MONOPOLY
Since arriving in 1929, Mads Skjern has opened Korsbæk's major shop, -
- a thriving clothes factory and taken over Graae's mill, -
- where Jørgen Varnæs has a management job.
But Jørgen takes his work lightly, so Mads changes his status.
This forces Hans Christian into visiting Mads to beg for mercy.
Jorgen's folly has already forced Varnæs to sell part of his garden -
- to a garage, which is going to be built by a consortium -
- led by Skjold Hansen, the attorney.
Mads' head man, Arnold, expects to be appointed manager of the mill -
- because Mads has promised him a job in another town.
So Arnold splits up with his girlfriend Agnete.
But Agnete is pregnant, and lngeborg steps in -
- to ensure that Arnold doesn't let her down.
lngeborg also arranges for Gudrun, the Skjern family's maid, -
- has a future in Skjern's shops.
lben Skjold Hansen is not ideal as a bank manager's wife.
The marriage with Kristen bores her. lngeborg entertains for her instead.
Mads finds out that teacher Andersen bullies his son, Daniel.
Miss Mikkelsen, who is quite close to Andersen, dismisses him.
Andersen hooks up with Violet Vinter instead.
He has found out that she has inherited money from Mr. Schwann.
TO THlNK AND TO HAVE FAlTH
FALL 1939
The postman wanted 3 kroner for those.
There he is.
What's the Press Photo Agency to do with you?
I ordered an enlargement of this fellow.
You can tell how smug he is about that non-aggression pact.
I'll hang you up next to your new pal, Hitler. And the other psychopaths.
- There won't be room for the Dean. - Dean Mejer? He'll stay where he is.
Christ, Herbert ... Are you still alive?
Yes. More or less.
Where have you been since the fighting stopped?
In hospital in France.
l hope that doesn't hurt your feelings?
No ...
Mother, this calls for a celebration.
I don't want to celebrate your childish doings, Larsen.
Who do you think this is?
Anyone can hear ... lt's Herbert.
- She hadn't expected that. - I always knew he'd come back.
- Who's been feeding you? - He's been in France.
And they say the French eat well!
Katrine will soon fatten you up.
- Will you have me for a few days? - You can stay as long as you like.
Mother's missed having someone to fuss over.
- Have you heard from Vicki? - She's joined the Infantry.
She's moved in with her father at the barracks.
She's a teacher at the private school. Daniel has her for German.
- And she's well? - She will be now.
- And Red and Agnes? - They had another little boy.
- Agnes must be busy. - So's Red.
Explaining how come he's suddenly Hitler's friend ...
- Do you feel the war here? - Not yet. Life goes on.
That's not true. I can't get gas for the truck.
Private driving is prohibited, but we'll survive.
- As long as one has a bicycle. - Your old boneshaker's still here.
l wanted to ask you about that.
l hope you didn't mind me coming into your German class.
- I was a bit nervous. - It didn't show. You did very well.
Well, l've been an actress.
I was petrified of the audience, but that wasn't supposed to show either.
- But you gave up the theater? - They gave me up. l wasn't good.
I think you are at this, otherwise l wouldn't let you teach the top forms.
Your pronunciation is excellent. Did you spend much time in Germany?
- No, but l had a German friend. - Who's in the war now?
Not in that war. I don't know ...
It's not easy the way things are now. But there's something else ...
- You have Daniel Skjern for German. - Yes, he's a nice boy, but quiet.
- You know he's Mads Skjern's son. - Yes.
That's why l wanted to ask you first if you'd give him extra lessons.
- Certainly. l've got plenty of time. - You'll be paid by the hour.
Mr. Skjern is very generous when it comes to the children's education.
The youngest, Erik, is doing really well, just like his sister Ellen did.
- Do l start right away?. - Mrs. Skjern wants to wait ...
... till after Daniel's confirmation in October.
Vicki!
- Daisy's dead, Herbert. - It's a good thing l'm alive, then.
- Wasn't that the Colonel's girl? - Yes it was, Mother dear.
- She married Albert. - Yes, but he's dead.
- Who was she gallivanting with? - It looked like the German.
- He must be back from the war. - But the war's just started!
Yes, but that's another war, Mother dear.
Thank you, Esther, we'll manage.
She was doing so well as a teacher, and then that Bolshevik turns up.
That ''Bolshevik'' is an established writer.
- They won't have him in Germany. - In Germany they've got Long Mary.
- Who, Aunt Møhge? - lt's a gun.
That was in the old war, Mother, now it's called Big Bertha.
They'll soon put an end to the war.
I wish they would. Can you ladies make the sugar stamps go round?
We leave that to Laura. Oh no, Helle's messing about on the floor.
I do hope Esther hasn't left.
- They're ringing from the lounge! - Madam said I could go.
- Well, now she's ringing. - They owe me an afternoon off.
You should still be able to make it.
And that poor, poor Colonel Hachel who's gone into hospital.
- Yes, now the mice can really play! - What mice?
I was thinking of his daughter and that German.
Is he well enough to have visitors?
All you think about is chasing after men!
Mother, dear ...
Oh, l'm glad you're still here, Esther. She does rush around so.
Regitze wouldn't take her out.
- And Ulrik won't either. - You can't expect that of a boy.
- It's my day off. And Villy's waiting. - So what?
l won't put up with it. She's not my kid!
- What do you get paid for? - What have l got days off for?
When I came here, l had every other Sunday afternoon off, nothing else.
- That's ages ago. - No, it's 24 years ago.
Stand still, damn you!
- Don't take it out on the child. - It's not that I don't like her.
But this isn't a way to have time off. It's always like this.
Are you a father now, Villy?
- So, what was the collection like? - Splendid.
I bought 100 Deanna Durbin hats in dark blue felt. And 50 in brown.
- Did the agent buy you lunch? - No, the baron did. l met him.
- Your admirer. - One of them.
- Are there more? - Yes, the agent ... and maybe you?
The baron asked us if we wanted to come to ''Carmen'' next Friday.
Opera. No thank you.
The baroness doesn't want to take the train either. l said no.
Why?
Because my memory's better than yours.
Mads! Daniel's confirmation is next Sunday.
I know.
But you've completely forgotten that your sister Anna's coming on Friday.
So she is ...
- We have to invite Anna for dinner. - How long is she staying?
Till next Sunday. Then she's going to an Evangelical meeting in Haslev.
- Can't we go to the Post House? - It's just an ordinary dinner, lben.
- She drinks neither wine nor beer. - Then she can't get our hash down.
- We didn't drink at home. - Thank God you've learnt. Mads, too.
But Anna stayed in the church.
No wonder you're a complicated bunch.
What about yourself? You, who drive around in the bank's car.
With one of the bank's staff members.
- It doesn't mean anything. - Then don't do it.
You won't come to riding events, so why not Poul Christensen?
- You'll force me to discharge him. - You can't! l always ask him.
- You never think before you act! - You're right, for once.
If l could think, l wouldn't be stuck here! l wouldn't have married you.
No, l don't suppose you would.
I'd have let you have that old aunt you always chased after.
l'm leaving. Please put my bedclothes in the spare room.
Wouldn't you rather bring your duvet?
You still don't want to talk about it? About the war?
l can't. Not yet. Maybe later.
- I've lived all my life in barracks. - That's not where things happen.
It's where the soldiers live.
The barracks are only the beginning.
The rest is ... terrible.
And completely meaningless.
Maybe you could write about it.
Yes, maybe.
Good morning.
Who the heck's dropped a duvet in the street?
The boss called from Copenhagen. He'll come in later today.
- What on Earth was that? - They must have dropped it.
They'll never get through the Maginot Line.
Any attack will be crushed.
Supplies are sent along subterranean passages from fortress to fortress.
The German aircraft don't stand a chance.
The long-range French guns are here ...
- We've brought supplies too. - Thank you.
l needed that. The food here is lax.
With regard to Belgium, they'll never get across the Albert Channel.
No need to worry.
Herbert's more worried that the Germans will come here.
As long as we have General Wieth, the Danish defense stands united.
In spite of the irresponsible politicians.
- Do you know General Wieth? - No, how could Herbert know him?
Commander-in-chief. An old fellow officer. Quite unlike General Prior.
- Dad's arch enemy. - He's quite insignificant, thank God.
But with Wieth there's nothing to fear, not even Prior's stupidity ...
Never mind the Germans.
Good morning.
Good morning, Colonel Hachel. If you're allowed to eat this ...
That's all he does, when he's not directing the battles.
- What was that, Misse? - Cat's tongues, Mother dear.
I'll have one of those.
I'd rather have some of those filled chocolates.
- Who's he? - Herbert Schmidt.
- Is he from Korsbæk? - No, he's the German.
- Maybe he knows Big Bertha. - Is that a nurse?
No, it's a gun. A 42 cm mortar. The grenade weighs 820 kilos.
Range 1 1 kilometres. Hopelessly outdated.
We'll go now, Dad, I have to go to school.
Goodbye.
About time, so I can get the flags placed, -
- if you ladies care to see how the war's progressed since yesterday.
It's ready.
- You really ought to try it, Violet. - I use the girdles Arnold gets me.
We're not getting any younger, and a Spirella corset works wonders.
Have you seen Mrs. Holm and Mrs. Strøm?
The dress moves better on a Spirella. And now that you've got a friend ...
He'll hang on. He comes every day ... to eat.
- Does he pay you? - Not directly.
- But he does give you presents? - He did at first ...
- Come in, Frederik. - Thank you.
- This is my friend, lnger Jørgensen. - I'm honored.
Just take off your coat.
He's brought you a parcel.
- The food's ready in a minute. - Thank you.
- Violet is a great cook. - Yes. Do you cook as well, Miss ..?
- Jørgensen. No, I live in a pension. - I see.
- I brought this parcel ... - What is it?
- A shirt. You do them so nicely. - But ...
It was quite acceptable last time.
I'm used to the best. My late wife, nobody could iron shirts like her.
Dinner's ready, please sit down!
- What's on the menu, Violet? - Forcemeat shape.
Forcemeat shape?
That's a lovely dish.
My late wife never served it. She knew l dislike boiled mince meat.
- Perhaps you didn't know? - Try a small piece, Frederik.
Oh, all right then.
- l love roast veal. - We can't have that every day.
- I'd like you to make kale. - It takes such a long time.
It takes a loving hand. When my late wife made kale ...
She went to the market when l'd gone to school, and then she started.
I mentioned it in the song for our silver wedding:
''Thank you for kale, ever green, thank you for our life, so serene.''
Well, your wife didn't have a dancing school to look after.
No, l was sufficient for my wife.
- Daniel, who'll you sit next to? - Anybody.
- That's no answer. - Regitze, then.
It won't do, when Ellen insists on sitting next to Ulrik. You have to mix.
Give me another boy, then.
- I'd rather go to Copenhagen. - What for?
He wants to go to the theater. You will, when Aunt Anna's left.
We can bring her. Or we could go to Lulu Ziegler's cabaret!
- Yes, you'd like that. - They say it's great.
- Yes, and socialist. - It didn't kill Ulrik to see it.
No, but it'd probably kill Aunt Anna. How long will she stay?
Till next Sunday. She's going to an evangelical reunion with Dean Mejer.
- Poor Aunt Anna. - It's her wish, and we'll respect it.
Were you just as pious, Dad?
That depends on what you mean. I'm a believer. As we all are.
I don't know ...
What a thing to say eight days before your confirmation ...
It's never let me down before. I was sure car sales would rise.
But then the little bastard played that trick on me.
- Who? - Hitler!
Why did he have to invade Poland?
No private driving, gas rationing, no car imports ...
My 100,000 are lying at the bottom of Varnæs' garden.
- It's costing me a bundle. - You'll manage, won't you?
If my partners don't drive me mad first, -
- moaning about their petty investments.
I was counting on you to give me a new horse. Bianca's old as the hills.
- She won the Zealand hunt. - I won it. Against Bianca's will.
- Dammit, l've got an idea. Yes! - What's it now, Viggo?
Horses, of course! I can put them in the garage.
And old carriages. If gasoline rationing lasts, it's a winner!
Be careful. Mrs. Holm thinks the war will be over by Christmas.
- It'll last at least another year. - Then what'll happen to the horses?
People can make steaks from them for all I care.
Behold Mads Skjern and his brother, abducting a lady clad in black.
Aunt Anna's here for the confirmation from the depths of Jutland.
- Shouldn't you be out there too? - She'll see me soon enough.
- She's an Evangelical. - So was your son-in-law.
He still is. He was elected by the Evangelicals for the Parish Council.
Well, he's lost most of his bad habits, though he'll never learn to play cards.
So the boy's going to be confirmed by Dean Mejer?
- No way! lt'll be Reverend Larsen. - The happy Christian.
Katrine and l aren't setting foot in Dean Mejer's church.
- What's it about? - The local denominations.
- Does that worry people now? - Yes, while the world's in flames.
- You have your beliefs too. - They're political convictions.
- It's above religious squabbling. - That's what you think.
But the rest of us don't give much for those convictions, do we, Herbert?
- I've lost faith at any rate. - Look at the big picture.
Stalin made a pact with Hitler to ...
To cover Hitler's rear when he invaded Poland.
- Must you argue when I'm eating? - And as far as the Allies goes ...
- Look at the course of the war ... - No, not here.
I hear of nothing but the course of the war when I visit the Colonel.
And when will we get Mr. Schmidt's account of the events in Spain?
- He doesn't talk about it, he writes. - When's the book ready, Herbert?
- There won't be a book, it's a play. - He's already sold it, unseen.
I wish I could sell pigs that way.
- It's going to be put on in the spring. - Where?
In Copenhagen.
Well, now you've seen it all.
- And I think coffee's ready. - Thank you.
- You have a clever husband. - I do count myself very lucky.
So do I.
- You have a branch in Skælskør? - I hope we'll have more.
- Why are you wearing a hair net? - Erik ...
I've had my hair done for the confirmation.
Perhaps you could see the shop in Skælskør.
Yes, and we could drop you off in Haslev.
Maybe you'd like to come to Haslev with me, Mads?
- I'm afraid l don't have time. - Rev. Bartoldy will lead the meeting.
- I'm sorry, I can't. - It's a pity you don't go anymore.
You're right, Anna, but the war hasn't exactly given us less work ...
Have some cookies and run out to the others.
Mads says you want to sell the farm.
There's a lot to do since Matthias died ...
- But you've managed for three years. - Only with God's help.
- But you've had good hands too? - Yes, but it's a big house too.
Until now l've had young Christian women.
The principal, Bang, has sent me the best from the orphanage.
- And then l've done a good deed too. - How?
By continuing the domestic training they've received at the orphanage.
But there's so much to distract young people today, -
- as you've no doubt discovered.
We've had Therese for two years and lnger for one.
You get them from a home, too?
No, we advertise and they apply themselves.
We'll have to advertise again in November, lnger's getting married.
I see. How much do they ask?
I pay Therese 65 kroner a month, as she's a very skillful cook.
l'm going to offer the new maid 50 a month.
Aren't you spoiling it for others? For those who can't pay that much.
Well, everything's getting more expensive, for the young girls too.
- Did you tell them? - Yes, that's why l went up there.
- Did you say where you were going? - No.
Thank God. Madam would have had a stroke.
I never took this job to be a nanny.
It's only me. ls something wrong?
- Esther has given notice. - What about Helle?
Madam took it very calmly.
Only because she doesn't know where Esther's going.
To their house!
They say Mrs. Skjern's nice. l'm going to wait at their party on Sunday.
- Gudrun asked me. They pay well. - You? Who would have thought it.
- Yes, Laura, so if you're off ... - Then what?
- Maybe you'd look after the boys. - Well, l'm not.
Lauritz'll have to stay at home then. What a pity. The kids adore you.
Well, if you're going to their house, I'd rather stay here and work.
Laura can't come. l'm sure it's because it's at the Skjerns.
- You'll have to be here from 1 1:30. - What about Fatty's wife?
Maybe she will. But you promised to be here.
- I'm on duty at the railway until 1 1. - So you can ...
They're your children too.
It suits me fine. I've got some writing to do.
We bought the Times, Daddy. You won't even look at the Post.
Reading that would make me worse.
Your nurse says you'd better leave the war to England and Germany.
- Prior! - What's the matter?
Daddy, what is it?
What's the program?
We'll have lunch at Hotel Terminus at twelve, -
- then it's the exhibition at Charlottenborg, dinner at A Porta, -
- then 'Lohengrin' at the Royal Theater, then the 1 1 :35 home.
I hope we can manage it all. Here they are.
Hello? Yes. lt's from the hospital.
- They know l'm off duty. - And that we're together, it seems.
I'm sorry, l boasted about that ...
When? l'm on my way.
The Colonel's had a relapse.
- Is it serious? - I hope not.
What's keeping your father?
l'll go and look for him. Be good. See to it that Knud doesn't make a mess.
- Is Lauritz here? - The bird has flown.
- Has he been here? - Only to meet two men. They left.
- Where? - Lauritz moves in mysterious ways.
- But you know all about that. - I have to get Marie.
I have to wait at Skjern's party.
- What is it? - Do you know if the Hansens are in?
They went to the cemetery. They usually come home for lunch.
Would you please ask Marie to look after my two children?
Of course ...
- Don't touch that. - Don't get the cards mixed up.
- I haven't spoken to your wife yet. - Iben? Anna would like a word.
l love to watch people unwrapping presents.
- Shame we couldn't wrap the bike. - It was a generous present.
He needs a decent bike when he visits his horse.
- The horses are at our place. - And Iben's is at the Baron's.
- So lben rides too, sometimes? - You should see her prizes.
- Thank you for the watch. - What about me?
- There's an art book from Ulrik. - That's Ellen's boyfriend.
- Shut up, you little creep. - Now, now.
- Ulrik is a classmate of Ellen's. - What's this?
- It's from Aunt Anna. - It's Dean Mejer's latest book.
- He's written a dedication in it. - He always does.
Thank Aunt Anna nicely, and pipe down.
I was surprised that you weren't to be confirmed by the Dean.
- We stick to Reverend Larsen. - I could hear he's a Grundtvigian.
- So am l. - And your husband?
Well, Larsen is not very keen on the Dean.
You can say that again. He has a picture of him in his privy.
How can you do such a thing? You are a grown man.
- Because Mejer is a piece of shit. - Father!
- It's an old feud. And childish. - Childish? It's blasphemy.
- I think the Lord is on my side here. - Do you know God at all?
- No. But l know Mejer. - Please stop. lt's Daniel's day.
And I understand Aunt Anna. She knows the Dean too.
- Couldn't you ... just for once? - But Grandad is right.
- Didn't you hear what Mother said? - She should talk ...
He hangs there because of her. Do you think I don't know?
- What is it the children know? - That he refused to wed Mother.
When she was going to have me.
l think Terese has lunch ready.
- I'm sorry, Dad. - Sometimes it's better to keep quiet.
A bit of a row always stimulates the appetite.
- May l accompany you to your seat? - Yes. You might as well do that.
That's not allowed, Knud.
- Do you think Dad will come soon? - No.
That's Mom's. Bad Knud.
I'm going out to look for Dad.
There's a message. lt's for your wife, from Agnes Jensen.
The children are alone. Would you look after them?
She was here before twelve.
- We had a bite on the way home. - I'll go over straight away.
Knud, Aksel, where are you?
Oh dear, are you so sad? Marie is with you now.
Where is Aksel? Did he leave you, poor thing?
We'll find him, and then we'll go to Marie's place. He's probably playing.
Come on.
There you go, sweetie.
- What happened? - A little boy drowned.
- The Colonel is not well. - Yesterday he was fine.
He didn't know then that his enemy, General Prior, would succeed Wieth.
- Yes, I saw that in the paper. - Vicki says the news shattered him.
- So the trip to Copenhagen is off? - Vicki's with him, and a doctor.
We can still make the exhibition.
Yes? lt's the hospital again.
I have to speak to Agnes Jensen. It's urgent.
- You? - Marie didn't think we should call.
- It's Aksel. He fell into the pond. - Go on.
He's at the hospital. They're giving him respiration.
It's her son. They pulled him out of the pond.
My apron ...
- Why won't they let me see him? - It's for the best. We have to wait.
- l'll never forgive him. - The doctor's doing all he can.
- Not the doctor. Lauritz. - Lauritz will probably come soon.
lt doesn't matter ...
Agnes ... How's ...
- She's been given a sedative. - Is he ..?
No. There is hope.
- I forgot ... - Yes.
Well, he's dead now.
No! You killed him!
You killed my little boy!
- You killed him! - What happened?
He fell into the pond. Aksel. And now Vicki says he's dead.
My father is dead, Agnes.
Your son is alive, Mrs. Jensen. You can see him now.
Agnes!
Forgive me. Two comrades came ...
Two comrades?
What kind of people are you?
I can't compete with A Porta.
- I'm sorry our day fell through. - How did Vicki take it?
She kept saying she shouldn't have shown him the article about Prior.
Like Maude, who thought the story about the bicycle pump killed Father.
Even if Gustav had hit that worker with the Crown, Father would've died.
Can l say something? A Porta couldn't have made a better hash.
That's the last one gone.
One can't get the Baron to leave. Are the children in bed?
The Baron's wife, wasn't that the thin, pale woman who left?
- She always goes home at eleven. - Without her husband?
If he wants to enjoy himself ... Aren't you tired, Anna?
- Yes. l'm aching all over. - Then let's sit for a while.
- It's a good thing we had Gudrun. - Yes. She works in the shop.
She took over from Agnes, who had to leave. l can tell you now ....
Her son fell into the pond, but he was rescued.
It was relief to hear that. The party wouldn't have been the same.
- No. - But as it was ...
- I could see you had a good time. - Yes. l think everybody did.
But l'm going to bed now.
- I'll come up in a minute. - Good night, Anna.
- Shall l see you up? - I can find my room myself.
Your house isn't that big. l was just sitting here, thinking.
- What? - Since you ask ...
If Daniel's mother had been alive, he'd get a different confirmation.
Ingeborg is Daniel's mother now. She's given him the best confirmation.
- Have you forgotten your own? - Of course not.
- Nobody drank alcohol. - No, we didn't do that.
- There was no dancing either. - That was long ago.
- The children take dancing lessons. - You dance too, now.
- I wouldn't call it dancing. - I saw you with that big girl.
- Ellen? That's our little joke. - Strange. With your wife's daughter.
She's my daughter, too. She gives us great pleasure. She's top of her class.
- Aren't you afraid of spoiling her? - We don't ...
A 16-year-old girl in a low-cut dress.
That's the fashion now. I sell clothes.
My family should be able to show off what my shop's got.
But you don't have to be extravagant.
Your wife didn't need a dress with such a low neckline.
I realize that you feel life is very different here.
But if you came more often, you might get used to it.
I think not. We don't forget our upbringing. Well, l don't.
We learned what was right and wrong.
I used to think that way too. Ingeborg taught me to see things differently.
- More optimistically, you might say. - I call it frivolously.
Some people back home would call it sinfully.
l still have my faith.
I go to church, l can judge for myself what is sinful or not.
And your brother? What's become of him?
- I'm not my brother's keeper. - You made him come here.
- It's your duty to advise him. - I have. Once too often.
What do you mean?
Good night.
- Your father is a storekeeper? - Yes, in Kalundborg.
And you'd like to move to this town? Any special reason?
- My fiancé. - Does he live here?
- He's a soldier. - A soldier? I see.
We've just buried our garrison commander.
- You don't say. - Colonel Hachel, our good friend.
- He died suddenly last Sunday. - Good grief ...
So, a soldier? You do realize that you cannot have gentlemen in your room?
Can l wear a veil? After all, l am a nanny.
Oh, yes. I can see you've done the one-year training.
Helle is almost two, so the idea is that you'll work as a maid as well.
- Laura's been here for 24 years. - Good grief.
Well ... she'll explain the job to you.
Your pay will be 45 kroner, and if we like you, a raise is possible.
You can't see Helle now, because she's gone for a walk with Esther.
l'll ring for Laura now.
Madam kept saying she came from a good family. Whatever that means.
- What's the new girl like? - She doesn't say much.
She says she's a nanny, so she has to wear a veil.
Madam will like that.
- Where are the boys? - I took them to Mom's yesterday.
- So that's done. - Are you leaving Lauritz?
Where would l go? No ...
l'm taking a course in Copenhagen.
- Are you going to study? - In a way.
l'm going to learn how to mend ladders in stockings.
Then l'll put a sign up so l can work at home, and no one will drown.
- Why not let Lauritz pay? - I want to make money.
lt's 25 øre for the first ladder and 10 for the rest.
- Are people willing to pay that? - The ones with fine silk stockings.
What good is that thin nonsense?
- l love silk stockings. - I don't suppose you have many.
I had the first pair for three years. I got them from a lady l helped.
l got them for my confirmation. lt was my biggest wish. And a garter belt.
- I didn't want to wear a bodice. - You had a dress over it.
Yes. My mother wouldn't spend any money on a garter belt.
- I cried about the bodice. - The stockings have to be held up.
My mother's aunt died, so I inherited her corset.
She was three times as fat as I was, so Mom had to take it in.
It looked like an armor, right up to my armpits. lt dug in horribly.
When I sat down, it creaked or squeaked.
That's what you get for being vain.
Vain?
I looked terrible.
Frederik ... I've just come back from the Colonel's funeral.
Yes, that's the end of him. It's hard being a widower.
- I wanted to ask about my shirt. - I haven't had time yet.
That's lucky, because I have one more. That can go with it.
- lt won't be this week. - There's no dancing tomorrow.
That's why l'm going to Skælskør.
I thought you didn't visit your son after his marriage.
I got a letter. With this picture. They've got a little boy.
- He must be a month old. - This hardly comes as a surprise.
- They want me to come and see him. - You can see him in the picture.
They want me to carry him when he's baptized. His name will be Hansi.
What about my dinner? You'll be away on Sunday too, I guess?
If they'll have me. Isn't he cute?
- I've never liked children. - You, as a teacher!
- That's why ... l'll put the shirt here. - Can't you take them to the laundry?
You don't know what they charge.
You be grateful for that. l might charge the same. Coffee?
Yes, but shouldn't we think of dinner?
l'm going to dinner at the barracks. Vicki Hachel invited me.
- Did you know the Colonel? - Yes, when he was full of life.
- And Vicki was my best pupil. - What about me?
The Railway Restaurant is still there.
You got coffee, that's good. I'm coming right away.
- I thought you'd been to a funeral. - Yes.
- Didn't you get coffee afterwards? - They don't do that in those circles.
But there's a dinner tonight. Only for the closest people.
- Have you looked at Daniel's book? - I leafed through it.
- It's Gauguin. - I don't know what you call it.
lsn't it a strange thing to give as a confirmation present?
- All those naked women. - lt's art.
- Who did he get it from? - An old friend. Ulrik.
Was he the one who came home with Ellen from school?
I can inform you that they are in her room, playing the gramophone.
They're interested in jazz. As long as they keep it upstairs.
- Ellen's got a portable gramophone. - Do they get everything they want?
Ellen wanted a gramophone for her confirmation.
You haven't been happy here.
lf l may be frank: You have found prosperity, but lost sight of God.
Perhaps we see God differently.
Where was Jesus at this confirmation?
If Daniel had had his own mother, it would have been different.
Yes, l suppose it would ...
- But now he'll have to do with me. - Yes, God always takes the best.
She died when Daniel was three months old.
- Who was Daniel's mother? - Hasn't Mads told you about her?
No. Only that she died, and how he managed with Daniel.
He had known her since childhood, from the meetings.
- Were they happy? - They were together in the Lord.
Then you're happy.
- What did she die of? - She was ill before she had Daniel.
- And she never got well again. - Poor woman.
No, you mustn't say that. She's best where she is now.
When you talk about life, it sounds like a valley of tears.
If you believe that God created the world, you must admit he did his best.
And that life is wonderful. I love being alive.
- Yes, you don't waste your time. - What do you mean?
You, a grown woman, let a stranger ... I don't know what you call it ...
- Squeeze you while dancing. - That's how the Baron dances.
And at your son's confirmation. Because you call Daniel your son.
The Baron is a close friend. He's one of the reasons of Mads's success.
- Mads likes him very much. - Surely Mads can do without ...
- What? - Without his wife behaving like a ...
Like what?
Like a prostitute.
That's quite enough. Daniel!
Come here, Daniel. I want to speak to you.
- I heard what you said. - Aunt Anna didn't mean it.
She did.
Go away.
Very well, I'm leaving now.
- I could do with one more. And you? - They'll attack Finland soon.
- It's a filthy habit. - Attacking small countries?
No, drinking before dinner.
l hope it's not your mother.
Is my brother at home? l can take off my coat myself.
- lt's worse. - I can hardly imagine.
It sounds like your sister.
- It's not until tomorrow. - I'd like to ask if l could stay here.
Of course, but you're staying with Mads ...
There was a slight disagreement. I'm sorry ...
- But you have a guest room, too. - Kristen sleeps there.
- Why?. - He just does. Won't you sit down?
You look like you need a drink. Oh God, l forgot ...
- Could l wash my hands, please? - Of course. This way.
- What about the Post House? - Jutlanders don't stay in hotels.
Can't we say you have a dangerous disease?
- We have to think of something. - What about dinner?
Betty can still get some cans of stew, if she hurries.
Can you explain to me why you don't share that nice bedroom?
- So you had a look? - You have a spacious apartment.
I was just telling Kristen. You have a spacious double bed.
- And you can bet l spread out. - But you're married.
The idea is that you sleep together. That's the done thing.
- Well, it can't be done here. - Why ever not?
Tell your sister the truth.
It's the doctor. I have a cold. He thinks l could pass it on.
And we don't want that. But we can get a nice room at the Post House.
- I don't want to inconvenience you. - l'll pay for it, of course.
I never waste money on hotels. You shouldn't, either. I have a better idea.
- And that is? - The double bed.
lben and I can lie there for two nights. There's nothing wrong with me.
Iben had to go riding. It looks like l'm the only one.
- Take care, Anna. - I think you need it more.
Mads is coming after all.
It was nice of you to come. Kristen thought you didn't have time.
I came because lngeborg asked me to.
Then give her my best wishes.
- Goodbye, Anna. - God be with you.
lt's her faith. She means well.
Nobody brings their faith into my house and causes trouble.
I'll pray for you.
We may both need that.