The Empress and I
M. le marquis
gentlemen, I only have three minutes
I hope, one minute is sufficient for each of you
I beg your pardon, M. le marquis, you promised that today you would...
my latest invention, the greatest, the latest, the bicycle
the running bicycle, with pedals
you climb it and off you go
in a word, with one push on the pedal...
my newest invention, a sensation, indispensable for every household, the telephone
the speaking telephone, with a receiver
- you hardly speak into it... - off you go
- you just start speaking... - with one push on the pedal...
- with just one word - just one push on the pedal
at a distance of 100 meters
you can talk with anybody
that's it!
utterly superfluous
I don't talk with anybody
what about you, young man?
the director Offenbach sends me
the director regrets that he cannot compose the waltz you commissioned for your ball
the director is far too busy rehearsing his new operetta
the director Offenbach is always busy whenever I ask something of him
but on the first day of the month, when he can't pay his actors, he knows very well how to find me
yes, then he knows
but the director sends another waltz which might be suitable for the marquis' ball
let's hear it
By the beautiful blue Danube
by a certain Mr. ...
Johann Strauss from Vienna
never heard of him
stop it
you couldn't possibly dance to that
I absolutely agree
Marquis, if I may dare so, in my spare time I have composed something
opus 1
let's hear your opus 1
and if the marquis doesn't object, dedicated to my little fiancée Juliette
opus 1 dedicated to my little fiancée Juliette
very funny
How could I have lived...
without you?
André, do come. The whole party is waiting for you.
- You're looking ravishing today. - Do you like my new hunting dress?
fabulous
I think it's awful.
that's true, the waist looks awful
awful? nothing never pleases you!
How could I have lived...
without you.
do you like it?
what's that?
what a pity
this part is especially beautiful
they caught the fox
they've found a garter.
a lady's garter?
I must meet the woman who wears such garters
now I am driving around the Montparnasse
then I let myself be seduced to have a small glass
and I felt as if I had been in paradise
because the best boy of Paris is in love with me
inside and outside I feel like a millionaire today
inside and outside I feel especially good today
how brightly blue do I feel today
and who doesn't join me is just stupid
I keep on singing just one thing tralalala
and you know what I mean tralalala
inside and outside I feel like a millionaire today
inside and outside today I ...
my garter!
hey you!
my garter!
who goes there?
let me through, I have to get in there
forbidden
no entry
as you please
then would you please get me my garter
that's what I always say: civilians have to business on a horse
the man won't survive the night
at your command, regimental surgeon
no talking back!
if I say he doesn't survive, he won't survive
at your command, regimental surgeon
okzipitale akgnoszia of the ribs
at your command, regimental surgeon
who's that guy anyway, does anybody know him?
no, regimental surgeon
they found him outside
is that so? outside. well I always say:
civilians!
well, you might as well go inside. maybe the guy has a last wish
at your command, regimental surgeon
I am to ask...
whether you had a last wish
am I that bad?
I don't have a last wish
good heavens
you'll have at least someone
you want to see one more time
I have no one
think hard
there must be somebody in this world
whom you would like to leave something
a friend
a relative
no
a woman
a woman?
do you have pen and paper?
yes sir
write
yes sir
I, André Robert Maxime
marquis de Pontignac
marquis?
de Pontignac
at your command, M. le marquis
in this hour I bequeath all my possessions
- to you - to me?
to you, Marianne Lanval
Marianne Lanval
André de Pontignac
you'll ride to Montmartre
and bring her this letter
if she wants to see me again
she may come
just ask after the nightingale of Montmartre
go now
so? what does the guy want?
at your command, regimental surgeon. the guy isn't a guy
I'm asking you, what does he want?
- he wants to see a woman. - a woman?
of course! a woman!
that's what I say. civilians!
regimental surgeon, if you please, the civilian isn't...
fetch that wench
you!
out with you
women have no business in the barracks
I beg your pardon
halt!
about turn!
so, the wench
I bed your pardon
do everything the man wants of you. you know his state of health
no talking back!
forward march
here she is
Marianne, I knew you'd come
go to him
give me your hand, Marianne
give him your hand
I've had you called
I wanted to see you again
and now I cannot see you any longer
thank God
because I'm such a stranger
I wouldn't have recognized you
but we haven't seen each other for such a long time
you, Marianne
you were the first woman I ever loved
after you came many more
but I have forgotten them all at this hour
only you have stayed, Marianne
my first love
I beg your pardon
listen. I want to have back my garter
what's that? garter?
in old times, when I was with you and couldn't sleep
you used to hold my hands and to sing
you sang me to sleep
now you're holding my hands again like in old times
would you grant me a wish?
with pleasure
you must sing me to sleep again, Marianne
excuse me
I won't go through with this
sing!
what do you want of me?
you are to sing!
what shall I sing?
a military march
but I'm not a soldier
there must be a song you can sing
"How could I have lived without you"
- no nonsense please - but - no
please sing, Marianne
hey you
sing, Marianne
tralalala ... without you
could have loved...
without...
Marianne
go on
please
how could I have lived without you
how could I imagine to have been happy, without you
that I could laugh or cry
without meaning you
that's almost a riddle today
for me
how did the time pass without you?
whatever did I do without you?
what the sun is for the world
that's what you are for me
how could I have lived
without you
but I am not Marianne
her majesty the empress had a bad night
yesterday her imperial majesty's weight has increased by one pound
this seems to have put her majesty the empress in great distress
one pound - one pound
her majesty
will
in order to reduce the pound I had just alluded to
take a long walk today
on this walk, her majesty the empress will wear
the bright blue dress and the Florentine hat
the Florentine hat
the beige shoes, the pink stockings and the embroidered garters
hurry up, ladies
if you please, my ladies, hurry up
as to the hairstyle
her majesty wishes...
how are we going to dress her hair, Juliette?
- is the emperor at home? - no, he's away on a voyage
we'll think of something better
we'll do her hair à la Lady Hamilton today
as empress of France one is very busy
every hour demands another face
from 10 to 11 severe, military
from 11 to 12 diplomatic
even smiling becomes a duty
whom we are to hate, whom to love
everything is ordered to us
but...
as soon as we're alone, as soon as no one's watching
we don't care a bit about morals at court
???
but my ladies!
an empress's hairdresser's job never ends
every hour a different hairstyle
from 1 to 2 strictly harmonious
from 2 to 3 slightly ironic
and at night à la Pompadour
every curl I straighten
enters into world history
as soon as we're alone, as soon as no one's watching, we don't care a bit about court morals
???
but Juliette!
I don't like those garters any more
give me another pair
you can have them, Juliette
An hour ago...
I wouldn't have dreamed...
that I would ever wear your majesty's garters.
careful, the hair
but my ladies!
semper idem marasmus in illis triste est
homo sapiens delirium tremens
quod erat demonstrandum
yes yes, but how long will the patient live?
quid quid agistum funenter agase
et restitie finem
whom are you singing, eh, telling this, my dear collegue?
now you have left us all, you who loved life above all...
we've been waiting here for hours now- karo
and who doesn't die is M. le marquis
without a last word, without a last greeting you left...
you left, drifted away...
"drifted away" is excellent
just charming, Mlle Arabella
this dress!
in a word
now I forgot
very chicque
a couture model
luckily black looks very becoming on me
I've ordered three of them
one for the afternoon, one for the evening
and one for...
- we are standing here - jawohl
jawohl
we are standing here
at your coffin
André, André
take that bird away
he only annoys us
what has my Lorchen done to you?
he was his favorite bird
isn't it so, Lorchen?
Jawohl
Ja
Eugénie
Marianne?
are you still there?
Sattler? why doesn't he go to bed?
at your service, there are no free beds
what?
what's going on here?
at your service, regimental surgeon
the bereaved mourners
now we'll see about that
vivat. prescat. gloriat
what? gloriat
how dare you!
I diagnosed that you wouldn't survive this night
the regimental surgeon had been wrong
I am never wrong, young man!
I've been the regimental surgeon since the conquest of Algiers
and it's my point of view: If someone falls off a horse...
he either gets up at once, or never.
Then I must offer my excuses that I am still alive.
it's been an insolence at least
that's what I always say: civilians! what's the matter?
at your command, regimental surgeon...
why didn't you tell me so at once, you fool?
M. le marquis
I've just learned that I had the honour to treat a marquis
I thank you for saving my life
it was a pleasure
who said that?
chéri, you're alive
how wonderful that you're alive
what a pity
the black dress would have looked very becoming with your white skin
but chéri!
may I ask why madame is crying?
André
with whom do I have the honour?
don't you recognize me? I'm your Marianne.
So you are...
yes, your nightingale
but I gave up singing long ago
now I own a bird shop on Montmartre
and I even brought our Lorchen along
André
I thank you again that you have come
but André, you must entertain us too, since we've come to...
I infinitely regret to have disappointed you. please don't let yourselves be disturbed
for all of you, from now on I am...
dead.
take a seat
André, I am so happy that you're well again
I thank you, Marianne
thank you
what are we going to do with this now?
I wouldn't know what to do with it
I have my bird shop to look after
isn't it true, Lorchen
then please accept this as a souvenir
you're really the only woman I thought about in my last hour
what was that sweet little song
I never heard you sing it before
which song?
the song you sang for me here
I don't understand. I've never been here
I haven't sung any song
for ten years not one note has come out of my throat
how do you mean? you haven't been here?
regimental surgeon
M. le marquis
who was that woman who had been in my room?
she might have been any woman, but I couldn't tell you who she was
and how did the song go the woman sang to me?
I regret, but I only listen to military music
they're playing the last post. you have to go
but be careful. the roads aren't safe at this time of night
I'm not afraid, my parrot's with me
thank God
she sang a song
went away
who was the woman?
I'm telling you, he's lost his mind
he wanders around all over Paris and looks for the mysterious woman
he doesn't want to see his friends any more, and me neither
he only thinks about that mysterious song
the fool
chéri
we've just been speaking of you
good evening
I am so happy to see you in the theatre
is that so?
we'll have to rehearse the scene once more. tell the furies to get ready
there's something wrong still
and no objections
assistant conductor
I'm looking for a song
I know all about it, the mysterious song, isn't it?
how so? has the story been spread around?
does the marquis remember a few bars?
no, but I'll remember it if I hear it
do you have any scores?
I'll search the whole archive at once
visit me in the next days when you've found something
if I may permit myself to trouble the marquis in a matter regarding my own composition
so to speak, composed in my spare time
opus 1
I'll be seeing you tonight, won't I? what'll happen after the performance?
the usual
applause
good evening, Didier
you're here already, Juliette?
of course
it's high time
the ball begins at 9 o'clock
the ball? the ball?
a ball is out of the question
I don't have time
what about my beautiful fire-fly costume?
I don't care about fire-flies, I don't have time
I always thought, when a man really loves a woman...
he has time for her.
but I don't have time, I have some urgent business to attend to for the marquis de Pontignac
which marquis?
the marquis who fell off his horse while hunting
- I thought he died - he didn't die. he's alive
on his deathbed a woman sang him a song
then he changed his mind
and stayed alive
he's alive?
yes he's alive
and I am searching for his song.
and when you've found it?
then he'll soon find the woman belonging to it
and what happens then?
then he'll marry her probably
couldn't it possibly be your song...
the marquis is looking for?
no
why not?
because then you'd have to be the woman he's looking for
nobody except you knows the song
what would you do, Didier
if I were the mysterious woman?
if you were the mysterious woman, then we shouldn't hide that from each other
otherwise we'd go mad
you wouldn't be mad?
no
why not?
because you aren't she
what if I were?
even then I wouldn't be mad
why not?
because I don't have the time
no time!
in all those years we've known each other you've never had time for me
you haven't even had the time to marry me
adieu
"Loud talking near the stage is not permitted during the performance. The management"
at 10 o'clock a.m. sharp
his majesty will enter the audience room
at 10.10 a.m.
his majesty will receive the director of fine arts, count...
count Nevers
and hear his report
at 10.20 a.m.
his majesty will receive the Prussian envoy
you'll spread a carpet in here, the Prussian envoy's step is terribly loud
his majesty cannot stand it
the marquis de Pontignac for a private audience
- your excellency - M. le marquis, I am immensely pleased to see you again
- his majesty has heard about your recovery and wants to congratulate you in person - thank you, your excellency
by the way, I wanted to tell you...
did you find your mysterious woman yet?
unfortunately not
I have a strong suspicion that it's a well-born lady
she surely would prefer to remain incognito
- otherwise she would have contacted you - possibly
your excellency
I'm coming
anyway, a delicate situation
a room in the barracks
a strange lady
a song
a kiss
your excellency
coming
how could I have laughed or cried
without meaning you
let the golden sun shine
for me...
M. le marquis
His majesty!
without you
whatever did I think of
without...
did anybody sing in here?
yes
who did?
is that so hard to guess?
M. le marquis
you here?
surely you came to see my husband...
but I am glad to see you too
completely recovered
your majesty
I've heard about your adventure
it must have been a most charming rescue
by the way, have you found your mysterious woman?
yes I have
I have found her
but Juliette!
and I haven't heard anything about it!
no one knew about it
and no one will know about it
is it that mysterious?
does the lady want to remain unknown?
then I won't ask any further, M. le marquis
but...
you can tell me one thing?
is she beautiful?
the most beautiful woman in all France
then you'll be very happy
very unhappy, your majesty
what's got into him?
I haven't a clue.
And neither has he.
M. le marquis, his majesty!
the audience!
what on earth is the matter?
the marquis has heard a song
only a song
which has completely upset him
only a song?
- then he opened the door and ran... - where to?
- the marquis? - yes, where to?
directly to the empress' rooms
- the marquis? - and how!
to the empress?
M. le marquis, I've unearthed lots of material
songs from three centuries
one even from the middle ages
I hope the song you're looking for is among them
don't trouble yourself any further, my friend
I've already found the song
may I ask the marquis how the song goes?
you wouldn't know it
how could I have lived
without you
have you head that song before?
me?
no
no M. le marquis
Etienne, you'll ride to the Imperial palace at St. Cloud
you'll ask for the empress' hairdresser
she's a sweet little blonde
she's to slip the letter to the empress unnoticed
fabulous, how fast you've memorized this
go on with your playing
what the sun is for the world
that's what you are for me
one moment
otherwise they'll write in the encyclopedias:
the empress' hair was badly done
your majesty, here are the invitations for the string concert of your four nieces
my ladies, that's enough for today
the following persons are invited
the duke of Gramont and his spouse
the marshall Thibaud and his spouse
the prince of Naples and his spouse
the general Maldet - without his spouse
please tell me were to find the empress' hairdresser
here I am. what's the matter?
the marquis de Pontignac sent me
so what?
for her majesty the empress
but careful
I'm to bring back an answer
your majesty! I know this is the most outrageous thing a subject has ever demanded - but I think of the song you sang for me. Please let me talk to you once more. André de Pontignac
and please also invite the marquis de Pontignac
I would like to remind your majesty, that the marquis' presence after the embarrassing incident during the audience might be...
but my dear baron
the marquis is in love
you'll have to overlook some things
but I insist that it would look awkward if her majesty in person...
it is my wish
to see the marquis de Pontignac at the soirée.
another invitation
listen, downstairs a servant of the marquis de Pontignac is waiting
tell him...
tell him he can go, and that there is no answer
from the hairdresser, there won't be any answer
but here's an invitation from her majesty the empress to M. le marquis
the answer
my good friend, I don't need you any more, you can go, thank you very much
Etienne
prepare everything for tonight, the new dress coat
and have the most beautiful orchids sent to the palace at St. Cloud
orchids
good-bye M. le marquis
on the order of her majesty the empress, the chamberlain has the honour to invite the Marquis de Pontignac to a concert given by her majesty's nieces
hasn't Didier come yet? - not yet, director
but he'll be here any moment
are you worried?
a little
because of Didier, or because of someone else?
because of Didier
and because of someone else
doesn't he love you any more, the young Didier?
he does
but he never has time for me
that happens. and the other one?
the other one?
he always looks past me
but that's just like in the operetta
and I'm telling you as an old expert on operetta: in the final act everything is set right
good-bye ... eh ... Juliette
what are you doing here?
don't worry, I won't stay long
I'll even leave you the cup with your name
I won't be needing this in the future
I can believe that
his name isn't Didier either
who's he?
the guy you'll have your coffee with in the future
me? having coffee?
with whom?
with the marquis de Pontignac
don't pretend you don't know
I was there when your answer came
my answer?
yes, your answer
first, the marquis sent you a letter
then you answered him in another letter
I have written a letter to the marquis?
you see, I know all about it
then he put on his best orchids, and sent his most beautiful dress coat to the palace
no that was wrong, but never mind, I got it right
to the palace?
I congratulate you all. you've played most charmingly
- do you know the marquis de Pontignac? - yes
do me a favour
no thank you, I don't drink
but perhaps you will drink this time
in the conservatory
now now, it had been beautiful
I'll be waiting
M. le marquis
yes?
I have something to tell you
from the empress?
no, from myself
how do you mean?
you're never again to write such letters to her!
and it would be best if you left now
because the empress won't be coming
Juliette
what are you doing here?
the nieces, your majesty
I thought they were here
the nieces
but as I can see...
they aren't here.
your majesty
you've left the ball, marquis?
as you asked me to, your majesty
how did you like my nieces' concert?
it had been the most beautiful concert of my life
aren't you exaggerating a bit, marquis?
no your majesty
I could look at you during the performance
but that isn't very complementary to my nieces
your majesty
now that we're alone...
your majesty
what's the matter, Juliette?
your majesty, the nieces want to go to bed
then let them go to bed
your majesty, I've suspected it from the first moment
- it had been you. - I?
- it could have been no one else. - what are you talking about?
yes your majesty, and remembering the most beautiful hour of my life...
I now have the courage, I beg, I demand...
your majesty
Juliette
now the nieces refuse to go to bed
Juliette, get out of here at once and don't bother me with the nieces anymore
yes
your majesty
even if you think me mad...
I implore you
what's got into you?
come to me tomorrow
you will meet no one
no one will see you
I'll expect you all alone
M. le marquis!
you seem to forget whom you're talking to
I feel inside and outside
not at all like a millionaire
I feel inside
and outside
not at all
well.
the man has gone completely mad
he belongs to a madhouse
what a pity, he used to be so nice
do you know what he asked of me?
I was to go to him
all alone, to his palace
who does he think he is?
who does he think I am?
I know it.
so?
you're the woman who sang him to sleep at the time
and
who kissed him
what insolence
he thinks I'm his mysterious woman?
again, that's nice of him
that's very nice of him
now I understand all his allusions
his confidences
of course!
what did he say?
the most beautiful woman of all France
how charming of him
I'm his mysterious woman
but you aren't, your majesty!
how do you know?
maybe I am.
but I know that it hadn't been you, your majesty
who was it then?
you must tell me if you know
so who was it?
you yourself, perhaps?
I?
in a barracks room?
but your majesty!
you see
you haven't a clue
no one had been there at all.
he just imagined it
in his fever he saw my portrait
and now he thinks it had really been me
how romantic
maybe I ought to go to him
but your majesty!
but I must go to him
it's my duty
he said he cannot live without me, and after all...
I'm responsible for the life of my subjects
but your majesty, you mustn't!
but Juliette
I'll go to him as a mother
only as a mother?
as the mother of his country.
your majesty
I implore you, don't go
what if someone at court learns about it?
or the press
or the aide-de-camp?
what's the matter?
director, we both have little time, but...
but I have to say it once and for all
I want to...
make a career
I beg your pardon
why not, let's try it out
you'll conduct the first act of The Grand-duchess of Gerolstein tonight
how about it?
pull yourself together
if all goes well we'll see
in fact, director...
I was going to give notice
Arabella
isn't it strange, the little Didier will conduct the first act tonight
what's so strange about that?
I don't know
the marquis' servant Etienne had been in the theatre an hour ago
and had been talking with Didier for a long time
and then I heard that the marquis will give a souper tonight
a souper just for two
if there is a connection between Didier and...
where's that Didier?
what business do you have with the marquis?
I? with the marquis?
you've procured a woman for the marquis
procured? on the contrary!
how do you mean, on the contrary?
did you take a woman away from him?
I haven't.
but he has. from me
women's affairs
silly
what was that. the little copyist doesn't want to play?
where shall I get some music from now?
but he gave me the song just in case
what good is the score to me?
I cannot play
M. Didier asked the marquis to have a good look at the score
how could I have lived without you
opus 1 dedicated to my little fiancée Juliette
Juliette?
Juliette? Juliette?
but that's not possible!
- but that's... - the empress' little hairdresser
yes, the empress' little hairdresser
so she had been...
but that would be...
Juliette
I would never have thought of it
now I understand why the empress had behaved so...
clear the table, Etienne
she's coming
good evening, my dear marquis
I was just passing, saw all those lights, I thought the house was on fire
but everything's alright I hope
I just wanted to see how you are
I am not disturbing I hope
not at all
you must be expecting...
a few friends
aren't you?
no, I'm expecting a lady
a lady?
then I must leave at once
as you please
but I would be equally pleased if you stayed
I must confess I'm amazed at your nerve
why, baron?
because I know the lady
whom you are expecting, marquis
so much the better
then I wouldn't have to introduce her to you
when she comes
M. le marquis
if that lady enters your house
then we'll have such a scandal in France
like there had never been before
- Marquis, that lady... - comes from the imperial palace at St. Cloud
M. le marquis
- don't forget that lady is near to the throne - very near
- very near. - even nearer
- that near - that you may be assured
she won't come
M. le marquis
you're not fooling me. the lady you're expecting
- is... - good evening
good heavens
the baron is here too?
yes, I'm here too
excuse me, I didn't know you had also invited the baron
otherwise I would have arrived earlier
the baron is about to leave
so this is the lady
from the imperial palace, yes
I hope you won't betray our little secret, baron
I'll keep it safe in my heart
Juliette
M. le marquis
I must apologize
I behaved like a...
like a...
yes, that's how I behaved
would you have the goodness to have me thrown out?
my dear baron, I am so sorry, but my servants have their evening off
that's good
if you won't tell the empress that I've been here
then I won't tell her that you borrowed her new cape
you can tell her. she gave it to me
M. le marquis
Juliette
she gave me the cape...
so that I made a good impression tonight
is that so?
you're making a very good impression, Juliette
what difference such a dress makes
I borrowed it from the chief chamberlain's daughter
fabulous
you know...
this is the first time...
you've really looked at me.
incredible
I am very glad
that the empress sent you in advance
sent me in advance?
the empress doesn't dream of coming!
I and the empress had a good talk about you
had a good talk about me?
the empress and yourself?
yes, I and the empress wanted to spare you a disappointment
why?
because, I and the empress decided that...
that only one of us should visit you tonight.
so?
and that's going to be me.
and here I am.
Juliette
I had never expected the empress to come
whom did you expect?
whom?
a memory
a woman who sang a song for me once
do you know that woman?
not exactly
but sometimes I feel as if...
as if I saw her right before me
so clear
as if she stood before me
young
sweet
sometimes she smiles a little
then she turns all serious
whom are you talking about?
where's that hairdresser?
I'll show that insolent person
stealing my men
Arabella, don't make a scene
we're not on the stage
what's the matter, did you run away from the theatre?
because I love you
- and what did Offenbach say. - he isn't in the theatre
the little copyist conducts the first act
Didier conducts the first act and you don't want to perform?
I wouldn't care if the whole performance were canceled
you'll perform
I won't
off you go to the theatre
here's the sword...
stop stop
Arabella isn't here yet
impossible
look there, look there...
there she comes, the grand-duchess
again
repeat the section
she's approaching
let go of me. I won't perform
this is the sword...
baron, at this late hour
your majesty, it is a wish dear to my heart
to tell your majesty tonight
your majesty is the most splendid woman in all France
did you ever doubt it?
never, your majesty!
my little girl
my mysterious woman
at last
speaking near the stage is not permitted during the performance. the management
subtitles serdar202