LATE CHRYSANTHEMUMS
Produced by Masumi Fujimoto
From a story by Fumiko Hayashi
Scenario: Sumie Tanaka and Toshiro Ide
Photography: Masao Tamai. Music: Ichiro Saito
Leading players
Haruko Sugimura, Yuko Mochizuki, Chikako Hosokawa, Sadako Sawamura
Ken Uehara, Hiroshi Koizumi, Ineko Arima
Directed by Mikio Naruse
Good morning
Morning's over. You're late
There's land for sale; I went to look at it
It's a bargain
Be quiet
200,000 yen down for the house
Write a receipt. Got a stamp?
I've brought the one I borrowed last time
You're too young to be senile
Too busy to be, more like
Finished?
What's that mean?
Tofu
I see. But can a deaf girI help you?
Yes, she's good enough and she's quiet
Of course. Secrets are safe with her
Why not look at the land? Prices are rising every day
After I sell the house I've bought
I don't want to rush money matters
If you don't rush, money will grow like a snowball
I've helped you make money
For our mutuaI benefit
Half of that 200,000 yen will go into your pocket
Hardly. My commission is only five percent
Have the house vacated
Men are apt to be soft with a widow
You'll kick her out before I do
Like the last time
I must be going
Me, too
Anyway, get her out of the house, I'm counting on you
Lock your doors, springtime is burglars' time
Bark at anyone suspicious
It used to bark at you
Not any more
Don't you understand?
Your mistress said you're a good girI
Dear, Okin is here
Okin?
- What's the matter? - She's gone
Why the back door?
Because you ran out last time
I'll pay today
Good. They smile only when they borrow money
I was going to bring it to you, to save you the trouble of coming
I saved money every day
Count it, dear
Here's 2,200 yen
I had a hard time after I was repatriated...
...but luck is on my side at last
I'll do up this place and I'll have a child
I'll need lots of money, help me then
It's too late for a child
Otomi and Tamae are always talking about their children
They married young enough to have children. I still can, though
Not at your age
I don't think it's too late
- She eats raw carrots - Shut up
She brags when someone's around
Get tea for her
- Or beer? - No, thanks
I'm going to see Tamae
Her repayments are three months late
Her son is grown up, but he can't support her
I've heard he's getting a steady job
She must have a patron or someone, she paints her face
No, if she had one she wouldn't be poor
I tried to find a groom for her, but she refused
Listen, Okin, Seki comes here often
He misses you. I haven't given him your address
I won't see him
He had a hard time
He went to Manchuria, but he couldn't forget you
He lost his career because of you
I'm not responsible for that
Tell him: Okin is old, living from hand to mouth
She has nothing to give
Get a good job, grow rich and pay for her funeraI
Thank you. I'll be back next month
What a moneylender!
She's still charming
No wonder, she was once a geisha
I know her well
She swindled her customers
Seki tried to die with her; he failed and was sent to prison
She'll be sorry
My husband is ill. Will you buy some?
We aren't buying
Please...
Anything else?
Akane Hotel
She's off work today. She's not well
She wrote to me that she was working here
Go to her house
Even if she's in, she won't open the door
I'm splashing water
Excuse me
If she comes, tell her that Okin wants to see her today
- Got any cigarettes? - Only Peace
One packet?
- From a games hall? - It isn't a prize
Give me the change
Okin, I didn't expect you here
So you're still in the job this time. For how long?
As long as I can
I'll get hot water
It's my age; my shoulders and waist ache
You look healthy. Do you have hormone injections?
You're joking. I'm old, like you
I went to see Tamae just now. I'm out of breath
She wasn't at the hoteI. Is she really ill?
Yes, she has a headache
She needs hormone injections, but she can't afford them
She asked for it, wasting money on gambling
I did, too. I went to the races untiI I was broke
I wish you'd give me a loan
Got a cigarette?
You both have grown up children, yet you complain
I have no one to count on
Tell Tamae to repay me
She must. I slaved for the money I lent her...
...even though we're old friends
Tell her yourself. You're going to see her
But when she hears my voice she'll run away
Goodbye
Otomi
I need the money I lent you
Why such a hurry? Give me time
Who is it?
It's me
Welcome
- So you're at home - Come in, although it's so untidy
I didn't think you were really ill
I am
You look all right
It's my heart. I'm dizzy when I stand up
- How is Kiyoshi? - He went for an interview yesterday
If he gets the job, life will be easier
If he fails again, we're finished
Enough of that, I've had to listen to Otomi's complaints
She was once a geisha like us
She could do better than being a washerwoman
How do you live with her?
As you see
I'll get tea for you, I can afford that
No, thanks
I'm still waiting for repayment. Pay the interest, at least
Others pay promptly
I'm sorry, give me a few days
I haven't been paid this month
It isn't much, though. I'll bring it to you
Customers tip you at the hoteI
It's an old story
These days young lovers steaI sheets when they leave the hoteI
We maids have to pay for the loss
Welcome home
Greet our guest
Hello
That isn't a proper way
You were rude. How was the interview?
I might have failed
As if it was not your fault
Send her away
I'll come again
Pay me then
What's this?
I'm sorry I stayed out last night; were you worried?
How did you get it?
I could slap her with it
Kiyoshi, you didn't do anything wrong, did you?
I'm only trying to be a good son
I hope so
Since your father died, I've been unlucky
I hoped you'd be a big man one day and help me
You didn't raise me properly
You made me call you Sister
Tell me the truth. How did you get this money?
If only your father were alive. I'd have been a good housewife
Frankly, I'm tired of living
I was so worried last night, I couldn't sleep
I know
I decided to have somebody else to love me
I'm twenty-four
Who is she?
Older than me
Not a married woman, I hope
Not married, but not unattached. She's easy to drop
A mistress
You amaze me
I gave up
Leave me alone
Mum, I can bring you pocket money
Your hands are rough. They used to be white and pretty
Perhaps I made them rough
Mum, don't worry about me any more. Find a nice man
Enough of that
Who wants your money?
The mistress paid you for your caress
Like your father, who had many affairs
I thought you would be glad to have it
All right, I'll stay with her again tonight
You told me to court ladies who would take care of me. UsefuI advice
Bye-bye
Welcome home
I'm back. I'm worn out
Keeping to bed?
Did Okin come?
She wants to see you, too
Why is she so crazy about money? She's stupid
Money is only worth anything when you use it
Look at the prize I won
You're a genius pinball player
Are you hungry? I tried to cook, but I felt so ill I went to bed
Eat something
Let's have a feast tonight; I bought some meat
I wish I'd brought a bottle
Okin is terrible. She looked down on me
I was more popular than her
- What's wrong? - She upsets me
She surpassed me as a geisha because I fell ill and grew weak
She still thinks she's above me
What is she now? An old moneylender
Let's eat fried pork. Our supper
Would you like a drink?
- Save money, you'll need it - Forget money
I can make it anywhere, at the races, playing games
There are many ways
You're optimistic. Did Sachiko give you money?
No, she doesn't care about her mother
Money's more important
Listen, Otomi. Kiyoshi has a woman
Your son?
Someone's mistress
- He's smart - Absolutely not
I envy your daughter, she's good
She'll be a good wife
Have a nice grandchild, make Okin jealous
I wonder how much that stingy old witch has saved
Who knows?
She should learn how to spend money
She made love for money
For her, men mean only money
Even so, she had many men
She went to Hiroshima twice to see a soldier named Tabe
She can't forget it, but she's pretending she did
Do you intend to stay single?
Yes. Why don't people leave me alone?
You enjoy life, too. At the hoteI, I mean
Hardly. My son Kiyoshi is everything, but he ignores me
I know he'll get a wife one day, but why a mistress?
Don't be jealous
Find a young lover, consider him your son
I know somebody
Will Kiyoshi come home tonight?
You're worried because you lack hormones
Eat the fat, it will help
By the way, sombody once tried to die with Okin
He was...
I don't remember his name
He tried to kill her. Too bad
I won't speak ill of her. I might ask her for a loan
You know what? I often lent money to Okin
Sometimes she didn't repay me. She shouldn't be so mean to me
Stop talking about her. Who cares about her?
I'll borrow money from her and I won't repay it
I'll buy a dress for Sachiko
No, I have lots of debts to clear first
Eat up, Tamae
Hotchpotch House
I've had enough. Time to go
- Do you drink much? - Not nowadays
When we met in Manchuria you were a reaI sot. A Casanova, too
You chased all sorts of girls, you were notorious
We did construction work in Manchuria, risking our lives
That bleak wilderness could ruin our health
I didn't recognize you. You had a moustache and a beard
Then you saw the scar on my throat
You and Okin were found in a pooI of blood
Okin told me about it
She'd been someone else's mistress for years. What a woman
Is she free?
Go and see her
Ask for your share. She can't take it to hell
She wouldn't like to see me
Once upon a time she was kind
Her mother was her only kin
So I heard
Isn't the radish cooked yet?
Wine?
Hold on
What do you want? When? Tonight?
I'll manage
The master is strict
I'd better let him know
It's your fault, you should have brought money sooner
Dutch treat?
I'm a helpless little girI who has a mother to support
Don't be late. The fine is 100 yen a minute
Oh, no! I've just cleaned
Well?
Will you help me? Even a small amount
Money again? No
You stopped visiting me
I might lose the job
Have you a lover to feed?
Me? Stupid
A lover? I need money
No excuses
It'll go on the races, if not a lover. You'll lose it
Not so loud, we're not in a field
Please give me some money. Please
Are you hungry, Mum?
Never mind. You always treat me
You should treat me sometimes. You always want money
But I need it badly
That's all right. I have something to tell you
I'm going out
Where to?
Put it on Kawanishi's account
What do you want to say?
Mum, I'm getting married
He wants to marry me. He loves me
Who is he?
One of my admirers; he's a bit old, but dependable
He gets more than young men
Sachiko, I'm stupid, but I thought you were clever
Was I wrong? You want to get married?
What's wrong with marriage?
He's making fun of you
Men made a fooI of me many times
But he loves me. He's crazy about me
Idiot. Men want to marry when they want to make love
But you can't marry all of them
You're too young. You can have many more loves
Then you can tell me who's the best
How about you?
Well, me...
You can't help me
What do you want to tell me?
Forget it. You can't help me
Eat up
Have you had lunch?
Yes. Finish yours
Thank you
My humble gift. I hope you will like it
A gift from you... that's rare
Nothing speciaI. It's sweet
Perhaps you don't like sweets
I like whatever comes into my mouth. I live alone
But you have such a nice house and a lot of money
You're happy. Money is so stimulating
Money's everything
You're joking. You are a lot happier than me
You have a good child
Any old things to sell?
Go to the back door
Sorry
You enjoy races and games. How nice
Do you still make love?
I care neither for men nor for gambling
Films neither. My days are dreary
Money flies around me, but it never lands
Really? But you didn't spend money when you were young
You were a queen in our world then
You're only pretending to be broke, aren't you?
Give me a loan
Stop joking. Did Tamae say something?
About you? No, nothing
You can't pay the rent
But that can't be an excuse for her
Tell her to pay me the interest, even for a month
She could lose her house
From Tabe
People want to borrow from me, even though they know I'm poor
Go and ask someone else
Okin, I don't think you should be so mean to me
You were senior to me as a geisha...
...but I helped you in many ways
Did you?
Once I asked my patron to save you from going broke
I bought things for you
Otomi, your long memory amazes me
The war changed everything
Why have you come here, anyway?
To help me raise money?
Yes, someone asked me to find investors
It's very profitable
But I won't count on you, you're unreliable
Nothing is profitable nowadays
Something is. That's the way of the world
But not for you. I'm not buying grudges
You're always welcome
I'm leaving. Goodbye
Tell Tamae to pay me
Don't bother me. Finish your story and go home
It's a beautifuI day, nice for an outing
Mum
I'm going to Hokkaido
I saw Mr. Sakurai after that interview
He offered me a job at a mine in Hokkaido
You didn't tell me about it
Will you be glad if I'm gone?
I've been a nuisance
You've said many times that you can't live with me
You said I should be independent
I've depended on you for too long
You spoiled me, because I'm fatherless
What of it?
You're going to Hokkaido?
You can go anywhere
Are you leaving the mistress behind?
You'd like that
Is it a favour?
We're busy on Saturdays. If that's all, go home
I'm glad you weren't shocked
You can be rid of me
You're not young any more. Take care of yourself
Hokkaido isn't far away
Visit me sometimes
I know you're a bad boy
You arranged everything without consulting your mother...
...about your woman and your job
I have money. The company has paid me an advance
Take half
FooI!
How can I take it? FooI!
Don't cry
My woman cried last night
She didn't want to leave me
Buy it at a good price, it's my best
Old, but good quality
It's getting warmer, we can't sell it before autumn
Don't let me down. My girI is getting married
Congratulations!
No
She's deserting her mother
I want to get drunk
I'll drown my sorrows in saké
Give me a good price
Women are stingy. My friends have no money
Can you get home alone?
Don't worry, I'm all right
I used to drink every night
When I was in Manchuria...
...I drank vodka and Manchurian booze
It pickled my brain, I think
Never mind, it's a mad world. I had fun
I had many men, too
When I got drunk I rode them, they crawled around the room
Is she from Manchuria?
Otomi, I didn't tell you. This gentleman is Okin's...
Don't mention Okin's name, it ruins the taste
She scorns me, just because she's saved some money
She thinks she's somebody
A pox on her!
This is Mr. Seki
I remember. You killed her
No, I didn't
I tried to die with her, but I failed
I wish you'd killed her then
You've seen her?
Yes, she sent me away
Does she live alone?
Almost. A deaf-mute girI lives there
Why don't you visit her?
Visit Okin? What for?
I see. You want to claim money in compensation
You had a hard time in Manchuria because of her, didn't you?
Go and see her. Get money from her
I'll go with you
Who's afraid of her? She's not armour-clad
Another bottle
What is it?
Are you avoiding me?
Of course not. What's the matter?
Stop it! I'm sorry
I've always wanted to see you
I'll be able to call on you in a few days
Finished?
If he comes...
Understand?
If he comes, let him in
He's slender and handsome, a fine brow, nice lips
You can't hear me
He was the man I loved
I'll keep it here
Good morning, Okin
Close the door
Hello
Why come?
I came to see you. What a greeting
Why must we meet?
Why not? I wanted to
Things have changed
I want to see...
...old acquaintances
I'm sorry
Memories of the past disgust me
I don't see old friends
I wish I'd brought a mountain of gifts for you
But no one will employ an ex-convict
Is that my fault?
I didn't mean that
Failure can be fataI to a man
To a woman, too. After knowing you I don't trust any man
They try to cheat me. I haven't cheated anybody
With money, I won't die a beggar
Please lend me 10,000 yen
I want to leave Tokyo and saiI to Korea. Please
Why should I give you money?
Don't be mean
You tried to kill me with a knife
I refused to die with you. How could you come to me?
I have no money for you
Sorry. I shouldn't have come
Welcome
So you're at home
I've been waiting
Where's Otomi?
She's gone to work
I should have paid sooner, for three months
It's nearly all your salary
Take it. Anything can happen tomorrow
I admire you. You're of good family
You set a good example
You know, I want to buy something. I need money
Your mother was waiting for you
I was so busy last night, I couldn't come
Was she angry?
No, but she was worried. Young women are raped and killed
She worried about her daughter? No
She's so untidy
Otomi has a smart daughter
Otomi is so good-natured
What now?
Young women can do as they like
Children aren't dependable; I'm glad I have none
But she's nice. Otomi doesn't want to lose her
She'll get married one day
But she pays Otomi an allowance
Otomi must save money
She wasn't born that way
She told me as if she was going to be rich
What's this?
I'm leaving. Goodbye
Where to?
I'm getting married. Leaving Mum
I'll get in touch with her later
Tell her I'm all right
Did she agree to your leaving home?
No. She doesn't understand, anyway
We'll have a honeymoon tonight
You've got guts. Have you a home?
Yes, we'll share a place with the occupant
He charges 3.000 yen rent
Even you aren't so greedy
Don't save too much money. Give me some
Buy me a tiny house, compliments of yourself. You're Mum's old friend
Will you?
Tell Kiyoshi to find a bride
I must be going. Take care of Mum
Close it
What a funny girI
What a slut. I hate the likes of her
Your mother will miss you
A good lesson to her
She'll make a new start
I'll find a nice man for her. Shall I?
Good. I'll be relieved
Leave it to me. When are you going?
Tomorrow
So soon?
Goodbye to Tokyo
Is my eye still red?
Not really
Don't look stupid. Do something
- Buy this - Not now
Please buy it
Thanks
Kiyoshi, you're generous
The kid reminds me of my childhood
Mother was usually out. I was alone and I wanted money
You're kind when women are around
- Like you - Exactly
Have you seen Seki?
No. Not today
What's happened?
Okin?
Can't you hear?
Never mind
Mr. Tabe
It's been a long time
Wait there. Don't get up
Excuse me
Be seated. A woman has things to do
I'll wait for her
You can't hear
You are beautifuI
I'm flattered
Younger than my wife
I will tell your wife
How long since we last met?
You were just married then. You were full of hope
I envied your wife
Have you a nice home with her? You even forgot me
Have you any children?
Luck seems to have deserted me since I married
I'm sorry I didn't visit you
You should have
You survived the war, thanks to the amulet I gave you
Whiskey for you. I want to see you drunk
That's nice. I stopped drinking because I was poor
But I've been waiting for you with wine
You are always fresh, like the first time we met
Your sweet words are dangerous
I mean it. Drink up
You must have a nice patron
I envy women. We need a shelter from the storms
You have a fine shelter
- Sarcasm? - I mean, you're fortunate
Men must struggle hard at work, it's win or lose
It's a risky bet for me
Did I ever ask you for a loan?
Don't worry. No more sad stories
Are you angry?
I didn't come to complain
But I'm on a tightrope
You were never a loser
Do I look so pitifuI?
So you are sympathetic?
Because I have neither patrons nor children?
My old friends say they envy me...
...but they laugh at me behind my back
They'll be sorry. Their men and children will leave them
They'll be alone, too
I'm glad to see you because you seldom visit me
I've been a slave to many men; no more men for me
Very well, I won't outstay my welcome
As I look at my old wife...
...I recall the women I loved when I was young
No need to be angry
To our reunion
What does he want?
He's lost his passion
I'm disappointed
He was my sanctuary when Seki was after me
It was before the war. He was a student
When he was called-up...
...I often visited his camp
I was desperate then
What songs have you learned lately?
None at all
Sing. I'll play the samisen
You still have it?
I should have sold it
How are your old friends?
All they do is complain when they meet
Tamae, your son is going away, but don't be sad
My daughter has deserted her mother for her lover
The world is crazy
You know what?
Even if you live happily with a nice man...
...even if you live like a queen...
...you'll die sooner or later
Life is just a dream, no matter what you see
I know. That's life. You want to say that?
People walk an endless road of vanity called life
Everyone must take that road...
...the one-way street of life
Suddenly you sound like an intellectuaI
I know. Life is but an empty dream
So get a man while you can
But, Otomi, I'm glad I have a child, though I suffered a lot for him
Me, too
I wanted to kill myself many times...
...but I loved my girI so much
To our children!
God, you gave me a wonderfuI thing. Thank you
But he's going away
Forget it. He's kept you from boredom. Thank him
Honestly, I once thought I'd have been happier without him
I thought a child couldn't be a woman's happiness
I made him call me Sister
When I came back from work he was already in bed
I kept myself busy
I never took him to the sea or the mountains
That's enough. Don't envy a good mother
Me, either
I don't think I raised my daughter properly
Her mother was desperate to live. Why shouldn't she?
Kyoshi and Sachiko are smarter than their mothers
To children!
I'd like to go to Hokkaido with my son
Don't try to stop me when I'm happily sozzled
Enjoy drinking while you can, forget your worries
We sit together as we did...
...but nothing is the same
Our love has gone
The embers are dead
I want to go to a quiet spa
Fine
I need a good rest
Are you so tired?
Money troubles
That's not like you
GirI trouble? Money for her?
My business cannot afford to scatter money on girls
Is it true there'll be a currency revaluation?
Have you money?
You've changed so much
Will somebody lend me 400,000 yen?
That's a big sum
I need it. Do you know a financier?
How could I? I'm a stranger to money
Really? The interest will be high
You came to ask for a loan?
200,000 yen will do
You're funny. I need money myself
I thought you wanted to see me
I was glad, but I was wrong
I wanted to see you, so I came here, but...
I think you can help me
Your brother is a politician
If he could help me, I wouldn't have come here
I'm drunk
Can I stay?
No. You're joking
You're mean
Your pretty young wife is waiting
Young women are no good
I had a nasty visitor the other day
The man who tried to kill me was released from prison
He went to Manchuria, but came back recently
Then I got your letter. But a loan...
Forget it
No talk of a loan and I stay tonight
It looks like rain
We went to Shibamata. Remember?
It rained hard. We had to eat roast eeI to get shelter
Let's go again
No, thank you. Take your wife
Excuse me
He's after money
He begs from a woman he left. How miserable
I won't get drunk
Otomi, you're pushing me. Move over
I can't sleep
Your daughter's on a honeymoon. What are you dreaming of?
Be quiet and get some sleep
Are you awake?
How can I sleep, you're so restless
I'll go to my room
Won't Kiyoshi come home?
He's sleeping with his mistress
Without him, I don't know what to live for
Tamae, I still remember
You were the most gracefuI of us geisha
We called you Madam
You'll make a good wife
Onobu will find a groom for you
You'd better marry an old groom
You should do your hair fashionably
If you want young men to like you, look modern
I remember how modern you looked as a geisha
Modern, eh?
Start with your hair
You should look young
You've changed, Tabe
- How? - You're just a man now
A man is a man
You'd better go home
Not at this hour, and I'm drunk. Don't throw me out
That's what I'll do... but the neighbours might talk
I don't think you care what neighbours say
I do
Your patron, then?
I hate you when you talk like that
Can't you lend me money?
I'll mortgage my shop
No talk of money, you said
All right
I can't go back without money
Let me live here
Look at me
Upstairs
Make a bed
Understand?
And make two beds here, for you and me
Here
Understand?
Where to?
The toilet?
You're sweet
Mr. Tabe
What can I smell burning?
Cigarette ends
Where are you going?
To the toilet
Not there
Wake up
Thanks
For a night's rest
You're welcome
Is that Onobu?
Okin. It's terrible
Poor Seki, he's been arrested
Money troubles
So what?
But, Okin, he was your...
It's none of my business
Check it again, will you? Is the totaI 137,000 yen?
But, Okin...
I'll make myself clear
I don't care if Seki is arrested, or hangs himself
All men are vampires, feeding on women. Be carefuI
Life is a struggle for us, too
Shall we go and see the land?
Are they geisha?
Where are they going? A spa?
This train?
The good old days!
Do you still have time?
An hour
I won't see you off
My woman will see me off
Isn't it cold in Hokkaido?
I'll find out
We'll have stoves, anyway
Still, Tokyo is better. There are girls
There are girls everywhere
Even if something happens to me, don't come back
Maybe I'll be so lonely I'll want to die, but...
...don't come back
Don't say such things now
Don't worry, you won't die easily
Take care of yourself
I won't write to you, but try to write to me
He has somebody else
I'll write to you often; you must write to me
If anything happens, I'll come back
Let's go
Let me...
Don't worry, young people know how to live
We must try harder, too
Look, that's the Monroe walk, isn't it?
I can do it
Stop! You're grotesque!