It's fallen to me to address you as guests at this splendid ball.
I'm not that much of a speaker, but better than none at all.
So I'll be brief. I wouldn't bore you! I am simply here to implore you...
...to toast our host Baron Zeta, who has arranged this glorious day.
Let us thank the great Baron Zeta. Let us sing hip-hip-hooray.
You really have no cause to thank me. This celebration has been planned...
...as a salute to Pontevedro, to our beloved fatherland.
But we have something just as special to celebrate in drink and dance.
The ceaseless support and investment from all our generous friends in France!
Though Pontevedro's far from Paris, I feel that we are holding hands...
...a truly beneficial union of our two great fatherlands!
Though Pontevedro's far from Paris, I feel that we are holding hands...
...a truly beneficial union of our two great fatherlands!
Come quickly, please, there's no one here.
How I've been longing for this, my dear.
No, I've something urgent to tell you. - And so do I, oh, my dearest darling.
Oh, dear.
You know that isn't what I want to hear.
Fine, close your ears to what I've to say, but love will always find another way.
Such vehemence, such passion within you.
This cannot continue.
But Why?
Perhaps you should marry.
You want me to marry?
No, Valencienne. You know that my heart belongs to you.
Don't torture me so. You know that there is nothing I can do.
A highly respectable wife is forced to be cautious in life.
I never dally with strangers, I'm far too aware of the dangers.
I'd rather not join in the game than blacken my own good name.
And that is a sad fact of life, when one's a respectable wife.
I never play card games, in case I should lose them.
You know your attractions, so please don't abuse them.
Don't play with fire or with desire, or you will get your fingers burned.
A love affair requires some care, at least as far as I'm concerned.
You may start it as a game or joke, but it will end in flame and smoke.
A love affair requires some care, or you will get your fingers burned.
I've dealt with respectable wives who lead unimpeachable lives.
Alas, you don't waver or falter. You're fixed as the Rock of Gibraltar.
Though you think I'm playing some game, my feelings remain the same.
And I will regret all my life that you're a respectable wife.
It might have been better had I never met you.
But now that I've found you, how can I forget you?
I'm well aware you're teasing me. I'm not a little boy.
To be in love is agony, not something to enjoy.
This is what I've learned... that you, that you are not in love.
It's not a game, no, love is not a game as far as I'm concerned.
How beautiful you are. - The fairest in the firmament.
The fairest by far! - The single brightest star.
You're shining like a meteor, and you blind us.
You're trying to embarrass me. You're trying to make me blush.
You mustn't make a fuss of me, so hush.
If I were a Parisian, I'd almost be amused...
...but as a Pontevedrian, I'm thoroughly confused.
Remember, I'm a stranger here, a little starry-eyed.
If I were a sophisticate, I'd take it in my stride.
Is it my style? Is it my charm? Or my looks I should thank?
Or maybe it's the fact I have millions in the bank.
Excuse my being frank...
...but widows rich or poor, find at their door suitors galore.
But when a widow has a fortune, she is courted a hundred times more.
She's right. She knows the score. Widows with cash, suitors galore.
Men want a gold mine. Men want a star.
Sadly, that's how matters are.
Say what you have to say, cruel or kind. We love a girl who speaks her mind.
I never ever thought I'd be the toast of gay Paree.
So many pretty compliments and all for little me.
Complete and utter flattery, or is it merely greed?
It's like assault and battery, and hardly what I need.
Being very sycophantic isn't terribly romantic.
No,no,no,no,no, though you're very lovely boys...
...too much sweetness rapidly cloys.
Splendid that she speaks her mind! - No more!
As diplomatic attaché, I have to labor every day.
There's always something to be done. I wish I had some time for fun.
I get up at the crack of noon, then in the office fairly soon...
...and then I pop out straightaway. Well, you can hardly work all day!
When documents are to be read, then I do something else instead.
I know it's good to be in touch, but is it safe to know too much?
And when there's papers to be signed, well, that's my job, so I don't mind.
But then I often stop and think, it may be best to save the ink.
Then meetings in the Café Flore, plus an aperitif, or four.
Then, weary from my hard travails, I toddle home to don my tails.
Then off to Chez Maxim, where things are trés intime.
Surrounded by chantoozies, and all my favorite floozies!
Lolo, Dodo, Joujou, Cloclo, Margot, Froufrou!
Beloved Pontevedro, I do it all for you!
A Danube of champagne, grisettes who entertain.
It's quite a different story to see them in their glory.
Lolo, Dodo, Joujou, Cloclo, Margot, Froufrou!
Beloved Pontevedro, the things I do for you!
Of what? - A place where we could be.
Discreet? - Our secret sanctuary.
How sweet. - A place where you and I...
...could watch the world go by.
What then? - We'd sit and sigh and stare.
And kiss? - You'd maybe stroke my hair.
Like this? - No one would know that we were there.
Our little love nest, our castle in the air.
A little somewhere for you and I to share.
We'd sit and stare at each other, hand in hand.
We'd be together in our Neverland.
Where, where in all this hithering, thithering world, can we find a sanctuary?
People are rushing all around. Where can a kind of peace be found?
Yes, that is what we really long for, some sort of domesticity.
A little place, a little home, a little somewhere we can be.
What's wrong? - It's fated not to be.
How so? - My darling, woe is me.
Why woe? - Oh, surely you can see...
...that it can never be.
But why? - My darling, don't you see?
See what? - That it's a fantasy.
It's not. - This dream will never, ever be.
There will be nowhere for you and I to share.
No little love nest, no castle in the air.
Farewell the magic, the pleasure we had planned.
Farewell forever, to our Neverland.
Farewell forever, our Neverland.
Ladies' Choice! Can you hear the men rejoice?
Can you hear them name it and acclaim it with united voice?
It would be ecstasy if you would smile on me.
Madame, excuse me, will you choose me for the Ladies' Choice?
Ah, Messieurs, a delight and wholly unexpected.
Though I'd hate to be the cause that others are neglected.
Let the ladies have their chance. All of them are dying to dance...
...waiting in the wings, and willing.
But they haven't got a shilling!
If they continue, she may yield.
I must try to clear the field!
Boys, you write your applications.
I'm off to fetch some fresh temptations.
In Paris it's slightly embarrassing, when dressed in your best for a ball...
...to offer yourself to a lady when she doesn't notice at all.
You women campaign for equality, the chances of which seem remote.
Since, even when you have the power you can't even bother to vote.
Will you elect me? - Will you select me?
I am a better man than all the rest.
Will you vote for Cascada? - Will you vote for St. Brioche?
It is your chance for a dance with the best.
This modern obsession with politics! A terrible bore and a curse!
The men who indulge are appalling, the women decidedly worse.
But since you have granted me suffrage, it's right that I fight your campaign.
But one thing I'd rather be fighting for, and that is the right to abstain!
Will you elect me? - Will you select me?
It isn't fair that it should rest with me!
Doing all the choosing isn't so amusing. Just tell me who is my partner-to-be.
Let me do the choosing, let me do the choosing.
My Lady, I'll be your partner-to-be.
Well, since you insist, it doesn't really matter who I dance with.
Someone come and claim the prize. - Ladies' Choice, Ladies' Choice!
Here I am with fresh supplies!
Oh, come along, you rare, you perfect beauties.
Take your partners! To your duties!
Let them whirl you and twirl you forevermore.
They'll be so fleet that your feet scarcely touch the floor.
Come on and don't be shy, you lovely creatures.
Will you guide us? Will you teach us how divine the world can be?
Ah, Monsieur, je vous en prie!
Like the warmth of a morning in May, or the scent of a lover's bouquet...
...with the shimmer of massed violins, ah, that's how the magic begins.
When a boy is enjoying the charms of a girl he can twirl in his arms...
Then let youth have its fling, let us dance, let us sing!
Who can tell what the night will bring?
What delight the night will bring!
Oh, come along, you rare and perfect beauties.
Take your partners! To your duties!
Come and whirl them and twirl them forevermore.
You'll be so fleet that their feet hardly touch the floor.
Come on, and don't be shy, you lovely creatures.
Will you guide us? Will you teach us...
...that the pleasure has no measure...
...as long as you can hear the music play?
As diplomatic attaché, I have to labor every day.
I do it for my country's sake, but now and then I like a break.
Madame, oh I implore you.
I'm kneeling here before you.
I'm positively spoiled for choice.
Another woman might rejoice.
Well, well! Strange situation.
I have a recommendation.
Damn and blast! I thought I'd cleared the field.
He does a splendid polka. He's got the magic touch.
I've also tried his mazurka, I liked it very much.
His hornpipe is outstanding, admired at every dance.
I've longed to sample his Waltzing, but I haven't been given the chance.
If you select him, if you elect him, then frankly nothing would delight me more.
If you dance with Rosillon, then he will polka you clean off the floor.
If you dance with Cascada... - If you dance with St. Brioche...
...then you'll discover what dancing is for.
- Too many suitors for Madame? - No, not at all. But still...
Frankly, my perfect partner is one who's cool and debonair...
...who acts as if he doesn't care.
You're the one I vote for.
Me? Chere Madame, I never dance.
So you're going to pass up the chance?
No, no, it's fine. You say the dance is mine?
Well, yes, mais oui.
Well, if the dance belongs to me, then I can use it how I like.
Can use it how I like. - That's right.
What's going on?
The dance is mine, accepted and with thanks.
It must be worth ten thousand francs. Now it's up for sale!
Someone write a check: "ten thousand francs" to give to the cause.
Ten thousand francs? - That's quite a lot.
For such a prize I think it's not.
Ten thousand francs? - That's dearly bought.
They're off, exactly as I thought!
No one cares. It's a shame, but no one cares.
When it comes to charity, they jump from me like startled hares.
The thought of signing checks turns them to nervous wrecks.
And so they go their stingy way, but that's the world today!
I won't stand here and be insulted.
It's ten thousand francs? Then I will pay!
You're in love with her?
But that was your plan.
You appalling man!
Now you're alone. Now you are free.
Madame, here is my arm. Maybe you'll dance with me.
Or maybe I won't.
What do you mean? You voted for me.
That is true. Even so, I have said no.
Moonlight and music, sweetly combined.
Maybe they might change your mind.
I don't wish to.
Well, if you insist.
Oh, you terrible man! You dance like an angel!
One does what one can!
Mi ve/imo dase dase ves//mo./
Take your partners and dance together.
Love and laughter W/// last forever.
Tonight as a sort of souvenir of Pontevedro, far from here...
...l've a song from olden days about a wood nymph's wicked ways!
There once was a huntsman a long time ago...
Who strayed from the path and got /ost in the snow.
But then in a clearing a beauty he spied...
...z'he fire in her eyes made him me/z' deep inside.
Life would never be the same. His heart was turned to ice and flame.
As he sighed, sudden/y he knew her name.
Vi/ja, O Vi/ja, you magical ch//d.
My aching heart is be W/tched and begui/ed.
Vi/ja, O Vi/ja, /'// make you my own.
You W/// be mine, mine alone.
Vi/ja, O Vi/ja, you magical ch//d.
My aching heart is be W/tched and begui/ed.
Vi/ja, O Vi/ja, oh, Where have you flown?
How could you leave me alone?
She nodded her head, and the poor man obeyed.
And then he was /ed to a moon-dapp/ed g/ade.
His heart turned to fire W/th the heat of her kiss.
He knew that no mortal could love him like this.
He awoke at break of day, and everything was co/d and gray.
Even now, you can hear the poor man say...
Vi/ja, O Vi/ja, you magical ch//d.
My aching heart is be W/tched and begui/ed.
Vi/ja, O Vi/ja, /'// make you my own.
You W/// be mine, mine alone.
Vi/ja, O Vi/ja, you magical ch//d.
My aching heart is be W/tched and begui/ed.
Vi/ja, O Vi/ja, oh, Where have you flown?
How could you leave me alone?
Take your partners and dance together. Love and laughter W/// last fore ver./
Hello, here's a soldier bold, mounted on his charger...
...head to toe in red and gold, like a maharajah!
Come on, lady, don't be shy. What are you afraid of?
Dare to give the man the eye. Show him what you're made of!
Lady seems to give the wink. What's a soldier supposed to think?
Silently she seems to say, "This one could go either way!"
If a girl's admiring you, longing for a rendezvous...
...would you dare to woo her, would you look right through her?
What's the soldier going to do?
Would you dare return her glance? Even ask her out to dance?
No, you couldn't bear to... no, you wouldn't dare to.
Silly man, you've missed your chance!
Hello, soldier's riding back! Spurs a-jingle-jangle.
Time to mount a fresh attack from a different angle!
Soldier smiles and tips his hat, moves a little closer.
If you think she'll fall for that, then the answer's "No, sir!"
If the lady's so blasé, one could simply ride away.
I've more urgent things to do, than to waste my time on you!
If you'd dared to say hello, would it have been "yes" or "no"?
Would she have relented? Would she have consented?
Silly man, you'll never know! - Luckily, I'll never know!
Giddy up and off you go. - Giddy up and off I go.
Would she have relented? Would she have consented?
Silly man, you'll never know!
Would she have relented? Would she have consented?
Now perhaps, I'll never know!
What's the secret? - What's the secret?
Of a woman? - Who can tell?
They're perpetual enigmas, unpredictable as well.
How to keep them? - That's the question.
Keep them faithful! - That's the trick!
And they're such a mix of attributes, a man has to take his pick.
There's some who need a lot of wooing. Lots of this and lots of that.
With endless billing, endless cooing. Lots of this and lots of that.
There's some prefer a man who's rougher. Lots of this and lots of that.
Imploring us to make them suffer. Lots of this and lots of that.
The whiny ones are always crying. Lots of this and lots of that.
Then suddenly their fists are flying. Lots of this and lots of that.
And some require expensive dresses. Lots of this and lots of that.
And some who need precise caresses.
Lots of this and loads of that.
Who can tell what the hell women are?
Oh, so sweet, but completely bizarre.
All that endless kerfuffle and fuss! Why can't they be more like us?
From a wonder, a bundle of joy... to a monster who wants to destroy.
Whether wild as a minx, or a child, or a sphinx, who can tell what the hell she thinks?
Women, women, women, women, women, women!
Who can tell what the hell women are?
Oh, so sweet, but completely bizarre.
All that endless kerfuffle and fuss. Why can't they be more like us?
From a wonder, a bundle of joy, to a monster who wants to destroy.
Whether wild as a minx, or a child, or a sphinx, who can tell what the hell she thinks?
Who can tell what the hell women are?
Oh, so sweet, but completely bizarre.
All that endless kerfuffle and fuss. Why can't they be more like us?
From a wonder, a bundle of joy, to a monster who wants to destroy.
Whether wild as a minx, or a child, or a sphinx, who can tell what the hell she thinks?
It's off to Chez Maxim, where things are trés intime.
Come on, Camille! - Does this mean it's over?
We always knew that this would happen.
We always knew that this was going nowhere.
I know that's true, but you can see it kills me!
It's not just you, it kills me too.
Can I refuse your love completely?
But decency leaves me no choice, and so I must behave discreetly.
Then you are lost to me forever?
I've told you that we can't be together.
"It's not allowed!" "lt wouldn't do!"
You understand, that's why I love you.
I have to kiss you!
You're not to be trusted!
I know, but I'll explain.
At the first kiss of April, the rosebud opens wide.
You, oh, my darling, have opened the love I had inside.
I felt there may be something, I sensed it might be so...
...an overwhelming yearning my heart had yet to know.
But now I know this feeling, how can I wish it away?
The rose that blooms in April is blooming still in May.
The sudden joy of seeing a glimpse of heaven above.
It fills my very being with overpowering love.
Oh, Camille! - Valencienne!
Be careful, please.
Such dangers, ah, but such ecstasies.
I'll leave you, my darling, with a farewell kiss.
But not here.
I know a place where we can go. There's a place we can be so alone.
Come, let me take you by the hand, show you eostasies you've never known.
Deep in the arms of night, let us share our delight.
Our perfect little rendezvous, somewhere made for me and you, my love.
You know me... know that I can't resist you.
You'll know that I am part of you...
Will no one see us? - ...once I've held you and I've kissed you, too.
I can't resist.
Deep in the arms of night, let us share our delight.
Our perfect little rendezvous, somewhere made for me and you, my love.
Bonsoir, Messieurs. Did someone call? - It's Hanna and Camille!
I must be blind. I saw it all!
Oh, Hanna and Camille, I don't know what I feel. This is the worst day of my life!
Has someone seen my wife? - You called, sir?
Knew it all along! - My dearest darling, what is wrong?
Oh, Hanna and Camille! - You told us how you feel!
Well, I was sort of near the keyhole, and I saw him and I saw her...
Ah, how surprising, a voyeur! - I couldn't see, but I was listening!
I heard this scoundrel proclaim his love.
He did... but to me! - Oh, Hanna!
I could've sworn that he was with my wife.
My dearest Camille, repeat what you said!
That was a close one. I thought I was dead!
Although this is gross indecency... you're trying to hear what you could not see...
...we're not to be blamed, and we're not ashamed...
...to tell you precisely what he said to me.
You want me to share this?
Oh, how will I bear this?
Well, since Your Excellency forces me, then I will tell you...
...l'll say it again.
At the first kiss of April, the rosebud opens wide.
You, oh, my darling, have opened the love I had inside.
I felt there may be something, I sensed it might be so...
...an overwhelming yearning my heart had yet to know.
But now I know this feeling...
The man believes him, word for word. - I stand in some confusion...
...how could I be so wrong?
Such foolish self-delusion, I should have known it all along.
Ah, Danilo, are you keeping mum? - And so farewell to love...
...so I will drive it from me, I swear to heaven above.
Perhaps your moment's yet to come.
Heavens above, is this farewell?
Ah, yes, your moment's yet to come.
Now that you have heard it word for word, you know precisely what has occurred.
I have a most important announcement.
What's that? What's that?
About an imminent engagement. Count Rosillon... and Hanna Glawari.
Well, this is news to me! - My God!
Well, that stopped them in their tracks.
Congratulations!
A thousand curses on her fortune! - Farewell forever to her fortune!
I must protest... this is a dangerous game.
You have to play it, or she'll take the blame.
You really want to? - Are you serious?
Why ever not? - The Count and I cannot approve!
No, you must both do what you want to do.
And on the whole, you have my blessing.
It's just that... well...
It's just that what?
Well, love is fine, and so is betrothal...
...marriage is not!
I'm not a man to criticize and even less to moralize.
You want my views on marriage?
It's not made in heaven. It's made for two, or so they say.
But often, three or four can play.
And sometimes, yes, sometimes, five or six or seven!
This "marital democracy" is nothing but hypocrisy.
The wedding cake is quick to crumble, the man won't be the first to stray.
It's always she who leads the way. They have a taste for rough and tumble.
Although it's wrong to generalize, it's clear that marriage is a pack of lies!
You have to make your marriage fun... a Ia Parisienne!
With lots of space for everyone... é Ia Parisienne.
A couple makes a lovely home... é la Parisienne.
But they should both be free to roam... é Ia Parisienne.
Rigid morals... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia!
Lead to quarrels... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia!
I know how marriage ought to be, and if it's not, it's not for me. No!
All these morals... ta-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia! Lead to quarrels... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia!
She knows how marriage ought to go, and if it doesn't...
...doesn't want to know!
A marriage sfiould be carefully planned. - A Ia Parisienne.
So no one gets the upper hand. - Certainly not the men!
And no one ever makes a scene. - A Ia Parisienne.
And no one asks you where you've been.
A Ia Parisienne!
Rigid morals... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia! Lead to quarrels... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia!
I know how marriage ought to be, and if it's not, it's not for me. No!
All these morals... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia! Lead to quarrels... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia!
She knows how marriage ought to go... and if it doesn't...
...doesn't want to know!
I am raging, I am burning.
That's enough! Yes, that will do!
No, you should stay calm. Yes, I know I should stay calm.
Very sorry, chére Madame.
If you think this is wedded bliss, perhaps you'll listen to a story.
Of course, I'm sure it's riveting. Tell me your tale.
You see, I'm listening. So let's hear it.
Very well, then...
There once was a radiant princess in love with the son of a king.
The usual fairy-tale romance, but this is a tale with a sting!
Their story proceeded slowly. Perhaps he was cautious or shy.
He couldn't express all his feelings, and she couldn't understand why.
The princess was proud and impatient and played him the nastiest trick.
She promised herself to another... the poor boy was out to the quick.
He said, "Now I know you, my lady. Your heart is like ice in your breast."
"l thought you a pearl among women, but you are as false as the rest!"
"You think that I'm hurting unduly?"
"Ha-ha! Well, that's where you're wrong."
"You think that I'd give you that pleasure?"
I'm quoting the prince in the song.
He said to the princess, "Be happy, I see now the thing that you are."
He turned on his heels and he left her, and I'll do the same. Au revoir!
But Count, where will you go?
Oh, a little place I know.
I'm off to Chez Maxim, where things are as they seem...
...and all of the chantoozies are simple honest floozies.
Lolo, Dodo, Joujou, Cloclo, Margo, Froufrou.
These open-hearted ladies will make a change from you!
He loves me, he loves me! It's true!
Rigid morals... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia! lead to quarrels... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia!
I know how marriage ought to be, and if it's not, it's not for me. No!
All these morals... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia! lead to quarrels... tra-Ia-Ia-Ia-Ia!
She knows how marriage ought to go! - No, I do not want to know... no!
We're the lad/es of the chorus, and the gentlemen adore us.
Lo/o./ Dodo./ Joujou/ Froufrou./ C/oc/o! Margot!
Walking on the Champs E/ysées, t/pp y tap and tapp y tip.
Swing your body nice and easy, toss that head and pout that //p.
T/ppy tap and tappy tip. Toss that head and swing that hip.
T/nny fanny, f/nny fanny, f/nny fanny, fanny f/n-
Pixie boots in patent leather, clicking down the bou/e vard.
When they see us all together, people Wonder Who We are.
We're the lad/es of the chorus, and the gentlemen adore us.
Lo/o./ Dodo./ Joujou./ Froufrou./ O/oc/o/ Margot!
E2' moi!
Wppy-l and y/ppy-ay/ The gr/settes are on their Wa y.
Y/ppy-l and y/ppy-ee! We 're the toast of gay Paree.
/n the dark the men are staring, trying hard to comprehend.
"Wonder Where her underwear begins and Where her stockings end?"
Tfpp y tip and t/pp y tap, t/pp y tip and t/pp y tap.
Wr/gg//ng and giggling, and then you've caught them in the trap.
Afterwards, there's Wine and laughter, soldiers making eyes at me.
/t's no secret What they're after. Take me dancing, then you'll see./
We're the lad/es of the chorus, and the gentlemen adore us.
Lo/o./ Dodo./ Joujou./ Froufrou./ O/oc/o/ Margot!
E2' moi!
Music's playing, hear it saying, "l love you."
As we dance, a voice may answer, "l do too."
Can't you hear the music sing our secret song?
Yes, it's true, and yes, you knew it all along.
We hear the music play. I feel your body sway.
Your heart is beating fast. If only love could speak at last.
But since nothing can be said, if only we could dance instead.
You know that it is true, that I love you.
Can't you hear the music sing our secret song?
Yes, it's true, and yes, you knew it all along.
Whenever I'm lost or I'm lonely...
...whenever the sky seems gray...
Whenever the hopes that I've cherished are crushed or washed away...
However confused I may find myself, it's best that I stop and remind myself.
There's so much to fight for, so much to gain, and it's worth all the pain.
Love is worth all of our heartache, all of our sighs.
Love keeps us stumbling onward, tears in our eyes.
Through all tribulation, our true destination is love.
Love is the goal, love is the prize.
Love is worth all of our heartache. Love shows the way.
When love commands us to listen, we must obey.
Healing and forgiving, you make life worth living.
Love!
Let us live every day for love!
Why do men never know who we are?
It's because you're completely bizarre!
We're beguiled by the smile in your eyes.
Then hello, surprise, surprise!
You're a wonder, a bundle of joy.
Not a monster who wants to destroy.
Whether wild as a minx, or a child, or a sphinx, who can tell what the hell she thinks?