THE WILD DUCK
Careful, Mr. Molvik!
Thank you, Hedvig. The inspiration came over him again.
It's the devil in him.
-So we'll have them by Monday? -I always stick to my word.
-Thank you. -Goodbye.
Does photographer Ekdal live here? May I speak to him?
-My name is Gregers Werle. -Father's inside, working.
-Father? -Don't disturb me while I'm working!
But Mr. Gregers Werle has come to pay you a visit.
-Who, did you say? -Mr. Gregers Werle.
Gregers?
Gregers, is it really you?
-Hello, Hjalmar. -What a pleasant surprise!
I have to go down to the chemist.
-I can go, mother. -That's sweet of you.
But I need some fresh air.
-So this is where you live. -It's not like before.
But this place has one great advantage: magnificent outer rooms.
-Gina? -Mother has gone out.
We have a room on the other side of the hall that we rent out.
-So you have lodgers? -Not yet.
You have to be quick off the mark.
-Yes, you do. -Have a seat, Gregers.
That little girl must be your daughter?
Yes, that is Hedvig. Our greatest joy and our deepest sorrow.
-What are you saying? -She will become blind.
It may take a long time, but it is inevitable.
-The result of an accident? -Hereditary.
-How does she take it? -We don't have the heart to tell her.
All this is so bitterly difficult for me.
But enough about that. We school- mates have truly drifted apart.
It's been 16-17 years.
Thank you for coming. Now I know you have nothing against me.
The first years after that terrible business, you did.
That was quite natural. Your father almost got dragged in.
-Would I have anything against you? -Your father told me.
My father? So that was why I never heard from you.
He thought it not worthwhile to write.
About becoming a photographer, or getting married...
So you are married? That's more than I ever managed to accomplish.
-Your marriage is a happy one? -She's a good and helpful wife.
And by no means without education.
Her constant association with me... You'd hardly recognize Gina.
-Gina? -Didn't you remember her name?
-Who was Gina? -She was in service at your home.
Gina Hansen, who minded the house the last year of mother's illness?
I know your father wrote to tell you I got married.
Father was always so brief.
How did you become acquainted with Gina...with your wife?
-It was the year your mother died. -I was up at the works.
Gina felt the responsibility was too great, quit, and moved home.
Her mother had a room to let. A nice and cozy room.
-And you got it? -Your father gave me the idea.
That was where I really got to know Gina.
-And then you got engaged? -Young people fall in love easily.
Was that when you developed an interest in photography?
Your father and I decided that photography was the easiest.
And Gina thought so too. Gina had taught herself to retouch.
What a coincidence! That I must say.
Father was a kind of providence for you.
He didn't let his old friend's son down. He has a kind heart.
So it would appear.
I'm here for another reason.
My father's holding a dinner party this evening. Could you come?
He's holding it for me, so I can invite whoever I choose.
Thank you very much, if you think...
Dinner is at seven. It was good to see you again, Hjalmar.
For me especially, Gregers. Thank you!
-I'll keep in touch. -Thank you.
-Well, I'll see you this evening. -I can hardly wait.
-And the attire is full dress. -Full dress. Of course!
Goodbye for now.
Did you hear that, Hedvig? I'm going to a party at wholesaler Werle's!
-Tonight at seven! -Yes, and in tails!
-But you don't have tails anymore. -You're right.
Molvik does, I believe.
Molvik, yes! Run and see if I can borrow them. You're a genius!
Father?
I'd just gotten within range of it.
Do you know who was just here? Gregers Werle. Remember him?
Gregers. Must be the son. What does he want from me?
-Nothing. You see... -So nothing's wrong?
-Not that I'm afraid. -I'm going to a dinner party there!
At wholesaler Werle's?
Tonight at seven. What do you say to that?
That must be a great honor. She won't get into her basket.
She'll never get used to it. Move the trough closer.
It's not necessary. She'll get used to the basket.
-Here are Molvik's tails. -Thank you, Hedvig.
My lovely little wild duck!
You have to get used to your basket.
Gina will have to press these.
-Father looks like a count! -He sure does.
Don't eat too much, or the trousers may split.
They'll soon learn that I'm no ordinary photographer.
-Coat and hat? -Here you are.
-Thank you. -Father?
Could you ask Mrs. Sørby for something nice for me?
I'll have my pockets full when I come home!
Off we go!
He's arranged the party for his son.
He said he'd never come down from the works.
-But he's sitting inside. -Give me a hand so I can see.
There he is!
And the old man is proposing a toast to Mrs. Sørby.
Is it true there's something between them?
Who knows? But she runs the house. And he was quite a buck in his day.
-You going out, grandfather? -I need new sheets from Gråberg.
-I forgot. -He hasn't finished the ones he has.
Whenever there's a party, Mrs. Sørby slips him something.
-Pettersen, the main door. -Jensen, see who it is.
Jørgensen, you can take the rest of the service into the library.
What do you want?
-I have to get into the office. -The office is closed.
Please let me come in here. I've been this way before, you know.
Remember to leave the right way. We're having a party.
Thank you, Pettersen, old friend.
Idiot!
-Who was that fool, Pettersen? -Old Ekdal.
He cut a fine figure when he was an officer and landowner.
He owned the works with Werle, before playing a nasty trick on him.
-Did he go bust? -He ended up in prison.
But you aren't finished with what you got last time.
-I only have a little bit left. -Bring it with you. Let's go.
Turn the lamp down, Ekdal.
Flakstad's forgotten to unlock. We'll have to go this way.
You're so quiet, Hjalmar. Enjoy yourself.
You shouldn't have invited me. I'm never here otherwise.
-Then it was high time. -Here he comes.
I don't think anyone noticed, Gregers.
That we were thirteen at the table. Normally we are twelve.
Excuse me, sir. Gråberg is locked in again.
-Then let him walk through. -But they are two.
Then let both walk through!
Well, Gregers, let's drink a toast together.
And you, Ekdal? I didn't have the chance to see you at the table.
Oh no...
Beg your pardon. Beg your pardon. Must have come the wrong way.
-The door was locked. -Good evening, Ekdal.
Pettersen, slip him something. A bottle of cognac.
-Wasn't that...? -I didn't notice.
-Hjalmar, it was him, wasn't it? -Yes.
You wouldn't even acknowledge your own father?
If you were in my position...
That dinner was an imposing affair!
-I'm glad it was to your taste. -And you have taken up photography?
Have you brought any photographs with you?
You should have, as a contribution to the entertainment.
Perhaps you have a poem to recite? You were good at that before.
I'm afraid I don't remember any.
That's a pity. Isn't it, dear lady?
Yes, I'm sure. All the gentlemen have a drink?
You're only drinking wine? And you, Mr. Ekdal?
I'll stick to wine as well, thank you.
-That Tokay you served... -What a delicate pleasure!
It is one of the finest vintages.
-The vintages make a difference? -Good one!
No point in serving you good wine!
Tokays are like photography. You need sun. Or is that not true?
The light plays a role...
Like with chamberlains. They also need a great amount of sun.
-That's an old joke. -But the vintages can vary.
-The oldest vintages are the best. -Thank you.
Let us go. Mr. Samuelsen is playing.
I must go. When one has felt the heavy hand of fate on one's head...
-Are you going straight home? -Yes. Why?
I might drop by later. Goodbye for now.
Hedvig?
-Yes, mother? -No more reading.
-Can't I read a little more? -No, your father doesn't like it.
-He never reads at night. -He doesn't care much for reading.
Good night, sleep well.
What was there besides butter, sausage and cheese?
-Beer. -Right, beer.
It all adds up. But it has to be done.
I can't wait till father comes home. I am a bit hungry.
My dear girl... Oh, that's right.
He promised to ask Mrs. Sørby for something for you.
They aren't short of anything there.
There's grandfather!
-Get anything to transcribe? -Yes, all this!
-This is urgent, important work. -Look here first!
Has she...?
-Look! -She's in the basket!
-You don't think she'll be cold? -In all that hay? Don't worry.
Mrs. Sørby remembered him. She is so kind.
Think of the lovely food father is eating tonight.
He'll be pleased when he comes home.
If only we could rent that room out. It's of no use now.
-You need something in the kitchen? -I sure do.
Stay where you are. I'm just getting some water.
-You should eat supper first. -Don't worry about that, Gina.
And I don't want anybody coming into my room. Nobody!
You wanted to speak to me? Can't it wait until we're alone?
No. Because it's possible we won't be alone.
How could you let that family go so completely to ruin?
-You presumably mean the Ekdals? -Correct.
Lieutenant Ekdal was once very close to you.
I can thank him for my reputation receiving such a nasty stain.
-Was he the only guilty one? -Who else?
-You purchased that forest together. -Yes, but he planned everything.
He was responsible for the illegal felling, for everything!
I had no idea what lieutenant Ekdal was up to.
But in the end he was sentenced and I was acquitted.
Here in town those stories are long forgotten.
-But for the Ekdal family? -What do you want me to do for them?
Ekdal was released a broken man.
Some people go to the bottom and never resurface again.
Rest assured, I have gone as far as I can.
I have paid Ekdal far more than his work is worth.
But that kind of expense is never entered in my books.
How much did it cost to educate Hjalmar as a photographer?
You paid for that, set up his business.
Yet you say I've done nothing for the Ekdals.
You took care of your old friend's son when he got married.
You wrote to me once.
That Hjalmar Ekdal had married a certain Miss Hansen.
That was her name.
You didn't mention that it was Gina Hansen, our housemaid.
I had no reason to believe our former housemaid interested you.
-She interested others here. -Are you referring to me?
-Yes, I am referring to you. -How dare you?
How dare that thankless photographer make such accusations?
-Hjalmar has no idea. -Why do you suspect this?
Digging up tales and gossip about your own father!
Don't you have anything better to do?
-It's about time I did. -I understand.
Now you have an opportunity to be independent. Your own master.
Why did you invite me to town? I've waited all day to find out.
I want to propose that you become partner.
Me? Be your partner?
We don't have to be together. I could move up to the works.
Do you want that?
I'm no longer as fit as I once was, Gregers.
I must rest my eyes. They are getting weaker.
They've always been weak.
Anyway, circumstances might make it preferable for me to live up there.
There's something else behind all this.
You need me for something.
In a relationship as close as ours, one will always need the other.
I have always felt alone, Gregers.
But now more than ever I need someone around me.
-You have Mrs. Sørby. -Yes. She has become indispensable.
So you have what you want.
But a woman in her position can end up in a bad light.
Tell me: Are you thinking of marrying her?
-Would you be very much against it? -Not at all.
It means a great deal to me that I have your support in this.
-Now I know what you want me for. -What do you mean by that?
That's why I absolutely had to come to town.
It would look very fine -
- if your son rushed home for his father's wedding feast.
What would happen to the rumors of what his dead mother had to bear?
Nothing! Your son will put an end to them.
Gregers, no man has as much against me as you do.
-I've seen you too close. -With your mother's eyes!
But those eyes were occasionally clouded.
Who is responsible for mother's weakness? You, and all these...
The last one being that maid Hjalmar Ekdal was married off to.
It's like hearing your mother speak.
There he sits, living under the same roof with that woman.
He has no idea that his home is built on a lie.
Gregers, I believe the gulf between us is too wide.
So I have noticed. That is why I am taking my hat and leaving.
-Leaving? -I see something worth living for.
-What may that be? -You would laugh if I told you.
A lonely man does not laugh easily.
Look. The chamberlains are playing blind man's buff with Mrs. Sørby.
Good night. And farewell.
-Now, now... -Why are you back so early?
It was only a dinner party, Gina.
-Were many there? -We were 12-14 at the table.
-And you spoke to all of them? -Gregers occupied most of my time.
-Is the old man home? -Grandfather is writing.
-Did he say anything? -About what?
-I heard he had visited Gråberg. -He doesn't want anyone in there.
-Is he...? -I'm afraid so.
Then leave him alone, my poor, old white-haired father.
Home already? I thought I heard you.
-I just got here. -You didn't see me.
No. But they said you passed through. I wanted to join you.
-Who was there? -All sorts.
Chamberlains Flor, Balle, Kaspersen... I hardly remember.
Hear that, Gina? He's been with chamberlains.
-That house must look nice now. -Did anyone recite or sing?
They wanted me to recite for them, but I refused.
You could have, Ekdal.
No. I see no need to be at everyone's beck and call.
Why should I have to provide the entertainment?
Those men should do some good, in return for the nice food they get.
-You didn't say that, did you? -They heard a thing or two.
Afterwards we had a little dispute about Tokay wine.
-That's a nice wine. -But not all vintages are good.
It depends on the sunshine.
-You know everything! -And they disputed?
They were told it's the same with chamberlains.
Not all vintages are equally good, as it were.
-How clever you are! -Right to their face?
-Right between the eyes. -Between the chamberlains' eyes!
-Right between their eyes! -But don't talk too much about it.
It was said in all friendliness, of course.
They were pleasant enough. Why should I offend them?
-Father? You know... -No, what?
-Don't tease me! -I don't know what you mean.
-The goodies you promised me. -How could I forget?
-You're teasing me. Where are they? -I did forget.
Wait. I have something else for you.
Here it is!
-A piece of paper? -It's the bill of fare.
Here it says "menu." That means bill of fare.
-Don't you have anything else? -I forgot.
Sweets aren't good for you anyway. Sit down and read this.
And I'll describe how the courses tasted.
Thank you.
Forget even the slightest thing, and there are long faces all round!
But I'll get used to it. Have you looked in there?
Of course! She's gone into the basket.
-Has she gone into the basket? -That's what I said.
Let's go make the necessary improvements, father.
I have to...fill my pipe first. And clean it.
-Clean your pipe... -Leave the poor shipwrecked man be.
-The improvements will have to wait. -You won't have time tomorrow.
Those prints again! They'll be ready.
-Any new orders? -Unfortunately not.
What can I do? I advertise whenever we can afford it.
You see what good that does. Anyone look at the room?
-No, not yet. -You have to make an effort, Gina!
-Shall I fetch your flute? -No, I don't need any joys.
I'll work tomorrow, rest assured.
-As long as my strength holds out. -That isn't what I meant.
-Shall I get you a beer? -No. I don't need anything.
-Did you say beer? -Yes. Lovely, cold beer.
-If you insist, you can get a bottle. -Do that, Hedvig.
-Hedvig, Hedvig... -Sweet father!
Don't call me that. There I sat at that groaning table...
-How could I forget? -Come now, Ekdal.
It's true! But you know I love you anyway.
-And we love you so very much! -If I sometimes am unreasonable...
Remember that I am a man oppressed by an army of sorrows.
No beer at a time like this.
-Bring me my flute. -Yes, father!
Be it crowded and simple under our roof, it's still our home.
-And it's good to be here. -Here you are, father.
With my flute in my hand and you two at my side.
Ekdal, I think someone is coming.
-Good evening, Mrs. Ekdal. -Good evening.
-Do you recognize me? -Of course, Mr. Werle.
-Have you also left the party? -Both the party and my home.
-Have you left...? -Yes. I've checked into a hotel.
No, no sandwiches now, unless Gregers would like one?
Lay some out, Hedvig. With plenty of butter.
Hjalmar, now we can look at... What's all this?
Father, this is Gregers Werle.
Hello, lieutenant Ekdal. Greetings from your old hunting grounds.
Around the Høidal works.
Up there! I knew my way around there before.
-You were quite the hunter. -You see my uniform?
As long as I don't wear it out on the street...
-Sit down and have a sandwich. -I don't want a sandwich.
Remember when Hjalmar and I visited you summer and Christmas?
Did you? No, no, I don't recall that.
But I'll say I was a fine hunter.
I've even shot bears. Nine of them.
-Those times are past. -I still hunt now and again.
Not in that way, of course, because the forest...
The forest, the forest...
Is the forest in good shape?
Not like in your day. They've cut down quite a bit.
That's a dangerous tactic. There is vengeance in the forest.
For an open-air man like you, it must be stifling to live in town.
It isn't bad here. Not bad at all.
-Hjalmar, shall we show him? -No, not tonight, father.
-What does he want to show me? -You can see it some other time.
Lieutenant Ekdal, how about coming up to the works?
Relive the good old days. There's nothing here to cheer you up.
Nothing here...? Hjalmar, I have to show him!
-Not tonight. -Open up. I'll go fetch the lamp.
All right. Come, Gregers.
This belongs to father.
Come right in.
-You keep poultry. -I should say so.
-And we have... -You have pigeons!
-We have some of those. -Both pouters and tumblers.
-And the rabbits sleep in there. -Rabbits too?
Damn straight! But here's the most important.
-See that basket? -Isn't that a duck?
-Yes, that is a duck. -But what kind of duck?
-It's no ordinary duck. -Not Turkish...
No, that is not a Turkish duck. It is a wild duck.
-The wild duck. Our wild duck. -My wild duck. I own it.
It can live and thrive here?
-She has a trough to splash in. -Fresh water every other day.
-Your food is ready. -We shouldn't disturb them anymore.
-We'd better lock up. -Come, Hedvig.
Those wild ducks are quite remarkable.
-Help yourself. -No, thank you.
-How did you catch it? -We didn't.
We have a certain man in town to thank for it.
-Not my father, by any chance? -Imagine guessing that, Gregers!
Sure you don't want something? A glass of beer?
You said you owed my father so much...
-We didn't get the duck from him. -But we have Håk on Werle to thank.
Here you are. You haven't eaten any supper.
No, thank you. Your father was in a boat, and shot at her.
But his eyesight is so poor, she was only winged.
He hit her wing so she couldn't fly.
Did she dive to the bottom?
Wild ducks always do. Dive to the bottom, grab onto the seaweed.
-And never come up again. -But yours did?
Your father had such a magnificent dog.
The dog dove and brought the duck up to the surface.
-And you got it? -Pettersen...
Pettersen was told to do away with it, and he gave it to grandfather.
-And it thrives in the loft? -Incredibly well.
One wing hangs a little, but otherwise there isn't a scar on her.
Remarkable for a bird that's been shot and dog-bitten.
But now it's forgotten what real life is all about.
Never let it see the sea or sky again, Hjalmar.
-Perhaps I should...? -For his sake? No.
I was also wondering if I could rent your room.
-With pleasure! -That's no room for you.
-How can you say that? -It is small and dark.
That doesn't matter, Mrs. Ekdal. May I see it?
Here you are. I think it's nice. And not badly furnished.
-This is good enough for me. -But the two men downstairs...
-Who are they? -Graduate Molvik.
-And a doctor named Relling. -I remember him from Høidal.
A noisy pair of gentlemen. Often troublesome at night.
-Don't you want me in the house? -Your behavior is odd, Gina.
-Would you like the room? -I'll move in tomorrow morning.
-And I plan to stay here. -What will you do?
When one has the cross to bear of a name like Gregers...
-And Werle to boot. -If you hadn't been Gregers Werle...
-I would have been a dog. -A dog?
An unusually clever dog that dives into the mud after wild ducks.
-Honestly! -Never mind what I just said.
I'll be back tomorrow morning. You won't have any trouble from me.
The rest we can discuss tomorrow. Good night, Mrs. Ekdal, Hedvig.
-Good night, Gregers. And welcome. -Thank you.
What a strange thing to say, about being a dog.
-As though he meant something else. -Like what?
He seemed to mean something different than what he was saying.
-It sure was strange. -Finally I can get a bite to eat.
See, Gina? Take advantage of opportunities.
At last we got the room rented out. And to Gregers, my dear friend.
I don't know what to say.
You are so odd! Before, you were anxious to let the room out.
If only to someone else. What will the wholesaler say?
-It's none of his business. -Something must have gone wrong.
You know how things are between them.
Maybe the wholesaler thinks you're behind this.
Let him! God knows wholesaler Werle has done a lot for me.
But do I have to be eternally indebted to him?
Maybe grandfather will lose what little work he gets from Gråberg.
Just as well! It's humiliating enough for me -
- to have to see my poor, old father treated like an outcast!
If I have a mission in life, I will accomplish it.
I will accomplish it. I am more independent, with that room let out.
And a man with a mission in life must be independent.
Poor white-haired father. Put your faith in Hjalmar.
He has broad shoulders... Powerful shoulders, at least.
One fine day you'll wake up and see...
-Don't you believe me? -Of course.
-But let's get him to bed first. -Yes, let's.
-Gregers, are you there? - Yes.
Everything in order? Will you join us for breakfast?
-Thank you, but... -It's your first day here.
-Dr. Relling and Molvik are coming. -All right. Thank you.
Mr. Werle, are you in there? What on Earth?
-I wanted to make a fire. -The damper is closed. And water...
I'll come and clean up. Don't pour any more water!
-Is that you, Gina? -Yes.
I have to go back to Mr. Werle's. What a mess!
He poured his wash water into the stove.
-Unfortunate. -I have to go clean up.
I invited Gregers to a small morning meal.
-Have you bought anything good? -We have enough.
Make sure of it. Relling and Molvik are also coming.
-That shouldn't make a difference. -Easy for you to say.
Herring salad would be good. Relling and Molvik have been out...
I have to go in to Mr. Werle. You can work in the meantime.
I am working. As hard as I can.
At least you'll have that out of the way.
OK!
Hjalmar, are you busy?
-I'm struggling with these pictures. -Fine, if you're that busy...
-Are you busy, father? -If you're busy, I'm busy.
But I'm not that busy.
Want me to open up? Then we'll have that out of the way.
-Because it is tomorrow. -Of course it's tomorrow.
-Go ahead, father. -Aren't you joining me?
Me? Yes, I think perhaps...
Me? No...
I don't have time. I'm working.
-Is it you? -What are you doing?
Helping grandfather. I'm busy retouching.
-We have to move the water trough. -That's what I've said all along.
Can't I help you?
I can manage myself, as long as my strength holds up.
You will lack for nothing, as long as your father has his health...
-He's making a path to the trough. -He can't do that on his own!
-I can retouch for you. -You'll just ruin your eyes.
It won't take more than a minute or two.
But don't strain your eyes. The responsibility is yours alone.
Here I come, father!
Go in and help Mr. Werle. He threw his wash water in the stove.
-Because it was smoking. -He threw in water?
I'll get breakfast ready in the meantime.
-Did the wild duck sleep well? -Yes. She's used to the basket.
Is she now? You must be pleased.
Yes, because she's my duck. But father and grandfather borrow her.
-What do they do with her? -Clean, build things...
The wild duck is the finest animal in there.
-With no one to keep her company. -Like the chickens and rabbits?
And it's so strange that no one knows where she's from.
-And she's been at the sea's bottom. -Why do you say "sea's bottom"?
-What else would I say? -"Bottom of the sea" or "seabed".
Why then can't I say "sea's bottom"?
It sounds strange when others say "sea's bottom."
-Others? -Yes. When I think of that room, -
- I think of it as the "sea's bottom."
-But it's only a loft. -Are you so sure?
-That it is a loft? -Yes. Are you so sure?
Breakfast is ready shortly.
-Hedvig, go tell Relling and Molvik. -Are they coming too?
-I hear you can retouch, Mrs. Ekdal. -I can.
-How fortunate. -What do you mean?
Since Hjalmar became a photographer.
I've taught myself that art too.
So you're the one who runs the business?
That isn't for Ekdal. Ekdal is no ordinary photographer.
-What was that? -They're hunting.
Are they hunting?!
-Here already? -You shoot in the loft?
A little rabbit hunting now and then. Mostly for father's sake.
You'll have an accident some day with that pigstol.
-This is called a pistol. -That doesn't make it any better.
Men always need something to diverge themselves with.
-To divert ourselves with. -That's what I said.
Hedvig, don't touch the pistol. One chamber is still loaded.
-Your wife can take photographs? -The day-to-day business is hers.
I retire to the study to think about more important matters.
Perhaps you haven't heard about my invention, Gregers?
-Have you made an invention? -Not yet, but I'm working on it.
When I decided to go in for photography, -
- it wasn't to take simple portraits of ordinary people.
I wanted to raise it to a level of both art and science.
So I decided to make this invention.
-What form does it take? -Don't even ask. It takes time.
I'm not driven by vanity, but by my life's mission, day and night.
What mission is that?
I am going to restore the honor and standing of the Ekdal name.
-That is your mission in life? -Yes.
When those awful inquiries were under way, that pistol...
It played a key role in the tragedy of the Ekdal name.
When the sentence was passed, father held the pistol in his hand.
-Was he going to...? -Yes, but he didn't dare.
So broken, so ruined was he. Can you believe that?
He was a coward. He, a military man!
He who had shot nine bears and was descended from lieutenant colonels.
-Can you understand that? -I understand it well.
Then the pistol entered into our family history again.
While he sat under lock and key, it was a terrible time for me.
Then Hjalmar Ekdal aimed the pistol at his own chest.
Did you also consider...? But, you didn't fire?
No, at the last second I won a victory over myself.
It requires courage to choose life under those conditions.
It's a question of how you take it.
But it was better that way. Soon I will have my invention.
When might it be ready?
You mustn't ask such trivial questions.
But it consumes me. I wrestle with it every day, after I have eaten.
Here in the study. But don't try to hurry me. That doesn't help.
Don't those activities in the loft take too much of your time?
On the contrary! I need something to occupy my time.
The inspiration comes by itself.
Hjalmar, I think you have something of the wild duck in you.
The wild duck? What do you mean?
You have fallen into a poisonous swamp, have a disease in your body.
You have gone to the bottom to die in the dark.
Die in the dark? Me?
But I will help you back up, because I also have a mission in life.
Leave me out of that. I'm as well as any person could wish to be.
No one here says unpleasant things to me.
There is no "swamp air" here!
Here they come. I must change my jacket.
-Good day. -Good day.
-Does Molvik smell herring salad? -Mother just finished making it.
Good morning, Mrs. Ekdal.
Gregers, graduate Molvik. Dr. Relling you already know?
We have battled up at the works. I understand you just moved in?
Then you needn't go far for a doctor or a priest.
-Thank you. -Let's eat, drink, and be merry!
-But your father? -He'll eat later. Come in.
Gregers there, perhaps? Dr. Relling?
-Did you hear us last night? -No.
Really? Molvik was in an awful state.
Forget about last night. I wasn't my better self.
He gets a sudden impulse and we have to go on a binge.
-You see, Molvik is demonic. -Demonic?
And demonic natures have to sidestep every now and then.
So you still live up at those terrible, black works?
I have held out until now.
Did you manage to collect that claim?
-Been presenting claims, Gregers? -Not at all.
He went around to all the cotters' cabins and presented -
- "the claim of the ideal." But you never got it honored.
Why not reduce the amount?
Never, when dealing with a true person.
That sounds reasonable. Gina, more butter.
-And some bacon for Molvik. -No, not bacon!
-Hjalmar? -Hedvig, open up.
Good morning, gentlemen.
-We had fine hunting today. -You've already skinned it?
Rabbit meat is tender and lovely. And sweet, like sugar.
Bon appétit, gentlemen!
-Excuse me, please, gentlemen. -Drink soda water, man!
Let us drink to the old hunter!
To the sportsman who has faced death!
You are lucky, Ekdal, to have this mission in life to strive for.
-And I do strive. -And you have a clever, kind wife.
-Gina, you are a good helpmate. -Don't sit there criticizing me.
-And your Hedvig. -Hedvig... Hedvig, come here!
What day is it tomorrow?
We will only have a modest party in the loft.
-That's what is so nice! -Just wait for that invention.
Then you will see. I have decided to ensure your future.
You'll be comfortable as long as you live. I'll arrange something.
That will be the poor inventor's only reward.
Isn't it nice to sit in the bosom of a happy family for a change?
-I don't thrive in swamp air! -Don't start that again.
-Swamp air? -I air thoroughly every single day!
The stench I mean, you can never air out.
You haven't brought the stench yourself, from the mines?
Just like you, to call what I bring into the house a stench!
Are you still carrying your claim of the ideal in your pocket?
I carry it in my chest!
I wouldn't advise you to play collector while I am around!
-Relling! -Go ahead, throw me out!
Mr. Werle, you who made that awful mess in your stove, -
- shouldn't come to me talking about a stench!
Excuse me, I believe my son lives here?
Hello, wholesaler Werle. Won't you come in?
I only wish to speak to my son.
Yes? Here I am.
I wish to speak to you in private. In your room.
See?
Now we are in private.
You made certain remarks yesterday, that...
I assume you have unpleasant plans for me.
I want to open Hjalmar Ekdal's eyes. That is all.
Is that the calling you talked about?
What you did to old man Ekdal cannot be righted.
But I can liberate Hjalmar from all these lies.
-You think that is a good deed? -Yes.
-You think Ekdal will thank you? -I'm sure of it.
So there is no point in asking you to move home?
-No. -Fine.
-Our estate will now be settled. -I don't want that.
I consider myself resigned from your service.
-What will you do? -Fulfil my mission in life.
-What will you live on? -I have saved part of my salary.
-How long will that last? -Till the end of my time.
-What does that mean? -I will answer no more.
-Farewell then, Gregers. -Farewell.
-He's leaving. -That breakfast went down the drain.
Hjalmar, you must take a long walk with me.
-Sure. What did your father want? -Come. We have to talk.
-You shouldn't go out with him. -No, don't.
-A friend needs to confide in me. -Don't you realize that he's mad?
His mother had similar fits.
Then he needs me all the more to confide in.
And make sure that dinner is ready when I get back.
-Do you think Mr. Werle is mad? -No more than most people.
But he does have one disease in his body.
He suffers from acute integrity fever.
A national disease that only breaks out sporadically.
It's a pity he didn't go to hell in one of the Høidal mines.
Thank you, my friend.
This is all very strange.
-...he was just as guilty. -That is why all these years...?
Just a second, gentlemen. The Devil take you!
I beg you, please return to the Høidal mines.
Here you'll make a mess of Ekdal and Gina.
-I won't make a mess of them. -What do you hope to achieve?
I want to establish a true marriage.
So Ekdal's marriage is not good enough?
It is as good as many others, but it is not a true marriage.
How many, Mr. Werle, just off the cuff, -
- true marriages have you seen? -I doubt if I have seen one.
But I have seen countless of the opposite kind.
And what such a marriage can do to a person.
I've never really been married, so who am I to judge?
But children belong to a marriage. Leave the child alone!
Keep Hedvig out of this, or you may hurt her.
She is at a critical age. Goodbye!
-I want to go home. -You must hear the truth!
I don't understand...
I'm so awfully fond of you. Almost as much as of father.
-Yes, and you too, of course. -The basket is ready.
Close the door behind me, Hedvig.
-Finally rid of them. -Why isn't father back?
-His food is getting cold. -What did Mr. Werle want?
We'll find out when he comes back.
-Father! -Hedvig...
-How we have waited for you! -You were gone a long time.
Yes, I was away for some time.
-Shall I serve the food? -No food for me.
-Don't you feel well? -Well? Passable.
-We had a tiring walk. -You aren't used to that.
There is much a man has to get used to in this world.
-From now I'll do everything myself. -What's the point of that?
I'll mind the photography, you work on your invention.
And the wild duck and chickens...
-I'll never set foot in there again. -We're having a party there tomorrow!
That's true. From the day after tomorrow.
I'd like to wring that damned duck's neck!
But it's my wild duck!
And that's why I won't do it.
But to have something under my roof that has been in those hands...
Certain claims can't be put aside without injuring your soul.
-But that poor wild duck! -I'm sparing it. For your sake.
Not a hair will be touched.
I'll spare it. Now you must go out for a bit.
No! All right, if you promise...?
Not a feather will be plucked from its head.
You and I, Hedvig. We two.
There. Leave now, child.
Gina, is it true that father gets paid handsomely for his transcribing?
It covers what he costs us, plus a little pocket money.
-And you haven't told me before? -You thought he got it all from you.
-And he gets it from Werle? -It might be Gråberg.
-Why these excuses? -What has he said about me, Ekdal?
Can it be true -
- that you had an affair with the wholesaler while serving there?
No, not at that time. But the wholesaler was after me.
-So I left that post. -But after that?
I moved home to mother. She wasn't as kind as you thought.
She spoke for me. The wholesaler was a widower at that point.
You might as well know. He didn't give up until he had his way.
The mother of my child! How could you conceal this?
-I should have told you. -So I could have seen what you were.
-Would you have married me then? -How can you think that?
That's why I didn't dare tell you. I had grown so fond of you.
And this is my Hedvig's mother! All I see before me, -
- I owe to a favored predecessor. -Do you regret these 14-15 years?
Haven't you every hour regretted the web of deceit -
- you've woven round me like a spider?
I've had enough with the daily running of the house.
-And everything was so nice now. -In the swamp of deceit!
If only that detestable man hadn't shown up here.
Where can I find the suppleness to bring my invention to fruition?
If it dies with me, it will be your past that has killed it, Gina!
Everything is over now. Everything!
Now, my dear friends...
-Has nothing happened yet? -Oh yes.
God forgive you, Mr. Werle.
But I don't understand.
This reckoning upon which a new way of life will be built, -
- a life together in truth, without deceit...
Nothing can compare to forgiving past transgressions.
-To lifting her up in love! -I know that.
But you must give me time. I need time.
You have much of the wild duck in you. Listen...
-Good evening, Mrs. Sørby. -Good evening, Relling.
-You going up there? -Yes. To visit Mrs. Ekdal.
-Just to visit her? -And deliver Hedvig's present.
-And tell them some news. -Could you share it with me?
I'm very interested in the goings-on up there.
Fine. Come along, Relling.
-Is it you, Berta? -Is this an inconvenient time?
-On the contrary. -Here I am again, Mrs. Ekdal.
-I invited Relling along. -I see. Come in.
-Good evening. -Good evening.
-Perhaps this is inconvenient? -No, a messenger from that house...
-I've come to say goodbye. -Are you going away?
Tomorrow. To Høidal. The wholesaler left today.
-And you're following him? -What do you say to that?
-Beware! -My father is marrying Mrs. Sørby.
-Berta, has it finally happened? -This can't be true?
Werle arranged a special license. We'll celebrate up at the works.
Then I wish you good luck, like a good stepson.
Thank you, if you mean anything by it.
-I do hope we'll be happy. -You can expect that.
Wholesaler Werle never gets drunk.
And he never beats his wives, like the horse doctor.
Sørby had his good sides as well.
Wholesaler Werle has better sides, I imagine.
At least he hasn't wasted his life away.
-Tonight I am going out with Molvik. -Don't. For my sake.
Goodbye, Mrs....Werle.
You and Relling know each other well?
There might have been something between us.
Aren't you afraid I might tell my father?
I've told him everything. That was the first thing I did.
-Then you are uncommonly open. -I always have been.
-We women get further that way. -What do you say to that?
We women are so different.
Werle hasn't tried to hide anything from me.
It may seem I am very fortunate in this.
But I'm not getting any more than I'm giving.
And I won't let him down as he becomes helpless.
It's no use trying to hide it. He's going blind.
-He too? -Many people go blind.
I will have to be his eyes.
Werle said you could contact Gråberg if you needed anything.
I don't think Ekdal...
Tell him that I intend to go to Gråberg in the near future -
- and demand an account of what I owe his employer.
I will pay this "debt of honor," with five percent interest!
We can't afford that.
The revenue from my invention will be used to liberate me -
- from your prospective husband's pecuniary expenses!
-Something has happened here. -Yes, it has.
Very well. Farewell.
Now, Gregers, that pressing debt is off my hands.
-This is for Hedvig's birthday. -You remembered, Berta.
-Farewell, Gina. -Farewell, and good luck, Berta.
My attitude was correct.
You are the man I always took you for. Wasn't it good I came?
Oh, yes, but there is still something that troubles me.
Your father will now experience a true marriage, based on trust.
There is no just providence to rule the world, Gregers.
But I see the regulating finger of fate all the same.
He is going blind. In that fact lies just revenge.
He himself once blinded an honest fellow.
I'm afraid he has blinded many.
Look what Mrs. Sørby brought me!
A letter! I've never received a letter before.
"Miss Hedvig Ekdal". That's me! Look at it!
Wholesaler Werle's handwriting?
-May I read it...open it? -By all means.
Not tonight. It's for tomorrow.
Please, mother? It will be fun to see what it is.
-What is this? -What does it say?
-It is a deed of gift. -Really? What do I get?
Read for yourself.
-But grandfather should have it. -Do you understand this?
I don't understand anything.
Hedvig's grandfather no longer needs to worry about transcribing.
He will now receive 100 kroner a month from the office.
-Until his eyes have been closed. -Then he's taken care of.
But after that, Hedvig, the gift is transferred to you.
-To me? -Yes!
She is assured the same amount as long as she lives. Hear that, Gina?
-Yes, I hear that. -Aren't you pleased?
Pleased? Hedvig is the one he considers so generously!
It is Hedvig's birthday.
I'll give all the money to mother and you anyway.
-To your mother! -Hjalmar, this is a trap.
This morning he said, "Hjalmar is not the man you think he is."
-"You will see," he said. -That I'd be put off with money?
We'll see who was right. Him or me!
-Here is my reply! -As I expected.
And now, no more deceit.
Does your child have the right to live under my roof?
How dare you ask?
Answer me this one question: Does Hedvig belong to me, or...?
Well?
-I don't know. -You don't know?
How can I know? Someone like me.
Then I have nothing more to do here.
-Don't be hasty. -There's no reason to hesitate.
You must stay together -
- to attain the true frame of mind for self-sacrifice and forgiveness.
This home is reduced to rubble. I no longer have a child!
-What are you saying? Father! -I can't stand to see you!
Look at the child, Ekdal!
I can't! I won't! Let me go!
-Don't go! -Don't cry. Come now.
-He'll never come home again! -Sure he will. Just don't cry.
-I meant all for the best. -Yes, but God forgive you anyway.
I want to die! Mother, you must get him back again!
I'll go look for him, Hedvig.
Perhaps he's only gone down to Relling?
Promise not to lie here crying?
I'll stop, if only father comes home!
Shouldn't you let him fight his battle to the end?
I know what it is. Perhaps I'm not father's child?
-How could that be? -Perhaps mother found me.
-And now father has found out. -So what?
We got the wild duck in the same way, and I still love it very much.
Yes, the wild duck. Let's talk about that.
-He wanted to wring its neck! -And you who are so fond of it.
But he spared it for my sake. That was good of father.
What if you sacrificed the wild duck for him? The dearest thing you own?
-You think that would help? -Try.
-I'll ask grandfather to shoot it. -But not a word to your mother.
-Why not? -She doesn't understand us.
-Did you find him? -He's gone out with Relling.
-And Molvik. -At a time like this?
When he so desperately needs to struggle alone?
What if he never comes back?
He will come back! And you'll see how he comes.
You can sleep safe on that thought, Hedvig.
Relling was right.
That's what happens when mad people go presenting claims of whatever.
Mrs. Hansen, have you seen father?
I heard Dr. Relling come home with two men last night.
-Well? -He's down at Relling's.
Mrs. Hansen is certain he's at Relling's.
-Isn't Hjalmar home? -He stepped out.
This early? Then I'll walk on my own.
I'll go down and talk to father.
-Mrs. Ekdal? -He's down at Relling's.
He who needed to be alone and gather himself.
-True. I'll go talk to him. -I'll join you.
-Is...? -Yes, he's in there.
-And you didn't tell us? -I am a swine.
But I had that demonic swine to look after, and fell asleep...
-What has Ekdal said? -Not a word.
-Doesn't he speak? -Not a word.
-I can understand that. -What is he doing?
-Snoring on the sofa. -Ekdal snores terribly.
Can he really sleep?
After the internal strife he has undergone.
And he isn't used to flying about at night. Come, Hedvig.
Explain the spiritual turbulence in Ekdal.
I haven't noticed any spiritual turbulence.
His misfortune is that he has been regarded as having a great mind.
He is very good at reciting others' thoughts and verses.
Are you talking about Hjalmar Ekdal?
-I didn't think I was blind. -You're not far off.
-You are also sick. -You may be right about that.
Your case is complicated. First, this integrity fever.
But you are also wallowing in an adulation delirium.
You need someone to admire outside your own abilities.
Yes, I must search outside of myself.
But with such a low opinion of Ekdal, why associate with him?
I'm a doctor. I have to tend to the sick people I live with.
-So Hjalmar Ekdal is also sick? -Practically everyone is sick.
What cure do you have for Hjalmar?
I try to uphold his lie of life.
Lie of life?
Yes. The lie of life is the stimulating principle.
What lie of life afflicts Hjalmar?
I don't reveal such secrets to charlatans.
You could mess him up even more for me.
But I used the same method on Molvik, made him demonic.
-Isn't he demonic? -What does that mean?
I made up that nonsense to sustain his life.
Or else that poor swine would have gone under in despair.
The old lieutenant discovered his own cure himself.
And what was that?
What do you think about the great bear hunter hunting loft-rabbits?
There's no happier hunter in the world.
Those dried up Christmas trees are to him the Høidal forest.
The cock and hens are great birds in the treetops.
And the rabbits are the bears -
- that he can stalk, that great open-air man.
Yes, he has had to revise the ideals of his youth.
Don't use the foreign word "ideals."
-We have a good Norwegian word: lies. -Are the two related?
Yes. Like typhus and putrefaction fever.
I won't give up until I have rescued Hjalmar from your claws!
The worse for him.
Take the lie of life from an average man, and you take his happiness.
Now I'm going in to see if Ekdal is still pondering his invention.
Not much fun walking alone.
Do you ever feel like shooting something other than rabbits?
-Aren't they good enough? -Yes, but what about the wild duck?
Are you afraid I'll shoot your wild duck?
Not on your life.
I've heard it's difficult to shoot wild ducks.
I certainly could!
How would you go about it?
Shoot it under the breast. That's the right spot.
And shoot against the feathers, not with.
-Do they die then, grandfather? -When you shoot them right.
I'd better go in and brush myself up a bit.
-Come and help me, Hedvig. -Coming, mother.
-But I had my hat last night. -Molvik must have eaten it.
You're a scoundrel. A rogue. A disgraceful seducer!
If I had someone to assassinate you...
You can always find someone willing, Ekdal.
It's father! Oh, father!
Away! Get her away from me.
Go into the living room, Hedvig. Look at you!
I'm here, but only to leave again.
I can imagine. And your nice winter coat.
My books! Where are the journals I use for my invention?
Do you mean these?
-Yes. -Want Hedvig to cut them for you?
-I don't need any cutting. -So you're leaving?
Here my heart is stabbed every day!
-What about grandfather? -He will come with me.
-I have coffee and food for you. -Food?
Not under this roof! Where are my papers, the theses I have written?
Where are my... There she is again!
-She has to be somewhere. -Go! Go!
The final seconds in my old home I wish to be alone.
I cannot bear to see her!
-There are a thousand things I need. -Just take the most necessary.
A shirt and some underpants. Your coffee's getting cold.
Where will you find a room for the rabbits?
-Do I have to bring them? -Grandfather can't be without them.
I have to sacrifice greater things.
-Will you be taking your flute? -No, but my pistol.
Oh no...
-He must have taken it. -Yes, he's in there.
-If we hadn't rented out the room... -Never under the same roof!
You could stay in your workroom a day or two.
-Never inside these walls! -With Relling and Molvik?
The mention of their names makes me lose my appetite.
I'll have to go out in the storm, go from house to house...
-But you've lost your hat. -I must get hold of a hat.
I don't intend to risk my life.
-I'll get butter for you. -Never mind. I can eat my bread dry.
It's freshly made.
Could I , without being disturbed by anyone, -
- stay in there a day or two? -Of course. If you want to.
I need breathing space. Can't carry all these burdens in one day.
No, and in such awful weather.
That piece of paper is still here. It doesn't concern me.
I don't intend to use it.
But with all the commotion when I leave...
I'll take care of it, Ekdal.
It belongs to father, after all. He should decide what to do with it.
Just in case... Do we have any glue?
And a brush.
-Here is glue and a brush. -This won 't be easy.
-Put this one over there. -I can do it, Gina.
Far be it from me to lay my hands on a penniless man's property.
Nor on anyone else's.
-Have you eaten breakfast? -Yes.
The body occasionally makes its needs felt.
The door was open. Well, what have you decided?
I'm collecting my most important possessions.
Shall I get the studio ready, or pack a bag?
Pack. And get it ready.
I'll pack your scientific works and iron a couple of shirts.
Is it really necessary to leave your home?
I'm not made to be unhappy, Gregers.
But now you can start over. And you have your invention to live for.
What can I invent? Everything has been invented.
-You put so much into it. -It's Relling's fault.
He drew my attention to my capacity for an invention.
It made me so happy because Hedvig believed in it.
Or I convinced myself that she believed, and that she loved me.
-Are you saying that was a fancy? -What can I believe?
Can you really think that Hedvig is false?
Hedvig will block the sun from my life!
-Was that the wild duck? -Father is in there.
You'll soon have proof that Hedvig loves you.
What kind of proof can she give me?
Perhaps that deed of gift wasn't so unexpected.
-What spirit has taken hold of you? -That deed was the beginning.
I'm so certain, Gregers.
This poor photographer has never meant anything to her.
She only remained on a good footing with him until the time came.
How can you doubt that it's like I say?
You rely too much on the claim of the ideal. What if they cried:
"Leave him. Here life awaits you"!
If I asked her: "Hedvig, would you sacrifice your life for me?"
You'd see the answer I'd get!
-Do you know what that was? -Of course.
No, you don't. That was the proof.
-What proof? -A child's sacrifice.
She had your father shoot the wild duck.
She sacrificed what she loved the most, so you would love her again.
Oh, that child! Hedvig!
Hedvig, are you there?
She's not there. She must have gone out. When she comes back...
Everything will be better now. We can start life anew.
The foundation would come through the child.
-Father, are you there? -Been hunting by yourself, Hjalmar?
-So you didn't fire the gun? -Fire? Me?
-She shot the wild duck herself! -Oh, Hedvig!
Hedvig!
No, no!
Help! Call for help! Help!
-Doctor Relling! -What is it?
It's Hedvig! Come quick!
My Hedvig!
-She'll come around soon. -Where was she hit?
-How did this happen? -How should I know?
-She wanted to shoot the wild duck. -The forest's vengeance...
Well? Why don't you say anything?
-You can see she's no longer alive. -Hedvig!
She must live! For the love of God, Relling.
Just for a moment, so I can tell her how much I loved her!
-She died on the spot. -At the sea's bottom...
I chased her away like an animal, and can never make up for it again.
Oh, you up there, if you exist! Why did you do this to me?
Don't upset yourself. We must have had no right to her.
-The child is only sleeping. -Nonsense!
-She can't stay here. -No, take her to her room.
-Take hold of her, Ekdal. -Yes, to her own room.
The forest's vengeance. But I'm still not afraid.
Praise the Lord, ashes to ashes, ashes to ashes.
Shut up, man, you're drunk!
Gina, Gina, can you bear this?
We must help each other. We're both responsible for her now.
Werle? Go on down. I'll be down later.
-This was not an accident. -No one knows what happened.
She pressed the pistol to her breast and pulled the trigger.
She did not die in vain. His sorrow set free the noble in him.
But how long do you think this nobility will last in him?
Shouldn't it grow for a lifetime?
Soon Hedvig will be nothing but a pretty theme for declamation.
When the first grass withers on her grave -
- he will talk of his "child too early torn from her father."
He will wallow in sentiment, self-admiration and self-pity.
If you are right and I wrong, life is not worth living.
Life would be tolerable if we could be rid of those duns, -
- that pester us in our poverty with the claim of the ideal.
Then I am glad that my destiny is what it is.
-What is your destiny? -To be the thirteenth at the table.
The Devil it is!