All language subtitles for The.Seventh.Veil.1945

[gong]

[music playing]

Thank you.

Some place where we can talk?

This way.

- She never attempted
- Suicide before?

No, never.

I see.

What is her occupation?

- She's a well-known
- Concert pianist.

I've heard her

play several times.

She does not speak at all.

If you question her,

she doesn't answer.

- One would think that she
- Didn't hear one if one

didn't know that she does.

She won't talk to me.

- I should like to examine her
- Again tomorrow on the hypnosis.

Rather, she's not

cooperating under narcosis.

And you really

think that will help?

It may do.

- At least it will tell us
- The nature of the injury

to her mind.

- I know you fellows get
- Some remarkable results,

but I can't say I

altogether like it.

Saves us a little of the... the

prying, if see what I mean.

Dr. Kendall, a

surgeon doesn't operate

without first taking off

the patient's clothes,

or nor do we with the mind.

Do you know what,

uh, Staples says?

The human mind is like Salome

at the beginning of her dance,

hidden from the outside

world by seven veils,

veils of reserve, shyness, fear.

Now, with friends the average

person will drop the first one

veil, then another.

Maybe three or

four all together.

With a lover she will take off

five, or even six, but never

the seventh.

Never.

- You see, the human
- Mind likes to cover

- its nakedness, too, and keep
- Its private thoughts to itself.

- Salome drops her seventh
- Veil of her own free will,

- but you will never get
- The human mind to do that,

and that is why I use narcosis.

Five minutes under narcosis and

down comes the seventh veil,

and we can see what is

actually going on behind it.

Then we can really help.

Oh well.

- I'll be back tomorrow
- At 3 o'clock.

- You'll have the
- Patient ready, please.

- Goodbye, Dr. Kendall.
- Goodbye.

Goodbye.

Good afternoon, nurse.

Good afternoon, doctor.

Well, how is

the patient today?

Just the same, doctor.

I would like you to

prepare an injection.

This is just to put her

to sleep the first time.

- Later on when she is
- Cooperating she'll be

able to get along without it.

- I shall start as soon
- As you are ready.

Good afternoon, Ms. Cunningham.

My name is Larsen.

I trust you slept well?

Oh, you didn't.

That is a pity... a great pity.

When one doesn't sleep,

one isn't very happy.

Well, never mind.

Never mind.

- You shall get a
- Little sleep now.

I want you to breathe deeply.

Now we'll have a little sleep.

You're very tired, and

you'd like to go to sleep.

Relax now.

That's right.

Relax and close your

eyes gently, very slowly.

You're so tired, so

terribly tired, so lazy,

and you want to go to sleep.

So nice to relax, so

nice to go to sleep.

That's right.

Soon you will be asleep.

Soon you will be asleep.

There.

You are asleep.

Nothing can hurt you now

because you are asleep.

You understand, don't you?

Nod your head if you do.

That's right.

Now, you can do what

you like, and you

can go where you please.

What would you like to do?

Where would you like to go?

Hm?

Would you like to

go back to school?

You were happy when you were

a little girl, weren't you?

Would you like to go

back and be happy again?

Back to school?

School.

Yes.

School.

Yes, tell me about it.

School.

Listen.

You are 14 years of age now.

How old are you?

I am 14.

That is right.

You are 14, and

you are at school.

School.

Oh, God.

He's getting away, mind.

Oh, look, he's escaping.

How could he?

Look out, you fool.

You'll be sorry.

Of course I won't.

How many?

- Six.
- No, seven.

- Where are you gonna keep them?
- Under the bed.

- Suppose matron finds them?
- She won't.

How do you know?

- She is frightened
- To look under beds.

- She is not.
- She is, I tell you.

Why?

- In case there's a man
- There, of course, silly.

Susan, you are dreadful.

- You carry that, and
- I'll bring the next.

- Wait a tick.
- I'm not ready yet.

[bell ringing]

- Oh, Susan, listen.
- What's the matter?

The bell.

It's time for chapel already.

Oh, so what?

- We must hurry, Susan.
- Please hurry.

We shall be terribly late.

Well, what's the good?

- It'll take us at least
- 10 minutes to get there,

and then we've got to change.

Oh, my knickers are all wet.

I must be there.
I mustn't be late.

Why not?

- Miss Lawson will only
- Give you a black mark.

No, she won't.

She'll send it to Ms. Dunken.

- This is the third time I've
- Been late this week already.

Oh, you can say you felt sick.

I said that on Tuesday.

Say you lost your way.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- It was always like that.

Susan could persuade

me to do anything.

I'd do it because she

asked me, and I was the one

who got into trouble for it.

I was punished.

Oh, I know I must be punished,

of course, but not on my hands.

Please, not on my hands.

- Today is the music scholarship,
- And if you cane me...

if my hands were... oh, please.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- By the afternoon,

my hands were swollen

and blistered.

I played so badly I

knew I hadn't a chance.

I'd set my heart on

that scholarship.

Music was the only thing I

really cared for even then.

But next time you sat

for it, you passed easily.

I never sat for it again.

During that year,

my father died.

My mother had died

when I was six.

Now my father was dead, too.

They tell me I must go and

live with my Uncle Nicholas.

Uncle Nicholas wasn't

really my uncle at all.

I believe he was my father's

second cousin, but he was rich,

and he was the only

relative I had in the world.

All right, let's

have a look at you.

Eh, Francesca, isn't it?

Yes, Uncle Nicholas.

Don't call me uncle.

I'm not your uncle.

- If you must call me
- Anything, call me Nicholas.

Yes, Nicholas.

Turn around.

Right around.

Take your hat off.

Yes, you're Florence's

child, all right.

Same straight back.

Same long legs.

Same nose.

I suppose you've got the same

sanctimonious disposition.

Well, are you sanctimonious?

I... I don't know

what the word means.

Let's hope you never will.

Now come here.

Now listen to me.

Listen carefully.

- This is a bachelor
- Establishment.

Do you know what

that word means?

- Yes, it... it means
- That you're not married.

It means that I don't

like women about the place.

- When I came to
- Live in this house,

I promised myself that no

woman should ever enter it.

So far none ever has.

You're the first.

I see.

What do you see?

That I'm to do my best not

to intrude on your privacy

more than I can possibly do.

Ring the bell... er, please.

Yes, Uncle.

Yes, Nicholas.

Would you like to stroke him?

FRANCESCA: No.

Why not?

I hate cats.

They... they frighten me.

NICHOLAS: Oh, well.

- You will soon get used
- To them in this house.

Parker, this is

Ms. Cunningham. in.

How do you do, miss?

How do you?

Well, take her away.
You know where to put her.

Yes, sir.

This way, miss.

Parker, who's that?

Mr. Nicholas' mother, miss.

Oh, is she dead?

I don't think so.

What happened to her then?

I can't tell you that, miss.

- I shall have to
- Ask Mr. Nicholas.

I don't think I should do

that if I were you, miss.

He doesn't like the

subject to be discussed.

Her name is never

mentioned in this house.

[clock ringing]

You really want to know

what happened to her?

No.

Yes.

She left her old man.

Run away with a singer.

How do you know?
Oh, everybody knows.

It was in all the papers.

- There was a divorce, and Mr.
- Nicholas had to give evidence.

He was only 12 then.

How beastly of her.

Oh, I don't know.

Might do the same yourself some

time, if you got what it takes.

How dare you!

Sorry, miss.

- I've a jolly good mind to
- Tell Parker what you said.

Well, I...

All right, I won't.

You may go now.

Thank you, miss.

James?

Yes, miss?

How long have you been here?

12 Years, miss.

Has it always been like this.

Yes, miss.

Just like this.

Oh, dear.

Yes, miss.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- Those first few weeks

with Nicholas were the

loneliest I ever spent.

Sometimes I wouldn't speak

to a soul for days on end

except to say good morning.

Sometimes not even that.

Good morning, Nicholas.

Morning, James.

Good morning, sir.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER): All
- Of the servants were men.

- They were very polite,
- But I always felt

they resented my being there.

Nicholas made me

feel like that, too,

but he had a different

way of showing it.

- He would limp about the
- House, leaning on his cane

and look right through me

as though I wasn't there.

On the rare occasions

when he did send for me,

- I was so nervous I
- Could hardly speak.

Mr. Nicholas has been

asking for you, miss.

Oh, where is he?

In the drawing room, miss.

- FRANCESCA: You
- Wanted me, Nicholas?

Do you recognize this?

Yes.

Did you know that it

was addressed to me?

Yes.

- Then why didn't
- You give it to me?

FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):

I... I forgot.

NICHOLAS: Did you really forget?

No.

I see.

Did you know what was in it?

Yes.

It was a letter from Ms. Dunken?

What about?

About me?

NICHOLAS: Do you

know what she says?

No.

Then let me tell you.

There's a... I see.

Your intelligence is

rather above the average.

Do you agree?

I... I don't know.

- She also says
- That you can sew.

Is that correct?

I suppose so.

Hm.

Francesca is

extremely well-behaved

and has a charming, friendly

disposition when she has

overcome the initial shyness

which sometimes prevents

her making friends easily.

Are you shy?

Yes.

Of me?

A little.

There's no need to be.

I won't eat you.

Oh, no, but I...

But what?

Nothing.

Hm.

- What else does the
- Encyclopedic of Ms. Dunken

say of her fledgling?

She has studied French,

German, elementary mathematics,

history, and so-and-so.

Ah, Francesca has an

extraordinary talent for music.

- She plays the piano
- Extremely well

- and has an appreciation of music
- Far in advance of her years.

Play something for me.

I can't.

Why not?
Please, don't ask me.

I can't.

Come here.

Sit down and play something.

I can't!

I won't!

[piano playing]

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER): After
- That, Nicholas made me practice

four or five hours a day.

He was always beside me now,

listening to everything I did.

It was terribly hard work,

but Nicholas saw to it that I

didn't shirk one minute of it.

He was a slave driver, but he

was a wonderful teacher, too.

He knew instinctively how

to get the best out of me,

- and he knew more about
- The spirit of music

than any man I ever met, yet he

didn't play very well himself.

He used to say rather

bitterly those who can, do.

Those who can't, teach.

All right.

I've taught you all I know.

- It's time you had
- Some proper training.

- I've arranged for you to
- Start at the college tomorrow.

- You'll find all
- The details here.

Report to the secretary

at 10 o'clock.

Oh, Nicholas, thank you!

Don't do that!

Don't do that ever again.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- Next morning when I got up,

Nicholas had gone away.

- He didn't come back for
- Nearly three months,

- but meanwhile I'd
- Started at the college,

- and I was far too busy
- Finding out how little

I knew to worry about Nicholas.

[music playing]

- Those first months
- At the college

were the happiest in

my life, though I don't

suppose I spoke to a

soul the whole time,

except to say good morning

or ask one of the teachers

a question.

But I didn't care whether

I had new friends or not.

I didn't care.

- You didn't care
- Because you were happy.

No.

He took away my happiness.

Who did?

Nicholas.

He hated me to be happy.

Had you no one else?

No friends?

Only Peter.

Peter?

Tell me about Peter.

Where did you meet him?

At the little cafe where most

of us used to go for lunch.

It was kept by an

old Italian who used

to play the fiddle a La Scala.

I remember the date...

June 14... and the dress

I was wearing in my beret.

- I had just finished
- Eating when I

felt someone was staring at me.

I looked up.

There was Peter.

You know you're

working too hard.

I like work.

- I like ravioli, but I
- Don't eat it all the time.

Oh, I don't work all the time.

I bet you don't stop

even when you're asleep.

And you look so serious.

Do you ever smile?

When there's

something to smile at?

- Come on, put that score
- Away, and I'll pay your bill,

and I'll show you something.

- Oh, no, thank you.
- I...
No.

No, no.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- Peter was like that.

- I'd seen him before
- At the college,

- but I'd never spoken
- To him, and I didn't

think he'd even noticed me.

He was an American working

his way through college,

playing in a dance band at night

and studying during the day.

[music playing]

- Will you please
- Send this back.

You know, there's practically

nothing wrong with you.

Thank you.

- You're a bit of
- A prig, but that's

the way you've been brought up.

- You're extremely rude,
- But I suppose that's the way

- you've been brought up.
- Check.

I was dragged up.

I know it.

[applause]

I must go.

- Why do you always run
- Away when you're having fun?

I don't.

- It's that I have more
- Important things to do.

- But that's the
- Trouble with you.

- Now how often do
- You take the evening

off and go to the movies?

Oh, never.

There you are.

- I don't like films.
- But you should.

Why?

- Because they take
- You out of yourself...

out of real life altogether.

- Well, is that
- Such a good thing?
Of course it is.

Now, look.

Suppose this is a film.

Poor struggling

musician... that's me...

- meets a snooty rich
- Girl... that's you.

Do you know what happens?

What?

She's cold, and stuck up,

and rather unattainable.

- But underneath it all,
- She's falling for him

in spite of herself, see?

No.

- Well, that's because
- You don't go to films.

You know what happens next?

No.

- He just leans
- Forward and kisses her.

Oh.
You know what she does?

No.

- She pushes him away and
- Walks right out of the place,

- leaving him standing there
- Looking like a dummy.

FRANCESCA: Oh.

- Yeah, but that's
- Only in films.

- In real life, it's
- Quite different.

- Yes?
- [dramatic gasp]
Oh, yes.

Quite different.

No, in real life, I just lean

forward and kiss you like this.

Do you know what you do?

Yes.

- PETER: You know, this
- Happens in films, too.

Will you please go away.

- After the snooty rich
- Girl walks out on the poor,

struggling musician... you

know, when he kisses her...

- they're both awfully unhappy,
- And after a day or two,

they've both taken to haunting

the spot where they first met.

Why?

- Because they're both getting
- Pretty hungry, I guess.

Mariani, two raviolis.

I don't want anything to eat.

I've had my lunch.

- Don't worry, you're
- Not getting any.

They're both for me.

Don't you realize I've

been so miserable I

haven't eaten for a week?

Good evening.

Oh.

Good evening, Nicholas.

I... I didn't know you were back.

Yes, I'm back.

You're looking rather pale.

Have you been working too hard?

I don't think so.

You're not ill?

- No, I'm... I'm quite
- Well, thank you.

Hm.

- Don't you want to
- Play it for me?

Yes, of course.

[piano playing]

Are you mad?

But you asked me to play.

I asked you to play.

- If you can't think
- Of anything better,

- play a chromatic scale or
- A five finger exercise.

- But spare me your
- Suburban shop girl trash.

[piano playing]

Peter?

Hm?

- Do you know why I didn't
- Come out with you yesterday?

Uncle Nicholas.

No.

I went to the pictures.

You did?

- Mm-hm.
- Who with?

By myself.

Oh.

- It was a most
- Interesting film.

It was about a

girl who knew a boy

- loved her, but
- Hadn't the courage

to ask her to marry him.

So she thought about it and

decided that, if he didn't

ask her, she'd have to ask him.

So... are you listening?

Mm-hm.

Oh.

Well, this girl... in the film,

I mean... she decided that she'd

have to ask him herself.

And did she?

No.

At the last minute,

her courage failed her.

Peter?

Hm?

- Do you remember
- Saying that films

were the reverse of real life?

Mm-hm.

Well, they are.

I mean, my courage

hasn't failed me.

Peter, I want you to marry me.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- That night,

- as I sat up and
- Waited for Nicholas

to come home, I thought there's

nothing to be frightened of.

He can't do anything.

Peter will take care of me now.

- And then I heard
- His key in the lock.

-

- FRANCESCA: Nicholas?
- Good evening, Francesca.

Nicholas, I...

- Isn't it rather
- Late for you to be up?

Yes, I suppose it is, but I...

I... Nicholas, must talk to you.

- Won't you wait
- Till the morning?

No, it's... it's important.

Very well.

Nicholas, I...

- Won't you wait
- Till we're inside?

I'm sorry.

Hm Well now, what was it

you wanted to say to me?

- FRANCESCA: I don't
- Know how to start.

- Why not start
- At the beginning?

That's the usual way, isn't it?

- Well, there's nothing
- Usual about this,

so I'll start at the end.

Nicholas, I'm engaged.

Oh.

Well, goodnight.

Nicholas, did you

hear what I said?

Perfectly.

But don't you understand?

I've found a man I love,

and I want to marry him,

- and he's asked me, and
- I've said yes, and I...

Go to bed.

And Francesca, before you

go to sleep, pack a bag.

- We're leaving for
- Paris in the morning.

Paris?

You mean you're

taking me to Paris?

NICHOLAS: Yes.

But I can't go.

I won't go.

I want to stay here with Peter.

What could I do in Paris?

- You'll carry on
- With your studies.

I won't I won't

go, I tell you.

You can't make me.

I don't care whether

I ever play again.

- If you take me away from
- Peter, I won't play.

- Do you hear?
- I won't ever play again.

I mean it.

Why can't you be kind to me?

- Why do you always treat me
- As though I were a child?

- Because you are.
- I'm not.

I'm grown up.

- I'm a woman, and I have a
- Right to live my own life.

- I know what I want,
- And you are just trying

- to take it away from
- Me... the only thing

- I've ever really cared for...
- NICHOLAS: How old are you?

- I won't go, I tell you!
- I won't!

- I won't!
- I won't!

I said, how old are you?

17.

NICHOLAS: Exactly.

Until you are 21,

you are in my care.

- I'm your guardian,
- Your legal guardian.

- Do you understand
- What that means?

No.

It means that you can't

marry without my consent.

- You can't even leave this
- House without my permission.

- If you do, I can
- Have you brought back

by the police if necessary.

- It's my duty to see
- That you behave properly

and don't make a

fool of yourself.

Is that clear?

Mm-hm.

Then go to bed.

Go to bed.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- From that moment,

Nicholas never let

me out of his sight.

It was seven years

before I saw Peter again.

Seven years of music...

Paris, Vienna, Rome.

[piano playing]

Seven years of Nicholas

planning my life,

turning me into his dream

of a concert pianist.

We lunched and dined

in crowded restaurants.

We were always alone.

- NICHOLAS (VOICEOVER): Of
- Course you can't play tennis.

It would ruin your hands.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- Nicholas was always reminding

me to take care of my hands.

- NICHOLAS (VOICEOVER):
- Take care of your hands.

They're your only real asset.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER): Nicholas
- Was always at my elbow.

Never left me alone for a day.

- I don't suppose anyone ever
- Led such a sheltered life

as I did with Nicholas.

- NICHOLAS (VOICEOVER):
- Always think of your hands.

- They're your most
- Precious possession.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- Nicholas never let me forget

that I was to be a pianist.

- NICHOLAS (VOICEOVER): Never
- Risk harming your hands.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER): He always
- Talked of music and my hands.

- NICHOLAS (VOICEOVER): Always
- Look after your hands.

Remember, you must take

care of your hands.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- My precious hands.

- NICHOLAS (VOICEOVER):
- Your hands.

- Your hands.
- Your hands!

Take care of your hands.

No, no, no!

Spread your skirt.

Let the knee drop right down.

Now try it again.

Smile.

For heaven's sake, smile!

- And remember, bow
- To the conductor

first, then to

audience, all of us.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- At last, Nicholas

decided that I was ready for

my first concert appearance.

It was in Venice.

Everyone was very kind, and

Senior Leoni came all the way

from Rome to hear my debut.

Oh, they're lovely.

Thank you.

You ready?
Yes, Nicholas.

Now, don't forget.

- Wait for Pirelli to lead
- You onto the platform.
Yes.

And take your time.

- Don't give them the signal to
- Start till you're quite ready.

- No.
- You've got a handkerchief?
Yes.

Turn around.

And round.

Let me see the front again.

Anna!

That hem was hanging badly.

See to it.

Don't let it happen again.

No, sir.

[indistinct chatter outside]

SUSAN: I don't care who you are.

- I happen to be a very old
- Friend of Ms. Cunningham's.

Francesca!

Susan!

Darling!

It is Susan Brook, isn't it?

- Dear, how clever of you to
- Remember after all these years.

Only it's not Brook now.

It's Krevotovitch.

Horrid, isn't it?

Darling, I'm married.

Francesca and I were at

school together, you know.

- Darling, you haven't
- Changed a bit.

Now you're a famous pianist.

- I only saw your name in
- The bills this afternoon,

and I said to my

husband... he's my second.

- The first was
- Crunchy cornflakes.

This one's arch treasures.

So much nicer, don't you think?

Oh, Susan, you are dreadful.

- I said to my husband, I
- Was at school with that girl.

- And he said, may
- Not be the same one.

- You know how silly
- Men are, my dear.

And I said, oh, yes it is.

Mine was a pianist, too.

- Then I told him that screamingly
- Funny story of how you failed

your music exam, remember?

It was when we were at school.

- We played truant one day to
- Go catch frogs, or lizards,

or something quite revolting.

And I fell in the water.

We got found out.

- The whole thing was
- My fault, of course,

but the head mistress

was absolutely livid

and insisted on caning

us both most frightfully.

Darling, do put that down.

- Of course, I couldn't
- Have cared less,

but the joke of

the whole thing was

- Francesca was sitting for a
- Music exam that same afternoon.

Well, she played like nothing

on earth and failed miserably.

Just think of Francesca

failing her first music

exam, which really is too funny.

What's the matter, Francesca?

Is anything wrong?

Nothing, Nicholas.

Thank you.

Oh, uh, did I say

something I shouldn't?

- Well, I mustn't
- Interrupt you any more.

I'll go out front and listen.

- Darling, you simply must
- Come have tea with me one day

and meet all my

husband's relatives.

Terribly odd people,

quite frighteningly rich.

Goodbye, darling.
Astonishing luck.

Don't forget to ring me.

Goodbye!

Goodbye!

[applause]

[chatter]

SUSAN: My dear good man, I'm

sure we're in the front row.

[music playing]

[applause]

[chatter]

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- I shall never forget it.

All for fear of my hands.

I could almost feel my

fingers swelling as I played.

I know it's nonsense,

but I really did feel it.

Yes.

I'm sure you did.

You ever saw Peter

all this time.

No.

I managed to write

him from Paris,

but the letters came

back marked gone away.

Hm.

Somehow I didn't mind.

I know it sounds foolish,

but in some strange way,

I knew that one day we must

get back to London again

and that when we did

I'd find Peter waiting.

I knew exactly how

it would happen,

and sure enough, it did.

I was in my dressing room.

It was in the opera

house at Copenhagen,

and I was going to

play the Schumann.

And the door opened,

and Nicholas came in.

He always came in

without knocking.

That's how sure of me he was.

Cable from London.

- They want you for the
- Arbertour next month.

Do you want to go?

Why ask me?

You settle these things

without consulting me.

If I do, it's only

to save you trouble.

- You know you can do
- Exactly as you please.

Can I, Nicholas?

Of course.

- You mean I... I can
- Refuse this offer?

Any offer?

Of course, if you wish to.

No, I think I

should like to go.

NICHOLAS: I'll wire them now.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- That night

- when Nicholas came to
- Collect me after the concert

he knocked at my door.

[knocking]

Come in.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- It was the first time

I ever remember him doing so.

NICHOLAS: You ready?

Almost.

- Would you like to
- Dine at the Viking?

If you like.

- We can go to the
- Rotunda if you'd rather.

No, the Viking will do.

- Francesca, there's something
- I'd like to say to you.

Yes, Nicholas?

- You said tonight that I never
- Consulted you over anything.

Oh, it doesn't matter.

But it does.

- If I haven't done so, it's
- Because I wanted your life

to be as smooth and easy

as possible... to save

your worry... enable you to

concentrate on your music.

No, but...
No, no.

Let me finish.

I've devoted years

to converting a very

ordinary little girl in pigtails

into a first class artist.

I've given up everything to be

with you, to help your career.

- And yet I've made
- No demands on you

at all... no demands of any sort.

You understand?

Yes, Nicholas.

- You are completely free
- To do as you please...

to come and go as you choose.

Yes Nicholas.

Good, then it's understood.

- Now, I have invited the Baron
- Von Ullmann and the princess

to dine.

- They're waiting for
- Us at the Viking.

- And tomorrow after lunch
- There'll be a little

reception at the Burgomaster's.

- I've told them that you'll be
- Tired and will only play once.

No encores.

- And then on
- Thursday... we're late.

Are you ready?

Oh, just a minute.

- NICHOLAS: On Thursday,
- I've arranged

- for you to play for the patients
- Of the National Hospital.

Ready?

Yes, Nicholas.

Now smile.

- There are 100 people
- At the stage door.

No autographs tonight, but you

might throw these from the car.

Where's that smile?

[applause]

Nervous?

No, I'll be all right.

Of course you'll be all right.

They're in for a surprise.

- They haven't heard anything
- Like you for 20 years.

Ready, Ms. Cunningham?

Thank you.

Good luck, my dear.

Thank you, Nicholas.

- I'll stay back here
- And wait for you.

[applause]

[piano playing]

[applause]

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER): I
- Made up my mind that directly

the concerto was over.

I would go and look for Peter.

- I suppose I must have realized
- That he probably wouldn't be

at the club anymore, but what

I hadn't bargained for was

- the name of the club
- Should have changed,

and the hat check

girl, and the band.

[music playing]

- All I could find
- Out was that Peter

- had had a row with
- The management

and gone to the Golden Fleece.

- At the Golden Fleece, someone
- Remembered that they'd

seen him at the Monte Carlo.

- At the Monte Carlo,
- Nobody knew where

he was, except the receptionist

thought he'd got on the halls

with a big stage band.

- And then when I'd given
- Up all hope of finding,

my taxi suddenly stopped, and

there, looking straight at me,

was Peter's face.

[music playing]

[applause]

[chatter]

DR. LARSEN: Well,

what happened, then?

- FRANCESCA: I'd rather
- Not talk about it.

DR. LARSEN: You can tell me.

I don't want to talk about it.

All right.

Tell me about Max.

Max?

Yes.

You remember Max...

Maxwell Leyden.

Yes.

Tell me about him.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER): I was
- Outside the door listening.

You didn't know I listened

to the keyholes, did you?

That's what Nicholas did for me.

- The door was half open anyway,
- And I could hear everything

they were saying inside.

Excellent cigar.

Kinglsey's in BondStreet

import them for me especially.

I keep them for my

closest friends and those

of whom I have a favor to ask.

And I come in the

second category.

Yes.

- Well, I hope it's in
- My power to grant it.

- I'll come straight
- To the point.

For several years I've been

a great admirer of your work,

especially your portraits.

- I'll never forget
- That lovely thing

- you did of the American
- Ambassador's wife.

Thank you.

Now I'd like you

to paint my ward.

Oh.

Will you do it?

I'm afraid that

will be impossible.

May one ask why?

- I don't paint
- Portraits anymore.

- Besides, I've never
- Met your ward.

That can be remedied.

She's not unattractive.

I'm convinced she's lovely,

but that doesn't interest me.

Maybe I've known too

many beautiful women.

I've set my heart on it.

- Mr. Cunningham, I just
- Don't paint portraits anymore.

It interferes with

my serious work.

Very well.

That's the end of that.

Good evening.

Oh, Francesca.

This is Maxwell Leyden.

My ward, Ms. Cunningham.

How do you do?

How do you do?

I've often heard you play.

Oh, where?

In my studio.

I've all your records.

That's very kind of you.

And are you doing a portrait of

anyone exciting at the moment?

No.
No, no.

Nothing exciting at the moment.

- I was just suggesting
- That Mr. Leyden

should paint your portrait.

Oh.

I don't care to have

my portrait painted.

I beg your pardon.

May one ask why?

Certainly.

- It interferes with
- My serious work.

Goodnight, Mr. Leyden.

Goodnight, Nicholas.

- I hope my being here doesn't
- Interfere with your playing.

Not at all.

When I'm working, I lose all

contact with the outside world.

I sometimes go on

long past mealtime.

- Do you?
- Mm-hm.

- But if you do that
- Today, I'll just

slip away if you don't mind.

- No.
- I'm merely being considerate.

Considerate?

To my stomach.

Oh.

Can you really work as

well when I'm playing?

No.
But you told me...

It was our bargain.

- I'm not to interfere
- With your work.

- Even if my playing
- Interferes with yours?

That's what we agreed on.

[piano playing]

You'd like for me to sit

for you properly up in a dais,

wouldn't you?

Naturally.

- With my hands,
- And arms, and head

all arranged in a striking pose.

Yes.

- FRANCESCA: And with strict
- Instructions not to move

until you say so.

Yes.

Would you still like

me to do that for you?

- MAX: I would love
- You to do that.

In spite of our bargain?

In spite of our bargain?

Well, I'm not going to.

[piano playing]

Can I move?

In just one second.

- FRANCESCA: My leg's
- Getting stiff.

- But I'm getting cramped in
- The most peculiar places.

All right, move.

May I look?

Not yet.

You go and rest.

- I think you're
- Being most secretive.

And you're being most curious.

Oh, thank you.

Would you like some tea?

No, thank you.

- I'm sure you would like
- To get back to that piano.

Oh, no.

- I doubt that I should ever
- Be able to play again.

No?

- My neck's so stiff if I shan't
- Be able to see the keyboard.

I am sorry, but I

think I can cure that.

Turn around.

Is that it?

Mm-hm.

Better?

Lovely.

Everything about

you is lovely.

- Oh, I thought I
- Was the ugly duckling

in your gallery of beauties.

No, you're not.

You are...

What?

Must you really know?

Hm.

- You are the most beautiful
- Woman I've ever painted.

Not because you're

beautiful, but

because I'm in love with you.

Hopelessly in love with you.

Goodnight.

Oh, Leyden, I'd like a

word with you before you go.

Do you mind if I

ask you a question?

Of course not, so

long as you don't move.

- Last time you were
- Here you said something

that worried me very much.

Did I?

But you must

know that you did.

Oh, you mean when I told

you I was in love with you.

Yes.

But why should that

worry you so much?

- Surely it's the most
- Natural thing in the world.

FRANCESCA: Not to me.

I hate love.

I hate being in love.

- I don't want it ever
- To happen to me again.

- If you deny yourself love,
- You might as well be dead.

- But I'd rather be dead
- Than go through what I've

been through all over again.

- I was happy in the life
- I'd built up for myself.

- I put a fine high wall
- Of music around me,

and nothing could touch me.

I was safe and secure.

- And then you had to come
- Along and knock it all down,

and I hate you for that.

On the contrary, you love me.

Maybe I do.

Francesca.

- Well, would you
- Like to look at it?

It's very... very good.

- I hate to think of
- Nicholas having it.

Why?

- Because it looks
- Right through me,

- and I'd hate to think of
- Nicholas being able to do that.

You're frightened of

Nicholas, aren't you?

Yes.

Why?

- He has some extraordinary
- Power over me.

- You'll think it's absurd, but
- He knows what I'm thinking.

He knows what I'm going to do,

almost before I know myself.

- He's quite determined
- I shan't do anything

that interferes with his plans.

But then why do

you stay with him?

I don't know.

I don't think I can help myself.

No need to talk about.

All right.

Can I get you a drink?

Yes, please.

- What are you going to
- Do now you've finished?

Take a holiday, I suppose.

Have I been such hard work.

No.

No.

Yes, perhaps you have.

Where will you go?

I don't know yet.

Italy, perhaps.

- I've got an old
- Tumbled down villa

there on a hill above the sea.

Very quiet.

So restful.

Sounds lovely.

Will you paint?

Not unless you come with me.

Francesca, must we

keep on pretending?

I'm in love with

you, and you love me.

We could be very happy.

We're both tired and

miserable, and we're

- both losing something
- We really want only

because you are frightened.

Can't you forget it

and come away with me?

To Italy?

Mm-hm.

I'd be a very poor companion.

I don't believe it,

but I will risk it.

I'd like to, Max.

Very much.

What is it, darling?

- I was wondering how I
- Was going to tell Nicholas.

Oh, let me tell him.

No, I'll manage somehow.

Max?

Mm-hm.

It's not important, but

just how do we arrange things?

How do you mean?

Do want to marry me?

I never thought of that.

I see.

Do you want me to?

I'm not sure.

You know that if you...

No, I... I don't

think it matters.

I see.

And when do you think

you're getting married?

I don't know.

Probably never.

- But you said you
- Were going to Italy.

I am.

- You mean you're going
- To live with him openly?

- How can you even
- Think of such a thing?

I won't listen to another word.

- Nicholas, I don't care
- Whether you listen or not.

I don't care what you

say or what you do.

- This is my life,
- And I've proposed

- to live it in the way I think...
- Francesca!

It's no good, Nicholas.

You can't browbeat me anymore.

- I'm grateful to you for some of
- The things you've done for me,

but I'll never forgive you

for some of the others.

Anyway, it's over now.

I'm... I'm going

with Max next week.

- Please don't try to stop me
- Or make me change my mind,

because I won't change my mind,

and nothing's going to stop me.

Is that clear?

- I'll say goodbye
- To you before I go.

[piano playing]

What do you want?

Francesca, I haven't

deserved this of you.

- I've always treated
- You as though you

were my... my own daughter.

All the love and sympathy

I've had I've given to you.

My life hasn't been a happy one.

- I've never told you
- About it, and I'm

not going to tell you now.

But you are the one beautiful

thing that's been in my life,

and I can't live without you.

You must know this.

And I can't give you up.

I won't give you up.

You're a great artist.

Great artists don't just happen.

- They have to be made,
- And I've made you.

- I've spent 10 years
- Training you, molding you.

- You've been my life's
- Work, and now you

want to throw it all

away on a man who

doesn't even want to marry you.

Francesca, listen to me!

You can't stand up against me.

You haven't got the strength.

You'll do as I say.

I demand that you

give up this man.

I demand that you send him away.

Listen, we'll go to America.

- They've been asking for
- You in New York for months,

and now we can go.

We'll go.

You and I together, just

like we've always done.

Francesca?

This happened before once.

Do you remember?

You came away with me then, and

you weren't sorry, were you?

- You didn't really love that
- Boy, and you don't love Leyden,

and I'll tell you why.

You belong to me.

We must always be together.

You know that, don't you?

Promise you'll stay

with me always.

Promise!

Very well.

- If that's the way
- You want, very well.

- If you won't play for
- Me, you shan't play

for anyone else ever again.

[screaming]

Max!

Max!

What happened darling?

Get in the car.

- FRANCESCA (VOICEOVER):
- Max wouldn't

- let me go back into the
- House even to pack a bag.

- He gave me his raincoat
- To keep me warm,

- and then we drove
- For what seemed

to be hours through the

cold, starless night.

I felt completely numb.

- All I could realize
- Was that I was

free... free at

last from Nicholas

and everything he stood for.

Nothing could touch me again.

Nothing.

Then...

[tires screeching]

- I woke up in bed at
- The nursing home.

For a moment, I couldn't

think what had happened,

and then it all came

crowding in on me.

I looked down at my hands.

They were bandaged, and

I couldn't move them.

I knew then that I

should never play again.

Thank you, nurse.

Hello, Francesca.

Oh, that's nothing.

Hello, darling.

Why didn't you

kill me promptly?

It was an accident, darling.

I couldn't help it.

No, I know you couldn't help

it, but I... I'd rather be dead.

But you're scarcely hurt.

- The doctors say you will
- Be up in a day or two.

I don't want to get up.

I want to die.

Oh, why?

Look at my hands.

They were only

very slightly burned.

No bones broken.

- Nothing that won't heal
- Up in a week or two.

I don't believe you.

But it is so.

Ask the doctors.
Ask the nurses.

I don't believe them either.

- You're all saying
- This to keep me quiet.

I know, I tell you.

I know.

- I shall never be able
- To use them again.

- I shall never be
- Able to play anymore.

Francesca.

FRANCESCA: Don't touch me!

I wish I were dead.

I wish I were dead!

DR. LARSEN: Thank you, nurse.

Your coat, doctor.

I'll be back

tomorrow at 5 o'clock.

Yes, doctor.

Uh, shall I have

another injection ready?

No, that won't be necessary.

Ms. Cunningham and

I are friends now.

So here we have Francesca

Cunningham's case history.

- The caning school
- Resulting in the failure

- at the music
- Examination and the fear

that her hands might be injured.

- The attempt by her guardian
- To smash her hands.

And finally the car

crash and the shock

- of finding herself in hospital
- With her hands bandaged.

Now, all these things together

have produced the fixation...

the barrier in the

patient's subconscious mind

- which is now preventing
- Her full recovery.

It is this barrier which

we now have to break down,

and I believe I have

found the way to do it.

- That's why I put
- Her under hypnosis.

Now, with the help

of music... music

- which we know she loves... I'm
- Going to suggest to her the way

to conquer this fixation.

If I can make her

play the piano,

I shall wake her up while

she's actually playing,

- and then she will know
- That there is nothing

really wrong with her hands.

I've got some records

here made by Ms.

Cunningham a few years ago.

I propose to play one

of them in a moment.

You put this on, will you?

Now, Ms. Cunningham, I want

you to listen to me carefully

and do exactly as I tell you.

You understand, don't you?

Right.

Now, give me your

hand and get up.

All right.

I want you to come with me.

I want you to sit down

here at the piano.

That's right.

Now, would you like to

hear some music today?

Nod to me if you want me

to play you some music.

Good.

[music playing]

There.

There is your music,

just as I promised you.

Isn't it beautiful?

Don't you want to

play it yourself?

Play.

Yes.

Don't you want to play?

- I can't.
- Yes.

I can't.

Yes, you can.

You can if you want to, and

you do want to, don't you?

Nod to me if you want.

Then play.

Your hands are on the keys now.

Your hands want to play.

You want to play, don't you?

Try.

Try!

[piano playing]

- NICHOLAS (VOICEOVER): Promise
- Me you'll stay with me always.

Promise me.

Very well.

If that's the way you

want it, very well.

- If you won't play
- For me, you shan't

play for anyone every again.

[screaming]

Now please don't.

Take me away.

Take me away!

[phone ringing]

Oh, yes, sir.

Will you take a seat, please.

- I would like to speak to
- You for a moment, please.

Certainly.

- I have just come
- From the nursing home.

- They've told me that
- You have removed

Ms. Cunningham from their care.

Is that so?

Yes.

- Mr. Leyden, I feel it my
- Duty to go on treating her.

I'm sorry, doctor.

- After what has happened,
- Even you would agree

that she has suffered enough.

She will go on suffering

until she is cured.

All she needs is rest.

- Yes, that's... that's for
- Her body, not her mind.

- Her mind will restore
- Itself if she's left alone.

No, her mind needs treatment.

Treatment?

- Your treatment is likely to
- Unhinge her mind altogether.

Mr. Leyden, are you

aware of the responsibility

if you prevent me from

finishing my treatment?

- It is Ms. Cunningham
- Who will have

to pay for it with

more suffering,

and one day you will

have to come back to me.

Only then it might be too late.

I'm sure I can get results

if we carry on right away.

I'm sorry, doctor.

Very well.

How is she today?

Fine, thank you.

I see.

Mr. Leyden, this is all wrong.

This is all wrong.

I do not want to fail

with this particular case.

- Would you mind if I went to
- Ms. Cunningham's guardian

- and asked his
- Permission to treat her?

Not at all, only he won't

be her guardian much longer.

No?

Why is that?

We are to be

married next week.

Oh, I see.

Excuse me, but, uh, have

you got her consent?

I propose to ask her.

- Mr. Leyden, that poor
- Girl is in no condition

to make up her mind on

anything at the moment.

I warn you, what you're

doing is very dangerous.

I'm prepared to

take the risk, doctor.

Very well.

Good day.

Good day.

Dr. Larsen.

It is good of you to see me.

Take a seat.

Thank you.

Your business?

- I have come to
- Ask your assistance

in a case in which I'm working.

What is the case?

- The name of my patient
- Is Ms. Cunningham...

Francesca Cunningham.

Well?

- Ms. Cunningham is
- Your niece, and...

- She's my second cousin.
- I see.

- Well, she has lived with
- You here in this house,

- and I take it you have often
- Heard her play the piano,

practicing and so on.

- What is all this
- Leading up to?

- I have a record here that
- Is of a tune which has assumed

some importance in the case.

I wonder if I could

play it to you

- and if you would be
- Good enough to tell me

whether you know

anything about it,

whether perhaps it has any

sentimental associations

or is connected with

anyone she knew.

- Go ahead.
- Thank you.

- Don't expect me
- To know anything

about her private affairs.

It is always possible.

[music playing]

[smash]

Get out.

You dropped your

cane, Mr. Cunningham.

Allow me to thank you.

You have helped me after all.

I always knew of the power

you have over Ms. Cunningham,

but now I know why.

I know what she means to you.

[phone ringing]

All right.

I wish to see Mr. Leyden.

Mr. Leyden's not at home, sir.

I'll wait.

It's quite safe.

I shan't steal the pictures.

Francesca?

So you're still angry with me.

I'm not to be forgiven, eh?

It's of no consequence.

- I'm not stupid enough to
- Expect forgiveness of anyone

except myself, and I'd

never forgive myself if I

allowed you to go on like this.

- You know there's nothing the
- Matter with you, don't you?

You know you can be

cured quite easily

and play again if you want to.

No, I don't know.

I don't think so.

NICHOLAS: Larsen can cure you

if you give him the chance.

I can understand Leyden not

wanting you to get better.

- It would mean he'd lose you, and
- Of course that's the last thing

he'd want, but you...

can't understand you.

Don't you want to be the

real Francesca Cunningham?

I shall never play again.

Never.

- NICHOLAS: If you don't,
- It's your own fault.

FRANCESCA: My fault?

- NICHOLAS: It's no use
- Brooding over the past.

- It's your future you
- Should be thinking about.

FRANCESCA: I have no future.

- NICHOLAS: Larsen can
- Give it back to you.

- FRANCESCA: He
- Couldn't last time.

NICHOLAS: I see.

- Larsen failed to work a miracle,
- So he's not to be allowed

another chance, is that it?

Yes.

- NICHOLAS: Why don't
- You let him try again?

FRANCESCA: No.

NICHOLAS: Not for me?

FRANCESCA: No.

You're the most obstinate

woman I've ever known.

- Do you remember the first time
- I asked you to play for me?

You were as stubborn as a mule.

I was frightened.

Frightened?

Am I such a frightening person?

Yes.

- NICHOLAS: You're
- Not frightened now.

You're smiling.

It's funny.

NICHOLAS: What's Funny

It's so different

when you're kind.

- When you're like this,
- I'd do anything for you.

Then you'll play

again, won't you?

- All you've got to do is
- To make up your mind.

Larsen will do the rest.

I can't, Nicholas.

I've tried.

Look at me.

Look at me.

I tell you there's nothing to

be frightened of ever again.

Nothing to be

frightened of ever again.

- NICHOLAS: You really
- Want to play, don't you?

Yes, I do, Nicholas.
Then you'll see Larsen.

Yes, I'll see Larsen.

The clinic.

- May I speak to Dr.
- Larsen, please?

Did you want me?

Are you Mr. Gay?
That's right.

My name is Larsen.
How do you do?

I'm a doctor and...

- Now look, I don't
- Need I a doctor.

I'm pretty fit as I am.

- I'm very glad to hear that,
- But I've really come here

- because I believe you
- Know a patient of mine...

Ms. Cunningham...

Francesca Cunningham.

Sure, I do, but why?

Is she in any trouble?

- DR. LARSEN: In
- Very great trouble,

Mr. Gay, and I believe you

can help me to put it right.

You knew Ms. Cunningham very

well at one time, did you not?

Yeah, I did but, uh...

Then she went away

to the continent,

- and when she came back,
- The first thing she did

was to come and see you here.

PETER: Yeah.

Mr. Gay, I want you to tell

me what happened that night.

Nothing.

Nothing at all.

- DR. LARSEN: Something
- Must have happened.

Well, I told her I was

married if that's what you mean.

How did she take it?

She just walked out on me.

She's like that, you know.

- Has Ms. Cunningham
- Ever met your wife?

Not that I know of.

We were divorced two years ago.

DR. LARSEN: I'm sorry.

PETER: That's all right.

There is, uh, one more thing.

There was a tune you used

to dance to... a waltz.

Yes, I...

- You haven't got a gramophone
- Record of it by any chance?

Well, I'm afraid I haven't.

Could you get one?

Yeah, sure I could.

- It's old, of course,
- And pretty corny,

- but it's still... still sweet
- If you like 'em that way.

- Yes, Mr. Gay, I want
- You to get that record

- for me, or rather
- For Ms. Cunningham,

and bring it to this address.

- Do you mind?
- Not at all.

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow at 7:00.

OK.

Thank you, Mr. Gay.
Goodbye, doctor.

Anything I can do?

Bring my boys along, or...

Uh, your boys?

Uh, no that won't be necessary.

- It was not your boys
- She was in love with.

This way, sir.

Who is that?

His name is Peter Gay.

He's the apostle of a new

religion called swing.

- What has he got to
- Do with Ms. Cunningham?

He's the man she

wanted to marry.

I shouldn't do that.

It won't help.

[music playing]

What is that music?

Call it that if you like.

It's a tune they

used to dance to.

- And why should you
- Be playing it now?

- Weren't you at the last
- Little experiment he made?

Yes.

- Then you ought to be able
- To imagine what's going on.

Whiskey?

Yes, please.

Parker?

Sir?

Whiskey for Mr.

Leyden, please.

Well?

Well what?

Did anything happen?

- That's what I'm trying
- To figure out myself.

Is she all right?

What did Larsen say?

- Well, I guess it all
- Adds up to something,

but he's a way ahead of me.

- What's the good of turning
- The clock back anyway?

Never did anyone any good.

I wouldn't be

too sure of that.

Have a drink.

Thanks.

[music playing]

Doesn't she play beautifully?

Is she playing?

Yes.

That's my Francesca.

Can I go up now?

It would be a pity

to interrupt her.

Doesn't she want me with her?

Perhaps.

What do you mean, perhaps?

Forgive me, gentlemen.

- I'm afraid I should have
- Explained to you at once,

but, uh, the music has

put it out of my head.

Yes, I think I can promise

you a complete cure,

but, uh, you have to prepare

yourself for a new Francesca.

A new and, uh, very

different person.

In what way?

- You see, the past is over
- For her now... quite over.

Her mind is clear, and the

clouds have been swept away.

She's no longer afraid.

- Whether you will be
- Entirely satisfied with,

uh, the change in

her... I don't know,

but it might be wise

not to expect too much.

Are you trying

to tell me she...

- I'm trying to tell you, she
- Will want to be with the one

she loves, or the one

she's been happiest with,

or the one she cannot live

without, or the one she trusts.

And who's that?

It would hardly be

fair of me to say.

[music playing]