MONOPOLY
Mads Andersen-Skjern sells clothes, traveling with his son, Daniel.
He settles down in sleepy Korsbæk, -
- which has been dominated by old families and provincial rank and file.
His shop is opposite the Ladies' Store, -
- which is incompetently run by Albert Arnesen, who inherited it.
Arnesen is also distracted by his young wife, Vicki, -
- who has fun with people her own age.
Mads is met with scepticism.
Varnæs, the local bank manager and head of the leading family, -
- refuses Mads a loan. But Mads has money of his own, -
- and gets support from Oluf Larsen, the pig dealer, -
- whose wife, Katrine, has saved some money.
His daughter helps in the shop under the watchful eye of the competition.
The old families turn their backs on Mads, -
- but the bank manager's son Ulrik is drawn by Daniel, the new boy.
With his sister and their nurse, Agnes, he meets them secretly -
- at the Railway Restaurant, where Agnes meets the waiter, Boldt.
QUARTER DAY
Hey you! lt's forbidden to walk on the tracks.
- I'm going the usual way. - It's new regulations.
- Well, you're not going to stop me. - Oh yes, l am.
- I must keep people from harm. - Now look what you've done.
l only warned you according to regulations. A train could come.
- And where would it come from? - You never know.
Hey! Mister parliamentary candidate! There's more.
''... which will make our country buzz with energy and enterprise.''
''To guard our flag, our King, good old Denmark ...''
lt's part of his speech for tonight.
Hey Muckdal, you'd better get under way
remember to take your sword ...
Welcome.
- What if it's stolen? - People don't steal here.
- Not at a Conservative meeting. - It will probably be draughty.
- Here's tonight's speaker. - Madam, what an honor.
- You're popular. What do l see? - Yes, l've brought my wife too.
- Politics does women no harm. - At least not Conservative politics.
l learned a lot from Jørgen already. He works day and night.
I tell Jørgen: ''Be careful.''
lt's very stuffy in here. l think it will be too hot with this fur coat on.
I tremble every time, but Jørgen doesn't know the word 'nerves'.
Probably because he's used to defending thieves and murderers.
Then he'll have no trouble defending Conservative politics.
Elisabeth said worse things when she was a child.
I'd like to support Jørgen. You can't imagine how it is.
I daren't think what it'll be like if he gets elected, -
- not to mention if he becomes a minister.
- The election is years away. - Hans Christian, l was thinking.
- What, dear? - The cloakroom may be infested.
Could you fetch my coat again?
- I knew it. Can't you feel it? - What, Maude?
- There are germs everywhere. - Not in Jørgen's constituency.
- Mrs. Olsen, my wife's fur coat. - Good evening, bank manager.
- Fancy greeting those high-ups. - I'm not too low to speak to them.
The high-ups don't greet people. Should we get tickets for coffee?
- Ingeborg will make coffee later. - I feel parched already.
Well, she's nicely tucked in.
- He always kicks the bedclothes off. - They should never grow up.
- That wouldn't be so good. - And Mads sleeps here?
We're all gathered under the same flag, the same king, -
- the same heritage. We are all Danes.
It's us, me and you, who can make our old country ...
- ... who can make old Denmark ... - Buzz with initiative and enterprise.
- Yes, initiative and enterprise. - To bring wealth to all homes.
The wealth that waits for us in Danish fists, if we're willing to work.
- What about the unemployed? - The unemployed?
I'm glad you brought that up. It gives me the chance -
- to discuss something we Conservatives feel strongly about.
It's all you housewives.
You administer 65 per cent of our national income.
You spend 1 ,800 million kroner per annum.
If you buy Danish goods, you will help to keep the wheels turning -
- under your husbands' industrious hands, for the good of our country.
This says something about the great and sacred task of a woman -
- to carry out her vocation with her husband, her children, her home.
- Hear hear! - Let me be as clear as possible.
My party will try, with everything in our power, -
- to oppose the present harmful tendency, -
- when even married women leave their natural task in the home -
- to steal jobs from the men.
You can have my job. l'm a cleaner at the hospital.
- Can you find time to read books? - l have to.
You've always had that idea. What does Mads say about you reading?
- He doesn't mind. - Your father would never allow it.
- But he sleeps under the newspaper. - That's different.
- Doesn't he ever sleep with you? - No.
Mads is decent. He's good to the children.
- And he doesn't drink like Holger. - That's what worries your father.
- Holger? - No, Mads not drinking.
Moderation in all things.
Father can console himself with the fact that he offers him a drink.
There's beer for after the meeting.
He'll need it, after listening to those Conservatives.
Nature has always made women more suitable for certain types of work:
The household, taking care of children. She has been created thus -
- that taking care of people is deeply rooted within her.
Also supporting the husband. The gentle hand has great power, -
- especially if it buys Danish goods for Danish homes.
lt's vital that we guard everything Danish. I will go even further:
A vote for us is also a vote for the Danish defence.
Therefore I'm satisfied to hear ... that the Danish military ...
- ... has got its first tanker. - It's very nice of you.
But please do it correctly. The Danish defence has it first tank. From ltaly.
- So it's not Danish, then. - No. We can't always be ahead.
Perhaps we will be one day. We will work for a strong defence -
- which can guard our flag, our Denmark.
- You forgot the King. - If you would let me finish.
- Yes, throw him out! - The King?
In closing, a vote for us is a vote for everything Danish, -
- symbolized by our monarchy. Thank you.
- He made that up in a hurry. - lsn't he clever?
Good morning, the birds chirped ...
- You can keep your birds. - As you wish.
Yesterday's paper. You'll find page 6 interesting.
l don't want to see yesterday's paper.
You've seen the quarter-day ad from the Clothes Shop already?
- We don't have quarter days. - Fine work trousers: 4,75.
Dresses from 9,85 and ... oh, yes, mercerised stockings: 1 krone.
Our customers don't wear mercerised stockings. They wear silk ones.
As you wish ...
Well, Mr. Schwann? Can you hear the mythological wolf howling?
Good morning.
- Isn't the shop opening today? - l'm unpacking.
You can do that before opening hours and after closing.
Arnold! What are you daydreaming out here for?
- That damn old crap! - What if Mr. Schwann hears you?
- It's all a load of damn old crap! - You're an apprentice in a fine shop.
- They haven't realized that yet. - Have you asked about the money?
- Arnesen just changes the subject. - Shall l speak to Mr. Schwann?
- Then he can speak to Mr. Arnesen. - Arnold! Where are you?
Ah, Madam Violet. ls it about the dress for the end-of-season ball?
- Arnold's served his apprenticeship. - Oh yes, it was until the first.
- How time flies. - I'll never forget you took him in.
lt's a great advantage to be trained here. l was, 42 years ago.
- Here you learn to stay on the job. - Then Arnold can stay?.
Yes. Allow me to show you this. Isn't it gorgeous?
I can see you leading the dance in a dress of this design. Pure silk.
- What about the money? - You can have credit, Madam Violet.
- l meant Arnold. Will he get more? - Only Mr. Arnesen can decide that.
He's served his apprenticeship. And he's grown up. Well, almost.
These days it's better to have little pay than no work at all.
Work is a reward in itself, I've always said. Also to myself.
- You always were such a gentleman. - Just a moment, Madam Violet.
Mrs. Petersen, how can l be of service?
Goodbye.
Sorry you had to wait. Have a look around.
There's a traveler from Engborg's. Shall l tell him some other time?
Never let a salesman wait. Give him some coffee and see what he's got.
- Me? - You're good at it.
- What's that supposed to be? - Yes, what a spectacle.
- lt's like a cattle market. - I meant the awning. Who's torn it?
Arnold. I told him he would have to repair it. lsn't that so, Mr. Schwann?
- But he won't. - That's young people for you.
Only interested in negro music.
- You won't repair the awning? - l didn't rip it.
- lt was completely rotten. - What? It was high quality fabric.
- You can't call it fabric any more. - And you won't repair it?
Very well. The damage will be deducted from your pay.
Now l'll try Daniel. It's ever so hard.
It's about time we put your name down for school.
Or does it go automatically at the council school?
She's not going to the council school. Neither is Daniel.
They're going to the private school.
They'll need school uniforms, which can only be bought across the street.
We'll get round that problem.
- Look. Can you see the difference? - He looks like he's going to school.
- Would they have you? - Yes. Miss Mikkelsen was very nice.
- But she doesn't know you yet. - Wash your hands before tea.
- Did you notice if it was clean? - Well, it stank of lye.
- It smelled horrible. - Did you ask about the children?
There won't be many children in Ulrik's class.
Miss Mikkelsen could use a few more.
It's the times. l hear Stretin is sending theirs to the council school.
It's a good thing the wife of the Councillor of State is dead.
Goodbye.
- Good heavens, it's Emilie. - Hello, Ingeborg.
- And Vera. How you've grown. - She works at the surgeon's.
- She needs a waitress's dress. - Do you like this one? Try it on.
Here it is.
Mads, this Emilie Knudsen, whom l've known since I was a child.
- How do you do? - Do you need anything else?
l need some shirts for my husband. But l have to see about the money.
The roof of the barn's fallen apart. Everything gets worn out.
- But you've got a good farm. - What's good these days?
- You can't borrow any money. - Where is the farm?
- Next to my parents. - Your husband could come to me.
Mads, you've fallen asleep.
You can't go on like this. It's gone eleven.
- What about you? - I'm fine, I finished at ten.
- Emil Knudsen sends his regards. - Can you do anything for him?
- He's got enough for the roof. - You mustn't do it for my sake.
l think it'll pay off.
- What's this? lt's ... - A school uniform.
For the private school. Did you buy it at Arnesen's?
l had it bought at Arnesen's.
I've got to tell you something. But l don't want you to think it's important.
I was at Miss Mikkelsen's to put Ellen's name down.
- Well ... they wouldn't have her. - I see. And why not?
There was no room. And there's the council school, she said.
And that's true, Mads.
- Well, l don't know. - If you'll permit me to say so ...
- It's a perfect fit. - Yes, maybe.
It's an all-weather coat. Smart in the sun, practical in the rain.
- It's available in several colors. - Will you fetch the rest of the range?
- Where is everybody? - Baroness Von Rydger's trying coats.
- Baroness. Can l help? - There isn't room for more people.
- Did you scratch the baroness's car? - Don't get all worked up.
- Or are you the baron? - Vicki, Vicki, are you up?
- Oh, isn't this posh. - Fancy ...
- Look, Tut. What do you say? - Here, for you. lsn't it nice?
- The baroness will like the gray one. - Do you keep elephants upstairs?
If you'll excuse me, l'll just look.
Isn't that cute! lt's perfect for the History Museum.
lt's from Albert's childhood. l have told him l want a portable one.
- Here's Albert. - He's cute.
Hello, Albert!
Not so loud ...
We're going dancing. I'll be home tomorrow.
- What do you mean? - It'll be late. I'll sleep at Tut's.
- Look ... - Come on, Albert.
Your mouth is saying no, but your eyes are saying yes ...
- You're going to the Club anyway. - Who are these people?
l met them when l was at St. Mary's.
I thought that was a school for domestic science.
This won't do. It's those awful people.
Just a moment, I'll see to it.
Where are those insolent rascals!
Bye!
Allow me. l'm Aage Holmdal. You know my father, Baroness.
- Are you the stockbroker's son? - Yes. l worked at the bank, unpaid.
- But now l'm at my father's. - You're still beside my car.
If there's any damage, here's my card ...
Just move, please. l'm not interested in your card.
I sorted the old bag out.
- Did you make your purchases, Lilli? - Yes, l bought a coat. A Rodex.
- A Rodex. - Oh, an all-weather coat.
They had it in several colors at the Clothes Shop. l bought a beige one.
- How much did you pay for it? - 35 kroner. Expensive, but it's nice.
- I've just paid 45 for one just like it. - Well, it was cash over there.
Right, Andersen, it's our turn.
Yes, thank you very much. Goodbye.
Mads, guess what. They just called from Brydesø Castle.
The baroness would like to have a Rodex size 14 sent up.
They'll come, lngeborg, all of them.
Yes.
What's that? l'm asking you what that is!
- Mrs. Mortensen bought underwear. - Must it lie here?
- Please, the telephone rang ... - And Arnold? Where is he?
Arnold? Where is he?
Why aren't you doing your job? How long will you leave that underwear?
I had to tidy up, then l had my lunch break. I have a right to that.
Are you answering me back? You haven't got any rights at all!
But Mrs. Mortensen has a right to get her underwear promptly!
Lunch break? I won't have that union talk here! This is a decent shop!
- I must have something to eat. - But you don't have to be insolent.
lf l might explain. That telephone call was from Brydesø ...
- From the baroness? - She's returning her Rodex.
- Why? Wasn't it paid for? - She didn't say. She bought it.
But the baroness has an account, like all regular customers. One moment.
Yes, one moment, please.
Mr. Schwann, it's for you. From Copenhagen.
From Copenhagen? Who can it be?
I'm afraid we'll have to look at Arnesen's cash credit.
- What's wrong with it? - It's overdrawn.
We can all be delayed if we're busy.
That's hardly the case in the Ladies' Store.
I know he's a personal friend. But perhaps that's the very reason.
Arnesen's on the shareholders' committee.
It would be correct to send him a reminder.
All right.
There's another thing.
Do you know where Andersen-Skjern deposits his money?
- Well, he hasn't got an account here. - No. Precisely.
Aren't you Daniel's friend Ulrik?
- Aren't we going to play, Red? - I've got to read this.
- Have you become a Communist? - No, a colleague wrote this.
- Do railway people write, too? - He's from Odense. Aksel Larsen.
- A lot of what he says is true. - Can l taste your beer?
Just a little sip, Ulrik.
One lemonade and two glasses. There's the Copenhagen express.
An ordinary, happy life of hard work like this ...
When do l get my cake?
If you give Red a kiss, maybe he'll buy you one.
Come on, then.
- A cake for the young lady, Boldt. - And then we're going home.
- Sing the one about Muckdal first. - Should l? You might learn it.
- Just once more. - For the last time, then.
Hey Muckdal, you'd better get under way
did you remember your sword and your tax card
otherwise it won't be easy
to cut the people down.
- Who is Muckdal? - Madsen-Mygdal.
He was Prime Minister before Stauning.
There's Mr. Schwann. He's been to his uncle's funeral.
Put the sausage on. There comes the bereaved.
What the hell? He walked past.
Dinner at Wivel's with the solicitor to Teddy Petersen's music.
It's the finest place in Copenhagen. There we discussed the inheritance.
l'd open a radio shop, Mr. Schwann.
And end my days in all that noise? With my training at the Ladies' Store.
Arnold only thinks of noise.
I'm just happy that l won't have to eat at the Railway Restaurant.
I made arrangements at the Post House on the way here.
Then you'll be nearer the sort of people you're used to mixing with.
Would you come in, please?
Thank you so much.
This is a turning point in your life. How much money is it?
All in all the solicitor thinks -
- it'll be about 10,000 kroner.
Plus some valuables from my uncle's home.
This money, have you thought about how ..?
- Well, it's all so sudden. - Yes ...
Look, Mr. Schwann, you've been with us for many years, -
- ever since my father's, even my grandfather's time.
It was the old Consul Arnesen who took me on as an apprentice.
How time flies. But you've always been a stable, faithful worker.
- I've done my best. - Yes, you have.
Therefore l'd like to make you an offer. lf you invest that money, -
- I'm offering you a partnership in the Ladies' Store.
We will be equals, Mr. Schwann.
I understand. This is a big day for you.
Well-trained shop assisant required Salary 125 kr. per month
- Did you ...? - Yes, you can't keep this up.
There's a girl about the ad. The one in the paper.
Girl wanted for domestic work
- Did you put this in? - Yes, you can't keep this up.
- I can't make you out, Mads. - I need you here.
You're better at buying from travelers than l am.
- Good morning. - I'm Gudrun.
We'd better go upstairs and have a talk.
- Anything else l can help you with? - I know it's been a few days.
The ad about the home dressmakers. Do you need a couple more?
I'll just ask.
- Yes, a dozen of each. - Mads ...
Two more who want to be dressmakers. Do we need more?
Yes, send them in.
Yes, twelve of each. Thank you. Goodbye.
And heel and toe, and one, two, three ...
And chassé ...
Well-trained shop assistant 125 kr. per month
An increase? Young folks never think about where the money comes from.
I'd like an increase, too, but l have to cut down.
Anyway, l don't deal with staff problems any longer.
You'll have to speak to Mr. Schwann.
An increase? Did l hear you right? An increase? ln these times?
- Yes, please. - Don't be insolent!
- I'm not an apprentice any more. - You've still got a lot to learn.
Do you know anything about these books? Responsibility, Arnold.
You could learn a lot more about that.
That's exactly why l'm handing in my notice.
Are you saying you're giving notice? Shouldn't you watch your tongue?
- Yes, but l'm still leaving. - Think it over.
- I have. l'm leaving on the first. - Think of your nice mother.
Slaving in her dancing school.
- Are you going to the capital? - I don't intend to go that far.
- Goodbye. - Goodbye, Miss Møhge.
What are you doing here? Have you got the afternoon off?
- I ... - What's the matter?
- I've given notice. - Have you lost your mind?
I've got a job in the Clothes Shop at more than twice the pay.
The Clothes Shop? What will Mr. Schwann think?
We'll have to replace Arnold. I've written an advertisement.
Now that you have knowledge of the accounts, -
- you must understand the necessity of making economies.
- What can l do for you? - I'd like to see the boss.
- It's about a mortgage deed. - This way, please.
The postman ... The postman came with this.
- The school uniforms have arrived. - About time, too. Will you get them?
- It's cash on delivery. - Who do they think they are?
Everyone's short. They had to send a reminder the last time.
We've been buying school uniforms from Lundberg's for 40 years ...
- We must have them. - Ask Schwann to deal with it.
There's your first pay, Mr. Vinter. I hope you like it here.
Yes, thank you.
- What will you do with your money? - I'll save most of it.
- For your own business? - I was thinking of a motorbike.
- Where do you deposit your money? - In Korsbæk Bank. lt's the only one.
- My mother's always used it too. - What's the interest at the bank?
- Four per cent, l think. - You'll get two per cent more here.
Thank you, Mr. Andersen-Skjern. I think l'll do that.
And you can tell your mother that it's the same for her.
Don't they have better things to do? They sit there every afternoon.
ln proper houses you have to put up with ladies calling.
Be thankful you're not in a military home. They have callers all the time.
They do eat. Especially the Møhges.
It's how they get their food. They don't have much money.
- But posh all the same. Strange. - The first Møhge came here in 1 789.
My ancestors came to Næstved in 1 700-something. They weren't posh.
That's because they didn't stay. To be posh, a family mustn't budge.
They've got to stay in the same town. The longer, the better.
Have you also received a letter from Miss Lang? The seamstress.
She doesn't sew for us. Elisabeth is so good at mending.
Be thankful for your sister, Mrs. Varnæs. We've heard ...
She wrote outright that she wasn't coming any more.
And not a word of thanks after more than 25 years.
- A sign of the times. - How will she live?
She's going to sew clothes for the Jutlander across the road.
- We don't bother with those people. - People say they're living in sin.
- In sin! - Are they kin?
- A little more cake? - Yes, please.
Regitze, wash your hands, then go for a walk with Agnes.
Can't we have a song first? The children sing so beautifully.
- All right. One song. - Come on, children, come on.
We're going to sing. What are we going to sing?
Do you know this one?
That's ''General Napoleon''. Come on, children.
Hey Muckdal, you'd better get under way
did you remember your sword and your tax card
or it won't be so easy
to cut the people down.
Fernando used to sing that, too! Do you remember, Misse?
Not that one, Mother.
Thanks, lass. Do you have enough now? Or should l get some more?
- Women, to sew. - We don't know where to put them.
Mads said they were going to make uniforms.
School uniforms.
l know this school has an agreement. You get two kroner per uniform sold.
I can sell them for two kroner less and offer you three kroner.
She's nice, but we have no room.
And I intend to put the earnings into scholarships and gifts to the school.
I must say it's kind of you to support good education like that.
- But there's another matter. - And that is?
Of course, we do make exceptions. For established families, for instance.
Old pupils, for example. But we're reticent about taking children -
- of divorced mothers without a home of their own.
- What if they should part again? - I can reassure you there.
Ellen's mother and I are getting married in the near future.
And naturally I'm going to adopt Ellen.
I'm really pleased to hear that, Mr. Andersen-Skjern.
And I'm looking forward to seeing Ellen on August 12th.
- What shall l write? - Just write Ellen Andersen-Skjern.
- Mom, you're getting married! - I am what? What did you say?
To Mads, otherwise I can't go to school.
Go and find Daniel.
- What's this supposed to mean? - l'm not used to proposing.
You're not just saying it to get Ellen into school?
We can arrange things better, too. Move the furniture around.
So the children get their own room.
That would be nice ... for the children.