that you could change that.

But the first man who came by was good enough for you.

You know I didn't leave because of Wolfgang. It didn't even work out.

Women never leave a man without having another one.

I have nobody.

But there's no way back.

Any news about your dancing and singing activities?

The teacher isn't so enthusiastic anymore.

I lost my faith in it. It's too late. Just a dilettante attempt.

So our greatest talents remain in obscurity.

- How much is the the cheapest art design? - One moment, please.

- 150 DM. - Well, thanks. Goodbye.

Bye.

- Has my wife called? - No. - Thanks.

- Did you find the letter from the Hamburg art museum? - No, sorry.

That's a catastrophe.

The hair dryer and lunch. Do we have Alka-Seltzer?

- I don't think so. - Please buy some. Some Alka-Seltzer would be heaven.

- And the letter from the art club? - They'll have to be patient.

But not me. Please buy some.

Yes, but when? When?

One moment, a moment, please.

Hello? Galleria Schmollinger.

Yes.

They ask if you would come to Milan next week.

Can't we postpone it?

Is it possible to... to...

to do it a bit later?

Ah, right.

It's not possible, the exhibition will end Saturday.

Well, Friday then.

Friday, alright?

Yes, thanks. Best wishes to Signora Schmollinger.

You'll naturally accompany me.

Call Mr. Cook...

and book two sleepers on the night train.

Anyone who ever loved, wasn't it love at first sight.

One more, please.

It's a pleasure to watch you eating.

At Servini I'll order a vitello tonnato for you.

Then you'll understand why Catholics still pray to God, it's such a pleasure.

Under the condition... do you mind?

That one still enjoys one's virility.

By the way,

did your husband betray you or the other way round?

- I was simply tired of being married. - Naturally.

Biologically a man and woman being together all the time is a monstrosity.

How long does a sexual relationship last? Probably two years at most.

According to Reich it never does.

We need new ways of living. We got stuck in the Stone Age.

My wife, for example,

she's so jealous, you can't imagine.

She's a raging Othello.

And me as Desdemona. Can you imagine that?

To your health.

A woman's destiny is to be perfect,

clean, being the illusion of the man. No more, no less.

It's not the right to become a doctor or the right to vote,

but the magical capability of illusion.

You know what Ortega y Gasset said?

The value of a man is what he does. The value of a woman is what she is.

And I say he's right. Aren't I right? - Yes. - There you see.

The waiters want to go to sleep. They're throwing us out.

Should we also go to bed?

- Okay. - You want to eat that? - No.

Perfectly happy? Well, let's go.

- Have a nice evening. - It's along there.

We want to get drunk. We want to swap our wives.

There's no more yours and mine. Wasn't that the song?

25. That's you, right? Thank you for a nice evening.

No, no. I'll accompany you to your cabin.

Well then. Good night. Thanks again.

No problem. My pleasure.

- I don't want that. - Why not? Even in the smallest cabin.

What a temper.

I love it.

Stop it or I'll call the conductor! What's got into you?

Spontaneous love. You must surrender.

No way!

Wilhelm Reich taught that forty years ago.

Nobody wanted to listen to him.

The time wasn't ready yet.

He masturbated himself to death.

Out of desperation.

I'm so disappointed in you.

Shit.

Watch in the sink. Money's gone. Dirt of snatch under the nails.

Headline: The gentleman wakes up.

Welcome, Sir. Room No 17.

That's for the taxi.

- Could I please make a call to Germany? - Yes. - To Frankfurt.

Please write down the number here.

- You can go to the cabin. We'll connect you. - Thank you.

- All the luggage to your room, Sir? - No, no.

Please give her a single room.

The number of the hotel, please?

- 897-065 - Thank you.

Tell me when you arrive so that I can get you? I'm happy. Bye.

- The restaurant is over there. - Oh, yes. It's beautiful.

- It's further up there. - What?

- It's very high up. - This is your room, Miss.

- No bathroom? No shower? - In this room there isn't.

Magical illusion of the man.

Be patient. It's not my fault. So here's the room. Have a nice day.

Wait a moment. Savini's over there. Where was it now?

That was painted by a young American.

He arrived in Italy with a very small suitcase that was very heavy.

Schiels was a young American artist who came to Italy...

...with a small but heavy suitcase.

This one belongs to the museum of Whitney.

This one belongs to the museum of Whitney.

It's owned by an industrial leader who was the son of a cowboy.

Owned by the Washington Museum.

What does it cost?

It's three million Lire.

- In dollars? - 5,000 to 6,000 dollars.

16,000 to 18,000 DM. That one is interesting.

Thank you.

Here he has used human beings as objects.

This one is an important piece of work.

Well, it's a little older.

In Germany you'll certainly find enthusiasts for that.

I know what you mean, but...

Shall we pick him up? - No, not today.

- Super, please. - Thanks, Madam.

- Italy is beautiful. - Thanks, Madam. - Yes, very much.

I'll order vitello tonnato. What Schmollinger promised me in Milano.

- Two vitelli tonatti. And one mixed salad. - Thank you, Mrs.

- My Mrs. - My Mr.

Do we have to get up yet?

- I'd like to never go back. - We can just stay together for ever.

No real sexual relation can last longer than four years, according to Reich.

Says Schmollinger.

I'll still love you when I'm as old as yesterday's farmer.

And as rattly as his bicycle.

When I'm forty you'll find a younger one.

If I only hadn't got this wrinkle.

I'll sleep a little longer.

- What a beautiful dress. - From Milan.

The Italians have a very different attitude to their appearance.

Yes, well...

Unfortunately your husband has misused your absence to your disadvantage.

He sent a letter to the custody court. You can clearly read the failed writer.

He calls the change of your working place an unsteadiness.

Your new job in the art gallery is inconsistent with motherly duties.

Because of frequent travelling to foreign countries.

Sharing a flat with a pregnant unmarried friend he calls a dubious commune.

I fear his arguments may at least partly succeed

with the Youth Welfare Department.

And there's a danger that he'll indeed get custody of the child.

Eventually he provided a surprise effect and wrote the following:

To Child Welfare.

My situation has changed since I'm soon going to marry again.

My bride works at a kindergarten and gets along perfectly with my son.

We live in a big house where Nikolas has a big room and also a garden.

Very near to the kindergarten that can be reached on foot.

Your melodramatic show only proves you're unable be reasonable.

We agreed that Niki lives with me.

Not if you hang out abroad with some strange guys.

I've already left the job at the gallery.

That wasn't necessary. You won't make up for what you've done to Niki.

I'll give him again an authentic family life.

You talked me into that office job just to make sure I wouldn't get Niki.

Nobody forced you into it. I've got to work now.

You know very well I didn't take Niki because I feared you'd hurt yourself.

- Now you're using that against me. - Come on, stop fooling yourself!

He'd have only upset your emancipation attempts.

You make it seem as if the court has already decided for you.

It's a shame that we let these bureaucrats decide on our child.

It wasn't me who destroyed our family! Don't ever forget that!

I made it especially for you: All power to the Nanas.

- So you'll have a good memory of me. - Thank you.

This is not just strange.

I regard it as a parody of female emancipation.

It shows a woman without a brain, with fat legs and a shopping bag.

"Nana pouvoir" means "little woman".

According to her form, right?

It suggests the necessary renovation of patriarchal order.

If the patriarchy is ever revived, which I don't think will ever happen.

The patriarchy will slowly die, matriarchy maybe won't replace it, but both will

coexist and balance each other as historical and social status quos.

It's nice to hear a colloquium about patriarchy from a competent mouth.

- You're leaving already? - I have to.

Excuse the long discussion. All the best, and much patience.

A famous quote by Lenin says: Patience is a revolutionary's primary quality.

Don't forget that.

Emancipation is a very long process through many generations.

- But what shall I do now? - We always want it right now.

But it's not possible. You have to accept it.

It's like this: You've to think in terms of generations, not in individuals.

It's difficult. I've tried to be patient myself now for fifty years.

Don't you still owe me money?

- Well, take the "Nana" and we're even. - But I only got paid for one week.

You're served very well with that.

Just visit me, my library is always open for you.

I have many books on the subject.

Don't give up.

Educate yourself. Be active. And maintain your beauty.

That is a very important part.

What do you think? Doesn't she look exactly like the "Nana"?

- I'm Niki's mother. - Beate Fink. Please come in.

Your mother's in town. So I stayed with Niki.

Do you have a present?

- Can I offer you a drink? - No, thanks.

Well, but you get an apple juice.

What's that?

- Remember "Little Hans"? - Yes. - It starts there.

Great.

My husband writes better than me because of his work.

That has nothing to do with the child. Please.

Please let me explain. You can't just decide without asking both parents.

Send Oscar, he doesn't give up so easily.

Please, can I have an appointment.

I'll try again tomorrow.

Shall I rub your back?

Yes.

Darling, what's wrong? Calm down.

It's just the stress. The constant insecurity.

Let's get married. Then everything will be easier.

Maybe you'll even get Niki back. He's got married first.

Then you'd have a whole new situation.

You could take your singing lessons.

Everything's still possible. There's no need to get desperate.

When I was

Still a child

They told me: Only wait

Then when you're grown up

You can do what you want

Be patient Organise yourself

Because you're still Much too small

So now I'm grown

Soon I'll be old

They say to me: "No violence"

You are a woman

And as a woman you're weak

Be patient Organise yourself

You sure won't make it Not alone

Thus I've been So well behaved

As they told me I'm well read

I've avoided violence

I've got nowhere

And I am old