Sandnesstrand is the next stop, right?
- Are you getting off there? - Yes.
- What's your name? - Joachim Bris.
- I guess someone will pick you up. - I sure hope so.
They always come to pick people up. But don't you worry.
- Worry? - It's a nice asylum.
Or a "nursing home".
I'm not going to an asylum. I'm visiting a friend.
- I'm visiting proprietor Riibe. - Sure you are.
Anyway, they're just as crazy at the manor as in the asylum.
But the proprietor is alright.
He takes care of the farm so well that the papers write about it.
The proprietor is an industrious man, but his mother, Mrs Margrethe, -
- and his uncle Severin should have been in the asylum.
Are you watering the flowers? Don't do that when it's so warm.
I thought you knew that.
Here you are, mum.
- Uncle Severin. - Good night, Mrs Bornemann.
Thanks.
A window envelope? Yuck.
Thank you.
Any news?
A new nuclear testing.
An epidemic of cholera in lndia.
A famine in China.
An earthquake in Japan. 2,000 casualties. No, no news.
How are Wenche's chickens doing?
- One died. - Poor thing. Only 11 left.
There's an advertisement for a new tractor.
- That may be something for Hartvig. - No, no more machines here.
The smell of gas is bad enough as it is.
He considered selling a few horses, but that'll be over my dead body.
Is that the hour? Then it's about time I get my sherry.
- I'll get it. - Don't. Call the servant.
- I can do it. - I'll do it myself, then.
Margrethe, your blouse is in your skirt.
Don't you mind that, you stickler.
- Anything interesting? - It's from mother.
From your mother? I see.
Say, Esther, why don't you ever invite your mother down here?
- Hasn't Hartvig suggested that? - Often.
But I don't think mother would like it here.
- There you go. - Thank you.
Esther, you're crazy about water.
Oh. I'll put it back.
- Where's Hartvig? - I guess he's working.
The circulation isn't good enough.
Have a look at it in the shop.
- Shouldn't we call a mechanic? - And wait for a week?
Dear me, is that the time? I'll see you.
There you are.
- Why are you so hard on Esther? - Am I?
You do your best to make her feel redundant.
In the house she is redundant.
But maybe she isn't redundant to Hartvig. It won't last.
Why wouldn't Hartvig and Esther last?
She is not one of us. She is like a gypsy who's settled down.
It never lasts. She must move on.
A gypsy girl.
- She took my son for the money. - How do you know?
I'm the only one around here who knows anything.
Keep still.
Is it because of me that you bring the others with you?
- Are you changing clothes? - Yes, during working hours.
- Why ever? - I'm going to the station.
- I only have 17 minutes. - What are you going there for?
If only you knew.
- Are you meeting someone? - Maybe I am. It's a surprise.
- For me? - Wait and see.
See you soon.
You want to bet?
Hello. Could you tell me how to get to Riibe?
The proprietor? Are you sure that's where you're going?
- Of course he is. - I'd bet that ...
- Could you tell me how to get there? - Just follow the road on the right.
- Are you in a hurry? - Actually, I am.
- Be nice, Wenche. - Let go.
- You can be. When you are happy. - Let go or I'll whip you.
You're terribly dangerous, but not with the whip.
- Why not? - You're not a sadist.
Excuse me ... Preben?
- Joachim. - Do you live here?
I sleep in the boarding house, but I'm mostly up at the manor.
- Did you come by boat? - Yes, I'm going to Riibe's.
I didn't know that. And no one came to pick you up?
That girl ... Wasn't that Wenche Riibe?
- Do you know her? - I met her in Paris.
- I didn't know she was here. - Sure, she's here.
- Tell me ... - Be careful with Wenche.
- She's dangerous. - Yes, I saw her threatening you.
You'd better behave yourself. Is it a long walk?
- 10 or 12 minutes. - Can you give me a hand?
But I don't have the time.
But I'll come as soon as I can. I have to see how this turns out.
You're Esther's old boyfriend.
Great stuff. Flammable stuff.
Just my kind of thing. So long.
Ta!
You can take a shortcut along the beach.
Stationmaster? Did anyone get off the train?
There were a few.
I was going to meet a friend.
A handsome man in his thirties. A bit of a cosmopolitan.
A sportsman. A well-trained fellow.
Anybody home?
Not at all. Absolutely not. I assume you're joking.
What?
Did I say "what" to you?
No, I took no part in the conversation.
- Who are you? - My name is Bris. Joachim Bris.
- Are you quite sure? - Yes, I'm staying here a few weeks.
- Are you, now? - Yes, he invited me.
- I haven't been told. - You neither?
Say, you didn't come from that ...
- I come straight from the boat. - Oh, I see.
I'm uncle Severin You know my surname.
- Would you like a glass of sherry? - Yes, please.
- Help yourself. - Thanks.
Would you mind moving a little?
Sure, no problem.
Thank you. I have a distinct sense of symmetry.
If you sit there and I sit here, the entire veranda will tip.
- Don't you get that feeling? - I can't say I do.
- What was your name again? - Joachim Bris.
It sounds familiar. Have you been in jail?
Not yet.
- Are you a politician? - Nope.
But you've been in the papers. You must have done something.
That's fair to say.
- I'm a writer. Terrible, isn't it? - Sure is.
Cheers anyway.
So you're a writer. I guess you know people, then.
- Well ... - You have to, if you're a writer.
But perhaps one should get to know oneself first.
Do you know Mrs Bornemann?
Mrs Bornemannn? No, I don't think so.
A most intelligent lady.
Vintage. I like taking my morning walk in her pleasant company.
I remembered something she said today.
"It takes time, but since life and each year take their toll, -
- you eventually get to know yourself."
"But," she said, "then you're no longer worth the acquaintance."
Tell me something. Do I strike you as being crazy?
- Yes. What? - I'm actually not.
It's just a bit complex on the top floor.
It was just a speck of dust. Did I scare you?
- No, it was nice of you. - I'm not dangerous to the public.
And it's merely periodic. Sometimes it just gets a little hard.
That's my niece, Miss Riibe. This is the author Joachim Bris.
- I know Joachim. - You need to look after our guest.
- Are you staying for dinner? - Yes, please.
Your brother invited me over.
Didn't you know either? You're not imagining things, are you?
- Don't talk nonsense, uncle. - No? This is no place for me, then.
- Long time, no see. - lndeed.
It's odd that Hartvig isn't here.
I didn't know you were here.
I'll go and find Hartvig and Esther and get a room ready for you.
Thank you very much.
Wenche, just a minute. I really need to ...
There's Esther.
Joachim!
How nice of you to drop by. What a great idea.
Idea? Your husband invited me.
Hartvig? The surprise.
- Hi there. - Hi, Preben.
- Here I am again. - Yes, I see that.
- I couldn't help you before. - I managed.
The boarding house is fine when you have the manor as a park.
Indeed? Lazybones is back. Are you enjoying yourself?
- Yes, Your Grace. - Another of his kind, I presume.
May I present: The author Joachim Bris.
Mrs Riibe, merciful mistress of the manor.
No titles, please. What was his name again?
Joachim Bris.
Do you also intend to loaf around all day?
- Yes, for about a fortnight. - He should be at the asylum.
- Would you care to stay here? - Yes.
I think this one is cheekier than Lazybones.
The proprietor invited him to stay for a month.
- I haven't heard a word about it. - I'm not surprised.
You're old friends. Didn't you say that Hartvig invited this person?
- Hartvig and l, of course. - Hartvig and you. lndeed.
- What a nasty old bag. - But it's fun teasing her.
- What's with you? - Nothing.
You used to laugh at everything.
I feel like hugging and kissing you both.
Me too.
- Too late. - What on earth ...
- Welcome, Bris. - Thank you. Thanks a lot.
I went to the station.
I wrote you that I'd come by boat instead.
- I didn't get any letter from you. - Oh no, I forgot.
- Who's it for? You or Joachim? - I love reading private letters.
- The room is ready now. - Thank you so much.
- Your luggage. - Of course.
Hartvig, I'd like to talk to you. Wenche will see to that.
Wenche?
Show me your new combiner.
Do you want to see it now? Come on, then.
It both threshes and cuts. It presses bales and cleans the corn.
It can thresh up to 150 measures of wheat in two days.
Not bad, eh?
- What is this supposed to mean? - The corn is led up.
- What's what supposed to mean? - The surprise.
It comes out into these sacks. Isn't it nice?
- Yes, if he had chosen to come here. - He got ecstatic when I invited him.
- This is where the straw comes out. - Come off it.
- You asked me to show you. - That was just to get you out here.
- So you're not interested in ... - Not the least bit.
Not now. I want to know why you invited Joachim without telling me.
Every time I've suggested that we invite some of your old friends, -
- you've said no. So I had to do it without asking you.
But why? Why is it so important that my old friends come here?
It's very simple. I took you away from Oslo and all the fun there.
Your dad was a famous painter. You had plenty of amusing friends.
You met a lot of people.
At night, yes. During the day I worked at an office.
You were popular. You danced. You flirted.
- Yes. - And here you only have me.
- Only you? How very modest. - It's not that I'm modest ...
By the way, I have Preben as well.
- Isn't he good enough? - He's a nice enough fellow.
But if you need a bit of excitement, an ever so slight possibility of ...
- But Preben? - So you had to invite Joachim?
Well, Joachim Bris was the one you flirted with the most, right?
- I flirted with so many. - But you were in love with him.
Until the conquistador arrived and beat the competition.
Dinner time. We'd better go. Mother is so strict about time.
- Yes, you'd better run. - But, Esther ...
That Bordeaux does us credit. It shrouds the soul in silk.
- If you have a soul, that is. - Don't you have one, uncle?
I had one, but as years go by you get all sorts of leaks.
And the soul runs out little by little.
Mrs Bornemann told me.
- Come off this nonsense. - Cheers, sister-in-law.
- Drink in moderation. - Then I will drink less than I want.
Why drink at all, then? Mr author.
I'm head of the wine department here. I administer joie de vivre.
It's safer to use disarmed people.
Like using eunuchs in harems. They won't profane the goods.
- What an indecent thing to say. - I'm just quoting Mrs Bornemann.
- Who is this Mrs Bornemann? - Just a figment of his imagination.
- Mrs Bornemann must be an odd lady. - No one is equal to Mrs Bornemann.
- Tell me your name again. - Lazybones.
Don't you get fed at the boarding house?
Sure. Every morning I ask what we're having.
Today's menu was mackerel. I like chicken better.
- Mrs Bornemann is a widow, right? - Yes, a widow. She is mourning.
- You ought to comfort her, then. - If I only could. But how?
- Marry her. - You have a point there.
But marriage ...
As long as you love or worship a woman, she is every woman.
If you marry her, she is just one and perhaps one too many.
- Are you putting down that nonsense? - No, I ...
I ... Lovely dinner.
I read something about marriage in a novel.
"Love is a journey," it said. "But marriage is a harbour."
"And when you reach it, the journey is over."
- Who wrote that? - He did.
- You're in a pinch now. - I wrote it to earn a little money.
- Why else would you have done it? - It's a crappy book, Wenche.
You talk so much about marriage.
Nowadays you enter and exit it like a luncheon car.
"Bon appetit. Next dish."
It does have its advantages.
- Cheers, Esther. - Cheers, Joachim.
You look fabulous. Young and pretty as always.
Marriage has left my daughter-in-law completely untouched.
Mother!
Everybody full?
- You mustn't take it like that. - Mustn't l?
Mother is old and rigid. She speaks her mind.
lmagine if she said just one kind word to me.
Yes, I'll give her a talking-to.
You? It's your fault. She's mean, because you've brought Joachim here.
It's the same every day, and I can't take much more of it.
Excuse me. There's something wrong with Sleipner.
- Have you called the veterinarian? - I wanted to tell you first.
Call him. I'll come right away.
Go have a look at Sleipner.
- I'm fine. I've calmed down now. - Are you sure?
Yes, but you won't calm down until you've seen Sleipner.
- And I'd like to be alone now. - As you wish.
- Are you writing something now? - I'm doing a comedy.
You've got guts. You ought to write a tragedy.
Then you'll reap recognition. You can be profound.
- But a comedy isn't really art. - You think so?
Not me, but people think it is much more refined to be sad -
- than to feel good.
- Like you do. - Like we do. Cheers.
- Present arms! - No ovations, please.
As Your Grace wishes.
- You seem so fidgety. - I just wondered where Wenche went.
She didn't feel well, so she went to bed.
This is scary. First Sleipner, then Esther and now Wenche.
- I sure hope it's not contagious. - If you're afraid, you can go home.
Thank you for your concern, but I'll risk it.
Black and White is a fine antidote.
Esther?
Do you think it looks like that?
- That hill isn't square. - It's in the eye of the beholder.
- It really doesn't matter anyway. - I don't know why you bother.
What do you want me to do? I can't help around the house.
I can't even water the flowers.
- I'm completely redundant. - But what about Hartvig, then?
Sure, but he works all day long.
- You'll have to take over. - Yes, it sure is muggy.
Muggy indeed.
I'm praying for a bit of a flood.
The bees are swarming. They're heading for the tree.
Go and get the ladder.
- Wenche! - Yes, what is it?
The bees are swarming.
Have they made a hive? Great.
- Need a hand? - No, I'm fine.
Go have a chat with Esther. She needs it.
Give me the basket.
That's nice, Esther. You've taken up painting again.
Pretty.
- You're sweet. - Again?
Hartvig, I'm no good at this.
Why do you insist I make these silly paintings?
I don't want you to sacrifice your interests for ...
- Your talents, then. - Talents.
Hartvig, you talk so much about my paintings.
That I lived life and was a bit popular.
I wonder if that was what you fell in love with.
- All that? - Not the one I really am.
A common clerk.
Don't say such nonsense. You know that I ...
- That you? - Well, that I ...
- Say it. - That I love you.
- Is it so hard to say that word? - It's high noon.
- And we're married, too. - Kiss me, Hartvig.
Wenche!
- Wenche! - What is it?
- Look at you! - Don't mind that. I got the bees.
- Morning. - Finally out of bed?
- Have you eaten? - Yes, thank you.
Say, shouldn't we sail a bit?
No. I have to feed the chickens.
Are you hungry as well?
Here you go.
- Do you want to see the chickens? - Yes, those as well.
- Isn't it cute? - Very pretty.
Nothing but feathers.
Feel how light it is.
Yes, so very light.
- Wenche? - Yes?
I often think about this winter in Paris.
- We had a good time. - Yes.
It was fun.
In the end we were together almost every evening.
But one day you had just gone. "To Italy," they said at the hotel.
Wenche, why did you leave?
I don't know.
- Wenche will never marry. - Don't bet on it.
Yes, I know her breed.
A girl who climbs into trees while the men look up her skirt.
She will never marry. She lacks sufficient modesty.
- She does? - Her modesty isn't coquettish.
- A book. Dear me. - Leave it, Severin.
- What are we to do with it? - Leave it where you found it.
Leave it in the grass? How dare you.
THE PERFECT MARRIAGE
Golly.
Is that so?
"The Perfect Marriage". You don't say so.
Morning.
Might you be searching for "The Perfect Marriage"?
Move it.
I overheard an exchange between your mother and Severin.
But people say the strangest things when they think no one hears them.
You're very taciturn. Laconic, so to speak.
Reticent. Almost silent.
- I'm reading. - Is it instructive?
Don't look so angry. Distinctly stern.
Brusque. Snappish.
You who are so pretty and has such as soft name.
Wenche. Such a pretty name.
Charming.
Almost smiling. Caressing.
- I really enjoy talking. - I've noticed.
Your mother said something odd. Something curious.
Weird. I can't understand what she meant.
No, you're not the least bit interested.
- It was unfathomable. - What did mother say?
- "Wenche will never marry." - I beg your pardon?
I don't get it. lmagine how much quiet I'd get.
- Why wouldn't I marry? - You let men look up your skirt.
Let go.
- Please let go. - No.
- I have to ... - You're not going anywhere.
We'll sail or swim or whatever. But together.
In the old days people maintained a facade.
They secretly did what they liked, but the outside remained straight.
You date back from ancient times.
You're a proud monument. A Viking ship.
And you imagine yourself as a nuclear bomb?
You're only modern once in your life, and you're way past that time.
There comes Lazybones.
I'm flattered that you notice my presence.
It's hard not to notice your permanent presence.
Don't you have anything to do? No office?
- Not at all. - So you'll stay this fall as well?
I can't abide not exchanging a few words with Your Grace.
Dear me.
- They're from the boarding house. - You don't need a telescope.
Hi, Astrid, Gudrun and Sylvia.
- Come over here. - I'm naked.
- It's just Preben. Come on over. - Come on.
- Sure, when you're dry. - Oh no.
Who's taken my ...
Are you ogling the girls? Shame on you.
Who's taken my bathing cap?
There's an object hanging on the line over there.
That's the first time you've ever made yourself useful.
At your service.
Those elderly, distinguished ladies are so odd. Like Mrs Bornemann.
She also thinks that I should be ashamed.
"This is your second menopause."
"You fantasize about young girls. 16 or 17 years old."
"But the worst thing is that for each year you age, -
- the girls you look for will become half a year younger."
Thank you. Say, this Mrs Bornemann ...
She wouldn't happen to be one of those old ladies at the asylum?
What are you insinuating?
I don't see people from the asylum. I'm a bit of a nutter myself.
Of course not. I don't know where I got that from.
Esther is sunbathing over there with ...
- No, I can't see who he is. - Hartvig, of course.
In the middle of a working day? He's turning over.
It sure is Hartvig.
- Are you happy here? - I feel so good.
- But are you really happy? - You go on.
I'll become unhappy if you ask me again.
- Would you like to travel with me? - Where?
Where ever. India, Italy, Egypt.
We just returned from our honeymoon.
- Let's go on another one. - You were so happy to return.
Never mind that. My greatest interest is to keep you happy.
Hi there!
There he is again, that ...
Ready?
All of this, the land, the woods, the insects, -
- are here to stay.
You're the uncertain factor. You're the excitement in my life.
Would the entomologist like to put a pin through me?
Since you arrived, my life has become more sincere and rich.
Because I have the feeling that I have to conquer you anew.
That's how it should be.
For every time I feel that now you're mine, -
- I feel a surge of happiness because I love you.
See, I said that without being prodded.
Yes, it flew right out of you.
What's that? The marine?
It's the coast guard. They're looking for smugglers.
Wenche, you never answered me. Why did you leave Paris?
Was there someone else?
Blimey. Maybe you ...
- No, that's not possible. - What?
Did you think all of a sudden that I did it because of the money?
No.
Watch what you're doing. And you call yourself a sailor.
Hi there, Preben.
Hi, Esther. Nice and warm.
- Yes, we need rain. - We need rain again?
Yes, a proper downpour.
I've never got used to the fact that water drops from the sky.
See you later.
Chin up.
- Chin up? He isn't jealous? - Why would he be jealous?
It's foolish to feel so certain.
As Hartvig does. You can't feel certain.
That's your opinion. And what do you know about that?
I knew a pretty girl who married a rich and handsome man.
She left for Sarpsborg with a mad clockmaker.
No, you can think, hope, assume, -
- presume, trust and have confidence in.
But be certain? No.
- Maybe he isn't that certain. - You said ...
He shouldn't be jealous. Of you.
How rude. You're not very nice today.
- Poor little Preben. - Yes, you're all mean today.
- You're so sweet. - I'm perennially charming.
But you're not.
I will go for a swim, and I can't be bothered to put on my bathing suit.
- I don't mind. - I do.
Go and empty the boat.
- Harness the calm, brown one. - Why don't you take the car?
Cars break down, horses don't. And they smell better.
- Where are you off to? - Mariefred.
Those boring people. And in this heat.
A four mile drive. Six pounds of dust in your lungs.
It's better than one more dinner with you lndians.
Do you know the fairy tale about the princess with a heart of stone?
- I can't quite remember. - You are that princess.
When you were young, someone put a spell on you to harden your heart.
- Turn it to stone. - You think so?
We have to break that spell. We have to melt the heart of stone.
- I have to ... - You have to change your pants.
Hurry up, or the food will get cold.
It's Wenche's turn. Where did she go?
- She tends to become invisible. - Then it's you, Esther.
No, I'm tired of this.
Riibe, now that we can speak in private ...
No one expected me yesterday, and Esther mentioned a surprise.
Sure. You were the surprise.
- Did you want to surprise everyone? - Mostly Esther.
You have, so to speak, forced my company upon her?
Yes. Aye.
But she was ecstatic.
Esther has nothing to do here, so I wanted to give her a pastime.
A bit of company and fun. A bit of temptation, actually.
So I am actually a temptation?
Yes.
Temptation? That's new to me. I've never been that before.
Do you find me particularly tempting?
Wenche didn't think so either.
I wonder where she is.
- What did he mean by that? - I just happened to say something.
I just told him that I wanted him to tempt you.
- You told Joachim that? - Yes, you only have me here.
I only married you, damn it.
- Yes, but ... - But?
I don't consider myself stupid, although I might be.
But I'm not witty and brilliant and intellectual and artistic.
Aren't you?
- You speak as if I'm a child. - But you are a child.
Where on earth is Wenche?
SLIM AND HEALTHY
- Why do I need to be tempted? - Don't be so literal.
But what do you mean?
Imagine us on a desert island.
- Yes? - Just the two of us.
That sounds nice.
But it would be no feat holding on to you.
So that's why you want other men to come to our place?
Yes.
Other men, so you can brag about hanging on to me.
Yes, when you choose me even when you get the chance to ...
- Compare? - Yes, I want some ...
- Affirmation? - Yes. I want to win.
- Every man feels like that. - What if I fall for someone else?
- I have complete faith in you. - But I might fall for someone else.
- Yes, you might. - I don't know if I will.
Did I sleep? I think so.
Did I tell you what Mrs Bornemann said this morning?
We talked about marriage.
"Marriage is just like a hen and a line of chalk," she said.
If you draw a circle around a hen, it will stay inside the circle.
It is hypnotized by the circle. It thinks it can't break through it.
"But," she said, "if the hen on just a single occasion -
- musters the courage to step out, -
- there's no point in putting it inside the circle again."
"It's just like marriage."
"That's just a line of chalk drawn around two persons."
I have to get my means of transportation going.
The horses of the apostles.
Not that I'm an apostle.
- Do you think he was asleep? - He sleeps all the time.
- Didn't you hear what he said? - Didn't he mention Mrs Bornemann?
Yes.
I finally found you. Why do you disappear all the time?
Are you enjoying the view?
One doesn't enjoy one's own view.
Maybe not. I've never had my own view.
Not my own private view, I mean.
One I could sell.
For instance.
If you won't say anything, I'll throw you in.
That's it.
- Beautiful moonlight. - Yes.
Full moon.
- The sky is overcast to the west. - Yes.
But here it's a clear sky.
Those bloody coast guards. Let's take cover.
Wenche?
- Do you know what we'll do? - No.
We'll get married.
- Are you proposing? - I guess so.
- So that's your technique? - Technique?
To be so sudden when you're out courting.
Courting? Me? It's the first time in my life that I propose.
I have never as much as insinuated a marriage proposal to anyone.
I've feared it like death itself. Rather prison than marriage.
Until now. Now it's a different matter.
With you it's different.
What is it?
What's wrong?
I've never considered marriage.
And I've never been in love with a rich girl.
What do you mean?
- It must be because of the money. - Of course it isn't.
- Yes, it must be. - That's so rude!
If you ever hint at that again ...
- I will rescind my proposal. - The hell you will!
Wenche, do you really think that that isn't different this time?
I feel that it's something else entirely that is different this time.
Your move, Mrs Bornemann.
- Are you sitting here by yourself? - As you can see.
- Did you have a good time? - No. Where is everybody?
Around. Maybe they're playing hide and seek.
- In the moonlight? - They may be moonstruck.
- Then they can't stay inside. - Neither can l. Check.
- Boo! - Oh, it's just you?
Just?
- Nice evening. Wonderful life. - Is it that wonderful?
There's nothing more wonderful than spending days in joyous rest -
- while still being busy with important matters.
Fishing for whiting. Or mackerel. And bathing.
Twenty degrees Celsius. The water is like cool caresses.
Like a woman's skin. Soft yet firm.
Cool yet warm.
Afterwards I sunbathe, and then the air and the wind caress me.
It sometimes feels as if nature itself is in love with me.
- Don't you tire of loafing around? - No.
- Don't you want to do something? - Like work? I have plenty of money.
Think of everybody else.
I never think of everybody else. Behold the lilies in the field.
I'm not the worst of lilies.
But I don't want to live like a lily and have nothing to do all day.
- Did you like working at an office? - No. But still ...
Still.
- Are you singing a lullaby? - You're a baby just like Hartvig.
I won't have you treating Esther like that. It's unbearable for her.
I see what I see, and I have to be who I am.
- But for my sake. - I do everything for your sake.
Well then ... Even if you unfortunately don't like Esther.
- I do like her quite a bit. - No one's noticed.
No, because I don't like the fact that she is your wife.
- That's not her place. - But I did marry her.
Unfortunately. You are naive, and the naive get exploited.
Where's the rest of the rabble?
Let's go and see.
It's getting clouded.
- You look so pretty tonight. - Don't I always?
Yes, but tonight you look unique. Pale and soulful.
- Are you in love with me? - Preben ...
- Haven't you realized I'm married? - Yes, to Hartvig. My best friend.
- And you're courting his wife? - Friendship does not count here.
Women are common prey.
- And you are a hunter? - All men are.
Preben? What if I came to you one day and said:
"Here I am. Take me."
- You wouldn't do that, would you? - No, I said "what if".
Come off it. This conversation has become very frightening.
But what would you answer?
- Don't forget you're married. - Yes, to your best friend.
- You're no great hunter, Preben. - I'm not?
- No, you're firing blanks. - I'll show you!
What are you going to show me?
Nothing.
- There you see. - See what?
What's it called when you meet a great beast and start shaking?
Animal fright. You're frightened, Preben.
No, I won't have anyone saying that about me.
- That wasn't supposed to happen. - No, it wasn't.
But it was good. It tasted like strawberries.
Esther!
- Now your eyes are open. - What did you say, mother?
This author, your wife's friend, doesn't waste his time.
What about the queen, then?
Close the door, Esther, or the mosquitoes will get in.
Are you playing chess by yourself?
That's what happens when you get old.
- Somebody's coming. - No.
No, no one's there.
But if someone had come, would it have mattered?
- I don't know, but ... - Do you want to keep it a secret?
Yes, can't we keep it a secret just for a while?
Sure, as long as I ...
As long as I know.
The living room feels so cold.
Cold? In this heat?
That's not what I meant.
Where is Hartvig?
- Where is Hartvig? - Hartvig? I don't know.
- The veterinarian is back. - Pardon me?
He's in there with Sleipner.
- Don't you want to talk to him? - Yes. No, it will have to wait.
Uncle Severin, there's something I'd like to talk to you about.
Don't confide in me, Esther. I want to remain friends with you.
You always regret confessions.
And then you have a grudge against the one you confided in.
Confide in him.
- There's a storm brewing. - I didn't notice.
And you who pray for rain? I think I'll check the weather.
And I have something I need to discuss with Mrs Bornemann.
- Say something. - Like what?
- You saw us. - Yes.
- You used to be in love with him. - I did?
I've been in love with so many. It was just a game.
- And now the game is on again. - No.
It isn't easy to explain something that you ought to have understood.
- I just don't mean as much to you. - Do you take this so seriously?
Do I take it seriously? Doesn't it matter to you?
Is it a game? Maybe mother was right when she called you a ...
- What did she call me? - A gypsy.
A gypsy who has settled down but has to move on soon.
I can move on at once.
Forgive me, Esther. Forget what I said.
I know I've hurt you. But you've hurt me as well.
How?
You invited Joachim to get proof that I preferred you.
I just felt so confident.
- You didn't pass the test. - Maybe I wasn't in the right mood.
Maybe I felt ever so slightly like succumbing to that temptation.
- You mean that I drove you into ... - You've played a game.
You'd make anybody angry with that damned certainty of yours.
I'll get you a drink. Whisky and soda?
Lovely. Whisky and soda. Stylish, not cheap.
Whisky and soda.
You are mistaken. There's no need for acting.
I won't make a scene. Maybe I am the one to blame.
I don't understand a word. Not a comma.
Let's behave as adults. It would be appropriate if you got on the train.
- The train? - I'll drive you to the station.
I've only been here for a day.
- It would be most pleasant for you. - I like it here.
- You don't know how much I like it. - Yes, I do.
I'm not leaving. I'll stay here for at least a fortnight.
You mean ...
I'm no bohemian, and you might find me a prude.
- But after what happened ... - You know nothing.
- Yes, I do. - But you can't possibly mind.
- Not mind it? - It really is none of your business.
This is too much. You will leave tonight.
- Are you throwing me out? - Yes.
We'll see about that.
And so will she.
Cheers.
Thank you.
- Cheers. - Thanks.
- What's up with the two of you? - His behaviour is most odd.
Wenche, I walk in nice and quiet, and your brother suddenly starts ...
Everybody's here. My son and the gypsy.
My daughter and the guy. Only Lazybones isn't here.
Tension. Rebellion and sadness. As a man soweth ...
Stop it, mother. This is none of your business.
No. But you saw that I was right.
- What were you right about? - I said from the very first day ...
- What did you say? - Stop it.
She's asking. Don't I owe her a reply?
- There are so many here. - Everything is public nowadays.
If you can't say things straight out, I can do it. It clears things up.
You chose my son because of the money.
- Don't mind mother. - Keep quiet, Wenche.
The fish that gets off the hook is always the biggest one.
- Esther is the finest young lady. - You too? This is marvellous.
- Don't you defend my wife. - And why not?
I despair!
Hartvig is shortsighted.
But his inner eye is half blind. He got that from his father.
- Wenche will never marry. - That's nonsense. I will marry.
- And who is the unfortunate man? - Him.
- Him? - Joachim?
You? This is it!
The person himself? Life still has its surprises.
He arrives yesterday by boat, apparently invited by my son.
And today, fifteen minutes ago, he kisses my daughter-in-law.
And at 10.03 he declares his engagement to my daughter.
Is this true?
You bet it's true.
Ask Hartvig.
- Dear God. - I must be at the asylum.
You're not man enough to admit your feats?
But we saw you in the glare of the searchlights.
Your white trousers shone.
- But my trousers are grey. - You know your trade.
- Not a bad idea to change trousers. - He changed them before dinner.
I've been trying to tell you that it wasn't Joachim.
Who was it, then?
He's wearing white trousers!
- So it was you, Preben? - She was really mean to me.
You would have done the same thing.
You certainly deserve a drink.
To think that it was you. You're such a trickster.
- It was Preben. - What difference does it make?
Preben? Then it was just like a game of hide and seek.
I don't like that. Why doesn't it count when I did it?
- Have a drink. - No. Watch out.
- Or I'll seduce your wife for real. - No way.
- I will. - It takes two to tango.
- I'll manage on my own. - Dear Preben ...
I'm no dear, I'm dangerous to all women between 16 and 60.
- We need some champagne. - I'm not having any champagne.
- What's the matter? - I chose you because of the money.
That's mother's nonsense.
I don't know. Maybe it's true.
- What is? - That it was because of the money.
Now she confesses.
Confesses? Well, why not?
- Esther! - The money.
I worked on a typewriter from nine to four.
I was tired and kept hearing the instrument going.
Then Hartvig showed up. We fell in love with each other.
- There you see. - Yes.
But maybe I also fell in love with your money. Is that so odd?
- You ask me that? - Yes.
You who have it, do you know what money is?
Money is freedom. It's the power to decide for yourself.
It's clothes and flowers and travels and not having to buy cheap.
It's joy and food and wine and dancing.
Is it so vile to fall in love with all those things?
Maybe. But I think I did. And those two emotions added up.
My little love for Hartvig and my little love for his money.
And together they became the famous great love. I thought.
- There you have it. - But afterwards, Esther?
Afterwards? Now I sit here. Well-provided for. With stuff.
And still I'm not really satisfied.
That's how ungrateful I am. I'm not really happy.
I've pined for my typewriter once in a while. But you wouldn't understand.
You don't understand anything.
You're like well-behaved children, you who have lived on the sunny side.
It's as if you live in a glass case. Nothing gets near you.
Life hasn't touched you, and you do not know it.
You don't know how serious it is and how bitter it is -
- and how exciting it is and how solemn it is.
That's real life and not just a game that you can play if you want to -
- and which holds no dangers.
Now I finally got things out.
This girl has one hell of a temper. Maybe we've been mistaken about her.
- We? - Well, not you.
Esther, come here.
No, the gypsy obeys no more.
"You who have money."
- Joachim? - "You who live on the sunny side."
- Joachim? - What is it?
Forgive me for ... hitting you.
I'm so ... You're not listening to me.
Esther was marvellous. Smiling, serious, superior.
There has to be a motive.
- Joachim! - Yes yes yes.
- What is all this? - Can't you shut up for one second?
Until today you didn't say a word, and now that I've got an idea ...
- I must have gone to hell! - But ...
Why do you hit me like that?
- I can't help it. - Two slaps in ten minutes.
This will be a pretty marriage.
Slap me, then.
You must hit me.
- You monster. - I want my slap back.
- Thank you so much, Joachim. - You're a beast.
What a marvellous relief. I feel myself changing.
That's just what I needed.
That slap you just gave me. I feel the spell breaking.
Do you remember the princess with a heart of stone?
Now the heart is melting.
I feel it beating.
- Feel it. - Yes, it's beating.
Esther. Dear Esther ...
- What on earth are you doing? - Packing. Take me to the station.
- Esther, think! - It's too late. I can't stay now.
- You didn't really take me ... - Because of the money? No, you fool.
I loved you then, and I love you still.
I'll stay at my mother's place.
I can't be a leach at the manor, -
- and I can't take any more of your mother's venom.
Don't nag me. I've got a splitting headache.
My entire body aches. It must be this muggy weather.
- You've been ill. - Yes, ill and angry.
Can't you wait until tomorrow? Sleep on it.
Sleep on it?
I've already bared my soul. She thinks she's got a grip on me.
No, I can't stay here any longer.
Very well.
Mother, Esther wants to leave.
- For good. - Leave you?
- No, leave you. - Leave me?
Yes, this very night. If she leaves, she will never return.
And then I will leave as well. That's how things are.
Can't you convince her or stop her?
Not me. But maybe you can.
Will you drive me, or shall I ask Jens?
These are the house keys.
They're yours now, Esther.
Take them.
Please.
- Are we alright? - Fine, mother.
- Goodnight, you two. - Goodnight, mother.
Goodn...
Esther ...
- The lights went out. - Did it strike the house?
You think so?
- Hi. - Oh, it's you?
God knows why I'm running. I can't get any more wet.
My sister says that you're lazy, but I think I was, too, in my youth.
So when I pass on, would you care to take over my part?
- It would be an honour. - Then we have an agreement.
- And Mrs Bornemann? - I'll have a chat with her.
Goodnight.
No, not that one. The main fuse.
I said left. Don't you know right from left?
I'm a poet, not an electrician.
Yes, that one.
You bungler. You have much to learn.
I can imagine.
What a relief.
- The thunder storm cleared the air. - And it's raining.
- Now everything grows. - Yes, everything grows on your land.
THE END