Original subtitles

A BALL AT THE ANJO MANSION 1947

Story:Kozaburo Yoshimura Screen Play:Kaneto Shindo

Cinematography:Toshio Ubukata Lighting:Masao Kato

Sound:Yoshisaburo Senoo

Music:Chuji Kinoshita Art Direction:Tatsuo Hamada

CAST

Setsuko Hara:Atsuko Anjo Yumeko Aizome:Akiko Anjo

Osamu Takizawa:Tadahiko Anjo Masayuki Mori:Masahiko Anjo

Masao Shimizu:Shinkawa Akemi Sora:Kiku

Taiji Tonoyama/Keiko Tsushima Fumiko Okamura/Shinichi Himori

Chiyoko Fumia/Eiko Takamatsu Fumiko Okamura/Takashi Kanda

Director:Kozaburo Yoshimura Producer:Takeshi Ogura

I'm against it.

What good will it do now?

I don't like it.

Having a ball is not for a...

simple reason of good or bad.

It's to commemorate this house...

this Anjo family fading like a dream.

Think about it.

This distinguished noble family is...

going to disappear as if it had never been.

You say it will fade like a dream...

but you don't try to understand why...

our privileged class must disappear.

You're denying that this life has ended.

It's the passing of an age.

But you don't try to understand.

You act like you understand it all...

but you only understand the facts.

With the agrarian reform act...

and property tax, we lost everything.

With the new constitution, even the peerage is gone.

Now we don't have anything.

Even this house is passing to someone else.

How could we who have been stripped bare...

not realize the passing of an age?

That's why, by ending with a ball, I'm trying to leave...

behind at least the memory of our beautiful way of life.

You still cling to old dreams of the peerage, don't you?

Memories of nobility will mean nothing in our new life.

Those are what we must throw away first.

Our bad luck is being born into nobility.

Stop it. It's this family that has raised you.

That's enough.

It's understood.

It makes no difference if you have a ball or not.

20 or 30 thousand is all it takes.

20 or 30 thousand yen is an incredible sum for us now.

We no longer have money.

From now on, we'll all work.

It doesn't do to think too far ahead.

You say it so casually. What do you plan to do?

We've never had to work to survive.

It won't be so easy, you know?

Able to or not, we have to if we want to live.

Right, Father?

Excuse me, my lord.

Mr. Toyama is here.

What? Toyama?

Father, please meet with Toyama.

You called him here? Someone like Toyama...

Yes. I had him come especially.

About the house?

After all, I think it's best if we have him buy it.

I'm against it.

How could we give this house to our old chauffeur?

What are you saying? It doesn't matter what he was.

It's favorable if he pays handsomely.

But I had my younger brother go to Shinkawa about this.

Shouldn't I wait for his answer?

But Father...

you can't count on Shinkawa. You can tell by his manner.

I'm sure it won't work out.

Please, won't you meet with Toyama?

Kiku, please call Mr. Toyama.

You say you know it all...

but Shinkawa is soon to become related to us.

His daughter Yoko and our brother are engaged.

-Good day to you, my lord. -Are you well?

Yes. Thank you.

-Lord Masahiko, you seem well. -You seem very fit.

-Profitting from shady deals. -I don't do such things.

Is that so?

Lady Akiko, it's been a while.

I'm a bit...

-It's been so hot. -Well, have a seat.

Mr. Toyama.

Please talk with father.

Atsuko came to my house yesterday.

Toyama.

Could you spare a cigarette?

Mine are in my room.

-How about this? -I have some.

-Can I take them all? -Yes. I don't smoke much.

That so?

I heard of your situation from Atsuko, and decided to help.

Many have been stripped bare by the property tax.

I feel an old obligation to you and...

I can easily spare 5 or 6 hundred thousand.

That's why I came.

Thanks, but I've not yet decided to give up this house.

You know our situation from Atsuko.

Shinkawa holds this house in mortgage.

But that's just a nominal formality.

It's nothing for Atsuko to worry about...

judging from my past association with him.

But, my lord, I know well...

That Shinkawa is really something.

I don't know his past, but...

he's making many cutthroat deals.

He's created several shady companies

becoming virtual boss of the black market.

Kiku, bring mine to my room.

-Well then. -But brother...

Please stay here.

My staying won't help.

My lord, I've brought your tea.

-I've brought your tea. -I know.

What's wrong?

Settle this quickly. I'm so insecure like this.

My lord, the times have changed so radically...

No one would think it strange...

if you opened a factory.

You should go into business.

I would be happy to help.

This mansion looks grand...

but its foundation is rotting.

You seem to have succeeded.

I may have fallen...

but I'm not stupid.

Father, he didn't mean it like that.

Atsuko, stop trying to sell this house to him.

I'm sorry. I said too much.

It's not your fault. You came to help.

Father's become so irritable.

I'll come again another time.

Yes. Please come again.

We'll need your help in the end. Please do.

Then, have a good day.

-See you again. -Thank you.

I'll leave it to you.

-Good day. -Good day.

Sister.

He's an upstart. Impertinent.

What are you so angry about?

That matter is in the past.

I failed in my marriage so he's gloating...

thinking it serves me right.

That's not so. You delude yourself.

He would never wish you ill.

But he left the house because of my marriage.

When I returned home...

suddenly he starts coming around again.

He's still unmarried. It's disgusting.

I don't understand his motives in buying this house.

You wrong him. I asked him to come.

Stop it. Stop seeing him.

Uncle. Good to see you.

Please get me some water.

I'm so busy every day.

That's really too bad.

-Here. -Thanks. Where's my brother?

Father? He's here.

-Why not remove your jacket? -No, I'm fine like this.

What happened with Shinkawa?

Well, it's no good.

No good?

That Shinkawa didn't want to have anything to do with me.

He said the past was past and now is now.

It was as if he considered this house already his.

Just as I thought.

Brother trusts him too much.

This is bad. It'll be a big problem.

With Shinkawa like this, we need a plan right now.

Is your father in his room?

I'd rather you didn't see him now.

Why's that?

He'll be so disappointed.

I'll talk with him later.

Can we afford to be slow?

Is it right? It could mean giving this house away.

It's all right.

It's better if this house goes.

We might be happier thrown out into the cold world.

Uncle, I'd like to ask you to go home.

I see.

Then, I guess I'll be going.

-Forgive me, Uncle. -It's fine.

You're doing well. See you.

Good day.

As I told you before...

Father's lost everything and it's ended.

Soon, we'll have to give this house to others.

You've tended us well and long.

But now we must part.

You all need time to prepare.

I can't say when it'll be.

But keep the intention in mind.

I don't care where, but...

couldn't I accompany his lordship?

Thank you, Yoshida, for those feelings...

We also must enter the service of others.

You understand, don't you?

Do you want something?

You don't paint me anymore.

Soon all will be cleared away.

Then we'll feel relief.

Then you can paint every day.

I painted all those pictures in Paris.

But I can't paint like that any more.

Didn't you once say...

you'd start to make good paintings in your 60s?

And Father...

Uncle was here.

What? Takehiko was here?

He left without seeing me?

I had him leave.

What did Shinkawa say?

He said it was no good.

What? No good?

Father...

Let's stop counting on him.

Let's not even think of him any more.

I can't believe it.

He had trusted me so much.

It wasn't your character he trusted...

but your title of Earl.

Now that title is gone.

I'm sorry, Father for what I just said.

Atsuko, look at the garden.

Since childhood I've gazed at this same garden.

If we must sell this house and garden...

I'd like to be sold along with them.

You're young and might laugh at these silly feelings.

Even if you understand things with your reason...

Father

-Father, let's have the ball. -The ball?

And after that, let's begin our new life.

Let it be the end of our old life.

Oh my, it's Lady Aiko.

Good evening.

Look. They're in evening dress.

Didn't the invitation say informal?

It's fine.

Is father still dressing?

He'll be ready soon.

Diner is ready for you musicians.

Already eating.

This is fancy for people who are suppose to be poor.

Even in lean times, he's still one of the landed gentry.

A fallen monkey keeping up the show.

Father.

I don't like these clothes.

They're uncomfortable.

Maybe I'll wear a suit.

No. This is better.

This will be the last time.

Yes.

You look fine, too, Yoshida.

Your father bestowed them on me.

Yoshida's in charge of cloaks.

Really? Well done.

Lord Harukouji's wife has arrived.

So my sister's here.

It was the year after the Russo-Japanese War.

A ball was held here.

I was nineteen at the time.

Prince Nishikomatsumiya was present and...

I was privileged to dance with him.

Eminent men of distinction...

filled this hall like glittering stars.

Saionji had just replaced Katsura as PM.

Not only Saionji, but even...

Ito Hakubun came.

He danced the waltz so well.

I'll never forget the happy look on father's face.

It seems like just yesterday.

Older sister, good evening. Welcome.

-This is a fine ball. -Thank you.

Duke Otomo, Baron Nanjo...

and your brother's friends have arrived.

Won't you move?

You must be busy.

If you don't go down they'll get suspicious.

Crying again.

Please stop.

I hate women crying.

Marriage was a lie.

Marriage? That's a bore.

You deceived me.

Deceived you? I didn't.

You said yourself marriage wasn't necessary.

You made me say it.

Your eyes were so cold, I agreed to please you.

You used me like a toy.

Then marrying me would be a bore.

Actually, I hate marriage.

You lie. You plan to marry Shinkawa's daughter.

-That's not set. -You've already decided.

That's why you've tossed me aside.

Come on, get out of the way.

Don't toss me aside. Please don't.

-Shinkawa is here. -That so?

Kiku, still here?

Go down quickly.

Are you planning to marry Yoko?

I'm for it if you do it for love.

But if it's to become related to them, I'm against it.

For your sake.

I know that.

Thank you for the invitation.

Thank you for coming.

Good evening.

A ball is grand but what's behind it?

There's nothing but...

perhaps it's a garnish on the fallen peerage.

You joke.

You mustn't taunt.

Mr. Shinkawa.

The other day my brother visited you on my behalf.

I saw him.

He must have told you my response.

-I heard your response, but... -Yoko.

-Good evening. -Good evening.

Please come this way.

Isn't that Shinkawa?

He looks like a black marketeer.

Who is that with him?

A taxi dancer perhaps.

Look the infamous Shinkawa.

He spent a lot on the last election.

-It seems he lost. -That's what I hear.

Sister, this is Mr. Shinkawa. My older sister.

It's nice to meet you.

My daughter, Yoko.

I'm Harukouji.

-Please. -Excuse me.

It's quite a party.

Welcome.

Thanks for the other day.

Thank you.

Hey there.

So you lot are here.

So you were here.

It's a great party.

-Just like the Anjos. -You went all out.

It's fine while you can.

That's it. One makes do for pride's sake.

Brother. Why laugh so loudly?

-What does it matter.

Mr. Shinkawa is over there.

That so? One moment.

Good evening.

Thanks.

I'm not much for dancing but Yoko insisted.

It's been a while.

Good evening.

Well, everyone...

There's not much, but please go to the dining room.

Yoshida.

Welcome.

Please take care of this.

-What is it? -Money.

It's very heavy.

He's their former chauffeur.

Are those two to be married soon?

Lord Anjo has diligently encouraged the union.

To think this is the last Anjo ball.

Yes. Most probably.

I can't believe it.

The fading of the Anjo House must be a lie.

Do you really have to hand this house away?

Can such a stupid thing be possible?

Mr. Shinkawa.

I'd like to talk with you.

Could you come to my room?

Fine. Though I know not what it's about.

I see you still paint.

Quite a nice life.

Would you like some?

No. I'm fine.

Don't you dance?

I'm not good at it.

It can't be true.

Allow me a dance later.

Atsuko, please leave us.

Father. A moment...

What is it?

I don't know what it is, but think it best you not see him.

It would be a shame to spoil the ball.

Let's have Toyama buy the house.

Then you needn't bow to Shinkawa.

Please go.

What are you doing?

Let go. You're dirty.

Dirty?

Do you dislike me that much?

Yes, I dislike you. I hate you.

Please don't look at me like that.

12 years I've been despised by you.

All that time...

I've adored you.

I even remain single.

I didn't think I'd ever say it...

but tonight I will.

Will you marry me?

When you were wed to General Isobe...

I was struck with despair.

It was so unbearable I ran from this house.

Even then I prayed for your happiness.

When I ran home after finding he had a mistress...

you gloated, didn't you?

I didn't.

When I heard, I wished you happiness.

You may think me insignificant but...

With the peerage gone...

I am human, just like you.

There's no difference in rank any longer.

The peerage is gone...

but in my heart I'm still nobility.

Please throw that belief away.

I beg you.

Wait.

It's liquor.

That's fine.

Sister.

Have you seen Toyama?

He was in the garden.

What are you doing here?

Have any liquor?

There's some there.

Damn it.

The hell with balls.

What's the matter?

My place is with you lot...

not with the refined people.

What do you know.

The child of a frog is a frog after all.

Not fit for silk hats.

That's not so.

You've made something of yourself.

You've really succeeded.

You think I'm in a black marketeer, too, don't you?

Well, I'm not.

I'm a simple freight hauler.

My money is clean.

Earned through hard labor

with these hands.

Endlessly driving an old truck...

I worked like crazy for it.

Damn it.

What's money?

I was dreaming.

An idiot with a comical dream.

So he was in here.

I looked every where.

I wonder what happened.

Mr. Toyama.

Atsuko wants you.

Mr. Toyama...

I'd like you to buy this house after all.

It's a request.

Please, Mr. Toyama.

Lady Atsuko...

I don't...

care any more about money.

Save my father.

I beg you.

I ask you to take pity and leave me the house.

Think of our past...

and forget my debt.

I beg you.

You talk of the past but...

that's all been settled.

Sure I used your name...

your earldom and made you...

figurehead leader of my military factory.

But Mr. Anjo...

-I did a lot for you then. -But...

But forget the past.

A new age has begun.

Let's forget all about the past.

As I told your brother when he came to me...

I want to break all ties between us.

Break them?

The money I gave you means...

after tonight, this house is mine.

See you.

I'm thinking of opening a dance hall here.

What? What did you say?

And another thing...

Yoko's engagement to Masahiko is broken off.

The reason I came tonight...

was to make those two points perfectly clear.

Shinkawa.

Was your use of my titled position...

the only reason you put up with me?

That's right.

You're... a terrible man.

Help me.

Since birth, I've never...

lowered my head to anyone.

Forgetting my pride, I'm begging you.

Laugh if you want.

For the sake of my children.

I beg you.

Akiko.

After all, Shinkawa...

is a crook.

That Shinkawa's a crook.

I don't like being pitied...

or giving pity.

Strip it all away with grace.

It's for your own good.

Now won't you move?

Move away.

Wait.

Watch it.

Stop fooling.

That thing's dangerous.

He takes his pranks too far.

Good bye.

Father.

Please be strong.

Akiko, have you seen Yoko?

She was just on the veranda.

Yoko.

I'm drunk.

-How about a little more? -No more.

-It's all right. -No, it's not.

It's Ochiyo.

Tadahiko has no common sense.

Inviting her sort here.

It's Anjo's mistress.

She's a geisha, isn't she?

Can't put it past him.

Have you seen brother?

I have something to ask you two.

Do as you please.

You've alway done as you liked.

You invited that person, didn't you?

Good evening.

I've been expecting you.

I was unsure, but since you invited me.

Let's go over there.

Many things have happened.

Father's suffering.

Please try to sooth him.

You can go up that way.

Have you seen Yoko?

No, I haven't.

Masahiko, don't.

Who's there?

You'll marry me, won't you?

You'll marry me?

Marry me.

Marry?

Shouldn't you and your father...

leave us useless people?

Why do you say that?

Your father broke off our engagement.

I won't allow that.

It doesn't matter. I'd never marry you.

Please marry me.

If father's against it, I'll leave him.

I'll leave it all for you.

Stop it.

What's wrong?

What is it? What happened?

What in the world happened?

Masahiko. Masahiko, he...

It was Masahiko?

What happened?

It was nothing.

What is this?

Nothing at all.

Wait.

You want something?

Beast.

Who'd marry someone like you?

Please wait.

Take this.

What is it?

The money we borrowed.

I'm returning it.

What happened?

Take this money home.

This is very strange.

Toyama, you can't go out there.

-It's not right. -What?

Let's go over there.

Let go.

-Kurakichi. -It's okay.

Hey Shinkawa.

Go home.

Take that money and get out.

What are you?

What's that?

Everyone, I'm Toyama Kurakichi.

Just now, I bought this house.

The lowly chauffeur bought this house.

You refined people...

This uncouth and dirty person...

bought this house.

The lowly, unacceptable driver bought this house...

and that chandelier.

Even this glass - all belongs to me.

Hey, musicians.

I'm leaving. Playing something lively.

No.

Something quiet is better.

Something lonesome.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Lady Akiko...

Please be happy.

Sorry I disturbed you. Please start dancing again.

Kurakichi. What have you done?

What a waste.

It's fine.

It's fine like that.

I'd like to take this opportunity...

to make an announcement.

Tonight my father married...

Miss Ishikawa Chiyo.

How could he?

Takehiko, let's go home.

Father, congratulations.

Thank you.

You're shameless.

What was that earlier?

You're not human.

You good for nothing.

I'll kill you.

Cut it out.

It hurts.

I'm going to kill you.

Stop it.

I said, stop it.

You liar.

What did you say to me?

Didn't you say you'd marry me?

Was that all a lie?

Did you deceive me?

Killing you...

Killing you wouldn't be enough.

But I...

I still love you.

You're inhuman.

But I love you.

Inhuman...

What am I?

So I'm not human?

I always wished one day to be able...

to talk like this with you.

Finally, it's come true.

We've been together for fifteen years already.

I never thought of you as my mistress...

But society couldn't do the same.

I'm sorry it's taken so long.

I've never thought of it.

I've been satisfied with my life with you.

I don't regret anything.

Society doesn't matter.

Thank you.

I've never been able to do anything for you...

Please bear with it after tonight.

Presenting you to everyone as my wife...

was the last...

Don't say the last.

I meant it was the last obligation I had to fulfill.

The clouds that had gathered so long inside me...

were cleared away tonight.

I'm sorry if saying this upsets you.

If you must leave here and move to a new place...

couldn't you come live with me?

Thank you.

I may have to do that.

Chiyo.

Please look after Atsuko.

I'll do all I can.

It's late. You probably have to go home.

Let's have her stay tonight.

No. I'll be going.

Then have this first.

I'm a bit tired. I'll retire.

I'll pass on that.

Good night.

Chiyo.

Is there something?

No. It's all right.

Oh. It's you, Yoshida.

My lord. Early tomorrow...

I'll retire and return home.

I see.

But it's almost morning.

My lord rises late, and I may not see you.

Come inside.

Stay well, Yoshida.

I wish the same to you my lord.

I've burdened you a long time...

making selfish demands since childhood.

You've really taken good care of me.

When you get home, please live happily.

My lord.

I understand how you feel.

Rather than see you in such a position...

I'd sooner have died.

Don't worry about me.

I've finally determined to accept my fate gracefully.

Now, go get some sleep.

Please take care, my lord.

Thank you

Wait.

I've nothing to give you but...

when I left for France...

you came to see me off and were with me when...

I bought this watch in Yokohama.

Please take it with you.

Come. Take it.

Let's part in the same way as when I left for Paris...

with hope for a bright future.

Old things die out...

so new things can be born.

That's why we become extinct.

We die to be transformed.

Has father gone to bed?

He is still awake.

Father?

Forgive me.

Father.

I won't. I won't let you.

Why seek death?

Why?

Father.

Forgive me.

My life ended tonight.

No.

A new life starts now.

Our real life starts now.

I'm of an older time. I'm weak.

I've lost the will to live.

I'm with you.

You have Chiyo, too.

Please be cheerful.

From now, all of us together set off anew.

Look.

Grandfather is watching.

Father.

Grandfather's smiling at us.

Has something happened?

No.

It's nothing.

Father.

The End