All language subtitles for The.Shop.Around.the.Corner.1940.1080p.BluRay.H264.AAC-RARBG-English

[instrumental music]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[Pepi whistling]

- Morning, Mr. Pirovitch.
- Good morning.

- Always the first one, huh?
- It's none of your business.

And let me tell you,
it doesn't hurt to be too early.

What for and why?
Who sees you? Me.

And who sees me? You.
What does it get us?

Can we give each other a raise?
No.

What are you doing
with that bicycle?

You're not supposed
to take it at home.

Better not let
Mr. Matuschek see it.

Why don't you tell him?
It's alright with me.

You know where I was last night
while you were home

soaking your feet in hot water?

Running my legs off
for Mrs. Matuschek.

"Pepi, go to the dressmaker."

And when I come back,
"Oh, Pepi, will you please

pick up a package
at the drugstore?"

Good morning.

- Good morning, Miss Kaczek.
- Good morning.

- How's your little boy?
- Much better, thanks.

We called Dr. Hegedus.

Oh, he's a very
expensive doctor.

Well, what can you do?

I figured I'd cut down
on my cigars for a few weeks.

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

- Good morning.
- Good morning, Ilona.

Oh, that's a new silver fox!
It's stunning!

It must have been
pretty expensive.

Oh, it was. I hesitated

a long time before I bought it.

I said, "No, I can't afford it."

And still, I couldn't
take my eyes off it.

And then I said,
"No, I have no right to--"

And then he said,
"Oh, go on and take it."

- Oh, trying to be clever!
- Shut up.

- Good morning.
- Morning, Mr. Kralik.

Pepi, go to the drugstore and
get me a bicarbonate of soda.

- What's the matter, Kralik?
- Do you feel well?

Oh, it's alright. Just a..

Good morning, good morning,
good morning, good morning.

- Want to hear a joke?
- No.

What's the matter, folks?

Not awake yet? Look at me.

I bet I haven't slept
half as much as you.

Friends, Romans, countrymen

to tell you the truth, I, uh..

...had quite a time last night.

We don't want to hear
the poor girl's name.

Tell me, Kralik,
how was the dinner last night?

Oh, yes, that's right!

Mr. Kralik had dinner
with the boss last night.

Well, well, well, how was it?
Tell us all about it.

Are you a partner now,
Mr. Kralik?

Don't be funny.

[indistinct chatter]

- Tell us about it.
- How was it?

Well, it was a very nice
evening, and I enjoyed myself.

I bet the food was good.

- Well, you can imagine.
- Tell me.

Is it true Mrs. Matuschek
had her face lifted?

Well, how could I know that?

Well, how old did she look
to you last night?

Well, 40.

She had her face lifted.

I think Mrs. Matuschek

is a very charming woman.

Who said she isn't?

And don't you try to make
something out of nothing.

I didn't say Mrs. Matuschek
is not charming.

But I said she is charming.
What's wrong with that?

So the food was good?

Seven courses, not
including the hors d'oeuvres.

I bet you were sitting
next to Mrs. Matuschek.

Yes, I was.
What do you think of that?

- I bet you were brilliant.
- No.

I just kept still
and tried to learn something.

Here's your bicarbonate,
Mr. Kralik.

- Thanks, Pepi.
- Uh, bicarbonate? Aren't you..

I had a little too much
goose liver last night.

I see. What's the matter?
Wasn't it any good?

Now, look here, Vadas.
Now, just a minute.

Folks, come over.
Did you hear what he said?

Just, I want you to hear this.

Did I make any derogatory remark
about the goose liver?

- No, not any!
- Not one word!

I merely said that
I had too much goose liver.

"A little too much goose liver."

"A little too much goose liver."

Not one word more,
and not one less.

[clamoring]

- Good morning, Mr. Matuschek.
- Yeah, good morning.

Here.

- Good morning.
- Good morning, Mr. Matuschek.

Who put this 32.50 suitcase
in the window?

I did, Mr. Matuschek.

I guess it's alright.

Thank you, Mr. Matuschek.

- Yeah. Pepi.
- Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

Just, uh, go across the street

to the drugstore,
and get me some

bicarbonate of soda.

Yes, sir.

Allow me, Mr. Matuschek.
May I help?

There we are, Mr. Matuschek.

- Pirovitch.
- Hmm?

- Wanna hear something nice?
- Yes. What is it?

- A letter from a girl.
- Oh.

"My heart was trembling
as I walked into the post office

"and there you were,
lying in box 237.

"I took you out of your envelope
and read you..

"...read you right there..

...oh, my dear friend."

What is all this?

You see, I wanted to buy
an encyclopedia.

Encyclopedia?
What're you talking about?

Well, you come to a time
in your life

when you get tired
of going to cafes

dance halls every night, and
you want to improve yourself.

I've heard you want to study
something about art and

literature and history

h-h-how people live in Brazil.

Uh.. Well, tell me what has
all this to do with the letter?

Well, you know I can't afford
a new encyclopedia

so I was looking through the ads
in the Sunday paper

and I got on the wrong page

and I came across this ad,
and it..

Wait a minute,
I have it right here.

Here, read that.

"Modern girl wishes

"to correspond
on cultural subjects

"anonymously with intelligent

"sympathetic, young man.

"Address, Dear Friend

Post Office 15, Box 237."

I know those ads.
The papers are full of them.

How long has this been going on?

Well, we've exchanged
four letters.

- Four letters?
- And she's no ordinary girl.

Now listen to this.

"Are you tall? Are you short?

"Are your eyes blue?
Are they brown?

"Don't tell me.

What does it matter
so long as our minds meet?"

That's beautiful.

- It is, isn't it?
- Mm-hmm.

Now, wait a minute.

"We have enough troubles
in our daily lives.

"There are so many great
and beautiful things

"to discuss
in this world of ours

"it would be wasting these
precious moments

"if we told each other
the vulgar details

"of how we earn our daily bread.

So don't let's do it.“

(Matuschek)
'Mr. Kralik?

Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

I can buy two dozen
of these cigarette boxes

at Miklos Brothers.
What do you think of it?

I think it's great.

Well, open it.

[instrumental music]

No, Mr. Matuschek,
it's not for us.

But you haven't listened to it.
It plays "Ochi Tchornya."

Well, even if it played
Beethoven's Ninth Symphony

I'd still say no.
No, I just don't like the idea.

It's wonderful the way you can
make up your mind so quickly.

I've been in this business
for 35 years.

It took me a whole hour
to decide

that I like this box.

But, of course, you're a genius.

You know so much more than I.

- Mr. Vadas?
- Coming, Mr. Matuschek.

Miss Novotni?

- Yes, Mr. Matuschek?
- Look here.

What do you think of this?

Now, I want your honest opinion.

Don't let me influence you.

'All I want is
your honest opinion.'

[instrumental "Ochi Tchornya"]

Well, Miss Novotni?

Well, I think people
who smoke cigarettes

and love to hear "Ochi Tchornya"
will like it.

I'd even go further.
I think it'll make

music lovers
out of cigarette smokers

and cigarette smokers
out of music lovers.

I think it's sensational!

Yeah, well, Mr. Kralik

have you thought it over?

Yes. I still think it's

uh, inadvisable.

Well, give me one reason!

Well, let's say that a man
smokes 20 cigarettes a day.

That means that 20 times a day
he has to open this box

and 20 times a day he has
to listen to "Ochi Tchornya."

It's a perfectly terrible idea.

And besides, it's imitation
leather, the glue's no good

in two weeks the whole thing
will fall apart

and all you'll have left
is "Ochi Tchornya."

You don't have to tell me

that-that-that it's
imitation leather. I know that.

You just sell things
and let me do the buying, huh?

Excuse me, Mr. Matuschek.
Miklos Brothers on the telephone

in reference
to the cigarette box.

Oh, Miklos, yes.

Yes, Mr. Miklos?

Uh, uh..

Can I call you back
in about five minutes? I..

...I'd like a little more time
to think about it.

No, no, no, no,
it's not the price.

It's just that
I-I'm not quite sure

about the whole idea.

Yes.

Yes, Mr. Miklos.

What?

You can't expect me to make up
my mind in five minutes!

Well, if that's the case,
then I'll have to say no.

I'm sorry.

[door closes]

- Good morning, madam.
- Good morning.

It's a lovely bag,
don't you think?

Yes, very.

It's one of our imported model.
We have it in pigskin

alligator,
several different colors

with or without
fitted accessories, eh?

Uh, I really didn't come in
to buy a bag.

Oh, I beg your pardon.

Well, what can I show you?

To tell you the truth, I

really didn't come in
to buy anything.

That's perfectly alright.

Now, if you wish to look around,
just make yourself at home.

Yes, thank you.

Uh, I wonder if I could see
Mr. Matuschek.

Well, unfortunately,
Mr. Matuschek

is quite busy at the moment.

Of course, I could
call him if you wanted.

Oh, yes. I'd appreciate it.
Thank you very much.

But if you will tell me your
wishes, it's quite possible

I could take care of
them myself actually.

Well, I noticed
in your shop window

that you're having
a summer sale.

Oh, yes, madam.
Everything in the shop

is marked down 25 percent.

Some articles even more.

Uh, well, we have..

Now, take for instance
this compact.

Yesterday you couldn't get it
for a penny less than $3.90.

Today, we're selling it
for $2.25.

Oh, really?
Yes, that's a wonderful bargain.

Yeah, well, everything
in the shop is a bargain today.

Yes, I imagine you'll be
doing your big business.

Oh, well, I have no doubt of it.

You were very wise
to come early.

We'll probably have
such a rush

and won't be able
to take care of the customers.

Well, in that case,
maybe you should

take on some extra help.

Oh, we probably will.

Well, maybe you could use me.

I'm looking for a job.

You know,
that-that wasn't very nice

L-letting me go through
the whole routine.

Oh, I'm terribly sorry.
I really didn't mean to.

Do you think you could help me
to get a job here?

Well, I-I'd like to,
but there's no opening.

But you just told me you'd need
some extra people

because of the rush.

Well, look around for yourself.

You can see what kind
of business we're doing.

I beg your pardon.

Yes, madam?

How much is that belt
in the window

the one that says $2.95?

- $2.95.
- Oh, no.

Excuse me, but may I tell you
my qualifications?

Look, I could do anything
for you, I'd do it.

You know, I'm not
an inexperienced girl.

But I know the situation here,
and there's no chance.

I worked for two years
at Blasek and Company

and I left of my own accord.

And before that I was at
Latzki Brother 10 months.

My dear child, even if you'd
worked at Mintz and Kramer--

I did! I know how to take care
of the finest clientele.

Well, we don't deal with
that class of people here.

- We have middle-class trade.
- Middle-class?

What kind of trade do you think
Blasek and Company has?

They'd take me back
right this minute.

Why don't you go back?

Well, that's another story.

Look, if it was up to me,
I'd put you

to work right away.
But I'm not the boss.

Then why don't you
let me see him?

Well, he's in sort of
a bad mood today.

Oh, I'll take a chance.
Maybe I can cheer him up.

(Kralik) 'My dear young lady,
I've been here for nine years'

'and I know Mr. Matuschek
inside out.'

I can predict
his every reaction.

I could tell you word for word
exactly what he'd say.

Mr. Kralik?

Uh, I beg your pardon.

Just, uh,
just one moment, please.

It's alright.

So, you know every reaction
of mine, huh?

You know me inside out?

You know what I think
even before I thought of it.

You're not only a genius,
you're a mind reader.

- Mr. Matuschek--
- Never mind.

Eh..

Good morning, madam.

I am Mr. Matuschek.

- Good morning, Mr. Matuschek.
- Here, please, sit down.

'So, I don't know
what the difficulty is'

but I can assure you, madam

that the word "impossible"
is not in the vocabulary

of Matuschek and Company.

I'm so happy
to hear you say that.

[laughs]
Yes, and I mean it.

- Mr. Matuschek.
- Yes, madam?

I was at Blasek and Company--

Oh, madam. I'm sure you'll find

much nicer things in my shop.

Oh, no, I mean, I worked there.

- I'm looking for a job.
- Oh, no, no, that's impossible.

- It's-it's out of the question.
- Mr. Matuschek--

No, I've-I've no time.
No time. I'm very busy.

I-I'm very sorry.

I'm afraid you're just
wasting your time.

But I've got to have a job.

Mr. Kralik?

Just a moment, Mr. Matuschek.

Have you tried
Baum's Department Store?

Every entrance.

Well, I don't know
what to tell you.

Maybe after inventory.

- When will that be?
- In a week or so.

- Kralik!
- Just a minute, Mr. Matuschek!

Please, may I leave my address?

Oh, yes, yes. If we need
anybody, you'll be the first.

My name is Kiara Novak,
Duna Street, 42.

And if you need me in a hurry,
you can phone 246-422.

That's the, uh, grocery store
downstairs. Ask for Johanna

and tell her you have
a business message for Kiara.

"Business message for Kiara."
Yes, I have that.

- Yes, Mr. Matuschek?
- Uh, close the door.

Kralik, why did you put me

in that situation
in front of the whole shop?

Well, I'm very sorry, sir,
but it was not my fault.

Well, whose fault was it? Mine?

Well, yes.

What's the matter with you,
Kralik?

You're my oldest employee.

I do everything I can
to show my appreciation.

I-I-I ask you to my house.

Well, I'm very grateful, sir.

Well, you have a funny way
of showing it.

You know how much
I value your judgment

and on every occasion
you contradict me.

Whatever I say, you say, "no."

Alright, sir, from now on,
I say, "yes."

"Yes, Mr. Matuschek.
Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

Certainly, Mr. Matuschek.
Yes, Mr. Matuschek."

That was a nice party
last night, huh?

Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

Yes, I, uh, I had
a lot of fun, didn't you?

Yes. I..

Yeah, well, I'm-I'm glad

you enjoyed yourself so much.

That-that little poem
that you wrote

in Mrs. Matuschek's guest book

did you, uh,
make that up yourself?

Well, it's sort of
half and half.

Half and half? How do you mean?

- Half Shakespeare and half me.
- Oh.

See, I just changed
the lines around

to suit the occasion.

I made that last line rhyme

with Matuschek, that's all.

Oh, well, Mrs. Matuschek
liked it very much.

- Oh, thank you.
- Yeah.

You-you made
a fine impression on her.

Mrs. Matuschek thinks
a lot of you.

And you know, I think
a lot of Mrs. Matuschek.

[instrumental music]

- Mr. Matuschek?
- 'Yes?♪

I think I've found a customer
for the cigarette box.

- Uh-huh!
- What price shall I quote?

Well, let me see now.

It, uh, it costs us $2.85

and I think we get
five percent di..

Let me take care of this,
Mr. Matuschek.

Now, look, uh..

There's no use waiting now.
Believe me.

If there's an opening,
you'll be the first one.

Uh, just a moment.

Tell me, would you buy
a box like this?

Oh, Mr. Matuschek, I couldn't
buy anything at the moment.

No, no, no, no.
I-I-I-I want your opinion.

Your honest opinion.

'Now, don't let me
influence you.'

'I just want your opinion.'

Do you like this box?

Oh, yes, I do.
I think it's lovely.

Yeah. Why?

- Why?
- Yeah.

I think it's romantic.

What's romantic about it?

Well..

...cigarettes and music.
I don't know.

It-it-it makes me think
of moonlight and..

...cigarettes and music.

There's the woman's
point of view.

Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

- Mr. Matuschek.
- Yes, Miss..

- Novak.
- Novak.

How much are you selling it for?

Well, uh, let me see. $4.25.

- $4.25?
- Yes, $4.25.

That's a bargain!
That's a real bargain!

Good morning, madam.
It's a lovely box, isn't it?

Oh, yes.

It's a candy box, isn't it?

Yes, madam, a candy box

and I should say,
a very unusual one.

May I open it for you?

Oh, yes, madam.
That's "Ochi Tchornya."

It's a very popular classic.

Oh, no, that would never do.

Where do people
get ideas like that?

Can you imagine, every time
you take a piece of candy

you have to listen to that song?

No, I couldn't buy
a thing like that.

'It's really too silly. No.'

I know just what you mean,
madam.

And yet, do you know
that some of our customers

like it for the very thing
you object to.

We've sold quite a few
especially to ladies.

- Really?
- Yes, madam.

There's no denying that we all

have a weakness for candy.

And when I say weakness
I don't mean to say

anything against candy. Oh, no.

I only mean that

uh, sometimes we are inclined
to overdo it a little.

I suppose so.

For instance, madam,
have you any idea

how many pieces of candy
you eat a day?

No, I never gave it a thought.

That's just it. We pick up

a piece of candy absent-mindedly,

then we take another piece.

Before we know it, we've gained
a couple of pounds.

And that's when
our troubles begin.

Massages, electric cabinets.

Oh, don't I know it.

Now, this little box

makes you candy-conscious.

That's what "Matuschek
and Company" designed it for.

Every time you open it,
this little tinkling song

is a message to you.

"Too much candy,
now be careful."

How much is it?

$5.50, reduced from $6.95.

It's a real bargain.

- I'll take it.
- Thank you, madam.

Well, what do you say now?

I think people
who like to smoke candy

and listen to cigarettes
will love it.

[chuckles]

No. Well,
don't let me influence you.

I want your opinion.

'Your honest opinion,
that's all I want!'

[engine revving]

- Good morning.
- Good morning, sir.

- Morning.
- Good morning, Kralik.

Well, I've got a big
dinner date tonight.

- With the boss?
- Oh, no.

He never invites me anymore.

Say, how do you figure him out,
anyway?

I give up.
It's certainly very difficult

to get along with him
these days.

Yeah, he never talks to me
anymore.

I hope he's feeling
more cheerful today.

He better, because I'm going
to ask him for a raise.

- A.. A raise?
- Mm-hmm.

Pirovitch, do you mind if I ask
you a personal question?

- No, go ahead.
- Well, it's very confidential.

Yes, sure.

Well, now suppose
that a fellow like me

wants to, wants to get married.

Well, that's wonderful!

That's the best thing
that could happen to you.

- Who's the girl?
- Wait a minute, wait a minute.

What did I say?
I said, "suppose."

I said, "a fellow like me."
I didn't say me.

Now, look.
Now, how much did it cost

you to live,
you and Mrs. Pirovitch?

Leaving out the children.

Well, why fool yourself?

[laughs]

Well, let's say temporarily.

How much does it cost?

- Well, it can be done.
- Yeah?

Yes, and very nicely.

U-uh, naturally,
you can't be extravagant.

Well, I suppose a fellow

gets an apartment
with three rooms.

Dining room, bedroom,
living room.

Three room? What do you need
three rooms for?

You live in the bedroom.

- Where do you eat?
- In the kitchen.

You get a nice big kitchen.

Where do you entertain?

Entertain?
What are you, an ambassador?

Who do you want to entertain?

Listen, if someone
is really your friend

he comes after dinner.

Oh, no. Oh..

- Good morning.
- Good morning, Miss Novak.

How's your wife, Mr. Pirovitch?

- Oh, my goodness!
- What's the matter?

I forgot to call Dr. Hegedus.

Something serious
with your wife?

No, no, she couldn't be better.

Well, what do you want
to call the doctor for?

If I don't call him, he'll come.

Excuse me, I'd better
telephone him right away.

I hope it isn't too late.

- Miss Novak?
- Yes, Mr. Kralik?

Uh, I noticed that
you wore a yellow blouse

with light-green dots yesterday.

No, Mr. Kralik.
As usual, you're mistaken.

It was green blouse
with light-yellow dots.

And everybody else thought
it was very becoming.

I don't remember every remarking
about your neckties.

And believe me, Mr. Kralik,
if you think

I couldn't say anything
about your neckties

just ask Mr. Vadas. So, please
leave my blouse alone.

It's none of your business.

Well, I'm sorry. Mr. Matuschek

seems to think
it is my business.

Oh, yes, that's right.

I'm working under you.

Well, from now on,
I'll telephone you every morning

and describe exactly
what I'm going to wear.

And before I select
my next season's wardrobe

my dressmaker will submit
samples to you.

Imagine you dictating
what I should wear.

Well, for heaven's sake,
I don't care what you wear.

If you wanna look like a pony
in the circus, it's alright.

But I have my troubles of my own
without your blouse

coming between
Mr. Matuschek and me.

Listen, I sold
as much goods yesterday

as anybody else in the shop.

$95.50 isn't bad for
a rainy Monday three weeks

before Christmas. Did you tell
that to Mr. Matuschek?

- Yes, I did.
- And what did he say?

He said, "Tell her not to come
in that blouse anymore."

- Tell him I won't.
- I will!

- Good morning.
- Good morning.

Well, I caught him just in time.

Saves me five pengo

and that counts
when you're married.

Is this tie alright
to wear to work?

Yeah, quite alright. Come on.

Tell me, who is the girl?

Oh, well, you know that girl
I was corresponding with?

Oh, yes,
about the cultural subjects.

- Yeah.
- Mm-hmm.

Well, after a while
we got on the subject of love

...naturally
on a very cultural level.

Well, what else can you do
in a letter?

He is the most wonderful girl
in the world.

Is she pretty?

She has such ideals

and such a viewpoint on things

that she's so far
above the girls

you meet today,
there's no comparison.

So, she is not so very pretty?

- Oh, no, don't say that.
- Oh, I'm sorry.

The main thing
is that you like her.

Yeah, I hope I will.

What do you mean?
You love a girl

and you don't know
if you like her?

Well, that's-that's
just the question.

I haven't met her yet.

- What? You haven't met her yet?
- No.

I keep postponing it
and postponing it. I..

I'm scared.

You see, this girl thinks

I'm the most
wonderful person in the world.

And after all there is

a chance she might be
disappointed.

- Yes, there is a chance.
- Yeah. On the other hand--

Uh, you might be
disappointed, too.

And I don't dare think about it.

Pirovitch..

...did you ever get a bonus?

Yes, once.

Yeah, the boss hands you
the envelope.

You wonder how much is in it,
and you don't want to open it.

As long as the envelope's
closed, you're a millionaire.

You keep, you keep postponing
that moment and..

...oh, you can't
postpone it forever.

I'm meeting her tonight,
8:30 in a cafe.

- A red carnation?
- Yeah.

Yeah. She's using one
for a bookmark

in a copy of Tolstoy's
"Anna Karenina."

And I'm wearing one in my lapel.

I haven't slept for days.

I'm sure she'll be beautiful.

Well, not too beautiful.

Oh, what chance
would a fellow like me--

What do you want, a homely girl?

No, no.

Now, you-you knock on
wood for me.

Just a lovely, average girl.

That's...that's all I want.

[engine revving]

Thank you, my good man.

Morning, everybody.

Here, my good fellow,
keep the change.

- Send your boy through college.
- Thank you, sir.

Well..

...I can see by the expression
on your underpaid faces

that you wonder
where I get all this money.

No, Mr. Vadas, I don't wonder.

- What do you mean?
- I just mean, I don't wonder.

(all)
Good morning, Mr. Matuschek.

This window looks terrible.

There isn't a shop on the street

that doesn't look better
that this.

It's a wonder we get any
customers.

Well, we'll stay tonight
after closing hours

'and redecorate it.'

I'll have to get out of it
some way.

Oh, Kiara, you haven't
got a chance.

I have a very important
engagement tonight at 8:30.

And I have to go home first.
You see, I have to change.

Ilona, tell me,
did you notice the blouse

I wore yesterday, the green one?

With the light yellow dots?

I thought it was
simply stunning.

Did you, really?
Oh, I'm so glad.

You see, I'm planning
to wear it tonight.

[telephone rings]

Hello?

Oh. Yeah, hello, darling.

Well, you were sleeping, and
I didn't want to disturb you.

You came home late last night.

I thought perhaps you'd like
to sleep a little longer.

No, no. I'm not angry.

Did you have a good time?

Yeah. Well, that's all
that matters, isn't it?

What?

Thousand pengo?

But, Emma,
I don't understand it.

Only last Monday I gave you..

No, no, no.
I'm not complaining.

It's quite a bit of money.

Yeah, well, alright, alright.

I'll s-send it over
as soon as possible.

Yeah, goodbye.

[knock on door]

Come in.

- What is it?
- Mr. Matuschek..

I'd like to
talk to you for a moment.

Well, is it important?

Uh, well, it's important to me.

Is it important
to Matuschek and Company?

- Not exactly, sir.
- Well, then, I'm sorry.

I'm busy.
You'll have to see me later.

- Pardon me, sir.
- Well, what is it now?

Well, sir,
for several days your attitude

toward me seems to have changed.

- Oh. Has it?
- Yes, Mr. Matuschek, it has.

Now, really, I'm completely
at a loss to understand it.

After all, I do my work.

- And you get paid for it?
- Yes, sir.

- Every month?
- Yes, sir.

Yes, well, everything seems to
be alright then, doesn't it?

Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

Did you see him?

I'm not going to stand
for this much longer.

What does that man
want of me, anyway?

And why does he always
have to pick on me?

Well, you are
his oldest employee.

Well, that's a fine reason.

He picks on me, too.

The other day
he called me an idiot.

What could I do?

I said, "Yes, Mr. Matuschek

I'm an idiot." I'm no fool.

Listen, maybe he has
business worries.

Or maybe he has some trouble
with his wife.

Is that, uh, true, Pirovitch?

Is he having trouble
with his wife?

I don't, I don't know
it's none of my business.

I'm talking to Kralik.
What do you want?

And I don't know anything.
Leave me alone, please.

Kralik, don't be impulsive.

Not at a time like this.

Not when millions of people
are out of work.

I can get a job anywhere.

Can you? Let's be honest.

Anyway, I'll take a chance.

I'm no coward, you know.
I'm not afraid.

I am. I have a family.

Well, I haven't.

Think it over.

Those were nice letters,
weren't they?

[clattering]

(Novak)
'It's already been paid for.'

Just leave it downstairs
at the desk.

Mr. Kralik, do you think
I'll have to work tonight too?

After all, I'm a child.

- No, you don't have to stay.
- Do you mean it?

Yeah, I'll straighten it out
with Mr. Matuschek.

Thanks, Mr. Kralik!

- May I help you, Mr. Kralik?
- No, thank you.

Oh, no trouble at all.

I put all the imported bags
over there on the shelf.

- Alright.
- Is that how you wanted it?

- Yes.
- Oh, I'm so glad you like it.

I'd appreciate it if you'd tell
me if there's anything wrong.

Since when have you
become so interested

in my idea of what's wrong?

Well, I want to please you,
Mr. Kralik.

After all,
I'm working under you.

Now, you don't have to keep
harping on that.

Oh, no, I didn't mean it
that way at all, Mr. Kralik.

Regardless of what I think
of you personally

I believe that anybody
who works with you

and doesn't get a great deal
out of it, is just plain dumb.

Just what do you mean? What do
you think of me personally?

Oh, well, I mean

uh, since you ask

no matter what anybody else
says against you

I think you're a gentleman.

Well, I try to be.

And, oh, Mr. Kralik

you have no idea what that means
to a working girl.

What a girl goes through
in some shops.

Now, take for instance
when I was with

Foeldes Brothers and Sons.

Well, the sons were alright

but the brothers, Mr. Kralik..

And that's why I like it here
so much.

When you say, "Miss Novak

let's go into the stockroom
and put some bags on the shelf"

well, you really want
to put some bags on the shelf.

And that's my idea
of a gentleman.

Well, I just don't believe
in mixing bags with pleasure.

- Mr. Kralik.
- Yes, Miss Novak?

About that blouse--

Oh, I'm sorry,
but I had to do that.

But I wanna thank you.
I'm so glad you did it.

You know,
in the bottom of my heart

after thinking it all over,
you're so right.

- That blouse was awful.
- Oh, no, not awful.

Yes, it was!

Of course, I wouldn't
admit it at the time

but what woman would?
We hate to admit we are wrong.

That's why we're so feminine.

Oh. Well..

...you know, this is
the first time you've shown

a little sense.

Quite a change in you,
Miss Novak.

I know it, Mr. Kralik.

Now, if you just
keep this up and I think

we'll be able
to get along much better.

Thank you, Mr. Kralik.

Quite alright, Miss Novak.

You know, I was planning to wear

that awful blouse tonight.

- I have a date with--
- Tonight?

Oh, didn't you hear
what Mr. Matuschek said?

We have to stay here
and decorate the windows.

- Oh! I almost forgot.
- Yes.

Oh..

Uh, would it be possible..

Do you think you could
spare me tonight?

And then maybe Mr. Matuschek
would let me off.

Oh, so that's why
I'm a gentleman.

And that's why you've learned
from me all of a sudden?

I don't understand, Mr. Kralik.

- You want to get the night off?
- I have to, Mr. Kralik.

Well, you're out of luck.

Oh, that was
such an obvious trick.

- I almost fell for it, too.
- Please, Mr. Kralik.

I have to get off tonight.
It's terribly important.

You know, for the last six
months, you've done everything

you could to antagonized me
and now you have the nerve--

You haven't been very nice
to me either.

No matter what I do, it's wrong.

If I wrap a package,
that's not the right way.

If I make a suggestion and
some of them are very good..

- You don't even listen.
- Here.

Everything has to be done
just exactly

your way,
and then you don't like it.

When I first came
into this shop

I was full of life
and enthusiasm

and now I'm nothing!

You've taken
my personality away!

You're a dictator,
that's what you are!

Well, let me tell you,
Mr. Kralik

any day now I may be
in a position

where I don't have
to work anymore.

And then Mr. Kralik, I'll really

tell you what I think of you.

As for that blouse,
I think it's beautiful

and I'm going to wear it
tonight!

Mr. Kralik, I don't like you.

Mr. Matuschek, may I
speak to you for a moment?

Well, what is it?

Would it be possible,
by any chance..

Do you think you could
spare me tonight?

Well, let me see,
we need three people

to dress the "A" window.

- Mr. Kralik?
- Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

Can you get along
without Miss Novak tonight?

Mr. Matuschek, I'd like
to talk to you for a moment.

Oh, you want to go, too?

Well, yes, sir.
I'd appreciate it very much.

What is this? Does everybody
want to leave here?

Is this the interest
you show in my shop?

Once a year, I ask you to stay.

I'm sorry, sir,
if I'd only known yesterday.

Oh, I see.
You want a special invitation.

Well, next time, I'll send you
an engraved announcement.

- Mr. Matuschek?
- Yeah?

I have talked
everything over with Mr. Kralik.

I know his ideas.

And I think Miss Novotni
and I can manage

the novelty window by ourselves.

Did I ask you for your advice?

What do you mean Mr. Kralik
and you talked things over?

- Whose shop is this?
- Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

So you want the evening off,
Mr. Kralik?

Well, that's alright.

I think we can manage
without you.

Mr. Matuschek,
this is the first time in years

I have asked a favor. If it
weren't so very important--

I've given you your evening.
What more do you want?

Do you want a brass band
to see you off?

Mr. Matuschek,
I think you're being unjust!

I'm being unjust?

Once a year, I ask
six ladies and gentlemen

six, mind you,
when next door

a shop twice as big as mine

employs only four!

Oh! Good morning, madam.

Is there something
I can show you?

Have you any traveling bags
for men with a zipper?

Oh, yes, madam,
we have all types

of traveling bags for men
with zippers.

Thank you very much.

I'm just doing a little
window-shopping

for my husband.
He'll be here tomorrow.

Well, I'll be delighted
to serve him, madam.

- Thank you. Good morning.
- Good morning, madam.

Six ladies and gentlemen

who stand around here for days

telling jokes
and talking about the movies

while I pay the gas and the rent

and the light, and the taxes

and their salaries!

[telephone rings]

Good morning.
Matuschek and Company.

What?

Yeah, just a moment.

Mr. Pirovitch!

Yes? Ah, mama. I called you.

Imagine, mama,
we are decorating the window

after closing hours

so, we won't have to have dinner

with the Laszlos.
Isn't that wonderful?

Yes, I knew you'd be glad.

Goodbye, mama.

Six people I ask,
one day a year

to be so kind
as to redecorate a window.

And you have the nerve,
Mr. Kralik

the oldest employee
in the place

who should set an example.

Mr. Matuschek,
you spoke like this

to me yesterday.
What did I do yesterday?

The whole week
you've treated me like this

and without any reason.

Without any reason?

Maybe I have more reason
than you think.

Well, it's obvious that
you're not satisfied with me.

Well, you can draw
your own conclusions.

Well, in that case, I think
there's just one thing to do.

Perhaps we'd better
call it a day.

[telephone rings]

Matuschek and Company.
Good morning.

Oh, yes, Mrs. Matuschek,
he's here.

Mrs. Matuschek on the telephone.

Hello, Emma.

No, no, I'm not
coming home tonight.

Oh. Alright.
Yes, alright, alright.

I'll-I'll-I'll
send it right over.

Yeah.

Uh, just put a 1,000 pengo
in an envelope

and have Pepi take it over
to Mrs. Matuschek right away.

Pepi is out. He has quite a few
packages to deliver

and he won't be back
until after lunch.

Mr. Kralik and I always
have lunch at Farago's.

It's only a few blocks
from your home, Mr. Matuschek.

We can deliver it.
Isn't that right, Mr. Kralik?

- Yes.
- No, thank you, Mr. Kralik.

Oh. Mr. Vadas.

Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

I, uh, I don't like

to break in
on your lunch hour.

That's perfectly alright.
It'll be a pleasure.

- Thank you, Mr. Vadas.
- Not at all.

[engine revving]

[clattering]

Mr. Kralik

will you come to my office?

I'd like to talk to you.

Yes, sir.

Good luck, Kralik.

Yes, sir?

Oh, Mr. Kralik, I, uh..

...I've been thinking all day

about what you said
this morning.

Oh, I'm very sorry,
Mr. Matuschek.

I'm afraid I lost my temper.

Oh, no, no, no.
I think you were right.

I...I really believe

that you'd be happier
somewhere else.

Well, you think so, sir?

Yes, I-I'm sure of it.

Uh..

Well, I..

...guess there's nothing more
to be said.

No. Well, let me see.

You're naturally entitled

to a month's pay.

That's 200 pengo.

- That's right, isn't it?
- Yes, sir.

Will you, please

sign this receipt?

And here, here's a letter

which certainly
won't handicap you

in seeking employment.

Thank you, sir.

Well, I guess

we might just as well
say goodbye.

- Goodbye, Mr. Matuschek.
- Goodbye.

Well?

What happened?

"To whom it may concern..

"I wish to state
that Mr. Alfred Kralik

"leaves my employ
of his own accord.

"Mr. Kralik started
with Matuschek and Company

"nine years ago
as an apprentice.

"Though with diligence,
he advanced

"to the position of clerk.

"For the last five years,
he has been our first salesman.

"We have found him reliable

"efficient, resourceful.

"We can recommend him
without reserve.

"He carries with him
our best wishes

"for his success
in his future career.

Hugo Matuschek."

Kra..

Kralik, I still
can't believe it.

There's no reason.

Listen, the boss doesn't
have to give you a reason.

That's one of the wonderful
things about being boss.

Well..

...I wanted to get off tonight.

I got off alright.

Kralik, you're not going?

No, I couldn't face her tonight.

You see, this morning
I had a position, a future.

Now..

See, I-I-I'm afraid

I sort of exaggerated
in my letters.

I showed off a little, you know.

She's expecting to meet
a pretty important man.

Well, I'm in no mood
to act important tonight.

Well..

Oh, I, uh..

[clears throat]
My dear Kralik

I think I speak
for all of us, when I say

this is a shock
and a surprise.

We all feel we are losing
a splendid fellow worker

and we certainly
wish you the luck

which you so rightfully deserve.

Now, Kralik

we are going
to see each other soon.

If you have an evening
with nothing to do..

...you know where we live.

Alright, Pirovitch. Goodbye.

Goodbye, Kralik.

Well, Ilona,
I'm going to miss you.

Well, I...I don't understand.

Oh, it's nothing unusual.

It happens every day.

Somebody gets fired and..

- Goodbye, Ilona.
- Goodbye, Mr. Kralik.

Flora.

Oh, Flora, you'll notice

when you look through
my sales book

I've cancelled slip number five

but I deducted it
from the total. So..

Goodbye.

Ms. Novak, if I had
anything to do

with you not getting
the evening off

I'm sorry. I--

It was my fault anyway
that you got into this trouble.

Please, believe me,
I'm sorry, too.

- That's alright.
- It's true we didn't get along.

- No.
- I guess we fought a lot.

But losing a job
at a time like this

is something you don't wish--

On your worst enemy.

I didn't say that, Mr. Kralik.

Well, let's not quarrel anymore.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye, Mr. Kralik.

[telephone rings]

Yes?

Well?

Oh, you have.

Well, how soon
can you come over here?

Yeah, well..
Well, come right away. I'll..

Right. I'll be waiting here.

Uh, you may all go home.

We'll finish
the windows tomorrow.

- Oh, excuse me. Good night!
- Good night.

[door closes]

[dialing]

Hello? Is this Mrs. Hojas?

This is Mr. Pirovitch,
Mr. Kralik's friend.

Yes, I-I know
he isn't there yet.

Will you please tell him
when he comes

that we are not working tonight,
and I am coming over.

Yes. Thank you.

I hope you don't mind,
Mr. Matuschek.

He probably feels pretty low
tonight, and I thought--

You don't have to explain.

What you do after working hours
is your own business.

Thank you, sir.

You haven't changed your mind

by any chance, Mr. Matuschek?

You've got the evening off,
haven't you?

Well, go home.

He's the best man you had,
Mr. Matuschek.

Why did you let him go?

I warn you, Mr. Pirovitch--

His whole life
he lived in this shop.

He was almost like a son to you.

And you were so proud of him.

You invited him to your home
again and again.

Mr. Pirovitch, you want to keep
your job, don't you?

Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

I have a family.

Two children.

In that case,
mind your own business

and go home.

Yes, Mr. Matuschek.

- Goodnight, Mr. Matuschek.
- Goodnight, Mr. Matuschek.

Oh, goodnight.

- Goodnight, Mr. Matuschek.
- Goodnight, Vadas.

Oh, I beg your pardon,
Mr. Matuschek.

I'm, I'm not quite certain

if I delivered
Mrs. Matuschek's message.

She told me when I gave her
the 1,000 pengo

to remind you to call her

in case you change your mind
and don't work tonight.

- Yes, you told -me, Vadas.
- I..

Uh..

You know, Mr. Matuschek

the last time I had the pleasure

to be at your apartment
was several months ago

when you sent me after
your briefcase, you remember?

Today I had a chance
to get a glimpse

of your new dining room set.

- Oh.
- It's exquisite, really.

I can imagine
what it'll look like

with all the lights on
at a dinner party.

- It must be simply stunning.
- Well, thank you, Vadas.

- Goodnight, Mr. Matuschek.
- Goodnight, Vadas.

Goodnight.

[sighs]

[knock on door]

- Good evening, Mr. Matuschek.
- Good evening.

Please.

- So it's true?
- I'm afraid so, Mr. Matuschek.

Here we have a complete record
from our operatives..

...two of our most reliable men.

"Report on Mrs. Emma Matuschek.

"On December 6th, Mrs. Matuschek
left her residence

"on Vales Street, 23,
at 8:45 pm.

"She walked two blocks up
to Karto Street where she

"engaged a taxi.

"At 9:03, the taxi stopped
at the corner

"of Trantor and Bralter Streets.

There, Mrs. Matuschek was joined
by a young man."

Well, Mr. Matuschek,
your suspicion was right.

- It was one of your employees.
- Hm.

Both our operatives identified
him later as Mr. Vadas.

- Vadas?
- Yes.

Uh, Ferencz Vadas.
Danube Place, 56.

There is such a man
in your employ, isn't there?

Yes, yes. Yeah.

Twenty-two years
we've been married.

Twenty-two years
I was proud of my wife.

Well, she..

...just didn't want to
grow old with me.

Oh, if you'll send me your bill

I'll take care of it
immediately.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Matuschek.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Good evenin..

[phone ringing]

Hello?

Uh, uh, no, Mrs. Matuschek.
This is Miss Kaczek speaking.

Good evening. Who?

Pepi? No, Pepi isn't back yet.

I see, Mrs. Matuschek.
He did some errands for you.

Oh, you don't say!

He forgot to pick up a bottle of
perfume at Chabot's?

Isn't that too bad!

Yes, I'll give a good scolding
to the little rascal.

Have a good time,
Mrs. Matuschek. Goodnight.

- Mr. Matuschek! Don't do that--
- 'Go away! Go away!♪

- 'No, Mr. Matuschek!'
- 'Leave me!'

[glass shatters]

Why don't you go in, Kralik?

I really think you should go in
and keep your date.

Now, Pirovitch, just do me
a favor and deliver my note.

Alright.

Now, Pirovitch, I don't want
to know what she looks like.

Uh, if she's bad looking, I've
had enough bad news for today

and if she's lovely, it'll just
make it more difficult.

- So don't tell me.
- No, I won't.

Now, what's the name
of that book?

- "Anna Karenina," by Tolstoy.
- "Anna Karenina."

Anna.. And a red carnation
as a bookmark.

- Red carnation.
- Uh-huh.

Let me see. Just a minute.

- Do you see anything?
- Not yet. Uh..

- Oh! There's a beautiful girl!
- Really?

- Very beautiful, but no book.
- No book.

Wait a minute.
I think I see it.

- Yeah?
- Right here under the window.

Ye.. Yes.

"A-Anna Karenina by Tolstoy."

- That's right.
- And a carnation.

Uh-huh.

I can't see her face. She's
sitting behind a clothes rack.

There's a cup of coffee
on the table.

- Yeah?
- She's taking a piece of cake.

- Uh-huh.
- Kralik, she is dunking.

- Well, why shouldn't she dunk?
- Alright.

- Alright.
- Alright.

- She is leaning forward now.
- Uh-huh.

She..

- Well, can you see her?
- Yes.

- Is she pretty?
- Very pretty.

She is, huh?

I should say, uh, she looks..

She has a little of the coloring
of, of Kiara.

Kiara?
What, Miss Novak of the shop?

Now, Kralik, you must admit, uh

Kiara's a very good-looking
girl.

And personally, I've always
found her a very likeable girl.

Yeah, well, this is a fine time
to talk about Miss Novak. Now..

Well, if you don't like
Miss Novak

I can tell you right now,
you won't like that girl.

- Why?
- Because it is Miss Novak.

[instrumental music]

Now..

...shall I give the note
to the waiter now?

No.

Well, what do you want to do,
let the poor girl wait?

Oh, why shouldn't Miss Novak
wait for me?

For the last six months
she's fought with me every day.

But still, she wrote those
letters, my friend.

I know. My misfortune.

- Goodbye, Pirovitch.
- Goodbye, Kralik.

Thank you.

Excuse me, miss, please
could I have this chair?

Oh, no! No, you can't!
I-I'm expecting somebody.

He probably should be here
any minute.

That's alright. That's..

Carnation, huh?

A few nights ago we had
a case with roses.

Turned out very nice, very nice.

But once,
about three months ago

we had a very sad case
with gardenias.

She waited all evening
and nobody came.

And when we cleaned the cafe,
underneath one of the tables

we found another gardenia.

You can imagine,
the man must've come in

taken one look at her,
said, "Phooey!"

And threw away his gardenia.

Is your clock a little fast?

My own says 8:27
and yours says 8:31.

Oh, listen, you have nothing
to worry about.

A pretty girl like you! Ha-ha.

If he doesn't come,
I'll put on a carnation myself.

- 'Waiter.'
- Yes, sir.

[mellow music]

- Oh, hello, Miss Novak.
- Oh. Good evening, Mr. Kralik.

Well, quite a coincidence.
I had an appointment here, too.

Why, you haven't seen
Mr. Pirovitch by any chance?

No, no, I haven't.

Alright.
Well, guess I'll wait.

- Do you mind if I sit down?
- Yes, I do.

You know, I have
an appointment, too, Mr. Kralik.

Oh, oh, yes, I remember.
Yes. I..

My, your friend seems to be
a little late.

And I'll thank you
not to be sarcastic.

I know you've had a bad day, and
you probably feel very bitter.

- Still, that's no reason--
- Bitter? Me?

About leaving
Matuschek and Company?

Wh-when I got home
and sat at the phone

in five minutes I had
what amounts to two offers.

Well, I congratulate you.
I wish you good luck.

Oh, I see you're reading
Tolstoy's "Anna Karenina."

- Yes, do you mind?
- No, no.

I just didn't expect
to meet you in a cafe

with Tolstoy, that's all.
It's quite a surprise.

I didn't know you went in
for high literature.

There are many things you don't
know about me, Mr. Kralik.

Uh-huh. H-have you read
"Crime and Punishment"

by Dostoyevsky?

- No, I haven't.
- I have.

There are many things you don't
know about me, Miss Novak.

As a matter of fact,
there might be a lot

we don't know about each other.

You know, people seldom
go to the trouble

of scratching the surface
of things

to find the inner truth.

Well, I really wouldn't care to
scratch your surface, Mr. Kralik

because I know exactly
what I'd find.

Instead of a heart, a handbag.

Instead of a soul, a suitcase.

And instead of an intellect

a cigarette lighter
which doesn't work.

Well, that's very nicely put.

Yes, comparing my intellect

with a cigarette lighter
that doesn't work.

Yeah, that's a very interesting
mixture of poetry and meanness.

- Meanness? Let me--
- Well, now..

Don't misunderstand me,
Miss Novak.

I'm only trying to pay you
a compliment.

Mr. Kralik, please! I told you
I was expecting somebody.

Look, if your party doesn't
show up, would I..

Don't worry about that.
My party will show up.

So you don't have to
entertain me.

Uh-huh.

Have you read Zola's
"Madame Bovary?"

"Madame Bovary" is not by Zola.

Mr. Kralik, are you still here?

Are you deliberately trying
to spoil my evening?

Why do you want to do me harm?
Why do you hate me so?

- I don't hate you.
- Oh! I suppose you love me.

Well, why should I? What've you
done to make me love you?

- I don't want you to love me.
- I don't!

[instrumental music]

Do you know what that tune
reminds me of?

Yes, thank you. Two dozen
unsold cigarette boxes.

No, no, no. Wrong again.

It reminds me of a girl
out of a job.

A very nice girl, too,
I thought.

You thought that.
How you can lie!

Of course that was before you
started to make fun of me

and giving imitations of me
in the locker room.

And I'd like to take this
opportunity, Miss Novak

to inform you that I don't
walk like a duck

and I'm not bowlegged.

- Aren't you?
- No, I'm not.

Well, I have information
to the contrary.

Mr. Vadas assured me
that you have

your trousers specially made.

Well, that's a lie! Mr. Vadas.

So that's the kind
of a man you trust.

I've never been to a tailor
in my life.

If you think I'm bowlegged,
come on out in the sidewalk

and I'll pull up my trousers.

How would you like it
if I started making remarks

about how red your hands are?

- Just exactly what you did.
- Oh, no.

Not until after you started
making fun of my legs.

My hands aren't red at all!

No, after I called your
attention to them.

Now, let me tell you something,
Miss Novak.

You may have very beautiful
thoughts

but you certainly hide them.

As far as your actions
are concerned

you're cold and snippy
like an old maid

and you're gonna have a tough
time getting a man

to fall in love with you.

Ian old maid?

So, no man could fall in love
with me?

Really, Mr. Kralik, you're
getting funnier every minute.

Why, I could show you letters
that would open your eyes.

No, I guess not, you probably

wouldn't understand
what's in them.

They're written by a type of man
so far superior to you

it isn't even funny.

[scoffs] I have to laugh
when I think of you

calling me an old maid.

You! You little
insignificant clerk.

[music continues]

- Goodbye, Miss Novak.
- Goodbye, Mr. Kralik.

Well, doctor, I would say
it's a nervous breakdown.

What do you think?

It appears to be
an acute epileptoid

manifestation and a pan phobic
melancholiac

with some indication
of a neurasthenia cordus.

Is that more expensive
than a nervous breakdown?

Uh, pardon me, Mr. Katona.

Precisely what position
do you hold

with Matuschek and Company?

Well, uh, I would describe
myself as a contact man.

I keep contact between
Matuschek and Company

and the customers...
on a bicycle.

Do you mean, an errand boy?

Doctor, did I call you
a pill-peddler?

- Hello, Mr. Kralik.
- Well, how is he?

I wanna thank you for your
splendid reaction

to my telephone call.
I knew you wouldn't fail us.

- Is it serious?
- Actually..

It was a terrible shock.

Well, I have to get over it.

Now this whole thing must be
kept in strictest confidence.

What I told you over
the telephone is between

the three of us. Me,
Mr. Matuschek, and you. Here.

Ah. Thank you for coming,
Kralik. Thank you.

Sit down.

You, you remember the last time
you came to my house for dinner?

I said that if things go well,
I might take it easier

and maybe by Christmas
make you manager of the shop.

Well, now I have to
take it easier.

Would you care to work
for me again?

- Uh, after--
- No, uh..

Don't even think about it, sir.

Is it possible that I ever
distrusted you?

I.. I hated you.

I-I couldn't stand
your presence anymore.

That's how far jealousy
can drive a man.

No, but that's all over
now, sir. You..

When I, when I first got that
anonymous letter, I laughed.

I..

My wife having secret rendezvous
with one of my employees.

My wife! It's-it's..

Oh, but how could you
suspect me, sir?

Well, you see, you were
the only one of my employees

who had been to my home
and you sent my wife flowers

- But that-that was--
- You don't have to tell me.

I.. But when that poison gets
into a man's mind, it's-it's..

[sighs]

- Just try to understand.
- I do understand, sir.

Yes. Right.

Here. Here are the keys
to Matuschek and Company.

Thank you, sir.

Uh.. What shall I do about Mr--

Vadas? Well, I..

I want him dismissed
as quietly as possible.

No, no scandal.

Don't-don't even mention
the subject to him.

We won't lower ourselves.

Very good, sir.

And this is going to be
the biggest Christmas

in the history
of Matuschek and Company.

- I know it will.
- Yes, sir. Goodbye.

Yeah.

- Uh, Kralik?
- Yes, sir?

Well, now that
you're the boss, if you

want to give yourself a raise..

[chuckles softly] Well, sir,
I'll talk it over with myself

and if I don't ask for
too much money

I'll give it to myself.
Thank you, sir.

- Congratulations!
- Thank you!

Well, goodbye, Mr. Matuschek.

Oh, Pepi, I-I don't know
how to thank you.

Uh, you saved my life.

Don't mention it.
It was a pleasure.

Now if you want anything else,
you know where to reach me.

I'm still nothing but an errand
boy at Matuschek and Company.

[chuckling] In other words,
you'd like to be a clerk, huh?

I wouldn't put it that brutally.

Well, when I get
feeling better--

Then you might change your mind.

Besides, who knows how long
you'll have to stay here.

You're a pretty sick man,
Mr. Matuschek.

This isn't just
an ordinary breakdown.

Alright, you're a clerk.
Now, go on! Get out of here!

Thanks, Mr. Matuschek!

[indistinct chatter]

My dear Kralik, I think
I speak for all of us

when I say heartiest
congratulations.

[sighs]
What a load off my mind.

Now we're all one little
happy family again.

And Kralik, I want you
to be assured

of my cooperation
to the fullest extent.

I want you to be
a great success and..

Oh, yes. That's right.

From now on, you are going
to the office.

- Aren't you?
- That's right.

Well, if anybody deserves it,
it's you, my boy.

Uh, nice little ring, isn't it?

I had a little luck
last night, too. Real diamond.

- Mm-hm.
- My grandma gave it to me.

That's what you get
when you're a good boy.

Some boys get red apples,
I get diamonds.

- Good one?
- Yeah.

By the way, Kralik,
I have some

very unusual ideas
for that new window display.

Well, thank you, Vadas,
I think the rest of us

will take care of the windows
alright.

Right now, I'd like you to go
into the stockroom

and you know those big suitcases
on the top shelf?

- Yes. The, uh, black suitcase.
- That's right.

And then there are the big
brown suitcases.

- On the bottom shelf?
- On the bottom shelf.

Now, I want you to take all
the big black suitcases

from the top shelf and move them
to the bottom shelf

and all the big brown suitcases

from the bottom shelf
and move them to the top shelf.

- But Kralik--
- You don't wanna do it?

I didn't say anything like that.
Of course, I'll do it.

- Ha-ha. I'm a good soldier.
- Alright, do it right away.

[chuckles]
Yes.

- Thank you.
- Alright.

312-683, please.

Is this the Atlas Employment
Agency?

Uh, this is Mr. Katona of
Matuschek and Company speaking.

We have an opening
for a new errand boy.

Now see here,
I want an educated

healthy boy,
good family and no bad habits.

Oh, send me four or five.
I'll look them over.

And right away, if you please.

Uh, tell them to ask
for Mr. Katona

of the sales department.
Alright.

What's the matter, didn't you
ever see a clerk

in your life before?

- Who made you a clerk?
- Yes.

Who did this dreadful thing?

Listen, folks, I can't give you
the whole story, actually

and I'm tied up
with my word of honor.

But, uh, if it hadn't been
for me, this place

would be closed
on account of suicide

and you'd all be out of a job.

[telephone ringing]

Matuschek and Company,
good morning.

Oh, yes, Mrs. Matuschek.

Don't miss this, folks.

Hello, Mrs. Matuschek.

Yes, this is Pepi speaking.

That's right.

Oh, I didn't bring you
that bottle of perfume?

Well, you're never going
to get it!

What do you think of that?

Your perfume days
are over, Mrs. M!

Yes! This is Pepi speaking.

Oh, you want to speak to
Mr. Matuschek? That's too bad.

Just at the moment he's up
in a balloon with two blondes.

Now watch this.

You wouldn't like to speak
by any chance to Mr. Vadas?

[laughing]

That got her.
Draw your own conclusions.

You, uh, sent for me, chief?

Vadas, I'm a little worried
about you.

You think you're gonna be
comfortable

under a former, fellow clerk?

You know, working under
a younger man?

Kralik, this is
the age of youth

and I always ride
with the times.

You're a smart young man
and my hat's off to you.

Alright, now, let's stop
beating around the bush.

You know, you and I
never got along.

- Oh, you really think so?
- Oh, come on, admit it.

- You don't like me.
- I don't?

Now, wait a minute, Kralik.
Wait a minute.

You are the boss.
That's right.

But I am not going to be
a "yes" man. No, sir.

You know what I'm going to do?
I'm going to contradict you.

I do like you!

- Anything else bothering you?
- Yes. I don't like you.

Uh-huh. Mm.
That's every man's privilege.

I thank you for being so frank,
now, at least I know my problem

and it's entirely up to me
to make you change your mind.

And you know, I don't think
it'll be so very hard.

No.. Kralik, I heard the
funniest joke last night.

- Do you want to hear it?
- No!

[telephone ringing]

Hello!

Yes, this is
Matuschek and Company.

Who's call.. Johanna?

You're calling for Miss Novak.

What's the matter with her?

Well, I hope
it's nothing serious.

Oh, fine, I'm glad to hear that.

Alright, now,
tell her not to worry.

Unless she's absolutely alright

tell her not to come today.

[stammers]
No, there's no hurry now.

And tell her to be sure and
take good care of herself.

Alright.

Really, Kralik, that's a,
that's a wonderful attitude.

- What's so wonderful about it?
- Well..

After all, I've been around, you
know, and I have my eyes open.

If anyone didn't agree with you
around here, it certainly was

nobody else but Miss Novak.

Just leave Miss Novak
out of this.

Alright, alright, I..
Please don't misunderstand me.

I-I have nothing against
Miss Novak.

On the contrary, I think she's
a very, very nice girl.

Only sometimes, you know,
she went a little bit too far.

- Don't you think?
- Alright. Now just..

We don't want to have another
word about Miss Novak.

She's a fine girl and she's
working very hard

and she's a good salesgirl,
and you shut up!

Y-you misunderstand me.
I didn't..

I didn't mean any offense,
as a matter of fact

I was agreeing with you--

I don't want you
to agree with me!

- You're fired.
- Oh. So I'm fired--

You're fired, now, get out of
here, you two-faced

double-crossing, two-timer!
Now, go on.

- Get out of here!
- Folks! Folks!

Folks!
Did you hear what he called me?

I want you to remember it,
on the witness stand.

He called me a double-crossing
two-timer!

A double-crossing
two-timer!

Alright, now, I told you
to get out of here!

Now, go on. Get out!

Don't you push. Don't you push!

What right have you got
to fire me anyway?

Does Mr. Matuschek know
about this?

No! What do you think of that?

Mr. Matuschek doesn't know
anything about this.

I'm the manager, and you
don't work here anymore!

So, you are the manager?

How do I know you're the
manager? Anyone can say that.

Prove it to me. Prove it to me
in black and white.

Oh, you want it in black
and white? Alright!

You're gonna get it
in black and blue.

[instrumental music]

Alright! Alright. Nice little
case of assault and battery.

You'll hear from my lawyer.
What about my salary?

Get the man's salary.

- Here it is, Mr. Vadas.
- We have everything prepared.

We don't want to waste any time.

Pardon me, sir. Your garments.

You.. By the way..

I'm entitled to
a letter of reference.

I forgot it.
Flora, take a letter.

Uh.. To whom it may concern.

Mr. Vadas has been in the employ

of Matuschek and Company
for the last two years

during which time he has been
very efficient

as a stool pigeon,
a troublemaker, and a rat.

And if he doesn't clear out of
here

he's get a punch in the nose.

Your very truly, Alfred Kralik

Manager of Matuschek
and Company.

[knocking on door]

- Good morning.
- Good morning, Miss Novak.

Well, I suppose you're surprised
to see me back.

Naturally. I'm glad
you have your job back again.

I congratulate you.

I hear you haven't been
feeling well.

Oh, that's alright, thank you.
I wanted to see Mr. Matuschek.

Uh.. Uh..

Well, here he is.
Uh, I'm Mr. Matuschek.

Mr. Kralik, don't make
any jokes. Not today.

Please, if you want to pick
on me, do it some other time.

Well, I-I don't know
what to say. I..

I've been trying to tell you
that Mr. Matuschek

isn't here, and I'm the manager.

Haven't you got
any heart at all?

Can't you see I'm not well?
I can hardly see straight.

This room, everything is just
going round and round.

In this state of mind,
I ask you a simple question

and instead of having
any consideration for me

you just try deliberately
to frighten me.

[telephone ringing]

Excuse me.

Hello.

Mr. Foeldes?

Oh! Hello, Mr. Foeldes.

Yes. Well, thank you very much.

Yes, yes, it all happened
this morning.

Uh-huh.
That's right, Mr. Foeldes.

No, Mr. Matuschek won't be
with us for a while.

Mm, well.. Oh, well,
now please, Mr. Foeldes.

I-I don't own the shop yet.

I'm only the manager, you know.

Yes. Oh, goodbye, Mr..

Miss Novak! Kiara! Kiara!
Miss Novak.

- Good evening, Miss Novak.
- Good evening, Mr. Kralik.

I hope you'll forgive this
intrusion, but I..

Being in charge of the shop,
I feel more as like a father

to our little family, I..

And I, uh..

Anyway, uh,
how are you, young lady?

I'll be alright, Mr. Kralik.
Please sit down.

Thank you.

You know, Christmas is coming
soon and we're certainly

going to miss a good, little
worker like you in the shop.

So, you better get well.

I'm sure I'll be alright
in a day or two.

But that doesn't mean that you
should neglect yourself.

Now, I-I'm very serious
about this..

...because I-I feel
more or less

responsible for the whole thing.

- You?
- Yes. I..

Oh, no, Mr. Kralik. Oh, no.
I think I can relieve your mind.

It wasn't your fault at all.

No, there's a much bigger
reason, unfortunately.

Well, don't you think
you oughta call a doctor?

No, I don't need
to see a doctor.

No, my trouble is what
one might call...psychological.

Oh. Uh-huh.

Well, it's my own personal
problem and I'll come out of it.

Oh, I'm sorry. It's..

It's a shame you have to
go through all this.

Of course, as long as it's only
psychological, you won't..

Only psychological!

Mr. Kralik, it's true
we're in the same room

but we're not
in the same planet.

Miss Novak, I..

Although I'm the victim
of your remark

I can't help but admire
the exquisite way

you have of expressing yourself.

You certainly know how
to put a man in his planet.

Aunt Anna has something for you!

She has? Well, why doesn't
she come in?

Come in, Aunt Anna!

Oh.

Oh, uh, this is Mr. Kralik
of Matuschek and Company.

- I'm glad to meet you.
- How do you do?

- I hope it's good news.
- I'll tell you later.

Oh. W-well, Mr. Kralik

it certainly was kind
of you to drop in.

But I don't wanna spoil
your whole evening.

I have nothing to do. No. Go
right ahead and read the letter.

Don't, don't worry about me.

- 'If you don't mind.'
- No, not at all.

[chuckles]

- Good news?
- Very good news.

Mr. Kralik, I can promise you

I'll be back in the shop
tomorrow

and I'll be on my toes!

I'll sell more goods
than I ever sold before.

Well!
That's quite a change in you.

It's amazing
what one letter can do.

You know, if I weren't
feeling so happy

I'd be very annoyed with you.

With me? Why?

Why? Because you really spoiled
my date last night.

You see, I wasn't so wrong
when I asked you

not to sit at my table.

This gentleman did come
to the cafe.

He looked in the window,
saw us together

and misunderstood.

Oh, he thought
you and I were friends?

He must have. Listen.

"Tell me and be frank.
I think you owe it to me.

"Who is this
very attractive young man?

He's just the type
women fall for."

[laughter]

I'm sorry I caused you
so much trouble.

Oh, it's alright.
I'll straighten it out.

It won't hurt him
to be a little jealous.

He doesn't seem to be much of
a man, this friend of yours.

I mean, he walks away.

He's afraid to come over
to the table

when another man
is sitting there.

No, Mr. Kralik, he's was not
afraid, I can assure you.

He's tactful. He's sensitive.

He's not the type of man
who would walk up

to a table uninvited.

Well, it's difficult to explain
a man like him

to a man like you.

Where you would say, "Black,"
he would say, "White."

Where you would say, "Ugly,"
he says, "Beautiful."

And where you say, "Old maid,"
he says..

[murmurs] "Eyes that
sparkle with fire and mystery."

[murmurs]
"Vivacious."

[murmurs]
"Fascinating."

[giggles]

I remind him of gypsy music.

Speaking of gypsy music,
we've had a lot of trouble

selling those Ochi Tchornya
boxes, haven't we?

Oh, well, that doesn't make any
difference.

Mr. Kralik, you can consider
one box definitely sold.

Yes. I've just had an
inspiration.

I'm going to give
one of my friend for Christmas.

Oh, Miss Novak, now, you're
taking an awful chance. Oh, yes.

Why don't you give him a,
um, wallet?

Oh, I'm sure he'd be
crazy about it.

Any man would be. A wallet
is a very practical thing.

And besides, we have those
new imported pig skins--

Oh, no, no, I'm not interested.

I'd make you a special price.

No, I'm sorry.

You know, besides
being a very practical thing

a, a wallet is quite romantic.

You see, on one side,
he has your last letter

on the other side,
a picture of you.

And when he opens it,
there you are.

And that's all the music
he wants.

Why, Mr. Kralik,
you surprise me.

That's very well-expressed.

Yes, I must admit,
that's very nice.

No, just the same, I'm gonna
give him a cigarette box.

Well, I guess there isn't
much more I can say.

Except that I wish you a
Merry Christmas. Both of you.

- Oh, thank you, Mr. Kralik.
- Goodnight, Miss Novak.

Goodnight, Mr. Kralik.

- Rudy!
- Yes, Mr. Katona?

- Do you know what time it is?
- A few minutes after 8:00.

- And you're still here?
- Well, I was just--

Don't contradict me,
just listen!

Yes, Mr. Katona.

You have to be faster,
especially on a day like this.

It's Christmas Eve, young man.

Am I asking too much?

- No, Mr. Katona.
- Alright.

Folks, I have great news for ya.

I talked to the hospital, and
Mr. Matuschek is much better.

- Oh! That's wonderful!
- Well, can we visit him?

Oh, let's all get together
and buy him

a nice Christmas present.

I have a suggestion,
let's get him a cute little

Christmas tree
for his hospital room.

Well, that's all very nice,
but I think the biggest

Christmas present
we could give him tonight

is an empty bare-looking shop

with nothing in it except money
in the cash register.

Now, now, come on, folks!

Let's make this the biggest
Christmas Eve

in the history
of Matuschek and Company.

[clamoring]

Where's Kiara? Kiara! Kiara!
Miss Novak!

Coming! Coming! Yes, Mr. Kralik,
what is it?

- H-h-how are you today?
- Fine.

Good. Now, we're expecting
a terrific business today.

And it's going to be tough.
But don't overdo it.

Now, Miss Novak, I wonder if I
could ask a little favor of you?

With pleasure, Mr. Pirovitch.

I wanted to buy one of those
Ochi Tchornya boxes, but Kralik

tells me you took the only one
that really works.

That's right. I bought it
for my boyfriend.

Oh! Ah!

He's coming tonight.

We're going to celebrate
Christmas Eve.

Mr. Pirovitch,
can you keep a secret?

On my word of honor.

Well, when I come back Monday,
I..

...I might have a ring
on my finger.

Maybe, you never know.

What? That's wonderful!

And that's the young man
who'll get the cigarette box?

- Uh-huh.
- Oh.

Then let's drop the whole thing.

You see, I thought
of giving it, uh

to my wife's uncle
for Christmas.

I'm so sorry, can't you give him
something else?

Uh, it's not so easy.
You see, I don't like him.

I hate to spend a nickel on him.

Still, I must
give him a present.

So I thought if I have
to give him a present

at least give him something
he won't enjoy.

The box costs 2.29.
That's a lot of money.

But it's worth it to ruin
my wife's uncle's Christmas.

Oh, I'm sorry, Miss Novak.
I forgot you always liked those.

Oh, no, no, Mr. Pirovitch.
Speak freely.

Tell me, if, uh,
you were in my position

what would you give him?

That's hard to say.

What would you say
to the idea of

uh, well, let's say,
maybe, a wallet?

That's an inspiration.

Uh, you mean, uh, one of those
imported pig skins?

- That's what I was thinking of.
- You can't miss.

If I would get such a wallet,
I would be

one of the happiest men
in the world.

On one side..
Oh, here, I'll show you.

See, on one side,
I put a picture of my wife

and on the other side,
my little baby.

When I open it,
it says, "Papa"

and not Ochi Tchornya.

[laughter]

Thank you very much,
Mr. Pirovitch.

I'll think it over.

Kralik, you'll get the wallet.

[crowd clamoring]

[cash register machine clinking]

[indistinct chatter]

[cash register machine clinking]

[clinking]

Well, Mr. Matuschek,
what are doing here?

Since when are you back?

Oh, I'm not here, I'm supposed
to be a pretty sick man

that's what my doctor tells me.

But after all,
it's Christmas Eve.

I couldn't stay away any longer.

Can you imagine me, over two
weeks in the hospital

without seeing
a single customer?

And the only piece
of leather goods

in the place
was my nurse's handbag.

And where do you think
she got it?

At Blasek and Company!

And they expect me to get well?

Have you been
by Blasek and Company?

- Oh, yes.
- Yeah.

What kind of business
are they doing?

Well, they're pretty busy,
but no comparison with this.

Ah, good.
This is alright, huh?

Now Mr. Matuschek,
take it easy. Don't overdo.

Oh, no, I'm not, don't be.
I'm not a fool.

I just came around to find out
if the shop was still here.

[laughs]
And then I go.

Well, Merry Christmas,
Mr. Matuschek.

Same to you.

Do you think Eric
would like that briefcase?

I don't know. I'm not so sure.

Oh, uh, pardon me, ladies,
I-I can't see very well

without my glasses.

Could you tell me the price
on that briefcase?

24.50.

24.50! My, what values
you get here, eh?

I wonder how Matuschek
and Company can do it.

Well, if you don't know,
Mr. Matuschek, who should?

Uh..

[clinking]

Well, how much is it?

Nine thousand six hundred fifty
four and seventy five.

- Oh!
- That's wonderful.

That's the biggest day
since '28.

You-you should be very proud.

And I, I want to thank you
from the bottom of my heart.

Two hours ago when I walked
in here, I was a sick man.

But you, Kralik,
and you, Pirovitch

you're the best doctors.

And you, Kiara and Ilona
and Flora

you're wonderful nurses.

- Thank you.
- Thank you.

Oh! Well, Pepi, you know
what I think about you.

- Yes, sir.
- Yes.

Well, this morning
when I received

the little Christmas tree
that you all sent me

I was deeply moved.

I-I read your little note
over and over.

And it made me very happy
that you missed me

and hoped that I'd be
coming back home soon again.

You're right, this is my home.

This is where I spent
most of my life.

Well, now, no Christmas
is complete without a bonus.

Am I right?

[laughs]

- Mr. Kralik.
- Thank you, sir.

- Kiara.
- Oh, Mr. Matuschek. Thank you.

- Pepi.
- Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.

Flora. Here.

- Ilona.
- Thank you, Mr. Matuschek.

And Pirovitch. You, uh..

You know that I've called you
names on several occasions.

Well, when you see the bonus,
you'll realize

that I didn't mean it.

Thank you, Mr. Matuschek.

Well, I guess that's about all.

Oh! Uh, here, uh,
what's your name?

Rudy.

- Oh, well, Rudy.
- Good boy.

- Here. There. There.
- Thank you, Mr. Matuschek.

Oh, it's alright, Rudy.

Too much.

We'll leave the shop just

as it is till after the holiday.

I-I want you all to go home now
and have a very Merry Christmas.

- Thank you, Mr. Matuschek.
- Thank you.

Well, Kralik, 9,654 and 75.

[laughs]
That's wonderful.

- Wonderful.
- Thank you, sir.

Oh, thank you, Flora.
Thank you.

- There you are, sir.
- So..

Well, I think I'll have a..

...little dinner now,
and celebrate Christmas.

Uh..
Have you ever been to Biro's?

Oh, no sir, I'm afraid
that's way over my head.

Oh, well, but Christmas only
comes once a year.

[laughs]
How about joining me

and we'll break a bottle
of champagne together?

Mr. Matuschek, I-I'd love
nothing more but I--

Oh, you-you have another
engagement, huh?

Well, it-it's just a--

No, no, shh! Not another word.

I just wanted to be sure
that you weren't alone.

[laughs] Well, have a wonderful time,
and-and Merry Christmas.

- The same to you, sir.
- Yeah.

[indistinct chatter]

Eh..

Well, Pirovitch, I, uh..

I presume you're going to have

a nice little party
at your house tonight.

Yes, I should say.

You probably have some guests?

No, no, no, Mr. Matuschek.

Just my wife, my boy,
and my little baby and myself.

That's all we want,
and we are very happy.

Yeah. Well, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Matuschek.

Merry Christmas, Mr. Matuschek.

Oh, thank you, Flora and please

give my regards to your mother.

Thank you, Mr. Matuschek.

Still hanging around the shop,
eh, Mr. Matuschek?

- Yeah.
- Can't get away from here, huh?

Well, you'd better
hurry home, son.

You, uh, you're probably
celebrating Christmas

with your mother and father.
Am I wrong?

Yes, Mr. Matuschek. See that
girl over there on the corner?

- Yeah.
- Well, I'm her Santa Claus.

- Goodnight, Mr. Matuschek.
- Uh, goodnight.

Mr. Matuschek, I don't know
how to thank you

for that marvelous present.

After all, I'm only working here
a short time.

Oh, that's alright.
What was your name?

- Rudy.
- Rudy.

- How old are you, Rudy?
- Seventeen.

Seventeen.
That's a wonderful age.

You've got your whole life
ahead of you.

But it's up to you
what you make of it.

- Yes, sir.
- Yeah.

Well, uh, you better not
squander that money.

You take it home and give it
to your mother, huh?

My people don't live here
in town, Mr. Matuschek.

Is that so?

Have you no other relations
here?

No, Mr. Matuschek.

You mean you're all alone
in Budapest on Christmas Eve?

That's right.

Rudy!
Do you like chicken noodle soup?

I certainly do, Mr. Matuschek.

Yeah, and, uh, and what would
you think of roast goose

stuffed with baked apples?

And fresh boiled potatoes
and butter

and some red cabbage
on the side, huh?

- I'd love it!
- Yeah?

And then cucumber salad
with sour cream?

Oh, Mr. Matuschek!

And then a double order of apple
strudel with vanilla sauce.

- Sounds wonderful!
- Yes!

Well, you're going to have it,
Rudy. Come on. Here, taxi!

Oh, it's lovely,
I'm sure he'll like it.

I think so, too.

Well, Merry Christmas, Kiara.

And I hope everything turns out
just the way you want it to.

Thank you, Ilona,
Merry Christmas to you too.

- Goodnight.
- Goodnight.

Oh, I'm sorry
to keep you waiting.

I'll be out in just a second.

Oh, that's alright, no hurry.

- Oh.
- Oh, yes, uh..

I decided to follow
your advice after all.

- Wanna see something?
- Uh-huh.

Oh!

Oh!

Oh! That's beautiful.

Look, why don't you try it on?

Yeah, come on, I'd like to see
what it looks like on a girl.

[chuckles]

- Are those real diamonds?
- They're pretty near.

Oh, my!

My!

I didn't know
you had a girlfriend.

Oh, yes, it probably isn't easy
for you to imagine anyone

like a man of my type--

Oh, Mr. Kralik, don't let's
start all over again.

It's Christmas, and I'd like
to be friends with you.

Beside, you're wrong.

Do you mind if I tell you
something?

No, not at all.

Well, when I first
came to work here

something very strange
happened to me.

I got psychologically mixed up.

- You don't say?
- Yes.

I found myself looking at you
again and again.

I just couldn't take
my eyes off of you.

-Oh.
-Mm- hm.

And all the time
I kept saying, to myself

"Kiara Novak, what on earth
is the matter with you?

"This Kralik
is not a particularly

attractive type of man."

- I hope you don't mind.
- No, not at all.

Now, here comes the paradox.
I found myself falling for you.

- I can't believe it.
- Yes, Mr. Kralik.

And very much so.

- You certainly didn't show it.
- Listen..

In those first few weeks..

I-I know you won't misconstrue
what I'm going to say to you.

After all, I'm very happily
engaged.

At least it looks that way.

Yes. Well, go on.

Oh, I-in those first few weeks,
there were moments

in the stockroom

when you could have swept me
off of my feet.

Now I'm getting
psychologically mixed up.

Well, you see, I was
a different girl, then.

I was really rather naive.

All my knowledge came from books

and I'd just finished a novel

about a glamorous French actress

from the Comedie Francaise.

That's a theater in France.

And when she wanted
to arouse a man's interest

she treated him like a dog.

Yes, well, you treated me
like a dog.

Yes, but instead of
licking my hand, you barked.

You see, my mistake was
I didn't realize that

the difference between
this glamorous lady

and me was that she was with
the Comedie Francaise

and I was with
Matuschek and Company.

Oh, well, that's all
forgotten now.

So now you're going
to see your girlfriend.

By the way, is it serious?

Yes, very.

Maybe, maybe we'll both be
engaged Monday morning.

I think we will.

Well, I don't misunderstand me

I just said in my case

it might happen.

Well, as a matter of fact,
I can tell you, it will happen.

How do you know?

Well, we won't go into that.

Mr. Kralik, wh-what do
you mean you know?

Uh, well, I guess
I might as well tell you.

- He came to see me.
- Who?

Your fiance.

- Yes, yes, he came last night.
- But..

You shouldn't have told him
who I am.

I spent a very
uncomfortable hour.

Apparently, he didn't
believe it when you wrote

that I meant nothing to you.

[sighs] I can't get it into my
head. Coming to see you?

Oh, no, that doesn't
sound like him at all.

Well, now, listen, I've
straightened everything out.

Yeah, you don't have to worry.

You.. In a little while
you'll be Mrs. Popkin.

M-Mrs. Popkin?

That's the name, isn't it?
Popkin.

That's the name he gave me.

Pop.. Oh, yes, that's right.
Popkin. Popkin.

And a very nice fellow.
A very nice fellow.

I congratulate you.

Thank you.

I think he's a very
attractive man, don't you?

Oh, yes. Yes.

For his type, I'd say yes.

You would, uh, really classify
him as a definite type?

Oh, absolutely! And, uh, don't
you try and change him now.

Now don't put him on a diet.

- Would you call him fat?
- Well, I wouldn't.

But, of course, that's just
a matter of opinion.

Now personally, I think
that little stomach of his

gives him a nice, homey quality.

And that's what you want
in a husband, isn't it?

- Oh, yes, that's what I want.
- Yeah.

And you're perfectly right.

Now if I were a girl
and had to choose

between a young,
good-for-nothing

with plenty of hair,
and a good solid, mature citizen

I'd pick Mathias Popkin
every time.

Well, anyway,
he has a fine mind.

Uh, didn't he impress you
as being rather witty?

Well, he struck me
as rather depressed

but of course, it's unfair
to judge a man

when he's out of a job.

Out of a job!
He never told me!

Why, that shows you
how sensitive he is.

[stammers]
You have nothing to worry about.

No, he feels
that both of you can live

very nicely on your salary.

Did you tell him
h-how much I make?

Well, he's your fiance,
and he asked me.

I, when I told him
what salary you made

he was a little worried

but then I promised him that you
were gonna get a raise

and he felt much better
about it.

And let me tell you,
mentioning that bonus

didn't do you any harm at all.

Oh, this is terrible.

Why, I'm outraged!

I had no idea he was
materialistic like this.

Why, if you could read
his letters.

Such ideals,
such a lofty point of view.

- I could quote you passages.
- For instance?

Well, "True love is to be two,
and yet one. A man--"

"A man and a woman
blended as angels.

Heaven itself." That's Victor
Hugo. He stole that.

Oh.

And I thought
I was the inspiration

for all those beautiful
thoughts.

Now I find he was just copying
words out of a book.

He probably didn't mean
a single one of them.

Well, uh..

I'm sorry you feel this way
about it.

I'd hate to think I'm spoiling
your Christmas.

I'd built up
such an illusion about him.

I thought he was so perfect.

I had to come along
and destroy it, huh?

That's alright.

I-I guess I really ought
to thank you.

Kiara, if I'd only known
in the beginning

how you really felt about me

things would have been
different. I..

We wouldn't have been fighting
all the time.

If we did quarrel,
it wouldn't have been

over suitcases and handbags

but over something like whether

your aunt or grandmother

should live with us or not.

It's sweet of you to try to
cheer me up.

I guess we'd better say
goodnight.

You have an engagement,
yes, and so have I

and we shouldn't be late.

Do you know what I wish
would happen?

When your bell rings at 8:30,
and you open the door

and instead of Popkin,
I come in.

No, please, don't make it more
difficult for me.

- And I'd say, "Kiara, darling."
- Oh, no, you mustn't.

Oh, dearest, sweetheart Kiara,
I can't stand it any longer.

Please take your key
and open post office box 237

and take me out of my envelope
and kiss me.

Mr. Kralik, you must..

Dear friend.

You?

Dear friend?

Are you disappointed?

Psychologically,
I'm very confused..

...but personally,
I don't feel bad at all.

Oh, Kiara.

Tell me, when you came
to the cafe that night..

Oh, I was pretty rude, wasn't I?

- Oh, no. No.
- Yes, I was.

Don't you remember? I..

Why, I called you bowlegged.

Oh, well, yeah, I know.

And I was going to prove to you
that I wasn't.

I was going to go out to the
street and pull up my trousers.

[chuckles]
Yes. Well..

Would you mind very much if I
asked you to pull them up now?

[instrumental music]