Original subtitles

(suspenseful music)

- Careful, Otto.

Don't spill it.

Hold your horses.

Children, heed the warnings of your parents.

Peril awaits the incautious wayfarer,

and strews grief where laughter once played.

Think twice.

I'm sure you can live without that.

Don't get wet.

Nature has built for us a beautiful world.

Allow yourself to drink in its wonders safely.

Paths must be climbed with the sure footedness

of a mountain goat,

but beware your skill at climbing,

the skill assures nothing.

The heedless heart could be lured to dangerous heights,

and to sudden ice,

where a single wobbly stone

can pry you loose from the path,

and serenade you with the whistling wind

of the death plummet.

(man screams)

Then there was always the avalanche.

When the snow relaxes it's grip

on the slope and is dragged down

under its own crushing weight,

the slightest sound.

(man sneezes)

Or any false move by anyone can trigger

these deadly landslides

and sweep all into oblivion.

Guard yourself and your neighbor

against making that fatal sound.

Be vigilant.

You have your binoculars, use them.

Silence!

Propriety.

While clutched to its mother's bosom,

a baby in Talzbad once lost an eye

when a carelessly unpinned brooch

pierced right through the baby's eyelid,

as if infected with his carelessness,

the same baby, by then a grown swan feeder,

lost his other eye

when he got too close to a clock.

Caution is not enough for the blind,

it wasn't long before the swan feeder too

heard the loud song of the wind.

- You should never hold a baby's face

near an open pin.

- [Narrator] Once an avalanche started

by the single bleat of a lamb

uncovered all the graves in the cemetery.

The dead had been so well preserved

by the ice, long dead youthful husbands

were revisited by their brides,

now withered and old,

and young parents by their old children.

Henceforth, before burying,

all the dead had their hearts perforated

with a long nail of the coroner,

just to be on the safe side.

And ever since, to prevent a repetition

of the tragedy, all farm animals

have had their vocal cords severed.

Absolute silence is required of us.

Children sit still.

The noise of your play must be muted

until you comprehend the risk you represent.

Keep a lid on it.

Don't be rash.

I'll do it, don't stand so close to the walnut tree.

You'll catch a chill.

Don't put too much pepper on it.

After long research, I've discovered

the existence of mountain gnomes,

rare and extremely hard to find places,

quirks of the mountain ranges,

where all sounds send up a perfectly canceled

by their own echos.

For here, within these acoustic shadows,

no dangerous noises can escape

to unloose the crushing mass of snow.

Here cautions then can be given

to stifle impulses.

We can sing, laugh, cavort,

but I must rest.

Even though safety is assured

by the acoustic laws of the ranges,

we must not believe ourselves to be safe.

For always, there is the wild, uncontrolled

sound of nature.

Terrifying time, twice, yearly,

when the noisy flocks of migrating geese

pass overhead.

(suspenseful music)

And where death passes its hand,

all will be white.

Careful, townsmen, careful, careful, careful.

But today is the day of the Tolzbad spring concert.

Today the feast of St. Bathilde,

we have all crowded within our prettiest

acoustical shelter.

(choral music)

- Isn't your brother handsome?

- This next part is very, very difficult for Johann.

Hold tight, Mother.

(horn plays)

(choir sings)

(audience applauds)

(birds chirp)

- Sit still, Klara.

You will ruin the picture.

- Yes, Papa.

- Herr Trotta, I was thinking.

- Yes, Johann?

- Herr Trotta, I was thinking.

- Perhaps you shouldn't say what you're thinking.

- I can't help myself.

I'd like to ask you for Klara's hand in marriage.

- We've known each other since birth.

- Well, what do you think, Sigleinde?

Should we say yes?

- Papa, what do I know about such things?

- Johann, you have my consent.

- Papa.

(static hums)

(birds chirp)

- Now, Sigleinde, I do believe we're late.

- For what again?

- I thought I'd die.

- Your eyes are so blue.

- Johann, watch your tongue.

- It's true.

You're as fresh and sound as a rose.

- [Klara] Oh, Johann, it's magic that binds me to you.

Ours is a magic that--

- Curious feature of life in this valley,

when two people who are in love

speak to each other, however softly,

their voices carry for miles.

- [Johann] Forever.

- Until tomorrow, Johann.

(dramatic music)

- Don't lose your way.

Don't stay up too late, darling.

You need your sleep.

I'll never let you out of my sight.

- Don't forget to wear your sweater

at the crevasse.

- Goodnight.

- I'm afraid she has made lamb tonight.

Would you like to set the table?

- Watch how we set the table at butler school, Mother.

You can time this if you'd like.

If we make any mistakes, feel free to cane us,

as Frau Teacher says how you learn to be prepared

for next time.

(playful music)

- Why such a good mood, Johann?

- Only because Klara and I are going to be married.

- And when are you going to make your mother happy?

- Sigleinde would marry you.

- There shall be dancing.

Lower the sheepskins.

(crowd laughs)

- Listen to that noise outside.

The villagers from Setzburg are at it again.

- One of these days, they pay dearly

for their shouting and carrying on.

God forgive me.

(sweeping music)

(Mother laughs)

You're the youngest.

You have to stay and take care of me.

(Mother laughs)

(door creaks)

- Did you see the concert, Franz?

You'll get sunstroke.

I've got good news, my dear brother.

Klara and I are going to be...

Picking idle berries.

We're going to bring you a bowl.

What do we have here?

Christmas ornaments, an inspiration.

You could draw these.

I'll give them to Klara.

She loves your drawings.

Bye for now.

(sweeping music)

(Mother laughs)

(tranquil music)

- Goodnight, Johann.

- This has been the happiest day of my life, Mother.

- You deserve all the happiness there is, my son.

Try not to sleepwalk.

- [Johann] Goodnight, Mother.

(dramatic music)

- Robert, Johann, look at me.

Help your father.

- I am late for my wedding.

- Listen to my heart.

It's dripping like a leaky tap.

Ever since they punctured it.

(water drips)

- [Klara] Johann.

(suspenseful music)

- Mother.

- Johann.

Johann.

Johann.

Johann.

(class clinks)

Johann.

Johann.

Johann.

Breakfast, children.

- Are you ill, Mother?

- No.

Why do you ask?

- Look, there's my hat.

It must have fallen on the floor.

- You're the one that looks ill.

Let me feel your forehead.

Sit down, rest yourself.

Tea's almost ready.

- Look Johann, this napkin fold is called the lotus.

- Not on the table, Grigorss.

- But diligence is a butler's ally.

That's what Frau Teacher says.

(water pours)

(Mother swallows)

Herr Bloomfeld came along today.

His dog ran away.

- A dog needs a good, strong chain.

- Johann, you forgot to change the air.

- Sorry.

(bird chirps)

(wind blows)

(bird squeaks)

- Hurry up, Johann, we'll be late for butler school.

Come on, Johann.

(bird chirps)

- Don't talk to strangers.

(locks click)

(dramatic music)

- Good morning, children.

- [Group] Good morning, Frau Teacher.

- Today I have to talk to you about something very sad.

You all know about the tragic accidents

that happened on the Igonose War in Setzbook.

Some of you even saw the one who was rescued.

The other one no longer lives.

He will not come back to his parents.

He can no longer enjoy the beautiful things

that life,

which is so very, very precious,

may have had in store for him.

Never gamble with life.

(dramatic music)

You are butler students.

It is hoped you will be punctual,

faithful, diligent, fair mannered,

polite, earnest and hard working,

zealous and always obedient while you are with us.

Your appearance is inoffensive

and I trust your conduct will be so, too.

Polish until you can see your own reflection.

(dramatic music)

Pluck those nose hairs, Fritz.

But I must insist you make an effort

to restrain all your movements,

loud voices and clumsy feet are not in fashion here,

and never shall we--

- Master has an occluded bowl.

Alert Herr Doctor Schmidt at once.

- Try to see, you might find it in your path,

always set foot on the floor

with the utmost care.

(dramatic music)

The count exceedingly sensitive about this.

Brock.

Clean yourself.

Try again.

Be quick, cautious, alert, precise, silent.

I also recommend that your comportment

remain cold and serene.

Here are the bodies of those foolish climbers.

What is the lesson?

- [Group] Never gamble with life.

- Kurt.

- She needs a light for her cigar.

- Correct.

Hans.

- Remove the serving dish.

- Correct.

Seth.

- Slide in her chair.

- [Teacher] Berder?

- [Berder] Her fork has fallen on the floor.

- [Teacher] Correct, Grigor?

- Plump the seat cushion.

- [Teacher] Correct, Johann?

- Remove her nightgown.

- Wrong.

You are a butler good for nonsense

but make sound stirring.

- Steady, man.

- [Teacher] Kurt.

- You're thinking too much of your Klara.

- [Kurt] Groom his mustache.

- [Teacher] Correct, Hans.

- [Hans] The napkin is folded improperly.

(water runs)

- Frau Teacher is very strict.

- Brother, where are you going?

Klara's coming here to meet you.

- Tell her I'm ill.

Tell her whatever you like.

(owl hoots)

- [Woman] Yes I will.

- [Man] Who's here?

- Oh, Papa. - Watch your step.

(wind blows)

(crow caws)

- This is from Johann.

- Eggs break very easily.

You'd best give it to Sigleinde.

- Where is Johann?

- Johann is ill.

(suspenseful music)

- The passions grow on High Mountains,

and fling their red blossoms to the storm.

Perhaps the boy has mountain fever.

It begins innocently enough,

with dreams of mountains, a peak round as a plum,

and nee, your crest like a frosted bosom,

white as goat's milk.

Who can resist the temptation to climb?

It is the fool's once swoons,

the rocks will catch you and pierce the embrace.

There is something terrible about mountains.

But the wind passes over anything else in nature,

long grass or flowers,

there is a brief agitation, an anxious stirring,

it passes away, as impotent as it be.

With mountains, it is different.

Look at the ripples that wrinkles on the rock.

The fearful passage of the wind

is etched in the very stone,

like a scream that never ends.

(suspenseful music)

- [Mother] Johann,

Johann.

You better put your name on your new toothbrush

before some accidents happen.

(glass clinks)

(wind blows)

(rock falls)

(birds call)

- Franz.

This is your father.

I have come back.

Are you still alive?

Nod if you are real.

I hear you nod.

Death has sharpened my ears,

but for some reason, it has left me blind,

just as in life.

I cannot see what death is like,

but this is what I know.

Sounds of swans wings beating ceaselessly

above my head,

night winds blowing against my cheeks.

Most of the time, I remember nothing and have no thoughts.

Then a memory strays into my head,

like a lost traveler famished and pleading.

I dreamt I saw your footprints

in the wet part of the underworld.

Why your footprints, Franz?

You who have never walked.

I heard your footprints speak to me in your voice.

You who have never spoken.

I followed you here in my dream.

Am I awake?

I know that I am in your room,

and that you see me.

Your brother's heart, it is full of sores.

He dreams of his mother like a bridegroom.

He is confused.

His virginity has become a curse.

One can't get lost in love.

When I remember anything,

I remember how much I wanted your mother's kisses.

My desire still lives in this house, unsatisfied

and your mother's desire, also unfulfilled,

Johann has breathed it in.

Warn him.

I am counting on you to warn him.

Warn him.

Warn him.

Warn him.

(birds call)

- Look at that butterfly, how innocent it is.

Let us strive for purity in everything,

even after our wedding.

- Purity sickens me.

You could be pure for both of us.

- Johann.

- Klara.

Suppose that the sounds of angels singing hymns

to our virtual love was in reality

acquired from the deepest pit of hell.

- [Klara] What are you saying?

You frighten me.

- Forgive my raving.

I have not been sleeping well.

- We live in a very high altitude.

You need rest.

Keep your mind fixed on goodness,

as it always has been and all will be well.

Here, let me smooth your brow.

(dramatic music)

- How our feelings play with us.

- [Mother] If you drop that,

you will be the one who picks it up.

Use both hands.

(woman vocalizes)

Don't spill the hot wax.

Chemicals can get onto your shoes,

then onto the cabinet.

Watch your fingers.

Careful.

(woman vocalizes)

- Is that Johann in trouble?

Can't you hear?

Go to him.

(suspenseful music)

(Mother swallows)

(button clicks)

(glass shatters)

(cloth snips)

(wind blows)

(Johann gasps)

(water sizzles)

(Johann cries)

(dramatic music)

(bones crunch)

(suspenseful music)

- Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

Mother, forgive me.

Forgive me.

(somber music)

- Please sew these fingers back on.

If my mother suspected it wasn't an accident,

it would finish her.

(dramatic music)

- No more.

(suspenseful music)

(woman vocalizes)

(dramatic music)

(bird chirps)

- I learned today I'm first in my class.

Count Knotkers always hires the best

of the graduating butlers to enter his service.

Can you imagine me waiting tables

and lighting fires in that castle?

- Quite an honor.

- Of course, the job would have gone to Johann,

were he still with us.

I'm sorry to mention his name.

- One can't live in the past.

I must put all that behind me.

(bell clinks)

- I'd like to share my income with your family.

I realize your father's experiments,

however valuable, bring in very little money.

If you'd allow me to do this small thing.

- Thank you, my friend.

That won't be necessary.

I accepted a job in the mines.

I begin work this afternoon, as a matter of fact.

- You, in the mines?

- Why not?

I'm as strong as any man in the village.

In the darkness all day

seems strangely comforting to me now.

- Perhaps I could accompany you to work someday.

- You just have.

Oh, there's Papa.

- Hello, Grigorss.

Klara, I do wish you'd reconsider.

- Don't be silly, Papa.

Mining's just like chopping firewood,

and besides in the mines, you can sing

without starting an avalanche.

- Very well, the least I can do is escort

you down on your first day.

- Don't forget your helmet.

(bells clink)

(dramatic music)

- What will you be doing today?

- Oh, your sister and I will take

our usual walk in the village.

Perhaps, I'll finish my painting of her.

- You still haven't painted me, Father.

- I'm still waiting for inspiration.

(woman vocalizes)

Goodbye, Klara.

Take care now.

- Bye, Papa.

You forgot your gloves.

You forgot your gloves.

You forgot your gloves.

You forgot your gloves.

(woman vocalizes) (suspenseful music)

You forgot your gloves.

(dramatic music)

(birds call)

- I'm Grigorss Bernholtz, the new butler.

- I am Herr Schmidt.

Wipe your feet before you come in.

I hope that's a clean shirt.

- Does the Count wish to see me before I begin?

- The Count must never be disturbed.

If you do not stay out of his way,

you will have cause to regret it.

A word of caution.

Don't, under any circumstances,

go into this room.

- No, Herr Schmidt.

- Only the nuns are allowed in here, do you understand?

- Yes, Herr Schmidt, I think so,

only the nuns.

- This is the white bedroom.

The Count's mother rests her.

Since her illness, nothing, absolutely nothing

of her is to be touched by unconsecrated hands.

Are your bowel movements regular?

- Yes, Herr Schmidt.

- I'm glad to hear it.

(dramatic music)

(suspenseful music)

- [Klara] Papa, I'm home from the mines.

- How funny you look.

Papa said you'd come home dirty.

He laughed when I asked if you'd look

like a chimney sweep in my fairy book.

- Papa laughed?

- Look, I have something to show you.

Papa bought me this today.

He didn't want the sun to burn my fair skin.

He spoils us so, doesn't he, Klara?

- Come down to the river with me.

- Right now?

- I need your help to clean off this dust.

(water runs)

Come in.

- [Sigleinde] It's too cold.

- [Klara] Take off your dress and come in.

I can't clean myself.

- What if someone sees us?

- It's dark.

We've swam together hundreds of times as children.

Don't frustrate me.

- Only for a minute.

Don't splash me.

- [Klara] I won't.

(water splashes)

Start with my face, rub hard.

- It's too deep here.

The rock is slippery.

- [Klara] You silly girl.

- I can't swim, I'm getting out.

- Clean my face.

- Is that you, Klara?

- Cover your eyes, Papa.

I'm helping Klara scrub herself.

- This is most improved.

Klara, what is the meaning of this?

- [Klara] There's so much grime, Papa.

I needed help.

- Come to the house when you've finished,

and we will discuss the matter.

- The Count has summoned you to his chamber.

What have you done?

- Nothing.

- You must have committed some grave offense.

The Count never sees anyone.

(metal clangs)

- Let a little light in.

So, you disappoint me.

- I'm very sorry, Count Knotkers.

- Raise your head, I can't see you.

You look like you've killed someone.

- I feel so ashamed at having displeased you.

It was such an honor to be chosen

as one of your servants.

My poor mother is overjoyed that I'm working here.

Am I to be dismissed?

- [Knotkers] Please calm yourself.

I was teasing you about being disappointed.

You've done nothing wrong.

I wanted to ask you about your mother.

- My mother?

- [Knotkers] Yes.

My mother is dead, as you must know.

We were very close.

- She was a great lady.

- [Knotkers] It was difficult for me

to think of anyone else

while she was alive.

You must know that feeling.

- Yes, I do.

- But now she's passed away.

Is your mother still as beautiful as I remember?

- It's a difficult question for a son to answer.

- I knew her very well

in my rather devil-may-care youth.

Has she spoken of me to you?

- Only as a man to be looked up to.

My brother and I were told to include

your name in our night prayers.

- [Knotkers] I'm pleased to hear it.

You know, I've been shut up in this castle

for too long now.

I long for some companionship.

- The villagers dream of capturing a glimpse of you.

- [Knotkers] As they should.

Perhaps I will pay a visit to your mother

one day soon for old time's sake.

- It would be a very great honor.

I hope she can bear up in your presence.

She does not handle excitement very well.

- Yes, she is rather delicate.

Well, convey my regards to her.

That's all, you may go now.

(dramatic music)

- Eight o'clock, lights out.

- Trouble, once again, my faithful Franz,

you must act this time to save your mother

from a terrible fate.

The former rival of mine will be entering my house,

yes, it is my house,

whether anybody remembers my place here or not.

This rival will speak words of love to your mother

and she will drink them in eagerly,

helplessly until she is mad for his touch,

for his breath upon her neck.

I see his cloak draped over her nakedness,

and her forgetting everything but his tight,

pinchy fingers, his greedy biting.

She will leave this house for good and go to him.

You will never have her forgiveness,

and you will be sealed up in this attic forever.

Act now, Franz, while there is still time.

(suspenseful music)

- Can I help you roll out the dough, Mother?

- I'm making gooseberry pie.

- My favorite, and a brimming mug

of cow warm milk to go with it.

- Tell me about your day at the castle.

- I performed all my duties with grace and decorum.

- Don't boast, Grigorss.

It will make you careless,

and stop eating those gooseberries.

- What would you say if I told you

I had an audience with the count?

- I'd say it was impossible.

- You are full of secrets, Mother.

He says he knows you.

- You have spoken to him.

- I was a little troubled by his way

of talking about you.

- How do you mean?

- Oh, I don't know.

Familiar.

Almost flirtatious.

I realize he is the Count,

but you are my mother,

and with father and Johann gone,

I am the protector as well.

- What did he say about me?

- You really loved Papa, didn't you?

- Oh, what a foolish question.

It's not like you to have doubts about me.

- I never doubt you, Mother, only--

- What?

- I'm afraid to ask you this.

- Then perhaps you should think of it better.

- Why do we keep Franz in the attic?

Why won't you let us mention him in your presence?

- I have a hairball in my throat.

I will swallow it.

(bird chirps)

(dramatic music)

- Franz, Father.

Mother.

(dramatic music)

- [Woman] Help me, Oscar.

Must find the place.

- Stumble around in myself again.

I was going to the house.

You must come tonight.

Zenaida, Zenaida, let me say that name,

that beautiful name, Zenaida.

Zenaida.

Zenaida.

My mother disapproved of our being together.

I couldn't go against her wishes,

but now that she is at rest, I'm free,

free to do what I like.

Do I speak too boldly?

- Oh, let me be bolder still.

The night of my son's tragic accident,

I dreamt that you came into my room,

and kissed me once sweetly on my breast.

Your face was still of that handsome young man

I longed for.

Oh, how many years,

in spite all my troubles and heartache,

I cherished that dream, dearest Count,

as a sign from heaven, God has not forsaken me.

- Why did you marry that wretched swan feeder?

I cringe at the thought of him sleeping beside you.

- If you only knew what I endured with him.

My first child, Franz.

He smelled like my husband even as an infant.

I couldn't nurse him.

I couldn't nurse him without thinking

for a moment how much I hated my life.

He never spoke.

He fell ill and had to be confined to his sick room.

I gave him to my husband.

Feed him with your swans, I told him.

But my other sons, Johann and Grigorss,

they are yours.

At least in spirit.

When I conceived them,

my thoughts were only of you.

I crept out to you, silently.

While my husband blindly and clumsily labored.

- Oh, my darling.

Let me give Grigorss a title then,

and let us wed as soon as possible.

We've wasted half of our lives.

(dramatic music)

- Where are you leading me, daughter?

- You'll see, Papa.

Put your foot just here.

- Here?

- Just there.

(dramatic music)

- Is Sigleinde still behind me?

- Yes, Papa.

I told her to be as quiet as a snowflake.

(dramatic music)

Take off your blindfold.

- Take off my blindfold.

My lord.

Look at this.

What is this place?

- It's my mountain hideaway, Papa.

For weeks, I've been bringing things here.

I wanted to make a little home for the two of us,

a home away from home,

where we can visit and be close

and tell each other stories.

You can write horsehair at this little table.

- [Papa] Where is Sigleinde?

- I want a special place just for the two of us.

Please, Papa, grant me this one request.

- I can't think about this right now.

What have you done with your sister?

- She's walking in the forest.

Here, let me show you my treasure chest

and the quilt I made for you.

- [Papa] Oh, she's lost, I must find her.

Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

- Imagine, only two weeks ago,

you were lighting fires in the basement,

and washing goblets in the kitchen.

Now you're wearing the uniform of a high official.

Don't rub your eyes or this may all disappear.

- How I wish it were that simple to end a nightmare.

(dramatic music)

(glass clinks)

- Very recently,

Grigorss Banholtz joined the ranks of my servants.

He dreamed, like most servants dream,

of a long career of faithfully discharged duties.

Tonight, Grigorss removes his butler's livery

and takes seat at my right hand.

From now on, he shall be called Coronet Counselor

Grigorss von Knotkers.

I will bestow on him all the privileges

of a first born son and I expect all of you

to regard him as my son,

and treat him with the same degree of respect

and deference that you owe to me.

His mother, Zenaida, has agreed to be my wife.

This dinner has been arranged

to make a public announcement of our engagement.

If we seem overly hasty to complete the nuptials,

well, so be it.

When is it more fitting for a man

and a woman to be impetuous

than when they are in love?

Grigorss, please join my side.

Your mother and I would like your blessing

on our union.

I'm sure you won't withhold it.

- Do I have permission to speak?

- [Knotkers] My dear son, you no longer need permission.

- Very well.

Since I've been granted a title,

I'm within my rights to challenge you to a duel,

tomorrow on Bitterwaltz Tongue above the clouds.

- Are you mad?

- Perhaps this will make your decision easier.

This is for shaming the memory of my father

and attempting to lead my too easily tempted

Mother from the path of virtue.

Get your coat, Mother.

Our business here is complete.

(footsteps echo)

- Grigorss, don't turn around.

I can't bear to look at you.

- [Grigorss] In the morning, I'll be dead.

Then you won't have to.

- Let me tell you what you've done tonight.

You've plunged a duck into your mother's heart.

You've ripped my skin off and poured hot lead

into my veins.

- [Grigorss] I'm sorry for any inconvenience

I may have caused you.

- Why have you laid this curse on me?

- Why?

Because you made my poor blind father a cuckold.

Because I wanted to see your seducer smile

die on his face.

- Lower your voice.

We'll set up another lunch.

- What do I care?

Did you see Mother?

White with rage?

If I'd blundered more words in his face,

he'd have died on the spot.

- Listen to me, listen.

I'm still your mother.

You're my only child.

If you should die, I will have no reason to live.

There is still some time to stop this madness.

Come home with me.

(dramatic music)

- Poor Gerta, mountain wild girl.

To be chained so far safety.

(dramatic music)

(woman vocalizes)

- [Papa] This is not approved.

Klara, what is this?

I can't get into this right now,

what have you done with your sister?

Well, what do you think, Sigleinde?

Klara, get dressed.

Come, Sigleinde.

Sigleinde

Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

(water runs)

(woman vocalizes)

Where's Sigleinde?

(fabric rips)

You'd best give it to Sigleinde.

(woman vocalizes)

Sigleinde.

Sigleinde.

- Johann.

Papa.

Grigorss.

Grigorss.

(bird chirps)

(chains rattle)

(dramatic music)

- Lower the sheepskins.

We'll have music.

Remember when Johann and you and I danced together

the last time?

How happy we were then?

- Yes, we were children of light,

or so it seemed.

Now the night's come to drown us.

- Dance with me.

Hold me.

- If I cannot believe in you,

all the women of the world are painted

like the harlot.

- Shh.

It's all a bad dream.

You can beg the Count's forgiveness

in front of his servants.

He will spare your life out of love for me.

- Perhaps I could go away to a distant land.

- Wherever you go, I'll find you.

Mother always knows where her son is hiding.

- Does it me so much to you that I live?

Is it not the Count who's life you fear for?

- Precious child.

Look into my eyes.

What do you see?

- Gentleness.

Pity.

- What can I do to win your faith back?

I'll do anything.

- There is one thing you can do.

If you agree, I will kiss the Count's feet,

plead for mercy.

I'd give my blessings to your marriage.

- Name it, I'll do it.

- Accept Franz as your son.

Go to him.

Embrace him.

Franz loves you.

When I leave, there will be no one left to take care of him.

- You are right.

There must be peace in this home again.

I have done great wrong.

It is God's will.

- I believe you, Mother.

Forgive me.

(dramatic music)

Franz, wake up, you have a visitor.

(dramatic music)

- My son.

My eldest child.

Is there still room in your heart for me?

Oh.

- Now I've told you everything.

Franz can begin living.

A great weight has been lifted from me.

I feel revived.

- You wear false comforts, Grigorss.

What about your father?

Have you forgotten him?

- Of course not.

- Think of what the Count has done to him.

His honor must be vindicated.

- But I made a promise to my mother.

- I've no right to.

I could not love a man who placed anything

above his father's honor,

not even his love for me.

- Do you think you could love me?

I had no hope of you ever loving me.

- I...

Could love someone who has done his duty.

- I've been blind.

Thank God I did not go down on my knees to that monster.

I should go to the castle at once

and arrange the duel.

Knives at dawn.

(birds caw)

(drum beats)

- Here is the hair I have lost in the past three months.

Take it, it belongs to you.

You will know why one day.

If you come out of it alive,

I will be here waiting for you,

and if you don't,

you will be waiting somewhere for me.

Farewell.

(birds call)

(drum beats)

(dramatic music)

- Have you no seconds?

- No one in the community would stand

against the Count.

- Then use Herr Schramel here.

He'll be sacked otherwise for dropping a teacup.

(dramatic music)

(snow crunches)

(wind blows)

(suspenseful music)

(men gasp)

(woman vocalizes)

(men grunt)

(knives hit)

(Count grunts)

(ominous music)

- [Woman] Careful.

(Count grunts)

- My goodness, my luck.

(geese honk)

(men shout)

(wind blows)

- Home.

Home.

Home.

(door creaks)

- Grigorss, my poor boy, what happened?

Did you get caught in the mountain storm?

- Mother.

(water bubbles)

- Are you conscious?

Do you recognize me?

- Where am I?

- Safe at home.

I'm rubbing your chest with a goose grease,

just as I did when you were a little boy.

- Do you remember how often I promised you

that when I grew up,

I would sail out in a big ship

and bring you back all the treasures in the world?

- Do I remember?

You were to bring me yeltzins,

because I loved them so much,

and a pearl.

- Mother, I've done a terrible thing.

- No, last night is past and forgotten.

The Count will forgive you, you'll see.

I have influence over him still.

- I killed Count Knotkers.

Early this morning in a duel.

- What?

What are you saying?

You're delirious.

- There seemed no other way.

Your name was forming on his lips when he died,

two more seconds and he would have spoken it.

- Here, put this on.

Quickly.

- [Grigorss] What am I to do?

- Get out from this house and never come back.

You have killed my love for you.

Go, do you hear me?

There is no goodness left in the world.

(door creaks)

Franz?

I want you to watch over me.

Look at your mother.

I'm rather clumsy.

And you could help me.

Am I doing this right?

Yes, I think so.

There.

(rope creaks)

(dramatic music)

- Klara, Klara.

- Grigorss, you've come at last.

(bell rings)

Well?

- He is dead.

I am an outcast.

- All is not lost.

Come with me, I have something to show you.

- Oh, Klara, you're a wild one.

- So are the reindeer when summer is coming.

(suspenseful music)

You must take the gondola across,

there's very little oxygen.

You may find yourself gasping for breath.

You are not soft hearted, are you, Grigorss?

- No.

I assure you that I'm not.

- I have a dreadful secret to share with you

about my father.

- I'm afraid that in my present state,

nothing could seem dreadful.

- Could you marry me, Grigorss,

even if I were not chaste?

- Chaste?

Why, God, did Johann dishonor you?

Before his accident?

- No.

His thoughts were pure.

He used to call me his golden fleece.

- [Grigorss] Who then?

- My father.

He ravished me in the woods.

- I refuse to believe it.

- Look at this Grigorss, my mountain hideaway.

The two of us can be outcasts here together.

We need never see anyone but each other.

We can live on berries and grasses,

and small animals we can kill with sharp sticks.

You can sleep in my arms

when the mountains blacken.

- What about your father?

That wicked, blameless man.

Are you saying he?

He took advantage of you?

- Shall I show you the leaves drenched in my blood?

That was not the wedding night I had imagined.

You must never speak of this.

- God has left this mountain to the devil.

We have all joined his unholy dance.

- This place can be ours, Grigorss.

Here we can have our own laws.

Here is my treasure chest.

Shells from the sea shore.

A wooden flute.

Quilts that my mother made.

One dire thought occurs to me,

but it would freeze my blood to utter.

- Speak.

- You could kill my father.

- Oh, Klara.

- Or better yet, I could throw myself

off a precipice.

Then perhaps Father would repent of his crime

and life could go on as usual.

- Why should the victim suffer?

We shall have no more talk of suicide.

Do you think your father is capable of repentance?

- The hardness of his gaze makes me doubt it.

He asked me to come to his room tonight.

He told me there would be no more pain.

- Monstrous.

He must be killed.

A few hours ago, I rid this mountain

of another villain.

I can still smell his blood on my hands.

Soon I can wash these filthy hands

with the blood of your father.

- There needn't be any blood.

Suppose you rode with him in a sleigh

through Ulan's Pass?

You could tell him it was an errand of mercy.

He will not refuse because he's a Christian.

You will be driver.

When we get close to the place

where the mountain is nearest the edge,

you can stand and fire your pistol.

That will start an avalanche.

Father will be startled.

And we'll both leap to safety.

Father and the sleigh will fall

thousands of feet and his evil

will be blotted out.

Let God decide what a just punishment shall be.

- Such terrible calm.

I feel like a trembling school boy next to you.

- Shall we do it?

- I hear the angel's trumpet.

It is ordained.

(dramatic music)

I love you.

I love you.

Have you known it long?

Have you known it long?

- Yes.

Yes.

(wind blows)

(suspenseful music)

- Good Lord, did you see that?

You've got to be careful, Grigorss.

(gun fires)

(horse whinnies)

(ominous music)

(gun fires)

(gun clicks)

(wind blows)

(avalanche rumbles)

Klara, Klara, Klara.

(avalanche rumbles)

(dramatic music)

(water drips)

(avalanche rumbles)

(dramatic music)

(woman vocalizes)

- Put out the lambskin and wait for me.

(dramatic music)

Has your fever broken?

- How did you find me here?

- It's a mother's secret.

(dramatic music)

Sleep, my precious angel.

(woman vocalizes)

- [Narrator] The eldest brother's journey now begins.

He could call out Grigorss name,

Sigleinde might hear him.

She too is searching for her father,

then she could dry her eyes and she and Franz

could continue their search together.

(dramatic music)

(sweeping music)