Original subtitles

Hello? Yes, one moment. Max! It's from the hospital. It's Robert.

Aren't you finished yet?

Hello Robert. Well, I was just shaving.

Is it urgent?

No, I don't know anyone by that name.

Is that really neccessary?

Very well then. In that case I'll be there in a minute. Bye.

What did he want?

That's really strange...

A new patient at Robert's ward claims to know me.

He refuses to speak to any other doctor than me.

His name is Steinmatz...or Metz, or something like that.

I don't know anyone by that name.

- Maybe it's one of your former patients? - It could be, I guess.

- You'll go to the hospital now? - Robert asked me to come at once.

- What about our lunch then? - I'm back before 13.00.

You promise?

I'll do my best.

I should raise the rent seeing how people sleep over as suits them!

I was just here to give my fiancée a message. That's not illegal, I suppose?

Next time I catch you sleeping over, I'm afraid I'll have to raise your fiancée's rent!

I trust my nose! When it smells cigar smoke, it smells cigarsmoke!

I demand to know who has been smoking?

Tell me now!

You said he knows me? What was his name again?

- Steinmetz... - Steinmetz?

- He never actually met you, but he heard about you. - Heard about me?

I don't get him. He's a mystery to me.

- Psychotic? - Hard to tell…

He seems to be very intelligent. Apart from that I have no clue about him yet.

You said the police brought him here?

Yes, they caught him running around asking people if they could see a white mouse in his hands.

- but he was acting like he didn't believe it excisted himself.

People having hallucinations is common, but not believing in what they see, that sounds interesting!

Indeed. But now you can have a look at him yourself.

The man is sitting there smoking cigars! Who gave him permission to do that?

What are you saying? How the hell did he get them?

- Maybe the nurse made a mistake? - Impossible! Smoking is forbidden here.

He must have sneaked them in. But how?

Well, you better go talk to him.

Good morning. I'm doctor Holst.

Very well. At last. Good morning.

You want a cigar?

No thank you. You didn't know smoking is not allowed here?

No, nobody told me. Does it really matter?

I'm afraid it does. How did you get the cigars?

Mr. Steinmetz, I'll know sooner or later how you got them, so you might as well tell me the truth right now.

Tobacco and alcohol are under no circumstances allowed!

As long as I'm locked up, I'll tell you nothing.

If only I tried to tell you the truth, you would really start to think I was insane.

Insane is such a harsh word, Steinmetz, why would I think you were insane if you just told me the truth?

The truth? It's beyond your comprehension. You would not believe me.

I understood from my colleague, Robert Klausen, that you already know me?

I've followed you. Followed your work.

- Why? - I will say nothing further at this moment.

- You're not very cooperative. - Let me out of here, and I'll tell you everthing.

That's the wrong order of how things work around here.

First you tell me everything, then I'll help you.

Well, Dr. Holst. I'm not the one who needs help. It is you!

Ahh yes, I see. And I suppose you're the one who's going to help me?

Why do you keep me here?

This room, the bed, the window, the bars?

If you release me I promise you I'll explain the cigars and the cognac.

Mr. Steinmetz, you're not well.

I'll show you a world you could never even have dreamed of.

You'll be face to face with a whole new science that only I can open up for you.

Well. You think I'm crazy, but put me through any mental examination you can come up with, -

- and you'll realize that I'm what you'd call perfectly mentally normal.

It's not uncommon around here that the patiens consider themselves to be perfectly well.

Well. Then tell me, what's my diagnose?

You'll stay here for further observation, and I'm still waiting for an answer how you got these things.

I already told you that I'll say no more! Besides, I do not intend to stay.

You do realize that you have been involuntarily committed?

You can not keep me locked in!

Let me decide what the hospital can do, or not can do.

Go ahead, take them with you. The cognac is outstanding, and so are the cigars.

But I warn you! A man of my stature can not be kept behind bars.

Try to understand it!

Dr. Holst. You are a recognized brain surgeon and psychiatrist.

- Yet your knowledge is immensely limited compared to mine.

If you discharge me, I will reveal new depths in life, that will make your entire world of ideas come to an end.

Do you remember from history how the workers destroyed the machines in fear of the industrial revolution?

We both know how revolutinary scientific discoveries are being restrained -

- due to fear of humanity getting into a panic!

But do you realize that in hundred years, the humans of our time will be regarded with the same distance -

- as we today regard, let's say, the Neanderthals?

Dr. Holst, will you coorperate or will you act like the workers who destroyed the machines?

Do you want to know the truth? Do you want to belong in the future?

Steinmetz is gone!

- You couldn't prevent him from doing that? - I don't understand…

Where does this key come from?

I don't understand. My keys are here!

I found this when I saw Steinmetz was gone. You're name is written on it.

Why didn't you give me this before?

- Sorry... - If you want to make yourself useful, you can get me coffee.

"To Dr. Max Holst. Meet me friday at 19.00 at the canal bridge. Come alone. Steinmetz".

Dr. Holst. I knew you'd show up. Come.

Do you still think I'm insane?

Dr. Max Holst. Born September 1st. 1925, in the sign of the Virgo - The sign of the gifted and the sensitive, -

- Student 1944, took part of the Resistance. Orphan. Cand.med. 1952, Studied in America 1956-58, -

- Divorced. No children. Engaged to Susanne Plesner, actress.

Is that all I came to hear?

- Isn't your specialty the central nervous system? - Mmmm...

You're studying certain pathological precedents to complete a doctoral dissertation?

Yes, that's right.

Then you should absolutely be perfectly able to understand what I'm about to tell you.

Please!

Please have a seat. Please.

- Admit I'm a riddle to you. - I'm here to get an explanation.

Yes, of course!

Please pay attention to what is about to happen.

Keep quiet! Don't move.

Look at the table.

Look at the table!

Cigar?

- Light? - No thanks!

Cheer up, Dr. Holst. A better cigar is not to be found.

They were my only comfort in your miserable hospital.

I must admit I'm impressed. How did you put me in trance?

Trance? You dissapoint me, Dr. Holst. Is that all you have to say?

Well, you'll get an explanation on two conditions.

And they are?

First: You give me your word as a doctor that you'll tell no one, what you'll experience here.

Secondly, that you will perform a brain surgery on me!

A brain surgery? That shouldn't be neccessary.

You'll do what I tell you to!

I can make you rich. I can make you a millionaire, -

- well, even billionaire, if that's what you desire.

You're an extraordinary hypnotist, Steinmetz.

You have great powers. Dangerous powers! But you're mad.

Follow me. Come.

I promised you an explanation on two conditions.

1: Your absolute discretion!

2: That you'll perform a brain surgery on me.

Here.

You won't find a more modern operating room anywhere, let alone one so specialized in brainsurgery.

How did you get access to all this?

The same way as I got the cigars, and the key I used to get out of the hospital.

Do you accept my conditions?

Yes.

You see, Dr. Holst…

The recent years I've been working with various mental states, -

- such as suggestion, hypnosis and other subconscious phenomena.

By time I've come to realize, -

- that the human brain is center for several powers we absolutely know nothing about.

We have now lived through a great part of the century of technology.

We are now entering the century of the soul!

You see, some people have a bad memory or a weak level of imagination, -

- some have a good or even strong power of imagination -

- Mine is tremendous!

When I concentrate hard on an object, it affects my eyes and my brain center.

That means a certain power has been transferred to me from the thing I concentrate on.

Meanwhile, through my work, I've reached a point where I can reverse the proces.

I can radiate the object from me!

I see actively. I think things!

- You see that mouse? - Yes, what about it?

I can easily create any material thing.

But I've spend several days of mindwork on that mouse.

I need you to help me create organic life!

To help me use my creative powers to the utmost!

How will I do that?

I want you to make a brain surgery on me near basis cranii.

I know it could be fatal, but I'm willing to run the risk.

Because even though I've already made extraordinary achievements with my brain, -

- I've come to realize that an operation is absolutely neccessary to reach my ultimate goal:

- To create a human being, and maintain it!

The mouse you were showing the day you came to the hospital, was it also your creation?

Yes. It was the first organic life I was able to create and maintain.

It had been working my mind for days.

Then I finally succeeded, and...well, you already know the rest of the story.

How many like this one have you managed to create?

This is the third.

But I can not maintain them. After a short while they dissolve.

They dissolve?

My concentraion can only keep the organic life for few hours.

That mouse will dissappear soon enough.

But after the operation…

I'm sorry, but I can not under any circumstances help you on this basis.

Your oath, Doctor!

I break it. Your inquiry is insane!

I don't feel bound by a promise to a madman!

Good bye, Mr. Steinmetz.

You remember the man in the operating room that night?

Even if my brain will explode, you'll get to meet him again!

Blood pressure:130 Pulse: 110

Blood pressure:100 Pulse: 130

Blood pressure: 90 Pulse: 140

- What happened? - You got sick? - Why did you leave?

Leave? What are you getting at?

- Why are you all looking at me like that? - Dr. Klausen?

Come here for a second.

This was on the floor, why was it there? Who does it belong to?

But..It's yours...

- I'm sorry. - No worries...

Well well, already back again?

Susanne?

Is it you again, Max?

- Ehh, how are you? - How I am? Why do you ask me that so sudden?

Did you get the cigarettes?

- The cigarettes? - Yes, didn't you go to buy cigarettes?

- What's wrong with you? - Whats wrong? Whats the matter?

Nothing -

- I just don't understand why you come back and talk to me like we've been apart for hundred years.

Susanne! Come here! Hurry!

Max! I don't understand any of this!

Dr. Holst is waiting for you.

- Goodday Dr. Holst. - Goodday Mr. Steinmetz.

Please have a seat.

Are you making any progres with your scientific work?

Well…It's not always easy to find the peace for working in that hospital apartment.

You know, a dissertation about performing operations in basis cranii -

- is not something you easily get done just like that.

Right, a peaceful environment. I'll get it for you.

Please tell me how things are progressing with your operations?

Would you like a cigar?

Thank you. Very well, very well.

It happens every once in a while that I'm overcomed by fatigue, -

- but that's only human, I guess.

Yes, of course. If only science could get rid of tiredness and sleep...

...but peaceful surroundings for work, and an apartment. I'll get it for you.

Thank you! It would not only please me, but also my fiance who currently rents a room.

In fact we've been looking for an apartment for quite some time now.

...So, if memory is depending on how these streams run between certain cells in certain ways -

- that leads to what we call pulse patterns -

- the idea of surgical operations in those temporal parts, -

- whereabout the central memorial system is located -

- are, in my opinion, not only theoretically but also practically a possibility!

A possibility that must not remain unchallenged -

- if the brain's psychological resources henceforward are to be taken into use -

- to a certain extent that will do justice to this vessel of the soul.

Proof? Nonsense! It's impossible to prove such things.

If only that was possible, then…

So, you don't believe my story?

If you were around as many 'eccentric' people as I am on daily basis at the hospital, -

- you would also be suspicious of that kind of stories.

But there are so many things that cannot be explained.

Yes, you're absolutely correct.

There are still many things that medical science doesn't understand, -

- or choose not to understand!

- My name is Steinmetz. - Susanne Plesner.

I'd like to pay.

Doctor, do you describe all your patients as eccentrics, -

- or did you have anyone particular in mind? - Why did you follow me here?

Well, I've just attended a lecture, and thought I could use a drink.

A rather exciting lecture, by the way. You should have been there, Doctor.

- Come, Susanne. Let's go. - May I buy you a drink?

- No thanks. Come! - Max...

Bye bye, Mr. Steinmetz.

This man Steinmetz... What's he all about?

Nothing. There's no point explaining it.

But he seemed to be nice.

You've been acting strange lately.

- Is it me? - No.

- We'll soon get married? - Yes, as soon as possible.

Who slept in my bed?

- You did yourself? - Nonsense!

- Max, what are we doing here? -It's a surprise!

- Don't be like that. - Wait and see.

So, what do you say? It was Steinmetz who arranged it.

He owns a lot of flats.

I told him about the tiny hospital partment, and your rented room. And here we are!

- But, you don't like Steinmetz? - Steinmetz and I are very close friends.

How about having it redecorated before the wedding?

Ohh, Max!

I can do the furnishing, allright?

Bedroom will be here.

This will be the office. For all your books and things.

We just need simple furniture. Nothing to show off.

And all white walls. Just one or two paintings, right?

Wow, what a kitchen!

Ohh Max, I'm so happy! Max?

May I compliment on your lecture at the Medical Association the other day.

Unfortunately it's a rare sight to have lectures of such high standard.

Tell me, how long have you been working with the possibility of operations in basis cranii?

How long? I don't understand.

I mean, there must have been extensive preparetions leading up to your lecture?

Lecture?

I see you're tired. I will bother you no more. Congratulations on your work progress.

Give me an explanation. Did you give a lecture at the Medical Association?

Please, let's talk about something else.

He was right though. You look exhausted.

Have you been working too hard lately?

I hardly recognize you from one day to the next.

Robert, I have to talk to you about something.

Why did you leave me this morning?

- Leave? - You know perfectly what I'm talking about.

- You were gone all of a sudden. - Gone?

Max, the apartment! And you left with the key so anyone could walk in.

- What apartment are you talking about? - What apartment?

Why do you always have to make a fool out of me.

- But…what's that about an apartment? - Maybe it's the apartment you told me you found?

Your plan is to let one of the new doctors take over your hospital apartment.

- Max, is something wrong?

Why don't you take some time off. I'll tell the consultant.

Robert is right. You really need some vacation. Come on, Max!

- Hello. - Hello..

Isn't it wonderful to be engaged with such an intelligent man like Doctor Holst?

We surely need more of such skilled brain surgeons.

Thank you so much for the wonderful apartment. It was very welcome at the right time.

Come, let's go.

Mr. Steinmetz is the type of person you can't get rid of, when he has first got hold of you.

Well! So now I'm a special type?

Doctor Holst, don't you think it's about time we had a little chat?

- Let's go, Susanne. - But Max, if Mr. Steinmetz just want to talk to you, -

- after all he has done for us.

Your fiancée is so charming. I understand that you're feeling a bit awkward.

Don't you think it would be best if we talked? It could be in your interest too.

I hope you don't think it's me stopping him. Max, go with him. We talk later.

Can I have some money?

I understand you have provided your twisted imaginary freak with an apartment?

That's right, and it seems like your fiancée likes it.

If you were able to see things clearly, -

- you'd know, that Susanne spends her best times together with... -

- ...your better self.

Why don't you quit fighting me, Doctor?

Perform the brain surgery before I ruin the rest of your life.

If you don't stop bothering me, I'll have you hospitalized again.

Remember that you escaped from the hospital.

My doctor is not merely an exact copy of you.

He is more intelligent, more balanced, -

- and much more dilligent when it comes to studies about operations in basis cranii.

And most of all -

- a more happier man than you!

You must be desperate, Mr. Steinmetz.

Why does that operation have to be performed right now?

You already told me it's going fine with your imitations of life.

My life.

One moment!

Wouldn't it be a good idea if you called your fiancée -

- to check if you're not there already.

Hello? One second. Max?

Hello? Max Holst here.

Go there. Doctor Max Holst has already left by the time you get there.

Don't forget your wallet.

- Don't you think you'll miss the beard? - I can always let it grow back.

In few days you'll be Miss Max Holst.

I have to go now.

Pardon me, but you look so much handsomer without the beard.

There are so many youngsters today, who look like monkeys.

You forgot something?….

I called the hospital. Dr. Max Holst wasn't present today.

What a cold morning.

- Are you going fishing today, Sir? - No

- You went fishing yesterday, Sir? - No!

You're not an angler at all, Sir?

We don't get many bathers at this time of the year.

Max Holst! Well, I'll be damned.

I'm here to collect my paycheck. Max Holst.

I took some days off, but now I'm here.

But...you collected your salary yesterday!

Are you Doctor Holst? Can you show some ID?

- No, I only have my chequebook. - Sorry, that's not enough.

I will get my ID.

Hello, Robert.

Can I talk to you for a moment?

Don't you recognize me?

Well, I see the resemblance.

- What do you want? - What I want? Robert, come on!

You claim to be Max Holst. Very well.

But I can tell you that Max Holst is getting married at this very moment in Hørsholm.

So isn't it strange that you're here too?

He tried to collect Doctor Holst's salary!

- I called the police, they should be here any moment. - Very well.

Oh my! Isn't that Dr. Holst's car he's stealing?

Max Holst, do you take take this woman, Susanne Plesner, as your wedded wife?

I do.

Susanne Plesner, do you take this man, Max Holst, as your husband?

Hello. Please, sit down.

Well, according to the report, you claim your name is Max Holst, -

- and that you're a doctor at the State Hospital.

Why did you give wrong information during interrogation?

Everything I said during the first interrogation is the truth.

I am Doctor Holst. This is all a big misunderstanding.

Misunderstanding? Well, that's one way to put it.

I've already talked to Doctor Holst, and there's no question about his identity.

- Where do you live? - At the hospital.

- Well, someone cleared out my room. - Can you be more specifik?

- I moved out few days ago. - Aha. Where to?

- I don't know. - Aha.

- Have you issued this? - Yes.

Doctor Holst was smart enough to block his account several days ago.

Why don't you stop this game and tell me your real name?

- Are you married? - No.

- Engaged? - Yes.

- What's the name of your fiancée? - Susanne Plesner.

But that's Doctor Holst's wife!

What do you think you'll make of this pointless imposture?

Listen, if you tell me your name, you'll be out of here before trial.

You could leave now!

I'm afraid I can't help you.

Don't you understand it's crucial for us to determine your identity before we release you?

If not, how can we be sure you'll show up in court?

What happens if my identity can not be determined?

Easy now. We'll get to know your identity sooner or later.

- What can I do for you? - I have to talk to Mr. Steinmetz.

It's very important I get to talk to him.

- Are you sure it can not wait until tomorrow? - Absolutely sure.

- Don't you remember me? - To be honest, no. Not at all.

- By what name may I present you? - Doctor Max Holst.

- Doctor?!?... - I said Doctor Holst!

Hurry up, it's important!

Well, well. Look who's honouring me again with his visit.

You look rather worn out, don't you?

Steinmetz, I'm here to inform you, that I'm willing to comply with your request.

I will perform the operation...

He will perform the operation!

What do you mean?

I don't need you anymore!

You're nothing compared to him.

But you must help me!

Did you help me, when I needed you?

Didn't I warn you? Didn't I give you enough chances?

You realize now that you have fought against me in vain?

You need help. I have a splendid doctor who will listen to you out of interest.

This man appears to be sick. Could you talk to him for a second?

Who are you?

Who I am and who you are, you wouldn't even understand.

If you seek my assistence you better give an explanation.

I am Max Holst!

Well, the police told me you keep on sticking with that absurd claim.

That naturally means you contest my identity?

Yes!

So tell me, who do you think I am?

- You…you don't exist! - Say what?

I'm telling the truth! You're a mind concentration of a hallucination.

- Are you really serious? - Yes, it's a fact!

I'd like to continue this discussion some other time.

Would you mind letting yourself hospitalize at the neurology ward?

On voluntarily terms, of course.

Don't be afraid. You'd feel a lot better!

Heart failure!

"The State Hospital"

Good evening. Can I have Doctor Max Holst's private phone number? It's very important.

- "One moment. 1243" - Thanks.

"Calling 1243. One moment, Sir."

"The subscriber could not be reached. The subscriber is reportedly on vacation and will be back the 16th."

- Vacation? When was it reported? - "One moment. One hour ago".

Doctor Holst.

Your coat.

How did it go?

Steinmetz passed away.

Ohh my, I thought you'd never make it!

You won't get rid of him so easily.

How come you look like that?

- What's the matter with you? - Nothing.

There you go.

A cigar as a goodbye present?

Did the police finally catch your stalker?

My stalker?

Yes, the man who claimed to be you.

Ahh, no!

And I think they'll have a hard time ever finding him.

How the hell did you get this?

I doubt you'd believe that story anyway.

How could anyone?