All language subtitles for Hedda Gabler, Ibsen (Roman Polanski) 2003 -

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They're not even up yet.

With the steamer being so late
and the mistress would insist

on unpacking so much
before she would go to bed.

Well, let them sleep,
sleep as long as they like.

But when they do get up,

they'll certainly need
a breath of fresh air.

So, now you have
a new mistress, Berte.

Heaven knows, it was difficult
enough for me to part with you.

And for me too, Miss Julia.

After all those years
with you and Miss Rena.

Poor thing lying there helpless,
how will she manage?

We'll just have
to make the best of it, Berte.

George needs you,
he really does.

You've looked after him
since he was a little boy.

But there's another thing,
Miss Julia.

I'm so afraid I won't please
the new mistress.

She's so particular.

Oh, that's only natural, dear.

After all,
she's General Gabler's daughter.

She was used to being spoilt
when her father was alive.

Do you remember when we used
to see her out on her horse?

How smart she always looked
in her riding clothes!

I never thought
I'd live to see the day

when she and Master George
would make a match of it.

Neither did I.
By the way, Berte,

you mustn't call him
Master George any longer.

It's Dr. Tesman now.

(Singing merrily)

Good morning, my dear George,
good morning.

Aunt Julia, you've come all this
way so early in the morning.

You got back from the pier
all right?

Yes, quite all right, dear,
thank you.

Judge Brack saw me
all the way home.

I was sorry
we didn't offer you a lift,

but Hedda had a mountain
of luggage!

Would you take that for me,
Berte?

Yes, sir,
I'll put it in the attic.

Do you know, Aunt Julia, I had
that suitcase full of notes.

You've no idea how much
I discovered

from those archives I examined -

curious old details
no one had any idea existed.

You certainly didn't waste
your time on your wedding trip.

I certainly haven't. Well,
take your hat off, Aunt Julia.

- Can I help you?
- Thank you, dear.

Oh, that's a very elegant hat
you've got, Aunt Julia.

I bought that
on Hedda's account.

I didn't want her
to feel ashamed of her old aunt

in case we should go out
together.

Dear Aunt Julia,
you think of everything.

Come on, sit down
and let's have a cozy chat.

Oh, it's good to see you again.

And to know that you still have
a place in your heart

for your old aunts.

Tell me, Aunt Rena,
she isn't any better?

No, dear. I'm afraid she'll
never be any better, poor soul.

Now that I longer have you
to look after,

I don't quite know what
will become of me when she goes.

There, there, there.

It seemed such an age
that you were away, George.

- Five whole months!
- Six. Six.

Forgive me, dear.
Now, tell me, George,

have you been over
the house yet?

Oh, yes. It's splendid,
it's simply splendid.

It's awfully big.

I don't know what we'll do with
all those empty rooms.

(Laughs)

My dear George,

I expect you'll find
plenty of use for them later on.

Oh, I expect so. When I get more
and more books, you mean?

(Laughs) Yes, dear. It was
your books I was thinking of.

I'm especially pleased
for Hedda.

You know, she'd always set her
heart on living in this place.

It belonged to Secretary Falk,
you know, the cabinet minister.

Even before we were engaged,
she used to say

this is the one place
she'd really like to live in.

Yes, but I'm afraid you're going
to find all this very expensive.

Very expensive.

Oh, no, Judge Brack
wrote to Hedda

that he'd secured
favorable terms.

But you mustn't worry
about it, my dear.

In the first place,
I've given security

for all the carpets
and the curtains.

Security? What kind of security?

I borrowed on our annuity.

But my dear Aunt Julia,
you must be mad, simply mad.

That annuity is all that you
and Aunt Rena have to live on.

Don't get so excited about it,
dear.

It's only a matter of form,
Judge Brack says.

That's all very well, but...

The only happiness I have
in the world

is making things easier for you,
dear.

Now, you've nothing
to stand in your way.

You'll have your own salary and
soon your new book will appear.

What's it to be about, George?

It's about the handicrafts
of Brabant in the Middle Ages.

Gracious, fancy being able
to write about such things!

And, best of all,

you have your wife,
the wife you've longed for.

Yes, she's the most wonderful
part of it all, Aunt Julia.

I expect a few of my friends
are a little bit jealous of me.

Good morning, Hedda,
good morning!

What an early visitor you are.
How kind of you.

Not at all. Did the bride
sleep well in her new home?

Thank you. Fairly well.

(Laughs) I like that, Hedda,

you were sleeping like a log
when I got up.

Fortunately.
Good heavens, what a nuisance!

They've made us open the window
and let in a flood of sunlight.

Well, we'll just close it again.

Don't do that.
Draw the curtains.

That will give us softer light.

There, Hedda, now you have
both shade and fresh air.

Heaven knows,
we need some fresh air.

Do sit down,
my dear Miss Tesman.

No, I won't, thank you, my dear.

Now I know everything's
all right here,

I must get back to my sister.

Give Aunt Rena my love

and tell her I'll come and see
her this afternoon.

Yes, dear, I will.

Oh, good gracious me,
I was almost forgetting.

I've brought something for you.

Oh, what is it, eh?

Oh, how very touching,
my slippers, Hedda,

my old bedroom slippers.

I remember. You spoke of them
often on our wedding trip.

But I can't tell you how many
times I've missed these. Look.

We shall never get on
with this servant!

Not get on with Berte?

Look, she's left her old hat
lying on the chair.

But Hedda, dear...

Think if someone were to see it!

Hedda, dear,
that's Aunt Julia's hat.

- Oh, is it?
- Yes, indeed it is.

And what's more, it's not old.

Really, I didn't look very
closely, Miss Tesman.

It's a beautiful hat,
it's beautiful.

It's not as beautiful
as all that.

What did I do with my parasol?
Here it is.

For this is mine too,
not Berte's.

A new hat and a new parasol.
Think of that, Hedda.

Lovely, I'm sure.

Aunt Julia, look at Hedda.
Isn't she lovely?

I think she's looking
even especially well.

She may have filled out
a little...

- Do be quiet!
- Filled out?

You may not notice
in that loose dress,

but I have certain
opportunities.

You have no opportunities
at all, George!

Maybe it was the mountain air...

I'm just as I was when we left!

Lovely. Lovely, loveliest Hedda.

God bless and keep you,
Hedda Tesman, for George's sake.

Please, let me go.

I shan't let a day pass
without coming to see you.

Yes, do that, Aunt Julia,
do that.

Goodbye, my dearest Hedda.
Goodbye.

How proud your poor father
would be if he could see

what a great man
his little boy has become.

(George) You've become like
a father and a mother to me...

Hedda dear, if you could manage,

just be a little more
affectionate with her.

For my sake, eh?

I shall try to call her "Aunt".
But that's really all I can do.

What are you looking at, Hedda?

I am just looking at the leaves.
They are so yellow and withered.

Well, we're well into
September now.

September.
Yes, September already.

Is there something the matter,
Hedda dear?

Excuse me, Mrs. Tesman,
Mrs. Elvsted is here.

She called earlier this morning.
She brought those flowers.

Sheriff Elvsted's wife?
The one who was Miss Rysing?

Yes. Ask her to come in.

Yes, that girl
with the mass of hair.

She was always showing off.

An old flame of yours,
I've heard.

Oh, that didn't last long. That
was before I met you, Hedda.

I wonder what she's doing
in town.

I haven't seen her for years.

Why should she call on us?

Oh, my dear Mrs. Elvsted,
I'm delighted to see you again.

It's been a very long time.

It's a long time since we met
too.

Thank you
for your lovely flowers.

I arrived in town
yesterday morning.

I was so upset
not to find you at home.

I hope you're not
in any trouble.

Well, yes. Yes, I am.

And there was no one else here
I could possibly turn to.

Please, sit down.
Do sit down there.

- Is anything wrong at home?
- Well, yes. Yes and no.

I... Well, I do hope
you won't misunderstand me...

Well, I suppose
you've already heard -

Ejlert Lovborg
is back in town too.

What? Ejlert Lovborg's
come back?

- Think of that, Hedda.
- Yes, I heard.

I'm so afraid
he may get into trouble.

But my dear Mrs. Elvsted,

why should you be so worried
about him?

Well, you see,
he's the children's tutor.

- Your children?
- My stepchildren, my husband's.

I've none myself.

Is Ejlert dependable enough
for such a position?

For the past two years, his
conduct has been irreproachable.

- Well, fancy that, Hedda.
- Yes, I heard.

Irreproachable in every respect.

After his book was published...

He's published a new book?

- Recently?
- Oh, yes, a wonderful book.

A sort of outline
of civilization.

It came out
a couple of weeks ago.

Sold marvelously.
Made quite a sensation.

I suppose it was something
he wrote some time ago,

during his...
well, better period.

Oh, no, no, no. He's written it
all while he's been with us.

- Have you seen him in town?
- No, not yet.

I had difficulty in finding his
address.

But this morning, I got it.

Doesn't it seem odd

that your husband were to send
you on such an errand.

Why didn't he come
to look after his friend?

Oh, no, he's so busy. Besides,
I had some shopping to do.

Yes, I see.

Please, Mr. Tesman,

I'm sure Ejlert Lovborg
will come to see you.

You and he
were such great friends,

I'd be grateful
if you'd keep an eye on him.

I should be delighted to.
You can rely on me.

Oh, how kind of you.

My husband is so very fond
of him.

Yes, of course.

I think you should write him,
George.

He may not want to come
on his own accord.

I'll write to him
this very minute.

Have you his address,
Mrs. Elvsted?

Yes, yes.

- Here it is.
- Splendid.

Write him a nice, friendly
letter and a good long one too.

- I certainly will.
- Don't let him know I suggested it!

- What?
- Oh, no, not a word.

You'll see, we'll kill
two birds with one stone.

- What do you mean?
- Couldn't you see?

I wanted to get rid of him
so I could talk to you alone.

There's nothing to tell,
absolutely nothing.

Of course there is,
I can see that.

There is a great deal more
to tell.

Now we'll have a nice,
friendly talk.

I want to know
all about your life at home.

I'd prefer not to speak
about that.

But to me, my dear, after all,
we went to school together.

Yes, but you were in
a higher class

and I was so terribly
afraid of you then.

- Afraid of me?
- Yes.

When we met on the stairs,
you always used to pull my hair.

Oh, did I really?

Once you said
you'd burn it all off.

(Laughs) But I was
only teasing you of course.

- There now!
- I was so silly in those days.

And afterwards,
we drifted so far apart.

Then we must drift together
again.

Come, let us sit down over here.

- There.
- Thank you.

In school, we used to call
each other by our first names.

- Why don't we now?
- I think you're mistaken.

Of course not.
I remember very well.

We were great friends,
so you should call me Hedda

and I shall call you my dear
little Tora.

My name is Thea.

Oh, yes, of course,
I meant Thea.

Tell me, Thea,
I'm a little vague about it,

but when you first went
to the Elvsted's

you were a housekeeper...

No, no, no...
Well, you see Mrs. Tesman...

Now, now.

Well, you see, Hedda, I was
supposed to go as governess,

but Mrs. Elvsted - the first
Mrs. Elvsted, that is -

she was an invalid
and rarely left her room,

so I had to take charge
of the house as well.

And eventually, you became
mistress of the house.

Yes, I married him.

- How long ago was that?
- Five years ago.

Oh, yes, that's right.

And Ejlert Lovborg has lived
near you

about three years, hasn't he?

Ejlert Lovborg?
Why, yes. Yes, he has.

I suppose you saw
a good deal of him.

Yes, he came to the house
every day,

to give the children lessons.

And your husband's away
a great deal, I suppose?

Yes. As sheriff, he often has
to travel about his district.

But my dear,
isn't he far too old for you?

There must be
at least 20 years between you.

Yes. That's what makes it
so difficult...

And we haven't a thought
in common. Nothing in fact.

- Is he kind to you?
- I think he finds me useful.

I don't think he cares
for anyone except himself

and perhaps the children.

A little.

And Ejlert Lovborg.

Ejlert Lovborg?
What makes you say that?

That's obvious. He sends you all
this way just to look for him.

At least,
that's what you told George.

Yes, I...

Yes, I suppose I did.

My husband knew nothing
about my coming here.

Your husband didn't know?

He was away himself at the time.

I couldn't stand it any longer,
Hedda,

I felt so alone and deserted.

Yes, yes, well?

I packed a few of my things,
I didn't tell anyone.

I simply left the house
and took the next train to town.

How did you dare?

What will your husband say
when you go home again?

Back to him? I shall never
go back to him again.

But what will people
say about you, Thea?

They can say whatever they like!
I did what I had to do.

If I am to live at all,
I must live near Ejlert Lovborg.

How did this friendship start
between you and Ejlert Lovborg?

It grew...It grew gradually.

I began to have
a sort of power over him.

- Power?
- Yes.

After a while,
he gave up his old habits.

Not because I asked him to,

but because I suppose
he realized

how unhappy they made me
and so he dropped them.

So, you have reformed him,
you little dear.

Well, he says so. And in return,
he's taught me how to live.

- He gave you lessons too.
- Well, not lessons exactly.

He talked to me,
explained things to me.

The most wonderful thing

was when he allowed me
to share in his work,

- allowed me to help him.
- He did, did he?

Yes, he wanted me to be
a part of everything he wrote.

Like two good comrades.

Comrades? Why, Hedda,
that's exactly what he says.

Oh, I ought to be so happy
and yet...

somehow I'm not,
I'm so afraid it may not last.

So, you're not sure of him then?

Something stands
between Ejlert Lovborg and me.

- The shadow of another woman.
- Who could that be?

I don't know.
Someone he knew a long time ago.

Someone he never
seems able to forget.

Has he told you anything
about her?

He talked about her once,
quite lately.

What did he say?

He said that when they parted,
she threaten to shoot him.

Oh, nonsense!

No one we know does
that sort of thing.

That's why I think
it must have been

that red-haired cabaret singer -

they say she went about
with loaded pistols.

- Then it must have been she.
- They say she's here in town!

I'm so worried,
I don't know what to do.

Oh, dear, my dear,
don't be so worried.

Tesman will take care
of everything.

There.

Hedda, you're so understanding.

So kind.

Well, I hope your wife's
pleased with everything.

We just can't thank you enough,
Judge Brack.

Of course, she wants
to rearrange a few things

and she's talking of buying
a few additional trifles.

Perhaps it might be wiser
to be a bit more economical.

Oh, well, you know Hedda, Judge,

she's accustomed
to a certain standard of living.

Yes, that's just the trouble.

In any case, I shall soon
be receiving my appointment, eh?

Well, you see,
such things sometimes hang fire.

You've heard something further?

No, nothing really definite.
I've one bit of news for you.

Your old friend
Ejlert Lovborg's back in town.

Yes, I knew that already.

I wonder what on earth he'll do.

How he'll manage to make
a living?

Isn't that just like Tesman?

Always worrying about how
people will make a living.

What fun to have a look
at you by daylight, Judge.

- You find me altered?
- Oh, a little younger, I think.

Oh, thank you very much.

(Laughs) We were talking
about Ejlert Lovborg, dear.

I hear they quite reformed him
up at the Elvsted's.

Well, I wonder
what on earth he's going to do.

I've written him a letter,

I asked him to come and see me
this evening.

But you're coming
to my stag party this evening.

You promised me
last night on the pier.

- Oh, had you forgotten, Tesman?
- I'm afraid I had.

In any case, I think you can be
certain Lovborg won't come here.

Oh? Why shouldn't he?

Well, my dear Tesman,
and you too, Mrs. Tesman,

I think it's only right that I
should inform you of something.

I think you ought to be prepared

to find your
appointment deferred

rather longer than you expected.

Has something happened
to prevent it?

The nomination may depend
on the result of a competition.

Competition?
Think of that, Hedda.

But who would my competitor be?

Ejlert Lovborg.

Oh, no, that's impossible!

That's...
that's absolutely unbelievable.

It may happen, nevertheless.

That would be incredibly unfair
to me, Judge Brack.

I'm a married man, Hedda and I
married on these prospects.

Think of the money we've spent.

And we borrowed
from Aunt Julia too.

After all, they practically
promised me the appointment.

Don't get so excited, you'll
probably get the appointment,

only you'll have to compete
for it.

Think, George, it'll have quite
a sporting interest.

How can you be so indifferent
about it, Hedda dear?

I'm not
in the least indifferent.

I can't wait to see
who will win.

In any case, I thought I ought
to warn you, Mrs. Tesman.

Under the circumstances,
it might be better to go easy

on those "additional trifles"
you were thinking of buying.

I don't see how that could make
any difference, my dear Judge.

Really? Well,
then I've no more to say.

Goodbye.

I'll call for you this evening.

Yes, yes.

See you later, Judge.

Thank you, Mrs. Tesman.

Goodbye.

Hedda, Hedda.

We should never rush
into adventure, should we?

Do you do that, George?

Well, what else can you call it?

To get married, settle down,
on mere expectation.

Yes, you may be right.

At any rate, we have our
beautiful home, eh?

The home we always dreamed of.

I counted on doing
a lot of entertaining.

That was part of our agreement,
I thought -

we were to keep open house.

I was looking forward
to it too, Hedda dear,

to see you, a brilliant hostess,

surrounded with
distinguished guests.

We'll just have to make do
for the time being, dear,

after all,
we can be happy in each other.

We can ask Aunt Julia
every now and then.

Oh!

I did want it to be so
different, so very different.

I suppose this means
I have to do without a butler.

I'm afraid a butler's
quite out of the question.

And you promised me a riding
horse, do you remember?

That's out of the question too,
I suppose?

- I'm afraid so, Hedda dear.
- Oh, money, always money!

This...genteel poverty
that makes life so hideous,

so utterly ludicrous!

At least I have one thing
to amuse myself with.

Thank heavens for that.
What is it, Hedda?

My pistols, George.

General Gabler's pistols!

Please, Hedda, don't play with
those dangerous things, please!

For my sake, Hedda.

Welcome back, Judge.
Now I'm going to shoot you!

Don't aim at me like that.

That's what you get
for sneaking in the back way.

- (Hedda laughs)
- Have you gone completely mad?

Thank heavens I didn't hit you!

I wish you'd stop
all this nonsense.

Come along, Judge,
I'll let you pass.

Come along.

(Laughs)

Still playing about
with pistols?

What are you shooting at?

Just killing time.

Allow me.

Ah!

I know this pistol, I've seen it
before. Where's the case for it?

That game's over for today.

What am I to do with myself
all day long?

Isn't Tesman at home?

No, he rushed off to his aunt's
directly after lunch.

He didn't expect you so early.

Fancy my not thinking of that.
How stupid of me.

Why stupid?

Because I'd have come
even earlier.

Then you would have found
no one to receive you

for I've been dressing ever
since lunch.

Isn't there a crack in the door,

through which one might
converse?

You forgot to provide one,
Judge.

Again, stupid of me.

We must just sit
and wait until Tesman comes.

He may not be here
for quite some time.

Never mind,
I shan't be impatient.

- Well?
- Well?

I asked first.

Let's have a really pleasant
little talk, shall we?

Mrs. Hedda.

It seems ages since our last
"little talk", doesn't it?

Every single day,
I wished you were home again.

- I have wished that, too.
- You have?

Really, Mrs. Hedda?

I thought you were having such
a fine time on your honeymoon.

(Sighs) I can't tell you, Judge,
how bored I've been.

How would you like
to spend six months

without meeting a soul
you could really talk to?

I shouldn't like it at all.

But the most unendurable
thing of all was...

What?

..to be everlastingly
with one and the same person.

Yes, yes,
morning, noon and night.

I said "everlasting".

But surely,
it's not so unbearable

with someone you love?

Don't use that repulsive word.

What's that, Mrs. Hedda?

Just you try it.

Nothing but his special subject.

Medieval history,
morning, noon and night.

Everlastingly.

Well, in that case,
how did it happen that...

That I married Tesman, you mean?

Is there anything
so very odd in that?

I had literally danced myself
tired

and I wasn't getting
any younger.

I don't want to think about it.

After all, one has to admit that
George Tesman is a worthy man.

A worthy, reliable man -
there's no question of that.

And I don't see anything
especially funny about him,

do you?

Funny? No, not really.
No, I wouldn't say that.

Well, he is a distinguished
scholar.

And since he was
so bent on supporting me,

I didn't see why I shouldn't
accept his offer.

If you look at it from
that point of view...

That was more than some
of my other admirers

were prepared to do, Judge.

(Laughs) Oh, well, of course,
I can't answer for the others.

I've a great respect
for the state of matrimony.

But I must admit,
as an individual...

I've never had any hopes
as far as you're concerned.

All I ask of life is
to know a few people intimately,

nice people,
who I can help and advise

and in whose houses I can
come and go as a trusted friend.

Of the master of the house?

Well, of the mistress,
preferably.

But of the master too,
of course.

I find such a triangular
friendship,

If I could call it so, a great
convenience to all concerned.

I must admit, heaven knows,

a third person would've been
welcome on our journey.

Oh, those infernal tête-à-têtes!

Well, cheer up,
your wedding tour is over now.

No, not really.

We've only stopped
at a station on the line.

Then the thing to do,
Mrs. Hedda,

is to jump out
and stretch a bit.

- I never jump out.
- Really? Why not?

There's always someone
there to...

Stare at your legs?

Precisely.

I don't like that sort of thing.

I'd rather keep my seat
and continue the tête-à-tête.

But if a third person were
to jump in and join the couple,

a trusted,
understanding friend...

Gay and entertaining
in a variety of ways?

And not a bit
of a medieval specialist.

(Sighs) That certainly
would be a great relief.

Hedda!

Yes, George?

The triangle is completed.

And on goes the train.

I'm positively sweating, dear.

Oh, you're here already, Judge.

Oh, George,
what are all those books?

Just some new books, which touch
on my special subject.

- I simply had to have them.
- Yes, your special subject.

On his special subject,
Mrs. Tesman.

Well, one must keep up
with the latest publications.

Yes, I suppose one does.

Look, I've got Ejlert Lovborg's
new book.

Would you care to see it, dear?

Perhaps later.

I've been glancing at it
on my way home.

What do you think of it?
As a specialist, I mean.

Well, do you know, he handles
this vast subject with...

well, the greatest restraint.

It's quite remarkable,

I've never known him
write like that before.

Well, I'll just take
all these into the library

and cut a few pages.

Then I suppose
I'd better change for dinner.

There's no hurry.

Hedda, Aunt Julia's afraid
she can't come in this evening.

Is she still annoyed
about the hat?

No, it's not that.
It wouldn't be a bit like her.

- But Aunt Rena is very ill.
- She always is.

But tonight, she's even worse

and Aunt Julia ought
to stay with her.

I shall try and bear it.

Oh, those eternal aunts!

- Did you say something, dear?
- Nothing.

What was that about a hat?

This morning, Miss Tesman had
taken her hat off

and left it on the chair.

And I pretended to think
it was the servant's.

Why, Mrs. Hedda,

how could you do such a thing
to that nice old lady?

I don't know, I sometimes get
impulses like that

and I just can't control them,
I...

Oh, I can't explain it,
even to myself.

You're not really happy,
are you?

I don't see why I should be
happy.

Well, here you are in the house
you've always longed to live in.

Do you believe
in that fairytale?

Wasn't it true, then?

Last summer,
I made use of Tesman

to see me home from parties.

One evening, we happened
to pass by this house.

Tesman, poor thing,
was turning and twisting,

he couldn't think
of a thing to say.

Oh, I really felt sorry
for the poor, wretched scholar.

Sorry? You?

Yes, I did.

So, just to make conversation,
to help him out of it,

I was foolish to say

what a charming house
I thought this was

and how I would love
to live in it.

And that make-believe,

that resulted in my engagement,
my wedding,

my wedding trip...
and all the rest of it.

Well, as they say, the way you
make your bed,

that's the way you lie in it.

Well, since he's made it so
attractive and comfortable...

To me, it smells of lavender
and dried rose leaves,

what one might call
the Aunt Julia atmosphere.

Oh, my dear Judge,

I can't tell you how I shall
bore myself here.

I don't think you've ever really
been stirred

by anything in life.

But I expect it'll come.

Suppose you should
suddenly find yourself faced

with what one might call
a grave responsibility?

A new responsibility,
Mrs. Hedda?

Be quiet! Nothing
of the sort will happen to me.

We'll talk of this again, a year
from now, at the very latest.

That sort of thing
doesn't appeal to me.

No responsibilities for me,
I am not fitted for it.

What makes you think
you're less fitted...

Be quiet! Sometimes I think

there's only one thing in life
that I'm really fitted for.

What's that?

Boring myself to death!

(Laughs)

Now you know.

(Rings bell)

Ejlert Lovborg!
At last, we meet again.

Come, give me your coat.

Thanks for your letter, George.

Not at all.

May I shake hands with you too,
Mrs. Tesman?

Welcome, Mr. Lovborg.

I don't know if you gentlemen...

Judge Brack, I believe.

I had the pleasure
some years ago.

I've bought your new book,
Ejlert.

I haven't had time
to read it yet.

I wouldn't bother, if I were
you, it's pretty thin stuff.

It's been enormously praised,
I hear.

That was exactly
what I intended,

so I put nothing in it that
anyone could take exception to.

But when this one appears,
George Tesman, you must read it.

- This is a real book.
- What's it about?

- It's the sequel.
- Sequel? Sequel of what?

- The other book.
- Of the new one?

Of course.

Goodness me, that goes down
to the present day.

Yes, but this one deals
with the future.

The future? Well.

Well, none of us knows
anything about the future.

There's a thing or two to be
said about it, just the same.

How remarkable.

I should never have thought of
writing about a thing like that.

- No, you wouldn't.
- I brought it with me

because I thought I might read
you some of it this evening.

That's awfully kind, Ejlert,
but I'm afraid this evening...

As a matter of fact,
Mr. Lovborg,

I'm giving a party this evening
to celebrate Tesman's return.

In that case, I'm sorry.
Thank you.

I'd be delighted
if you'd join us.

I mustn't keep you. Thank you.

You can bring your manuscript

and read it to Tesman
in my house.

I'll give you a room
to yourselves.

Think of that, Ejlert.

George dear,
if Mr. Lovborg doesn't want to,

I'm sure he would prefer to stay
and have supper with me.

- With you, Mrs. Tesman?
- Miss Elvsted will be here too.

Yes, I saw her for a moment
today.A

Did you?
She's spending the evening here,

so you're almost obliged
to stay, Mr. Lovborg,

or Mrs. Elvsted will have
no one to see her home.

In that case, I will stay,
Mrs. Tesman.

Good. I'll tell the servant.

Come on in.

They told me at the bookstore

that you're preparing
a series of lectures...

I hope you've no objection.

Well, I can't expect you,
out of consideration for me...

Of course, I shall wait until
you receive your appointment.

You mean, you're not
going to compete with me?

No, I simply want people
to realize

that I could've defeated you.

Oh, Hedda, think of that!

Ejlert isn't going to stand
in our way.

In "our" way?
Please, keep me out of it.

Now, gentlemen,

how would you like a glass
of cold punch before you go?

- That's not a bad idea.
- It's a capital idea.

Especially now that a heavy
weight

has been taken off my mind.

Won't you join them,
Mr. Lovborg?

No, thank you, nothing for me.

But surely cold punch
isn't poison?

Perhaps not for everyone.

You go in and I will sit here
and keep Mr. Lovborg company.

Yes. Do that, Hedda dear,
do that.

Perhaps you'd like to look at
some photographs, Mr. Lovborg?

You see, Tesman and I did
a lot of sightseeing in the Alps

and I'd love to show you.

Look at that group of mountains,
that's the Ortler group.

Oh, yes, Tesman has written
here underneath,

"The Ortler group, near Meran."

Hedda Gabler.

- Shh.
- Hedda Gabler.

That was my name in the old days
when you and I knew each other.

Then I must never say
"Hedda Gabler" again?

No.

Hedda Gabler,
married to George Tesman.

How could you
throw yourself away like that?

I won't have you say
such things.

Hedda, dear...

Look at this view
from the Ampezzo Valley.

Look at those peaks.

George, dear, what is the name
of these curious peaks?

Oh, those are the Dolomites.

Oh, the Dolomites, Mr. Lovborg.

Hedda dear, are you sure
you wouldn't like me

to bring you some punch?

Yes, I'll have some.
And a few biscuits, hm?

Yes, yes. A cigarette?

How could you do it, Hedda?

Answer me.

If you go on calling me Hedda,
I won't talk to you.

Not even if we're alone?

You may think it
but you mustn't say it.

Because you love George Tesman?

- How funny you are.
- It's not love then?

Hedda...

All the same, no unfaithfulness.

Here we are.

Oh, you brought two glasses.

- It's such fun to wait on you.
- Mr. Lovborg doesn't want any.

Well, Mrs. Elvsted
will be here any minute.

- Oh, yes, Mrs. Elvsted.
- Had you forgotten about her?

Yes, we were so engrossed
in these photographs.

Do you remember
that little village?

Oh, well, that's the one
at the foot of the Brenner Pass.

Don't you remember?
We stayed the night there.

Yes, an ran into
that gay company of tourists.

(Laughs) Yes.

Pity you weren't there
with us, Ejlert, eh?

You didn't love me at all?

No? Not at all?

I wonder, sometimes I think,

to me, it seems we were just
two good intimate friends

who could tell each other
intimate things.

At least, you did.

It was you who teased me
into it, Hedda.

You remember all those things?

All those wild things
you made me confess to you.

Every drunken spree,

every indecent, defiling act
I ever committed,

or ever thought of committing,
you made me boast of

and then deviously, you'd probe
deeper, always deeper.

How could you bring yourself
to ask the things you did?

But in a devious way,
if you please.

- Shamelessly.
- How could you answer them?

I thought they were asked
out of love,

that you were trying to purge
me, help me.

- No, it was not love.
- Then why?

Is it not understandable that
a young girl might be tempted

to investigate a world she's
supposed to know nothing about?

A man's world? Especially
if she can do it in secret.

And with no risk.

You were my guide,

my teacher,
burning and unashamed.

Like a young god
with vine leaves in your hair.

- It was beautiful.
- Then why did it end?

- You were to blame for that.
- You broke with me.

You wanted to spoil
our intimacy,

you wanted to drag it down
to reality.

You talk of my boldness,
my shamelessness.

Why did you try to abuse them?

So, you threatened to shoot me.

I was frightened,
I realized the danger.

But why didn't you go through
with it?

Because I'm that afraid
of scandal.

Yes, Hedda.

You're a coward at heart.

Lucky for you, isn't it?

You got ample consolation up
at the Elvsteds'.

I know that Thea has confided
in you.

- Had you told Thea about us?
- Not a word.

She's too stupid to understand.

- Stupid?
- (Bell rings)

In certain things, she's naive.

And I? A coward.

Now I'll confess something
to you.

Well?

- My not daring to shoot you...
- Yes?

..was not my greatest cowardice
that night.

Oh, Hedda.

Hedda Gabler, you and I,
that was your craving for life,

not just unhealthy curiosity -
you needed to be fulfilled.

You wanted someone
that was loving.

Be careful, I didn't say that.

Mrs. Elvsted.

Oh, there, dearest,
I thought you'd never come.

Shouldn't I go and say
good evening to your husband?

No, you needn't bother about
them, they'll soon be off.

- Are they going out?
- Yes,

to a wild party
and a jolly time.

You're not going, are you?

No, Mr. Lovborg
will stay with us.

Oh, how nice it is to be here.

Thea... No, no, no, Thea.

Now, you be a good girl
and sit over there,

next to me,
and I will sit between you.

Just as you like.

- Isn't she lovely to look at?
- Only to look at?

And then we have such absolute
faith in each other,

we can speak
with perfect frankness.

But not in a devious way,
Mr. Lovborg.

You know, he actually says
I've inspired him in his work.

- Does he really?
- And then she has such courage.

Oh, good heavens, courage!

- If one only had that...
- Then?

Then life might perhaps
be endurable after all.

Oh, Thea, my dear, you must
have a glass of cold punch.

Oh, no, thank you,
I never take anything like that.

- How about you, Mr. Lovborg?
- No, not for me...

No, he doesn't either.

- But if I want you to?
- Makes no difference.

Oh, poor me.
Have I no power over you at all?

Not in that respect.

(Laughs) But seriously,

I think you ought to take it
for your own sake.

Why, Hedda?

People might suspect that you're
not confident in yourself.

Don't, Hedda.

People may suspect
what they like.

Yes, let them.

You should've seen Judge Brack's
contemptuous smile

when you didn't dare
to join them.

Didn't dare?

That's what Judge Brack thought.

Didn't dare? I simply prefer
to stay here with you.

- You are not going then?
- No, I'm going to stay here

- and talk with you and Thea.
- Yes, Hedda, of course he is.

There, you see? Firm as a rock,
faithful to all good principles,

now and forever.

That's how a man should be,
especially a converted sinner.

You see that? What did I tell
you, Thea,

when you came running here?

Didn't I tell you
not to be so upset?

Oh, Hedda, please, Hedda.

You have not the slightest
reason

to be so anxious and worried.

What's all this about?

Now we can all three
enjoy ourselves.

You see how unfair
you've been to doubt him?

God, Hedda, what are you doing?

You were worried and anxious
on my account?

- Listen...
- That's all the faith you have?

Listen, Ejlert, it was just that
you were alone in the city...

Your health, Thea.

- Hedda, how could you do this?
- I do...

And yours too, Mrs. Tesman.
Thank you for your frankness.

No more for the moment. You're
going to the party, remember?

Does your husband know
you came after me? Hm?

It was arranged between you,
wasn't it,

that you should come to town
and keep an eye on me?

Most likely, the old man
suggested it himself.

But suppose he need my help
at the office

or missed my presence
at the card table.

Let's drink
to the old sheriff too.

No more now. You're going to
read your manuscript to George.

I'm behaving like a fool,
Thea, I'm sorry.

It's all right now, all right.

I'll prove it to you.

I'll prove it to everyone
that I'm all right again.

I'm back on my feet.

Well, it's time to go,
Mrs. Tesman, Mrs. Elvsted.

I suppose it is.

Since you kindly invited me,
Judge Brack,

- I have decided to join you.
- Lovborg, don't.

No, no. I'll call for you, Thea,
around ten o'clock?

Is that all right, Mrs. Tesman?

Splendid.

I'll wait for you here,
Mr. Lovborg.

Well, gentlemen, shall we start?

I hope we're going to have
a jolly good time,

as a certain lovely lady
puts it.

If only the lovely lady
could be there unseen.

Why unseen?

So as to share a little
in your unbridled time.

I shouldn't advise
the lovely lady to try it.

You're a nice one, Hedda,
think of that.

Goodbye, ladies!

Yes, Mr. Lovborg.

You won't expect me back
so early.

You can stay
as long as you wish, George.

Hedda, where is all this
going to end?

# It's all right
playing cards and gambling

# It's all right
drinking beer and rum

# Oh, it's all right playing
cards and gambling

# And it's all right
drinking beer and rum... #

"I won't waste any words
on that little rearguard

"of puny, narrow-chested,
self-important men.

"The stream of life has already
left them far behind.

"I'm thinking of the few,

"those rare spirits
who have had the vision

"to recognize the truth in
new ideas, new ways of thought

"and have made those ways
their own."

Oh, thank you.

Where was I to?

With those rare spirits
that have the vision

to face newborn truths.

It's magnificent, Ejlert,
simply magnificent.

"..newborn truths, too new
and too daring to be accepted

"by the so-called sacred
majority."

Soon, he'll be here
with vine leaves in his hair,

flushed and fearless.

He'll believe in himself again

and he'll be a free man
for ever and ever.

- Pray God you may be right.
- I am right!

Doubt him as much as you want,
I believe in him.

Why have you done this, Hedda?

For once in my life, I want the
power to shape human destiny.

You have your husband.

Do you think
he's worth bothering about?

If only he knew
how cheated I have become.

Never to have tasted life,

really taste, and then see it
wasted on a silly schoolgirl.

I think I shall have
to burn your hair!

Let me go! Let me go!

I'm afraid of you, I want to go
home alone now at once.

You'll do nothing of the sort,
you silly little thing.

You'll have a nice cup of coffee

and then...
Ejlert Lovborg will be here.

With vines in his hair.

(Laughter)

No, wait! I haven't finished.

Question - if this book
is the great work

that my friend Tesman
says it is,

and I say it is,
how could I have written it?

(Laughter)

Question - how can you stand up?

Answer - because I was inspired.

Inspired by the most beautiful,
delicate, understanding,

beautiful, delicate
creature in the universe.

It was she alone.
And don't ask me her name.

- What was her name?
- Even in the vaulted halls

of this ancient college,
gracious chancellor...

Hear, hear! To the mysterious
muse of Ejlert Lovborg.

(All) Ejlert Lovborg!

I really think we ought to get
him home, he's quite drunk.

I'll go and get my coat.

(All laugh)

I know what he needs, breakfast.

And I know just the place
for it.

Chez Mademoiselle Diane's.

Send him à la française!

(All laugh and chatter)

Allez-up, Tesman!

(Laughter)

Wait for me!

Why didn't you give it back
to him at once?

I don't trust him with it
in the state he was in.

Did you tell any of the others
that you found it?

No, I didn't want them to know.

Why not?

For Ejlert's sake, of course...

Shh! You'll wake Mrs. Elvsted.

Tell me, George, did he have
vine leaves in his hair?

Vine leaves?

No, well,
I didn't see any vine leaves.

Oh, Hedda, you can't conceive
what a book this is going to be.

I think it's going to be

one of the most important books
ever written.

Think of that, Hedda.

And you know,
I must confess something -

when he'd finished reading it,

I had the most awful feeling,
terrible feeling.

- Terrible feeling?
- Yes.

I felt quite jealous of Ejlert

for being able to write
such a book.

- Think of that.
- I am thinking.

I am absolutely frozen.

It really is appalling
that with all his great gifts,

he should be so irresponsible.

Just think what he'll feel like

when he wakes
and can't find his manuscript.

There's no other copy -
he told me so himself.

Tell me, would it be impossible
to write such a book again?

Oh, I should think so.

You see,
there's the inspiration.

Yes, inspiration.
I suppose it depends on that.

By the way,
here's a letter for you,

it came by messenger
from Aunt Julia.

Really?

Oh, Hedda... She says that
Aunt Rena is dying.

I really have to hurry
if I'm going to see her again.

Hedda, dear, if only you could
bring yourself to come with me.

I'll have nothing to do
with sickness and death.

I loathe anything ugly.

Very well, then.

I'll get my hat and my overcoat.

- Oh, the manuscript...
- I'll take care of it

until you come back.

Pray heaven I won't be too late.

(Chuckles)

Forgive my entering this way.

I'm hardly dressed
for a formal call.

I've been up all night,
haven't even changed my clothes.

So, it was more
than usually jolly last night?

What has Tesman told you
of last night's adventures?

Nothing much. He just went off
to see his aunt.

Did he say nothing
about Ejlert Lovborg?

Only that he'd been
escorted home.

Oh, George Tesman
really is a naive creature.

And what happened last night?

If it's not too unmentionable.

It's by no means
unmentionable.

To make a long story short,

he turned up at
Mademoiselle Diane's.

Mademoiselle Diane?

That red-haired woman
who's sort of a...singer?

Yes, in her leisure.
In the days of his glory,

Lovborg was one
of her most ardent visitors.

What happened, Judge?

It seems Mademoiselle Diane
proceeded to tear out his hair.

He'd accused her of robbing him,

a valuable notebook
or something.

He raised a terrific row which
ended in a general free-for-all,

in which the women
as well as the men took part.

- How do you know all this?
- From the police.

They were called in to the fray.

Then he had no vine leaves
in his hair?

Vine leaves, Mrs. Hedda?

Tell me, why are you so
interested in spying on Lovborg?

I've held it my duty

as a friend of the family
to give you and Tesman

a full account
of his nocturnal exploits.

For what reason?

From now on, every respectable
house will be closed to Lovborg.

You mean, mine ought to be too?

I admit, it would be painful for
me if he should be welcome here.

If this superfluous person
should force his way into the...

- Triangle?
- Precisely.

It would simply mean that I
should find myself homeless.

I see. You want to be
cock of the walk, Judge,

that is your aim.

And I'll fight
with every weapon at my command.

I wonder if you are not
a rather dangerous person.

Do you think so, Mrs. Hedda?

Yes, I am beginning to think so

and I'm very glad
you have no hold over me.

Well, perhaps you're right,

but if I had, who knows
what I might think up?

Oh, come on! Now, come, Judge,
it almost sounds like a threat.

By no means. But the triangle

should be based on
mutual understanding.

If possible.

There, I entirely
agree with you.

Well, having said
what I have to say, goodbye...

Mrs. Hedda.

You are going
through the garden?

Yes, it's a short cut for me.

And then it's the back door,
isn't it?

Very true. I've no exception
to back doors -

they can be intriguing at times.

When there is shooting going on,
you mean?

(Laughs) People don't shoot
their pet rooster.

And certainly not
the cock of the walk, Judge.

Goodbye.

You can't come in at this time.

I have to see her right away.

Berte.

It's rather late to call
for Thea, Mr. Lovborg.

Rather early to call on you,
forgive me.

How do you know that she's here?

She hadn't gone to her lodgings.

Oh, Ejlert , at last.

- Yes. And too late.
- What's too late?

Everything's too late.

- It's all up with me.
- Oh, you mustn't say that.

You'll say the same
when you hear.

I don't want to hear anything.

You'd rather talk to her
alone...

No, please, stay.

But I don't want
to hear anything, I tell you.

I have no intention
of discussing

what went on last night.

But I want you to know

that we must not see
each other again.

But... But why?

I no longer have any need
for you, Thea.

- How can you say that?
- I shall never work again.

Then what have I to live for?

Thea, you've got to try and live
as if you'd never known me.

- I can't...
- You have to try, Thea.

- You don't mean it?
- Go home, Thea! Forget me.

I won't let you drive me away,

I want to be with you
when the book is published!

The book will not be published.

Oh...what have you done
with the manuscript?

Where is it?

I've torn it into
a thousand pieces.

- But that's not...
- Not true, you think?

Of course, it must be
if you say so.

I've torn my life to pieces!

Why shouldn't I tear up my work
as well?

(Sobs) It's as though
you killed a little child.

It's as if I'd murdered
my own child.

It was my child too.

Oh...

I'll go now, Hedda.

- What are you going to do?
- I don't know.

Now, Lovborg, tell me the truth.

First, give me your word
that Thea will never know.

I give you my word.

One can do worse things
to a child than kill it.

I couldn't tell Thea

that I dragged it around
with me all night

to all sorts of obscene
and loathsome places and I...

I lost our child, I lost it!

Stop calling it a child,
it was only a book!

Thea's soul was in that book.

Yes.

Yes, so I understand.

What are you going to do
with your life now?

Nothing, it's over.

- Will you make an end of it?
- The sooner the better.

If you do, let it be beautiful.

Beautiful?

Shall I put vine leaves
in my hair

as you wanted me to
in the old days?

No, I don't believe
in vine leaves anymore,

but for once,
let it be beautiful.

Wait, I'll give you something
of mine to take with you,

as a token.

Do you remember this?

You should have done it then.

Take it. Use it now.

Thanks.

Let it be beautiful.

Ejlert Lovborg, promise me that.

Goodbye...Hedda Gabler.

I'm burning your child.

Yours and Ejlert Lovborg's
child.

And you with your curly hair.

I'm burning it.
I'm burning your child!

Burning it. I'm burning it!

How strange life is.

At home, we shall be sewing
a funeral shroud,

and soon I expect
there will be sewing here too.

But of a different nature,
thank heavens.

I'm just going, my dear boy.

I'll come and see you
in the morning, Auntie.

My brain's in such a whirl,
I don't know what I'm doing.

You mustn't take it
so much to heart, George.

We must be grateful that dear
Rena has found rest at last.

I'm afraid you'll be
very lonely now, Miss Tesman.

I shall be at first,

but I shan't let Rena's room
stay empty for long.

There's always some poor invalid
that has to be looked after.

Would you take
such a burden on yourself again?

Burden? Oh, bless you,
it's no burden.

But it's different
with a stranger.

I must have someone to live for.

And it's easier to make friends
with someone who is sick.

And who knows? Someday, there
may be something in this house

for an old aunt to take care of.

Please, don't trouble about us.

Everything will be for the best.

- I must get back now.
- Yes.

No, don't see me out, dear,
I'm perfectly all right.

Oh.

Aunt Rena's death
seems to affect you

more than it does Aunt Julia.

It's not only that,
I'm upset about Ejlert too.

- Have you heard anything new?
- No.

I called on him this afternoon

to tell him the manuscript was
safe, but he wasn't at home.

Later, I met Mrs. Elvsted

- and she said he'd been here.
- Yes.

He told her he'd torn
his manuscript to pieces.

Yes, that's what he said.

Good heavens,
he must have gone mad.

Of course, in that case, you
didn't dare give it to him, eh?

No, he didn't get it.

But you told him that we had it,
eh?

No. You didn't tell
Mrs. Elvsted?

No. Give me the manuscript and
I'll run over with it at once.

Where is it, Hedda?

- I haven't got it any longer.
- You haven't got it?

What do you mean?

I've burnt it, every word.

Burnt it? You've burnt Ejlert's
manuscript?!

- Don't shout.
- But it's impossible!

Oh, how could you do
such a thing?

Hedda, this is unlawful
appropriation of lost property.

You ask Judge Brack...

You had better not speak
to anyone.

- But why...
- Judge Brack or anyone else.

Why did you do it?
What possessed you?

Answer me!

I did it for your sake, George.

For my sake?

You admitted that you were
jealous of his work.

And I couldn't bear the thought

of anyone putting you
in the shade.

But you've never shown your love
like that before, Hedda.

Perhaps I should better tell you
that now... At this time, I...

You said yourself
that I was filling out.

No! Ask Aunt Julia,
she'll tell you all about it!

Good heavens, is it true?

Don't shout,
the servant will hear.

The servant?
It's only my dear, old Berte.

I can't wait to tell her myself.

I can't stand it.
I'll die from it.

What is it? Hedda?

Oh, George,
it's all so ludicrous.

(Laughs) Ludicrous? I should
be overjoyed at such news.

I can't wait to tell Aunt Julia,
she'll be so happy.

(Laughs) So happy.

When she hears

that I have burned Ejlert
Lovborg's manuscript

for your sake?

Yes, the manuscript, I...
I'd forgotten about that.

(Bell rings)

Nobody must know
about the manuscript.

Poor Ejlert.
It makes me feel terrible.

(Bell rings)

- Mr. Tesman? Oh, Hedda!
- What's happened? What is it?

I'm terribly afraid
something's happened to Ejlert.

Do you think so?

I heard them talking about him,

they stopped the moment
I came in,

I didn't dare question them...

- Oh, it's you, my dear Judge.
- Yes.

It's imperative that I see you.

Why? Has something happened?

- Yes.
- It's about Ejlert Lovborg.

I'm sorry to say,
he's been taken to the hospital.

They say he's dying.

- Oh, no!
- The hospital? Dying?

There.

Mrs. Elvsted...

Thea...

So soon then.

I parted from him in anger,
Hedda.

I must go to him,
I must see him.

I'm afraid it's useless.

No one is allowed to see him.

Why? What is it?

He didn't try to kill himself,
did he?

- I'm sure he did.
- Hedda, how can you?

Unfortunately, you've guessed
quite correctly, Mrs. Tesman.

- Oh, how horrible!
- Killed himself?

- Think of that...
- Shot himself.

You're right again, Mrs. Tesman.

(Thea) When did it happen?

This afternoon,
between three and four.

- Yes, but where did it happen?
- Where? Well...

- I suppose, at his lodgings.
- It couldn't have been there.

I was there
between six and seven.

Well, somewhere else,
I don't know.

I only know that he was found,
that he'd shot himself...

through the heart.

How horrible to die like that.

- Through the heart?
- Yes.

Through the heart!

Most likely, it is already over.

(Thea) Over? All over?

At last, something courageous.

Heavens, Hedda,
how can you say such a thing?

I say there is great beauty
in this.

Ejlert Lovborg had the courage
to do the one right thing.

No, no, you mustn't believe
that. He did it delirium.

- In despair.
- No, I'm sure he didn't.

- I'm sure of that.
- He must've been delirious,

as he was when he tore up
our manuscript.

- He tore up the manuscript?
- Yes, last night.

How...very extraordinary.

We shall never get over this,
Hedda.

Fancy, Ejlert killed
and his book destroyed too.

If only there was
some way of saving it.

If only there were. There's
nothing I wouldn't give to...

Perhaps there is a way,
Mr. Tesman.

What do you mean?

Look...

I've kept all Ejlert's own notes
for you to dictate to me from.

- You have?
- They're dreadfully mixed up.

Well, perhaps together we might
be able to sort them out.

Well, we could try, at any rate.

We will try, at once.

I owe it to Ejlert.
My own work will have to wait.

I'm going to devote my life
to this.

You, George, your life?

Yes. Now, we're going to start
sorting out the notes at once.

Come on. Where shall we sit,
Mrs. Elvsted?

No, perhaps we'd better go
in there.

Ejlert Lovborg meant more to you
than you're willing to admit,

even to yourself.

Or am I mistaken?

I don't answer questions
like that.

I only know that Ejlert Lovborg
had the courage

to live his life as he saw it.

And end it in beauty.

He had the strength
and the will to break with life

whilst still so vital.

It pains me,
but I fear I must rob you

of your beautiful illusion.

Illusion?

It didn't happen as I told it.

For poor Mrs. Elvsted's sake,
I changed the facts slightly.

What are the facts then?

Well, first, he's already dead,

without regaining consciousness.

What else have you concealed?

Then the tragedy
did not happen at his lodgings.

- That makes no difference.
- Not even when I tell you

that he was found shot
in Mademoiselle Diane's boudoir?

He couldn't have gone there
again?

He went there to claim something
he said they'd taken from him,

talking wildly about
a lost child.

I thought he meant
the manuscript

but now I hear
he's destroyed that himself.

- Oh, so he died there.
- Yes.

They found a pistol
in his pocket,

it had gone off probably
accidentally,

wounding him fatally.

Accidentally, through the heart!

No, in the bowels.

How hideous!

Everything I touch becomes
ludicrous and despicable.

There's something else,
Mrs. Hedda,

something rather disturbing.

- What's that?
- The pistol he carried...

- What of it?
- He must have stolen it.

- That's not true.
- Because any other explanation

ought to be out of the question,
Mrs. Hedda.

- He did?
- Of course Lovborg was here this morning?

- Yes.
- Were you alone with him?

- Yes, for a while.
- Did you leave the room at any time

- while he was here?
- No.

Try to remember - are you sure
you didn't leave the room, even for a moment?

I might have gone out
into the hall.

And where was your pistol case?

- It was on my...
- Well, Mrs. Hedda?

It was on my writing desk.

Have you looked since to see
if both pistols were there?

- No.
- Well, you needn't.

I saw the pistol he had,
I recognized it as the one I'd seen yesterday

and before that too.

- (Sobs)
- My dear Mrs. Elvsted,

we must pull ourselves together.

Have you got it by any chance?

No. The police had it.

What will the police do with it?

Search until they find
the owner.

And...do you think
they will succeed?

No, Hedda Gabler,
not so long as I keep silent.

And if you do not keep silent,
what then?

One could always say
the pistol was stolen.

- Oh, I'd rather die!
- People say such things,

but they don't do them.

And if the pistol were found?

Were not stolen and the owner
were found? Then what?

Why, Hedda, Hedda.

Think of the scandal.

- Scandal.
- The scandal, yes,

of which you are so terrified.

Naturally, you'd have
to appear in court

with Mademoiselle Diane.

She'll have to explain
how the thing happened,

whether it was an accident
or not.

What have I got to do
with this repulsive business?

You still have to answer
the question

why did you give Lovborg
the pistol?

And what conclusion
would people draw

from the fact you
had given it to him?

I never thought of that.

Fortunately, there's no danger.

So long as I keep silent.

And you'll keep silent
as long as I do what you wish,

that's what you mean, isn't it?

Dearest Hedda, believe me,
I shall not abuse my advantage.

But I shall be in your hands
all the same.

Subject to your will,
your desires.

No longer free, not free. I
can't bear that thought, never!

People manage
to get used to the inevitable.

Yes, perhaps they do.

Thea dear,
how are you getting along

with Ejlert Lovborg's memorial?

I'm afraid it's all
very difficult.

Do you think you'll manage,
George?

Oh, yes, we'll manage.

After all, sorting out
other people's papers -

something
I'm particularly good at.

But I'm afraid
it's going to take months to do.

Think of that!

Oh, Thea, doesn't it
seem strange?

Here you are working
with Tesman,

just like you used to work
with Ejlert Lovborg.

If only I could inspire
your husband in the same way.

No doubt that will come...
in time.

Is there nothing at all that
I can do for the two of you?

No, thank you, dear.
No, not a thing.

I think you'll have to keep
company for Hedda

for the rest of the evening,
my dear Judge.

With the greatest of pleasure!

Thanks, but I'm a little tired
this evening

and if you don't mind,
I'll lie down for a while.

(Plays jaunty tune)

Hedda, please, please,
I implore you, not that music.

Think of poor Rena
and of Ejlert.

And of Aunt Julia
and all the rest of them!

Well, never mind.

I'll be quiet from now on,
I promise you.

I think she's upset at seeing us
doing such distressing work.

Look, why don't you move
over to Aunt Julia's

and I can come and work
with you there in the evenings?

Oh, I think
that would be a good idea.

Tesman, I can hear you.

And what am I to do all those
long evenings here by myself?

I'm quite sure Judge Brack will
be glad to come in now and then.

Every single evening,

with the greatest of pleasure,
Mrs. Tesman.

We'll have a jolly good time
together, you and I.

Yes, that's what you hope,
isn't it?

Now that you are cock
of the walk.

(Gunshot)

Great heavens!
She's taken those pistols again.

Hedda dear, I asked you,
do you...

She's shot herself.

She's shot herself!
Think of that!

Good God.

But people don't do such things.

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