Original subtitles

WALTZES FROM VIENNA

VIENNA FIRE BRIGADE

What?

Where is the fire?

- What? - Where is the...

Where is the fire?

Ebezeder's Café.

Where? - Ebezeder's Café!

Clear the way there. Clear the way!

Come on.

The place will be burned before the fire engine gets here.

Everything out. Come along.

Resi, where is she?

- Resi? - Your daughter!

She's having her music lesson.

With all my heart I belong to you.

I live to give it all to you.

Each cry is a cry,

of a heart that longs for your own.

The cry

of a heart

that longs

for...

your own.

The house is burning, but he goes on playing.

How brave...

Who is that young man?

It is Herr Johann Strauss, Milady.

He is very handsome.

You dedicated this to me?

Of course, I dedicate all my songs to you and always shall.

What a pity they are never published.

"To Resi Ebezeder, from the composer Johann Strauss."

I should be so proud to have everyone read that.

"To Therese Strauss from her husband" would make me much prouder.

I say, do you mind moving?

Stand back!

Resi.

What are you doing prying in this window?

I'm not prying.

I've come to rescue you.

From what?

Don't you know? The house is on fire.

Well. What do you want me to do? Swoon?

Come on. There's not a moment to be lost.

Look here, if anybody's gonna rescue her, I am.

What? After I've risked my life coming up here?

Don't fight. We'll all go downstairs together.

No, you've got to be rescued.

- The stairs are full of smoke. - I don't believe it.

Put her down.

- Resi is not your property. - She's going to be, though.

- Oh no, she's not. - I tell you she is.

- I say she's not. - I say she is.

- Now look here! - Now listen to me!

No you don't.

Just save my music, the song you wrote me. I mustn't lose that!

I'd be a lot safer if you let me climb down myself.

No one to come in but members of the brigade.

Quick, Leopold. Unhook it for me!

Quick, give me a skirt, please.

Really! You must not come into my shop in this undecent attire.

I have with me a most important customer, Countess von Stahl!

I'm sorry!

I remember how particular these great ladies are on the subject of decency.

Don't you speak disrespect for your betters, my girl.

Here. Where's Resi?

In Madame Fouchet's.

Look, the fire is spreading!

The fire is out.

It's all right, girls. He's got a skirt on!

I... I beg your pardon.

Oh, he's blushing!

Are you sure you know a blush when you see one?

Yes, but I just come to give it to Miss Ebezeder.

She's in the changing room.

But you can't go in because she's all undressed.

Well, I'll go and wait in the shop.

Where is that winter marble I shall put on?

And now I will show you something attractive for the winter evening.

Excuse me. But aren't you the young man I saw in the window just now?

I mean in the burning house.

Oh yes, ma'am, but the fire is out now you know.

What a pity.

So little fire in the world, don't you think?

I don't know what you mean.

I mean the sort of fire you put in the song you were playing just now.

Fetch a chair.

I meant for you.

What was that song you were playing just now?

Something I've written myself.

You are a composer?

No, I am the son of a composer.

Won't you sit down?

My father is Johann Strauss, you know.

You certainly inherited some of his talent.

My father doesn't think so.

He thinks I should leave composition to my two brothers.

He sent them to Berlin to study under Meyerbeer.

And you?

I play second fiddle in my father's orchestra.

Second fiddle! What a depressing position.

Yes, but, my father is a great man, you know.

Great men are peculiar.

Like all great men,

he has a peculiar dislike of hearing youth knocking at the door.

Oh, but father doesn't have to fear for his reputation.

I wonder.

Not just yet! I'll see all your models later.

Tell me something. Would you like to set some verses of mine to music?

- Why, yes! - I'll get the song published if you will.

- Could you? - Easily.

Because publishing isn't enough.

You must get it sung and played.

Do you think your father will conduct it just once? With his orchestra?

Something I've written? He wouldn't dream of it.

He might conduct something I've written...

Don't misunderstand me. I'm not a great poetist,

but I have a friend who might have influence.

When can I have the verses?

They are not finished yet.

But they will be,

tomorrow at 4.

Come and see me.

I want to read the verses over to you

so that you can compose the music for me.

Dear, I'm so sorry.

Did I scratch you?

I'm afraid my nails are rather sharp.

No, no. It's quite all right. Really.

Excuse me.

I just wanted to thank you for bringing my skirt.

Oh, Resi. This lady has been very kind about my music.

- She is going to try to help me. - Really. How very nice of her.

Miss Ebezeder...

I mean. You know. Miss Ebezeder, the Countess...

Helga von Stahl.

How do you do.

I must go and help Paul straighten things up.

I'm glad the fire did so little harm.

I wonder how much harm it really did do.

Well... good-bye.

Good-bye.

- Good-bye. - Until tomorrow.

Madame Countess, are you ready?

Come.

Your bath, milady.

It is nothing. He is dreaming that he's fighting a duel.

My honour is satisfied.

Where is that infernal noise?

Who woke me up? Go on, get out of here, all of you.

Bring me my bath.

Gustav...

Oh, I was dreaming that I was fighting a duel in defence of your honour.

That was very good of you, darling.

Needless to say I killed my man.

Your bath is ready, milady.

Late again, Juan!

"It's you, only you that I love"?

Who have you been writing these verses to? What is the man's name?

Gustav, please. I am undressed.

- What is the man's name? - It isn't a man.

I wrote those verses for the river Danube.

Do you think I am a fool?

Turn the page over if you don't believe me.

I beg your pardon.

They are lovely verses.

Your bath, Excellency.

Must I?

Very, very pretty!

Thank you, Your Excellency.

Not you, the poem.

Bring those verses to me.

The water is getting cold, Excellency.

The Countess is talking. What does she say?

His Excellency asks what her Ladyship says.

Her Ladyship is working at her verses.

She was complaining that there is no rhyme for "orange".

Her Ladyship says there is no rhyme for "orange".

Certainly there is, "lozenge".

His excellency suggests "lozenge".

His excellency suggests "lozenge".

- Idiot. - What did she say?

Tell him "An excellent suggestion".

The Ladyship says, "An excellent suggestion."

Ask him what colour the Danube is?

Her Ladyship asks what colour the Danube is.

The Ladyship asks what colour the Danube is.

I don't know. What colour is it?

That's Danube water which your Excellency is bathing.

I know that. But what is the colour?

Dirty brown.

What the devil are you doing out there? Come in here!

You are making, perhaps, a disgusting joke?

Excuse me, Milady. But are you wearing your blue?

Blue! Of course!

Why didn't I think of that before?

My dear, the Danube never looked blue in its life.

Could you make it silver?

"Silver" doesn't rhyme with a single other word in the language.

Doesn't it really?

You know, you're an extraordinarily clever woman, my dear.

Most men wouldn't be able to keep up with you at all.

His Excellency is going to the Habsburg this evening.

Yes, Milady.

4 o'clock a young man will call.

Yes, Milady.

He's the only visitor I shall receive.

Yes, Milady.

Juan! I have an idea.

Strauss shall set these verses to music.

The great Strauss?

Of course! What other Strauss is there?

CITY THEATER

TO THE ORCHESTRA

Tell your master I will give the verses to Mr. Strauss

as soon as the rehearsal is over.

- Is that Strauss himself? - Yes.

Do you mind if I have a look before I go?

Yes, but don't go in.

Very good. But I want a little more pianissimo in the brass. But it'll do.

Tomorrow, at 10.

Is it true, master, that you're writing a new waltz for the play?

Well, I don't know. I seemed to come up with a difficult stanza

when I wrote the Lorelei, I was.

How can anyone hope to write a waltz like the Lorelei?

No one should try to write one like it.

I should try to write one better.

What's that you said?

Only that the soul of music is greater than any composer, however great.

I say that the next man to write a waltz

should try to write one better than the Lorelei waltz.

I see. You don't share the general enthusiasm for my composition.

You're wrong. Nobody loves your music more than I do.

But every art must march forward. It can't afford to stand still and admire.

"March forward", you say?

You think that I'm already at a standstill? Perhaps even a back number?

You misunderstand me.

And who are the leaders of this march?

Are you one of them?

I understand you were thrown out of your lodgings last month.

Because your neighbours couldn't stand listening to your aborted improvisations.

Sit down there!

Go on!

Let's have one of your compositions.

No.

I see. You are afraid to play for musicians.

No, I'm not.

Admirable. Magnificent!

Such masterly contempt for performance.

March forward, indeed!

Bring me the laurel crown the emperor placed on my head and I'll give it to him.

Why are you taking your violin?

- Because I'm not coming back. - Don't be a fool.

His Excellency sent this to you,

with the recommendation that you use it as the basis for a new song.

- His Excellency is a fool. - Herr Director...

Well you're a German, in Germany you worship titles.

Here in Vienna, the artists are greater than princes.

At night when the moon is above

You whisper a lullaby

It's you, only you that I love

For you alone I sigh.

No, it's no use. I haven't an idea.

Oh, but I thought it was rather good.

No it wasn't, I have no confidence in myself.

All I can think of is what my father said to me when I played my song to him.

Which song was that?

The song your little friend was singing?

I mean the pastry cook's daughter.

No, it was a different one.

This one.

Oh no, but I thought that was very good.

Let's hear it again.

- Really? - Yes.

Sing it.

All right!

I told you it was good, Schani!

It's grand.

When you say things like that, I really begin to believe in myself.

Now I know I can write your song.

Her Ladyship is at home?

She has a young man with her.

A young man?

Herr Strauss sent this back.

- Why is the paper in this condition? - I sat on it.

Oh, so? You sat on it, did you?

Herr Strauss said it was no good.

So that is why you sat on it!

Because Herr Strauss thinks it is no good.

I tell you, these verses are a work of art.

And yet Herr Strauss says that they're no good.

- Don't be alarmed. - What's that? - I can manage him. Play something.

He said he'd never have the name of Strauss on such rubbish

Impertinence! Does he not know

I am the cousin of the late emperor?

Thank you, Excellency. Will that be all?

For the moment, yes. But wait till I meet Strauss.

Gustav! What a pleasant surprise! This is Herr Strauss.

Strauss? That nincompoop?

Oh, I beg your pardon. You are not Strauss, the band master.

"Band master"? His father would like to hear that.

Oh, so it is the son.

Mr. Strauss is setting my words to music.

Is he really?

Then the name of Strauss will appear on them after all.

Ah, my good fellow!

Hello, darling.

Schani, you're up early!

Aren't you going to kiss me?

Are you sure there's no one looking?

Even I have my eyes closed.

I told father we're in love with each other.

- What did he say? - Just what I expected.

He asked how you were going to support me.

Oh, I could start you off with bread and milk, then exceed it.

He said he hoped on having a son-in-law who'll go into a business with him.

What, me a pastry cook?

Oh, do see his side of it.

After all, Ebezeder's has been handed down through four generations.

What's that?

What's that, you said? You ought to see our old ledgers.

Do you realise, the last thing Metternich ate,

was a dozen of the famous Ebezeder chocolate rolls?

- And he died. - Of course he died.

He sent for them so he could die happy.

Look. Do you see that coffee stain on the wall over there?

Yes, I've often wondered why you didn't wash it off.

Wash it off?

Do you realize the great painter Winterhalter did that?

Yes, it isn't one of his best works, is it?

Don't be funny! He threw his coffee at General Radetzky.

You know, the man your father wrote a march about.

March.

I wonder...

No, no. That's no good, the Danube doesn't flow in March time.

What on earth are you talking about?

Oh, look, there's some verses to set to music.

- You mean you've got a commission? - Yes.

Oh, that's grand!

The song is going to be published. That's understood.

They are not very wonderful verses.

It's a good idea.

You know, the man who wrote this must be clever.

- I- - No, wait a minute.

What was that phrase you played, that I liked so much?

Oh, I don't know.

I do.

Look, it just fits.

Danube's so blue, so blue, so blue.

Remember?

Yes!

Yes! Yes! That is my waltz!

Yes, that fits exactly.

I should never have thought of it, hadn't it been for you.

If only you could finish it.

I'll finish it, don't worry!

Now I've got something to work on!

So this is what you call work?

Come here a minute.

Look here, I won't have this.

Why, your mother didn't allow me to kiss her

until six months after we were married.

Now I know why you were over 50 when I was born.

Oh, this is dreadful. This is awful.

That's what becomes of allowing you to associate with artists

and musicians.

Go away, young man.

Oh, but Schani came to look over the bakery!

I told him what you said

that any young man who wants to marry me

must be prepared to carry on Ebezeder's.

Are you really interested?

- Tremendously. - Good.

Then I'll show you over the bakery now if you like.

Oh, well...

- Just at the moment I.. - He'd be delighted.

Wouldn't you?

He was afraid it was bothering you too much.

But it isn't. Is it? No!

The wood.

The flour.

The bread.

These are the famous Ebezeder chocolate rolls.

The great Metternich died with one in his hand.

Ah, I see you are a student of history.

Now come along and I'll show you our famous ovens.

This one over here. And that one there.

Run out on the waves

You roll to the sea

What's that? Told to the sea?

No, no. The rolls.

May I see where you make the rolls?

Oh, certainly. Now these are the roils.

And this is where we make them.

Of course, these are not our best.

- I've got it! - You've got it?

I've got it!

Clumsy dope. I believe he did it on purpose... I think he's one of-

Listen to this. I've just composed a song, here in your bakery!

Danube so blue, so blue, so blue

As I've been showing you how the famous Ebezeder chocolate rolls are made,

you're composing a silly song?

I'm sorry, but I've just been thinking...

It's sacrilege! That's what it is.

Good gracious me! I've shown the very best of musicians through this bakery.

Franz Schubert. Why, I brought him down here.

He was writing the unfinished symphony at the time.

But did he try to finish it? No! He ate cakes.

And so will I.

I'm so sorry.

Do go on, I'll pay more attention...

- What's that? - That's a dough mixing machine.

Invented by my great-grandfather.

Leopold. Show him how it works.

I'm busy.

Do as I tell you. Come and show him how it works.

And hurry up!

That's it.

Faster!

There, that's the right tempo.

As you roll along I can hear your song.

It enthralls me and it holds me.

It enthralls you, does it?

Indeed it does, yes. Just a little faster, please.

What are you doing?

Your shining silver band

Reaching far across the land

In my dreams, I'll always see

You’ve stolen my heart away from me

Hurray! It's all arranged.

What is? Our marriage?

No, the song. I've arranged the verses, all of them.

Oh! The song... Did you see all through the bakery?

No, no. I was too excited.

Oh, I do hope you haven't offended father?

No, I don't think so. Listen:

Danube so blue, so blue, so blue...

- You mustn't sing here. - Well come along with me then.

I can't leave the shop.

The shop? What does the shop matter?

It matters as much as your old song.

Yes, I suppose it does.

Where are you going?

Back, back to the man who wrote the verses.

Oh, dear.

I suppose I shouldn't have done that.

It's your wonderful music.

- I hope you didn't mind? - No.

No, of course not.

Go on, play me some more.

This is the second movement.

This is the best song you've ever written.

But it's really you I have to thank.

For having remembered that first phrase.

Well, you can show your appreciation for my good memory by dedicating it to me.

Yes.

Why, you sound as if you didn't want to.

Haven't I dedicated all my songs to you?

Yes. But this is the one I want especially.

It'd be even more valuable if father would only play it in public.

Dedicated to the Countess Helga von Stahl in gratitude. Johann Strauss.

MUSIC PUBLISHER ANTON DREXLER

Yes. I will publish it of course if you ask me to.

I want you to do more than that.

I want you to get Schani's father

to include it in the programme of his orchestra.

Oh, impossible!

It must be done, Drexler.

The Prince demands it.

Dear lady, you know at what lengths I would go for you and His Excellency,

but no man living can make Strauss do anything.

- You're afraid of him? - Afraid of him? No.

I told him how wrong he is to hold a grudge against his own son.

It's useless.

Yes, Schani made a great mistake.

- He hurt his father's vanity. - Exactly.

Well, we must try fair means,

but if we don't succeed, then we must be more daring.

No wonder they say that you're a dangerous woman.

Not dangerous to you, Drexler.

Oh, I don't know.

- Is he here? - Herr Strauss? Yes.

He's rehearsing his ring for the opening of the Domeyer gardens.

Gentlemen. That F-sharp must be accentuated.

It is not in the least what I want.

Listen. Give me the song and I'll show it to Mr. Strauss.

No please. May I give it to him myself?

I am a friend of someone very close to him.

Very well, but you must not interrupt him.

Stay quite quiet until he is finished.

Hello Schani! Have you come to see your father?

No, I've come to see Mr. Drexler.

- I think he has a lady with him. - Yes I know, they expect me.

What is it you want?

I want to ask if you won't please play this number with your orchestra.

Did my son send you with this?

No, he doesn't know anything about it.

Are you his sweetheart?

Yes, but we're going to be married, I hope, one day.

And if you hope that, you'd better tell him to find himself a job he understands.

That isn't fair!

You don't know. You haven't played it yet.

I don't have to play it. I can read. Absolute rubbish!

You think you are the only one who knows anything about music.

Leave that music.

From the commencement.

My song.

I see the Countess has to look over your shoulder.

Perhaps another copy would be more convenient.

I don't understand!

This isn't the same song.

This is dedicated to a Miss Ebezeder.

What do you mean?

Resi, I meant to tell you, you see.

It is the same song.

The Countess von Stahl wrote the words.

Please, don't let me cause any trouble.

If your little friend wishes you to dedicate the song to her,

by all means, do so.

No, I don't want it. I don't ever want to hear it again.

Resi!

Well, now perhaps you can play the song over for Mr. Drexler.

But I can't let her go like that.

I came here to try and help you.

I know and I'm very grateful.

But there are some things that are even more important than success.

That isn't the speech of a man determined to succeed.

Oh, well it doesn't matter.

Please forgive me.

What a fool!

To let a girl like that ruin his chances.

Young love is rather fine.

Oh don't, you're a silly sentimentalist.

Dear Lady, never before have I seen you lose your beautiful serenity.

You needn't trouble anymore about this song, Drexler.

I'll let you hear it through once,

then we'll put it on the fire.

Resi, stop please. You must let me explain.

Listen, Resi!

I will give up my music altogether.

It's the only thing to do.

You mean you'd really give up your music for me?

Of course I will. You mean more to me than ambition or anything.

Schani!

I love you much.

I've been so miserable!

Resi!

Come on, let's go and find your father and tell him about it.

No, dear lady. We will not burn that.

I'll get Schani to orchestrate it. That song is going to live.

For Herr Johann Strauss.

Oh yes. Who's it from?

My lady asked me not to mention her name.

Don't worry. I know her name.

The Countess Helga von Stahl.

I know another name for her too, but I'm too much of a lady to say it.

- For you. - Thanks.

I wonder what she means?

She means to get your scalp to hang at her belt.

If she can find room for it.

Listen to what she says.

I'm not interested in what she says.

Very well.

So? It's all a big secret is it?

Of course it isn't a secret.

She wants me to go to the St. Stephens Festival with her.

She says she has a wonderful surprise for me.

Listen. If you go to the St. Stephens Festival,

I'll never speak to you again.

Now until you said that I had no idea of going.

- What do you mean? - Well, I won't be dictated to.

I'm not dictating to you, I'm warning you.

If I want to go to the festival, I shall go.

All right then, but you know what it will mean.

Now listen, Resi, I've given up everything for you.

All my dreams.

And now I've started on a career as an artist

in chocolate cakes and gilded gingerbread.

I know you're miserable here.

You don't need to tell me.

I know I don't make up to you for a muse.

- I never said that. - No, but I can see it.

Why don't you go back to it then? Back to her.

You say she can help you.

He'll never make a baker.

He hasn't his heart in it.

If he goes to that fete with her?

Fete? What fete?

Of course! That reminds me.

We've been asked to take over the catering

for the big festival of Saint Stephens.

It's a big order!

- Another cup? - Thank you.

I thought you had no further interest in our young composer.

I must confess I was amazed.

Would you go and let genius waste in a confectioner's shop.

All his embraces wasted on a confectioner's daughter.

Drexler, you're insufferable.

- Oh, you do take sugar, don't you? - Plenty.

I'm an old man, let me enjoy my senile pleasantries.

Just because I'd like to help a young musician, do you think...

No, no, no, no, of course not!

Besides, if I did think so, I should keep it to myself.

It'd be no help to the young musician

to be shot by a jealous Prince Gustav.

You've given me an idea.

The prince shall help us with our scheme.

My word, you are daring.

He has taken a violent dislike to old Strauss.

He'd love to join in a joke against him.

Gustav.

The pistol's at 25 paces.

Oh, then I did not kill him.

That is about the 50th duel I have fought in defence of your honour.

Gustav, come here.

I want to tell you something.

- Hello, Johann. - Ah, good evening.

Bad evening for the fete.

Oh, it's only a heat storm. It'll clear up.

Always the optimist!

Listen...

I come here to drive you to Prince Gustav.

I've no time to go to princes.

I've got to go to the fete.

Oh, nonsense...

- You have plenty of time. - I don't think so!

Why, it's only half past seven.

It is?

Yes, well, anyway I don't want to go to the Prince's.

I've got to play my new march for the first time.

All the critics will be there.

The prince was very emphatic.

Really?

He says he wants to talk to you about an order

the Emperor was thinking of bestowing on you.

Really?

Franz Joseph, you suppose?

No, hardly.

Either the Order of Leopold or the Order of the Eagle.

Well, at least it should be a Maria-Therse?

Tell him that's what you want.

The prince has great influence at Schnbrunn.

Has he?

Very well, I'll come.

We've got 40 minutes to spare.

Will you come this way up, Mr. Strauss.

His Excellency wishes to speak to you privately.

That must be a message from the emperor.

Supposing I run over to the fete

and tell them that you'll be there very shortly.

No, it isn't necessary.

Plenty of time.

Good work, Drexler.

Come along.

Please, sir. Are you Mr. Strauss?

No, Mr. Strauss isn't here yet.

Can I wait? I want him to sign my autograph book.

All right. But he won't be here for half an hour.

What a business we're doing!

Ten barrels of beer gone already.

Tonight will go down in the history of music.

Who are you looking for?

Tell me, Leopold. Did you see Schani amongst the people?

No, and I don't want to.

Oh, don't be so miserable.

I can't help it. That's the way I feel.

If you hear a noise like somebody crying, it's me laughing.

Don't be so silly.

You'll find a girl someday twice as attractive as I am.

That's what I'm worrying about.

If you won't have me, what chance have I got with her?

I'd better go and look for Schani.

- Good evening, Domeyer. - Good evening.

Good evening, Countess. Have you brought the maestro with you?

He'll be here very soon.

Good. I was getting a little anxious.

He often plays in my garden, but he has never been late yet.

Ladies and gentlemen.

I have the honour to present to you the great Johann Strauss.

Good evening.

Oh, Herr Strauss, won't you please play the Lorelei waltz for us?

I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't just now. You see I haven't much time.

She has great influence with the Emperor!

Oh, well perhaps I can, Fräulein.

Never mind about that. Get on with your work.

I can manage, thank you.

I've come to help you.

You'd better go back to the lady you were escorting.

I'm not escorting any lady.

- But I just saw her. - She didn't come with me.

I suppose you dressed yourself up like that to help with the refreshments?

No, I didn't.

But I've come as a guest, as the countess asked me to.

But after I saw you, I thought I'd change my mind.

I don't believe you.

Here, Carl, come here.

There. Now, is that better?

Oh Schani, I feel like a fool.

Now, we are not going to fight anymore, are we?

Not if you promise to keep away from that Countess.

I promise.

Oh Schani, I do love you so much...

Oh darling, what are you laughing at?

You always say that after we've had a quarrel.

Oh, I can't help doing that.

Darling.

What's this?

Are you serving the customers or him with the refreshments?

Now look here, young man. Are you here for the concert or for work?

You've got to make up your mind once and for all.

Either you're a musician or a confectioner.

He's made up his mind long ago.

He chosen the confectionary and me.

Now, get to work. See what those customers want over there.

- Where? - Over there.

I never saw the master so late before

and I've been with him over twenty years.

This Blue Danube of young Strauss's, is it to be the first number?

It's arranged that way on the music stands.

There's another funny thing.

The master playing that after all he said about it.

Where is Strauss? I didn't come here to drink all evening.

If Strauss doesn't come tonight, I suggest we go and demand our money back.

Good evening.

Schani, stay here a moment, please.

Oh, but I can't, thank you. I'm helping to serve here.

Put down that tray and listen to us.

This is the moment of your life.

You're to go at once and conduct your Blue Danube.

What, my father's consented?

Yes, he's giving you this chance.

The orchestra, they don't know it.

Yes they do. I rehearsed them in it myself.

You rehearsed them?

But I thought you said my father arranged this?

Yes, but after what he said about your waltz in front of his orchestra,

his pride wouldn't allow him to rehearse it himself.

I don't know what to say.

This isn't the time to say anything, this is the time to act.

Listen to that!

- Mr. Drexler, where is Strauss? - You are his manager, you should know.

Here is Mr. Strauss.

Is this a joke?

This is Johann Strauss Jr. He will conduct his own waltz.

I suggest that you go on the bandstand and announce him.

Wait a minute. I can't.

Yes. He will.

- You can't? - I must speak to Resi first.

You haven't time to speak to anyone.

You must play before your father gets here or not at all.

Go on, Schani. This is your big chance.

Ladies and gentlemen!

It's plainly a pleasure to be here with you this evening,

and to make a special announcement

regarding your program.

For this exceptional night...

Miss Resi, don't go after him now.

From the very beginning you made up your mind to take him away from me.

Yes, I would like to take him away from you,

but not in the way you mean.

If he listens to you now,

he'll never amount to anything.

You told him that?

Yes frankly, I have.

And I think that after tonight,

he'll have the sense to realize that it's true.

You needn't worry.

After tonight, I'm finished with him.

You can have him.

His music, his love...

Everything.

Congratulations.

Why do you speak to me like that?

'Cause tonight I've learned what I should have known all along.

That your way and mine can never be the same.

Oh Resi, how can you say that to me now? At this moment.

Because I mean it. Go back to her.

She can help you.

She can make you a great man.

Who planned this with you? Drexler?

They told me it was arranged with your permission.

I don't believe it.

This is the work of your fashionable mistress.

I'm extremely sorry if I've offended you.

Mr. Strauss. They want you to play the waltz again.

Play something else, then. You must have other things.

Do you realize what you're saying? That is still my orchestra.

Listen to the people, calling for me.

I beg your pardon, Herr Strauss, they are not calling for you.

But for your son.

You were late, you see.

I see...

I was late.

I'm behind hand and youth is the fore.

The late Strauss,

and his illustrious son.

Play for them, then.

Fickle, brainless idiots. I won't!

Oh, don't talk like that, I didn't mean to hurt you.

Hurt me?

Do you think I'm made of softer stuff than you?

Where's Resi?

Gone.

Gone? Gone where?

Home.

Resi hasn't gone home.

She's out helping her father collect the dishes.

Well, I know that.

- Schani! - This is my father's.

Come in Domeyer's office. The countess is waiting for you.

No, I'm going home.

My dear boy! After all, it's through her that you've had this big success.

Yes, through a trick.

I should have realized it was a lie, when you told me my father arranged it.

Ah, you needn't worry about your father.

I just told him that you had nothing to do with the idea.

He won't believe you.

- You must come! - No, I can't, really, thanks.

He's going home to his sweetheart.

Well, she must be a wonderful girl if she inspired him to write that waltz.

I'm a wonderful girl and what have you ever done?

Where does he live, Drexler?

Schani? Somewhere in the Schulgasse, I think. I'm not sure.

You're not going there tonight?

Yes, I am.

Here.

Listen. Do you know where Mr. Strauss lives?

The son, I mean.

Yes.

In the little alley, by the church at the top of the Schulgasse.

The one with the green blinds.

Thank you.

Well, she's gone to join him.

What are you talking about?

Schani and the countess.

Do you think it makes any difference to me?

I'm afraid we are too late for the amusement.

Good evening, Excellency.

Ah, Domeyer, what has happened? Did you hear the Blue Danube?

Hear it, Excellency! The greatest triumph I've seen in my lifetime.

There, what did I tell you! A masterpiece I said it was.

And the words... I helped to write them.

A Danube so blue, so blue, so blue...

Ah, Herr Strauss, a congratulations on your clever son.

And congratulations to Your Excellency on your clever, on the clever Countess von Stahl.

Ah, the verses, you mean? You were wrong when you sent them back to me.

I was not thinking of the verses, Your Excellency.

Nor of the way she made a fool of me tonight.

Her masterpiece is the way she's made a fool of you.

- How dare you? - Please.

What do you mean?

Why do you think she wanted to help my son?

Because of her interest in art.

And she's gone to see him now, so they can talk art?

Gone? I don't believe you.

She's here. She promised to wait for me.

Good night, Excellency.

Where is she? Where is the countess? Where is she?

- She was here just now. - I did not ask you where she was just now.

I think she's gone.

Gone! Is she? But where?

She promised to wait for me.

I don't know, Excellency.

I saw her speaking to Ebezeder's boy, and then she passed me and said good night.

Which boy? Are you suggesting that Ebezeder's boy means anything to her?

Of course not, Excellency.

She was asking him some question.

Which boy is it? Where is he?

The boy at the refreshment bar, the one with the white cap.

Hold this.

Where is the Countess von Stahl?

Would you really like to know?

Don't you grin at me, you little ape!

I assure you, Excellency. It isn't a grin. Merely a smile of politeness.

Do you know where the countess is?

She's gone to the apartment of young Strauss.

Liar!

It's the truth! She asked me for the address.

What is the address?

You mustn't tell him!

What is it?

Something-house, I've forgotten the number, I've forgotten the name.

It's the top of the Schulgasse.

Why did you tell him? I'll never forgive you. Never!

Something-alley. I don't know the number.

Quick!

The Schulgasse, you fool! The Schulgasse!

Schani! I had to come here to tell you how sorry I am.

- Sorry? - Yes.

I meant to help you, but instead I really hurt you.

Hadn't I?

Will you forgive me?

Oh, you mustn't talk like that.

It was very ungrateful of me to go away without thanking you for all you've done.

No, I shouldn't have interfered.

You were quite happy working in your bakehouse.

No, I wasn't. I wasn't really happy.

Then love wasn't enough?

I don't know, but it is difficult when you love music as much as I do.

And you know it is all over now, so we needn't talk about it anymore.

You mean everything's finished between you and that little girl?

Yes.

But Schani, you can't live without love.

Can't I?

I'm afraid I don't know much about it.

You are so young and unspoiled.

It's a pity you won't always remain like that.

What do you mean?

Even now you don't realize what a success you've made.

When you wake in the morning, you will find yourself famous.

- Famous? - Yes.

And it's really why I've come here tonight.

You'll never be the same Schani again.

Why do you speak to me like that? I shan't be any different.

You are very young.

You'll have the world at your feet.

Well, even it it's true, I shan't forget that it's you I owe it to.

Wait here!

Who is it? Can you see anybody?

I don't know. It's a carriage.

Helga!

Helga!

Where is she?

She? Who? What are you talking about?

Look here, if you want to fight, I know what it's all about, but send me your seconds.

Seconds?

Yes. It will be swords, pistols, anything you like.

Anything I like?

It is her scarf. The Countess's scarf!

It's not hers!

I bet Strauss is a happy man tonight.

I beg your pardon.

Why, Gustav!

You got here ahead of us.

Helga!

I hope you've offered Mr. Strauss the hearty congratulations he deserves.

Of course!

You're alright?

I'm so glad.

All that has happened tonight

has meant nothing to me because,

because I thought I'd lost you.

Please, Mr. Strauss, may I have your autograph?

Just a minute.