Original subtitles

A SHOCHIKU PRODUCTION

A 30th ANNIVERSARY FILM

CARMEN COMES HOME

Developed by DIRECTORS GUILD OF JAPAN

Executive Producer KIYOSHI TAKAMURA

Produced by SENNOSUKE TSUKIMORI

Cinematography by HIROSHI KUSUDA

Lighting by RYOZO TOYOSHIMA

Sound by HISAO ONO

Production Design by MOTOJI KOJIMA

Music by CHUJI KINOSHITA TOSHIRO MAYUZUMI

Edited by YOSHI SUGIHARA

Assistant Director MASAKI KOBAYASHI, KAZUI NIHONMATSU

YOSHIRO KAWAZU ZENZO MATSUYAMA, YUGORO IMAI

Starring

HIDEKO TAKAMINE, SHUJI SANO

CHISHU RYU, KUNIKO IGAWA

TAKESHI SAKAMOTO BONTARO MIAKE

KEIJI SADA, TOSHIKO KOBAYASHI KOJI MITSUI

MIEKO MOCHIZUKI, YOSHITO YAMAJI AKIO ISONO

Written and Directed by KEISUKE KINOSHITA

Dad!

Dad!

A letter arrived from Kin.

No need to show me every letter from her.

But listen, there's good news.

I don't care about the sweets she sends.

It's not about that. She wants to come home.

I'll read the letter to you.

"Dear Sister, The weather has become cooler.

I hope that you and I are doing well."

That sounds a bit odd.

"I am well and working hard at my art.

Please put your mind at ease about me.

I am writing to you because the theater will be closed for remodeling

starting October 1st, next month,

and I will have six days off.

So I would like to pay a visit

to my dear hometown in all my present glory.

Could you talk to Dad about this plan?"

You see, Dad?

"I'll bring a friend with me when I visit.

Please talk to Father so that he won't be angry.

I ask for his forgiveness for running away from home.

Sincerely, Lily Carmen."

Please, Dad. Welcome her for the visit.

It will be a triumphant homecoming.

She'll bring home a lot of gifts too.

Fool! I never had no daughter by the name of "Gigi Carmen."

It's not "Gigi" Carmen.

It's Lily Carmen!

How are you, father and mother?

Are my friends well?

When it rains and the wind blows

My thoughts turn to my hometown

When I achieve my ambition...

Dad, Mom is here.

I will return to my hometown

The mountains are green in my hometown

The rivers are clean and pure in my hometown

I have to write her a reply soon. What should I tell her?

Well, I don't know.

I don't think I have a say in this since I'm son-in-law to your father.

Don't be so reserved.

That tie you're wearing is a gift from Kin, isn't it?

When she sent us sweet-bean jellies, you ate most of them.

Oh, I have an idea.

Let's ask the principal to talk to your father.

He won't object to her coming then.

Right, that's a good idea.

A hometown girl has become a famous artist.

She brings honor to the village.

If she wants to make a triumphant homecoming,

the principal will surely persuade Dad.

Let's go.

The river where I used to fish for carp

Mom, what are you doing here?

How I dream of them!

How I miss my hometown!

Daddy, let's go home.

Let's go home.

Mr. Taguchi!

Hey, wait over there.

- Why don't you join us for a bit? - Thank you.

Kiyoshi, Sports Day is coming up. Come see it with your dad.

You were practicing for that just now?

Yes.

You should come play your own piece on that day.

No. I haven't been playing lately since I don't have an organ anymore.

Really? What happened?

It's tough being poor.

Maruju confiscated it.

I see. That heartless fellow!

It can't be helped.

Well, visit my class for a while.

I like your song very much.

I really do.

I appreciate you doing this.

Well, I'm a supporter of artists.

We must support the arts for the sake of the culture of Japan.

- Good-bye. - Good-bye.

Oh, Mr. Taguchi. Hello.

Hello.

- Hello, Mr. Taguchi. - Hello.

Well, I'll play the latest song I wrote.

It's titled "Oh, My Hometown."

A village at the foot of a fiery mountain

It is my dear hometown

Over the flowers, trees and birds perched on branches

The sunlight shines down brightly on my hometown

I'm sure it's frustrating for you.

I don't blame you.

Your husband returned from the war a blind man.

It's awfully hard for a woman to be the breadwinner.

That's not what bothers me.

When they took away the organ he enjoyed playing so much,

I seriously considered selling this horse.

But without the horse, I can't make a living.

My husband said so, too.

Of course.

You need the horse to feed your family.

The organ is useless in that regard.

But Maruju was pitiless.

No. It was my fault for borrowing money from him to buy the organ.

I thought I could pay it back somehow.

It was offered at an estate sale, and I thought my husband would like it.

Well, just work hard so you can get it back.

This horse will help you.

I'm sorry. I was afraid he might be sick, so I brought him.

Nothing's wrong with him.

Thank you for seeing him.

Shoichi!

Ugh. Yuki must have blabbed to him about Kin.

Hello.

What brings you here?

I heard that Kin is coming home.

I could care less about that.

But people are saying that you're lucky to have a good daughter like her.

She sends you money from time to time.

I didn't ask her to do that. She just does it.

I can't throw money away, can I?

Well then, if she wants to come home, why don't you welcome her?

She's not coming back as a beggar.

I heard that she's a famous dancer in Tokyo.

Well then why does she call herself "Gigi" Carmen?

Carmen is the name of a woman who's famous worldwide.

She's the heroine of a wonderful novel.

Anyway, art is important.

Culture is the foundation of Japan.

Then Kin has something to do with this "culture"?

That's right. She's helping build up our culture.

We've produced a famous artist from this provincial place,

our own Mount Asama must be proud of her too.

Look at the magnificent sight of the mountain.

All those who love their homeland must bring glory to their hometown.

You must be broad-minded and welcome her homecoming.

Ah, Mt. Asama looks grand whenever you see it.

While I was blinded

In my youthful love

Autumn flowers blossomed

At the foot of Asama

While I was blinded

In my youthful love

Autumn flowers blossomed

At the foot of Asama

MARUJU TRANSPORT

When I come back from Tokyo, it's just wonderful to see this scenery.

Of course. It has a charm of its own.

The wind is sweeping across the landscape.

You are a pioneer for the village since you plan to build a hotel here.

You're building roads for automobiles, making tourism posters,

and lending money to villagers in need.

You're certainly cashing in.

It's not for money that I'm doing those things.

Well, of course, your mind is like those clouds.

It's broad and soft

and high!

Yeah, well, something like that.

There's the train.

The principal has come to welcome you.

I don't see the village chief.

I see Mr. Aoyama.

- Hello, there. - We're back.

- There you are, Kin! - It's been a while, Sis!

Welcome home.

Oh, it's so nice to be back home!

It's been years.

Kitakaruizawa Station.

Kitakaruizawa Station.

- Isn't that Kin from the ranch? - Yeah.

- Mr. Principal, it's been a while. - Welcome back.

This is my friend, Akemi Maya.

- Pleased to meet you. - Yes.

- I'm Kin's sister. - I'm Ichiro, pleased to meet you.

Kin!

You've sure gotten pretty.

Why, you're Mr. Maruju. It's been a while.

Lily Carmen. Pleased to meet you.

This is in place of a business card.

Shall I autograph it?

Thank you.

- You have luggage. - Here, carry this.

Go fetch a car for them.

You mean a truck?

A horse carriage, since they're going to the ranch.

- Ask Mitsuko to come. - Yes, I'll get her right away.

Principal.

I'm a modern, city girl

Sporting a new look just to go for a walk

Arm in arm with a dapper man

La-la, I sing a sweet love song

In the city of love, Venice, gondoliers sing that song

My eyes and lips moisten

La-la, hearing the wailing sound of the serenade

"Now our bus is approaching

the grandest overlook of the far east.

The view far yonder..."

How does it go?

Oh, never mind!

It was great when I was a conductor for the bus tours.

In the beautiful city of Paris on the Champs-Elysée

Wearing a hat and holding a parasol à la mode

Damia, Boyer and Chevalier

La-la, they sing sweet love songs

In the wonderful city of Paris white blossoms fall

From horse chestnut trees

La-la, the game of love is played in the Bois de Boulogne

"Ladies and gentlemen, please remember this view forever.

I hope it will remain imprinted as one of your most beautiful memories.

Back up the bus now."

Thank you.

Will you say hello to Haruo for me?

Tell him to come visit me for old times' sake.

Take this.

Well, that's...

It's all right, take it.

But you should give it to Mr. Maruju.

He doesn't have to know.

Well, the fee is 500 yen, actually. I have to pay him a commission.

Oh, is that right? I thought it was on the house.

You charge a lot. Here.

I'm sorry.

- Grandpa! - Grandfather!

Oh, this is great. "Beautiful"!

This place is full of poetry and dreams.

Go get your grandpa.

Kin, come on.

I feel like running too!

I'm happy.

"Come on!"

Girls! Hey!

What's all the -

Where are -

Oh, this is wonderful!

- The air is so fresh. - Isn't it great?

It's almost too great.

Oh! There's my dad!

Dad!

Dad, I'm home!

Welcome home.

I brought back some gifts and a bit of money, too.

Oh, you shouldn't have.

I'm glad to see you're well. I'm well myself.

Yeah, I'm blessed, thanks to the fresh air here.

Well, let's go have some tea.

Yeah. I brought back whiskey, so let's have a drink.

It's great to be back.

What is this?

Let me see it.

Her stage name is Lily Carmen. That's really something!

I wonder if her belly is really that smooth.

It can't be marked with moxa burns like yours.

I heard that she's very popular in Tokyo.

How wonderful! Maybe I should run away from home too.

That's a laugh. You wouldn't even make it as a hooker in Tokyo.

Look! They're coming.

- Hello. - Hello.

Oh, what a beautiful sky!

Let me take your picture here.

Sit on the counter.

- Look to the "side" a bit more. - She used a foreign word.

Kin!

Hello.

Ah, you're so pretty. Pretty, indeed.

Stop it. You're a real cheapskate.

I thought you were giving me a free ride, but you charged me 500 yen!

Hey, don't loaf about!

Oh! What a lovely flower!

Who's she?

Must be a hooker.

Hey, I'm bored already.

What are you saying? You just got here yesterday.

But I'm not having fun.

Your dad doesn't seem to be happy about us coming here.

He's from the country, so he's shy about paying compliments.

Maybe I should go home.

You idiot.

I brought you 'cause you were moping after you broke up with your man.

Well, but I miss him. I wanna see him again.

God! What do you see in him?

Men flock after me, so I need to get away to a place like this sometimes.

That's how artists should be.

I'm not sure anymore.

- About what? - What art is.

How can you be so pathetic?

We dedicate ourselves to our art. We're even willing to die for it.

Well, I do agree with you.

But I feel like I've hit a wall. Lately, I've been really struggling.

Cheer up.

Struggling comes with the territory.

I'm a modern, city girl

Sporting a new look just to go for a walk

Arm in arm with a dapper man

La-la, I sing a sweet love song

In the city of love, Venice, gondoliers sing that song

My eyes and lips moisten

La-la, hearing the wailing sound of the serenade

If you could see, you'd sure be surprised.

I've changed a lot.

My wife said you're very pretty.

Really?

But it's hard to walk around the village because people stare at me.

It's no different in Tokyo, so I guess they can't help it.

When you're famous, people don't leave you alone.

It's a great thing to be adored by people.

Not really.

People ask for your autograph or pictures.

It's a pain.

I guess dancers face hardships, too.

Oh, no, I'm no dancer.

I don't perform in just any old revue.

The artistic works I do are very difficult.

I agonize over them.

You haven't changed after all.

I suppose not.

I want my heart to stay as pure as it was in the old days.

I was in love with you.

But because you were a teacher, I wouldn't dare write you a love letter.

You're lucky you didn't end up my wife.

I feel sorry for your wife. I sympathize with her.

She suffers a great deal.

Seeing her lead that horse, I couldn't help but admire her.

It was heartbreaking.

She's a nice woman. She's too good a wife for me.

That's true. You're a lucky man.

It's the mind that counts, even when you're blind or poor.

In that sense, I'm unlucky.

Although I've gained popularity, my mind is consumed by my work,

so I can't even marry.

There must be someone in your life.

Well, there are all sorts of men, but they come up short.

They lack any understanding of art.

You're lucky.

I guess I am.

I've come to accept my situation.

I should maintain my purity.

"Going my way."

I'd better go home now. Kiyoshi! Kiyoshi!

No, don't go.

I'll see you later.

Be sure to come visit me.

There's no one else I can talk to.

You flatter me.

- Need a little help with that? - No, thank you.

I really can't believe you're a bachelor.

Do you have any interest in me?

I don't know.

You can be honest. I don't mind.

Well, I suppose you wouldn't but...

How bashful you are! Your face has turned red.

Well, you're making me uncomfortable.

Why do I make you uncomfortable?

You're pretending, 'cause the students are watching.

You want some fun in the evenings, don't you?

Listen, I'm actually single.

I really am.

But I guess I'm out of luck 'cause nobody would believe that.

You've got to be kidding me.

And you said you missed your man.

That's a lie!

- This girl always talks nonsense. - Come on, let's go.

I'll come again tomorrow, then. Bye-bye.

What'd you talk about?

We weren't talking. She was terrorizing me.

What's wrong, Dad? You look depressed.

I gave myself a headache thinking about things.

You have a fever?

No, I don't have a fever.

Listen, when the girls come back, tell them not to wear those dresses.

Why do you say that?

To think that they're walking around the village showing off their legs,

it just makes me feel mortified.

That's because you're ignorant.

They're supposed to be in fashion in Tokyo.

Whether they are or not,

it's indecent to show their thighs like that.

If they were horses or pigs, they could go around naked, but...

What do you think of her photograph?

Well, it makes me embarrassed.

But Kin is an artist.

I hate it.

If making such a shameful display is called art,

it's far better to work with horses and pigs.

I guess.

When I see that tree, it brings back memories.

When Kin was a little girl, she got kicked by a cow under that tree.

Yeah, I remember that.

I rushed over and found her unconscious and foaming from the mouth

Ever since then, it seems she hasn't been quite right in the head.

Come to think of it, I guess you're right.

Dad! We're back!

I'm going to hide.

Welcome back!

KITAKARUIZAWA GRADE SCHOOL AUTUMN SPORTS DAY

Naokichi! Don't lose!

Behave yourself today.

Look who's talking.

Behave in front of Mr. Ogawa, at least.

That's really tacky!

I'm wearing one of our costumes. You know it's made to drop.

What a wonderful day!

It's great to see such a turnout.

Excuse me.

Let us through.

Look, it seems he understands music.

Let's go over. It'll be fun.

Hello.

Mrs. Taguchi, my sister is here.

Oh, how striking she looks!

Haruo, Kin has arrived.

You mean the tortured artist?

That's right.

She's called Carmen.

This is from Tokyo.

You're very good.

Have a seat.

Please enjoy our music.

Stop, stop!

We'll play number two!

One, two, three.

Everybody is looking at me.

Take a bow.

But...

It's rude not to.

I suppose.

Mr. Maruju, that's enough.

Mr. Maruju, you can stop.

- You can stop now. - Oh, okay.

Next, we have a special presentation.

Mr. Taguchi will play his new song titled "Oh, My Hometown."

The principal will say a few words to introduce the performance.

In a moment, we will have the great honor

of listening to Mr. Taguchi's latest composition.

This song is a wonderful artistic work

that speaks to our heart.

That such a wonderful song was produced in this village

is, indeed,

indeed, a very great pleasure for me.

And I believe that it is also the pride of the entire village.

On this clear and sunny day...

of autumn,

I am happy to enjoy with you a performance of this work of art.

Also, it is a great delight

to have Mt. Asama, which we behold and admire daily,

hear this excellent artistic piece.

I am sure that Asama is very proud of the song too.

That's my organ.

Ah, it's a fine instrument. Isn't it?

Mr. Taguchi, please.

It's the organ you used to play.

A village at the foot of a fiery mountain

It is my dear hometown

Over the flowers, trees and birds perched on branches

The sunlight shines down brightly on my hometown

Beyond the grove of Japanese larches

Near the mountain spring

White birches stand pale and regal

Bedewed in the mist

No!

What are you doing?

I couldn't help it. He grabbed my hand.

That's not true.

Mitsuko, let's go home.

But we can't just leave.

- Haruo. - Mitsuko!

- Mr. Taguchi, don't go. - No, let me go.

They're not laughing at you.

Mr. Taguchi!

Everybody, please be quiet!

Quiet! Please be quiet!

Please stay.

Mr. Taguchi, I'm sorry.

I apologize for this raucous crowd.

Please accept my apology and play the song one more time.

Please.

Haruo, don't be angry. Please play it again.

I want you girls to leave!

But it wasn't our fault.

It doesn't matter! Please leave!

All right, then! I will leave!

Kin!

I'm sorry. I'm sorry.

You idiot! You dumb fool!

- I'm sorry. - Idiot!

Kin, don't make a scene!

Calm down. You're making a fool of yourself.

What's so funny?

Knuckleheads!

I'm sorry for being selfish,

but I can't bring myself to play it again.

Let me leave.

I don't blame you. Art comes from your feelings.

Well, I'm not saying that, but...

Then, play for us again when you're in a better mood.

Yes. I'm sorry for the trouble.

Not at all.

Mitsuko.

Good-bye.

You weren't meant to play that organ.

Yeah.

Listen, let's go back to Tokyo.

What about Mr. Ogawa?

I won't pursue him.

You sure give up easily.

I'm not leaving here yet.

But there's nothing to do.

We can't even walk around in the village.

Your father took to bed after hearing about the incident.

That's why I can't leave!

We can't go back to Tokyo in humiliation.

I returned home to be triumphant.

I even borrowed clothes from friends.

But I can't wear them anymore.

It's Maruju's fault.

He just grasped your hand. Big deal!

But I'm in love with Mr. Ogawa now,

I don't want to be touched by other men.

Ha! That's very chaste of you.

I want to see him.

There's no school today. I wonder what he's doing.

If you miss him so much, go see him!

What was that for?

Listen, I've got an idea!

We'll show our dance in the village.

The villagers will be surprised.

You bet they will.

We'll show them what our art is like.

That will wipe yesterday's disaster from their minds.

Our dancing is really popular in Tokyo. It's sure to be a success here, too.

What about costumes?

We can make do with handkerchiefs.

What will Mr. Ogawa think?

I'm sure he'll like it. All men love our dance.

But I'm not sure he'll appreciate it.

What do you mean?

It may be too much for a country teacher.

Don't worry. I swear to you!

He's still a bachelor, right? There's no way he won't be impressed.

- And he'll fall for you. - Then let's do it.

Okay! It's settled!

Akemi, "come on!"

Here we come!

A night in Monte Carlo

Sipping a fine champagne

My eyes wander to the roulette table

La-la, the ball goes flying and sweet dreams along with it

It doesn't matter if we have no money

We will travel to the ends of the desert

La-la, together hand in hand, singing a love song

Everybody! Go down the hill.

We're drawing pictures. Go back down.

The sands are red in Morocco, land of love

And though I'm no Dietrich

If I were with the man I love

La-la, I would ride a camel singing a love song.

The reeds on the romantic Nile

Whisper secrets of long ago

La-la, it's Cleopatra's love song

My son just saw them dancing.

They were stark naked

and dancing gaily and wonderfully.

- Hey, let's go see. - They'd be gone by now.

I wish I could see it.

Art is astonishing stuff, after all.

You know, it's like those...

nude sculptures we hear about.

We should go to Tokyo to see them dance.

- You can watch me dance naked, then. - No thanks!

That's funny. I'd like to see it once.

Hey, Oka. I heard there was quite a sighting at the ranch.

Yes, we were just talking about it.

It's caused quite a stir over there, too.

Come with me.

I'd love to see it.

Listen, this might be more profitable than the hotel venture.

- What? - Don't you get it?

To have those girls dance. Go negotiate with them.

Yes! We'll make money off folks dying to see them dance.

- You'll make a great profit. - Don't be vulgar!

I want to present art to the people. It's about art.

- Hurry up and go. - Right-ho! I'll go on horseback!

Your father has taken to bed with shock. I'm not sure if we should perform.

Why shouldn't we? I'll give him all the money I make from the show.

- I'm being a good daughter. - That's right.

But he wasn't happy to see us show our legs a bit.

- He's old, so he doesn't get it. - Indeed.

All forms of art go through the struggle of not being understood.

We must fight for it!

Otherwise, we can't be artistic revolutionaries.

You're right.

You can understand her?

- All this heady talk. - Well, just a little bit.

We can only perform tomorrow, 'cause we're leaving the day after.

Yes, I understand.

We'll promote the show right away.

We'll discuss details later.

All right, we'll be waiting for you. I'll go now.

Oh, wait!

Find us some curtains. We'll make costumes from them.

Uh, yes!

Come on!

Hey! Move forward!

You stupid horse! Go forward!

Hurry!

Tonight, Kin will be performing at Maruju's warehouse.

Really? If you want to see the show, why don't you go?

But I heard she'll be dancing nude.

Nude?

Is that why people were talking?

It's awful.

Her father would be mortified if he saw the posters for the show.

Kin was never very smart, but she can take on anything.

Well, she was smart enough to set her eyes on you.

She used to wait for me after school. I didn't know what to do with her.

I bet you were flattered.

Well, it's a happy memory now.

I have fewer images from the past than others.

Of the few images you have, those of me are the fewest.

We'd only been married for a year when you were sent off to war.

But that was the last time I saw the village where I was born.

So that one year always seems like the present to me,

and it's very vivid in my mind.

That's how you can write such a beautiful song.

I can see things that the seeing can't.

If I were a real composer, I'd be able to write more songs.

Hey, you are a real composer.

You just don't have a piano or an organ, but you're an artist.

Stop it. Kin has the claim of being an "artist."

Oh, the principal's heading our way.

- Hello, Principal. - Hello.

Hello. Where are you headed?

I'm taking him to the school, so he can play the organ.

I'm going to the ranch.

Have you seen the poster?

For Kin's performance?

It's outrageous! Putting on such a show will corrupt the villagers.

I'll go see her.

It's outrageous! Why is such a big rock here in the middle of the road?

Excuse me.

There are visual temptations when you can see.

And it seems people are attracted to them.

Dad!

Shoichi, I've made a terrible mistake. I came to apologize to you.

What is this about? What did I do to deserve an apology?

Well, I feel ashamed when you put it that way.

I now think it was a mistake to have Kin return home.

Has she caused some trouble again?

Well, yes.

And this time, I can't keep quiet as an educator.

My dad finally got out of bed this morning.

I'm okay.

If it's about Kin, I'm responsible. Let's hear it.

Actually, I'm responsible too.

I was too eager to invite her back without knowing much about her art.

- Isn't she here today? - She went to the water hole back there.

I see. Then I'll go talk to her.

Principal.

Principal, did she steal or something?

No, nothing of the sort.

Then please tell me. I'm not easily shocked.

- Tonight, Kin will perform her dance. - What?

- What's more, in the nude. - Nude?

Dad.

Everybody in the village is talking about it.

She's charging 100 yen per person.

It seems that Maruju came up with the idea.

Putting on such a show will corrupt our young people.

And children might get funny ideas.

I want her to cancel her performance. I'm dead set against it.

I'll go to talk to her now.

I'm coming with you.

They must be practicing for tonight's show.

I was wondering where that bucket went.

They're hitting it so hard.

This is pure madness.

Principal!

Principal, don't go.

I don't wanna see my daughter's indecent dance.

I beg you not to see it, either.

Principal, I'll express my true feelings now.

That fool Kin is my favorite child.

You know, it can't be easy for a girl to run off to Tokyo

and make a decent living there.

Much less a dimwitted one like Kin.

She must have done some shameful things.

In any case, she's no longer pure.

And she doesn't even have a husband.

Even if what she does is art or culture, how could I be happy about it?

My feelings waver between love and hatred.

I'd express anger, but I was filled with worry.

When she said she wanted to come home,

I wanted to see her, of course.

But I was sacred to see what she had become,

and I didn't want to face her.

But she did return.

I have to face her.

Principal.

Why don't we let her dance if she wants to?

It's all right if I become a laughingstock as a result.

That's my luck as her father.

Just as it was her luck to get kicked by a cow under this tree.

I'll accept being ridiculed along with her.

I don't care anymore if we get laughed at.

If her dance can corrupt the young men of the village,

then the government shouldn't allow its performance in Tokyo.

As long as it's allowed in the capital,

it must be a dance worth seeing in the mountains too.

Yes. I'm sure it's what they call "art."

Shoichi, I was completely in the wrong.

Hearing your story has made me unsure of what to do.

It's a violation of human rights to go against her will to dance.

Nowadays, profiteering evils like bicycle racing are allowed to flourish.

Maruju's scheme for a nude dance show may be less offensive in comparison.

Maruju is a different matter.

I'm gonna have a word with him.

In fact, I'll go see him now.

Yuki, don't say anything about what you just heard to Kin.

Shoichi! I'm coming with you.

Hey, it's only for tonight. No need to make it too sturdy.

Listen, Foreman.

The front rows will be for special seats, so I want you to put in a partition.

Well, well, I guess those seats would be worth paying extra for.

You got that right!

Hello, there!

It's nice to have you here.

The show won't start until after dark. Please wait back there.

You've come up with quite a moneymaking scheme.

Well.

It's all for the good of the village.

To lead the way for the cultural growth of the village - how should I put it -

we must present first-class art, or the village will not progress.

In other words, we'll fall behind the times.

That's my belief.

Stop it!

Enough of your sweet talk.

I'm Kin's father, so I know what's going on.

She always had the poorest grades in school.

She was snot-nosed until she was 18.

There's no way her dance is some respectable art.

Everybody's just thinking it'd be funny to see her naked.

That's not true. She's "Lily Carmen", after all.

Is that what you sincerely think?

Yes, I do.

I can't stand your bald-faced lying!

You talk of doing things for the village and culture,

- but you're only after making money. - What!

Don't pay lip service like a campaignin' politician!

- How dare you say that! - I can say more!

- Why, you! - Maruju!

I've wanted to say the same thing to you.

I felt it was unworthy of a grown man, so I kept quiet till now.

But such a good man as Shoichi is truly angry with you.

I feel that I should express my anger too!

You're a pitiless man

who took away from a blind man his only source of pleasure.

How could you talk about benefiting the village or culture?

You have no such altruistic heart!

Mr. Taguchi's poor little son

leads his father by the hand to school so he can play the organ.

When I heard that you took away his organ,

I knew you were heartless.

Otherwise, you couldn't have done it!

How dare you!

Hey! Keep your hands off him!

Wait!

Wait!

- Mr. Maruju! - Ouch!

Father, what happened?

We went to the ranch and heard you were here.

We were worried.

Look at that wretched man.

And then look at me.

Being a principal, I shouldn't have resorted to violence.

But I don't regret it.

Mt. Asama is my witness.

Mr. Maruju!

I'm sorry for your trouble, but it would hurt me to see Kin.

She's going back to Tokyo tomorrow,

and I'd rather not see her.

Could I stay over at your place tonight?

Yes, of course.

The whole thing has left a bad taste in my mouth.

Why don't you two come also and have a drink?

Yes.

I'll even treat you to my song about Mt. Asama.

WILD DANCING BY NUDE BEAUTIES

Daddy!

Hey!

NUDE ART

Naokichi!

Naokichi, get of the truck!

Naokichi! Hey! Get off the truck!

Open the curtain!

Thank you for waiting.

It's about time!

It's time to present the show -

the great work of art you've been waiting for.

Miss Lily Carmen and Miss Akemi Maya

will perform their glorious dance, however -

- Start the show! - Enough of your speech!

Get off the stage!

Be quiet, please.

Let me add

that for tonight's presentation, Maruju Transport has invited...

the Cupid Band from Karuizawa especially

to play the musical accompaniment.

The show will start now.

The first number is a composition by the great Schubert called -

What's the matter?

It's a Schubert.

Principal,

when I think that my daughter is dancing naked in front of everyone,

I feel more mortified than...

if it were me.

I understand how you feel.

Only human beings know what it is to be mortified.

It's a precious thing.

It's a precious feeling.

Please, pour me some more sake.

Drink as much as you like and get drunk tonight.

Hey! Bring more sake!

I believe she went to get some more.

I see.

Shoichi, drink up.

I think the moon is out.

Mt. Asama must look beautiful.

In my sorrow

Asama looks sorrowful

With its smoke flowing down to its foot

And disappearing into the autumn sky

In my sorrow...

Kin, I don't think Dad will accept the money you made from the show.

I'm sure he will.

Everybody wants money.

Well, I do, but...

Then you can keep it, if he won't.

Really?

But in that case, give me back half of it.

All right.

Then you should have taken half.

- Dad might decide to take it yet. - That's true.

That'd be great.

But my husband must be taking it to Dad by now.

I hope he doesn't accept it.

Dad is acting odd.

His daughter is leaving and he doesn't even bother to come home.

I wish I could see Mr. Ogawa one more time.

- Please give him my regards. - Yes.

- Tell him I left sadly for Tokyo. - I'll let him know.

Hello, there!

You did well last night.

You were a great hit!

I wonder if people understood.

Yes, we understood completely!

I made money, thanks to you.

He treated me to a drink, even though the sun's still out.

You gave me an inspiration for my cultural business.

Really?

What a lovely day!

Oh, wait. Yuki, I want you to hear this too.

Listen, Mitsuko, I've been meaning to tell you.

My kid lost interest in the organ, so I'm returning it to you.

- What? You mean that organ? - Yeah.

Boss, don't be hasty. We'll need it when the hotel is built.

I guess that's true...

But never mind! I'm big-hearted, you know.

You can take it home on this cart.

Do you really mean that?

I don't lie. I hate lying.

Yuki, tell your dad about this.

Tell him I returned the organ to Mr. Taguchi.

My, my, making money made you awfully generous.

That's not it! I can't take away the blind man's only pleasure!

You can pay back the loan when you can.

Hey! You tell the principal when you see him later

that I returned the organ to Mr. Taguchi as an apology for Sports Day.

Make sure to tell him that I did it for free.

How generous you are!

Thank you.

Listen, you should haul it away before he changes his mind.

Because he's as changeable as the clouds.

Hey! Last night's naked dancers are leaving!

Come on! Hurry!

It may be unclean money. Still, my daughter worked to earn it.

If you would use it for the good of the school,

then it would mean her indecent dance was useful for something.

Would you please do that?

I see. Then I accept it gladly.

I'll put it to good use and work hard to make true artists

out of the students of this school someday.

Thank you.

Mr. Taguchi was born in this village and wrote that beautiful song.

If more and more people like him were born,

then Japan would become a fine country.

I have an idea. We should use part of this money to pay off his debt.

Yes, that would be great.

This morning, Mr. Taguchi is coming to teach music.

Now I feel at ease.

My foolish daughter's return wasn't a complete embarrassment, then.

The glow of fireflies

Kin!

Snow-covered windows

Come again!

Days of studying and reading

Have passed by

What an idiot.

The nude dancers are leaving!

Get naked and dance for us!

Hey! Raise your legs high!

Dance like this!

Good-bye!

- You were great last night! - Come back again!

You knocked us out!

I'm glad that I came home.

Country folks are rather sweet, aren't they?

Oh! I'm dying for wonton soup!

- Somebody's waving! - Hey! You were terrific!

A village at the foot of a fiery mountain

It is my dear hometown

Over the flowers, trees and birds perched on branches

The sunlight shines down brightly on my hometown

Beyond the grove of Japanese larches

Near the mountain spring

White birches stand pale and regal

Bedewed in the mist

By the fence of the verdant ranch

I stood in the days of my youth

Passing above the cows and horses

White clouds carry dreams

Children leave their homes

But they return someday

Near the foot of a fiery mountain

The flowers bloom in my hometown

THE END