The Sovereign
with grieving hearts we are standing here
to pay our respects to the dear departed woman
far too early for us, the inscrutable will of the Highest one
has called her to His heavenly empire
now love is bewailing its fate here, next to the open grave
"Why?"
unmercifully she has been taken away
that flower of mankind
by death's scythe
everyone who knew the deceased
will feel such a pain at her grave
as if he himself had received a wound by that stab of the scythe
but what is our pain?
the pain of the house's faithful friends
truly devoted followers from all levels of this factory's community
yes, what is our pain?
compared to the pain they must feel...
who stood nearest to the dear departed woman's heart
the children
of this truly motherly woman
the beloved sons
the beloved daughters
the equally beloved sons and daughters-in-law
but blessed are the suffering
because they shall be comforted
may this word from the bible enter your hearts too
most venerated Herr Clausen
who has to bear the deepest suffering of all
because the dark prince of shadows has torn away your wife
with whom you have led an ideal marriage for many years
but it is written:
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love
these three
But the greatest of these is love.
this is the comfort and the confidence
we find at this grave
the faith in an eternal life
the hope of a reunion in heaven
and the love which we know will never end
Because love never ends
Amen
in the name of God
Mother, take me with you
- don't - mother!
you've been taken from earth
you shall become like earth again
in her youth she had been extraordinarily beautiful
until the last a splendid woman really
a bit too fastidious for my taste
that had been Clausen's own fault
women mustn't be treated too well
very true
my dear Sanitätsrat, you know yourself
life with her hadn't been easy for our good Clausen
no, she had a sharp tongue
I only know that he had been very happy with her
her death is an irreplacable loss to him
is that so?
then he kept a very good composure at the funeral
haven't you noticed too?
such a composure is not natural
why isn't it?
why?
such rotten weather, damn it.
- Herr Klamroth. - the bereaved son-in-law
gentlemen, I'm frozen stiff
and my feet are wet too
that pastor Immos couldn't come to an end with his slimy sermon
Ottilie, for goodness' sake, pull yourself together
sit down and warm yourself
I know, it's terrible
but it can't be changed!
well, are we getting some food now, Winter?
Winter, why isn't some food served for us?
we are still waiting for Herr Clausen
turn on the light, what's that depressive lighting around here?
I see
- I wonder if one may smoke - better not
tell me, solicitor
I wonder to whom my mother-in-laws valuables will belong now?
I beg your pardon?
for instance the ring she wears on that painting
as far as I know, these assets belong to Clausen now
but if you want to know exactly, you'd better ask him yourself
- do you think so? - I do
did you never want to become the Clausen-Works lawyer?
I still do, madam
you see, each of us has his secret longings
say, what's this secret conference you've been holding with the née Frau von Rübsamen?
so she wants to play the managing director again?
if she isn't yet, it's not her fault
no, it's mine
among other things
my dear Wolfgang
again, my sincerest condolences
thank you
I thank you
the worst is over, thank God
by the way, a beautiful ceremony
a bit too long for my taste
Gesundheit
you see, you too can thank the pastor for your cold
Ottilie
couldn't we at least have something to drink?
people are standing about, and...
Jesus
Egert, my good boy
do you want a cognac?
you need something strong, I can see that
no thank you
really I couldn't
of course you could
one can always have a cognac
not everyone has your robust nature, Herr Klamroth
that's right, my dear Sanitätsrat, but...
between ourselves...
with all respect...
that scene our dear Bettina has made at the funeral...
really!
Bettina is ill
she adored her mother
still, a bit of composure...
well, I don't care, I'll start...
gentlemen, let's start
Wolfgang
yes?
who has the keys to the cabinet?
no idea
Father probably
what are the cabinet's keys to you?
nothing at all. excuse me for being alive
Clothilde, please...
what do you mean, "please"?
I want to know about the inheritance
now really!
mother has hardly been buried
I would have thought you had more tact
I see, I'll be tactful so long till someone else has snatched the best pieces
that lobster salad is delicious
that's great. a bit of port?
I don't care about that sweet stuff
Winter, give me a Steinhäger schnapps
gentlemen, Herr Clausen has just arrived
my dear father-in-law
excuse us, but we thought you wouldn't mind if we started already...
if we... the guests....
certainly, my dear son-in-law
the gentlemen shouldn't trouble themselves
my dear Ottilie, could you look after your sister
she's desperate
I'm desperate too
and nobody looks after me
I'm ill too
I could die too
Egert, my good boy
my dear friend, I'll take Bettina to her room
and take care that she lies down
No, I want to stay with father
just play-acting
father
take a rest, my child
Herr Clausen
- may I again... - thank you
I too...
something to give you strength, my dear father-in-law
no thank you
but you must have this. you must be frozen
no thank you
I thank you all, gentlemen
especially you, my dear pastor Immos
you've spoken beautifully
till the heart is full...
yes
I think, gentlemen...
very true, we'll have to get going
come on, children
one must know when it's time to go
gentlemen, pastor, I have to pay my compliment
such a shattering funeral sermon
shall I stay with you, father-in-law?
no
excuse me, I want to be alone
Herr Clausen
excuse me, I haven't yet...
ah yes, Erhardt
such things are hard to bear
- may I offer you a cup of coffee? - yes please
this will do you good
I know that from personal experience, when I'm totally finished (worn out)...
finished?
only the dead are finished
I am not finished yet.
but I didn't mean it that way, Herr Clausen
this afternoon at the cemetery
I saw it:
what?
death's dark gate
it stood wide open
how much time is still left?
then I too will have to pass through it
and Erhardt...
what will I be leaving behind then?
Herr Clausen
look at the factory works out there
this is your work
you've created this
you alone
that's nothing
nothing
others too can construct machines and sell them, but...
to create the raw material itself
force it to emerge out of nothing
out of the alembic
out of the genie
that's the new idea
that's my task
I haven't been at the factory works for two months
what did you create during that time?
nothing, Herr Clausen
really?
why not?
Director Klamroth who had been acting as your deputy during your absence, believes that the enormous sums our experiments cost
are too high for the Clauses works budget
and I believe other members of the board of directors will suggest to you very soon...
to close down the research laboratory completely.
is that so?
please call my office, Dr. Wuttke
I'll ask the whole board of directors to a conference
tomorrow at noon
say, Wuttke...
"Herr" Wuttke, if you please
do you know what he wants from us?
no idea
no idea, no idea! your laconic ways can be quite annoying sometimes
Herr Doctor Wuttke
no insult intended
what's in that bag?
some documents for Herr Clausen
don't give yourself airs, Wuttke
I can learn everything I want to know without you
I don't doubt that
you won't turn back the time
I beg your pardon?
my dear father-in-law, may I ask how you feel?
thank you
who are you?
your new stenotypist, Herr Clausen
why don't I know you?
I only entered your service the day before yesterday
well
Herr Dr. Wuttke, I want you to sit next to me
Gentlemen, during my absence the order has been given to stop all payments for the research laboratory
who gave that order?
Herr Dr. Wuttke?
the signatures are of the directors Klamroth, Weißfisch, Höfer and Bodlfing
But I want to point out that I only signed because Herr Klamroth had acted as your deputy
- I supposed that you... - thank you
gentlemen, you launch an attack against the laboratory
that means, you launch an attack against the technology which is to make us independent from abroad
do you imagine that you are fulfilling your duties as leading industrialists that way?
Herr Clausen, you completely mistake me
Herr Klamroth, you've put me in such a position...
sit down
it seems to me you all haven't understood what is at stake here
just regarding the experiment you have interrupted
if it succeeds, the German economy will become independent from the export of one of the most important raw materials
-if... if... - till now these experiments cost us 9,367,821 million marks
I believe, as do these gentlemen...
I ask you to except me
but you don't know what I'm going to say!
I can imagine
we believe that the Clausen works cannot afford to become the guinea pig for technical experiments
if you, Herr Clausen, insist, fine
but then let the state carry the risk
why the state?
is the state a charity organisation for shareholders in distress?
with such attitudes you will lead the whole firm into the abyss
Dr. Wuttke, did we have to discharge any workers?
on the contrary
do the Clausen works make any deficit?
the Clausen works have increased profit last year by 28%
and? where did the money go to?
where it belongs to. into the factory.
what about us? why don't we earn more?
with what right?
have you worked more?
no.
the worker has achieved more, the factory has achieved more.
that's why the profit belongs to the worker and the factory
my dear father-in-law, I certainly have deep feelings for the worker
because the social conscience for everyone of us is... uh...
... busy
let the worker earn lots of money, I grant him that
even more, I am glad about it
we're all very happy if the worker's situation is comfortable
but within limits. after all we want to live too
if we don't get any profit-sharing bonuses, my feelings of charity end.
I esteem your high ideals, my son-in-law
but I won't change anything of the past policy of the Clausen works.
that means you decide and we have to agree
even your agreement would only be a matter of form
then I would like to know why you had us come here
I'll tell you, gentlemen
my doctor has strongly advised me to take a longer holiday
it would have been the first holiday for many years
I wanted to find out, by talking with you...
whether I could afford such a holiday.
I cannot afford it.
none of you is capable to replace me for even six months
me neither, father-in-law?
no
it's not a question of that shabby money, it's about your inner attitude
about the bottomless egotism behind each of your words
and about the utter incomprehension with which you face today's realities and problems
in times like these, you complain about not getting any profit-shares while drawing generous directors' salaries
no, gentlemen
we are here to provide work and bread for millions
we are here to work for the people's community
to serve the people's community
this must be any industrialist's aim who is conscious of his responsibility
this is my will and my factory's supreme law
everyone else has to submit to it, without any objections
even if I lead the whole firm into the abyss...
and he who doesn't subject to that supreme law
for him there is no place in the Clausen works
thank you, gentlemen
Wuttke
Herr Clausen
very kind
thank you
what's your name?
Inken Peters
good
40 years Clausen-works
(speaking in the dialect of the Ruhr district) since 40 years, my esteemed Herr Clausen
you navigate the Clausen-works' destiny which you have created yourself.
always you have been a man of action
not of words
a man whom more than 20.000 workers and employees will trust and follow blindly
because we know that you are the most efficient among the 20.000
a Führer, an example
how did the Clausen-works become such a model enterprise?
through your tireless and self-sacrificing work.
and thus, my highly esteemed, my dear Herr Clausen
I have the honour
in the name of the Clausen-works association
as a sign of our deep gratitude
to offer you this present.
in that small blacksmith's workshop
which we have been passing by on our way every day till now, may it please God
you had been working as a simple blacksmith 40 years ago
and that's just it, my dear Herr Clausen, what binds us so strongly together
that you yourself had been an ordinary worker once, like all of us
and that you too had a face blackened with soot and bruised thumbs
like all of us
today your face is not longer blackened
and your thumbs are no longer bruised
but you have remained a worker
therefore allow me to shake your hand in the name of all working comrades
and let me finish our little gathering by saying:
our dear Herr Clausen, our factory's first worker, long may he live
what a pity that mama didn't live to see this day
it would have been the most beautiful day of her life
how they cheered him. how they adore him.
doesn't he look splendid, Sanitätsrat?
if you think of his break-down a year ago, he isn't the same man any more
almost a miracle
it is a miracle, Sanitätsrat
mother's hand had blessed my cares
the celebration at the city hall had been really uplifting
when the mayor handed the letter of honorary citizenship to papa
an unforgettable event
he's payed enough taxes for it
what do you mean?
do you begrudge papa the honours payed to him?
begrudge, begrudge, what can I begrudge around here?
do you like to dance, Fräulein Peters?
depends on whom I'm dancing with
little flatterer
do you know who's that skinny blonde your brother-in-law is dancing tango with?
skinny?
no
don't know
but I do
that's your dear father's stenotypist
has she been invited?
even with her mother
what are those people?
the mother's a widow and has a small garden produce market outside the city
which you father visits quite often
what do you mean?
nothing yet
only that one must have one's eyes everywhere
look at that person
the way she flirts with Klamroth
don't you want to go out for a drive with me in my new car after office hours?
for the week-end?
that would be delightful, Herr Klamroth, my mother adores drives in a car
I say
I think you're quite a racy girl behind your pretty face
I have always wished to have an employee like you
my father-in-law has such luck
what's the matter?
you're mistaken, Herr Director Klamroth
silly goose
come mother, we'll go home
why, it's so nice here
and the people are so charming
yes, terribly charming
but I'll feel better only when I'm outside
but Fräulein Inken, you don't want to leave us so soon?
this is Fräulein Inken Peters, your father-in-law's private secretary
and her mother
I see, the typist
invited too?
are are you only here on duty?
no madam, today for once off duty
is that so?
don't you have a greenery shop or something like that?
my mother keeps a garden produce market, madam.
if you ever need some young vegetables...(= young girls)
what a good businesswoman you are
I guess you've learned that from my father-in-law
I couldn't wish for a better teacher, madam
I can imagine that
for a stenotypist your dress is quite elegant
did you pay for it yourself
or is it the fee for a special service?
madam, I earn 275 marks per month
I get paid out 230
this dress cost 87 marks
I am 23 years old, 1,71 tall
and I have been vaccinated twice...
if you would like any further information, mother's gardening shop has a phone, the no. is. 18024.
please let me go, there's a limit to what I will stand
look at that, but that's a...
don't be angry at her, madam
she's a bit nervous since that affair about her father
what affair?
he committed suicide while being in prison under a false suspicion
why under false suspicion?
is it certain that the suspicion had been false?
absolutely certain.
does my father-in-law know about that affair?
otherwise one would have to inform him.
good night, my dear grandfather
sleep well
we want to go home now
bravo, that was charming
so, good night children
it had been very nice of you all to have come
now you all go home
we'll see each other later
good night, it had been very nice
so that's over too
yes Matthias
and now we'll raise a toast to the honorary citizen
and here's your milk, papa
no dear Bettina, no milk today
Winter, bring two bottles of champagne
and then the both of us will have a little talk
am I disturbing?
you know, dear Bettina, you are never disturbing, but...
but I'm afraid our talk will bore you
I don't think so, papa
I mean, you might leave us alone for half an hour
is there nothing I can do for you?
absolutely nothing
do you mind if I play the piano in the next room?
not at all
and if anybody else wants to disturb us now, dear Winter
then you'll kill him painlessly
as you wish, Herr Clausen
and now, my dear Geiger, let's drink a toast to our youth
nice, isn't it?
well, Bettina...
adores you madly.
and in a way I sometimes find frightening
daughters always have a crush on their fathers
and we are only too glad to accept it
for instance, I let my daughter call me Zeus or Wotan as much as she likes
but there lies a great danger in Bettina's crushes
how do you mean?
just imagine, she told me she dreamed of me every night...
and always in connection with my late wife
she is convinced that our marriage hadn't been interrupted for a moment
as if my late wife and I still were...
even today, insolubly tied to each other
well, the imagination of elderly girls who have not had physical fulfillment
can create strange flowerings sometimes
no Geier, no no
her connection to her deceased mother may be a comfort to her
no Geier, behind Bettina's occult inclinations lies more than just filial reverence
it's as if she tried with all her means to bind me to the past
and you?
you strive to free yourself of the past?
am I right?
yes
yes, Geiger
call it what you like, I feel as if I hadn't really lived till today
everything that surrounds me, my children, my house, my books, my collections
all that doesn't concern me any more
I am living in a new world, a young world
and if it wouldn't sound so sentimental
then I'd say
a miracle has happened to me
and who has brought about that miracle?
Geiger
you know mankind
haven't you noticed someone special tonight in that crowd in the garden?
of course
Inken Peters, your secretary
she's the one
Matthias
is it possible?
that's what I had been asking myself too. is it possible?
that a feeling completely overwhelms me which is stronger than all reason
her clearness, her freshness, her youth
fill me with new life force
I cannot do without her, I...
I don't restist it either
come what may, I love the girl
what about her?
what does she say?
I don't know.
I haven't asked her yet.
I think you should ask her immediately
Geiger, are you serious?
dead serious
if one thinks of the change this girl has brought about in you
one can only consent to it gladly.
come here
let's empty our full glasses in one swig
to her
my old, my young friend
to Inken Peters
I thank you, Geiger
I thank you
to her
my dear Klamroth, Egert has something very interesting to tell you
Bettina, stop that playing
now, Egert
what's there to tell?
I think she's father's girlfriend
- who? - the Peters girl
haven't you noticed? he visists her every Sunday out there in the gardening shop
- you see? - now I understand completely
and that person pretends to know nothing about it at all
I don't understand a thing. What are you talking about?
that your old gentleman has acquired a mistress
he's quite a guy
I say
the honorary citizen
but that's impossible. he couldn't do this to mother
I think so too, that would be most inappropriate
I don't understand why you all get so excited
I think it great that the old gentleman is still so virile at his age
Egert, you defile your mother's memory
memory, rubbish!
but think of the consequences
which consequences?
who knows what she has already carried out of the house
what do you mean? carried out of the house?
you don't imagine that she does it out of love?
carried out of the house?
do you mean mother's jewels?
what's the matter with the jewels?
papa took the jewels out of the safe this morning
I asked him what he wanted mother's jewels for
he answered, my dear child, that's none of your business.
a nice mess we're in.
but that's theft!
one must do something
I can't believe it
what's there to believe?
the "bunny" in the bed is always right
but he couldn't possibly... mother's jewels...
mother's holiest possessions
if he starts like this we'll have nice things coming to us in the future
today it's the jewels, tomorrow perhaps the house
and the day after tomorrow the bank account
let me put this straight at once
about a thing like that, something can be done
a letter?
- yes, a charming postcard. - from whom? - I don't know.
the man or the woman who wrote it has forgotten to sign
anonymous?
I don't have my glasses
what's written there?
that we're a family of convicts and that we're to leave the town at once, otherwise someone will inform Herr Clausen
how mean!
don't worry, mother
I don't worry either
but you take everything so easy
I often told you that thing with Clausen will end badly
after all, those rich people...
you've seen for yourself last night
listen to me, my child
put an end to that whole affair
what do you mean, put an end?
leave him?
never
whether you understand it or not, I love the man
but he won't marry you!
of course he won't
I am not a megalomaniac
I only want to be with him
and where will that lead to?
I don't know
and I don't care
but...
it is beautiful
I am happy, mother
what more can one want?
you'll further guarantee...
that all changes will be executed as fast as possible...
please don't disturb me now, transmit all further calls to Dr. Wuttke
so that the yacht will be ready at the agreed time
paragraph
please confirm this agreement, etc.
that's all for today
I want to sign the letter immediately
how long will it take?
two minutes, Herr Clausen
yes?
I would like to ask you something, Herr Clausen
please
would it be alright if I, while you are at sea...
also took a holiday?
I would like to spend the holiday on board my yacht...
with you.
I would like to spend my future life with you.
I would give a lot to know...
what you are thinking of right now.
I only think that I am very happy.
Inken, I am an old man, you are young.
think about it.
I have nothing to think about.
since the day I first worked for you, in February a year ago
I knew I belonged to you.
since then I have never wanted anything else than to stay with you.
Inken, my mother has worn this ring.
then my wife
from now on
you (Du) shall wear it.
what is the beautiful saying?
till death do us part.
good morning, my dear Frau Peters
solicitor Hanefeld
what a surprise
dear Frau Peters, Director Klamroth and I would like to talk over an important affair with you, if you don't mind
as you please
if the gentlemen would sit down there
what's the matter, solicitor?
dear Frau Peters, I am here as the Clausen family's lawyer
and unfortunately the affair is a delicate one
but we've known each other for such a long time that we can speak frankly
go ahead
the Clausen family own very old and valuable jewels which are holy to the children
could you tell me right now, even though I don't believe it, whether...
perhaps as a gift from Herr Clausen....
one piece or another...
might have come into your daughter's possession?
no
Inken would have told me
is that so?
well...
that's reassuring
not for me, my dear
not at all
you see, my dear Frau Peters
you as a mother must want to avoid anything that might harm your daughter's good reputation
don't you think it would be better for both of you...
if you and your daughter could move to another province of our beautiful and large homeland?
but I don't understand
I have my gardening shop here
I couldn't possibly leave
if you moved away with your daughter you'd receive an adequate compensation
and the round sum of 40.000 marks besides
what do you say?
so that's what you were leading to?
he wants to get rid of Inken
Herr Clausen can have that cheaper than that, God knows.
he just has to say the word
my daughter won't run after him
calm yourself Frau Peters. Herr Clausen knows nothing of it and mustn't know of it.
where does the money come from?
the money?
the money comes from Herr Clausen's family
think about it carefully, Frau Peters
after all it's a capital sum
and this is an occasion
which won't repeat itself
if Inken learned about that...
she would spit into my face.
if...
one cannot keep such things secret
Frau Peters, we demand your total secrecy
don't make matters worse
I can only tell you
dark clouds are gathering
say, Winter?
yes, director?
who's with Herr Clausen in his room?
I believe Dr. Wuttke
but I heard a woman's voice
perhaps Fräulein Bettina is with Herr Clausen
rubbish, I know Bettina's squeeky voice
I beg your pardon, director, then I don't know who's with Herr Clausen in his room
you don't know?
when a flea coughs in this house, you know about it!
that's much too flattering for my hearing capacities
that person, that Inken Peters is with Herr Clausen
am I right?
if you think so, Director, I won't contest it
you... you snake with your twisted ways of speaking
you won't turn back the time!
I am so happy that we're all together again
this breakfast gathering once a month strengthens the family ties wonderfully
close the door
do you know that Inken Peters is with your father in his room?
I don't believe it
I recognized her voice
on the day of the family breakfast?
what does it mean?
lots of things, my dear, lots of things
but then I must...
Winter?
Ottilie
come here
for how many persons is the table set?
nine settings
and how many members has the family?
father, Bettina, you and I, that's four
Egert, Wolfgang, Clothilde, that's seven
there's Geiger, and...
and who sits here behind the ninth setting?
I don't know
you know it, but you don't want to know
but I swear, Erich, papa will never do us such an affront
you and your oaths
those emotional excesses of the Clausen family are beginning to become dangerous for one's life
don't get exited again
the air is too thick in here, I'll go into the garden
first, this homage to my splendid and unforgotten mother-in-law
how thoughtful of you, my good Clothilde
be with us, so that we can all stand fast defending your memory
like a man
if only it weren't so hard for me
it's so terribly hard for me
what's the matter? why do you cry, Bettina?
look at the table, count the chairs and tell me for whom this table is set?
hasn't papa come to reason yet?
I am to sit at the same table with that typist?
with a convict's daughter
it might cost me my job
what's the matter, folks?
Klamroth runs about in the garden like a madman, and you all are besides yourselves
well, even a good son's patience has its limits
do you know something about the ninth setting?
Sure, Inken Peters will have breakfast with us
you're saying this just like that?
what's all the fuss. we've come here by train together, the three of us
it had been a charming half hour
a charming half hour?
you'll understand what's going on here one day, my boy
the day when you'll have to call that typist "mama"
when I what?
good morning, ladies and gentlemen
am I disturbing?
not at all, Sanitätsrat
that's not possible, Bettina
what you're saying is completely impossible
but it's the truth, pastor Immos himself saw it
she is wearing mother's ring
that's downright robbery
robbery of the holiest, the dearest what has been left to us
what are you talking about?
just imagine, father has given the ring mother wears on the paining to Inken Peters
that person wears our mother's ring
what a scandal
I begin to doubt father's good reason
that...convict woman
wears mama's rings, bracelets, brooches
I must tell this to Erich at once
I can't stand it
it tears my soul apart
- calm yourself - leave me. I have to lie down
I can't stand it
be frank, dear Sanitätsrat
is it true that my father has bought a big yacht?
that's new to me
but what if he did?
you approve of it?
but he can spend his money the way he wants to
now that's the limit!
he gave away the family jewels?
he buys a yacht for 1 million and a castle in Bavaria
but those are completely senseless expenses
endangering the substance of the whole fortune
he has lost his capacity for judgment
diminished sanity
couldn't one cancel the acquisition of the castle, if it had been undertaken at all?
no, I've already talked it over with solicitor Hanefeld, we can take no legal action against it
unless...
something happened which...
would be impossible...
I'd like to throw that ninth setting into the garden
I'd like to say "pfui pfui pfui"
yes you're right
Winter
take away this setting
we're only eight at our family breakfast
but it's the express wish of...
if you refuse, I'll do it myself
don't oppose me, Winter
otherwise I'll remember that one day
for me papa has lost his sanity
careful, now the dance will start
good morning
you must be impatient
are you hungry?
it's not that late
I've brought Inken Peters
Wolfgang, nice of you to have come too for once
- good morning, my daughter-in-law - a good day, papa
what business did you have with solicitor Hanefeld, I heard he met you at the station
nothing of importance, a childhood friendship
I see
well, let's sit down
where's Bettina?
we want to start breakfast
dear Egert, please tell Bettina that we're waiting for her
what's the news from Freiburg, Wolfgang?
everything as usual
no news
has the new machine in hall 6 been switched on yet?
we'll talk later
well...
if Bettina won't come, we'll start
I'd prefer to wait for Bettina
Bettina doesn't feel well, we're to start without her
my dear Geiger
would you tell Bettina
that we have a guest and that I ask her act as hostess
would you be very angry, Herr Clausen, if I could be excused
you know...
I already told you...
my mother is waiting for me
but the gardening shop has a telephone, we could ring your mother any time
do you know Fräulein Peters?
no
The Fräulein hasn't been presented to me yet
you haven't been presented to the young lady yet?
then let me present you to the lady
this is my son Wolfgang, Fräulein Inken
well, I bring you a convalescent
excuse me, papa
I shall act with pleasure as the hostess
but I thought I would no longer be necessary
in what respect did you think that?
in what respect?
that's hard to say
we'll talk about it after breakfast, well
let's sit down
what's the meaning of this?
excuse me, Herr Clausen, I had set the table for nine
and?
where did the ninth disappear to?
on the order of professor Wolfgang...
bring it here
my dear friend, calm yourself
you shall leave this house, all of you
before that girl will be driven away from this threshold
well, ladies and gentlemen
what did you achieve?
no one can ask of me that I suppress my feelings, my disgust in front of my late mother's portrait
I can only say: well done
no we know at least what to expect
I don't understand anything anymore
I feel I'm going crazy
there is nothing to understand
how can he threaten us, his children, like that?
he has been hurt and angered to the core
all the same, it's going too far to throw one's own children out just because of a stranger
he's coming back alone
I am completely composed
I'll answer him back
we're late
let's sit down
what's the news from Geneva, Herr Klamroth
from Geneva?
no idea
Ottilie
your youngest had the measles
is he well again?
for a long time, papa
he's been playing in the sandbox for eight days
I hope you feel better now, Bettina?
my weakness
you know it
headaches, heart throbbing, nausea
I am glad that you're well again
do you think I only pretended?
I too am only human
and life, as you certainly won't deny
puts tasks to one that are not easy to bear
certainly I won't deny it
by the way, one question, Bettina
decency, just behaving with decency
would you count that among the easier or the harder tasks?
decency is no task at all for educated people
it is something that is natural to them
and you Bettina, you are educated
I think that in our circles education is not lacking
let's talk of something else
Once I seriously thought of abdicating
how would you react in such a situation, my son-in-law?
I would hardly be considered in such a case
it would only regard Ottilie
Papa you are joking a lot today
no, I'm dead serious
in case I abdicate
you mustn't abdicate, papa
no one can replace you
unfortunately you are right
if only you could look into our hearts, papa
you'd see how we are trembling with fear of losing you
we only want you to dispel our fears
I am married, I have children, Ottilie has children
you can't wonder that we're worried about our existence if you become that much estranged to us
may I ask who worries about my existence?
times are hard, Herr Clausen
perhaps my actions don't always conform with yours
but I can stand upright because of my actions
of course I know what I'll have to do
my thinking, my acting for the whole firm, there can be no doubt about that
has as its basis my immovable will.
I do understand the inner meaning of your remark, son-in-law
have you already contacted your lawyers?
this is the limit!
am I to be subjected to such an infamous imputation?
I beg of you, let's not get exited again
but we only want to know how papa sees the future
with all our love and goodness of course
you speak of love and goodness, my child?
I've talked of business matters, there reigns objectivity, you won't get very far in business with love and goodness
I take notice of your declaration of war, Herr Klamroth
for the moment, a declaration of war is far off
your "for the moment" will be stored in my file too
good heavens, but there is no war between us!
we only want to have your confidence
I would have taken you into my confidence long ago, but I haven't felt inclined to do so
do you mean that we don't deserve your confidence?
with such a remark, papa will send us to the servants' quarters
yes I do
yes and yes
because that's where you all belong
because after the way you've just treated your father and that innocent girl...
you belong there
who gave you the right to that insolent behavior?
I conclude that you are pampered spoilt lazybones and spongers
do you presume to tell your provider and begetter what to do?
am I your shop, your property?
your piece of furniture?
or am I a free man
who has the right to free decisions?
how dare you have the insolence
to order me about?
how dare you set detectives on me
and have me secretly watched like a criminal?
Father, not before mother's portrait
my heart breaks, but think of mother's jewels
- out with you. - but my dear, my good papa!
out will all of you at once!
I'd rather leave a thousand times than bear such treatment any longer
yes indeed, a thousand times rather into misery
but I'm telling you this: you won't turn back the time
I don't have to wear myself to the bone for a sinking ship
you certainly won't have to
out with you, you're fired
I withdraw all your powers of attorney, pack your things
pack your things, all of you. out
out
I won't let them blow out my life's candle
I have drafted the application for tutelage
before you sign I must point out that to place someone under tutelage is an extremely grave measure
I ask you to consider this carefully
don't you want to wait till Herr Clausen returns from his voyage?
are you afraid, solicitor?
not at all
with this warning I am only fulfilling a legal duty
out with it then
do we have a chance with this or haven't we?
well, the material you've collected
is indeed very incriminating
there's at first the point of compulsive spending
that's not that easy to argue with a man as rich as Clausen
after all, the millions he spent on a big yacht, the castle in Bavaria
and the affair about mother's jewels
the arbitrary giving away of the family jewels, which is an established fact
the unestablished fact, of him spending his fortune under the influence of his mistress on whom he seems to be submissively dependent
total and unmotivated rupture with his own children etc.
and now the more serious matters
repeated sudden fits of violent rages
megalomania and incalculable use of power in the management of his firm as well as in his private life
see attached transcript of the hearing of 12.2. this year, verbal quote Clausen:
"my will is the supreme law"
"everyone else has to submit to it, without objections, even if I lead the whole firm into the abyss"
that's what he said, before eight witnesses
an image of a man emerges who is no longer in full possession of his intellectual capacities
and there are grave objections that a firm like the Clausen-works
who is responsible for the fates of more than 20.000 workers and employees
is to be at the mercy of such a man.
I therefore conclude etc.
I believe that the court will, because of the last argument, at least open proceedings
the outcome is of course uncertain since we are dealing a personage of Clausen's merits
but as long as tutelage proceedings are pending against him...
he is de facto already placed under tutelage
and can no longer take any decisions himself
what if he draws a will in favour of that person now?
that would be practically null and void
yes, and whom do you suggest as legal guardian?
I am the most suitable man of course.
without doubt
but the court will only consent to an officially sworn custodian
well, then you
I am honoured by your confidence
may I ask you to sign now
first his children
I guess it must be that way
mother, we're doing this for you
go on, sign it, it isn't easy for me either
no
I won't sign this
what do you mean?
do as you like, but without me
you'll regret this, my boy
since the strongest point of our argument is the factory's welfare...
some of the directors' signatures would have been helpful
hopeless. they're shitting their pants just thinking about the old man
now it won't take long
then I'll dictate the conditions
I mean, all of us together
I should hope so
marvelous
yes, marvelous
and the most beautiful thing is, I can see this with you
I am so grateful to you for the wonderful time in this wonderful country
you have really opened my eyes for the world
what are you thinking of?
perhaps you won't understand this
haven't I always understood you?
I feel homesick
homesick?
yes
incredible, isn't it?
but I'm not someone who can relax in his holidays
doing nothing tires me out
in the midst of these paradisiac surroundings
among statues of gods and columns 2.000 years old
I long for my furnaces, my chimneys
for my work
for my own world
let's go home
I thank you, Inken
he's just arrived
- is that other woman with him? - no
- where is he? - upstairs. he'll come down presently
excuse me, solicitor
that I kept you waiting, but I've just returned from my voyage
I have to apologize that I surprise you here like that
I had some business at court and didn't want to postpone the affair any longer
do you smoke?
not now, thank you
so it's a serious affair?
unfortunately
you're making me curious
do you have any suspicion why I am here?
have you ever been an examining magistrate?
that glance you just gave me made me ask that question
besides, I've no idea why you have come
haven't you?
no
I am sorry about that
because I don't want to be the bringer of news such as this
what do you mean, news such as this?
you must know why you have come, you just have to tell me
so there's a difficulty
I am used to difficulties
let's attack that difficulty
I have questioned myself for a long time
whether to accept the affair or refuse it
finally I only accepted it, because I have told myself
that no one would be more suitable than myself
to become, let's put it that way,
the custodian...
of both parties.
may I ask you now to come to the point
it's about the difference of opinion between yourself and your children
there is no difference of opinion between myself and my children
my children are behaving in a scandalous way
and I draw the consequences, that's all.
Herr Clausen, you are known to be a loyal thinking man
there must be a way to solve the dispute with your children in a peaceful way
are you instructed to wave the white flag?
do you bring me the capitulation? you'll find me ready for a reconciliation immediately
I certainly do not wave the white flag
otherwise I'd feel much better
after all, if you would make some concessions...
a certain measure deemed necessary by your children...
would not be irrevocable
what do my children think necessary?
revocable, irrevocable?
measure?
don't be ridiculous!
Herr Clausen, don't get frightened
the court has appointed me as your preliminary advisor
I'd be grateful if you could repeat that sentence
I don't want to unless you are strong enough to face the present situation
I am not your opponent
I am your helper, your friend
if you don't want my brain to explode...
then speak up clear and to the point
there is an action pending against you
to place you under tutelage
this is a damned joke!
it's dead serious
you claim someone wants to place me under tutelage
yes
has it already happened, or...
have the proceedings only been opened?
preliminarily proceedings have been opened, but...
you know yourself
as long as it's pending
and before the court hasn't decided in your favour,
you yourself are no longer a party to the action
then you would be...
my custodian
let's call it "your best friend"
of course you know very well what such an action means for a person of my public position
but the outcome might be favorable to you
he who has been legally dead for only four weeks will never get rid of the corpse smell
this outcome can be avoided, thank God
solicitor
as a young boy you've played in this room with my son Wolfgang
for your confirmation (chrismation) I've given you a golden watch, do you remember?
I still hold it dear in my heart
and now I would like to know from you
who has commited this unnatural crime against my person?
who made the application?
Herr Clausen
you have conciliable children
so the dirtiest of all documents
bears the signature of my son Wolfgang
my daughter Bettina, my daughter Ottilie
and...
another...
another name?
no, Egert refused
at least one breath of fresh air in this pesthole
good
this is now my life's crowning moment
I had imagined it quite differently
you know something?
this is how I imagine the moment when after Jesus Christ's crucifixion the temple's curtain is torn
Herr Clausen, your children too are deeply distressed
they hadn't realized themselves clearly enough what was going to happen
they are here, they want to see their father
let your heart speak
think of your late wife
and talk to your children
children?
where are my children?
I have never been married
I have never had a wife, nor children
bravo, custodian
bravo
you've done a great job
Good heavens!
Wolfgang
Bettina
Ottilie
father... father
where is my coffin?
my beloved papa
I want to see my coffin
my coffin
you've brought it with you, I suppose?
and you?
my little grass hopper
you know, that's how I used to call you: little grass hopper
how are you, my dear grass hopper?
how is your late father?
my dear, my good papa
what did you say?
I don't know, father
who is the most unhappy of us
are you aware, my dear professor, that I haven't left your mother's side during your birth for 24 hours
your little head had been quite deformed when you were born
I molded it carefully into the right shape, because it had still been soft
today your head is pretty hard
it can no longer be molded so easily
leave it be papa
you permit, sir
can your philosophy, you are after all a professor?
give me a reasonable explanation
why I had made such an effort at the time of your birth?
and why the both of us, your mother and I, shed tears of joy
when I held you in my arms
why had I been so blind, why hadn't I realized that I held my murderer to my bosom?
what am I to answer to those terrible accusations?
Shh
no answer
there is no answer
that's why I advise you to keep silent, like all stubborn criminals
I am not a criminal!
isn't he?
if patricide isn't a crime
father, we'll withdraw everything
we only thought it would be for your own good
you're healthy
tomorrow everything will be made clear
nothing has to be made clear any more
everything has been made clear
don't snivel, don't shed those crocodile's tears
my wife has given birth to dogs, cats, foxes, wolves
for decades they have run around in my house in human shape
and have licked my hands and feet
and suddenly they tore me to pieces with their teeth
don't touch me!
I want to get away, away...
away, away...
what are you standing there?
pick up the phone, call a doctor
Bettina, pull yourself together
I can't, this is the most terrible moment of my life
I don't bear it
what have we done?
Ottilie?
you told me, your husband told me that it would be the best
I knew nothing of all that
what are you saying? that you didn't know about all that?
you're lying, Bettina
you're lying
I only did what they had asked me to
I have signed too
you've talked me into it
and you, you've talked us into it
you, you, you
placing him under tutelage
such a man
for twenty years I've been working for him and never a hard word
and today...
he roared like an animal
like an animal
I shall hear that roar till the end of my life
where is he?
we'll have him examined. the ambulance will be here soon
after that scene there can be no doubt that he will have to be committed to an institution
to a mental asylum?
yes
you've achieved this, Fräulein Peters
that must never be. that would be the end. that man and...
solicitor, you must prevent this, under all circumstances
it must be prevented
I absolutely agree, Fräulein Peters
only you appeal to the wrong person
to whom should I appeal?
to yourself
Fräulein Peters
because how you're going to take the responsibility for these terrible events in your conscience
that I don't know
it's been my fault?
only your fault
I alone am guilty?
yes
why? what have I done?
Fräulein Peters, I don't want to go into that...
but I am convinced, if you would renounce of your own free will...
a final irrevocable renunciation
never!
only then I might convince the family...
to withdraw the application for tutelage
I can imagine how hard this must be for you
no
you couldn't possibly imagine that
but after all...
of what importance am I?
do you have a pen and writing paper?
How? Fräulein Peters renounces?
I don't care whether she renounces or not, Hanefeld, I'll throw her out in any case
what are you doing?
no
I won't withdraw anything, I don't even think about it. that's final
tell me, what do you want in here?
I'm collecting the letters for Herr Clausen
- so you know where Clausen is? - of course I do
if you don't tell me at once, you're fired
bugger off.
get out at once
and have all directors come to my office
I won't have anybody come here
you've just fired me
I say!
what do you say to that?
you've shown him, managing director
haven't I?
alright, write this
circular to all department chiefs
as of today, I have taken over the management of the Clausen-works
better?
shall I leave you alone?
listen, Matthias
you mustn't give up the fight!
there's no reason to do so.
your affair looks most favorable
I have already talked it over with judge Wagner who decides your case
I know, you have lost immensely
but that which has been left to you
isn't it much more?
excuse me
have they already come to take me away me?
no, Wuttke has brought a letter
how goes the beautiful saying?
only death shall part you and me
your little heart too has turned a coward
a pitiful coward
oh God, how you all have abandoned me
do you hear?
children?
wives?
no
one should have machines as companions
machines are decent creatures
what was that man's name who will decide my case?
judge Wagner
Wagner
good
I thank you
do you want to go yourself?
yes
indeed
I don't need a custodian
I know that, Clausen, I only want to accompany as your doctor
no longer necessary
you know, there are medicines who either make you well again
or make you die.
you see
I haven't died.
Wuttke, now I shall need your support
come with me
where to?
to Inken Peters
do you know where I have been, Wuttke?
at the melting furnace
yes, I've come straight from the melting furnace
now my old Wuttke thinks I've really gone mad
don't worry, since this morning I have it in writing
that I'm in complete possession of my intellectual powers
the court has rejected the application for tutelage
signature and seal
everything's alright
Herr Clausen, I must present this document to Herr Klamroth personally
I must tell Herr Klamroth that you've taken over the direction of the works
and that he can go to hell
that's totally unimportant
not to me
this day has cost me a piece of my life
have you ever heard the iron's roar when it's made to steel?
I heard it today
a whole hell is sounding out of that iron's roar when it's being purified
a chemical process, isn't it?
the experts say: silicium, manganese, carbon, phosphor
it must be melted out of the iron
terribly simple
isn't it?
no, Wuttke
it's not easy, such a purifying process
the question is uncanny
how much will you bear, steel?
how much will you bear, man?
Herr Clausen, you have much more faithful men around you than you think
I am glad about those men
because fidelity bears its reward in itself
and so does infidelity
I have some work to do, Wuttke
send someone to me for dictation
the stenotypist, Herr Clausen
thank you
write
my last will
infused with the responsibility for my work
which I have built for generations
I decree as follows:
I dissociate myself from my children
and in-laws
they are not worthy to inherit from me
and they are incapable to manage my estate.
have you got that?
go on
yes, let's go on
I offer the factory works I have founded
after my death to the state
to the people's community
I am certain that among my workers and employees
who have helped me construct the works
the man will rise
who is called upon to continue my work
whether he comes from the furnace or the drawing table
from the laboratory or the workshop
I want to teach him the few things a man who is about to depart may teach another
because he who is born to be a leader does not need any other teacher
but his own genius
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