Uwasa No Musume (The Girl In The Rumour)
Chiba Sachiko: Kunie
Fujiwara Kamatari: Uncle
Ito Tomoko: Oyo
Mihashi Ko: Kenkichi
Okawa Heihachiro: Shintaro
Shiomi Yo: Keisaku
Umezono Ryuko: Kimiko
Written and directed by Mikio Naruse
The Nadaya really seems to be going down hill, doesn't it?
It seems to have declined a lot since the time the grandfather was running it.
He seems to have been quite a flamboyant person.
The person I really sorry for is the guy who's running it now.
He was adopted into his wife's family
and the place was going downhill when he got there.
Here you go.
One bottle of juice, please.
I'm going to Oyu's place. Could you mind the store while I'm out?
Certainly.
- I'll have another. - Coming up!
Thank you.
Kunie, I'm going out again.
Alright.
Your grandfather still likes to drink, doesn't he?
He starts in the morning and comes out a few times for more.
That's because he's really lonely.
But it's a lot of trouble really. He never thinks about the business.
What's happening?
- That's my father. - The man on the bicycle?
I'm going to the bus stop. Bye, bye!
- Can you mind the store for me? - Alright!
I'm home.
Welcome back.
- Did the fish come? - Yes.
Good. I'm going to go in the house,
so could you go to the greengrocer's for me?
Where's my sister?
She went in!
Kimi-chan, if you take the money from the store, we'll all go broke.
If you need money, just ask me for it.
You won't give me any even if I ask! You always have some reason to say no.
But we're not in a position to waste money, now.
Never mind, I don't need any.
I guess I won't be doing that favour for you tomorrow.
Tomorrow?
Tomorrow you're supposed to meet your fiancée, but probably I won't be going with you!
You're just awful. I'm always losing to you.
I can understand how you feel.
If you can marry the boy from the Saginomiya,
there'd be some money, and that would help us out a lot now.
But that's why I'd like to oppose this match all the more.
And I know you're thinking about Kimiko and her mother.
I'm not trying...
Everyone knows what you're thinking, but there's nothing you can do about that.
I don't want to sign any papers for that.
If you look at it from my point of view, you'll understand.
My marriage with your mother wasn't happy. I want to be careful with yours.
I'm thinking about your future and your happiness.
You don't have to think about anything else, right?
I'm going out for a bit, again.
- Are you going to change? - No.
Kimiko seems to be coming home late these days.
She says she's getting her picture taken with her friends today.
She's a little too light-hearted and careless. You need to watch out for her.
Don't worry, father, she's better than I am.
I'm worried about her new boyfriend.
Grandfather hasn't changed, though.
I think he's gone out to eat again.
Whatever else, this place has a great owner.
Yes, she's a real masterpiece.
Ease up a little, fellow.
If I were a little younger...
That's what I think, too.
Listen to that!
How about another drink?
Don't mind if I do. Oh, I have something for you.
Going home already? You don't have to, do you?
How about this?
"Rejuvenation Pills"
I'm promoting this right now, so I'll give it to you at a special, low price.
Does it work?
Whatever else it does, it most definitely improves your efficiency.
The guy who just came in is her boyfriend?
- Yes. - He runs the Nadaya, doesn't he?
He's been coming in since before his wife died.
She's like a wife to him. They have a child, too.
A customer told me about this medicine. It's supposed to work very well.
Is that so? Thanks.
Kunie's marriage interview is tomorrow, right?
Yes, she says that it's going well.
But knowing her, she's worried about Kimiko and me.
She says she isn't. She says she wants you to come live with us soon.
I can tell that she's thinking about the business.
But that's so...
I think it's about time to tell Kimiko the truth. That kid is so selfish.
She's always making things difficult for Kunie.
You shouldn't marry off Kunie.
30 sen, 50 sen, 60 sen, 2 yen, 50 sen, 40 sen, 1 yen, 10 sen, 80 sen, 2 yen, 40 sen,
1 yen, 20 sen, 1 yen, 3 yen, 60 sen, 1 yen, 30 sen, 1 yen, 60 sen,
12 sen, 80 sen, 20 sen, 1 yen, 30 sen, 40 sen, 50 sen, 12 sen.
18 yen, 60 sen!
It's no use. We've done this five times and gotten five different results!
18 yen, 80 sen!
Never mind, I'll do it myself later. Go to bed. Good night.
Good night!
I'm home!
Welcome back.
Kimi, father's worried about you. Come home earlier once in a while.
Are they home already?
- Hello, everyone! - Welcome back!
Kunie, sorry but I took a cab home.
How much is it? 50 sen?
The driver is waiting in the car.
You're a terrible grandfather! We'll all pay for this, you know.
Sorry. I ran into an old friend, he asked me along,
but I decided it was too much trouble, and came home.
You know that doesn't make a difference.
Sorry.
Let's keep this a secret from your father, shall we?
- Grandfather, did you just get in? - Yes. How are you?
Welcome home.
I see grandfather came home in a cab again.
He's just awful.
Oyu said that she'd like to talk to you when you have the time.
Is that so?
Thank you.
Keep the change.
I think I'd better take that change.
Where are you going?
It's starting. I want to see it.
Just wait a little. Everyone's still here.
It wouldn't hurt to just sit with us a for a little, no?
Kunie, you prefer plays, don't you?
Everything she likes is behind the times.
And you're good at dancing, too?
She dances, but her specialty is singing.
Really?
You must be way past your debut.
But I like debuts.
That's funny. You never come along with me when I invite you to one.
You're always telling me that you don't like them.
Your sister is a mature person
and doesn't like coming to these things with loud people like you.
You're so calm, Kunie!
She's the solid type and a real help in the store.
She must be!
Sato-san, you went to Keio University, didn't you?
That's right.
Did you know Fujita on the rugby club?
I knew him well when we were in school.
That's great. Would you introduce him to me sometime?
Kimiko, why are you talking?
And... what is your favourite sport?
I don't know much about sports, but my sister sometimes
takes me to things like rugby games and explains them to me.
I was really embarrassed the other day when she...
Why did you bring Kimiko along?
She says she wanted me along if at all possible.
I'd get nervous if I went without her.
It just seems that she is undoing everything we do.
That's a terrible thing to say.
You're almost ready to get married yourself.
If you keep acting like that, no one is going to marry you.
Come on! I wouldn't even think of having an arranged marriage.
So what do you think?
I don't think we can get an answer right away, but how do you feel about him?
That guy doesn't seem to have anything to him.
Who asked you?
Well, there's the opinion of the other side to consider.
I'll let you decide, uncle.
Are you sure? That's OK with me.
Sister, are you really going to marry so hastily?
You're going to tell me that I'm old-fashioned again, right?
Your sister has a good character.
She's not one of those who talk about 'love' and 'passion' like you.
Uncle, do you think I'm a fool?
Aren't you always telling me that you married for love?
No, you see, in my case it was a little different.
- You're turning red! - Fool!
No, I'm not. I'm going home.
I'm going that way. I'll be at home. Give my regards to your father.
Bye.
Our parents had an arranged marriage, didn't they?
Why do you ask?
Because they couldn't have gotten along very well.
That's why father had a mistress.
I think the problem was more with mother.
Kunie, no matter what it is,
you always think women shouldn't get in the way of men.
I don't like that way of thinking.
You're scary! Always telling me that I'm old-fashioned.
You should be. I just can't sympathise with people like mother and father,
and I have nothing but contempt for mistresses.
You know, Kimiko, Oyu's father is a very good person.
And you know that father and granddad need someone around,
so I've been thinking of asking her to move in with us.
- Move in? - As our mother.
Are you going to call her "mother"?
No.
I don't think there's any way I could call her that.
Isn't it kind of a shame to let go of this place,
now that it's doing so well?
I'm a little tired of this business. And I have a bit of money.
OK then, I won't hold you to your contract.
Master, we got a delivery from Watanabe.
What about Yoshida and the others?
Izumi still hasn't gone home.
Ken-san, I think the sake has gotten a little worse lately.
No, that can't be right.
Maybe it's just me, then.
Father seems restless these days, but he says everything is going well.
When he's here, it often seems to me that he's got something on his mind,
but even when I ask him, he won't say anything.
This is hard for me to say,
but I think the only person who can help him is you.
No, that's not true.
No, it is true. Grandfather is, you know... grandfather.
I think he could consult with you about the business.
Nothing would work better than you coming to live with us.
I don't deserve such words.
Besides, how would you do in your marriage talks with a mother like me?
Don't worry about that.
I understand. I've been waiting for your father to ask me about it.
Why do you think a person like me could do this?
That's not what I'm getting at.
I think it's for the good of the family.
As for me, I don't think I can have a happy marriage, anyway.
- Thanks for the other day! - Thank you.
Where are you going?
What? Nowhere in particular.
It's convenient that I met you here.
There's something I've been wanting to talk to you about.
You know, I don't mind leaving my friends and going with you.
Really?
Hello.
- Come in. - Is he in?
Come in.
- How are you doing? - Thanks for the other day.
Don't worry about that.
Sorry, but may I have a cup of sake?
Go in.
I'll get his sake.
I don't understand today's young people at all.
What are you getting at?
The marriage proposal has turned into something really weird.
Weird?
The kid from the Saginomiya says he prefers Kimiko.
Kimiko?
I don't know what he sees in that tomboy,
but the other side wants me to do what I can.
I wonder what's going on.
The mother had all sorts of nice things to say about Kunie.
I think she's right. To tell you the truth, I think you should keep her at home.
She's such a good girl. You probably want to keep her near you.
So what do you think?
I think we should just drop it.
But you have to consider ....
I don't know what Kimiko will say, but Kunie doesn't especially like him.
But sending a daughter over there will help the family out.
I think she'll understand.
Yes, but Kunie had all sorts of plans.
There's all sorts of delicate feelings we have to consider.
Grandfather!
Oh, it's you, Kunie.
What were you looking at?
These days there are some pretty nice things at quite reasonable prices.
Looking at furniture? Not that I don't believe you...
What are you talking about? There's been talk of you getting married, so...
Oh, so you're going to buy me a present?
Even though I'm the one who's getting an allowance from you.
Where were you Grandfather?
I was just walking around. And you?
I was at Oyu's place. She says that she'd like to talk to you about something.
What was that?
I wonder if there's a quiet place where we could talk.
I had something I wanted to talk to you about, too.
What was that?
Shall we go in there?
ODEN SHOP
We can't go in there.
Why not?
So, for the time being, we'll turn down the proposal.
I don't want my daughters to hear about this for quite a while,
so let's keep this to ourselves, shall we?
I see. Shall I try again sometime?
Yes, please. Bye.
So what do you think, grandfather?
So long as it's OK with you, I won't oppose bringing in Oyu to our house.
You should tell father how you feel.
I think it will work out really well!
Yes, I think it's a good idea.
What was it that you were going to tell me?
It's about your father.
What about him?
He seems really worried about the business these days.
I know what you mean.
And the sake doesn't taste right.
I've been drinking it for decades, so I don't think it's my taste that has changed.
How has it changed?
I don't think it's possible that somebody at our place
would be doing something to the sake.
But I think it'd be better if you could slip in a warning to him sometime.
I don't think he'd listen to me.
When they get withdrawn, people start thinking about things they shouldn't.
Tomorrow the wind will blow in a different direction.
He should relax a little!
Are you on your way home?
You're coming from our place?
Uncle, what's happening with the marriage talks?
Oh, that? I've been busy with my work
and haven't had time to talk it over with them.
Is that so?
See you.
So you've been busy?
Yes, thank you.
You're making lots of money then?
Not really.
But don't you make money when you're busy?
Well, you don't lose money.
Then how about a little for me.
What?
I don't even get my allowance these days!
There wouldn't be any for you, anyway.
That's not fair, uncle!
We're home!
Welcome back.
That was quick. You should have done something fun as long as you were out.
I talked to grandfather about it while we were out.
Grandfather says it's OK to have Oyu come live with us.
Thanks. I'll think about it.
- I'd like some sake. - Certainly!
I'll take 3 cups of the 30 sen sake.
Here it is.
Thank you very much for your business.
I'm home!
I ran into uncle.
- You met uncle? - Aye.
Kimiko, did he say anything?
No.
What did he say to you?
Oh, he came to talk about some other things.
He's busy and hasn't talked to them yet.
Is that so?
Sorry to ask so soon after you've gotten back home,
but I’ve got another errand to do.
Go ahead.
I'm going now.
That's fine. I just want to change.
It seems the marriage talks are still up in the air.
How do you know?
Uncle told me.
I don't think they see your good points.
"Parting wiping tears..."
Where's your father?
He went somewhere.
Did you want to talk to him?
No, nothing particular.
Who's there?
It's me.
What is it?
Father!
Come in.
Father, tell me the truth. I'm worried.
Like I told you, there's nothing to worry about.
I just started researching sake as a hobby.
If it goes well, I might be able to come up with a recipe
that will make us more money.
But Grandfather says...
He's wrong! There's something wrong with his taste these days.
But...
Don't worry about little things.
I'm going back to the store.
Thanks for the other day. Yes. Yes, I'll go. Wait for me.
Kimi.
Yes?
Are you going out again in this rain?
I promised my friends I would.
"We believe taste and aroma come first. Superior teas. Ohimeya."
In any case, there's no definite answer from the other side.
But even if it's "no", it's no big deal.
There are plenty of men who'd take you.
In fact, you're too good for that guy.
But that was the best proposal so far.
I can come up with 10 or 20 just like that.
Do you want to hear about them?
Don't be in such a rush.
Uncle, have you heard? Oyu's place is going to be sold.
It'll be hard on her. We should do something for her.
I agree. She's a good, solid person.
You should bring her in to the family as soon as you can.
No one would object to that.
The place will probably change for the better.
It works out well for me, but what about you?
That's my problem.
I'm going for a bath.
See you later, then.
If you were to come to our place, I'd let you handle the business.
That's not what I want!
I could go somewhere and find some job to do.
I thought grandfather and Kunie wouldn't approve,
but everyone likes the idea. I think it'll work out fine.
Anyway, tomorrow is Kimiko's birthday,
so it's the best time to talk to her about it.
Yes.
Why don't you come over to our place tomorrow, in the afternoon, say.
That's sounds alright.
Kunie will be the happiest.
Speaking of Kunie, do you think we could marry off Kimiko leave Kunie at home?
It would be difficult for me otherwise.
She's close to you, and I'd like it better that way myself.
I can see what she's thinking, but...
I'll try talking to her.
What's going on?
Three cups would be fine.
Sorry, I forgot.
What?
There's something I want to talk to you about.
About what you saw?
Are you worried?
I don't want to mistrust you.
I don't keep secrets.
I was just keeping quiet for your sake.
Why? What is it?
Father and uncle are lying to you.
What about?
I don't know if I should tell you.
Please. I don't care what it is.
Sato says that he wants me more than you.
Uncle must have told father about that.
But I haven't deliberately tried to hurt you, Kunie.
I just met him accidently one day. He's got money.
I think it's good that I found someone.
I'm not complaining about what you're doing.
You just don't know anything. Just try to understand how I feel.
What's wrong?
Never mind.
What happened?
Nothing.
Did you have a fight with Kimiko?
It's nice!
Who's it from?
S. Sato. Who's that?
Someone I can't tell you about.
It's not nice to keep secrets from us.
Let's get her!
- Did you go to Yoshikawa's? - Yes, I made the delivery.
Grandfather, are you going somewhere?
I'm going across the street to have them run the razor over my face.
Oyu is coming over later.
That's fine with me.
Kenkichi? There's something strange happening with the Sato boy again.
Kimiko?
Yes, it seems they've gotten really close.
Why?
Well, today's young people do things quickly, so you never know what's going on.
Anyway, his parents want you to ask her.
I'll ask Kimiko about it.
Come in.
Come this way.
Would you mind waiting on the second floor?
Kunie, Oyo's here. Could you make some tea?
Kimiko, come here a minute.
What is it?
Just come here.
You were seeing the Sato boy without saying anything to me or your sister.
What were you trying to do? Tell me!
You don't know how nice your sister has been to you and your mother.
I brought someone here for you to see. Come with me.
Come!
This is your mother. Say hello to her.
I didn't want to tell you about it until the time was right.
You know what I'm talking about.
It's all so sudden.
And you need to apologise to your sister.
She was always thinking of you and your mother,
but you stomped all over her heart.
- Father! - Apologize!
- No. - What?
Kimi, I don't care if you apologize to me.
Just say something to your mother.
No! How could I do that now?
Father!
I'm going to rearrange your nose!
I don't care if I'm bad. I don't need a mother.
I don't need you father. I don't need a family. I don't need anything.
Kimi-chan, where are you going?
The police are here
and they say they want to talk to the person who runs the place.
There are a bunch of police at your place.
There's something we'd like to check.
Yes.
What do you suppose it is?
Oh, nothing probably.
Come.
We'd like you to come to the station with us.
Father!
Don't worry. I'll be back soon.
Sorry.
It's OK. It's OK.
Things just turned out the way they were going to turn out.
That's all. We'll be seeing you.
What was it?
Nothing. They just want the sign changed, that's all.
"Nadaya Sake"
- What's happening? - What's going on?
Grandfather!
There's nothing to cry about. It's alright. Everything will turn out fine.
Things look terrible for the Nadaya.
Yes, they sure do.
And it was such a famous place.
What do you think will take its place?
Shall we bet something on it?
Bet? Sure.
What will it be? Another drinking place? A greengrocer's?
But there's a greengrocer right next door.
I wonder what it will be.
The End. Synch, check: Dan Translation: Guy Yasko