Women Are No Angels
- Take care! - Farewell!
Goodbye!
All the best, my dear! Take care!
Pull in the flying bridge!
Allow me.
Take care!
Farewell!
Goodbye!
Show a pleasant face when parting.
Take care!
Farewell!
Goodbye!
Don't cry,
it's not worth it.
Beg your pardon.
Folks, have you already heard who is in board?
Richard Anden!
- Anden? - So what?
Don't you realise what that means to me?
Do you know what he'll do when he hears me singing?
I know, he'll complain to the captain.
He'll discover me! You shall see!
And now I'll make sure that Anden gets a table
from which he can see me the whole evening.
I'm sorry, madame, but unfortunately this table is already taken.
- Too bad. And that one? - That one, too.
- And this one? - As well.
- By me. - Dirty trick!
I told you that Richard Anden is on board,
and you go and take the best table next to him.
Why aren't you ashamed to use such cheap tricks?
Cheap? That table cost me 100.
I'll give you twice that sum.
A suggestion: you pay half of it and sit with us.
Ah, so that I'll sit with my back to him.
All right, I agree. My back is up to it.
- I hope he'll come at all.
He? Who is 'he'? Have you already discovered someone you know, Bianca?
On the contrary, she hopes to be discovered by some stranger.
You've got an astonishingly unambiguous way of saying ambiguities, Kitty.
He still hasn't arrived.
Are you sure you aren't wrong, Lola?
Well, I read the passenger list.
There was clearly written: "Richard Anden, Cabin 8/9"
Richard Anden Film director
Alfred Bolt Writer
Richard!
I've found it.
And I find you've forgotten it.
How can you say that? You haven't even listened to me.
I only have to look at you.
Please, no jokes now.
I've got the idea for our next film!
Ah, you're talking about a film idea. I meant your tie.
That's completely unimportant.
Don't say that. Ties are among the most important male articles of clothing.
It's just a patch of colour without any purpose.
And what about a picture? Painting, art in general?
A tie is like art: its purpose lies in itself.
Is this really your opinion about art?
No, but about ties.
Ah, so you contradict yourself!
Stupid people are contradicted by others,
intelligent people contradict themselves.
Do you want to fabricate aphorisms or will you listen to me?
I will listen to you but I'm afraid I'll have to contradict you.
- Go ahead. - All right, listen.
- Already bad. - Why?
I don't want to make a film about animals.
But that wasn't an animal, it was a ship's horn.
I see, one needs to be told. Go ahead, then.
Well, then.
A southern port, a ship is leaving,
people are waving on the quay, at the rail.
On the quay there are eight young girls.
At the rail, eight young men,
the members of the ship's dance band.
The girls are their girlfriends.
One girl is crying.
Then a young man begins to sing, and the other accompany him.
- Such a thing doesn't happen. - Why?
A dance band won't start to play for their private pleasure, without a fee.
But I've just seen it with my own eyes!
Yes, in real life, but not in a film!
People would say that such things don't happen in real life.
Such things happen, believe me, they do!
Let's suppose I believe you, how should this thing continue?
The boys go away, the girls stay, how's the love story supposed to happen?
That's precisely the point. Please let me finish my story.
The dance band has engaged a new singer.
Well?
And the whole band falls in love with this new singer.
- Such a thing doesn't happen. - Heavens... why not?!
The members of a dance band never fall in love with their own singer.
Why not?! I want to hear the reasons.
I beg you, the reasons!
They will have their reasons.
Perhaps they're offended because the whole evening she turns her back on them.
Or because they hear her singing every evening.
Besides, I also have an idea.
- Is that so? - Yes. Let's eat something now.
The best idea of your life. I'm starving.
We'll have a little snack served here.
No snack, please! I can only bear sea journeys with a real meal.
And with a tie in your collar.
Eh? Ah yes. In the meantime, order for me.
Come in.
Ah, Herr Charles in person. We'd like to have something to eat.
- Here? - Here.
- Herr Anden doesn't dine on deck? - No.
It's highly regrettable that Herr Anden doesn't dine on deck.
I feel, so to speak, like a cheat.
And whom did you cheat?
Eleven young ladies; no, I think it were even twelve.
A quite remarkable achievement, at your age.
They all wanted to sit near your table and made some expenses...
For this you'll have to commit an indiscretion.
That's impossible. The first duty of a steward is to be discreet.
But perhaps the word 'indiscretion' can be replaced by another one.
Perhaps by... information.
All right, then I'd like to have some information from you.
I'd be interested to know how popular I am with the young ladies.
That varies a lot. You're most popular with Miss Kitty Warner.
She gave me 100.
The others varied between 20 and 40. 30 on average.
- Twelve times 30 is quite a sum. - I'm satisfied.
Of course I won't leave you in the lurch, we'll come on deck.
Thank you, sir.
Richard, I have a new idea!
Title: "The black tie, the story of a waiter".
At the moment I'm only interested in waiters if they serve.
Come, we'll have dinner.
Bravo! Have you already seen the menu card?
No, but you can rely on Charles.
Your tie is askew.
- That's it. - Thanks. - You're welcome.
- Come, my friend, I'll help you. - Thank you, sir.
He's coming! He's coming!
Charles, what's this strange order of tables?
- Ordered according to gender? - According to tips.
The brunette over there...
... is Miss Kitty Warner.
The lady with hundred mark note.
Say, Charles, who has cabin no. 2?
Cabin no. 2...
Frau Helga Norden, she asked to be served in the cabin.
What is he doing?
Do you believe that I'll look there even only once?
I won't pay the slightest attention.
That's the only way to get noticed by him.
And if I get to know him by chance, I'll pretend not to know who he is.
That's the only right tactics.
What? Already finished? I'd like to eat something.
Unfortunately nothing's being served here anymore.
Perhaps Herr Bolt will have a little snack at the bar?
Snack? I'm starving!
Did Herr Anden also only get a little snack?
No, the entire menu.
Tortoise soup with caviar toast, then poulet au gratin with truffles...
Stop it, you really make me nervous!
It's very regrettable, but we expected Herr Bolt in vain.
- Where's Herr Anden now? - Upstairs, on the promenade deck.
- Do you know where Herr Anden is? - I don't know for sure if I know.
Now I seem to remember... He's upstairs, on the promenade deck.
- Is it all right, Herr Anden. - Yes.
So there you are!
Oh, so solemn? In a tailcoat?
What should I do? I couldn't find my dinner jacket tie.
So I had to put on this armour, this...
It's terrible, with this heat!
The tie's revenge!
It hid away because you called it a colour patch without any use.
Too bad. So, do you want to stay here?
Yes, I want to reflect a little longer. Perhaps the muse will inspire me.
Have you seen Herr Anden?
Certainly. There she comes.
Herr Anden...
Would you forgive me if I asked you for something?
Suppose I wouldn't forgive you, would you not ask me for something?
I still would.
You're a determined young lady.
Yes. I am determined.
- To do anything? - Anything.
So you want to go into the film business.
Yes. They say I have a pleasant voice.
So that's what they say. But what did you learn, what can you do?
I... I have... I can...
That's not enough, you have to learn ten times and do twenty times as much.
I see.
Most of all you must never say 'I see' if you don't understand something.
- I understand... - You must also not say 'I understand'.
It must go without saying that you understand, understand?
That's good, it's best you say nothing.
Bianca!
- Oh, am I disturbing you? - Excuse me, Kitty, but...
No, no, you're not disturbing at all.
Bianca wanted to leave, anyway. You can take her with you, Kitty.
Kitty? I wouldn't know, sir...
Don't you want to introduce us, Bianca?
This is Herr Richard Anden, Kitty.
Anden... Anden.... From the bank Anden & Company?
Yes indeed. I'm the banker Anden.
We can even make a little bank deal together,
a very small transaction.
Your capital you invested with Charles.
Because as of tomorrow I'll have a new table.
So you know?
May I?
Good night, ladies.
What an arrogant fellow!
Not more arrogant than you've been towards him!
- I'm mad about him! - Indeed, he's maddening!
... you're no hero, just a man who is liked.
You fall in love every day with someone new.
You give kisses to all and yet you remain true to none.
But the woman who loves you you make happy as never before.
Bel ami, Bel ami, Bel ami!
Do you already want to stop?
I'm not in the mood.
Mood? That's not written in the contract.
I'll get mad if Anden doesn't come.
It's warm already.
May I?
Thank you.
If you allow me.
Thank you.
You're singing is delightful.
Thank you.
Too bad, our acquaintance began so promisingly.
Acquaintance? Why? Do we know each other?
Yes, you even lay in my arms.
Yes, I brought you down.
That is, my typewriter did, this morning.
Ah, that was you.
Would you take offence at a somewhat indiscreet question
that interests me solely for professional reasons?
If the question is very indiscreet you must not take offence at the answer.
It's not that bad, of course.
I'd only like to know:
Are all of the members of the band in love with you?
Not one of them.
Sax and Drummy are married, Viol is engaged...
Sax, Drummy and Viol? What strange names are these?
Among themselves, the boys call each other after their instruments.
Well, that is... Really, you must give that to me.
- Why give? - I want to use it in my next film.
Film? What have you got to do with film?
I'm a film writer. I'm writing films.
You're writing films? Films have to be written, too?
Of course, what did you think?
Do you believe actors only speak what comes to their mind?
No, but...
If you're in the film business, you surely know Richard Anden?
My best friend. We work together.
Even now I'm writing a film for him.
Oh, that's very interesting.
You must tell me a lot about your work, it interests me exorbitantly.
Yes, I'm coming.
- So you tell Anden what he has to do? - Something like that.
And you also tell him who is to play the roles?
I don't tell him, but I make suggestions.
I have to work now.
But we'll talk about it, yes, Herr... Herr...
Alfred Bolt. And your name?
Lola, your cheeks are like roses...
Well, you consoled yourself quickly-
- But that's Anden's best friend! - I see.
Beautiful Lola's detours.
Already Professor Socrates had trouble with women.
And he exclaimed: "I suspect that women are mishaps!"
If you consider woman historically, you'll see immediately
that she controls the course of history because she has affairs.
Yes, women are no angels,
they appear to be, but it's just pretence.
They look at you with gentle eyes,
but they can be so heartless.
No, women are no angels
and nevertheless they are so sweet.
They give to a man in love
paradise on earth.
Oh, sorry. Does the gentleman want some light?
- No, no, don't bother, it's all right. - As you wish.
Pardon.
I'm glad that I can speak to you alone.
Please leave me alone.
You misunderstand the situation, Frau Arato.
Frau Arato?
You must be mistaken, sir, my name is Helga Norden.
It's no use, Frau Arato.
Police?
I have the order to arrest you
for murdering your husband, the industrialist Rufus Arato.
Compose yourself.
I didn't intend to do it.
Believe me, I didn't intend it.
He imprisoned me, tormented me, threatened me with a revolver.
I fought with him, and then it...
happened.
Self-defence, then?
Yes, it was self-defence.
I'm afraid, Frau Arato, they will not believe you.
Why did you keep it hidden?
Why did you try to pretend suicide?
Why did you so suddenly leave, under an assumed name?
I was so panic-stricken,
so helpless, and had nobody.
Please believe me.
Even if I believed you,
I would have to fulfil my task.
- Come with me. - No! Please not.
Don't make a fuss, in your own interest.
You don't know how he tormented me.
You don't know what kind of person he was.
I do know.
After his death we found out some things that you don't know yet.
But nevertheless... murder is murder.
I have to arrest you.
But I'm innocent, believe me!
If you're innocent, you'll be able to prove it in court.
But I have to obey orders.
Please don't make it difficult for me.
Where are you taking me?
Our Ariadne is a modern ship,
there's even some sort of prison cell on the between-deck.
Please, don't do it!
Don't imprison me, at least not here on this ship.
I can't leave,
I can't flee. The ship itself is my prison.
The voyage takes another seven days.
Leave me my freedom for these days.
Perhaps they are the last in my life.
Do you give me your promise that...
I won't do away with myself, I give you my promise.
After all, I have the hope that I can prove my innocence.
Please.
Well then, all right.
What I'm doing is a breach of duty.
I hope you'll keep your promise.
Thank you.
Wouldn't it be better if I saw you to your cabin now?
If you want to.
Oh, you've found my bag!
Is it yours?
Yes.
Do you believe me or shall I tell you what's in it?
A lipstick, a powder compact,
a handkerchief with initials, and...
But that's probably enough.
Thank you.
Alfred!
Switch on the light!
Sorry, I'm so sleepy. What's up?
You won't believe it, there's a murderess on board!
Why shouldn't I believe it? A murderess, then.
Imagine the following scene:
I'm in my deckchair, all in the dark...
Difficult to photograph!
Suddenly a woman appears.
Wonderfully pretty, gentle, blonde - an angel.
And she killed her husband.
- The angel? - Only angels kill their husbands.
Devils let the poor one live in order to torment him longer.
That's quite nice, I'll note it down. What happens next?
A policeman comes...
- In uniform? - In plain clothes, of course.
He wants to arrest her, and she beseeches him in tears, sobbing,
that he lets her go free, at least for seven days, as long as the voyage takes.
"Seven days". Not a bad title.
But how do you want to make a comedy of it?
A woman who murdered her husband!
Wake up, Alfred, I'm not telling you about a film!
It's the truth, I've just seen it!
So this woman... she really exists?
- Yes, here's her revolver! - Put it down!
Put it down! It could... put it down!
A murderess on board!
- Horrible! - Are you afraid perhaps?
You cold-bloodedly killed innumerous people in your scripts.
- And the policeman? Did he arrest her? - Of course not.
He has to arrest her at once! He can't leave her at large!
She's innocent. I feel that she's innocent.
To think of the poor one sitting in her cabin now, crying and sobbing...
Bolt isn't a complicated case, he's flattered if you consider him a poet,
scholarly talks, the disclosure of a fragile girl's soul and so on.
The second, much more prosaic way: he likes to eat well.
I'd recommend the second way.
- But I can't cook! - But you can talk about it.
- And that's enough? - If you look deeply into his eyes...
As an hors d'oeuvre, of course.
Thank you, Charles. And I won't forget you when I'm a big star.
Good morning! Did you dream about something nice?
Dreamed, yes. But I didn't sleep.
The curse of the poet.
The characters of his imagination never allow him to rest.
Wonderfully said, Miss Lola.
Sure, they always told me I was so talented,
I had to go into the film business,
but I dream of something completely different.
Please, dream aloud.
I don't want anything else than to make a man happy.
Indeed that's your higher destination.
- I only have one passion... - A passion? Please tell me.
- I... I have a passion for cooking. - Delightful!
And I don't want anything in life apart from becoming a good housewife.
That's a very good idea.
The first intelligent woman I meet who doesn't want to enter the film business.
How prudent you are!
Excuse me,
I found something else yesterday.
I think it's your property, too.
No, it's not mine.
Not? All the better.
- Are you sorry? - No. It wasn't my revolver.
But if it had been yours, I mean, just supposing...
Then I would have taken it back.
- That's not certain. - How?
Sorry, I showed you the revolver and asked you whether it was your property.
- And if I had said yes? - I wouldn't have given it to you.
Well, I say!
First I'd have tried to convince you not to carry about such a thing all the time.
It's neither a toy nor a necessary requisite.
- Just supposing? - Just supposing.
As the revolver isn't mine, things are much easier.
- You take away the sun from me, sir. - Oh, sorry.
- And I haven't even introduced myself. - Not necessary, Herr Anden.
Or do you really believe there's someone on board who doesn't know who you are?
I really didn't suspect, but...
There are only two topics of conversation on board.
The southern sun, and Richard Anden.
I find the sun more interesting.
Sometimes I want to be this high above the world.
Why?
To be able to look into the smallest and most hidden nook.
You would still only see one side of the earth.
The sunny side.
You're right, I'd rather stay on the earth.
You can also see the shady sides from here.
Do you have many acquaintances on board?
No-one.
You'll take me for a liar now, but I've met that gentleman only very briefly.
You really can't call him an acquaintance.
I know.
How?
One notices by the way of welcome.
But he seems to be interested in you.
What do you infer that from? Are you all-knowing?
No, but a pipe smoker.
- Pipe smoker? - Yes.
If a man chooses the most windy place to fill his pipe, like that gentleman,
he has a special reason for choosing that particular place.
And what should that reason be?
He wants to... observe you.
You're certainly mistaken, Herr Anden.
But I have to leave now.
- May I? - Yes, please.
An interesting book.
You're able to determine that from just a few lines?
A good wine expert doesn't have to empty a barrel
to determine the quality of a variety of wine.
Goodbye.
- Will we meet again today? - I don't know.
Give me the pleasure and dine with me this evening.
I'd rather dine in my cabin.
And afterwards, in the bar?
No.
That was short and precise.
Please don't be angry at me, but I have a reason for it.
- Mourning? - Yes.
A close relative?
My husband has died recently.
Please forgive my curiosity.
Please, let's not talk about it anymore.
Of course. It must affect you deeply.
It doesn't affect me.
He wasn't a good man.
Excuse me, but I really have to go now.
- May I see you to your cabin? - No, thanks.
I think you gave me the wrong advice, Charles.
He only wants to talk to me about cooking, and no word about film.
Be persistent, no leading role can be had without hard work.
But I'm afraid I'll give myself away; I don't have any idea about cooking.
I knew it, and that's why I brought you something.
"The way to a man's heart is through his stomach" - The Modern Cookbook
A cookbook?
I'd actually wanted to risk a direct attack today and show him my photos.
- Or is that too early? - Depends on the way of serving.
I'd do it like this.
Everything else you'll have to leave to chance.
- Ah, good evening. - Good evening.
Sit down. Have you already eaten?
Only after work!
But you'll have a glass of wine with me?
- What are you reading there? - Have a guess.
- Poems? - There are some among it.
Interesting! Delightfully interesting!
- Would you lend that book to me? - With pleasure.
I'll read it this evening before going to sleep.
Oh, isn't there something inside?
Where? Oh yes, indeed.
Pardon me, here you are.
Oh, these are photos!
- Do you want to see them? - No, I'm not indiscreet.
- But I really like to show them to you. - As you wish.
Very pretty.
- Who is it? - Why, it's me of course!
Oh, sorry. Very pretty...
No, no, that's not you, no, no!
Completely different, completely different!
But until now everyone liked them.
It must have been superficial people,
who didn't understand your true self, your inner soul.
I see you in an entirely different light.
But I have a film face!
No! That is, yes, but for what?
Well, I'm only casually interested in it.
- Would you ask your friend some time? - Some time.
- Here he comes! - Richard, are you looking for me?
No, not you.
Come, I'd like to introduce you to a wonderful person.
She doesn't want to go into the film business!
She doesn't want to go into the film business?
What a miracle.
- But miracles are never true. - This one is.
Don't you want to dance, Herr Anden?
Unfortunately not. I've got a bereavement.
Yes, I've lost my best friend.
- Who is it? - You.
Since he got to know you, he's lost for me.
I herewith give him back to you. I have to work. Goodbye!
Isn't she charming!
Yes, but a little unimportant.
You can't expect every woman to have murdered a man!
- Well, have you been discovered? - Not yet, but...
He's left.
You didn't tell her that you know her secret?
No, it was impossible. I tried it, but there was no way.
I simply couldn't do it.
Since when are you so shy?
- So you don't know the word 'tact'? - I'm sorry.
But I have the feeling she suspects that I know everything,
but she doesn't want me to talk about it.
Understandably.
It's a wonderful woman, such composure, what magnificent soul!
I must help her!
But mind you, such a dangerous woman!
A woman who isn't dangerous isn't worth being a woman.
I will rescue her!
Rescue her? Say, have you gone crazy?
I will rescue this woman. I feel that she's innocent.
He's a suicide!
Whose turn is it?
White.
It'll be a pleasure another time, Herr Bandini, but...
Pardon me, chess is my only passion.
Charles told me you'd like to talk to me about an important matter.
Yes.
It concerns Frau Arato.
You mean Miss Norden?
I mean Frau Arato.
By chance I witnessed your talk, two nights ago on the promenade deck.
I'm very sorry to hear that.
I wanted to handle this matter discreetly, if possible.
It's not your fault, Herr Bandini. If all our police officers...
Let's drop that, Herr Anden.
It's very important.
It's precisely your extraordinarily humane behaviour which shows me
that you believe in Frau Arato's innocence.
I've said nothing of the sort.
I'd like to hear more about the case. May I ask you some questions?
Sure, provided I don't have to infringe official secrecy.
The police considers Miss Arato the murderess of her husband?
No.
No?
Not the police. Only I do.
Only you? I don't understand.
You see, Herr Anden, I'm still rather young, a beginner in my profession.
And I was entrusted with the Arato case because it wasn't really a case at all.
A simple suicide affair.
But I noticed a small thing.
I investigated, and discovered more small things.
And so you turned the affair into a real case.
Even policemen are ambitious.
So you were able to prove
that Arato didn't commit suicide but was killed by his wife?
I wasn't able to prove it.
I only discovered suspicious facts.
- You don't have evidence? - I don't need evidence.
I have Frau Arato's confession, and by some luck, even a witness for it.
I, a witness?
But you said yourself that by chance you overheard that talk.
And if I deny it?
You won't do that, Herr Anden.
You're right, I won't do it.
One more question, Herr Bandini.
Have you already reported this arrest to your superior authority?
No. Because it hasn't happened yet.
As you know, because of a sentimental impulse.
And my superiors have little sympathy for such things.
Furthermore, my superiors don't yet know anything about my suspicion.
It was meant to be a surprise.
- So the police doesn't yet know... - They don't know anything.
At the beginning I wasn't sure about it and didn't want to make a fool of myself.
So I did everything on my own.
I took a leave of absence and went on this journey
to convict Frau Arato here on board.
So without any evidence you told her outright that...
A simple trick, Herr Anden.
But then, apart from the two of us, nobody yet knows that Frau Arato...
If you continue to shout, the whole ship will know soon.
Sorry.
You said yourself that you're still young, Herr Bandini.
I said that.
So you still have a lot of time to satisfy your ambitions.
I didn't say that, but you're right.
One moment.
Please take this.
A little compensation for your expenses.
And regard this voyage as a recreational trip.
Arato simply committed suicide.
Unfortunately he didn't.
I should feel insulted now, Herr Anden, but I don't.
I understand your motivations
but I expect of you that you also respect my reasons for saying 'no'.
If you ever really feel the desire to play chess, I'll be at your service.
It was a pleasure to meet you, Herr Anden.
I admired all your films.
Perhaps I may help you some time if you make a crime film,
as a professional advisor, I'd really like to do something like that.
Often there are still big mistakes, for instance one little thing:
If you want to bribe something, you have to use cash.
A cheque must be signed and redeemed, and who wants to do such a thing?
- You mean... - I mean, if you want to do something like it in a film.
Goodbye, Herr Anden.
- Who is it? - Me.
And?
He isn't very generous, he offered only 10.000.
- And you? - Turned it down.
You've made me jump all right.
What are you doing here in the dark?
- Here you are. - No, thanks.
I often rest here when I wish to ponder undisturbed.
- But that's dangerous. - Dangerous?
For those who happen to stroll here unsuspectingly.
Your deckchair is all in the dark.
If someone lay on it, he could hear every word we're speaking.
So we'd better be silent.
I'm glad about your good mood,
but perhaps it's not the right way to talk about these things.
I don't want to talk about 'these things' at all.
But it seems you don't realise it.
- I? - Yes, you.
I understood all your insinuations.
From the first moment I knew
that you overheard the conversation that night.
Well, and now we're not going to talk about it anymore!
But I want to help you! Ask of me whatever you want!
- Don't make promises so easily! - Whatever you want!
All right, then let's go dancing now.
You promised me.
Right!
Now you can't run away anymore and have to listen to me.
Tomorrow the ship will land in the harbour.
The passengers can go and see the city.
Certainly there'll be an opportunity to escape.
Provided my watchdog agrees to it.
Do you think he'll let us flee?
Certainly not. He's unbribable.
I almost didn't recognise him.
For a policeman he wears a surprisingly well-fitting tuxedo.
He looks rather marvellous!
- And he certainly can't be bribed? - Certainly.
That is, a man can bribe a man in only one way: with money.
But for a beautiful woman there is a second way.
Now you're being carried away by your imagination.
May I introduce my friend, Herr Alfred Bolt.
Ah, Herr Bolt, very pleased to meet you.
You write such charming films. I particularly liked "A Ball Night"!
Thank you, Madame.
It happens very rarely that someone in the audience
remembers the name of the author, and someone so beautiful on top of it.
Here you are.
Cheers!
- You're not drinking, Richard? - I admire your good mood.
Gallows humour, my friend.
May I have this dance?
With pleasure.
You are right, this woman is enchanting.
If I only knew where I have seen her before.
The second way!
What does it mean, 'the second way'?
There's your answer.
Women are no angels
they appear to be, but it's just pretence.
Does it work?
Better than we intended. I think he's really fallen in love with me.
- That was taken into account. - Not quite.
- And you? - I? I'm delighted about it.
- Hopefully not too much. - What do you think?
Don't forget that the main thing...
Don't worry!
I won't forget the main thing.
... nevertheless they are so sweet.
They give to a man in love
paradise on earth.
Where have I seen this woman before?
- I'll certainly sleep badly tonight. - Me, too.
Yes, you. Napoleon said: "In love, the only victory is escape."
He said that, but he didn't escape.
And even if she loves you, what do you want do with her?
She'll be send to jail. She'll be inside.
- I'll flee with her. - Richard, have you gone mad?
Consider: always to be on the run!
Always to be afraid that suddenly a hand comes to rest on your shoulder!
Excuse me.
Where's Frau...
Frau Norden? She sends her apologies, but she suddenly got a headache.
Besides, she wants to get up very early tomorrow.
Why?
We'll call at a port, and I suggested a little trip to her.
If you feel like it, come along, Herr Anden.
No, thanks, I want to think it over first.
Good night, Herr Anden.
Quit it, Richard. Think of Napoleon.
... they give to a man in love
paradise on earth.
You simply have no luck with women.
If for once one of them doesn't want to go into the film business,
bang, she's killed her husband.
You have to have the right eye for women.
- Just like you? - Like me.
My Lola is a splendid specimen.
A woman you marry.
- You think so? - Yes.
Who, me?
- Who? - Of the women who are no angels.
That's what only he says.
Come. You must be thirsty.
Thank you, Schnurzi.
- Too bad! - What is 'too bad'?
That you don't want to go into the film business.
Why? I...
I would have a marvellous role for you.
Herr Anden, that would be wonderful!
But he's no serious?
How do you know? Please don't interfere.
Schnurzi is quite right.
You've got other interests, you don't want to go into the film business.
But I do want to go into the film business!
- What?! - Well, it attracts her in passing,
but her true yearning is to become a housewife, to stand in the kitchen.
- But I can't cook! - What?! But you told me...
Oh, leave me alone with your stupid cooking!
So what about the role, Herr Anden?
Do you want to make a screen test with me?
Not necessary. You already passed the test.
Farewell, madame.
Schnurzi...
That's over.
Schnurzi is dead.
But Schnurzi!
My name is Alfred Schnur... Bolt!
Hurry, hurry! Listen, my child... oh, it's not her!
- Kitty! - Yes, I'm coming!
You drive me crazy! Come!
Allow me.
Do you know who is on board? Madame General!
- Frau Dr. Orla? - Last thing I needed.
Why? Did you promise her marriage?
Well, no. But a book about marriage.
Well, put the suitcase into the next room. Thanks, my boy.
It seems I had this cabin before.
I seem to remember, too. Shall I help you unpack?
No, thanks, Charles. I'll do it myself.
It looks as if you're waiting for a tip, Charles.
Not this time, madame.
I rather want to make a proposal.
A proposal? Young man, I'm over 60.
It's a business proposal, madame.
If I'm correctly informed you're the owner of the Orla Publishing Company.
You're correctly informed, Charles.
Are you writing lyrical poems perhaps?
No, memoirs.
I've been a steward for thirty years
and have seen many interesting things on my journeys.
I certainly believe that.
While I'm unpacking, you can give me a few samples of your memoirs.
What would interest you?
Experiences with famous persons, or little amorous stories?
Most of all amorous stories, of course.
Once there was a dancer on board who was moonstruck.
At full moon she always undressed completely and walked on deck.
That was very exhausting.
- For the dancer? - No, for me.
I always had to wake up all the gentlemen.
You certainly didn't do that for nothing, Charles.
- In the end I did, madame. - Why 'in the end'?
On the last night, the dancer called me into her cabin
and demanded half of the sum which I, to use her words,
had earned by her performance.
- And you gave her the half of it? - I gave her everything, and more.
- Why so, Charles? - It was a full moon, madame.
Yes, please?
- Frau Orla! - Hello, Richard!
Give me your opus, it interests me.
So you're really here, Alfred didn't mistake you!
Yes, I didn't mistake him, either.
He hid from me, that lazybones.
He can take an advance, but he can't work and meet deadlines!
You men are all alike: promises, yes; keeping them, no.
- But not me, Madame General! - You're not better, either.
- Have you read "Gleaming Shadows"? - "Gleaming..."
So you have read nothing. I gave it to you one year ago.
Ah, now I know, the script your niece has written!
Unfortunately I haven't had any time yet.
I only skimmed through it; it seems to be very interesting, but...
I haven't really read it yet, I have so little time, and besides, you know...
I know, and one can add your opinion about writing women.
Women can't write, they have no imagination, no creative power,
and whatever other bad things you may think about us.
But women are not supposed to be able to all this.
Women have entirely different tasks in life.
Much higher ones, much more beautiful ones!
What does she look like? Black? Blonde?
Blonde. A wonderful woman.
I thought as much.
You have to meet her by all means.
You're a good judge of character, and I'm curious about your opinion.
- Is she here on this ship? - Yes.
Give me the pleasure and dine with us at my table this evening.
- For whom is the fourth cover? - Frau Orla is dining with us.
Oh dear!
Stay here. You'll meet her sooner or later anyway.
Is that such a dangerous woman?
She's a charming woman, the only one I love.
Excuse me, Frau Orla sends her apologies,
unfortunately she can't come, she doesn't feel well.
How nice!
Don't be so rude!
Shall we sent something to her cabin?
Frau Orla said she didn't feel like eating.
Come in!
Charles told me you were ill.
But it doesn't seem to be that bad.
I'm fine. It was only an excuse.
- An excuse? - Yes, I've even been on deck.
I saw you. And then I returned.
- Because of Alfred? - Nonsense.
Because of the young lady.
But you were supposed to get to know her!
Not necessary, I know her already.
If only by sight, and from stories.
Very interesting stories, however.
What's her name now?
Why 'now'? I don't understand you.
Calmly sit down first.
What do you know about her, apart from her being very pretty?
- I don't know what... - Who did she kill this time?
- What? - I ask who she murdered this time.
- Her brother, her husband? - What do you mean...
- Do you want a cognac? - No, thanks.
- You will have use for it. - I ask you to...
All right, I don't want to keep you in suspense.
This woman is an impostor.
She works with her brother and has a quite inventive trick.
On every luxury steamer you'll easily find a romantically inclined man,
with money, of course.
The victim gets to see the arrest scene,
and everything else happens by itself.
The woman is beautiful, her dark secret makes her even more beautiful,
she has the last days of her freedom, perhaps of her life...
Which man wouldn't be allured by such a woman?
And which man wouldn't try to pay a ransom to the police officer?
- Have you tried? - It's unbelievable.
So you already tried.
That woman...
It's impossible, it can't be true! How do you know about it all?
From a good friend, who once fell into the trap himself.
- Do you want a cognac now? - Yes, please.
What fool I am.
But I don't understand one thing:
that man, that brother, he didn't want to take any money from me.
That is, he didn't want to take a cheque.
Of course he won't take any money on the ship.
But try again in the harbour.
There the two of them can disappear without a trace.
But that is... I'll call her out on this!
But why?
If you're smart, you'll take your chance.
You know her secret now, and she doesn't suspect anything.
Just continue playing the act.
I can't understand how Richard was able to forget the dinner chatting.
A sick bed visit to a beautiful woman sometimes takes some time.
The beautiful woman is 60 years old.
Perhaps she's really ill? Herr Anden is always so obliging.
We'll meet on deck.
Halt! Stand still!
Oh, Frau Dr. Orla! What a surprise!
Don't trouble yourself, you know very well that I'm on board.
- Where's Helga? - In her cabin.
- May I come with you? - You stay here!
What about my book?
Well, madame, the fact of the matter is:
A book, a book about marriage, a marriage book,
that is, I want to say, before I write a book about marriage,
I... that's not the right task for me, because, because...
Because I'm still unmarried.
Then get married!
There can be no talk of it for the next fifty years!
Come in.
Well, how's the patient?
I have to ask your forgiveness, but I had to be of help to the old lady.
I know your good heart.
What do you want?
Help you out of the fur.
What are you doing?
I must talk to you, without having to fear that suddenly Herr Bandini appears.
Or isn't that his name?
Yes, that's his name. Please sit down.
I haven't told you that I offered money to this policeman if he lets you go.
The male way of bribery, then?
He declined.
Either it wasn't enough for him,
or he didn't want to accept the money from me, as a third party.
You would certainly have more luck with him.
I have no money.
Of course I'll place the money at your disposal.
You only have to agree on the sum with him.
I'll telegraph home and have cash brought to the harbour.
For he will certainly not take a cheque.
And then?
Then? Then we're free.
- We? - Yes.
You are for me.
You are very nice, Richard, but...
I can't accept it.
But why not?
I... I don't want to.
Then I'll try a second time.
- No, you mustn't do that! - Why not?
Why do you want to forbid me?
I'll talk to him, even today.
And I'll ransom you, even if it takes my entire fortune.
No, you mustn't do that! I beg you, don't do it!
Helga, don't you want to be free?
Free for me?
Don't ask me, don't torment me, I can't tell you the truth anyway.
- What truth? - Oh, it's all so terrible!
Helga! Speak openly to me.
Tell me the truth.
I have never been married, and I haven't...
I'm so ashamed.
You don't have to go on, I know everything.
Bandini is your brother.
- You know that? - Yes. And I'm very happy you told me.
I didn't want you to be cheated. Not you.
Why not me?
Because...
Do you hear how my heart is beating in fear and hope
because its hour of fate has come?
Do you feel how longing carries me to you?
Because you have already taken me in possession.
I'll say "yes" if you ask me whether I love you,
I'll say "yes" a thousand times.
My heart calls out to you,
for since I've seen you I've wanted to be your own.
Because I know for sure
that for me there's only one man on earth,
and that man is you.
That man is only you.
But is it true?
Say, isn't it only a dream
whose spell holds me in its embrace?
That you're finally coming,
I can hardly believe it yet.
Now my tender yearning will be fulfilled.
I'll say "yes" if you ask me whether I love you,
I'll say "yes" a thousand times.
My heart calls out to you,
for since I've seen you
I've wanted to be your own.
Because I know for sure
that for me there's only one man on earth,
and that man is you.
That man is only you.
Madame, I'd like to introduce someone to you.
- My fiancée! - I'm very pleased to meet you.
- And you won't congratulate me? - Oh, I do, I con... con...
You may even dance with Helga!
- Perhaps he doesn't want to? - Oh, I'm more than happy!
- Tell me, are you serious? - Yes.
But you didn't tell her that....
It wasn't necessary, madame, she told me the truth herself.
I see.
Are you really engaged, or was Richard only joking?
I hope not. Are you surprised?
- No, of course not. But... - But?
- Are you sure that... - I'm completely sure about him.
No, I mean that you'll be free?
Free? Do you think I'll be arrested?
You'll never know. After all you have... your husband...
- I'm free of him. - I know, I know...
And what is this gentleman over there going to say about it?
I'll soon be free of him, too.
- What do you know about Helga? - Quite a lot.
I know that she got to know the downsides of life,
and that she'll be happy if I lead her into the sun.
So you know nothing about her family?
Thank God, no. There's nothing better in the world than a woman without a family.
- You don't know from where she comes? - But I know where she's going.
So you believe Helga will make you happy?
No, I believe I will make her happy, and that's more important.
I'd like to be as conceited as you are.
Too late, you have to start as a child with it.
Well then, you have my blessings.
But I've warned you. You mustn't reproach me later.
And now I have a request.
You must help me. You must take care of Helga.
So you don't trust your own care?
I don't trust Helga's brother.
As long as we're not married, he mustn't learn anything.
- I'll simply abduct her! - How romantic!
I've already directed many abductions in my films,
so I hope I'll be successful in real life, too.
But... her brother will certainly look for her at my place.
Well, she can live with me for the time being.
That's very kind of you. I wouldn't have dared to ask.
Good night, my child. I may call you this, no?
Certainly, madame. Good night.
Go ahead and kiss each other!
Enough!
Enough is as good as a feast!
- Good night, Richard. - Good night, madame.
Oh, Aunt!
Not so loud! He's in the next room.
Oh, Aunt, I'm so glad!
Me, too! Finally he's met his match, or rather, his mistress.
Congratulations, my child, you're playing your part marvellously!
Really? But he'll be very angry at me.
He can only be angry at me.
After all, I concocted this story, and very well indeed.
Finally I proved to him that women also have ideas, and imagination, and logic.
He can't say now that your script is unusable.
He himself played the main part in it without knowing.
And how he played it! He feared and trembled for you!
He'll never forgive me.
It's all his fault! Why didn't he read your script?
For one year it has been lying somewhere on his desk.
Not because of laziness, but on principle!
What women write can't be interesting for him.
And he's lying, too.
"I've just skimmed through it. It seems to be very interesting."
- But perhaps he really... - But child, I ask you!
If he had read a single line he would have noticed at once
that you're acting in your own script.
Say, how does your story continue?
- So he falls in love with her, and...? - He abducts her.
Yes?
It's time.
Thank you, Charles.
- Has your brother noticed anything? - Nothing, he sleeps really fast.
I actually feel remorse about having sided with you women against a man.
You didn't do it out of pure brother's love.
- Why else? - To show your acting abilities to Anden.
I'm already sorry about it.
I'm only sorry that I can't be around when Helga tells him the truth.
Yes, I'd like to see his face, too.
The steamer Ariadne arrived in the harbour at 8 a.m. this morning.
Among the passengers was the famous film director Anden.
Did you notice the wording? I 'was'.
This honest radio reporter seems only to have read the passenger list.
Otherwise he would have noticed
that on the arrival there was no famous film director around at all.
Little Brother must have cried.
Not only Herr Anden was missing, but Little Sister, too.
I have to confess that this is the first time
I'm entirely satisfied with my direction.
Strange. How often have I directed this?
The southern landscape, the happy couple in the car,
popular dance music on the radio,
Tell me, Richard, what would you say if all this was only a film?
A script?
That wouldn't be nice, because in a film everything would already be over.
He sits happily at the steering wheel, she puts her head on his shoulder,
fade, happy ending.
Happy ending! But in life it continues.
Thank God, but you couldn't show that in a film.
So much happiness makes people envious.
You're that happy?
Outrageously happy!
- Where's madame? - On the terrace.
Oh, there you are!
Well, how was your journey?
Marvellous! The little detour was very nice.
Glad to see you're in such a good mood, Richard.
Are you surprised?
It would have been possible that the 'little detour' bothered you.
In any case, everything's clear now, and that's good.
Unfortunately not everything's clear.
It's doubtful whether the wedding can take place already tomorrow.
The registry office is a government agency, and you know what that means.
How? Tomorrow you want to...
Marry! We discussed it before.
Well, my dear, haven't you...
- Frau Orla may call you 'my dear', yes? - Of course.
Take good care of her. Till tomorrow, I hope.
- You're quite in a hurry, Richard. - Quite.
Well, didn't you tell him?
- I couldn't, Aunt. - Why not?
He was so happy, and...
I simply couldn't.
Heavens, an unexpected dramaturgic turn.
- You've fallen in love with him. - Yes.
You know, he's quite different from how I imagined him.
He's so nice, and kind, and good.
And I played such a dirty trick on him.
And your script, your ambitions?
Don't interest me. Only he!
He must forgive me.
If he loves you, he will forgive you.
Aunt, don't you want to talk to him? Tell him the truth?
Why, actually? I think everything's in perfect order.
You love each other, and you'll marry.
- You think so? - Of course I do.
But on the morning after the wedding night you must make a confession.
- Then he will be very disappointed. - I hope not.
But he mustn't learn anything about it before the wedding!
Hello, Herr Anden!
Ah, Herr Anden, I was about to visit you.
Hello, Herr Bernhardt, what can I do for you?
A nice part. Do you have something for me?
At the moment I don't even have something for me, not even a story.
But I'll keep you in mind.
Hello!
Herr Anden, we've been expecting you.
- What's going on in there? - Herr Bolt is inside.
- Does he want to kill someone? - He's all alone.
What's the matter with you?
GLEAMING SHADOWS by Helga Norden
I have to show you something. Read this! Oh dear...
I'm done!
Frau Arato?
You must be mistaken, sir. My name is Helga Norden.
Oh dear, oh dear!
Read on, read on. It's all written in there.
Your entire love adventure!
Now I know why she seemed so familiar to me!
She's the niece of Madame General, I once met her at the publishers.
Don't throw it away like that! What do you think?!
This is quite a good script!
It's all your fault.
If you had only read it earlier!
By the way, there are some quite suspenseful scenes in it.
However, the elaboration isn't quite as I would have...
You're right!
Very suspenseful scenes.
But the final scene will be directed by me!
Richard Anden, if you want to marry Helga Norden
and want to be her faithful husband and protector,
then answer 'yes'.
Yes!
Helga Norden, if you want to take Richard Anden as your husband,
and be an obedient and faithful wife to him,
then answer 'yes'.
- Get out! - Oh, excuse me.
Ahm... then answer 'yes'.
Yes.
Thus I declare this marriage confirmed.
- Richard... - One moment!
That's not in the script, Miss Norden.
Thank you very much, Herr Bernhardt.
It was a pleasure, Herr Anden. It wasn't a big part, but...
- May I have the script, please? - Sure.
Goodbye, Herr Anden.
Are you satisfied with my direction, Miss Norden?
"The registrar hands over the rings and says:
'Thus I declare this marriage confirmed'. Fade."
Besides, I congratulate you.
The script is not without suspense, but unfortunately without heart.
But this can easily be repaired; that's what we have our heart specialist for.
I've heartily recommended your script,
and you can get your contract already tomorrow in my office.
In private, I'd also like to advise you to cultivate your acting abilities.
That love scene in your cabin was really enchanting...
...ly played.
Ladies!
Come, Alfred.
Hello, we've finished!
Step aside, please!
Come!
Herr Anden, can the front be taken down, too?
Take it all down.
All down!
One moment, please. Steps, quick!
If you please, ladies.
- And you? Are you genuine? - Pardon?
I mean the car, will it fall apart, too?
But madame, excellent quality!
- Come then. - If you please.
Don't cry!
Such an insolence of him to play such an act on us!
Instead he should be happy not to get an impostor but you as a wife!
He fell in love with the woman I pretended to be, and not with me.
He shall tell that to your face!
If that's really the case he's not worthy of your love.
- But I can't go to him. - Of course you can go!
He summoned you. You have to go to him.
Yes?
- A Miss Norden wants to talk to you. - Show her in.
If you please.
- May I ask you to sit down? - Thank you.
Miss Norden, we have decided to buy your script.
I've already had the contract written down. Here you are.
I'm sorry, the script is not for sale.
Why? Don't you trust in my abilities as a director?
I do. You gave a too good example for them yesterday.
I think we don't have anything to reproach each other for. We're even.
We are not even, Herr Anden.
You're unfair, after all you started this act.
Yes! But I didn't know you at the time.
We were strangers. But you started your act when we already...
- Already...? - Knew each other.
Miss Norden, I don't consider this place fit for discussing our private affairs.
This is my office, and I'm only dealing with business matters here.
Please study the contract, I hope you're satisfied with the conditions.
Helga!
Please at least have a look at it.
Marriage Contract 1. Richard Anden 2. Helga Norden
Well, then. How do you call this in your film jargon?
Happy ending!
No, what comes after it. Some technical term.
Well...
Fade!
Subtitles by Tommaso.