Burg Theatre
This film doesn't tell the history of the Burg theatre.
Its stage is only the setting for a story in which actors are giving what their calling is:
Their life devoted to art! This film is gratefully dedicated to the eternally young theatre!
Faust I (in his study - chorus of angels)
Why, here in dust, entice me with your spell, ye gentle, powerful sounds of Heaven?
Peal rather there, where tender natures dwell.
Your messages I hear, but faith has not been given;
The dearest child of faith is miracle.
I venture not to soar to yonder regions whence the glad tidings hither float;
And yet, from childhood up familiar with the note,
to life it now renews the old allegiance.
Once heavenly love sent down a burning kiss upon my brow, in Sabbath silence holy;
and, filled with mystic presage, chimed the church-bell slowly,
And prayer dissolved me in a fervent bliss.
A sweet, uncomprehended yearning drove forth my feet through woods and meadows free,
and while a thousand tears were burning, I felt a world arise for me.
These chants, to youth and all its sports appealing, proclaimed the spring's rejoicing holiday;
and memory holds me now, with childish feeling, back from the last, the solemn way.
Sound on, ye hymns of Heaven, so sweet and mild! My tears gush forth: the earth takes back her child!
being able to perform down there just once!
God in Heaven!
I'd give my life for it
so what, I'm going to Graz, the theatres there are quite good too
here you won't get an engagement anyway, unless you come from another famous house or have a protector
You'd better have accepted the engagement to Olmütz
everybody running with the head trough the wall, what's the use?
I won't get an engagement here anyway, no no
I'd rather go to Leibmeritz ???, my dear I could play the big parts there
Romeo, Ferdinand, and what will they offer you here?
if you're lucky on Tuesday at the audition
a servant, a riding messenger
"The horses are saddled"
I only want to stand down there next to him
acting next to him, learning from him
I know I'm still young, but I know my abilities
if they'd only give me a chance, a chance
good evening, Baroness
the Director
no first night without Vienna's most beautiful woman
have a seat
this seat isn't taken
as always
a pity that your husband doesn't share his charming wife's passion for the arts
it's just a matter of different tastes
he entirely understands my lack of interest in horses and the country
my compliments for the performance
Mitterer again is ravishing
why does he never come to your "jour"? all the other members of the theatre are always there
I always send him an invitation, but...
he never goes out, Your Highness, he's an eccentric par excellence
he comes, rehearses, performs and leaves
always alone
interesting
I adore him
if it wouldn't be so absurd, I'd wait for him at the stage entrance with a bunch of flowers
that would be of no use to you
I'll be betraying a deep secret, but...
it won't be repeated?
I give you my word
every night after the performance...
vivat Mitterer!
you can drive home, I want to walk a bit
yes, Baroness
??? Tegernsee-Gasse 43
I beg your pardon, but this is my carriage
we could quarrel about this
but what's the use?
it'll be a pleasure to drive you home, Herr...
Mitterer
let me introduce...
Hamlet
Prince of Denmark
Sedlmayer, the Burg theatre's prompter
I almost forgot
Nepomuk, my tomcat
the lady?
remains a secret
tell the lady why you are always driving in my carriage in my place
well, it's...
because we don't like to...
to be made a spectacle of
we don't like it. we have work to do
The theatre isn't over for me when the curtain falls. It begins at 10 o'clock in the morning and it ends never.
the secret's resolution, Madame, I regret
you haven't disappointed me, if you're thinking of that
and I have no reason any longer to...
keep your secret, I'm not tempted in the way you're thinking
but it might embarrass you if we meet again
but I do hope so
you've invited me in
you haven't even offered me a chair
and now you throw me out!
I didn't mean it like that
you did, but I shall not take offence
if you grant me a favor
allow me to return your hospitality
or could you be so ungallant to let me plead in vain?
I don't care to play a role in society
are you modest or vain?
and you think life has nothing to offer to you?
I have work to do
alright, I'm leaving
I'm leaving
my card?
and you'll come when I send the invitation?
in God's name, yes
such a pushy person
she spoilt all the baked noodles ???
I could only save the top layer
too tiresome, it had never happened to me before
well, I'm not accustomed to...
lady's visits in the middle of the night
??? will come presently
Baroness Seebach?
again that mad ambitious woman!
will she never leave me in peace?
Sedlmayer, all this has been a trap
a base plot to get me into her stable of celebrities
and I've been so foolish that I even accepted!
I wouldn't dream of going now!
do you hear this?
the bells
real bells
and a spring sky
such things really exist
And, filled with mystic presage, chimed the church-bell slowly,
and prayer dissolved me in a fervent bliss.
A sweet, uncomprehended yearning drove me...
I don't need your prompting, Sedlmayer
I can feel it
a church behind which doesn't lurk the empty stage
come
if it isn't absolutely necessary, I'd rather stay outside
my "rail" has such a delicious "pull" at the moment
I wouldn't want to miss...
- a good day, Herr Sedlmayer - God's greeting, Miss Leni
By Heaven, this child is beautiful
a saint, Sedlmayer
saint would be exaggerating a bit
she's a very nice sweet girl, but...
she's the tailor's daughter, from Nussdorf
Taylor, that's what he calls himself
tailor, if you please!
look at the pants he made for me
cut all wrong
but he asks 2 gulden for it
I always have to pull them up at the knees, otherwise they'd split at the seams
I am really furious about that person
he'll never see me again!
never again!
careful with the knee measure, Herr Schindler
otherwise the pants will be too tight again
those pants might be your good fortune
that thing
that picture
is that your daughter?
yes, that's my daughter Magdalene
where is she now?
Miss Leni?
she must be back any moment
she went out to deliver something, but once a young girl starts looking at the shop displays...
ready
Herr Mitterer can trust me entirely
when shall I call on you tomorrow for a fitting?
thank you, that's not necessary
I shall be coming here myself
I'll be back tomorrow
Herr von Mitterer, but that's unnecessary
it'll be an honour, Herr von Mitterer
- kiss the hand, Herr von Sedlmayer - God's greetings
there she is
Greetings, Miss Leni
let me present...
servus
yes please who is it?
it's only I
Miss Leni!
look what the critic wrote about me
- about you, in the paper? - yes
that is, not my name
but he meant me
listen: the theatre needs young talents young, genuine - without skills yet
youth I have, skills too, but the critic doesn't know about that yet
he writes: youth is irretrievable. even Mitterer had been young once
A gift from Heaven
since I have an audition the day after tomorrow
then it has already worked
what has worked?
you'll only laugh at me if I tell you
did you get an answer from ???
But no. Only...
I anointed a necklet to St. Anthony for you
so that it may help you
"Leni"
you see, now you're laughing at me
and I'm really serious
oh no, Miss Leni
I would never laugh at you
you're sweet
terribly sweet
and I thank you for the necklet
it'll surely bring me luck
the day after tomorrow
at the audition
Romeo and Juliet (transl. Schlegel)
With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls; For stony limits cannot hold love out,
And what love can do, that dares love attempt. Therefore thy kinsmen are no let to me.
Juliet: If they do see thee, they will murder thee.
Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye Than twenty of their swords! Look thou but sweet, And I am proof against their enmity.
Juliet: I would not for the world they saw thee here.
I have night's cloak to hide me from their sight; And but thou love me, let them find me here.
My life were better ended by their hate Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love.
Juliet: By whose direction found'st thou out this place?
By love, that first did prompt me to enquire. He lent me counsel, and I lent him eyes.
I am no pilot; yet, wert thou as far as that vast shore ....
what a pleasant interruption
am I disturbing?
you are never disturbing
least of all now
thank you
very well
Excuse me, I haven't finished yet
I said, thank you
it's enough for me
the next one
how can I be of service, Baroness?
I would like to ask you a favour, Director
but you mustn't refuse
you know I could never refuse you anything
that's good
then you'll come to my next "jour" and give it the director's blessings
you'll meet with a surprise
I won't say anything more
don't be hurt
I know that person, she's capable of much worse
who is she?
- you don't know her? - no
but that's the Seebach woman
what? the famous Baroness Seebach?
in whose salon all the great actors are invited
not all of them!
we have refused every time so far
Ah, the Baroness Seebach
sends us an invitation
so that we won't forget
such a pushy person
I'm not going
I should never have gone there
I see, to the tailor
well, now you're stuck with the pants
and you'll pay for them
- I am? - yes, you are!
go to him, pay him and get it over with
at once?
yes
at once
they've engaged you?
engaged?
don't make me laugh!
nothing. it's over. thank you, the next one please
thanks for the necklet, Miss Leni, it didn't help
but all one must do is believe in it!
believe, believe, what should I believe in?
in yourself, Herr Rainer, in your talent
talent, rubbish
I need a protector, an invitation to the Baroness Seebach
but you only get this if you're famous
and she even interrupted me, right at the most beautiful moment
I could have killed her!
don't be sad, I believe in you so much
I wish to God I could help you only a little bit
if ... if thanks for everything, Miss Leni
I'll sit again in the Capitol on the market and wait till some fool comes up to me and says:
I can't believe my eyes! You're a genius!
the pants, the pants
as if Herr Mitterer would visit his tailor in Nussdorf just for his pants
and yesterday at the fitting
he had been pleased
pleased? you fool!
he hadn't even looked at the pants
only at Leni's picture
he had ordered the pants because of the girl
and since she wasn't in again, he stayed away today just like that
but he might still come
now, at 4 o'clock?
when he said he'd be here at 12? he won't come again, I'm telling you
he'll never...
but Leni shall deliver the pants to him
on other days, father delivers himself
but he sends his greetings, and you're to try on the pants once more
to see if they have to be altered
to be altered?
no no
I'm content
with the way it is
you're to tell him that
it's beautiful that you've come
if mother hadn't sent me...
I wouldn't have dreamed of coming
so your mother sent you?
she did. but I enjoyed coming here
- very much - you did?
I am so happy that I may sit here...
and talk to you
so am I
tell me, Herr von Mitterer...
you're such a famous man
and play such great roles
have you seen me perform?
no, never
mother doesn't allow me to go to the theatre
and I would love to
see Romeo once
Romeo...
I've played him too
you have?
you must have been wonderful as Romeo
what makes you think so?
because you've become so famous
tell me...
did you also have to struggle so much to get an engagement?
why "also"?
because...
I mean
it must be terribly hard to become as famous as you are
why do you want to know that?
I'd really like to know
how to go about it to become famous
but it's utterly unimportant whether I'm famous or not
but I don't want to be famous
and I don't even want to think about it, the theatre, work, the parts
you don't know how happy I am that you know nothing about the theatre
and that you have never seen me perform, and...
that you're sitting here, here
in my room
may I offer you something?
something to drink perhaps? what will you have?
a raspberry soda, if I may
raspberry soda?
Sedlmayer? No, one second, I'm alone, I...
I'll be back presently
... an invitation to the Baroness Seebach
I need a protector
Baroness Seebach invites to her "jour" on Friday, 4th May 1898 at 5 o'clock. "in case you forgot"
I'm desperate
but there's neither raspberry nor soda in the house
and I don't dare offer you cold chamomile tea
but no, thank you, I have to leave anyway
but do stay, it had been such a pleasure to me
no no, I've stayed far too long
Am I never to see you again?
Herr von Mitterer
are you free on Friday, at 5 o'clock?
Friday, at 5 o'clock?
would you come and visit us, in Nussdorf ???
for a coffee?
or am I being too forward?
forward?
I'm coming!
thank you
there you are, Miss Leni
now I've come all in vain because of those stupid pants...
I've brought the pants
did you...?
have you...?
right now, with Leni?
oh well
I'll have a look at those pants
whether they've turned out any good
so that at least something useful has come out of it
well, I don't know
they seem very narrow to me
but I don't even have to take measure!
if you please, now really...
but I told him, you heard me...
24 cm width at the knee
no no he doesn't listen!
how can one be so stubborn!
and he calls himself a tailor, no no
he makes the same mistake so that one again has to pull them up
so that you won't have an accident again
at a certain place, when...
when sitting down
I wish he'd stop with his Goethe act and we'd have our peace again
let me tell you, Herr Mitterer
there wouldn't have come any good out of it anyway
no good at all
it would be better if you stuck to ...
Hamlet and ???
and you've told me yourself
you could be her father
Sedlmayer
you're an ignorant fool
she invited me
invited you?
now it's happened
Herrn Josef Rainer, Vienna
- any letters? - a letter for Herr Rainer
here you are
a good day
come in
there's a letter for you
thanks, put it there
aren't you going to open it?
it won't be anything pleasant anyway
I'm used to it
Miss Leni!
???
I think I'm dreaming!
why, Herr Rainer?
do you know what this is?
an invitation
an invitation from the Baroness Seebach to me!
but she doesn't know me
Miss Leni!
you remember?
yesterday at the audition
and she interrupted me
and I thought it was all over
nothing had been over, now it all begins
she saw me, she liked me
and she sent me an invitation
yes indeed
then she sent you an invitation
you see Miss Leni, your necklet did help after all
that's what I told you: all you have to do is believe in it
yes that's true
that's how it is in life: sometimes you think you've no luck at all
and luck is standing right next to you
all you have to do is grab it, hold it tight
for which date is the invitation, when will I have to go?
Friday afternoon at 5 o'clock
no no I won't reveal anything
don't trouble yourselves
Baroness, I'm dying of curiosity
better wait till later, my dear colleague, otherwise you won't be able to profit from it
secrets can only be enjoyed as long as they are kept
the eternal critic
he knows my surprises always have a special flavour
is that so? you make me curious
pardon, one moment
a new one?
I've never seen him at the "jour" before
you certainly haven't seen him at the jour
but he isn't exactly new
rather too old for such a beautiful woman
as a husband
excuse me, I just wanted to speak to you for a moment
of course, chéri
but you always pick the wrong moment for a tête-à-tête
you know I have my jour on Fridays
Friday and all the other days, my dear
with all those artists coming and going here daily
I rarely have the pleasure of your company
- won't you stay? - no
I don't want to disturb
I just wanted to say farewell
why? are you leaving for the country already today?
unfortunately it can wait no longer
a pity that I couldn't convince you to accompany me just this once
but chéri, you see how indispensable I am here
indeed
how do you do, Director
how do you do, Baroness
I've kept my promise
where's yours?
your invitation, sir
No. 12 K.u.K. Court actor Herr Mitterer
I must ask you to wait here a moment
excuse me, one moment
why so exited?
calm yourself
what's the matter?
Mitterer won't come
he declined the invitation?
not even that
it's an unheard-of affront
he passed his invitation on to someone else
to whom?
to some young man
that's the limit!
my dear Madame Baroness
Rainer
my name is Josef Rainer
I am so grateful to you...
that you've sent me the invitation
you can't imagine how much it means to me that you've noticed me
the other day, in the theatre, I thought everything had been over
and now...
now I'm here
well...
now you're here...
what was your name again?
Rainer
Josef Rainer
your arm
Herr Rainer?
ladies
gentlemen
after all that curiosity with which you've waited for my surprise
each one of you must at least have expected...
that I would introduce a celebrity
but I'm asking you:
would a celebrity among so many celebrities be a surprise?
bravo bravo
I'm glad you agree with me
I haven't expected anything else
that a surprise in my house could only be the non-celebrity
the unknown
youth before whom lies everything which you all have acquired long ago
recognition, triumph, fame
may I introduce a young actor whose talent raises the greatest hopes
Herr Josef Rainer
you'll introduce yourself, won't you?
don't get up
why so skeptical?
but you yourself wrote in your review that the theatre needed young talent
you see, I read your reviews
certainly
it had only been the surprise
but that had just been my intention
I had no idea that you knew him
but Director!
I wouldn't presume to anticipate your judgment
let me present the gentleman myself
the Burg Theatre's Director
the New Vienna Journal's critic
have a seat
thank you
I guess I'm superfluous now in this circle
but who is he?
I've no idea
and you're turning him into a sensation?
why not, my dear "in hard times, even the devil eats flies"
you know, Baroness, that had been the stroke of a genius
celebrities all the time, that becomes stale
Herr Court Singer, was this intended as a compliment?
but so that it won't become stale...
because I'm afraid, the interest for non-famous people can't be sustained for long
come with me, please
ladies and gentlemen
our esteemed Court Singer cannot be restrained any longer
but don't worry
this time he won't sing the Waffenschmied
but a Viennese song
# say "servus" quietly when saying farewell
# not "lebwohl", not adieu
# those words only hurt
# but the little word "servus"
# is a last dear greeting when having to part
# year in, year out there's a new world
# and new love affairs
a really nice young man, your protégé
so talented
I hope so
you know, I have a confession to make
I really thought your surprise would be Mitterer himself
Mitterer?
what an absurd idea!
# there's no music for ever, no happiness for ever
# that's life
# and that's why eternal love doesn't exist
# for everything there's the final station
# today you change your mistress like your favorite song
# each season
# say "servus" quietly when saying farewell
# not "lebwohl", not adieu
# those words only hurt
# but the little word "servus"
# is a last dear greeting when having to part
# year in, year out there's a new world
# and new love affairs
# say "servus" quietly when saying farewell
# and even if there won't be a reunion
# it had been so beautiful once
tell me, Herr von Mitterer
I'd like to know very much...
whether an actor could be really in love
be really in love?
I mean, if an actor loves someone on the stage and in life
is that the same?
the same?
no
the one thing means nothing
and the other thing...
must be heaven
he loves you
doesn't love you
loves you
but that's not how it goes
it's like this:
he loves you - from his heart - with suffering
a little
or not at all
he loves me
from his heart
with suffering
a little
or not at all
Herr Mitterer
it's high time, at 8 o'clock "Faust" begins
he loves me
from his heart
- with suffering - already?
a little
or not at all
- cheers, Miss Leni - cheers, Herr Rainer
- happy? - yes
so am I
infinitely
when your heart is full with joy, one cannot stay alone
one needs someone to share it with
who understands one
I've thought only about you the whole afternoon
# say "servus" quietly when saying farewell
she ought to stop that sentimental tune
I'd like to hear something cheerful
don't
I love this song
when I hear it...
I'll always remember this day
what a day it's been
and tomorrow morning I'll go straight to the Burg theatre to the director and sign my contract
and then...
I'll pay a call to the Baroness
Josef Rainer?
ah yes
what does he want?
he probably wants to thank you, for yesterday
my interest in the young man doesn't go that far that he might start invading my home now
after all, you're under a sort of obligation to him
charming
very well, send him in
let's finish this once for all
and if it takes too long you'll announce that the carriage is waiting
I'm engaged!
my congratulations
by the way, good morning
I beg your pardon a thousand times, Baroness
but I'm so happy
I have a part, Don Carlos
Carlos himself?
that was fast
well, not exactly Carlos
but the officer of the guard
that's nice too
for a beginning, at the Burg theatre, it's splendid
well...
is there anything else I can do for you?
you've done so much for me already that I don't know how to thank you
don't cause me any trouble or scandal
that's all
here
thank you
well...
sit down
I'll make you proud of me, Baroness, you won't have bestowed your favour upon an unworthy person
believe me...
not so stormy, young man
what is your line of roles?
youthful heroes and lovers
pardon me
but I still can't quite realize what's happening to me
it's like a miracle
I've hoped and prayed for so long for it to happen
till I lost all faith
and then you came along, Baroness
you've believed in me
I owe everything to you
you're wonderful, Baroness
how old are you anyway?
23 years
23?
yes
but haven't you said yourself that I had everything before me?
that had been the most beautiful thing, Baroness
I'll never forget it
and I used to hate you so much
you hated me?
when you entered the theatre and interrupted me
at my audition
just in Romeo's most beautiful love scene
at the spot where I'm best: "With love's light wings"
- do you have a moment? - I have
With love's light wings did I o'erperch these walls; For stony limits cannot hold love out,
And what love can do, that dares love attempt. Therefore thy kinsmen are no let to me.
then Juliet: If they do see thee, they will murder thee.
Alack, there lies more peril in thine eye Than twenty of their swords! Look thou but sweet, And I am proof against their enmity.
then Juliet...
one moment
alright, let me have it
thank you
there's the spot
I would not for the world they saw thee here.
I have night's cloak to hide me from their sight; And but thou love me, let them find me here.
My life were better ended by their hate Than death prorogued, wanting of thy love.
By whose direction found'st thou out this place?
By love, that first did prompt me to enquire. He lent me counsel, and I lent him eyes.
I am no pilot; yet, wert thou as far As that vast shore wash'd with the farthest sea, I would adventure for such merchandise.
Fain would I dwell on form
fain, fain deny what I have spoke;
but farewell compliment! Dost thou love me?
is the young man still with the Baroness?
I think so
he's still here?
then you'll go in and announce that the carriage is waiting
Romeo
Beloved
I beg your pardon
the carriage is waiting
thank you
that's all
a pity
I have never been better
I'm sorry
that you've been interrupted for a second time
but you may come and see me again
some time
soon?
yes, soon
perhaps tomorrow?
well, if you're that impatient
very well
tomorrow
Mitterer ... Mitterer
Baroness
I congratulate you on your first performance
in such a small role
you were were good and you looked very handsome as...
the officer of the guard
standing aside, having to watch somebody else play Carlos
and always having to think "why not me?"
can't you wait, you stormy impatient man?
does everything always have to happen the next day?
get in
I'll take you home
you've brought me flowers
and such beautiful flowers
they are the most beautiful flowers I've ever received
you don't know how happy....
no no, today you mustn't run away again
and no theatre will call me away from your side
please, grant me this evening, I'll talk to your mother
she mustn't be angry with you, and you'll make me very happy
tonight I want to be among people!
I want to listen to music!
Café house tonight big military concert of the K.u.K infantry reg. Hoch u. Deutschmeister II4 - conductor Wilhelm Wacel
good evening, everybody
Jesus, the Court actor
that you're honouring us again...
I kiss your hand, Miss
it's been an eternity since I saw you last, Herr von Mitterer
let me see, that had been ...
don't count the years, my good friend, I don't want to hear about them
that which lies behind me, tonight it has died, is buried and forgotten
from now on, you'll see me more often have a glass of "Heuriger" (new wine)
I agree, a good year, isn't it
kiss the hand, Madame
at your service, Herr von Mitterer
let's drink a toast, Miss Leni
to youth
and to this beautiful life
which has so much to offer to us still
always new, unexpected things
felicitous things
cheers, Miss Leni
cheers, Herr von Mitterer
what's the matter?
what's the matter with you, child, why...
but nothing, Herr von Mitterer, don't look at me
it's just the song they are playing
I always have to cry when I hear it
# say "servus" quietly when saying farewell
# not "lebwohl", not adieu, those words only hurt
# but the little word "servus"
# is a last dear greeting when having to part
# year in, year out there's a new world and new love affairs
# say "servus" quietly when saying farewell
# even if there won't be a reunion
# it had been beautiful at the time
kiss the hand, thank you, Herr von Mitterer
please, I must go home now
otherwise mother will be angry
already?
good night
and you aren't angry with me, aren't you?
that I cried just now
angry?
my child
you see
I'm not young any more, but...
I am your friend
a friend...
who loves you
and who wants to give you everything you could wish for
if I could make you happy...
I would be overjoyed
you're such a good person
she loves me
but Mitterer, be reasonable!
we're in the middle of the season, with a new production of Hamlet coming up
you're a pillar of the repertory, Don Carlos performances running
who's to play Philip?
alright, I'll play him once more
as a farewell performance
but without the press, speeches and ceremonies
I want to disappear just the way I've lived
mysteriously and without any fuss
are you ill, Mitterer?
no
neither ill nor mad
I feel completely healthy
as strong
as young as never before
and you want to let me down?
do you want to force me to fight you with contracts and all that which we both don't like?
I can't let you go like this
the general management, the Court
what am I to tell them?
tell them in God's name Mitterer has gone mad
he's no longer interested
he's through with the theatre
he has other longings
other hopes
he's retiring into private life
as long as there's still time
and nothing in the world can keep him from it
from being happy
we can't count on Mitterer, it's no use arguing about it
the Hamlet rehearsals will be cancelled
so, a new play
something we haven't done for a long time
needing few rehearsals
something our actors have studied
your suggestions, please
Kabbale und Liebe (Schiller: Love and Intrigue)
and who's to play Ferdinand?
the new one
which new one?
what was his name again?
Rainer
Rainer?
not a bad idea
that boy has got something
at least temperament
and ambition
he storms my office daily
let him have the chance
he's young alright
seems to be the stormy type too
why not?
because of a change of schedule - tomorrow at 10 o'clock stage rehearsal "Kabbale und Liebe" all of Ferdinand's scenes
oh well
how did Rainer get the part of Ferdinand?
where do you live?
on the moon?
but he's having an affair with the...
no!
what's the matter, they've cancelled Hamlet?
all of a sudden?
and a newcomer playing in Kabbale und Liebe?
but my dear colleague...
one had better keep quiet about such unpleasant affairs
I'm sorry, but as a friend I felt obliged to tell you
rubbish
phenomenal
right into the black
I'm afraid of nothing
nothing but your love's limits
Let obstacles rise between us, huge as mountains
I will look upon them as a ladder by which to fly into the arms of my Louisa!
The tempest of opposing fate shall but fan the flame of my affection
Dangers will only serve to make Louisa yet more charming. Then speak no more of terrors, my love!
Trust thyself to me! I will throw myself between thee and fate, for thee receive each wound...
listen, something terrible has happened
your husband!
...and bring thee in the bowl of love. This arm shall support my Louisa through life.
Fairer than it dismissed thee, shall heaven receive thee back, and confess with delight that love alone ...
I kiss your hand, Madam
Was I good?
very nice, but don't be so stormy
you're always out of breath
halt halt!
Herr Sedlmayer, how was I?
it had been quite alright
for luck toi toi toi
but you must learn one thing:
speak distinctly
out front, here
you're mumbling
that one line...
I haven't understood that at all
that ... yes ... that's how you must speak it
???
like that, you know
Tell me everyting Herr Sedlmayer, I have so much to learn
now I'm hungry
come to the café Dobner, we'll play a game of picket, you owe me a revanche anyway
thank you, Herr Sedlmayer
Baroness
something unpleasant has happened
Herr Rainer, café Dobner, I'll wait
I'll be with you presently
you've been at the rehearsal? are you satisfied?
I'm so happy, believe me, I won't put you to shame tomorrow at the opening
move along please
I must talk to you
my husband has returned unexpectedly
and?
and...
it is only the thought that...
I've come to you and you have other worries
I beg your pardon, but I don't quite understand, Baroness
I don't understand it myself
I'm surprised myself
I never would have thought that...
but you know how people are, they talk and talk...
and drag every beautiful feeling into the dirt
my husband has a suspicion
a suspicion?
what does he suspect?
you and me
us?
what is there that he mustn't know?
that you've helped me
that I'm grateful to you
grateful?
I see
of course, that's it
what else should there have been?
nothing has happened, nothing at all
but you see, people are like that
once they lay on their knees before me
then a door opened and already...
but Baroness, that had only been Romeo
yes yes
Romeo
so much the better
I don't want to keep you
café Dobner is waiting
and Herr Sedlmayer
may I accompany you?
no no
thank you, you just go
kiss the hand
I would like to speak to Herr Rainer
Herr Rainer is not at home
can I take a message?
where is Herr Rainer now?
I don't know where Herr Rainer spends his time nowadays
he used to be in the café Dobner at this hour
just be patient, Herr Sedlmayer
I'll learn it yet
stupid
but not like that! you can't play that card!
one pays, the other collects
again an eavesdropper
we'll play our next game at my house
I don't like it when somebody looks into my cards
do you approve of the card I just dealt?
that card is wrong
what's there to think about?
that's my trick
but that's not possible!
anything like that has never happened to me before
how can one play if somebody keeps on looking into one's cards...
what? you have a king of clubs and don't play it?
but I do!
what do you mean. clubs is trump!
this is so mean
such an ignorant amateur, can't play at all and wins
over. I won't play anymore
I can't play if somebody keeps on looking into my cards...
You've won from me...
nothing, I'll give you nothing at all now!
I don't have any money with me
I didn't know I was going to lose
but I can give you a revanche, Herr Sedlmayer
a revanche? you to me?
as you wish
I can lose with dignity
I'll get the money back somehow
the next time
not today
today my mood has been spoilt
a good day
if you want, I'll play a game with you
Seebach
Rainer
I know
you're dealing
I have...
7 clubs
what do you want of me?
I want to play cards with you
the quieter it'll be the better
nervous?
I said 7 clubs
7 are good
you've visited my wife daily during my absence
and 14 kings
- yes, but - no but
good?
good
even if that had been all there was to it
it is enough for me
you've compromised my wife
no scene, I'm asking you
and 60
play
wrong
that's my trick
I wish to avoid any scandal
- I don't have... - be silent
listen to me carefully
if you dare once more to come near my wife
if you have the insolence once more to enter my house
then I'll throw you down the stairs, you lout!
for that you'll give me satisfaction
you want a duel?
that's funny
but you're lucky
I don't duel with a common comedian
just because of your wife
only because of your wife
I let you insult me here
but you can't understand anything at all!
you've cheated!
what's the matter, gentlemen?
who cheated?
let me see those cards?
but you didn't want a scandal!
- the king ought to have been played? - where did he hide him?
in his sleeve probably
those card-sharpers!
a card-sharper in the café Dobner!
what were the stakes?
say something
a nice scandal
Scandal in actors' café an well-known café on the Getreidemarkt had been the setting of an interesting affair between a young actor of the K.u.K Court Burg theatre, Herr R., and a well-known member of Viennese society, Baron S.
It had been only about a game of picket...!? ... but even if the young Herr R. could acquit himself of the suspicion of card cheating, even more interesting aspects on the background of this case might be revealed...
but it isn't true!
but I only kept quiet to avoid a scandal, the Baron....
I don't want to know why you have kept quiet, Herr Rainer
this is your private affair
and shall remain so
but that thing
that rag
that speaks out loud
and it speaks against you
all Vienna talks about what the scandal sheets write
I feel sorry for you
As director, I am responsible for the house's dignity and cannot tolerate that a member...
you must understand me
I thank you, Director
I know what I have to do
announce me to the Baron
but this can't be true!
all this can't be true!
yes I know
it was my fault
how could it come to that?
to such a scene!
which could have such unpleasant consequences
I have let my rage get hold of me
it's not my style to let my feelings run wild, but...
strange
that this embarrassing situation forces me to confess something to you
a confession suitable for a more pleasant occasion
because I love you
Herr Rainer
to see the Baron
I'm coming
he's waiting in the small salon
leave it to me
I'm better at this
please sit down
well...
it has all turned out differently from what we expected
you
and I
you have suffered a wrong
both of us have suffered a wrong
and you took it upon yourself
Baroness, I...
I know
you did it for me
of course you could have demanded satisfaction, rehabilitation, anything
my husband is the only guilty one
he insulted you
provoked a scandal
and you've saved him from it
him and myself
by remaining silent
you've behaved wonderfully
you have been a gentleman
and now you're playing such a bad part
for the world
not for me
Baroness, you misunderstand me!
your husband...
I understand you
but now you try to understand my husband
because he too did it for me
he...
loves me
and I'm his wife
our marriage, our name in society
all this stood in danger of being dragged into the dirt
my husband has asked me to thank you for this
that you've kept your composure
which he had lost for a moment
I understand
Baroness
there you have it!
what's the matter, mother?
what the matter is? he's given us notice, the Herr Rainer
written on a piece of paper, with pencil, so that I can't even read it
and a boy brought it because he doesn't dare come himself, the gentleman
we were good enough to feed him when he was penniless
he made you sew the buttons on his pants
and now I'm to take the rent out of his savings box and to send this few belongings to Graz to his mother
he won't come back at all?
now you're surprised, aren't you?
he didn't even say farewell to you
???
that I have given birth to such an utterly stupid girl!
you could have become the wife of a K.u.K. Court Burg theatre actor
- stop that nonsense - you shut up!
what I know I know
she could have become Frau K.u.K. Court Burg Theatre actor
???
I wreck my brains to get you a husband
it's no wonder if you remain an old maid
you don't want this one, the other one doesn't want you
stop that sniveling!
I'm not crying
I haven't thought of him for a long time now
I hope so!
Jesus!
- God's greetings - Herr von Sedlmayer
such a rare guest
just now my Leni told me what a pity it is that Herr von Mitterer hasn't come to see us for such a long time
but you mustn't cry because of it, we've been talking a lot about you
and her ears must have been ringing from it
Frau Schindler
Herr Schindler, I want to speak with you in private
Leni, run across the street and bring us a mug of beer
take it easy
don't go into any trouble because of me, in Heaven's name...
I'd prefer a wine
but of course, have a seat, Herr von Sedlmayer
what is it all about?
well, Frau Schindler
you're a clever woman
did you notice anything?
my God, Herr von Sedlmayer, how mysterious you are
what should I have noticed?
go away, you!
you must have noticed that Herr Mitterer liked to come here a lot
and not because of the pants
they don't fit anyway, mine burst... well
that's not important
the reason why he came here...
is Miss Leni
I admit, she's an honourable decent girl
on that point I haven't been able to answer anything back to Herr Mitterer
and Herr Mitterer...
we don't have to mention it, it's obvious
even if he isn't a young man any more
but most men at his age
are much older than he is, and...
anyway, he's still a man
who can make a woman very happy
I'm here on his behalf
to ask you whether...
what am I saying, not ask, just a formality...
the whole affair is sheer luck
for the girl, for Leni, it's...
an honour
I hereby acquit myself of my charge
and I ask you...
in the name of the Court actor Mitterer
for your daughter Leni's hand in marriage.
the Court actor
wants to marry my daughter?
yes
and if Miss Leni consents
then Herr Mitterer sends her this ring
as an engagement present
Jesus Maria and Josef, all diamonds
look Leni, what the...
what's the matter with you?
something terrible has happened to Herr Rainer
a scandal
this can't be possible!
what's written here isn't possible!
Father, Herr Rainer isn't a card-sharper?
what's the matter again with this Herr Rainer?
let me speak, mother!
all this can't be true
where is the piece of paper?
Dear Frau Schindler
I'll vacate my room
send my things to my mother to Graz
... money for the rent... I'm not coming back
thank you for everything
give my love to Leni
she has always been good to me
do you realize what this means!
are you blind?
he'll harm himself
I know him, I can feel it
I felt that something had been wrong
but child, what must Herr Sedlmayer think...
I don't care, everyone may hear it, I'll shout it to everyone
Herr Sedlmayer
you know him, Josef Rainer
tomorrow he is to play Ferdinand
do you believe him to be a card-sharper?
say something! tell me what I shall do!
where is he?
he will harm himself, I must go to him
he mustn't... God in Heaven
he mustn't...
I love him so much
listen
don't cry, Miss Leni, and...
he won't harm himself
but he has to perform tonight
in Carlos
Go, dear Marquis
give this bosom peace
And bring back slumber to my sleepless pillow.
Sedlmayer, where have you been?
Sedlmayer
do you hear me?
I do
why do you keep me waiting?
how did she look when you told her?
what did she say?
I mean
what should such a young girl say
she had been very upset, and...
she...
Sedlmayer, are you concealing something?
she hasn't refused I hope?
no no
she didn't refuse
tell me one thing, did she keep the ring?
the ring?
she did?
she did
she kept it
that's all I need to know
announce me to Herr von Mitterer
to Herr Mitterer?
yes, to Herr Mitterer
tell him, Miss Schindler must see him at once
Leni Schindler
very well
but you'll have to wait
if you would come with me, Miss Schindler
Herr Mitterer will see you now
please go in
excuse me
I wanted to see Herr von Mitterer
but my child
don't you recognize me?
look at me
it is I
come to me
it's only a costume, a mask
a bit of make-up, false hair, all this will be over by tomorrow
Herr von Mitterer
but don't look at me in this strange fashion
sit down
please
like this
you see, this is how it looks like
the theatre
till now, I've lived here and I've believed that this was life
but it only looks like something
now you're sitting here
and it's all nothing
Herr von Mitterer
you've told me once that you were my friend
a friend whom I could turn to
when I'm utterly lost
I did
a young actor is engaged here
don't believe anything they say about him
something terrible has happened to him
I can't go to him, they won't let me
and he won't listen to me anyway
but who am I? I am nothing to him
but he would listen to you
you're the only one of whom he always spoke highly
whom he admires so much
he wanted to become such a great actor as you are
and he has so much talent
he's still so young
23 years
he'll harm himself if you don't help him now
help?
him?
but what? helping how?
it's all my fault that it had come to this
I got him the invitation to the Baroness
don't be angry, I stole it from you that afternoon
I made a mess of everything
and now he needs me and I cannot help him
nobody can help him except you
I beg you, Herr von Mitterer
I beg you
who?
who is this...
gentleman?
Rainer is his name
Josef Rainer
he plays the officer of the guard tonight
and he's to play Ferdinand tomorrow
no no
what is he to you?
so it's not I...
don't cry
don't cry!
be quiet
I'll talk to him
to this Herr...
Rainer
thank you
it's high time
Miss Leni?
Miss Leni
Herr Sedlmayer, into the box, the last act is announced
if you please, may I wait here?
sure, sit down over there
What! Will no one make reply?
Each eye upon the ground,
each face covered!
My sentence is pronounced
I read it here proclaimed in all this lifeless, mute demeanor.
This is rebellion!
I fear it.
Rebellion!
Fly, sire! They are in revolt!
Rebellion! Where is the king?
Madrid's in arms! To thousands swelled, the soldiery and people surround the palace
and reports are spread that Carlos is a prisoner - that his life is threatened.
And the mob demand to see him living, or Madrid will be in flames.
Defend the king!
Stands my throne still firm?
Am I sovereign yet over this empire?
No! I'm king no more.
These cowards weep -
moved by a puny boy.
They only wait for the signal to desert me.
There! Fling yourselves down there
before him - the blooming, the young king;
I am nothing now
but a defenseless old man!
Hasn't Mitterer been marvelous again?
again, my dear? I found him convincing for the first time in years
this time he even played with his heart in it
and feeling
Has Miss...
has Miss Leni been here?
mmh
did she, I mean...
what did she say?
what she said?
that she loved me
she said
that I'm everything to her
the only man in the whole wide world
who could make her happy
for whom she had been waiting
you utter fool!
you fool!
alright
where is this...
where is the dressing room of this Herr...
Rainer
it's on our side
up on the fourth floor
the last door
no
no no
I can't
I can't do it
what else
I am to talk to him?
to him I am to talk?
perhaps I am to throw him into her arms too?
what else do they demand of me?
I mean...
- perhaps he'll harm himself - no he won't!
at 23 years one doesn't harm oneself
I'm more than twice his age
and I don't harm myself
and I don't know why either
good evening
yes. wait, I'll be with you in a minute
role: Ferdinand Hans J. Rainer
Mr. Josef Rainer, Esq., Vienna Under the circumstances the management of the K.K. Burg Theatre is obliged to end your engagement as of today.
You are forthwith forbidden to enter the backstage area! the Burg theatre's general management
here - where I wasn't allowed to live
I want to die.
fly tower 4th gallery entry strictly forbidden
is somebody there?
I'm asking, is somebody there?
Leni
it's alright, leave me alone for a minute
you don't have to light my way
I'll leave through the main entrance
wait, let me have the torch light
Rainer!
a big scene
really a big scene you've invented for yourself
young actor throws himself onto the Burg theatre's stage
bravo!
is that the only scene you have to offer the theatre?
to be able to die here, that must be earned!
do you know what that means, being able to die here?
showing the audience down there how beautiful it is to live!
come down!
but take the stairs
please, is Herr von Mitterer still inside?
yes yes
so you're that young?
Herr Rainer
that young
insolent youth
and you were going to throw it all away like this?
because something didn't turn out the way you wanted
23 years and away with it like that!
I don't care what the reason was
whatever it may have been
I would change places with you, my boy
I
would change places with you
be silent!
because you weren't allowed to play here, big parts
because of this you want to get out
oh, Queen...
how beautiful life is!
eh?
love's light wings I wore
didn't you?
I had been 20 years old, my Queen
beautiful, isn't it?
it's beautiful everywhere, my boy
not only here
but on every board set up over a few barrels
today you've died
here
here in your heart
you've died a bitter death
but that you've survived, my boy
that, only that will help you become what you wanted to become
a great actor
here
that belongs to you
let the girl sleep
she didn't wait for me
another one will wake her
you make your rounds first
the two need time and rest
lock the theatre
good night
forgive me
I did you wrong
I've thought of everything
but you
but I've always loved you
really
now I know it
and I'll never leave you alone again
you must stay with me always
and when I get those crazy notions once in a while
then all you have to tell me, is:
"look
"I believed in you
that'll help me
you've always believed in me
and you've always helped me
Kabbale und Liebe
Faust
And, filled with mystic presage, chimed the church-bell slowly,
And prayer dissolved me in a fervent bliss.
A sweet, uncomprehended yearning drove forth my feet through woods and meadows free,
And while a thousand tears were burning, I felt a world arise for me.
These chants, to youth and all its sports appealing, proclaimed the spring's rejoicing holiday;
And memory holds me now, with childish feeling, back from the last, the solemn way.
Sound on, ye hymns of Heaven, so sweet and mild!
My tears gush forth: the earth takes back her child!
subtitles: serdar202