Original subtitles

WOMEN OF PLEASURE [Komm, liebe Maid und mache]

Excellency! We've arrived.

Perhaps I can learn more about da Silva if I have lunch at the White Elephant.

Let's see if what I've heard is true. Manuel da Silva supposedly owns this place.

- Pick me up here later. - Okay.

We're in trouble this time. None of the girls will come to work.

Don't you realize how serious this is? Tell me! What can we do?

Let Manuel deal with it, he's the owner.

Yes, but we have a guest arriving. I'll have to put him in the room upstairs.

- The judge is there. - Throw him out.

- What about a girl ... - Use your head. Giradine!

- The maid? She's just a child. - Come with me, Giradine!

- They learn to fuck before they're born. - What do you want me to do?

- Come with me, and I'll explain. - Will it be hard to learn?

No, it will come to you naturally.

Welcome, your excellency! I would have greeted you with all the staff, ...

... but unfortunately today is a special occasion...

- Welcome! - Thank you! Perhaps it's too early.

Don't worry about that! It's an honor to welcome you here.

I must warn you - I have very refined tastes.

I'd be delighted to sample one of your specialties.

I have no doubt that you'll like it.

My daughter's husband told me to come here. He swears it's the best hotel in Europe.

Get out of the bed, Judge. Faster!

This is how you treat an old customer? I'll be reporting this to Mr. Manuel.

You! Get in the bed! Take your clothes off! Quickly!

- Why? - Some special duties...

- Your special room will be ready soon, excellency. - A special room?

Why? I prefer to stay here. In fact, this suits me best!

- Right here on the couch? - Yes, yes, yes!

I don't like to be alone. You're here and possibly you can lend a hand.

- You don't mean me? - Why not?

Your experience is well known throughout the country.

I don't mean to exaggerate, but I wouldn't mind trying five or six.

The diversity improves my disposition.

- Five or six? - At least I'd have a choice.

- He wants five or six! - Sure, his kind always talk big.

That's quite remarkable for a man of your years.

I've found that to be a suitable number for one in my position...

- Do you have any special requirements? - No, no!

The only thing I ask for is that everything be hot and fresh.

- I can assure you it will be quite fresh! - And I don't want anything fancy.

- My policy is that natural is best. - Everything will be natural.

You're in luck, excellency! I have exactly what you want.

Don't go to any trouble! I just want something simple and authentic.

That's today's special. I recommend you come upstairs.

Well alright. Even if it does sound stupid...

Excuse, madam, but what can you tell me of a certain Manuel da Silva?

- Is it true that he's a libertine? - That's what they say.

Very good. I'll talk to you later.

- Lift your leg! - Ow! That hurt!

- Who is this man? - Oh, he's nobody...

This way, excellency.

Da Silva will hear from me about this.

Welcome!

I'm Marquis Antoine de Trouville.

Attorney General of His Majesty's Supreme Court. I'm here to close Manuel da Silva's brothel.

Read the sentence.

On behalf of His Majesty, I hereby sentence Manuel da Silva to five years in prison ...

... and confiscation of all his property, including the building known as the White Elephant.

His colleagues are sentenced to two years of hard labor in the royal penal colony.

Hurry and get out! We have to run. No time to lose.

The White Elephant has been seized and they're coming after me.

Prepare to leave. We must cross the border ahead of de Trouville to reach Count Roland's estate.

I knew this was going to end badly.

- You're sure Count Roland is expecting us? - Everything has been arranged.

It's time we left anyway. I want to get my hands on a certain banker's wife.

- I've had enough of all this. - What do you mean?

Another setback, another chance for trouble.

- Don't forget that's how I've made my living. - I haven't forgotten.

- Then why are you talking like this? - Because you're a failure.

If you'll excuse my saying, but you're just a hopeless romantic.

A few years ago I thought we'd be together forever. But your're right ... it was hopeless.

This is the same road I took six years ago.

My father wanted to send me to the convent, but you, Lieutenant of the Grand Dragoons ...

... Viscount Manuel da Silva, were determined to rape me.

The coachman was determined that you wouldn't catch us.

- It would have been better if you had failed. - But you got the idea to leave a trail for me to follow.

My horse had run away because she was in heat.

That's when I got the idea.

I loved you and didn't want to go to the convent to become a nun.

- I had something else in mind. - You wanted to become Countess da Silva.

You pretended that you were, and convinced everyone else that you were.

You know that's unfair, and I don't like it, Manuel.

I don't like at all.

After the way I was raised by my family, I didn't deserve what you did to me.

Don't start that again. Where are we?

- Ah... this is where I found your red coat. - Yes, it was here! Then you found me and took the rest.

- Or maybe you don't remember that ... - The driver had swerved to the right ...

- ... and our paths would have parted there. - I wish they had.

- By now I might have become a Mother Superior. - But we were meant to be together.

After we'd been together for four years you left me to go after the Colonel.

- But eventually you come back to me. - Only out of pity, Manuel.

I knew that you'd hired a professional assassin to kill him in a duel.

- From the Knights of Belmont. - By the way, he's now Colonel Roland's riding master.

A man with my reputation needs to have a beautiful woman with him ...

... or else I couldn't get near the banker's wife.

- Her husband was getting suspicious. - I do despise you, Manuel.

I was just a child when I met you.

Let's say a child with a woman's body.

Yes, but pure. I had not been with anyone.

If my father hadn't decided to send me away, you wouldn't have had me until we were married.

- You know that very well. - That's enough! Please!

Leave the past behind, and think about tomorrow.

That may be easy for you, but it's not for me. Believe me.

The only thing that we shared was a primitive physical attraction.

- Always the gentleman. - But now it's over.

- I drank from you to the last drop. Now you're empty! - And you've decided to throw away the bottle!

You were just another beautiful commoner that I brought to live at my villa.

I hated you for that. You couldn't even wait for a bed, although it was my first time.

But you've never been able to act like a human being.

You didn't even realize that this was the first time for me. The first time is important.

Within two weeks I caught you making love with a maid.

- I was disgusted, Manuel. - Yes, it was Count Roland's maid.

She was an accountant's daughter, and he made me buy her a ring ...

... but he was a fool to think I'd marry her.

He allowed her to live with me for two months.

He was no fool. But I lacked the courage to tell him about you.

You were a fraud. You pretended someone walking through the forest had tried to rape you.

You wanted me to think you were in danger, so I'd leave the accountant's horny daughter.

You screamed, do not leave me, please!

I'm scared! They attacked me! I knew that no one had touched you ...

... but to silence you I agreed to leave the blonde ...

... after arranging to meet her in the hay loft later on.

- I don't believe you. - There's always one way to find out.

You can ask her while we're visiting Count Roland.

Good morning, Count! My lady! I brought your breakfast.

Thank you! Good morning, my dear!

- How did you sleep? - Alone!

That's nice...

Wait... what did you mean by that?

- What did you say? - I said I sleep alone last night.

I still don't understand, you slept next to me.

More specifically, I was with you but I slept alone.

- Are you trying to tell me something? - Well... yes!

Welcome, my lady!

- Isabelle! - Eugenie... ciao!

Jump to it girls, the first guests have arrived.

- Hello, Fritz! - I hope everyone in here is doing a good job.

We have guests coming, so if the stalls don't shine, I'll whip your backs bloody!

I can't sleep at night ...

... I feel like I'm surrounded by sin!

- What do you know about that? - Not much, but the day I start to shoot, ...

- ... that will be the Apocalypse. - I doubt it. You'd probably mistake the target.

That's what you think. It may be in front, behind, or below me, but I never mistake the target ...

- Where I aim, I hit. He knows! - Yes, that's right.

But how can you go hunting if you don't know where to aim?

What are you trying to say?

I intend no insult, but if one plans to shoot, one should always know what to aim for.

The target may be presented differently. Like this... or like this.

Maybe on her knees with her head down.

Or maybe she's sitting?

- The position doesn't matter to me. - Then you're not a very imaginative man.

I may not be imaginative, but I always hit what I'm aiming at.

This place is a mad house ...

Tell me how you've been! I want to hear every detail.

- So far I only know what you've written discretely. - I have much more to tell you.

Has you marriage been unhappy?

No... Eugenie. I've taken a lover because I'm married to a bank account.

My unfortunate father gambled on the stock exchange and didn't do very well.

- And your lover? - Manuel da Silva.

That's why I asked you to invite him. He's bringing a woman so as not to raise suspicion.

What's it like being married to a banker?

Whenever I want something, my husband writes me a check.

When he wants to make love with you does he write you a check?

Since we've been married, he hasn't even seen me naked.

The young man forcefully picked her up ...

... and threw her on the bed face up.

- Annette ! - Yes, Uncle Roland!

- What are you reading? - Classical literature.

- It's a book from your library, Uncle. - There's no such trash in my library.

Oh no? Aunt Eugenie reads this all the time.

- It's by a world-famous author. - Oh? Tell me his name.

Certainly, Uncle Roland.

Honore de Balzac. One of the most famous French novelists.

- Born in 1799 in Turin. - I don't care where he was born.

Return that book to the library immediately! And a girl shouldn't leave her room in a night gown.

No one knows that Roland and I aren't married.

- I find it very exciting. - I don't.

- Maybe it was at one time, but no longer. - Why?

The Count has become somewhat aloof.

- Then it's up to you. - And I am doing something.

- I've consulted Honore de Balzac. - Is he a fortune teller?

No... he's a famous French author who writes about the mysteries of sex.

The girl has brought your riding pants.

Thanks, Hortensia. I'll see you this afternoon when we get back from riding.

Very good, my lady! Until later.

- I'm to wear pants? - Why not? There's nothing unusual about that.

I've been riding in men's pants for several months now, and think nothing of it.

I think you'll find the feeling you get wearing men's pants to be exciting.

- So tell me that you'll wear them. - Okay, I'll try them.

It is exciting to feel Roland's pants tight against my skin.

It makes me laugh to think how he would look in my clothes.

Why are you wearing glasses, Roland? So you can see my lovely Isabelle better?

Of course! I didn't know you ladies would be riding today.

You wanted to tell me something about your niece, Annette?

- No, it's not urgent. - It appears that it is.

I know you need to discuss this in private. I'll go and see to the horses.

As you wish, our riding master will help you. But I don't mind if we talk in your presence.

Annette was entrusted to us to learn how to ride.

- And what has she learned? - She has learned her lessons well.

Including the trash that Balzac writes!

It enriches her knowledge without having to learn from painful personal experiences.

- I regret that I didn't read it when I was her age. - It's not literature, it's pornography.

I've got you!

- Oh, Colonel ... - It's Fran�ois, I'm no longer a Colonel ...

Isabelle. We'll go with Fran�ois. My husband doesn't want to ride.

...and die riding. A thing that nearly made her despise him the rest of her life.

It explains how a man can make a woman happy.

Happiness lies in a man conquering his wife ...

... and she in turn feels the pleasure of being conquered.

Perhaps finding her sleeping in the garden with her legs spread ...

... and her skirts inflated by the wind ...

... is one of the most reliable ways to conquer the conqueror.

No man can resist such a sight.

From that moment he will not rest until he conquers what appeared to him as in a dream.

There are many women who have made this dream a reality.

Simply by lying there quietly, I know I can turn my dream into reality.

When Fran�ois looks at me, Eugenie, I feel like I'm naked.

This is the place I told you about.

We'll swim in the river in the morning, and then we can sunbathe in the nude.

With my ladies' permission, I think it's time the horses were returned to the barn.

Yes, Colonel, let's go back now. If you didn't look after the horses, we'd never be able to ride.

You promised you wouldn't read any more of that trash.

How can I know what's written in a book before I've read it?

I guess you're right. Ask me and I'll tell you.

- Well, what about the Bible? - You can read it all you want.

Are you sure? There are some exciting things ...

There's nothing in the Bible that you shouldn't read.

Oh yeah? You remember what happened in Sodom and Gomorrah?

Or the story of old King Solomon and the virgin?

- There are many such stories in the Bible. - That's enough!

- But there's more! All sorts of fornication... - I don't care for such immodest language from a child!

- Everything I've said comes from the Bible. - Then you won't read from the Bible any more!

- So tell me, what have you been reading? - Nothing you need to be reading.

Forget about reading. Just continue with your riding lessons.

And there's no need to discuss books with your Aunt Eugenie.

Why not, you'd rather she didn't read the Bible?

It was wonderful, Roland! What are you doing? Riding the cannon?

- What is it, Hortensia? - The other guests have arrived, my lady.

It's my darling Manuel!

Come...

Welcome, my friends!

- You had a pleasant trip? - Yes. Thank you!

- It's been too long. - That's a beautiful sentiment...

He's beautiful!

Are you thinking about something, Colonel?

Like beautiful ladies who ride in men's clothing.

- What are you getting at? - Maybe I'd like a man to ride me.

How about some champagne? I took it from master's bedroom.

- To your health, Riding Master! - Thank you!

But I don't care to drink champagne stolen from upstairs.

But you'd steal their wives ....

- No, this is something just for the women. - What is it?

We plan to bathe in the river and then sit naked in the sun.

What about Isabelle? You'll be coming, won't you?

- Of course, with great pleasure. - Good! I'll go to bed now.

Good night, Aunt!

- Good night, Uncle Roland! - Good night, my dear!

I believe I'll turn in as well.

If the gentlemen have nothing against it, we're also going to bed.

I've always said the bed is the best place for a lady.

That gives me hope, Roland. What are you reading?

Nothing that relates to the bed.

- Good night, my lady. - Good night!

I wish you sweet dreams and a pleasant ride in the morning.

- Roland is being unusually chivalrous this evening. - I do what I can to be a good host.

- I hope your bed is comfortable. - I'm sure I'll enjoy it, however it is.

- I'll be up later, sweetheart. - I'll wait for you, Roland.

- A glass of champagne? - No, thank you! I'm also tired. Good evening.

- A gentleman for you, sir. - Artur Kovesman ...

- Excuse me for the late hour. - I expected you, since your wife is here.

No. I wish to talk to Mr. da Silva. It's most urgent.

I must speak with Mr. da Silva immediatley.

I'm at your disposal, of course. If you think it's appropriate to disturb him at this hour.

This is precisely the time at which I wish to disturb him.

- Please, after you. - Thank you!

Excuse me, Mr. da Silva! I need to speak with you immediately.

It's him!

- It's my husband. - It's not convenient right now, sir.

I was sure it would be most inconvenient!

Please... do something!

- Open the door! - What is it, Manuel?

Do you need my help, dear Manuel?

- Quick! Open this door. - I wouldn't even consider it.

When you threw away the bottle, it broke into pieces - each as sharp as a razor blade.

You'll pay for this.

She bares her teeth...

You needn't be dressed in evening wear to receive me, Mr. da Silva!

What can we do, Manuel?

Take your clothes off and stick your head under the pillow.

What are you doing?

Please! You are in my home. Tell me what this is about.

I think that you know what this is about.

- I'd be grateful if you'd explain that statement. - There's not much to explain.

If you take offense, we can settle this later.

- You wanted to talk to me, mister... - Kovesman.

- I believe that's a name that means something to you. - You got me out of bed just to tell me that?

- I prefer we discuss this in private. - Please!

Excuse us!

The situation will become clear if you just answer my questions.

- Is there a woman in this room? - Yes.

Who is the woman?

I'd not be a gentleman if I told you her name.

I understand that, but still, I have to insist. I have a very good reason for asking.

- What is the reason? - I think it's my wife.

- I see ... but don't be too hasty! - Are you trying to stall for time?

I don't need to.

Think about what you'll do when the person you see isn't your wife.

Even though you seem convinced it is, the possible insult and humiliation is simply too great!

- I'm willing to take that chance. - Just a moment.

Would it be enough to see only her body?

What are you suggesting?

I've already been humiliated, but you mustn't insult a woman who is not your wife.

- If she is yours, you will recognize her immediately. - Show me her body.

Take a good look! A woman's body is unmistakable.

And any man should recognize his own wife.

I want you to leave this room having no doubts.

I apologize.

It's been my pleasure.

Don't touch me!

Men! Men have no sensitivity.

I am pleased that you've been able to resolve the doubts that were troubling you.

And Isabelle will be pleased to see you. When you arrived she was suffering from a bad headache.

If you'll wait a moment, I'll go wake her to let her know you're here.

No, thank you! That's not necessary.

I would be upset if Roland had gone to so much trouble to see me, and I wasn't told.

It will be a wonderful surprise! Roland, please see to our guest.

Please, my dear!

My dear Isabelle ... ! I have a surprise for you.

Your husband is here.

Yes, he is! How is your migraine?

- I think I owe you an explanation. - None is required.

Explanations are never necessary between gentlemen.

Since I first began having these suspicions, I've been unable to relax.

We've been expecting you since your wife arrived. I'm pleased to welcome you as our guest.

There's no need to mention this again.

Have a seat, please!

Here you are...

All's well that ends well!

Between you and me, Isabelle is unworthy of your suspicion.

I'm sure you're disappointed, but you must excuse her because of her headache.

Because of her condition, I think it would be best not to see her tonight. She'll sleep with me.

You'll have to sleep alone tonight, my dear.

- I'm sorry about that. - It's no problem.

I'll take a book to read tonight.

With a wife like yours, I would think it would be very difficult to read.

But you don't know what I'm reading!

The Book of Books. The Bible. The Old Testament.

So I was right. It is difficult to read!

With your permission, I think I'll retire for the night.

As you wish! If I can be of any further service ...

- Thank you! Good night. - Good night.

- Have a pleasant rest. - Thank you for everything!

Men are insenstive animals.

- You shouldn't generalize. - Unfortunately, I know of no exceptions.

I don't understand why you feel like this. Manuel saved you from an embarrassing situation.

He didn't go far enough! Why couldn't he just tell him how things are?

- I don't want to... - Stop acting like that!

- Please... - I don't want to forgive him.

Try to calm down, my love.

You'll see, everything will be okay. Calm down, dearest.

Please, Isabelle! Nothing has changed...

Nothing has changed.

I don't understand...

That's the idea, sir. You're not meant to understand what's going on with your wife.

I don't know what you're talking about.

You must satisfy your curiosity as to who the woman was in da Silva's bed.

- It's none of my business. It wasn't ... - Your wife Isabelle? Are you sure of that?

- What are you insinuating? - It's probably nothing...

But how well do you know your wife's body?

If you still have doubts...

...we'll be sunbathing in the nude tomorrow.

You might discover to whom the body you saw actually belongs.

I think the water is cold.

I say, I don't think I've ever seen the Countess bathing naked.

Now that she has, it will become the fashion.

Soon the whole village will be running around naked.

We can bath in the sun on the other side.

I'm cold, I want to sit in the sun ...

Let's dry off in the sun.

What will the men say if we come back with a sun burn?

- You'll have to strip in the dark. - But what about my face?

You can hide your face under a pillow.

Please, give Isabelle the book.

Read the story about The Virgin of Poisie.

One day, a virgin was surprised by a shepherd, sleeping in the woods.

It was the first time in his life he'd seen a sleeping woman.

When he saw her, all he could think about was what she was hiding beneath her skirt.

He approached her and began to caress her with trembling hands.

Instead of waking up, the virgin began to dream that the sun had penetrated everywhere.

Seeing that the young woman had not awakened, the shepherd kneeled over her.

The story gets interesting here! Let me read this part.

While kneeling, the shepherd assumed the ram position.

- And that's how he took her. - How do rams do it?

You don't know?

- I don't know because I am still a child. - You read it, Isabelle!

Unexpectedly, the virgin woke up and saw the young shepherd.

- The young woman knew that she was no longer a virgin. - Here, let me read...

The shepherd told her that the sun had warmed her body, penetrating it everywhere.

Saying these words, the young man turned to the sun and thank him wholeheartedly.

From that day, the Virgin of Poisie has been called the Whore of Poisie.

Hey, stop!

- Someone's on my horse! - Who is it?

- He took my horse! Let's do something! - We have to stop him.

Come on!

I know! First you love, and then you weep.

First you want him at any cost, then you come to me.

- Isn't that so? - No, I didn't want to do it.

I've had enough of your games!

- It's been a while, Count. I won't tell him you're here. - Just like in your room?

- I didn't want to bother you, Mr. Mayor. - How may I help you?

This year I want to revive the tradition where ...

... a naked girl will dance at the celebration of the grape harvest.

Where will you find a girl willing to be seen naked?

Father, they say that there are more whores than sheep in this village.

You shouldn't say such things, even they're true!

You can talk to her about that later. What is this girl doing here?

She wants me to believe she was raped. But it smells fishy.

- That's not true. - It certainly is!

I was kidnapped by a rider who took me away from home ...

... and violated me in a clearing in the woods.

It's not possible. A man cannot rape a girl if she doesn't want it.

- That's just a myth. - I'll show you. Bring me a needle and thread.

And you'll demonstrate it happened exactly as I have said.

How do you expect me to prove that you're right?

By demonstrating what you claim to have happened simply isn't possible.

Pay careful attention. I'll hold the needle in a position where it is ready to receive the thread.

- See... the thread goes in this hole! - Yes, of course.

If you manage to insert the thread in the hole ... then you're proven right.

If you're not successful, then I'm right.

I agree!

How do you expect me to stick it in the hole if you move the needle?

And if you had done so, you wouldn't have come to me.

- The thread isn't stiff enough. - I think you're right.

Why don't you try and make it stiff?

It's true, all women know how to do this!

I have to confess, the magic of your hands has made it as hard as steel.

You know the ways of love!

Do you like it better this way?

I didn't say I liked it, I just said I'd try again.

You simply can't do it, my girl. It can't be done!

- But you have to sugar it up to win! - What sugar?

For example: "Your needle has a beautiful hole, my love."

"It's the most beautiful hole I've ever seen."

"Don't be afraid, I'm not going to do anything."

And that's exactly how it happened ... !

Manuel !

Hello! Shall we walk?

You treated me badly last night.

What are you talking about? You caused it all.

- I love her. - You only love her husband's money.

Please don't meddle in my affairs.

I'm sick of you. You're nothing but a lousy whore without a lire to her name.

Sure, you'd rather I was like your prostitutes at the White Elephant ...

... and greet you with letters on my ass.

"Welcome"... is that you wanted?

You wanted me to be like those who sold themselves for two lire a pop to fill your pockets.

Isn't that so?

Driven by that old madam who helped you squeeze every last lire out of those prostitutes.

Those prostitutes are masters of the art of sex.

They sacrifice their youth to insure they'll enjoy old age in comfort.

But enough of this story, I didn't invent prostitution.

It began when woman first appeared, when the snake caused Eve to commit the first sin.

You took pleasure in watching ...

... and tasting ...

... those who sold themselves.

You wanted me to be like them, didn't you?

Why don't you look for another victim? That banker, for example.

- Isabelle's husband. - I wasted myself on you!

Rather than stay here with me, you'd do better to go back to your Colonel.

He's working here as the riding master. Do you remember how you ran ...

... naked in front of his gun to keep him from being shot?

No! Stop it!

- Shoot, Belmont! If you dare! - Drop your guns. Do it for us.

I hate you, you filthy coward!

That's enough! You're insane!

Just leave me alone! I never want to see you again!

Then kill me, Manuel! Kill me!

You make me sick.

- You're a stinking worm. - And you're a hysterical maniac.

You coward!

Money is all that matters to you!

You coward! You coward!

You shouldn't have come here.

I know all about you...

Isabelle!

Listen to me, Isabelle!

You know the only thing I want to talk about is a divorce.

Divorce is such a squalid thing...

... and I won't give up. I'll fight it to the end.

I haven't forgotten that our marriage has yet to be consumated.

You deprived of my conjugal rights. You made it a condition of our marriage.

I continue to have doubts that you remain faithful.

You refused to have me as a condition of marriage, but you've given yourself to another.

You arranged to meet him here, in the home of the Count.

It's just as I've described it. Isn't that so?

You tell me one story, but you'll tell the true story in court.

Answer me!

I must know if you've been with other men since we were married!

If you want a divorce, then you must be completely mine... just once.

Leave them where they are. Bring my perfume from my room.

As you wish, my lady! I will get your perfume.

Have you figured out who the woman was that you saw in Manuel's bed?

I'm not interested. I'll be leaving soon!

Why quit so easily? There's a surprise waiting for you tonight.

- What kind of surprise could I care about? - One night of marital love with your wife.

- How did you... ? - You haven't had her yet.

- Excuse me, the lady wants her perfume. - Please!

- Very well! - Trust me...

- Hortensia! - What is it, my lady?

I'll be generous with you if you help me, and there's no risk to you.

I'm listening...

Would you care to tell us what you have planned? Don't keep us in suspense, my dear.

Please be seated.

Tonight I have the pleasure of offering my guests something they have never seen before.

A celebration of the harvest, according to the ancient customs of our village.

A spectacle to please the eyes and the heart.

I see... a girl will dance naked on the grapes this year.

You guessed it. But let me continue.

Our vineyard produces the special grapes that create my favorite wine.

These grapes will be carried into the castle's wine cellar - into an area set aside for such an occasion.

The ceremony will be carried out there.

A beautiful Viking maiden will dance on the grapes.

According to tradition, the wine will take on the properties of the girl's passion.

This imparts special therapeutic properties ...

... that will be helpful to those who "have enthusiasm for love."

- That's good news, sweetheart. - Let me explain...

It is said that when a girl dances naked on the grapes, the union of Venus and Bacchus ...

... produces a wine that promotes a happy union between those in love.

It's my gift to you all.

Your guests thank you, Count, for bringing greater romance into out lives.

I'm looking forward to testing the effectiveness of your unusual ritual, Count.

Yes, and no one is permitted to watch the naked girl as she crushes the grapes ...

... except the lord of the castle, and his guests.

Hortensia! I'll need your help tonight.

I decided to revive this tradition because I've noticed a lack of harmony among some of our guests.

I would very much like to restore the peace.

To complement the ceremony, I'm asking everyone to dress in these historic costumes.

- Oh! They're beautiful! - I'll see you later, ladies.

I need to talk to you, Hortensia.

Dear Count, honored guests ... ! According to tradition, welcome!

- I will be your master of ceremonies. - Please be seated!

You're here ...

If you don't mind, I'll sit at the head of the table.

I can hardly believe that we're reviving a tradition from my childhood.

It's an honor for me to be here among you.

During the dance no one will see you go up into the granary.

Help!

- I can't believe that old rogue! - I don't know how I got in here.

- You just wanted to see a naked girl. - That's not true, Count.

I had no idea what was going on.

Your health!

- The girl will be waiting in the loft when the dance begins. - Thank you!

Your health!

She'll be waiting for you in the drying room when the dance begins.

She told you that?

Let the celebration of the crushing of the master's grapes begin!

Is anyone there?

Come!

Quiet! The master will now taste the new wine.

The wine will be good this year.

It's not possible. Isabelle!?

In the novels of Honore de Balzac this sort of thing ends with death.

Although marriage can remedy the problem.

Stop acting like that Isabelle. Things have changed ...

- ... after what you have just given me. - Would you care to explain what you mean?

- I don't know what you're talking about. - I knew you'd deny everything.

So I took precautions.

I can't imagine what you think I've given you.

I didn't imagine it. I have unmistakable evidence that we consummated our marriage.

- I took some of your hair. - Impossible!

No, not from your head. What would that prove?

That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen.

But it is unmistakable evidence that you've betrayed me.

Consequently, I have the right to a divorce, sir.

It will be a great pleasure to grant it, wife!

- Can you believe it? He granted me a divorce. - I'm so happy for you.

And you've taken care of Manuel. Viva, Master of Ceremonies!

Thank you for ending my suffering.

I present the first fruits of this year's celebration.

They are officially engaged.

Those worthy of love will find happiness.

- What's the news, Hortensia? - The riding master has resigned.

And Mr. da Silva has entered a monastery for spiritual training before he gets married.

That's old news, Hortensia.

- I'm as hungry as a wolf. - I can understand why.

- I brought caviar for your breakfast. - The master no longer needs that, Hortensia.

Bring me another glass of wine. Is there other news?

All our guests have departed.

Miss Annette returned to her parents. Lady Isabelle left by herself.

Her husband left last night with...

Yes, yes, yes! We know all about that.

For you, my dear.

- Balzac? - No.

The Old Testament.

It says that two people who love each other should marry ...

... and share their possessions.

What do you think, darling?

What a beautiful day!

Yes. And it was a beautiful night!

You're bragging. I didn't think it was anything special.

Special?

It was the kind of magnificent night described by that writer from Turin!

Adapted from Romanian translation done by cristiano.ferocci@gmail.com BlackSeaTeam