[Crowd Murmuring]
[Gasps] It's her! I know it's her! She wants to tell us something!
- We must do something! - [Man] Sit down!
- [Woman] Please! - Hey!
[Crowd Arguing]
[Crowd Chattering]
In the name of His Imperial Majesty and the city of Vienna
- I hereby arrest Eduard Abramovicz - [Crowd Gasping]
Also known as Eiseneim the Illusionist
- on charges of disturbing public order... - [Shouting]
Charlatanism and threats against the empire!
- [Woman] Leave him alone! - [Shouting Continues]
They're arresting him! They're arresting Eiseneim!
[Men Shouting]
Chief Inspector Uhl
[Door Closes]
- You're late - My apologies, Your Highness
I was attending to the loose ends of the case
- Are there still loose ends? - Very few
Did he do it again?
How does he do it?
I'm afraid I still don't know.
Did you ask him?
He's not talking at this point
Well, I'm sure you have methods
for that kind of thing.
I want you to put an end to it
Surely you have something on him
Something from his past?
Yes Yes, I think I do
[Uhl Narrating] In fact, we know all about his life.
We've spoken to almost everyone who ever knew him.
As a boy, I'm told he had a chance encounter...
with a traveling magician.
[Man] Boy.
[Uhl Narrating] One version of the story was that the man himself...
then vanished...
along with the tree.
Who knows what actually happened?
People began to think he had some kind of special power...
or at least that he was a bit different.
And then he met her.
- [Boy] Don't drop it. - [Boy #2] Careful, you're going to trip.
- Drop it, you muck snipe. - Oh! Watch out for that hole, alley rat!
- Drop it! - Come on
[Boys Chuckling]
[Eiseneim] Pick a card.
Put it back in the deck.
Now, watch
[Door Opens]
Duchess von Teschen, you can't be in a place like this. They're peasants.
Remember who you are
[Uhl Narrating] She was brought back to the castle...
and they were forbidden to see each other.
But soon, they were doing just that.
Over the next few years, they could always find a way to be together.
- Quick, come on - [Both Chuckle]
[Door Squeaking]
[Eiseneim] In China there's a magician that could make anything disappear...
a house, a wagon, anything.
We'll go visit him. They can't stop us if we want to be together.
They'll never find us
Do you promise you'll take me with you?
One day I will
One day we'll run away together
We'll disappear
[Soft Tapping]
There's a secret way to open it
I wanted a picture
[Footsteps Approaching]
Sophie, are you there?
- We must hurry! They're coming! - [Man] Duchess von Teschen!
- [Door Closes] - Duchess von Teschen!
- [Man #2] Duchess von Teschen!
Make us disappear. Make us disappear.
[Man] Duchess von Teschen!
[Footsteps Approaching]
Stop Stop
[Door Opens]
- Don't do this - Let go!
- Let me go Let go! - Your father's waiting for you
- [Sophie] Let go! - No!
- Eduard! - Please, let go!
- No! - Let me go!
Let her go, please!
- Let go! Stop it! - Sophie!
Eduard!
- Sophie! - Eduard!
Sophie [Grunts]
[Man] Stay away from her, or next time...
we'll arrest you and your family.
[Uhl Narrating] What happened next remains a mystery.
We do know that he traveled the world...
that he began to perform his magic in public...
that he changed his name to Eiseneim.
And then almost 15 years later...
he appeared in Vienna.
[Man] Life and death...
space and time
fate and chance
These are the forces of the universe
Tonight, ladies and gentleman
I present to you a man who has unlocked these mysteries
From the furthest corners of the world
where the dark arts still hold sway
he returns to us to demonstrate
how nature's laws may be bent
I give you Eiseneim
[Applause]
- [Crows Cawing] - [Crowd Gasps]
Might I borrow a handkerchief from someone?
You, madam
Thank you
Ah, be patient
Now, if you please
I would like to continue with an examination of time.
From the moment we enter this life, we are in the flow of it
We measure it and we mark it, but we cannot defy it
We cannot even speed it up or slow it down
Or can we?
Have we not each experienced the sensation
that a beautiful moment seemed to pass too quickly
and wished that we could make it linger?
[Crowd Gasps]
Or felt time slow on a dull day
and wished that we could speed things up a bit?
[Crowd Murmuring]
[Murmuring Continues]
[Applause]
I assure you, they're quite real
[Man] Is it real? Let's see
And you, madam, where is your handkerchief?
[Murmuring]
[Crowd Gasps]
[Applause]
Bravo!
Very good
[Boy] Give us something, please.
- Please, give us something Please - What's all this?
We're poor
- Do you think you're poor? - Yes
I want to show you something
You're not poor
You have everything that you need right here
Thank you
And that's yours
- And this too - [Gasps]
- [Coins Jangling On Ground] - [Boys Gasping]
I've got the magic one!
- Good morning - Good morning
- Coffee? - No
- Strudel? I have two - Nothing, thank you
You look very pleased with yourself How are the receipts?
- Not bad A three-quarter house - Well done.
But we're going to do better than that Listen to this
Listen " There is no argument that his uncanny displays
"separate him from the ranks of garden-variety stage wizards
"Some of his effects transcend mere illusion
"and approach the realm of art
He is very young to be so masterful"
Do you see? We'll pack the house with this review.
We are going to make more money than you ever dreamed of
[Man] But if it was mechanical.
Maybe he had it wrapped in some kind ofbark?
Oh, I know, of course I thought of that
It's the butterflies I'm trying to work out
Oh, for Pete's sake Invisible wire
Too obvious How many men have you detailed for tonight?
We have eight men inside, another eight out front
Perhaps you'll get another look at your butterflies.
Mmm
- [Man] Come on in. - Check the last 10 rows there
- You! Don't touch that! - [Knocking Table]
- Put that down! - Ah, Herr Eiseneim
Who are you and what do you think you're doing?
I'm Chief Inspector Walter Uhl and I'm inspecting your theater
I've seen you perform Very impressive
- Very impressive. - How can we help you, Inspector?
You will be honored to know the crown prince
plans to attend your performance tonight
- The crown prince? - Yes!
So, obviously we have to inspect the theater.
I think that one's small for an assassin, don't you?
[Chuckles] Yes, the orange tree
You know, I have seen things like this before
but never one like that
- Extraordinary - Thank you
I have been puzzling over how it works
especially how the butterflies fly
I assure you, your secret is safe with me
I'm an officer of the law after all, and a bit of an amateur conjurer
- Are you really? - Yes
Well, card tricks, coins, uh, sleight of hand, yes
Hmm
But nothing fancy Perhaps you'll give me a tip
Yes, all right
I'll show you one I'm very fond of Are you a gambling man?
- On occasion, yes - I will bet you the secret of the orange tree
that I can guess which hand you place this in every time
Excellent
Put it in your fist, raise your hand against your forehead
concentrate on it, form a mental picture.
- Yes - Have you got it?
- Yes - Put your hands in front of you.
It's in your left
- Well... - A lucky guess, perhaps
You have a confederate who signals you
- No It's more primitive than that - Uh-huh
When you raise your hand to your head, the blood drains from it
It will be paler every time
Oh Oh, I like that very much
Please take it with my compliments
Why, thank you Eh, the blood drains
- Now, Inspector - [Chuckles]
If you don't mind, I've got to prepare for tonight's performance
Ah [Chuckles]
[Chattering]
[Announcer] Please stand for His Imperial Highness...
Crown Prince Leopold.
[Crowd Applauding]
[Crowd Gasping]
I thought we might end this evening with a discussion of the soul
All of the greatest religions
speak of the soul's endurance beyond the end of life
So, what then does it mean to die?
I need a volunteer from the audience.
Someone not afraid of death
Please, someone?
I assure you, no tragedy will befall you
[Crowd Murmuring]
[Murmuring Continues]
It's an honor, Duchess von Teschen
Do you know me?
No
You're quite certain that we've never met before?
Yes, of course
Now please gaze directly into my eyes
Look nowhere else
Wave to yourself
Turn in a circle
Now bow to yourself
[Crowd Laughing]
[Crowd Gasping]
- [Crowd Gasping] - [Woman Screams]
Away
[Crowd Gasps]
[Chattering]
They must have liked you They've waited for you nearly five minutes
Your Highness, may I introduce Eiseneim the Illusionist?
[Applause]
- Well done - Thank you for coming I hope you enjoyed it
Oh, we more than enjoyed it
Stimulated great debate amongst us, hasn't it?
Except of course for your assistant, Duchess von Teschen
You seemed to have struck her quite speechless A feat in itself
- Did you hypnotize her? - In a fashion
- I'd like to learn that trick - [Men Laughing]
Rainier here thinks you have supernatural powers.
Do you claim supernatural powers?
I've never said anything of that kind
- Then you won't mind a question or two - Now let's not ruin it
[Leopold] You needrt divulge anything I can't guess.
As you wish
Your assistants are behind the mirror
somewhere in robes obviously
Lights in the frame perhaps to illuminate them, or angled mirrors?
That would be one way to do it
I think I understand it all except the ghost
That was very, very good
Another viewing perhaps?
You must come to the Hofburg next time We'll make an evening of it
That will be my pleasure
[Leopold] So be it.
Sophie?
And we'll gather our best minds next time.
You'll really have a challenge then
Then I'll prepare something special
Perhaps I'll make you disappear
My God When he volunteered her
I heard the crashing sound of money falling on me in piles
Every lady of means in Vienna will want to get up there with you now
- Mmm - What a show-off
His father would have died if he had seen such a display
- She didn't seem too happy about it either - She'd better get used to it
- How's that? - Word is she'll marry him soon
- Really? - Taking her chances if you ask me
- Why? - He likes to give his lady friends
a good thrashing now and again
People say he pushed one of them off a balcony
just to cover the beating he'd given her
For Herr Eiseneim
[Hooves Beating]
Hello, Sophie
When I was on the stage, you knew me right away.
It took me a moment
but, yes, I knew
You could have said something
I thought you'd figure it out eventually
Yes, I would have
I would have come another night, volunteered
walked right on stage and said, "Hello"
And then you'd really have had to move quickly.
I suspect you would have
I don't understand why
Perhaps for the same reasons you find it prudent to meet in a carriage
It's just a game I have to play with them
I'm followed everywhere It's... It's supposed to be for my protection
Yes
So, I hear congratulations are in order
What for?
They say you'll be the princess
- It's not decided at all - Ah
It makes a certain sense, I suppose
We've known each other for years, and of course, our families
He's very intelligent
A little too intelligent for his own good.
You're lucky, you know
to have broken free as you did
I often wish that I had...
Wished what?
Wished that I would see you again
And now you have
Yes, now I have
I look forward to seeing you again at the Hofburg
Until then
[Door Opens]
[Door Closes]
Here's the report on Duchess von Teschen
Mmm Anything interesting?
See for yourself
[Clears Throat]
The magician?
They drove around for half an hour.
Then he got out near the theater.
What do you want us to do?
Join us for a drink?
Please
You like something to eat, something to drink, hmm?
- No, thank you - Herr Eiseneim
I'm going to ask you a question
that may not seem friendly
but I assure you, in fact, is [Clears Throat]
What is your relationship with the Duchess von Teschen?
You're right, that doesn't seem friendly
Oh, but that is precisely my point
For, you see, where others might judge
a discreet carriage ride for what it seemed to be
I am willing to find out what it actually was
All right We were childhood acquaintances
Acquaintances?
Childhood friends
My father was a cabinetmaker
- He made the furniture for her family's house. - [Chuckles]
I see, the cabinetmaker's son friends with a...
- Has there been a complaint? - Oh, no, no If there'd been a complaint
well, we'd be having a very, uh, different sort of conversation
Yes He relies on you for that sort of thing, does he?
I'm a simple public servant, Herr Eiseneim
That's not what I hear
I hear you'll be the chief of police very soon
- Maybe mayor of Vienna? Party secretary? - All subject to his whim
You better hope he doesn't dissolve the parliament before you get there
Now the prince has some progressive ideas, but he will make a fine emperor
Well, they say you're very close to him, so I'm sure you'll do fine
Look Yes, indeed, they say that I'm very close to the prince
But the simple truth of the matter is, Herr Eiseneim, I'm the son of a butcher
He's the heir to the empire How close could we be to such as him?
Hmm? Do you see my point?
Don't fool yourself that you can play in their game
I've served on the edge of it
for many, many years
and I can tell you with certainty
there's no trick they haven't seen.
It's not won'th it
My guest tonight...
is not a showman at all, but rather a wizard
who has sold his soul to the devil...
in return for unoly powers.
Or so at least some of our friends here would have us believe
- [All Laughing] - But fear not.
Everything can and will be explained
- All mysteries penetrated - [Man] Hear! Hear!
[Man #2] Well said! Well said!
[Crowd Gasps]
- [Man] Is that the emperor? - [Man #2] Ah, yes, your father.
I didn't think he was invited
[Man] Bravo.
A fair likeness of the old man
- Too modern a style for him, of course - [Laughter]
I'm afraid I'm not much of a painter
It's true There are no brushstrokes in this painting
I can see that clearly
So to achieve the color
some sort of chemical must be interacting, presumably
Some sort of sprayer up your sleeve?
- May I? - If you feel you must
- I do - Oh, let the man do his show
You want me to just sit there when it's so obvious?
- [Laughter] - I do
He tries to trick you I try to enlighten you
Which is the more noble pursuit?
May we have the lights, please
so His Highness can better see?
- [Man] See here, Leopold, let's have the show - [Man #2] Hear! Hear!
- Come on, Leopold - Get on with it
[Leopold] Very well I propose a challenge
Why don't you astonish us...
if you can
without all the gadgetry?
As you wish
Your sword is very beautiful.
Might I see it?
Certainly
May I?
Where does power flow from?
Skill or destiny, or divine right?
We all know the story of a sword called Excalibur
Excalibur's blade was fixed in stone
and there it stayed
[Crowd Murmuring]
Many won'thy knights tried to pull the sword from the stone
Only Arthur succeeded
proving his right to rule
Who can take this sword?
You, sir, can you take the sword?
[Grunting]
[Scattered Laughter]
No surprise there
- [Crowd Laughing] - Perhaps you, sir
- Not so eager, cousin - [Laughter]
[Man] Come on. You can do it.
- [Woman] Do it! Do it! - [Man #2] Come on!
[Crowd Shouting]
[Grunts]
You shall live a long life
Thank you for your indulgence
[Applause]
Come now If you can't pull it out, you'll never be emperor
- Your father will live to be a hundred. - [Laughter]
[Grunts]
The sword to its rightful owner!
[Applause]
That's enough light entertainment for this evening
For more serious discussion, please join me for a drink
[Crowd Applauding]
Shut him down
Well, he's very popular, Your Highness
I'm sure you'll find a way
- What did you do to him? - I gave him what he asked for
What would possess you to do something so foolish?
[Woman] Duchess von Teschen, you must come along, my dear.
We don't want to keep the prince waiting
- Did you enjoy the show? - It was wonderful, wasrt it?
It was amusing
[Hoofbeats Approaching]
Who told you where to find me?
Your manager I told him if he wants to stay in Vienna, you need my help
Ah, so I'm to be driven from the city, is that it?
- Good I shall relish it - Stop it!
I came here to try to help you.
Why? Why should you possibly care what happens to me now?
You were my friend I am your friend
We knew each other very briefly a long time ago You don't know me at all
Then why did you speak to me? Why did you even bother talking...
And you kept it all this time
I used to sit and stare at your picture
trying to imagine where you were
At night I'd have dreams I had gone with you
and then I'd wake up and realize where I was
But in my dreams you had shorter hair and no beard
[Sighs]
Where did you go when you left?
To my uncle's farm near Prague
How exotic
[Chuckles]
I went to Russia
then Asia Minor
and then the Orient for many years
So long
I always meant to return
I just... I kept thinking I'd find it around the next corner
What?
A real mystery
I saw remarkable things
but the only mystery I never solved was
why my heart couldn't let go of you
[Kisses Hand]
He wants me to go to Budapest
with him next week to announce our engagement
He wants the Hungarians behind him
They're going to crown him king
I'm sure his father will have something to say about that
He plans to overthrow his father
That could go very badly for him
and for you
You shouldn't be involved.
[Sighs] I am part of his plan
He only gets Hungary by aligning himself with my family
- Leave him - It's not that easy
Call it off and come away with me
Or don't say anything and we'll just go.
As long as we're alive
he'll hunt us
And when he finds us, he'll kill us
Look at me
Do you truly want to leave with me?
Yes, I do
There you are As I predicted, they've shut us down
Are you happy now, hmm? You made your point.
It doesn't matter that we were sold out for the whole run!
No, look You got it off your chest
- Do we have money? - What?
- Do we have any money saved? - Yes, we have some
But we could have had much, much more
Mmm, it will have to do
And the second account, all of it
[Man] Of course, Herr Eiseneim.
Thank you
[People Chattering]
And you have no doubt it was Duchess von Teschen?
I'd stake my life on it
What was in this suitcase?
I don't know
He's by the first car
[Train Whistle Blowing]
[Eiseneim] The map will show you where to meet.
When it's done, you'll travel ahead with her and I shall follow.
[Older Man] And she understands everything this entails?
[Eiseneim] Completely. There's not a lot of time.
[Train Whistle Blowing]
As you know, we sometimes follow
Duchess von Teschen for her protection
Yesterday she was seen in the company of another man
What man?
Eiseneim the Illusionist
What were they doing?
- Well, they were meeting and, uh... - Touching? Kissing?
Fornicating?
Not that we observed, no
However, I have reason to believe that they may be planning something together
It's possible they may be leaving.
I'm not certain of anything yet, Your Highness
Thank you, Inspector
- We can, of course, acquire more information... - [Rifle Fires]
He spent the afternoon in Vienna with his father
He's expected shortly
[Bottle Clanking]
What a surprise
I thought you didn't like it here.
I suppose you think you're very clever
and very democratic in your friendships
- Arert you? - What are you talking about?
Your magician friend
I know you've been with him
It's true We've been friends since childhood
You sleep with all your childhood friends?
I will not be spoken to this way
- You'll be spoken to as I wish to speak to you! - You're drunk
You're getting quite old, aren't you?
You know, my mother was 16 years old when she married my father.
And you? Can you even bear children? Are you any use at all?
- Are you trying to embarrass me? - It has nothing to do with you
It has everything to do with me!
You will not share my bed if you've slept with him!
You don't understand
I'm not going to share your bed at all
I'm not going to Budapest with you
I don't want to be part of what you're planning
And I will not marry you
I assume you haven't been so stupid as to tell him anything.
'Cause if you disrupt my plans, I will have no further use for you. Do you understand?
Now, you will travel to Budapest tomorrow
I recommend that you are here early, packed and ready to go
Do nothing more to embarrass me.
Good-bye
What do you mean, "Good-bye"? Come back here
Come back here!
Don't disobey me again. Whore!
[Sophie] Out of my way.
- [Drawing Sword] - Please, don't. [Groans]
[Horse Neighing]
No, leave that Leave all the lanterns
[Nickering, Snorting]
[Man] Duchess von Teschen!
[Man] Maybe look on that side!
[Whimpers]
[Man With Dog] Over here!
Whoa Whoa
I thought you saw her get on the train with him
No, sir We were waiting in Vienna for them, but they left from Baden
- We assumed she was with him - [Grunts]
[Willigut] Should I wire the crown prince in Budapest?
It's been done.
- Who are you? - I'm the family's doctor
Are you the chief inspector?
Yes, I am You understand this is a police matter now?
- Of course I understand - Good, good
- You have determined the cause of death? - She bled to death.
There's a wound on her throat
just above the left collarbone
Perhaps from a knife or a sword
May I take a look?
Inspector, l-I will not stand for it
The crown prince will not stand for it
This is not some circus sideshow
My apologies, of course
[Sighs] Thank you, Doctor
Probably robbed Gypsies, maybe
Saw all those diamonds, couldn't say no
Chief Inspector, there's one thing you should know
- Yes, what is that? - In the folds of her dress
I found this small gemstone
Seen last Thursday at 7:30 pm, riding without an escort
toward the Imperial Hunting Lodge
Groomsman said she arrived about 8:30
What was she doing riding alone?
[Pack Of Dogs Barking]
He did this You know he did
- I know who did what? - The crown prince!
He killed her He's done it before, and you know it
No, I don't know that In fact, I'm sure he didn't He's in Budapest
- He killed her before he left! - I'm afraid the facts don't support your theory
- She was leaving him - For who? You?
- Yes! - Don't be absurd, Herr Eiseneim
He killed her because he couldn't let her go
- She knew his secret - What secret?
- Ask your inspector He knows... - Stop this right now!
[Scoffs] Are you completely corrupt?
No, not completely No
Which is why I'll advise you not to accuse anyone, especially His Imperial Highness
Or you will end up in jail yourself
[Hooves Beating]
- Where's the guard who let her out of the gate? - Gone with the crown prince
- Did any of the servants see her leave? - All asleep
Ah-ha What about him?
He, uh, he put her horse in the first stall when she arrived
Ah
Was it this one?
We don't have jurisdiction on Imperial property
Thank you I know
So what are you doing?
[Sighs] Investigating
Listening to that magician, are you?
For all we know, he did it.
No, I think not
The crown prince is back.
[Whinnying]
- Chief Inspector - [Men Shouting]
We should go. Now.
- [Neighing] - [Sighs]
What have you found out?
- She was last seen riding here, alone - Yes
And based on your information, I then threw her out
- Did she commit suicide? - No It was surely murder
- Do you have a suspect? - We will soon, Your Highness
[Uhl Narrating] Later that week, we arrested a man and charged him with murder...
but I knew that that wouldn't satisfy Eiseneim.
I had my men continue to watch him.
He finally emerged from his grief and bought a rundown theater.
It's perfect
[Uhl Narrating] He fired his manager...
and began preparing for a new kind of show.
[Crowd Chattering]
[Crowd Exclaiming]
[Man] Who is he?
My name is Frankel
- Where did you come from? - I come from Brunn
My father is a lens grinder there
How have you come to be here tonight?
- I don't know - [Woman] Are you alive?
[Man] What can you tell us about the other side?
- What's it like? - [Woman] Yes, tell us.
[Woman #2] You must know things. Secret things.
[Man] Say something spiritual.
[Gasping]
[Chattering]
They don't seem to think it's a trick
[Man] Eiseneim! Come out and talk to us!
[Uhl Narrating] Eiseneim's audience had always been enthusiastic...
but now he was attracting a more... impassioned following.
[Crowd Murmuring]
[Eiseneim] Madame. Please?
[Footsteps]
[Crowd Gasps]
With these spirits, these manifestations...
Eiseneim has given us hard proof
of the soul's immortality
The spirit has been reaffirmed
in the face of modern, scientific materialism.
The work of spiritualism will rouse humanity...
to a new, moral earnestness
"It is a revolutionary movement, and we will turn the empire
into a spiritual republic"
- [Blows] - Do you think Eiseneim's behind all this?
[Sighs]
Why must I be bothered with a magician? [Scoffs]
He is proving to be more than a magician, Your Highness
He is a charlatan He's a faker
[Snorts] He pretends to have supernatural powers...
Put him on trial for fraud
- First, we have to show it is fraud - Then do it
Find out how the trick is done, and then arrest him
This is just a rough demonstration, Inspector
But you can see how it could work
[Projector Chattering]
Yes, I see Not bad, not bad
We need a spy in Eiseneim's troupe
- Those Orientals, they won't give us anything - Mm
- I already tried - Yeah Then try something else
[Creaking]
[Door Banging]
[Man, Indistinct]
[Woman, Indistinct]
What has happened here?
One of those ghosts from the theater down the street
- Yes Up there - Where?
- There - Right there And it's a boy
- Yes Look, look - Sick!
- Where is this thing? - Right there
- [Sobbing] Over there - Uh-huh Did you see it?
[Crying] Mm!
[Man, Sighing] God. An apparition. I saw it. I swear.
- [Man #2] Yes! - [Man #3] Right over there.
[Woman Gasping]
[Crowd Gasps]
[Crowd Yelling]
[Man] Where are you taking him?
I want to know how it's done.
First the orange tree, now this
Do I have to share all my professional secrets with the police?
Well, in this case, yes, or I'll be forced to arrest you
- On what charge? - Oh, well, we'll start with fraud
- [Knocking] - [Door Opens]
- Excuse me, Chief Inspector... - What?
I think you should look outside the window
- Who are they? - They are here for him
Oh!
My goodness, you have a devoted following
- What is it they expect of you? - I have no idea
What do your spies tell you?
That you plan to subvert the monarchy, perhaps
Why? Just because the crown prince is a murderer?
He's not a murderer We have the real murderer in prison
- He pleaded guilty - You've got the wrong man
- You don't know that - No, but you do
Hmm
Herr Eiseneim, you will also go to prison
if you don't explain to me what it is you are doing
- [Man] Let him go! - [Man #2] Or we will!
The sentence will be greater if that mob attacks the building
[Crowd Chanting] Eiseneim! Eiseneim! Eiseneim!
- Well? - [Chanting Continues]
What are you doing? Stop!
- Stop! - [Crowd] Eiseneim!
- [Chanting Continues] - [Woman] There he is!
- [Cheering] - [Eiseneim] Listen to me, please!
- [Cheering, Applauding] - You must listen to me, please!
[Applause Stops]
Thank you all for coming I have been speaking with the chief inspector
And I think there's been a serious misunderstanding.
I want you all to know
that everything that you have seen in my theater is an illusion
It's a trick.
It's not real.
I can't bring loved ones back from the grave
I can't receive messages from the other side
I apologize if I've given you any false hope
My intention has only been to entertain, nothing more
- [Muttering] - [Eiseneim] Now I appreciate your support.
But you must go home.
Please, you must go
[Window Closing]
There, now I've explained it, so it can't be fraud
May I go?
[Footsteps]
[Sighs Heavily]
Has he tricked you? Is that it?
No, Your Highness.
Then why are you failing me?
I thought I could trust you
I thought you were a man I could bring with me when I took the throne
- Am I wrong about you? - No You're not wrong, Your Highness, no
I need men who can complete the tasks assigned to them!
Instead, I'm surrounded by fools
In the end, I must do everything myself.
- I can see this case will be no different - Mm
[Door Closes]
- How do I look? - Ordinary, Your Highness
Very ordinary
I think I'm going to enjoy this
- They don't recognize you - Good
And keep your distance I don't want to be seen with a policeman
[Whirring, Scraping]
[Crowd Stirring]
[Gasping]
[Man In Crowd] Who are you?
[Man #2] Are you Duchess von Teschen?
- Yes - [Chattering]
[Man] What's happened to you?
She was murdered. Were you murdered?
[Man] By who?
[Man #2] Did they arrest the right man?
[Man #3] Tell us, please. Who murdered you?
- [Man #4] Tell us. - Someone Here
- [Crowd Gasping] - [Man] Tell us, and point him out.
[Man #2] Was it the crown prince?
[Man #3] He's killed a woman before!
[Man #4] Hey! The crown prince isn't even here.
[Man #5] The crown prince killed her! Something must be done!
[Crowd Moans]
[Chattering]
Chief Inspector, are you sure you have the right man?
- Quite sure Excuse me - Did you investigate the crown prince?
He cannot continue if this is true
- He must be brought to justice - It's not true
The magic trick is not evidence What is your name?
- I don't see how that matters - I advise you to watch what you say, sir
That actress didn't even look like Sophie
But the audience is stupid and he knows it
He manipulates them He himself said nothing
His actress said nothing inflammatory
He left it to the audience to make their accusations
All plants paid for by him, of course
I don't suppose you made a note of those people?
I'm afraid we didn't have enough men tonight
At the next performance, I want them all arrested.
Every one of them Eiseneim, the whole troupe
I want to have an example made of him
in front of all his followers
That was very foolish last night
[Sighs]
You can't destroy him, you know
- You can't bring down the monarchy - Oh, I know I can't
Then don't raise her again
Don't provoke those questions
Eiseneim, I don't want to arrest you
I'm a cynical man, God knows
but if your manifestations are somehow real
then even I'm willing to admit, you're a very special person
And if it's a trick, then it's equally impressive
Either way, you have a gift
So don't make me put you in jail!
Promise me you won't do it again
I promise you, you'll enjoy this next show
[Sighs] What do you want?
- Nothing - Then why bring her back?
Just to be with her
To be with her
- Everything is ready? - Yes, sir
- We're trying to assess how he might escape - He will not escape
- I want guards at every door and window! - Sir
I want to apologize to you for my behavior oflate.
But I want to make it up to you, if you'll listen to a proposition
- Well, I don't know - I'll make it won'th your while, Josef
You know, I'm very busy right now I haven't just been sitting around waiting for you
No No, of course
I want you to assume control of all my finances
And my assets
- Everything - Everything?
Yes Including this theater
and all the receipts from tonight's performance
which I offer with my sincere thanks
- What do you say? - All right
- I'll do it - Good Good
Would you like me to introduce you tonight?
No Tonight, just enjoy the show
[Murmuring]
Excuse me, Chief Inspector I'm Josef Fischer, Eiseneim's manager
Yes, I remember
- What's going on? Why all the police? - Precautions, Herr Fischer
- Precautions - Are you planning to arrest Eiseneim?
Oh, that's entirely up to him
[Murmuring]
- [Gasping] - [Woman] There! There!
[Woman] It's Duchess von Teschen!
[Chattering, Increasing]
Why were you murdered?
- I was leaving him - [Woman] Leaving who?
- The crown prince? - Of course it was.
- [Man #2] We won't stand for it! - I tried to get away
I was wearing my locket when I died
But now it's gone. It's lost.
- [Man] Tell us, please. Who murdered you? - Was it the crown prince?
We must do something!
- Come along - [Man] We must help her!
[Policeman] To the front!
[Policeman] Step out!
In the name of His Imperial Majesty...
and the City of Vienna, I hereby arrest Eduard Abramovicz...
also known as Eiseneim the Illusionist...
on charges of disturbing public order...
charlatanism and threats against the empire!
- No! - [Uhl] Get back, get back!
[Clamoring]
- [Policeman] Stop it! Stop it, all of you! - [Gasps]
[Crowd Gasps]
[Screaming]
[Screaming, Moaning]
- [Man] He disappeared - [Woman] Where is he?
[Screaming] Find him!
- Where is he? - He was right there
- How was his trick done? - No trick
- How is it done? - I don't know Nobody know
[Uhl] Damn it!
[Sighs]
[Gasps]
[Uhl Narrating] I had my driver take the sword to police headquarters.
My men will examine it and see if it matches the gemstone...
found on Duchess von Teschers body... I have no doubt that it will.
And after that, I came in here
and you asked me why I was late
You've stolen Imperial property
That seems trivial compared with murder
Even if that were true, you have no jurisdiction here
That's right. You may do as you wish here, without consequence.
Nobody can punish you
- Except one man - Who's that?
The emperor
I don't suppose he'll leave his crown to a murderer, do you?
- He'll never believe you - Maybe not
Hmm
But, I wrote a letter to his general staff
telling them... everything.
Including your plan to overthrow the emperor.
I know they'll listen to that
You'll not take the throne... not with my help.
You no longer want to be chief of police? Mayor of Vienna?
You don't want to be a baron, an aristocrat?
I'm afraid that's out of the question at this point
You fool He's tricking you
He's manipulating you He had the sword at a command performance
He could have pried the stones loose then and planted them here
- He has planted everything - You're drunk
It's all a trick It's an illusion
Perhaps there's truth in this illusion
You need to wire your driver, and have the sword returned
- Or what? - I'll shoot you Perhaps I'll shoot you anyway
And then you'll have killed a police inspector and a duchess
Or perhaps you'll kill yourself
You, uh, committed suicide, distraught at having failed your leader
[Horses Galloping]
Ah. Some officers of the general staff, I'd guess.
They must have received my letter
- What do you want? - I don't want anything
Fine Fine You shall have nothing
- Gentlemen... - The situation is so obvious
Everyone's completely incompetent
My father runs the empire into the ground
and no one notices, no one knows anything about it
I propose to clean up the mess, and you betray me!
You're all becoming irrelevant You will be replaced
[Sighs Deeply] The country will be run by mongrels!
There's a thousand different voices screaming to be heard, and nothing will be done!
Nothing! I've done everything I can
Too much! [Gasping]
- Far too much - [Knocking]
[Man] Your Highness! Are you in there?
[Man #2] Your Highness, open the door.
- [Rattling] - Please. Open the door.
- [Banging] - [Man] By your father's authority...
I insist you open the door!
- You must open the door! - [Banging Continues]
- You're all fools - [Uhl Gasps]
- Please, Your Highness! - I can't stand it
- [Banging] - I won't stand it
- [Body Thumps] - [Man] Break down the door. Break it down!
- [Door Smashing] - [Groaning]
- What happened? - The crown prince just shot himself
[Sighs]
[Groans]
Are you Chief Inspector Uhl?
I used to be
You! Who gave you this?
- Who gave you this? - Herr Eiseneim!
When?
- [Snorting] - [Man] Look out!
[Conductor's Whistle Blowing]
- All aboard! - [Train Whistle Blowing]
Tickets and papers
[Conductor] All aboard!
[Train Whistle Blows]
[Train Whistle Continues]
[Voice Of Eiseneim] When it's done...
you'll travel ahead with her, and I will follow
- And she understands everything this entails? - Completely.
[Willigut] Do you think that Eiseneim's behind all this?
[Eiseneim] So, what does it mean, to die?
- [Uhl] What do you want? - [Eiseneim] To be with her.
[Uhl] To be with her.
[Doctor] Chief Inspector, there's one thing you should know.
[Eiseneim] Your sword is very beautiful. Might I see it?
- [Sophie] You're drunk. - [Uhl] You were drunk.
[Leopold] He's a charlatan. He's a faker.
He's planted everything.
[Eiseneim] Everything you have seen is an illusion.
- It's a trick. - [Gasps]
[Sighs]
[Whistle Wailing]
[Laughing]
[Continues Laughing]