Original subtitles

EION SOUND SYSTEM

A DAIICHI EIGA FILM

OSAKA ELEGY

Screenplay by YOSHIKATA YODA

Cinematography by MINORU MIKI

Sound by HISASHI KASE and YASUMI MIZUGUCHI

Starring ISUZU YAMADA

YOKO UMEMURA

CHIYOKO OKURA

KIYOKO OKUBO

SHINPACHIRO ASAKA

BENKEI SHIGANO YA EITARO SHINDO

KUNIO TAMURA SEIICHI TAKEKAWA

KENSAKU HARA SHIZUKO TAKIZAWA

KOZO TACHIBANA TAKASHI SHIMURA

Original Story and Direction by KENJI MIZOGUCHI

The towel's damp, you half-wit.

Please grant me wealth and health.

It's bitter. Be more careful.

What's wrong with Sumiko?

Madam has a headache and is resting.

She's always out at night. What time did she get in?

- Around 2:00 a.m. - 2:00?

Close that. It's cold.

There's no seaweed.

And no eggs either.

Your hands are filthy! Go wash them.

Your hands too. Leave the room.

Look down when you walk, and watch your step.

Hello.

What's wrong?

Too much rich food again?

What a klutz.

You'll never get a good husband like that.

Over here.

Hello.

How are things?

How's my wife?

It's nothing serious.

There's no fun in my life.

What's this? Weren't you ill? Where are you going?

The Women's Association.

You're spending a lot of time there.

Weren't you there yesterday?

And tell me: Do their meetings run until 2:00 in the morning?

I'm an officer. I have a lot of responsibilities.

Can't you stay home sometimes like a wife should?

I'm telling you, she's hardly ever here.

I envy you.

What are you talking about? My wife's no different.

I doubt that, Doctor.

I've seen how you dote on her.

Even if I act like a good wife,

my husband pays no attention.

When have you ever acted like a good wife?

When a couple gets like this, it's the end, isn't it?

Don't talk like that.

"Darling..."

"Yes, dear?"

Those were happy times.

How I wish I could be young again.

Shall we go back to calling each other "darling"?

Don't be absurd. With a face like yours?

Then why not find yourself a young mistress?

And listen to your jealous outbursts?

What conceit! You think I'd be jealous?

You just don't have the guts.

You married into my family.

See how she harps on that?

Well, did you or didn't you?

Oh, I forgot. I got these theater tickets from the association.

I'll have Mr. Nishimura take me.

I'm sure you won't mind.

Good morning.

Good morning.

- Thanks again for yesterday. - Don't mention it.

This is for you.

Hello? Yes.

Asai Pharmaceuticals. Just a moment, please.

Susumu, what did she just give you? Tell me.

It's just...

Spit it out.

There's no need to worry.

Actually, I think there is a need to worry.

That's most kind of you.

I'll call on you later and explain. Good-bye.

Thank you.

Just a minute.

You old rascal.

Don't try to seduce that innocent girl.

How was the morning market? - Just so-so.

That girl's a real beauty.

Isn't she?

Why are you grinning? Is something going on?

- Don't be absurd! - I'm not so sure.

What ever happened with New Azuma?

- Changing the subject? - Not at all.

124 yen, 26 sen. 89 yen, 39 sen...

A WOMAN CORRUPTED BY MONEY

Asai Pharmaceuticals.

4,500 YEN. SIGNED: SONOSUKE ASAI

Here's the money.

Thank you. I'll be leaving now.

Thanks for doing this.

- Listen. - Yes, sir?

That proposition I made the other day -

have you given it any thought?

I'll give you all the money you need.

No need to get so tense.

I've found you a great apartment.

I'm really, really lonely.

You mustn't mock me like this.

This isn't a joke. I'm telling you the truth.

I have an idea.

Let's have dinner tonight.

What do you say?

Be here by 7:00.

I'll be waiting.

I don't know.

I have to talk to you.

Wait for me at Koraibashi Station.

Is there no other way?

I've asked all around. It's no use.

Don't say that.

You're the only one I can depend on.

Why not ask the boss?

If I could, I wouldn't be asking you.

He'd never lend me 300 yen.

Not without good reason.

He invited me to some strange place for dinner.

Then go.

- You really mean that? - Are you angry?

Of course. You'd want me to do a thing like that?

- I was joking. - I'm not so sure. I misjudged you.

- I was joking. - Forget it.

If I can't get that money, Father will go to jail.

I was hoping you'd offer to skim some company money.

Then I'd be the one going to jail.

I'm not saying you should, just that you should be willing.

I'd like to help, but I just can't.

Forget it. You don't care for me at all.

Enjoy the theater with the boss's wife.

Don't be like that.

Sister, where have you been?

Why didn't you come home earlier?

Those men are here again.

Welcome.

Welcome nothing!

I was just asking your sister

whether your father plans to ever repay the money he owes.

No, it's not that.

He's still trying to raise the money. - We can't wait.

- Is that your father? - I don't think so.

The company's very angry about this.

They're ready to sue.

What your father did was clearly embezzlement.

He could be arrested.

We worked with your father for a long time.

We can't just watch him get arrested,

so we've made excuses for him until now.

But if this goes on, we'll have to do as the company says.

- I'm sorry. - That's not enough.

What did he say?

Why ask? It won't help you any.

They're going to sue you.

What?

If they want to sue, let them.

They have the nerve to say such a thing?

When the company was going bankrupt, I saved it.

I worked there for 20 years.

After everything I've done for them,

they can't write off 300 yen?

Your bluster won't help you here. Go tell it to them.

But of course you don't dare.

You won't make any money fishing.

All you do is drink.

What a disgrace.

If you dip into the firm's money, at least be able to repay it.

Dabbling in stocks.

Fool. What do you know about it?

I've done everything I could for you two.

Both you and your sister Sachiko

were able to go to school.

And Hiroshi went to the university.

I wonder what's happened to him anyway.

He hasn't written.

I hope he can find a good job.

When he graduates and starts working,

we'll all be better off. It won't be long now.

What a good-for-nothing father.

Better to have no father at all.

Watch your mouth.

One can only pity the children of such a father.

Ungrateful wretch! Who do you think raised you?

My life will be ruined because of you.

If you don't like it, get out.

You mean it?

You bet I do. Go wherever you want.

Sister!

Sister!

I don't want you to go!

Excuse me.

Hello?

Good morning.

Is Ayako in?

May I ask who you are?

We work at the same office. Is she in?

I'm afraid she's not.

- Has she gone somewhere? - No...

but she hasn't been home in four or five days.

So you don't know where she is?

We've had no word.

I see.

Sorry to trouble you.

So she hasn't been at the office either?

No. I thought she might be ill.

Someone said she had quit.

Really?

Good-bye.

Good-bye.

Sachiko!

Who was that man? - Someone from Ayako's office.

I thought it was someone from my company.

Letters for you, Father.

"Tuition for the second term is still unpaid.

There's a chance of getting a job. I'm in a quandary.

I've tried to raise some money, but my efforts have failed...

and so..."

What's this all about?

Does Hiroshi think money grows on trees?

What does Hiroshi say?

He's coming home to ask me for tuition.

Everybody just lets me down.

A letter from Ayako's company.

"We request that you come to our offices at once."

Has Ayako embezzled money from work?

What an awful child.

Sachiko, get my shoes.

Remember: Not a word to my wife. Buy yourself a cup of tea.

Welcome.

- Is she? - Yes, she's here.

Thanks.

- Oh, you're here. - I sure am.

It's a fine day.

Why so glum?

Because you were late.

Really?

About your father: It will all be taken care of.

Thank you very much.

Three hundred yen as promised.

Thank you.

You'd better take the money

to your father's company as soon as possible.

- I'll do that at once. - Good.

Is it noon already?

Did you eat?

No, I waited for you.

- I'll go get something. - No, I'll go.

Don't bother. Let me.

That's kind of you.

Ow! Ouch! Ugh!

I can really feel it.

I can really feel it!

If I die,

don't cremate me.

This old house may look sturdy,

but its roof and joists have gone to ruin.

Ow! Ouch!

Father, don't exaggerate. The first dose is done.

I just felt a draft.

Someone must have opened the door. I'll close it.

Leave it be.

It's gloomy enough in here as it is. Right, Hisamatsu?

Hey, pay attention to what you're doing.

I was paying attention.

Hey, don't look! This is not the right time.

He signals to her with a look.

Why shouldn't Omitsu look?

She's applying moxa to my foot.

And what exactly do you mean, "not the right time"?

What I mean is that, according to the almanac,

today is an unlucky day for moxibustion.

Nonsense!

The reason I'm so fit

is because of my regular moxa treatments.

It's as good as exercise!

Ouch! Ow!

The skillful application of moxa

is an act of filial piety.

You're quite right.

I'd like to burn some moxa at the threshold

to cure Hisamatsu of the chronic disease

that makes her flap her beautiful kimono sleeves and invite men in.

Ouch! Omitsu, what are you doing?

That's my head! You put it on my head!

You put it on the wrong acupuncture point!

- Big trouble! - What is it?

- She's coming. - Who?

Your wife!

Doctor!

Well, you seem to be enjoying yourself.

Sorry to trouble you.

So Ayako...

when was your wedding?

A married woman's coiffure suits you.

I'm terribly sorry I failed to send a wedding present.

And you!

What?

"What," you say?

You can come to the theater with her but not with me?

I think there's a misunderstanding.

No, I understand very clearly. I'm not blind.

- Be quiet, dear. - "Dear"?

I meant... be quiet.

Stop pretending. And you! How dare you -

- Wait! - Wait for what?

I'm so angry!

I've been made a laughing-stock! - Don't make a scene.

You needn't trouble yourself.

It's the illness that makes him say such spiteful things.

- It's a ridiculous role to play. - It's our only option.

Do I have to?

What a thing to ask!

Asai!

I'm so sorry. I've kept you waiting.

Mr. Fujino, listen!

My husband brought this woman here.

Just think of it. I'm so humiliated.

What? You didn't think that Asai and Ayako -

Look at her, flaunting a married woman's coiffure.

And you thought -

You're terribly mistaken.

I'm the one who promised to take her to the theater,

but then something came up.

I'm sorry my being late caused such confusion.

Ayako, didn't you try to explain to Mrs. Asai?

Go on, explain yourself.

You mean Ayako had a theater date with you?

That's right, though I'm quite embarrassed about it.

Asai, my apologies.

Ayako, let's go inside. - Excuse me.

- Fujino, are you - - Don't worry.

Well, don't dawdle out here. Let's go in.

What are you doing?

Welcome.

May I see some lipstick, please?

What about this?

Ayako!

Ayako, is that you? - Susumu!

I thought it was you, but you look so different.

Your hair...

Did you get married?

It's nothing like that.

But your hair -

I'm working at a beauty parlor.

The other girls practice on me.

Is that so?

I'm so relieved.

I was afraid you were ill. I went to your house to check.

You weren't there, and then the money problem -

I'm sorry.

Father and I had a fight.

I left home and can't go back.

That won't do.

It's all because of that money.

Father keeps pushing me to marry a man I dislike.

That's why I ran away from home.

Really?

Didn't you know your father's working for our company?

He is? No, I didn't know.

Please don't tell Father that we met.

Where are you living?

Where am I living?

I'm staying with a friend,

so I'm afraid you can't visit.

Ayako...

sitting here like this...

we look like newlyweds.

Ayako...

will you marry me?

Let's get married.

Do you really mean it?

Do I mean it?

Why would I lie about something so serious?

Come on. Let's get married.

I have to go.

Ayako!

- How is your husband? - Doctor!

I heard he's laid up in bed.

How high is his fever?

Who told you that?

Didn't you call me?

Call you? Who could it have been?

Oh, no!

Wait a minute!

- I'm going to find out. - No, don't!

Get me the doctor's office.

Hello? This is Mrs. Asai.

Who phoned for the doctor?

- What a disaster! - What is it?

I accidentally went to your house.

She found out.

She's coming -

You!

How dare you make a laughing-stock of me like this!

Shameful, just shameful!

What a disgrace! It serves you right to fall ill.

Get up. - He has a high fever.

Who do you think you are? Shut up.

I'll have a look.

No, I won't have him staying here.

It's all right. My fever's gone down.

You're despicable.

What's this lewd thing you're wearing?

Have you forgotten that you're the owner, at least in name,

of Asai Pharmaceuticals?

Yet you're still the servile little toad you always were.

Why did you do this? Was it some kind of grudge?

It was a mistake.

You're in cahoots with him.

Mitani.

Take him home.

Will you be all right?

Sorry about this. I'll see you again.

Oh no, you won't, imbecile.

You think I'll ever let you see her again?

Go quickly!

It's frightening how well you feign innocence.

Don't ever seduce my husband again.

You can have him.

You've ruined everything.

I'm sorry. That's all I can say.

Don't worry too much.

I'll find a nice man for you.

I'm through with men.

Now, don't despair.

I'm actually relieved.

I don't want to wind up like this again.

What I'd really like

is to marry a nice man.

Yes, that would be much better.

You know...

there's a young man I have in mind.

I haven't told him that I've been living like this.

I want to marry him.

You think I should tell him everything?

I don't know.

It depends.

If you both love each other that much,

I think he'd understand.

I guess so.

My mind's made up. I'll marry him.

I'll see him tomorrow.

Sister!

Where have you been?

What does it matter?

Ayako...

Hiroshi's back home.

School vacation?

He needs money.

Money?

He's about to graduate,

but his tuition hasn't been paid.

He's got a job lined up after graduation,

but it requires guarantee money.

How much does he need?

He says about 200 yen.

He'll never find that kind of money at home.

What did Father say?

He said he'll get it somehow,

but he just started working again.

I don't see how he can.

Could you help Hiroshi?

How do you expect me to if Father can't?

Leave me out of it.

Hiroshi wasn't expecting you to help anyway!

And he shouldn't!

Ayako!

Hiroshi called you trash when he heard you left home.

Do you think I care?

I'll live as I please.

That stupid jerk can't boss me around.

Fine! If that's how you feel, you're on your own.

Fool!

Sachiko, can you bring more tea?

"When I ran into Sachiko, she told me about Hiroshi's tuition.

I'm enclosing money that I borrowed. Please don't tell Hiroshi it's from me."

Thanks.

Father, what does Ayako say in her letter?

Just a lot of nonsense.

She says she's sorry and wants to come back home.

Don't let her in the house.

I won't allow it.

No need for a letter if she had come home

when I told her to.

POSTAL MONEY ORDER 200 YEN

So we were meant to be together after all.

Unfortunately.

Now that's uncalled-for.

I don't think I'm too shabby compared to Asai.

Is that right?

What a cold-hearted answer!

Yes, coming!

What are you doing, Ayako?

What's going on?

He'd like you to send for his favorite geisha.

Just sit there and take it easy.

You just take the money and run? Think you'll get away with that?

Good-bye now.

Wait!

Some people might put up with that...

but I won't!

You haven't heard the last of me.

What happened?

What's it to you?

Stop pestering me or I won't pay the bill.

Forgive me.

Thank you.

Hello?

Yes, it is.

Ayako!

Where have you been? I was worried about you.

I'd like to talk to you about something,

but not on the phone.

You know the Suminoe Suites? Could you meet me there?

Is that where you are?

Really? I'll be there right away.

You will? Promise?

I promise.

I've been wanting to see you too. Until then.

- Thanks. - Hot date?

Stop kidding me! Good-bye.

Susumu, up here!

Come on up.

Sorry to keep you waiting. I came as fast as I could.

I'm so happy you came.

I've missed you.

Same for me.

I'm so happy.

I feel very happy too.

Have some tea.

Susumu...

remember how you said you wanted to marry me?

Yes, I do.

Do you really love me with all your heart?

You ought to know that by now.

- Do you? - Do you have to keep asking?

Then no matter what I may have done...

you'd be willing to understand?

Of course.

You see...

I told you I was working at a beauty parlor.

That was a lie.

After I quit the company...

I became Mr. Asai's mistress.

Is that really true?

Yes, it is.

That money...

If you could have gotten me that money...

I wouldn't have had to do it.

I wish things could have gone that way.

But all that time, I kept thinking only of you

and dreaming of someday becoming your wife.

If things go on like this...

who knows how much further I'll fall.

When I think about that,

I can't help but feel sorry for myself.

Please, Susumu.

Will you marry me?

I realize I may have betrayed you.

If you feel I did,

I'll do anything to apologize and make amends.

Please marry me!

You will, won't you?

Miss Murai!

What are you doing, you fool?

Don't interfere!

What is it? What do you want?

You certainly made a fool of me earlier.

Earlier?

You'll have to refresh my memory.

- You little brat! - You don't say.

Try as you might,

you're not weaseling out of it this time.

You're more persistent than I thought.

People dislike that, you know.

Thanks for the advice.

Why don't you just forget it?

That's right. Just go home quietly.

What are you doing, you fool?

I've got a houseguest who's a tough character.

Come on out.

You're bluffing.

I said to come out here.

He may look gentle, but he's vicious when mad.

Leave now before you get hurt.

Give me the money.

Don't know when to give up, do you?

What's two or three hundred yen?

You could lose that much playing the market.

Be a good boy and go on home.

You don't intend to return it?

You know what'll happen to you.

No, what? I have no idea.

- You'll be crying later. - Make me cry, then.

Very well.

He's finally gone.

Ayako, wasn't that Mr. Fujino?

Does that mean you and he -

Of course not, silly.

Don't worry. Come sit down.

Now all of the obstacles have been cleared.

We're alone, just you and me.

He might do something.

There's no need to worry.

I'm not afraid of whatever he may do

as long as I have your love.

You'll stand by me, won't you?

You will, right?

I'm so glad.

I'll cook a big dinner.

Ayako.

I'm leaving.

Leaving?

What are you saying? Stop kidding around.

Ayako Murai?

Come with us to the police station.

You too.

What's this about?

You'll find out at the station.

Chief, tell us more about the Ayako Murai case.

Gentlemen, please.

We heard about it at the Suminoe Suites.

She's an unfortunate woman. Don't write it up.

We want details.

I'll give you the general gist.

Why don't you say something?

You're getting on my nerves. How about a full confession?

Listen...

you can't hide anything from us.

We'll find out eventually. That's our job.

Tell me, why'd you do it?

- I'm sorry. - That's no help.

You had to have a reason.

I'm sure there were extenuating circumstances...

but you do realize it was wrong, don't you?

If so, don't hide it. Tell me everything.

All right?

The law hates the crime but not the individual.

Just tell us the facts and apologize,

and that will be that.

I'm sorry.

I did it simply because I wanted to marry Nishimura.

In that case...

why didn't you talk things over with Mr. Fujino?

I thought about that,

but he's not the type to listen.

If he were, I wouldn't have done what I did.

It was the only way to get him to leave.

So was this drama all Nishimura's doing?

Don't lie!

Anyway, think it over.

Take over here.

Tell us the truth

and we'll let you go home quickly.

You told her what to do.

No, that's not true.

I knew nothing about it.

She dragged me along the whole time.

I really didn't know anything.

Liar!

You made her do it because you wanted to marry her.

That's not true! Who told you that?

Never mind who. Is it true or not?

Absolutely not.

I have no desire to marry her.

Then why were you there?

She deceived me.

I didn't realize she was such a terrible woman.

She deceived me.

You're some excuse for a man.

She had another man before Mr. Fujino.

There may have been others.

Please!

If people think I conspired with her,

I'll lose my job.

I have no parents or relatives.

If I'm fired, I don't know what I'll do.

What a muddle-headed sap!

Wait here.

You can send him home.

You're quite a piece of work!

You think so?

- Susumu! - Keep quiet!

He says you pulled the strings.

- Here she is. - All right.

You'd better mend your ways.

It's her first offense and she's shown remorse,

so we're dropping the charges.

I'm sorry for all the trouble.

But don't let it happen again.

Make sure you keep an eye on her.

Yes, I will.

I'm back.

Father, have some dinner.

Hiroshi, how are you?

You haven't gone back to Tokyo yet?

You're looking well, as always.

Sachiko, how are you?

My, that looks delicious.

Sukiyaki?

I'll have some too.

We're all together again. There's no place like home.

I'm so happy.

It's been so long since we all shared a meal.

Right, Father?

And you can rest easy.

You have a job now.

And Hiroshi will graduate soon.

He'll take a respected place in society.

That just leaves Sachiko.

How did your exams go?

Will you serve me some rice? Please?

Why's everyone so quiet?

A delinquent like you is no sister of mine.

- What did you call me? - A delinquent.

- Thanks a lot! - Shut up!

Father, didn't you promise not to let her back in the house?

She can't stay here. I won't allow it.

- You saying I should leave? - That's right.

Maybe you think so,

but Father and Sachiko wouldn't kick me out, right?

Don't ask me.

I'm ashamed to go to school after that big newspaper write-up.

I can't even face my friends.

Right, Father?

My own daughter...

arrested by the police and put in jail.

It's shameful. You're a disgrace and an ingrate.

Is that so?

I never thought I'd be treated like this in my own home.

This is ridiculous.

I thought I'd be welcomed.

I should've never come back.

Ayako, what's going on?

What are you doing here?

I'm just a stray dog.

I don't know what to do.

Are you ill?

I guess you could say that.

I have a serious illness called "delinquency."

Tell me, Doctor. - What?

How can a condition like this be cured?

Even I don't know the answer to that.

THE END

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