Original subtitles

WAITING WOMEN

Ake!

Ake!

Ake!

Peter!

Ake!

Jens!

- For God's sake, where are they? - Down there, perhaps.

- Ake! - Peter!

Peter!

- Ake! - Peter!

Jens!

- Ake! - Jens!

- Peter! Peter! - Yes!

- Where are you? - Here!

- Where's that? - Here.

- Is Ake with you? - Yes.

Come here at once.

My dear children, I've told you a million times to keep close.

You could have drowned...

When the children are in bed, we'll have coffee.

It'll have to be quick, it's a quarter past eight already.

I don't think you need to wash tonight.

Get to bed and I'll give you some chocolate.

- Look what I got on my fly. - Oh, my!

Doesn't it give you motherly feelings?

Try it yourself if it's so easy.

Well, Eugen tried to teach me once, but the hook caught his ear.

I'm going to put a frock on tonight.

Me too, but not until a little later.

You must be out of your minds.

Are you really changing just because your dull old husbands

are coming home tonight?

Little sister, you're only 17 and you don't understand.

See, I'm not worried at all about seeing Henrik tonight

for the first time in a whole month.

When do you think they'll come?

Did Fredrik say on the phone when he thought they'd be here?

The train from Copenhagen arrives at eight, and then they'll eat.

They're taking Eugen's car, so they'll probably be here by 11.

Well, here we are, waiting for our men.

All nervous because we haven't seen them for weeks.

And we are going to be here together for days, a whole holiday.

We'll all be here together,

unprotected from others peeping into our most private sorrows.

It won't be much of a holiday for me.

But Annette, dear!

We all had the impression that you and Paul have a good relationship.

Of course we do.

We say "Hello" and "Bye", "Good morning, darling",

"Good night my friend", "How was your day?"

"Tonight it's the Bergmans", "We'll go to the Pyrenees",

"I'm going to buy a new camera"...

But we never get close to each other.

We never have any warmth or intimacy.

Sometimes I wish he'd beat me.

Can't you talk to him?

It can't be done. He'd be embarrassed.

Get a lover.

Shut up, kid. You've read too many magazines.

I can't even shout after him.

I cannot tie his body to mine.

I cannot tear his eyes out so that he becomes blind and dependent on me.

I can't even take him into my arms and rock him to sleep...

...when I see he is distressed and has worries.

You think I am ridiculous.

A grown-up woman who should have resigned and found her own way.

One might even console oneself with Jesus or the grandchildren.

I could become a grandma in due time, couldn't I, Maj?

You'll have 10 grandchildren, I promise.

Just wait until Henrik is 23, then we'll start.

And still I am not satisfied. I only have my life, just my life.

And that is my life with Paul.

I'm sure we loved each other as intensely as Maj and Henrik do now.

But what have we become?

A couple of bowing Chinese puppets.

No, I refuse.

Things are not meant to be like this...

We women should try to console each other.

You're not as alone in your Ioneliness as you think.

To be deserted... We know the feeling.

Perhaps one should not talk about it.

Women should talk to women, more candidly and often.

We should share experiences and console each other.

We should not be infected by men's macho ideals and secretiveness.

I remember the day Eugen and I were forced to wake up to our situation.

It was a horrid mixture of ridicule and sorrow.

- But it's not worth talking about. - But why not?

We can learn from each other. It will make our holiday together easier.

And afterwards too, perhaps.

Well, if that's what you want... It happened two years ago.

Eugen and I stayed here alone that summer.

Eugen was writing his treatise on the history of style and I...

I kept the house and was lazy.

Kaj!

Hello, Rakel dear!

How did you get here?

The herring boat!

And where is your wife?

She's not coming. She's not very well.

- Yes, you're having a baby. - And you?

Me?

- Last time you said... - Nothing came of it.

Sorry.

Eugen went into town.

I saw him. He ran down waving his hat to make the boat wait...

And I thought, "I pity those who have to run."

- Is he very busy, your good husband? - I suppose.

Does he help with the family business?

He's working on a treatise - studies in the history of style.

That's extremely interesting.

Eugen has always been interested in antiquities and old furniture.

- And you share his interest? - Of course.

How nice. When his treatise is completed, will he get a degree?

- It'll be printed. - Which publisher?

- He'll pay for it himself. - Big brother Fredrik will.

No, not at all!

Not a dime from Fredrik. How wrong you are!

What money has Eugen got besides that from the company?

It doesn't concern you, does it?

Does your loyalty to Eugen forbid you to admit that you give him the means?

It's nobody's business and besides Fredrik has been ghastly to Eugen.

It's Fredrik's opinion that money should be used for useful purposes.

He is a wise man, Fredrik.

You're a fool.

Doesn't look as if I could seduce you.

You seduce me?

That'll be the day.

You're a little insolent.

Exactly like when we were kids.

As soft, as yielding,

as cute, as fragrant,

and as blushing and angry afterwards.

- I really don't know what to... - You shouldn't. You don't need to.

No thanks, Kaj dear, that's enough.

You're probably clever and wonderful, but I rather be in love with Eugen.

Nonsense, Rakel. I can tell from your nose that you're lying.

Stop joking now, I love Eugen.

I really do love him. Do you hear?

Besides, you have a wife yourself.

- You're confused, Rakel. - Am I confused?

Of course, in your morals.

They're in your stomach, they can be operated on like your appendix.

Have you told your husband that we were lovers as children?

Of course.

What did he say?

He thought it was charming...

This is madness...

It's madness... don't you understand?

It mustn't be... you...

You...

Rakel must decide for herself. Rakel is not being seduced.

Rakel never has any excuse.

Why did you have to come?

I don't know. Actually, you invited me.

I don't want to hurt Eugen. I don't want to...

He... we've grown together, you see. Six years is a long time.

Shall we have lunch?

Kaj! We ought to know what we are doing.

We must assume responsibility. We are not animals.

Now I definitely think we should have lunch.

But a swim would be good first. I've even brought my trunks.

I'm so anxious I've got a bellyache.

Your morals are causing you pain. There's only one cure. Operate!

Rakel! Turn around carefully, you'll see something funny.

I am always frightened to bathe together with those big fish.

What are you laughing at?

Nothing. At Freud.

Perhaps one should go in.

Do!

There's a Spanish tale of two lovers

who longed for each other day and night.

So it was arranged that they should meet.

And when they entered the chamber of love

and got to see each other, they had a stroke and dropped dead.

That's a stupid story.

It's a moral story.

May I ask how?

It proves the danger of longing.

Do you remember once in our childhood, Rakel?

We laid naked on this berth in the sun, comparing our bodies.

We locked the door to be safe. We were eight, do you remember?

My father came knocking on the door and told us we couldn't be alone.

He had a big hat and late that night there was a thunderstorm,

the flagpole broke in half and was burnt down.

Some small animal has bitten me. Can you see anything?

It's such a bad place to scratch, I can't see it nor touch it.

There's a small wound and it's bleeding.

No, leave me alone.

I've only been unfaithful to Eugen once before, and it was all wrong.

It always goes wrong for me.

I suppose there is something wrong with me, I don't know.

Eugen gets impatient and scolds me.

He tells me about other women he has given intense pleasure to.

I don't understand it. I don't even get warmed up.

Do you think it's strange?

No, not particularly.

It was the same that time I was unfaithful.

I suppose I am hopeless.

Although I do everything Eugen wants me to,

neither one of us are happy.

Mostly we get irritated and depressed.

So nowadays, I always pretend to be satisfied

and that makes him satisfied too.

In the end, I think everything is disgusting.

And it shouldn't be, should it?

No.

When you touched me in the room up there,

when you pressed your head against my stomach...

It was so peculiar...

You must be kind to me.

I'll be exactly as you want me to be.

Of course, but otherwise it's all correct,

perhaps it could be adjusted...

Well, who lost?

I did. I hate to admit it, but Kaj is an ace at handling firearms.

I believe it has calmed down now. Actually it's almost...

The wind was strong. Where did you sail?

We took a little trip.

We went by Rodhallen. To relive old memories.

Rakel told me.

16, weren't we?

Eugen hardly saw us, he was two years older and already very important.

Yes, I did my stretch that summer. Was it the same?

- What? Oh, Rodhallen. Yes. - But Rakel didn't want to go ashore.

No, the wind could have wrecked the boat.

There is a little harbour at the back, usually it is quiet there.

I never thought of that.

- Rakel is not usually afraid. - Well, this time I was.

- You're a decent sailor, aren't you? - No, that's Rakel.

I see, Rakel sails your ship. Well, she's not bad at all. Cheers!

What's wrong, my friend?

It's filthy, filthy, filthy.

Kaj, how can you do it?

How can you do it?

What kind of man are you?

Me? A wretch like all the others.

- Nonentity. - A coward, a horrible coward.

Of course.

Therefore I'll tell Eugen we have betrayed him today.

Wasn't that unnecessary?

You think I like sleeping with you?

Because you are a delicate and clever and considerate lover?

But I'll tell you something.

You disgust me. You are not a good lover, and you know why?

You love yourself only, Kaj. Nobody else in the whole world.

Just yourself.

If I'm disgusting, you're no less

my dear Rakel.

You needed a little bit of ecstasy

that Eugen has never given you and I gave it to you.

Now you sneer at me.

That is nice.

You... you have betrayed me with him.

You... you have slept with him.

You... you have...

Yes, Eugen, I have betrayed you.

And I don't ask for your forgiveness.

You have upset my entire existence.

You're the only person I have ever trusted.

You have exposed me to somebody else.

Perhaps you have told him some of our intimate episodes?

To save yourself and your morality?

- Am I to blame for your stiffness... - That is beside the point.

Beside the point? Oh no, don't try to wriggle out of this.

I'll tell you something.

Before we met I had other women too. I was considered quite a good lover.

It is damn strange that you, well...

But who do you think is really to blame?

But one thing I can't stand is exposing myself to others.

I could say things too... but I'm still a gentleman.

Yes, there is a lot to tell,

which I have tried to forgive and forget...

Although I think I shall speak to Kaj's poor wife.

It is unnecessary that she is unaware like I have been, to an extent.

Then you two can move on and devote yourselves to perfect lovemaking.

Well?

You can take the things you brought with you, and the things I gave you.

Except the old escritoire, which has always been in the family...

I don't know what to say...

You know we can't go on living together after this.

What do you want me to say, Eugen?

I can get you a flat.

And I'll give an amount, a certain amount,

so that you can furnish it as you like.

I'll speak to Fredrik tomorrow.

I don't want any money.

You can take the things you brought with you, and the things I gave you.

Except the old escritoire, which has always been in the family...

But I'm willing to pay for it.

I'm also grateful you've tried to be honest.

I've always attached great importance to truth and straightforwardness.

Yes, I have, actually.

My solicitor will arrange everything.

He'll arrange...

That will be the best solution

but I want a statement of accounts...

What am I saying? I want a list of furniture and household items...

I think I've said that already...

What's the matter, Eugen? Can I help you?

Nobody can help me. Nobody shall help me either.

Can't you see that we have to try to get through this together?

Eugen, we must try to forgive each other.

I know we can if we want to. You and me.

Consider what you're doing, don't do anything you'll regret.

Don't do anything you'll regret, Eugen.

You're telling me. Me!

If I wanted to, I could kill you. It would be a relief.

So you are a poor wretch after all!

I don't know what's happening to me, I think I am going mad.

Why should I help you?

What have I to do with you or Kaj or anybody else?

I'm not your property, for the two of you to treat as you like.

Eugen!

- He'll shoot himself! - The hell he will!

- We must stop him! - Leave him, he'll calm down.

No, I'll go and find him.

- What is it? - He's in there.

I tried to speak to him but he said he'd shoot himself if I came in.

- I must speak to him. - You mustn't.

I can't see you.

Go away. Go away.

- I won't go. - Watch it.

You dare not shoot.

What shall we do, what shall we do?

You shall leave me alone! Just leave me alone!

We'll never meet again.

I won't trouble you any more, do you hear?

I'll never be in the way of anybody.

I'll run over and fetch Paul, perhaps he can speak to Eugen. Stay here.

- It's ridiculous, - Stay here.

Paul!

Paul!

Annette!

What is it? Is anybody ill?

You must speak to Eugen.

He is in the boathouse with a gun threatening to kill himself.

Hurry!

Annette, stay here.

Now, Rakel, go inside. But be nice.

Things might be alright, after all.

Come along, you villain!

What did you say to the poor suicide victim?

What did I say?

Well, I said, "The worst thing is not to be betrayed, but to be Ionely."

Whether it's true or not, it sounded good.

Well, perhaps you think that this whole business is rather ridiculous,

and of course it is.

But all of us were so highly strung and melodramatic that night.

- And are things better now? - Perhaps not for Eugen, but for me.

How do you mean?

I have realised that Eugen is my child

and that I must look after him.

He should be pitied.

He suffers badly from what he calls his futility.

And yet he means everything to me now.

How beautiful!

Sentimental perhaps, I don't know.

The meaning of my life is Eugen,

and he says I am what keeps him alive.

In this way we support each other. It's very simple.

Peter says angels have propellers.

Be quiet now my darlings, go to bed.

Ake has to pee.

- So you've got Eugen at last. - Yes, and I'm quite satisfied.

But I'll never get Martin.

Do you remember the first time we met? It was in Paris three years ago.

Were you in love with Martin then, I wonder?

As Rakel has been so brave and told us of her awakening...

I'll muster up the courage to tell you about mine.

- How consoled Annette will feel! - Quiet. We thought you were asleep.

Well, it was a hot summer's morning and it was a Sunday...

I lived in my parent's flat.

They had gone to the country for a week and I was comfortable on my own.

According to the doctor, I was in my eighth month

but I was suspicious.

I woke up having my first pains.

Hello! Hello!

Marta... are you there? Why don't you answer...

You can't treat me as if I'd committed a crime.

I didn't know any better. You have to speak to me...

You shouldn't argue with me. I don't believe your regret is sincere.

You can't help what you are, you poor thing. I'll never marry you.

Can I have a taxi to... Oh, there isn't one?

Nowhere in town? Yes, but somewhere...

SUCCESSFUL FAMILY ENTERPRISE CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY

AWARDING MEDALS AND GIFTS

I had a horrible feeling

of death itself,

waiting for me outside the door.

A poor pedlar or a friend of the family

who didn't know they were away.

Of course it could be explained.

Still I was overcome by a paralysing fear of death,

and my Ioneliness became the Ioneliness of death.

It was like in a dream where you try to shout but can't utter a sound.

- Hello, I'm Sister Rut. - Miss Berg.

- Miss Brogren. - Yes...

- Address? - Brahegatan 58.

- Telephone number? - 676808.

Any other numbers to ring after the delivery?

- No, you are not to phone anywhere. - No relatives?

- No. - Nobody at all?

No. Nobody.

Well, we're going to undress you, and then take an albumine sample and...

- Do they all scream? - What?

- I was wondering if they all scream? - Oh no, not everyone.

- It sounds ghastly. - What?

- When they scream. - It eases things for some people.

Have you got children, Sister Rut?

No. Why do you ask?

No reason.

Please pass water in there, if you can.

It will probably be six to eight hours more, I can't say for sure.

If it gets much worse, ring the bell.

But remember we have lots of work.

I fell into a state between sleep and consciousness, away from the pain.

The shadows of leaves on the wall turned into can-can girls.

It was peculiar... almost like in a film.

I was in Paris again. In that awful night club, and it was late at night.

Yes...

It was my neighbour from the small hotel in St Martin.

The little Swedish painter,

always busy with his painting and his romantic adventures.

We had said hello to each other in passing,

but I have to admit that his nonchalance towards me

irritated me a little -

just a little because he was actually cute.

Hello! Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.

Let's start a contest

that will be interesting for the spectators and for the participants.

Let's see

if there is a lady capable of holding a two franc coin between her thighs.

Here is the prize -

a huge bottle of champagne.

Go ahead, ladies.

OPEN THE DOOR, BUT ONLY A LITTLE.

Marta is a rosy tree

She is a glistening little fish

Why are your eyes so sad, Marta?

Your sweetheart is sitting outside the door

Right now my love knows no limits

Eternal is my love for you

At this moment

Let me be reborn in your womb

Let us play before the poor, the sick

The horrid

Let us play before Death himself

My sister, my bride

My rosy tree.

JEANNETTE LE FEBURE - G YNAECOLOGIST OPEN 10:00 TO 13:00

I'm Fredrik Lobelius, I'm Martin's brother.

Berg.

Paul Lobelius, Martin's eldest brother.

Well...

Paul and I have been on a trip to Spain with our wives.

Yesterday we received the distressing information that our father has died.

We decided to return home immediately and to pick up Martin on the way.

Yes.

Martin has stated two things in the last 20 minutes.

Firstly, he is not going to attend his father's funeral.

Secondly, he intends to marry you, Miss Berg.

Yes, well.

I've felt obliged to explain to Martin...

Firstly, he cannot count on financial support to the same extent

as when Father lived.

Secondly, if he intends to get married he must get a job,

in order to support himself and a wife.

Thirdly, he cannot count on receiving a sinecure

in the family business.

Martin has misunderstood and thinks we want to hurt and embarrass him.

Artists can be hot-blooded.

Brother Martin has always been suspicious of others.

It's more serious that he refuses to pay his father his last respects.

In consideration of Mother he ought to. I shall say no more.

Shut up!

It's comical to think of the love Father and Mother

always surrounded you with, my dear Martin.

It's comical to see your reactions to their care and tenderness.

I've always declined father's love and care and tenderness and goodness

and considerations and fatherly sacrifices.

I think it's a relief to both him and us that he is dead.

Martin has chosen the wrong job. He should have become a dramatist.

- We have to hurry. - Yes.

Through our representative, Martin can receive 150,000 francs.

That's about 2,000 kronor.

It's the last you'll receive here. We'll pay for a return by cable.

Goodbye, Martin. Good afternoon, Miss Berg.

Good afternoon.

- Goodbye. - Goodbye.

Goodbye Martin. Be wise.

- Goodbye, Miss Berg. - Goodbye.

Goodbye. Goodbye.

Martin?

Martin?

Do you want to know something nice?

Do you?

Something very nice has happened, I've been to... We are... I...

Father is dead.

How fantastic!

I had never imagined the possibility that Father could be dead.

Martin... Martin.

Go away, I want to be alone.

Go away! Didn't you hear?

Let's celebrate the old man's disease.

I wanted to tell you something important!

- Not now, Marta. - Yes, but...

Are you coming or not? The offer is not valid for long.

Marta...

I served the drinks.

Here you are. I'm sorry.

Thank you, sir.

You look unhappy, Marta dear, is something troubling you?

Don't you worry about the future?

To be honest, I don't care a bit about the future.

- Do you know what I planned? - No.

I'll go to the old man's funeral and repair my damaged reputation.

My painting is very important to me as you know.

I don't want to lose my allowance.

- I understand. - I think I'll go in the morning.

Of course.

- Will you be here when I return? - No, I don't think so.

- What are you going to do at home? - You know I'm going to university.

Perhaps we'll soon meet again.

My sweet. You're sweet tonight, but so serious.

Are you sad because we will be separated?

A little. Aren't you?

Of course. But you must agree we've had some good times together.

Yes.

I'm so hopelessly inconsistent, it's almost a problem for me.

But you too are quite frivolous and that consoles me a little.

Yes.

Perhaps we'll meet in some other garden and play some other time.

Who knows?

- Shall we go? - Sure. I've paid.

Paris Soir, Paris Soir, Gazette...

Marta... what was the important thing you wanted to tell me this afternoon?

I leave early tomorrow morning. There won't be much time to talk.

Nothing.

You seemed anxious.

It was just a joke.

Taxi! Taxi!

Taxi!

Now push and it'll soon be over.

Now we can call in the anaesthetist.

How will the baby get out? My belly is as big as before.

It will never get out. It will never get out.

Breathe deeply...

- Now let her sleep. - Count.

One, two, three, four, five...

- Is it a girl? - Look for yourself.

Now isn't that a nice story. But why did you marry Martin?

I love him.

You should have lived alone with your child and fought for it.

That would have been grand.

You spoiled everything with your compromise.

Life is not that grand, Maj dear.

- Life is what one makes it. - Exactly, my girl.

Our dear husbands seem to be late. Shall I heat up the coffee?

That's a good idea, but Karin must also speak.

There's so little I have to tell. And so funny.

I can talk while the coffee heats up.

Let's all go into the kitchen.

Maj!

Henrik!

Henrik! Are you here already?

How nice! Did you sneak off and leave the old fogeys?

How are you? You look so sad. Has anything happened? Are you sad?

I'm so awfully happy to see you...

I'm so angry I could go to pieces. Come, let's talk.

Nobody will disturb us at the jetty.

What a disaster!

Father, Uncle Fredrik and Eugen have decided that I will work at the firm.

Have you ever heard such a stupid idea?

I'm to study at the Faculty of Commerce, starting September.

I said I didn't want to.

Uncle Fredrik wondered what I would suggest, you know what he's like.

I couldn't say I'd rather go travelling and have a look around,

so I said I didn't and looked like a fool.

"Decided," said Uncle Fredrik

and the brothers looked like they were staring at a grave.

- Dad too. - That's typical.

"I'm sure you'll like it," Father said.

I said no, but I couldn't say any more because I felt like crying.

- That's lousy. - Really lousy is what it is.

One thing is for sure, I have to either kill myself or get out.

If you die, I want to die too.

- I can't have that on my conscience! - Then there's only one solution.

- Let's get out! - Let's get out!

- Just run away. - I've planned everything.

- I have some money in the bank. - Me too.

Do you have a passport?

- You know I do. - I forgot.

- When are we going? - Tonight. At once.

I've packed, we only need to pack your things.

We'll take the train at eight to Copenhagen tomorrow.

We'll go to Paris and then to Italy when we have no money.

My friend said we could stay with him for nothing.

How fantastic! I love you!

We'll leave tonight.

Go and pack, but be careful. I'll write a letter to Mum and Dad.

- Now get a move on! - So long.

My story isn't even a story,

it's just a comic episode.

It was the centenary of the firm, the night was over, the guests had gone.

We were tired and happy...

Mother, dear...

Cheers!

Miss Viola, we're leaving now!

Goodnight, Mother dear.

Sleep well, Mother dear.

- Goodbye. - Thank you, and goodbye.

- So long, Fredrik. - So long, old man.

Can I speak to you or have you drunk too much?

- How is your wife? - She isn't my wife.

Annette saw her in town and she seemed to be in her last month.

- So what? - Are you living together?

No, she lives with her parents, they're away.

- Yes, but... - She doesn't care about me.

She doesn't want any contact with me.

And I understand her. She doesn't even want to speak on the phone.

I beg her to marry me, but she doesn't want to. She doesn't want to!

Imagine...

She says I am incorrigible.

But she doesn't give me a chance.

Karin! Come, let's go.

I'm coming.

See you.

Will you come in our car?

No thanks. Annette and I are going for a walk.

Can I be an hour late for the office tomorrow?

Idiot! Come in a week, if you like.

I wouldn't like to do that...

- Do you want your hat? - Goodnight.

- So long, Karin dear. - Goodbye.

Come along.

You drive, I've had two drinks.

Well...

...in all families, there is nearly always one black sheep,

a good-for-nothing.

I mean Eugen, and one poor bookkeeper's soul, Paul.

- And finally one competent bastard. - The competent bastard, is that you?

Why not?

I made Dad's firm a world business where we own 79% of shares.

I am at my peak - full of energy and love for my work,

with plenty of ideas for the future, which seems bright.

My children are talented and well bred, I have a beautiful wife.

I revolutionized our export industry.

- I'm slightly intoxicated. - You have no friends either.

I don't need any. I feel well. I sleep well. My stomach is well.

Sound teeth. I can hold my drink. Bowling champion.

Could I wish for more? No!

It is as if all the unpleasant things in life go away when I turn up.

Yes, you are indeed extraordinary.

I discern the sarcastic inflection, but I don't mind, Karin dear.

No man is great in the eyes of his wife.

No... God is probably not married.

By the way, you could have covered up a bit more on such a formal evening.

All night, I worried your decollete would slip into the ice cream.

You probably came half naked to irritate me.

How did you guess?

A woman of your age should cover up more.

- Jealous? - Just a little uneasy.

Luckily I checked up on your brother Martin,

he could have caused a scene!

- How is his concubine? - I saw her in Sturegatan yesterday.

- She looks as if she's due any time. - What?

She's having a baby. You know that awkward sickness women get sometimes.

Oh hell, and I thought she was such a nice girl.

- Her reputation isn't good. - You know that?

- One hears things. - I still thought she looked nice.

At your age, Fredrik,

one mistakes qualities of young, attractive women.

It has something to do with internal secretion.

- Thanks for telling me. - You have shaving foam in your ear.

- What? - There's shaving foam in your ear.

You've known without saying...

I received the Crown Prince with... That is so...

The Crown Prince was quite fascinated by your ear

which looked as white as a glacier.

I did think he seemed quite absent-minded. What the hell...

- But you looked so cute... - Damn it, you are a...

- Remember your blood pressure... - No. Yes. No.

- Well, we're home now. - I told Inga to take the pram up.

You never know what kind of people pass here all day.

- Right then, here we go. - Yes.

Well, it has been a great night for all of us.

And we have every reason to be satisfied. A great night!

I'm proud of you, Fredrik Lobelius!

Now isn't that strange? Oh dear!

- Now take it easy. - Have I said a word?

The first thing to do in a situation like this is ring the alarm.

It's this red button. Here goes.

- I don't hear anything. - Naturally.

The alarm is in the concierge's room.

He'll wake up and come and help us in a few minutes.

- Are you sure of that? - Take it easy and sit down.

I'm entirely at ease. You're the one who seems nervous.

Me? Not at all.

- Are you smoking? - Does it bother you?

If we are going to be here all night, the air will be scarce.

That's ridiculous.

Shut up. Listen. Do you hear?

No.

I hear footsteps. It's the concierge. Everything is OK.

- Well, I don't hear any steps. - I told you to be quiet!

It's only the water pipes.

Hello!

Hello?

- You sound like an old cuckoo clock. - Try it yourself, and see.

Well... it takes a woman to fix this.

Now look!

- Did you get hurt? - No...

But my cigar and glasses are gone. This happens when women fix things.

Oh, did I construct this lift?

The inventor's mother was probably a woman.

Let's not get heated.

- There's really nothing to laugh at. - Did you see your top hat?

- How funny. For you! Ha ha! - You look like a clown.

After careful consideration, I see only one way out and it's not good.

What, my darling?

I have a feeling that you arranged this and you're enjoying yourself.

Wouldn't you be awfully glad to be alone once in a while

with your beloved, almost for an unlimited period?

Very kind of you to say so, dear Kajsa.

Anyway, I see only one way out which is shouting until somebody hears.

But won't we look ridiculous?

That may be so, but if I can confess something to you, Karin,

the most unpleasant thing I know, after serpents, rats and communists,

is being trapped and not being able to get out.

I am a little sweaty.

A weak point in a strong man. Hurray! Hurray!

- I think I'll take my coat off. - Of course you should.

Now let's shout. But we won't just shout anything like, "Help, help".

That only seems hysterical and disorganised.

- Exactly my opinion. - Again, your irony is out of place.

I think we should shout, "Hello", quite simply, both at once.

Now, let's shout.

One, two, three. Hello.

One, two, three...

Why aren't you shouting?

The lamp has got unscrewed. We should screw it a little tighter.

Leave it, my darling.

My little sweetheart, don't be sad.

They'll come and save us before we starve to death or eat each other.

- Darling? - What's the matter?

- My knees are hurting. - I'm terribly sorry.

I can sit on the floor.

- Can't I sit in your lap? - That too!

15 years ago, you'd have been happy for me sit like this with you.

Don't be silly, 15 years ago you weighed less.

You're no Adonis either. Or what do the little girls say?

Women have a way of being shameless even towards their husbands.

What do your beautiful youths, the lapdogs who surround you, say?

Didn't you know that a woman reaches her most beautiful blossom after 35?

- No. I refuse to know. - Pity, we could have lots of fun.

- Something creaked. - Was that you?

It's the chair. I don't want to fall onto the floor.

- Let's kiss, hidden in the darkness. - Sit down on the chair.

- What's that sound? - I don't know.

Poor Fredrik, you're hungry. Your little tummy is rumbling.

To be honest, I wouldn't mind a sandwich and a beer right now.

Wait, I have a piece of chocolate in my bag.

- Do you want some? - No, thanks, certainly not.

- But it's filling. - No, thanks.

Suit yourself.

Please give me a piece after all.

Perhaps chocolate is better than when I was a child.

- Well? - Well... Karin?

- Want some more? - Yes, please.

- Pity, there's nothing left. - I see. Kajsa?

Kajsa is all ears.

Now that we are all by ourselves, for once,

let's be quite sincere, just for fun,

and forget what we'll say now tomorrow.

Oh, I dread what's going to come now.

I've often wondered if you...

Just tell me.

It will just sound ridiculous, you might get the wrong impression.

- This is like an operatic overture. - Have you been unfaithful to me?

Yes, sure.

Really?

You admit it like that?

But you asked me.

- What if I had asked another day? - I'd have said yes as well...

Now, really, I see, really. Well, that's... interesting.

- Do you want to sit down? - I'm alright.

Suit yourself.

Has this happened often, with different people?

Of course. What did you think?

Have you, for instance, got a lover right now, for instance?

As a matter of fact, I'm in a difficult position at the moment.

I've got two to pick from, but I don't know which one to take.

- It's very thrilling, isn't it? - Awfully.

Perhaps you could help me choose?

Me? Really, Karin. Sometimes you really are... slightly peculiar.

- I'm your husband. - You're supposed to be.

Why do you say that?

How often have you been unfaithful to me?

Me?

Yes, you, Fredrik Lobelius.

How often and with how many women have you been unfaithful to me?

I think I need not answer such a stupid question.

Alright. I've never betrayed you. It was all a joke just now.

- You can't fool me. - You have no proof.

Neither have you.

- Actually, I do. - What?

That scared you!

Well, well, I see. I think you're bluffing, dear Karin.

I'll say one name only.

Diana.

Diana.

He blushes. He blushes like a schoolboy.

A poor little boy found with his fingers in the jam jar.

Well, Diana. Alright. She wasn't all there, so what?

It was over very quickly.

Well, she was not mad, except with love.

Well, this 19-year-old American girl put two sleuths onto you.

- It must have cost her. - The hell she did!

Yes, how unpleasant women can be!

She had you followed for two years, my boy.

And last week, she went by air to Copenhagen.

- Do you know where she went? - Did she speak to you?

As a matter of fact she has.

And she's given me a small list

of all your little adventures during the last two years.

Do you know what she's doing now?

You're just pulling my leg. You're lying.

I've got the list in my bag. We can read it together.

No, thanks.

I think I'll sit on the floor, I can sit on my coat.

Right now, this energetic girl is visiting all your other girlfriends

and handing them the list.

You're in it with a biography and everything.

I see.

You haven't been moving in the best circles.

No.

Women are women.

All of us have got the same physical equipment, more or less perfect.

I'm guessing it wasn't a case of deep and meaningful exchanges.

Little Diana. Who would have thought she had the energy?

Perhaps I should give her a job in the firm.

- Was it fun? - Can I be honest?

- Try to if you can. - It was fun.

I've enjoyed almost every affair I've had and never regretted any.

Like a nice dinner!

- But more fun, I like women. - And despise them.

No more than I despise myself, so not much.

Have you ever had any reason to complain?

No.

Why haven't you told me about all your affairs yourself?

- We've never discussed that. - That's stupid.

That's wise.

We lead our own lives, we educate our children, we have a home together.

Beyond that, full freedom, perfect discretion. That's all.

- What is it? What's the matter? - My leg is numb.

Wait, I'll rub it for you.

But I have forbidden you to go out with short underwear!

It gives you rheumatism.

It feels good.

You used to be a good physiotherapist.

You should start massaging me again, like before.

Thank you, dear God. Do you feel better now?

You're so damn strong. I've always been in awe of you.

Don't say that, Fredrik.

Sometimes I've thought, there's nothing you and I couldn't achieve

with our joint intelligence and strength.

Idiot.

Would you mind letting go of my hair? It hurts.

One should never ask one another to forgive things like these.

I'll phone Mother and ask her to take care of the house.

You'll come with me to Belgium.

- What will I do in Belgium? - You'll travel as my secretary.

- Mrs Aronsson at the office... - I don't give a damn about her.

- Are you serious? - Deadly serious.

- One should never hope for anything. - No Kajsa, but it's an experiment.

Before the end of the trip, you might hate me and I might hate you.

But if you want to, we'll do this experiment.

"Better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all",

as I think the poet said.

- Say... I have a confession to make. - Save it.

- No, I can tell you now. - Well, say it.

About that list... it was just a lie.

The only thing I knew about was your affair with Diana.

Oh, you...

- Where does one get everything from? - About those lovers, is that also...

- Only slightly true... - So, slightly true then?

- Jealous? - A little.

I am glad to hear that. I am so glad, my beloved.

I'm so glad, my Othello...

We should have got stuck in broken lifts more often

during our 13-year marriage.

Don't you think?

I don't know anything. What was it you said?

Nothing.

Once,

I said to a good friend

I love him with a passion,

which is both black and red.

Who?

You.

You!

What do you like least about me?

When you put on your bossy voice. "Well, I see, well, well."

What do you like least about me?

Your teasing.

- Am I teasing you now? - Yes.

That decollete is very flattering.

Can you see it in the dark, here?

No... not see.

A lovers' moment in the lift,

that's something to tell the grandchildren.

- Shut up. - I won't say a word.

- What's that? - It's the lift.

- Excuse me. - I hit my head.

But, my dear, it's so crowded in here.

- Something's come undone. - Come undone?

- Where are my shoes? - They're on the floor.

Here they are. They're here!

Alright, I must have my coat anyway.

Wait a moment.

Nobody can see you.

- Jesus, I thought they were dead. - Good morning.

- The alarm is out of order. - Yes, we know.

I'm awfully sorry

that you and Mrs Lobelius have had to sit, have had to sit, stand...

- By all means. - Could you let us out?

Of course. Just a slight turn, and it's resolved, like this.

- Good morning. - Good morning.

Today, the firm stands without a helmsman.

- What's he doing? - He's gone ashore.

And sleeps in the arms of a bad girl.

He sleeps with a bad girl all day.

What is that?

- It's our Brazilian representative. - No.

We have a conference with four others at 10.

I told him he could phone when he arrived.

Goodbye, beautiful helmsman.

- Well, but this is important. - No it isn't... what... No!

Hello? Is that you, Paul? Did you meet him at the station?

I see, well, well. You are an example to your brother.

I've been in a lift, I just need to shave. Bye!

A lift, I said. Bye!

Sometimes he doesn't understand.

Well... what a night!

And I've been allowed to travel with him sometimes,

and sometimes I'm allowed to rub his bad leg.

What are you thinking of, Marta?

Nothing.

Of Martin,

and how he will be when we meet.

Whether he'll laugh and hold me,

or whether his face will be dark and make me cry.

Now Annette should tell.

I haven't got anything to tell, not in the least.

It's horrible but it's typical of Paul and me...

- They're coming, they're coming! - I was going to change my dress.

- Nonsense, you don't need to. - I can't go down like this.

- To bed children. - But we may go down and say hello.

No, I must change.

What are you doing?

Henrik and I are running away.

- I'll say. - Don't be sarcastic.

I'm surprised, understandably.

- After all, you're my little sister. - I'll write to Mum and Dad.

- You're not running away. - You're going to stop me?

- Yes, I certainly will. - By force?

Yes, if necessary.

Henrik may go where he pleases,

but I'm responsible for you.

You can talk about responsibility!

You've been so easy-going, and you've done a lot of things.

- I beg you not to go. - Why? For what reason?

It's stupid.

It's more stupid to let Henrik go alone.

I'll lose him if I do.

And I love him, just as much as you love your stupid Martin.

Speak to Mother first. Can you at least do that?

- I beg you, Maj. - I wouldn't dream of it.

Marta, Martin is there wondering why you're not there to meet him.

Marta, can't you see?

Don't worry about me, I'll leave quietly with my Henrik.

But... you're only a little girl.

No! I'm not a little girl.

And I know what I want, and how to take care of myself,

at least as well as you other women.

Henrik and I, we love each other.

With no compromises, no half measures like you poor women.

But truly. 100%. You see?

- Don't you think they've grown? - They are so cute...

- They are so big... - Watch it, you!

- Hello! - Hello!

I told you it was too heavy!

Swear that you will always love me as much as tonight.

I swear.

Swear you'll never compromise, never take the wrong turn,

never be disgusting or unfaithful or lie like everyone else.

I swear.

Because then one might as well be dead.

Is that Henrik and Maj who can't get the engine started?

Yes, I think so.

- Paul, it's awful. - What's awful?

- They're going to run away abroad. - They are?

What should one do? I feel powerless.

- Well, let them run away. - What are you saying?

Let them go, I said. They'll be back soon enough.

Do you think so?

The most important thing is that they think it's forbidden.

Oh, Paul.

Let them have their summer.

The wounds and prudence and all that will come soon.

Well, it's getting cold now, let's go inside.

Oh, Paul.

Now... don't cry, Marta dear.

It's just that I feel so happy.