Original subtitles

Whoo, it's like flying.

Oh, it's like birds.

And where do the birds roost?

At a table with hot chocolate, Lots of hot chocolate.

Oh, come on.

Mmm, I love sweet things to eat.

Oh, Kristine, I'm so happy,

tomorrow I shall go with Papa to see Torvald.

The next week we shall be married

and Papa will live near us.

And you'll be happy ever after.

Ever and forever.

I wish I'd met your Torvald.

Well, you shall Kristine.

You must come to visit us whenever you wish.

Someday, when I can.

Kristine,

Kristine we must write, we must write to each other.

Every week.

I love Torvald so much.

He was-

He was brilliant the way he helped Papa

with his business difficulties.

It's wonderful, Kristine, to love and admire a man.

You shall admire him too.

Oh, I'm sure I will.

Any man you love must be a good man.

Oh, look at the time.

Oh, Kristine, I must rush.

I must fly.

Papa will be waiting.

Oh, but I wanted to spend this afternoon

with you Kristine.

Dear Kristine.

Can we sit down over there?

We must talk.

Surely.

That was your Miss Laura I passed on the way in.

Yes.

She's going down the shore to the big town...

...to marry.

I heard about it.

Torvald Helmer, I knew him at school.

Well, to marry.

For love or for money?

Or for both?

For love.

Hmm, unlike, so I gathered from the notes you wrote me,

unlike yourself.

I was only trying to explain my situation.

I...

I desperately want you to understand my predicament.

Indeed I do,

and now I have it in writing.

A widowed mother

and two young brothers to support.

So the man you choose to marry must be comfortably off.

And I'm...

Well, what am I?

A lawyer with a few prospects but no money.

Well, why not push me to one side.

Cruel it may be, but it's certainly logic.

Love you I may,

and you said you love me,

but what could be more seductive

than security?

Must you speak to me like this?

Oh, surely you expect me to be angry, don't you?

I thought you'd understand, or lose your feeling for me.

Positively sacrificial.

Surely you must see that I have no choice in this matter.

Leaving me with no choice in this matter, either.

Kristine,

your rejection of me is heartless,

and yet,

you do care for me, don't you?

I do, but...

Yes, but do you care for me?

You know I do,

you know how much I do.

Then are you saying that

it's too late for you to change your mind?

Oh, please,

please think it over again.

I can't think of anything else.

But I can't promise anything else, either.

Well if I'm not to hear from you again,

what have I to do in this duck pond? Eh?

Who knows, I might follow in your Miss Nora's tracks.

For the big town.

I might see if I can improve my prospects...

without you.

Goodbye Nils.

I wish I could've come more often.

When so late on in carrying your first child, Nora,

I'm sure he understands.

Come now, you must be on your way.

I shall wait until the nurse returns.

He's dying?

Yes, Nora, he is.

I'm afraid it won't be long.

Forgive me.

I would like to comfort you.

One thing you can be sure of,

your husband's illness is curable. Definitely.

But it is essential...

...that he spends

the coming year in a warm climate,

and thank God you can afford to do so.

Now promise me, you'll go straight home and rest.

And mind the ice.

And tell Helmer not to be grumpy.

Why I should say...

Torvald's been coughing all night,

and he's in such a black mood that

I'm afraid he'll refuse to go.

You must go. I have a good mind to tell him how ill he is.

No, he mustn't know.

Didn't you tell me that yourself?

Hmm.

What are you two looking so conspiratorial about?

You don't think I'd let you go without saying farewell?

I was telling Dr. Rank how good

and kind you've been about it all, and Torvald,

Torvald, I promise when we come back I shall never ask

for anything again.

Oh, this is sheer lunacy.

Oh, I should see about Anne-Marie and the baby.

Take care my friend, and for heaven's sakes relax.

In you go.

I'll be down in a moment, Anne-Marie.

Right.

Has it crossed your mind you might even enjoy a spell

in Italy yourself?

Spell you say, it's more like a sentence.

Well, I wish I was going.

I wouldn't, if Nora's father hadn't given her all

of that damn money.

Well she's been spoiled all her life, and why not?

This is her last fling before she settles down to home

and family in Norway forever.

Besides, after first child, it's good for her-

I suppose if one looks at it that way.

Precisely.

Oh,

have a wonderful journey.

Bye.

And the cow outside was in a fine pickle,

picking the chopper from the nearby woodpile

she chopped the rope through.

The cow fell from the roof and with a loud moo,

it picked itself up and ran away.

The farmer's wife went into the kitchen, what did she see?

Her husband upside down in the chimney top

with his head in the porridge pot.

Moo!

Now what's lawyer Helmer been doing cloistered

with your mighty lair?

Well, there are rumors.

Rumors are for pigs.

It fattens them.

Through that door, my dear Krogstad,

may have passed our new master.

Torvald Helmer has become a man to be reckoned with.

Don't I know it.

And now I-

Oh, I was a lawyer too, you know?

Yes, until that little matter.

Enough!

We know what little matter of.

Why else am I in this wretched position

after so many years?

So many years!

How many?

Well, it's six or seven since the Helmer's went to Italy;

you came here about then didn't you?

Mm.

You should've married money, dear fellow, with your talents.

Olssen,

I've put up with your claptrap day in, day out! Enough.

Which is more than your wife did with you.

At least I haven't a sordid reputation

to live down.

Well Torvald,

these checkups have been mostly pointless

for years.

Thank God.

Thank who you like.

Well, myself, I think you took the right advice

at the right time.

And your damn constitution is not so bad either.

And you, Gunnar, what about you?

Me, I want to... I'll show you something.

Here, take a look.

Ah. Meaningless to me.

Well, it's just possible those things might be destroying me.

I knew you weren't well, but I didn't realize.

Oh, don't take it too seriously, Torvald.

I may be mistaken, there are many other tests

to be done.

And if you aren't mistaken?

Then you can buy me a wreath.

Now listen, I don't see anything funny about it.

If you don't put on a better face,

I'll report to the bank that you're a sick man.

Come on, old chap.

Go home to the lovely Mrs. Helmer

and search her for macaroons.

Go on.

Hello.

Leave the tree by the door, Eben,

and bring the parcels in here.

Oh, Eben, Eben.

That's too much Ma'am.

Never mind.

Merry Christmas.

- Helene? - Yes.

Hide the tree away, I don't want the children to see it

until I've decorated the scene.

Yes, Ma'am.

Mmm.

Mmm.

You mustn't disturb me.

La la la la la la.

Come see what I bought!

Bought? Overspending again.

Oh, well, and you with an important new job

at the bank.

Yes, indeed. And my first salary in April.

But we can borrow, now that we know.

Of course we could, and after Christmas

I'm walking down the street

and a falling tile splits my head open.

Torvald, if anything as awful as that were to happen,

I wouldn't care if I was in debt or not.

And the people I borrowed from?

Who cares about them, they're strangers.

Like a woman.

When we have enough money to spend you'll see,

you won't think me such an old bear.

Whatever you say, Torvald.

Sulking, are we?

Moping under our poor old droopy wings, hmm?

Look, see what I've got here for a naughty little girl.

Money.

Now, you see I do know how these small expenses crop up

at Christmas.

Oh, Torvald, thank you!

Oh, I shall be able to manage with this.

You'll have to.

Now, look at the presents.

I wanna show you everything.

So, these are clothes for Ivar,

and a wooden train,

And, oh, a trumpet for Bob,

And a horse.

And- Oh, I got a...

and I got a little tea set for Emma.

It's rather simple, really.

Oh, well, she'll soon smash it to bits anyway.

And, let's see, two or three scarves for the maids.

Oh, Torvald, it's all very cheap.

And...

And this?

No, you must not see that until this evening.

Now, tell me,

what, within reason, would you most like?

Me? I don't want anything.

Of course you do, tell me.

Well, I- I don't know, really.

Unless... Oh, Torvald!

Well?

Torvald, if you really want to give me something

you could-

Come on, out with it.

You could give me money.

Only as much as you could afford.

Oh, Torvald, I'll wrap the notes in little pieces of gold paper

and hang them on the tree. Wouldn't that be fun?

Oh, to be sure it would if you could keep what I gave you

and really buy yourself something with it.

But you'd just spend it on all sorts of silly things

for the house

and then I'll have to put my hand

in my pocket again.

- Oh, but Torvald. - But you can't deny it, Nora.

Oh, she's a pretty little creature

but she gets through an awful lot of monies.

Extraordinary, what an expensive pet she is

for a man to keep.

But for shame, I save every penny I can.

Save every penny but you can't.

Oh, if you only knew what expenses

we squander birds have.

You are a funny little thing.

Just like your father used to be.

Always on the lookout for some way

of getting money,

when you have it,

it just slips through your fingers.

You never know where it's going.

Well, I suppose I just have to take you as you are.

It's in the blood.

I wish I'd inherited some of Papa's better qualities.

Forgive me.

I wouldn't wish my darling to be any different

than what she is.

Torvald, Torvald, there's nothing to forgive.

Mmm, do I taste macaroons?

Macaroons? Macaroons, what are macaroons?

Oh, you mean those little rowing boats for pixies?

Must be very sweet and tasty little rowboats,

just a nibble was it?

No, Torvald, honestly.

Oh, I was only joking.

You know I would never do anything behind your back.

Course not!

It's a good thing to know that one's position is assured now.

An ample income, harder times passed.

No more of those dreary Christmases

with you making and mending.

Do you remember last Christmas?

For three whole weeks you shut yourself away in your room,

every evening, making flowers for the Christmas tree

and all those other things you were going to surprise us with.

It was the most boring time I ever had in my life.

I didn't find it boring.

It all came to nothing, didn't it?

Oh, how could I help if the cat got in

and tore everything to bits?

Of course, you couldn't help it.

You wanted to make us happy.

Well, those times are over now.

I don't have to sit by myself being bored,

and you don't have to tire your pretty eyes

or your delicate little hands.

Oh, it's true, isn't it?

Oh, Torvald it's like a miracle!

Oh, did you invite Dr. Rank this evening?

Yes and I've ordered some very good wine.

Nora, you can't imagine how I'm looking forward to tonight.

So am I, Torvald, and the children will love it!

Come in.

There's a telegram for you, Dr. Rank.

It's from Christiania.

Aren't you going to open it, sir?

Mrs. Ingall, didn't you know it was bad luck

to open telegrams on Christmas Eve?

- But it's from the capital city! - That'll do, Mrs. Ingall.

Good afternoon, Dr. Rank.

Thank you. Mr. Helmer's in the study?

Hello Dr. Rank.

Nora.

Madam, there's a lady here to see you, a stranger.

You better show her in.

How do you do, Nora?

Oh, you don't remember me?

Kristine, is it really you?

- It is. - Oh!

Oh, you've changed!

Ah, yes, I know, it's been a long time.

You're a little paler, perhaps a little thinner?

Helene!

And older, much, much older.

Oh, Kristine, you shall be with us for Christmas?

Oh, how thoughtless of me.

Poor Kristine, you're a widow now.

I kept meaning to write you, honestly I did.

But I always put it off

and something always cropped up.

What you must've gone through!

Did he leave you anything?

No.

Any children?

- No, - Oh.

not even... a sense of loss.

Not even a regret.

How is that possible?

Those things happen Nora.

I have three beautiful children.

Oh, but it's you I want to hear about.

Kristine, I must tell you something, though,

it's such wonderful luck!

My husband has just been made manager of the bank.

From now on, we're going to be able to live quite differently.

Oh, I'm talking about myself again.

Kristine, come here, I want to show you the bedroom.

Come.

I just did the curtains myself.

- You did? - Yes.

Look.

What changes there are going to be in the world, Torvald!

Changes?

Science, man, science.

Well, I don't see anything changing human nature.

Why not?

Fifty years from now men will be flying.

I'd place a bet on that.

Men will fly, invent new machines,

there'll be no end to it.

My dear fellow, at the moment,

I'm just content to have Nora flying about the place

in her radiance and her innocence.

Hmm.

What the devil do you want?

Forgive me Mr. Helmer, but I took the liberty

of telling the maid you were expecting me.

Oh, you did, did you?

And what might I ask is the excuse

for such impertinence?

Oh, I really do apologize, but I felt that it was urgent.

It's about my position at the bank,

I work there, a clerk.

Don't you remember me?

We were at school together.

Krogstad.

Nils.

You must know I have no official status

in the bank until after the New Year.

And you dare to come bursting in here?

You make it your practice to invade

your bank manager's house?

You must give little thought either to your manners,

or your prospects!

If you'd permit me to explain.

I would expect you to leave, sir!

I should insist on it at once!

And I insist on being heard out.

That's the worst of my sort of life.

It makes one selfish.

No one to work for, yet you can't stop working,

so you become selfish.

Do you know,

when you told me about Torvalds's promotion,

I was happier for my sake than for yours.

How do you mean?

I understand!

You mean Torvald might be able to do something for you?

Yes, I was thinking that.

Kristine, leave it to me.

I will build up to it so delicately,

so delicately,

I will get him in the right mood

and I will wrap him around my little finger.

I would so like to help you.

I appreciate it, especially as you're...

so unused to worries and hardships.

You say that I'm so-

Well Nora, little need to work, you're still a child.

You all think I'm incapable

of getting down to anything serious.

I haven't told you the big thing.

What's that?

Our trip to Italy, Papa never left us a penny.

It was I who raised the money.

You? You couldn't have borrowed it.

Oh? Why not?

Because a wife can't borrow money

without her husband's consent!

Ah, but when a wife knows how to be clever.

I don't understand.

I could've got it another way.

I could've got it from an admirer.

When a woman is as attractive as I am.

What?

Mm-hmm. You're dying to know, aren't you?

Your husband doesn't know where the money came from?

Oh, what an idea!

Well, he's frightfully strict.

Besides, he's so proud, as most men are.

It would be painful and humiliating

for him to know that he owed anything to me.

But your father must have told him.

No, Papa died.

Will you never tell him?

Yes, sometime perhaps, years from now.

When I'm no longer pretty

and when he no longer loves me in the same way.

Yes,

as a matter of fact, it would be rather useful

to have something up my sleeve.

Oh, how absurd.

That time will never come.

Nora, your savings couldn't have paid the debt.

No, I got a lot of copying to do.

I shut myself away every evening and worked late into the night.

Often I got so tired, so worn out.

But it was rather fun.

You know, I...

sitting there working, earning money.

It was almost like being a man.

And how much have you managed to pay off like this?

Oh, there are such things as installments

and quarterly deposits.

They're terribly hard to meet.

Sometimes, I used to sit here and imagine that

a rich old gentleman

had fallen madly in love with me.

When he died, they'd open his will

and it would say in very large letters:

"Everything I possess shall be given forthwith,

to my beloved Mrs. Nora Helmer, in cash. "

No.

Oh, but don't you understand, it- it was just something

I had dreamt up as I sat there evening after evening

trying to figure out how I was going to pay this money back.

- Dr. Rank. - Mrs. Linde.

Oh, that's a name I've heard often in this house,

I believe I passed you on the stairs as I came up.

Stairs tire me, I have to take them slowly.

Oh, are you suffering from some internal trouble?

No, just overwork.

So you've come up here to

go to all the restful parties. Have you?

No, I've come to look for a job.

Well, that's an infallible cure for overwork.

I'm truly a monstrous chap.

One has to live, Doctor.

Yes, people do seem to regard it as a necessity

same with all my patients,

including the morally sick ones.

Talking of the morally sick,

one of life's cripples is in there at this moment

trying to wheedle something better

out of Torvald. He works at the bank.

Something called Krogstad.

The first thing he said,

as if it was an earth shattering revelation,

was that he had to live.

Well, surely it's the sick who need care most.

Hmm, that's an attitude that's turning our society

into a hospital.

Tell me Dr. Rank, are all the people

who work at the bank dependent on Torvald?

You find that so funny?

- Have a macaroon, Dr. Rank. - Mmm.

I thought they were forbidden in this house.

Yes, but Kristine brought these.

I did?

Well, you weren't to know that Torvald has forbidden them.

Hmm.

Now, there is one more thing that I would love.

What's that?

Something I have longed to say to Torvald.

- Well, why don't you say it? - Leave at once!

I can't, it's a terrible thing to say.

Well, don't say it, although surely to us.

I want to say, "hell and damnation".

Well, here he is. Say it.

Shh!

Torvald, it's Kristine.

Kristine?

Mrs. Linde.

Kristine Linde.

Oh, Torvald, dear, you haven't forgotten?

Nora and I knew each other a long time ago.

And imagine, she's come all this way just to talk to you.

- Oh? - Well, I didn't really.

You see, Kristine is frightfully good at office work

and she so wants to work under some clever man

who can teach her more than she knows already.

You're a widow I take it, Mrs. Linde?

Yes.

Well, you've come at a fortunate moment,

Mrs. Linde.

It's quite likely that I will be able to give you a job.

How can I ever thank you?

There's absolutely no need.

Now, I'm afraid I must ask you to excuse me.

Wait a minute, I'll come with you.

Yay!

And I have to go and look for lodging.

Come with us.

Oh, look, aren't they beautiful Kristine?

Anne-Marie.

Come, Mrs. Linde, this is no place for anyone

but a mother.

Look!

Take your coat.

Shall we play hide and seek?

Take off your coat, my darling.

We had such fun in the snow.

Let's play hide and seek.

Anne-Marie!

Anne-Marie, take them in there and count to a hundred.

Right.

And then I'll hide. Woof!

Yes, come, come, come, come!

Woof!

- There you go. - Good boy.

Don't forget to count to a hundred.

Coo-oo!

Coo-oo!

Excuse me, Mrs. Helmer?

What do you want?

A word with you.

How do you dare come here?

Mrs. Helmer, our smug and petties aside,

he's virtually denounced me as a criminal.

No doubt, I have acquired the manner of coming

and going like one.

I waited on the next staircase.

It isn't the first of the month yet.

And if we may not speak here, where, then?

Oh, I know it's a wickedly small town,

Shh!

when it comes to people noticing and gossiping.

Nonetheless, if you prefer that I tell your husband

something before he throws me out the next time.

This is an outrage!

So is much in life, Mrs. Helmer,

especially for those of us who are outcasts.

Now...

Children! No, come, come, come.

Not to be rude. Mama had a new guest.

Come on, Bob.

Well, Mrs. Linde, I must go to my office for an hour,

I take it we shall have the pleasure

of your company tonight.

Nora will most probably have us all stomping around

the Christmas tree with the children.

That's most kind of you.

You too, Gunnar, don't forget.

I'd have soon jump in the field.

Till tonight then!

I believe you have no room as yet, Mrs. Linde?

I may be able to help you.

Oh, I don't wish to impose upon you too, Dr. Rank.

Oh, don't be silly, my housekeeper

was talking about someplace only this morning.

He said there was a possibility of hiring, Mrs. Linde,

nothing definite.

Oh, please, don't try to be evasive.

I too knew Mrs. Linde once,

and I know how close you and she were,

so if I'm hounded out of my job

it's perfectly obvious who replaced me.

My husband's decisions are his own.

You have offended him, that is your affair.

When one is in a humble position,

Mr. Krogstad,

perhaps one should think twice before offending someone.

Someone who is influencing.

Precisely.

Which is why I suggest you persuade Mr. Helmer

to secure my position.

How am I to persuade him on your behalf?

Oh, I imagine he has his weaknesses,

like other married men.

In any case, I have the means to persuade you.

For example, if I told him about the money you owe me.

You wouldn't be so vile!

I shall fight for my job, Mrs. Helmer,

as I would fight for my life.

That he should hear about it from you,

Oh, it would involve me in the most...

dreadful unpleasantness.

Only unpleasantness?

Listen, Mrs. Helmer, you remember the document

of surety I asked you to have your father sign?

And I did so?

Yes, quite.

Only tell me what was the date of your father's death?

September the 29th.

Uh-huh.

Then he must have put his signature

to my document in his grave, Mrs. Helmer.

'Cause it's signed and dated October the third.

Now, isn't that curious?

I wrote my Papa's name, you knew what was at stake.

Look, Mrs. Helmer,

do you realize that that is a very dangerous admission?

Why, you'll get your money.

And if it were to come to law,

it wouldn't simply be a question of repayment.

I once did something similar, Mrs. Helmer,

I managed to avoid the law.

Nonetheless, the story got about and it ruined me.

So, this little job at the bank

was my first step back to respectability.

And now your husband wants to boot me back into the dirt!

My father was dying;

my husband's life was in danger,

surely the law takes account of such things?

The law does not take account of motives in such matters.

Then the law is wrong!

The law will have its way.

And if I show that paper to the police,

you will be judged accordingly.

You do as you please, Mrs. Helmer.

But if I land in the gutter once more,

I promise I shall take you with me.

So, he did come back here!

I told him categorically not to return

and he shouldn't involve you in any of the business!

He only came for a few minutes.

Now, look here Nora, don't play these silly games!

I sent Krogstad packing and he had the nerve

to come back after I'd left the house.

And I have no doubt you let him talk you into

putting in a good word for him.

Yes, but he's such an unhappy creature.

He said you were at school together.

Weren't we?

Years after, the liberties the fellow takes!

It's Torvald this, and Torvald that

as if we're close friends.

How could I turn him away?

I had already done so

and on top of all else, you lied to me!

Lie?

At first you said he hadn't been here.

Come, we'll say no more about it.

I meant no harm.

I was so pleased and happy, I- I pitied him.

You must never do such a thing again.

- What? - No more fibbing.

Not the tiniest fib, ever!

Oh, it's so maddening.

Hmm?

I can't pick what to wear

to the Stenborg's fancy dress party

on Boxing Day.

Oh, it's all so stupid and meaningless.

Up and down you go, up and down,

like a little bird learning to fly.

We'll think of something for your costume.

I should never get anywhere without your help.

Ah, I shouldn't like you to,

not to mention without my permission!

- Torvald, - Hmm?

if what people say about Krogstad is true,

couldn't he have been driven to it in an emergency?

Of course, he could,

but at the same time

men can often put their lives together

if they admit their crime and take their punishment,

now, must we discuss the fellow?

But punishment. Are such people never given another chance?

He tricked his way out of it, so there he is, always guilty,

always trying to conceal, to cover it up.

If his wife couldn't bear it and left him,

what effect should it have on his children?

Think of the effect of it all on them,

growing up with such a father?

He's morally corrupt, that always poisons everything.

Do you think children don't absorb much

of what their parents are?

Do you really believe that?

Oh, goodness me.

I've come across it often enough in court.

Nearly all young criminals

are the children of feckless mothers.

Mothers?

Did I say mothers?

Yes, you did.

Well, naturally, I meant fathers too, of course,

since we were talking about Krogstad.

Nora, here, give me your hand.

You listened to this depraved man

out of the innocence of your heart,

then you pick me out for a slip of the tongue.

Now, no more of it, eh?

Little one?

Right, that's settled.

I tell you,

I feel physically ill in the presence of such a man.

He'll just have to take what's coming to him

at the bank.

What is that?

Staff changes. A man must show his authority at once.

But I tell you,

your friend will reap the benefit, you'll see.

Now, I really must clear some of this up before dinner,

who knows, I might even have something up my sleeve

to hang in gold paper on the tree

for my precious little muddlehead.

The children are asking to come to mommy.

No, no don't let them in.

Stay with them, Anne-Marie.

Very well, madam.

Wait, Anne-Marie!

Anne-Marie close the door, will you?

I- I'm...

How did you bear to give your child to strangers?

A poor girl who got herself into trouble,

deserted into the bargain.

You can't pick and choose can you?

So I came to nurse my dearest Miss Nora.

You're so good to me, like a mother.

What else should I be?

With your own dear one taken in childbirth.

And if my little ones had no one else,

you'd do the same for them, wouldn't you?

Why madam,

such terrible thoughts in one like yourself,

so young and strong and light as air?

Just a bit tired.

All the fuss and rushing about, I didn't mean anything, really.

I should think not, madam.

Ooh!

Boo!

Where's Mrs. Helmer, Anne-Marie?

Why, sir,

she found that fisher costume,

uh, fisher-girl costume you bought for her in Italy.

She wanted to wear it for the party tomorrow,

but it's all torn

so she's taken it to Mrs. Linde for mending.

The fisher-girl costume?

Yes, sir, after all these years we still kept it,

you'll see how pretty she'll look.

How on earth did she know where to find Mrs. Linde?

Why Mrs. Linde mentioned it last night sir,

don't you remember?

Dr. Rank's housekeeper knew of a room.

Why, yes. of course, that's right,

I expect I wasn't paying very much attention.

Whoop!

So, you're going to give them the full performance, hmm?

Torvald wants me to.

It's such a mess.

No, the hemming's loose, that's all.

Oh, I want to thank you for yesterday evening.

Your children are so beautiful.

I did think Dr. Rank was rather in low spirits.

He was worse than usual.

He's been ill since he was a child.

Syphilis of the spine, because his father

was a terrible man who had mistresses and...

...things like that.

Nora, how do you know about such things?

When one has children, one gets visits from women

with a certain amount of... medical knowledge,

and one talks about things like that.

Does Dr. Rank visit you often?

He's practically one of the family.

You know, when you introduced me to him yesterday,

he said he'd often heard my name in your house,

and then later I noticed that your husband

had no idea who I was.

- Now, how does Dr. Rank-? - Torvald, he-

Oh, he gets quite jealous if I so much as mention any

of my friends from back home.

So, I've stopped talking about them.

But I often chat with Dr. Rank about that.

He enjoys it.

Nora, don't you think I know Dr. Rank loaned you the money?

Are you mad?

I wouldn't have dreamed of such a thing.

Kristine, when one pays back a debt,

one gets one's IOU back.

Yes, of course!

And one can tear it into a thousand pieces and burn it?

What's happened since yesterday? You're hiding something, Nora!

What is it?

I can't, now.

I must...

Merry Christmas.

I'll finish the dress and bring it 'round later.

But I won't leave your house before we've had a serious talk.

Thank you, Kristine.

Later.

Are you working?

I am in the middle of something, why?

Torvald?

Yes?

If your little squirrel asked you really prettily

to grant her a wish...

Well?

Would you grant it?

Well, I'd have to know what it was.

She'd do delightful tricks, if you'd grant her wish.

Out with it, then.

She'd sing in every room in the house,

she'd turn into a fairy,

and she'd dance in the moonlight, Torvald.

Nora, it's not that business

you were talking about yesterday.

Yes, Torvald, oh please I beg of you.

You really have to bring that up again?

Yes, you must do as I ask.

You must let Krogstad keep his place at the bank.

My dear Nora, it's his job I'm giving to Mrs. Linde.

I know, and it's terribly good of you.

But couldn't you dismiss one of the other clerks,

instead of Krogstad?

You're being extremely obstinate.

Truth is, he frightens me somehow.

My dear Nora, the man means nothing to you,

and he can't harm us.

But who's to know what he might do?

Oh, we could be so peaceful and happy.

Please, Torvald, please!

The very fact that you're pleading his cause,

makes it impossible for me to keep him.

If the rumor should get about that the new manager

had allowed his wife to persuade him

to change his mind.

What then?

Oh, nothing, except that I'd be making

a laughing stock of myself before the entire staff!

Come in.

Deliver this letter at once, will you?

Torvald, what's in that letter?

Krogstad's dismissal.

No! Stop him!

Call him back, for my sake, for your own, for the children!

Do you hear me, Torvald?

It's too late.

Oh, it's too late.

My dear, I can forgive you this anxiety

because I know your concern for me comes

only from the love you have of me.

If Krogstad tries to take his revenge on me,

you'll not find me lacking in strength or courage.

I'm man enough to bear the burden for both of us.

What do you mean?

I think I can deal with any sort of crisis myself,

entirely myself.

I will never let you do that.

Very well.

We'll share it, Nora.

As man and wife.

Now, are you happier now?

Oh, don't look at me with those frightened little eyes.

You're simply imagining things.

Look, why don't you go ahead

and rehearse with your tambourine for the dance?

I'll stay in here,

I'll shut the door,

and you can make as much noise as you want!

If Dr. Rank should call,

ask him to come straight in to me, will you?

Dr. Rank...

I didn't expect to find you here, Krogstad.

No? Well, these are my two.

Well, they look like you enough.

Yes, our kind neighbor, Mrs. Brecklin,

she helps me out.

Krogstad actually admits there are one or two decent people

in the world!

Yes.

And as it's Christmas Day, I'll even apologize

for getting angry with you in the bank yesterday.

I apologize.

St. Nicholas!

I thank you.

Come on!

Dr. Rank, It's Mrs. Helmer to see you, sir.

Thank you, Mrs. Ingall.

Nora.

- Merry Christmas. - Merry Christmas.

What a rare and pleasant surprise!

I hope this isn't a professional visit.

Oh, no, I was passing so I had the idea

of coming to see you.

How nice.

Well, please, sit down.

You know, with your constitution,

you'll live to be a hundred.

I'm the one who'll be rotting in the churchyard soon.

Oh, what a way to talk!

You must never die and leave Torvald and me.

Nora, I want to ask you a favor.

Torvald's a very sensitive man.

We know that he hates anything ugly.

I don't want him to visit me when I'm in the hospital.

Oh, Dr. Rank!

No, no I mean it.

I don't want him there, not on any pretext.

I shant have him allowed in.

When I know the worst,

I'll send you one of those black-edged mourning cards.

You are being quite impossible today.

Just when I was hoping you'd be in a good mood.

This is ironic, isn't it?

I've often noticed you find irony amusing.

Yes, you're right.

Laughter's the only damn thing that's faithful,

My poor innocent spine must pay for all the fun

my father had as a gay, young lieutenant.

Oh? You mean he was too fond of asparagus and foie gras?

Mmm, truffles too.

And oysters, too, I suppose?

Oh, oysters. Oysters, of course.

And all that imported champagne to wash them down?

Oh, that's really too sad, that all those lovely things

should affect one's spine.

Especially, a poor spine that got no pleasure out of them.

Hmm, that's the saddest of all.

Hmm.

Why did you smile?

No, it's you that's laughing in a way.

No, Dr. Rank, you were laughing.

You're more of a tease than I thought you were.

Suppose I were to ask you to...

Ask me what?

To prove your friendship to me,

only I mean a really great service.

It would give me the greatest happiness.

Something to prevent...

...harm to Torvald, you know how much he loves me.

I would do anything in the world for you, Nora,

I, too, have loved you...

...as deeply as anyone else ever has.

It was really quite unnecessary to tell me what you just did.

Either way, I don't need any help,

it was all just my imagination.

- Honestly. - What am I supposed to do?

I certainly don't feel like apologizing.

No.

Do you want me to say adieu?

Of course not,

you must continue to come to the house as usual.

You know how much Torvald depends on your company.

But you?

I always find it enormously amusing

to have you with us.

May I accompany you?

Yes, of course, that would be most kind.

Ah, more snow tonight.

The children are at the toboggan run,

why don't you drop me off here and you go on to the house?

You want to go on foot?

I feel like walking.

Ah!

To Mr. Helmer's.

- Bye. - See you soon.

Mrs. Brecklin sent me to help you home

with the children, sir.

Well, that was kind of her. Come on, you two!

In you go! In you go in there.

Whoa!

Will you mind taking them on by yourself?

Not at all, sir.

Now you behave yourself on the way back. Off you go!

Mrs. Helmer!

Mrs. Helmer,

I was hoping I might see you here today,

may we walk together a moment?

I know of no one else who would sit

burrowing in his books on Christmas day.

I take over the bank in a week, remember?

There's a lot to be done.

It's alright for you, Gunnar, you have private means

but I must enter that bank as if I knew everything

from top to bottom.

You say Nora went out to get the children?

Yes, she did, and dammit, she insisted on walking.

Oh, I rather like the way she dashes about, you know?

So Mr. Manager Helmer sends me my dismissal

by hand, if you please, on Christmas day!

Well, let me tell you, Mrs. Helmer,

that any moment now,

a friend of mine will be delivering a letter

from me into his box,

So, since you're anxious to keep this matter hushed up,

I can only hope you've come to your senses.

Oh, show me some heart, think of my children!

Have you and your husband ever thought of my children?

However, even if you could raise the money which you owe me

in a few days, which you say you can't,

I still wouldn't return your forged paper!

What are you going to do with it?

Just keep it! No one else need ever hear about it.

So you've told my husband everything?

Oh, as delicately as possible.

And if I were to do something desperate?

Oh, most of us think of that at first,

I did, but I hadn't the courage.

And then there was my family.

Neither have I the courage.

Mrs. Helmer, I'm not asking you for the money,

I want your husband to create a new job

at the bank for me.

After dismissing you?

What do you suppose people would think?

Anyway, he never would do that.

Oh, yes he will, I know him he won't dare risk a scandal!

You see, Mrs. Helmer,

I intend to end up running the bank myself!

Now, I have the courage.

I don't believe you,

and if I made that document public,

your husband's finished anyway!

People in our world can be as merciless

to the innocent as the guilty.

Not to mention your husband's sense of honor,

he'd have to put himself out of public life

and all because of you!

Oh, will you please get away from me?

I warn you! Don't do anything stupid!

When he's read my letter, he'll get in touch with me!

And he's not so pure in all this,

he's forced me to act as I have!

And for that I will never forgive him!

Goodbye, Mrs. Helmer!

It's there.

Kristine...

Kristine, come here.

That letter, it's from Krogstad.

So it's he who lent you the money!

Torvald will know everything.

Wouldn't that be best?

I forged my Papa's name to a document

that Krogstad wanted him to sign in surety for the loan.

- You did what? - I did, I tell you!

Kristine, if anything should happen to me

and I'm not here any longer.

Kristine, all I want is for you to be my witness.

Witness to what?

If anyone tries to take the blame

say that it was all his own fault,

do you understand?

Yes, you mean Torvald.

You must- you must testify that I am not mad,

I did it entirely on my own

and I know exactly what I'm saying!

Of course, I will, but I don't understand.

How could you?

A miracle's going to happen.

I don't know about miracles,

but I'm going to see Krogstad, right away.

He must ask Torvald for the letter back unread.

It's too late!

There was a time when you would have done anything

for my sake.

Nora, are you trying on your dress?

Yes, Torvald.

Does Torvald have the key to the letterbox?

Yes, but Kristine.

You must find a way to keep him away

from the letter.

Have you got Krogstad's address?

I have his card.

All right, you must preoccupy Torvald.

Yes, you're right, Gunnar, that is enough work for today.

Shall we see how Nora looks?

What, aren't we to see the dress?

I've decided that no one's to see me in it

until tomorrow night.

But what about the tambourine, have you been rehearsing?

You've got to get it right, you know?

I know, but Torvald, couldn't you play for me?

It's so much better when you help.

Of course I will, first let me see if there's any mail.

Oh, listen to him, Dr. Rank!

My head may be empty enough,

but yours is always full of business.

I am not even going to let you pick up a pen.

Very well, I'm going to give some orders, too.

Nora, you should get your tambourine,

and that pretty colored shawl you have to go with your dress,

and my flighty little madam shall rehearse!

I shall spin, spin, spin and spin, spin like a top.

You can stay a while can't you Gunnar?

Try to push me out.

Are you ready?

Ready.

Hey!

Slower, slower.

- Not so violently, Nora. - Hey!

It really will not do!

Let me play for her,

then you can be the master choreographer.

Thank you, Gunnar,

there is a difference between a dance and a wonton display.

Now Nora, do take it seriously!

Stop, now this is sheer lunacy!

It's not a gevalt, my dear fellow.

You've forgotten everything I've taught you!

You were dancing as if your life depended on it.

So it does.

Don't be so stern, Torvald.

He's right!

Why don't you put away your papers and forget it all,

Until after the Stenborg's party tomorrow,

please Torvald?

Very well, my little one shall have her way

but the day after the party.

You shall be free.

Dinner is served, madam.

We'll have champagne, Helene!

Champagne!

We'll drink champagne until dawn.

And macaroons, Helene.

Lots of lots of macaroons, for once.

You're so excited, Nora,

where's my little songbird, the one I know?

Go into dinner. You too, Dr. Rank.

I'll be in, in a moment.

I'll put my hair up.

Excited like a child.

Life's short, and Nora knows how to live it.

Well?

Well, he's left town till tomorrow evening.

I saw it in your face.

But I left him a note.

Thank you.

Seven hours until midnight

and then 24 hours until midnight tomorrow,

and then the Tarantella will be finished.

Nora!

Here I am!

You did receive my note.

I did, what have we to discuss?

A great deal.

Oh?

I wasn't aware of it.

That's because you've never really understood

the situation.

A woman turning a man down

because something better turns up?

Did you really ever think it was that simple?

Did you...

think it was that easy for me to give you up?

You had no right to cast me off for someone else.

Perhaps not,

I've often asked myself that.

But you knew what my obligations

towards my family were.

Yes.

When I lost you,

it felt as though all solid ground

had been swept from under my feet.

The boy often has nightmares, I must go and see to him.

Children whose mothers leave them,

develop quite unexpected qualities in their fathers.

I'll wait.

Yes, well, sit down.

Ladies and gentlemen, surprise of the evening,

Mrs. Helmer has generously promised to demonstrate for us

a dance she learned when she

and our soon to be new bank manager...

...while on their travels in Italy.

Mrs. Helmer.

I forgot my tambourine.

Oh, Nora one of these days

you're going to leave your head somewhere.

I'll go down and get it.

Ladies and gentlemen,

if we can keep you onto talks for a moment.

Torvald, I'll fetch it.

Mrs. Helmer, all we ask is that you don't run away

from us on account of first night nerves!

I won't be a moment.

Yes, of course.

You see, how they all adore her?

Let's drink another glass!

Very well.

More champagne!

Very good, Champagne!

To health!

You see, even a pariah can comfort a distressed child.

Oh, you're no pariah, Nils.

No.

When people hear you're untrustworthy.

So, your retribution is to worsen your own cause

with Torvald Helmer,

and to persecute his wife.

Oh! So that's it!

She's told you.

Nils, why do you think I came to this town?

To take my job away, so it seems.

No, I didn't mean to do that.

All the same, now you do know, would you give it up?

No, because it wouldn't help you, even if I did.

It's what I'd do.

I've learned to look at things practically,

Life and poverty have taught me that.

And life has taught me to distrust fine words.

Then you've had a useful lesson,

but...

surely you still...

believe in actions?

Meaning?

I am alone in the world now,

and I feel dreadfully lost and empty,

there's no joy in working just for oneself.

Give me something, someone, to work for, Nils?

Well, they say I'm corrupt,

perhaps I'm corrupt enough to believe that you've come here

in order to plead for your Mrs. Helmer.

Your friend, whose crime was no less than my own.

Part of that is true,

but more important, I came here tonight

to this house for myself.

Ah, you're being hysterical and romantic.

You want to find an excuse for self-sacrifice.

Did you ever find me hysterical?

Nils?

I believe in you,

I'd be afraid of nothing with you.

Yes,

I think you really do mean that.

But have you the courage?

Your children need a mother,

and... you and I ... need each other.

But...

can I make myself believe in me as you do?

I think we could.

I shall demand my letter back.

I'll tell Helmer it was to do with my dismissal,

but I don't want him to read it.

Don't do that.

But...

I admit that I did want you to take the letter back,

but now, after what I've seen and heard in that household

in the last two days.

Nora's unhappy secret must be revealed.

In fact,

I'll go to their house now

and wait till they come back from the Stenborg's dance.

I shall try to get her on her own,

and insist that she...

...reveals it to Torvald.

You must write another letter and you must give back the IOU.

But don't deliver it until we've spoken again.

You're sure about all this?

Quite sure.

I don't want to leave so early, I don't want to leave the party!

Not another moment. Nora, you know what we agreed.

Please! Just another hour.

Oh, Torvald.

Kristine.

Mrs. Linde!

Oh, forgive me, I only came to see Nora in her costume

and say goodnight.

Oh! Have a good look at her,

she's worth looking at, isn't she?

Isn't she beautiful, Mrs. Linde?

She is, indeed.

Knitting, by the great heavens!

Mm-hmm, why not?

Why any such ugly business?

Now, look at you.

Arms all huddled up,

the ugly needles going up and down.

I must say it was really...

magnificent champagne they served us.

Mrs. Linde,

my little signorinawas a roaring success

with her dance. Wonderful.

You'll be very sorry you didn't let me stay Torvald.

Well, once you've captured your audience, abandon,

never spoil the impression!

Ah, the fact is,

I want you entirely to myself, greedy fellow.

Well, Nora, you look lovely

I so wanted to see you, but I must get along.

Devil take the knitting Mrs. Linde,

you should take up embroidery, far prettier.

Now watch this, watch me.

Now you take the embroidery in your left hand,

and the needle in your right hand

and... up

down,

and up,

and down.

Slow, easy movements, you see.

Hot in here!

I must say it's dark in here, excuse me.

I have spoken to him.

Yes?

But Nora, you have to tell your husband everything.

I knew it.

You've nothing to fear from Krogstad,

but you must tell him.

I shant tell him anything.

Then the letter will.

Thank you, Kristine. I know what I must do.

Have you finished admiring her?

Yes, then I must say goodnight now.

Now, Nora, remember, stop being stubborn!

Quite right, Mrs. Linde.

Goodnight, Mr. Helmer.

Thank God she's gone, the knitting demon!

What a terrible bore that woman is.

Aren't you tired, Torvald?

Not a bit, on the contrary, I feel rather exhilarated!

What about you? You look half asleep.

Oh, I am tired.

You see, I was right not to let you stay any longer.

You're always right, Torvald, in everything.

Even Old Rank looked rather jolly, don't you think?

And above all, you,

my beautiful little kitten,

how lovely you are.

I think you must still have the Tarantella in your blood,

which makes you even more desirable.

Why do you think I wanted to leave the party?

Don't look at me like that.

Why not look at my most treasured possession?

Not look at what's mine, my seductive Nora?

You mustn't talk like that tonight.

Well, when else, for heaven's sake?

You know, when we're out with other people,

I pretend that you are my secret mistress,

My clandestine sweetheart.

I daydream of us alone in our room,

our love secrets.

And on the way home, it's as if

I'm bringing you back here for the first time

to be with you alone.

You're standing there,

young, trembling, beautiful.

Please Torvald, I don't want all this.

Don't want?

Don't want?

Aren't I your husband?

Who is it?

Gunnar.

I thought I might ask you for one of your Havanas.

Yes, of course.

I didn't mean to intrude, just a casual cigar,

and say goodbye.

Goodbye?

Oh, I meant goodnight, really.

Lord, I'm tipsy.

Had a telegram from my colleague at the hospital in Christiania.

Good old Christiania!

Laboratory tests, you know, my condition.

Was the news good?

The best for both doctor and patient.

Certainty, absolute certainty.

What about a last drink on that?

You like fancy dress parties, don't you, Dr. Rank?

Yes, if the disguise is sufficiently amusing.

What are you and I gonna wear to the next one?

You and I?

You shall be a mascot.

And what kind of costume will convey that?

Your great wife need only...

to appear as her normal, everyday self.

Well said.

What will you be?

At the next masquerade, I shall be invisible.

That's a funny idea.

Hmm. Just a big black hat.

Haven't you ever heard of the invisible hat?

Once it's over your head nobody can see you anymore.

Hmm.

Well I- it's getting late- and I,

I think I must disappear now.

Goodnight, Mrs. Helmer! Torvald, goodnight!

- Goodnight, Dr. Rank! - Goodnight!

Sleep well.

What's this black-edged card from Rank,

like a mourning card?

It is.

What, do you know something?

He said when it came,

it would mean he was saying goodbye to us.

He wants to hide away in his house and die.

Poor Gunnar,

I knew I wouldn't be seeing much more of him,

now he's going to slink away and hide.

When the time comes,

it's better to go silently, don't you think Torvald?

Perhaps it's the best way for him, at any rate.

Now, we only have each other.

I want to hold you too close.

Sometimes I wish some kind of danger would threaten you,

so I could sacrifice everything even my life, for your sake.

Torvald, you have a letter, shouldn't you read it?

Yes, of course.

You look so upset, why don't you go to bed?

- Goodnight. - Goodnight.

Oh!

Did you know what's in this letter?

Let me go, yes.

Where are you off to?

You mustn't restrain me.

Is it true what he writes?

Yes.

I've loved you more than anything in the whole world.

Oh, don't be so dramatic, you're gonna stay here

and explain yourself.

Do you understand what you've done?

Answer me!

Do you understand?

For eight whole years, you, my pride and joy!

A liar, a hypocrite!

Is this the way you reward me

for love and trust?

Yes, like this.

You've destroyed my whole future!

Krogstad has me in his power!

He has no scruples and I dare not disobey him!

When I'm out of the way, you shall be free!

Oh, your father was always ready with fine phrases, too.

How would it help me if you were out of the way,

as you call it? Not in the slightest!

I must buy him off at any price!

Must hush him up somehow.

And you, madam,

shall appear to be living here just as before.

As for your children, they will be taken out of your hands!

Now I'd thank you to go to your room!

I said go to your room!

So, you advised her to tell the truth,

before reading my first letter?

I gave my opinion,

for her sake and Torvald's.

I shall deliver it. Right.

I hope that you will never live in fear of my judgment.

I believe not.

Nora?

Nora!

Please, Nora?

It's Krogstad, he must've been here this very minute.

Look, the document.

He's returned it, I'm saved Nora!

And I?

Well, of course, you too, we're both saved.

Look what he writes,

some new happiness has changed his life.

There, you see?

I shall regard this whole business as a dream.

Oh, my poor little Nora.

I understand.

You can't believe that I've forgiven you.

Well, it's all over now, I see that what you did

was only out of your love for me.

It's true.

You really think that I loved you the less

because you chose the wrong means?

Because you acted so unwisely, out of your own initiative?

I've forgiven you Nora, I swear it!

Thank you for your forgiveness.

When a husband forgives his wife unreservedly

from the bottom of his heart, do you know what it means?

It means that she's become his, in a double sense.

His wife, and his child.

Sit down, Torvald.

You and I have a lot to talk about.

Doesn't anything strike you,

about the way we're sitting here?

What?

We've been married eight years,

this is the first time that you and I...

man and wife,

have ever had a serious talk together.

Well, you didn't expect me to drag you into all my worries.

You couldn't possibly have helped me with that.

That's not what I mean!

When I lived with Papa,

he used to tell me what he thought about everything.

And I took on his opinions.

He used to call me his little doll.

And he used to play games with me,

just the way I played with my dolls.

Then I came to live in your house.

Well, have you never been happy here?

I always thought I was, but I haven't ever been.

No, I- I've had fun.

You've always been very kind to me Torvald,

but this house is like a playroom.

My children have been my dolls!

Oh, you exaggerate!

I'm giving you my point of view for once.

So, playing is over?

We'll begin again.

Now comes time to learn.

Whose time to learn? Mine or the children's?

Both, my dear Nora!

Oh, Torvald, you're not the man to teach me

to be the right wife for you.

And what about me?

Am I fit to educate the children?

You said yourself, that you couldn't leave them

in my charge, you're right,

I have to educate myself first, and you can't do that for me.

That is something that I must do for myself!

That is why I'm leaving you.

What did you say?

I'm leaving you now.

Kristine will put me up for tonight.

Tomorrow I shall go home, to where I was born.

It'll be easier for me to get a job there.

You've no experience of the world!

I must try to get some, Torvald.

You forget your most sacred duties:

your husband, your children,

your position as mother and wife.

I have another duty, equally sacred,

if that is the word.

My duty to myself.

You're first and foremost, a wife and mother.

I can't believe that anymore.

I believe that, first and foremost

I am a human being, like you. Or I must become one.

I presume you have some sense of duty left,

or perhaps you haven't.

Well, answer me!

Torvald, I simply don't know.

All I know, is that these things mean something

quite different to me than they do to you.

I have learned now that there are laws,

that are different from the way I imagined them to be.

And I can't accept that such laws are right.

You don't love me.

No, that's exactly it!

Then Nora, how can you say such things to me?

I can't help it, I don't love you anymore.

I waited patiently for eight years.

I'm not such a fool as to believe

that miracles happen every day.

And when this dreadful thing happened to me, then I knew-

I knew a miracle would come.

When that letter from Krogstad was lying out there,

it never occurred to me for a moment

that you would accept his conditions.

I knew that you would step forward

and take the blame.

Torvald, I never would have accepted such a sacrifice

from you!

But that was the miracle that I was waiting for!

And it was to prevent the consequences to you

that I was willing to take my life!

No man can be expected to sacrifice his honor,

not even for the person he loves.

Millions of women have done it!

I have the strength to change, Nora!

Perhaps, if your doll is taken from you.

I don't want to see the children.

As I am now, I can be nothing to them.

Nora, can I never be anything but a stranger to you?

Oh, Torvald, I don't believe in miracles anymore.

We would have to change so much.