Original subtitles

- Hello. - Hello. Have a seat.

- What can I do for you? - I...

I've run away from home.

And now I don't know what to do.

- Don't you have any family? - No, but...

- I was a member of the Pure Paths. - I guess that's who you've fled from.

- What's your name? - Margrethe Nielsen.

My name is Myrtle. So...

I know a lecturer, who needs a cleaner.

- A man? - Yes.

Take a look at this. I've just finished it.

It's a favorite pastime of mine.

- It's from my agricultural line. - It's a cow.

Actually it's a calf.

I think it turned out well.

I'd like to welcome you to our municipality.

- Thanks. - We're a very small community.

And we support each other.

And help each other.

Is something wrong? Can I help?

No. It's kind of you, Margrethe -

- but there's nothing you can do.

They've taken all my assignments away in Child Welfare.

I've worked there for 20 years.

It was bad chemistry as they say.

I thought I had things under control.

But now they claim I just wasn't qualified.

But now they've assigned me the town square and a lecture series.

- God has been testing you. - Excuse me?

God has been testing you.

What an idiotic God ! Why would he test the municipality's Myrtle?

JUST LIKE HOME

- The Silent Ear. - Something's wrong in our town.

- Pardon? - We haven't locked our doors before.

And people don't chat on the street. I don't feel safe.

- When did all this start? - It's hard to say.

Perhaps it was on the night my neighbor and I went to a lecture.

He told me he had heard about a naked man -

- running about the streets at night.

He said you could see everything.

I can't help wondering who it could be. Is it someone I know?

- I suspect two people. - Try to focus on something else.

When I'm depressed, I think about my childhood home.

- This is the safest place imaginable. - I know it's ridiculous.

- Thanks for listening to me. - You're welcome. Goodnight.

It's no good. There's too much Schubert and granny about it.

- Haven't you worn your hearing aid? - For a while.

- Okay. - Two calls isn't much.

- People aren't used to the Silent Ear. - It's good they don't need a helpline.

Yes.

Let's rehearse an example with a depressed caller. I'll make the call.

- I'm on night shift. - Maybe we should just call it a day.

- Yes, I think you're prepared. - Bring on the calls.

I sat in the corner under the vault of the dark sky.

I looked for you in my loneliness and what I found was me.

You were the one I looked for.

- Well... - I'd just like to add one more thing.

The other night a naked man ran through our streets.

Apparently with a rolled newspaper in front of him like an Olympic torch.

Otherwise he was completely nude. You could see everything.

I choose to interpret this unusual act as a cry for help.

"Here I am. I'm a human being just like you. Do you see me?"

- "Will you accept me?" - No way, the pervert.

- What will our answer be? - Get dressed, you dirty bugger.

Yes. A naked man ran through town. Thank you.

On behalf of the municipality I'd like to thank Lindy Steen.

Once again, we've been given food for thought.

You're one of the few people who sees the exceptional in the ordinary.

We have coffee here. Cups and pots.

And Ellen...

Ellen has baked... I was about to say divinity.

Help yourselves.

- Would you sign my book? - With pleasure.

Are you what they call a wild one?

I don't know if I'd put it like that...

Were you the one who ran naked through the streets?

Let's leave that to people's imagination.

Next? Erling?

- What'll it be? - You know.

Do you have a prescription?

We've been through this before. You need a doctor's prescription.

- All he does is talk. - What's wrong?

Just give me something.

Just a minute.

BABY VITAMINS

Take no more than two a day. If you take care of yourself -

- they might work, but I can't guarantee it.

I won't forget this.

- Helge, put up a rope here. - I'll be right there.

- Things are moving along. - Yes.

- Soon you'll do proper digging. - We've already done that.

- It looks good. - It'll be fine.

- Helge. - Coming !

Do you plan on staying in town?

I left a goodbye note for the Pure Paths.

- You can start here on Tuesday. - Thank you.

Why couldn't you leave home? It's a natural instinct.

- They think I'm involved with men. - And you're not?

No.

I never have.

What does one do in the Pure Paths?

When one is overcome by desire?

That's Satan who tries to steal upon you through the flesh.

But what do you do? It's a very strong physical drive.

We drink a glass of cold water.

That's not much fun.

It'll be interesting to see how the town square turns out.

They're very tight...

It's dusty. Jesper, can't you put something under that book.

I found my grandfather's accounts in the basement.

"Carpenter Erhard Mikkelsen. Jacket and trousers. 18.45 kroner."

- My grandfather granted him credit. - Granting credit runs in the family.

So, how's it going in there?

Yes. They look good.

They're plain and without frills. They don't make them anymore.

- Should I wrap them up for you then? - Perhaps you'd like to think about it.

You don't want to buy something you don't need.

- We'll give you 10% off. - Or take them on approval.

Then you can try them at your leisure.

Alright.

Let me get the door.

You're a good boy.

- We'll never see those trousers again. - My father also granted credit.

- Jesper, we're owed a lot of money. - It's not that bad.

If we don't sell a heck of a lot of clothes, you'll have to close the store.

- We'll talk about it later. - What are you up to?

I don't know how long I can put up with this.

- Leaving again? - Bye.

- I'm glad I found you, Erling. - Why?

A hospital patient has asked to see you. Pastrami.

You took a bite.

Ward B2, room 14. Are you going?

I don't know any sick people. I have other things to do.

- Were you the streaker? - Shut the fuck up.

They say you could see everything.

- He seems very tired. - Because he's been on nights.

- You're not learning much, are you? - Yes, I am. Especially about people.

Don't ask people to take their shoes off in the pharmacy.

It was the same foot condition that my sheep had at home.

- It can be a terminal condition. - Cow udder ointment isn't a cure-all.

Look at him.

Don't talk to people like you've been on their farm.

This town isn't my kind of thing after all.

This town isn't my kind of thing after all.

You've just moved away from home. What's wrong?

All sorts of things, Mom. The town square looks like a dump.

- It'll turn out beautiful. Right? - No.

There's a streaker who runs around threatening people with a newspaper.

- Disgusting. With a newspaper? - That's what they say.

Like when you try to get Floss off the sofa.

Don't you have someone to talk to? You love people.

The girls at the pharmacy...

They may not mean to, but they act very insensitively.

I have to go now, Mom. Bye.

Don't be sad.

People might think we're mean to you.

- You're very nice. - Shall we go back to work?

My ears are sensitive to noise.

Come along.

I can show you how to put labels on the medicine.

I just missed home very much.

Don't let the girls get to you.

They can make you nervous, but just tell them off.

Jesus Christ, Darling. What are you doing here?

- How about yourself? - That bitch told me to come.

- You have a beard, little brother. - You too, big sister.

I do not. I just haven't seen it before.

Not many 11-year-olds have a beard, do they?

- What's up with you? - I'm very sick, Erling.

And I won't get well. I asked to be transferred here.

I longed for home. Will you visit me once in a while?

They say it won't be long now.

Did you come running when your brother Erling was ill? No.

You can forget it. Fuck it. Erling doesn't have time now.

Erling says goodbye.

- Can I have a look? - He must have forgotten it.

It was a gift for the chairman of the Finnish delegation.

- Is it a garage? - Actually, it's the town hall.

It's nice to hold. I've given up Indian pipes. I've carved my last Mohican.

It's lovely to see so many people here.

And the square attracts more attention than I thought.

Troels, you mustn't put up with it. I promise to talk to them.

Just take it easy. Okay?

What is this? A big cat litter box?

- Could you come over here? - You come here. Same distance.

- What's wrong? - This is a workplace, not a zoo.

People stare at us and yell obscenities.

We want it to be perfectly clear that none of us runs around in the...

- No one has claimed it was you. - That's what you think.

This is ridiculous. We have to talk about this.

If you get to work, I'll work something out.

Myrtle.

Listen. We do our jobs well, but we won't be a laughing stock.

- Is that clear? - It's getting there.

Let's get back to work.

And over here we could have a display of autumn trousers.

Unless bare bottoms are the rage. The new trend is to show everything.

Listen. Let's say you had a problem.

And you called the helpline. You can be anonymous -

- and the person you talk to is too. Wouldn't you make the call?

I couldn't say. Are you the one running around without trousers?

No. You're way out of line.

- That won't do in our business. - Christ, these are ugly.

- I'll take them. - How about a pair of mittens too?

Mittens?

- You get 25% off. - And you get an ass in your face.

- Well, thanks very much. - Have you heard about the hotline?

It's called the Silent Ear. You can get counseling...

- What are you on about? - Experts listen to people's problems.

- Experts? - Yes. You might be interested.

- So that's what you do at the dairy. - What's that, Jesper?

- Put more lambswool on display. - Maybe I should try it.

I'll start tonight.

Having said that, we must realize -

Having said that, we must realize -

- that it's an iron statement. An architectural question mark -

- demanding an answer.

Will the answer be found in the new town square?

Or do we need... How should I put it?

A kind of jam session between what is there and what isn't?

Excuse me. What do you mean by that?

That's an excellent question. What does this mean?

It's nonsense.

- I am the only one who thinks so? - Yes.

Let's discuss that later, you and I.

The town is in an uproar right now.

It's as if suspicion is creeping up through the cobblestones.

Therefore I think we should sing "The oak is a tricky one".

We haven't sung it for a long time.

Bjarne, please?

Ye old oak with swollen knees and twisted limbs.

Proud and brave shelter you gave...

Myrtle!

We've had enough. Someone threw a bottle at us.

- We can work something out. - Then why haven't you?

- Are you interested in a solution? - Take it easy. We'll work it out.

Do you want me to tell the others "that you'll work something out"?

That won't do. Before noon we want a plan of action and a timeline.

- Will you see to that? - Absolutely!

Read it, and then we'll talk.

- Is your plate collection complete? - Almost.

I'm selling them.

Ulla, would you mind if I make a quick sketch of your face?

There's something refined about it.

You'll have to spit your gum out.

- Don't move. That's excellent. - I haven't tried this before.

No, but you look terrific.

My goodness. The light falling on your face is quite divine.

I'm trying to find your balance or your tone...

Your edge, if you like.

- Can you make a living as an artist? - You know what? Hold it...

- What I need is a point of reference. - A point of reference?

Yes, the balance is a point between your shoulder blades.

If you pulled your blouse down, it would be a help.

- Down a bit? - Yes.

- And my bra straps? - No, that's fine.

Now I have...

On the other hand, it's best if you remove your blouse.

It's because of the lines and the rigidity...

If you removed all your clothes, if would be art itself.

- Completely naked. - It's only for the sake of art.

This isn't the right time to be naked.

What's wrong with being naked? It's perfectly natural, isn't it?

- You should keep that to yourself. - I know.

- It's not bad. Do you want to see it? - Yes.

It's only a sketch.

Christ, that's ugly.

I have to get back to work now. I don't get paid for being here.

- We haven't really got going. - No...

- How about red wine and shrimp? - No thanks.

- I'll let myself out. - Yes.

- I'll get it. - No!

It scares people if you answer too soon.

Okay. Answer it.

- The Silent Ear. - This is Myrtle.

Sorry to call so late. I'm still in a meeting with the council.

And then they wanted canapés. Give Jesper a message.

The construction workers are on strike.

They refuse to work until the naked man is identified.

- People are up in arms. - We're caught with our pants down.

People can't take it. A solution must be found.

The council keeps blaming me for not acting at once.

Could I call a town meeting on Sunday at 4 p.m.? Could you help me?

- We have better things to do! - Yes, we can help.

- That's what we're here for. - You talk to all sorts.

- Jesper has a huge network. - Yes. Don't you?

- Thanks. Give Jesper my regards. - Thank you.

Margrethe, I'm glad you're here. The kitchen is a huge mess.

The staff just took off. We can work out a suitable salary.

It's no trouble. I love a filthy kitchen.

- Quite odd not to be going on stage. - Yes, you were on just the other day.

- Hi. Bo. - Hi. Lindy Steen.

I'm the shop steward for the workers who had to throw in the towel.

- I'm here on my own instinct. - No sketches to do today?

I'd like to welcome you -

- to this ad hoc brainstorming.

Thanks to Jesper for spreading the word to so many.

Without Jesper's untiring work for... Oh sorry, it's anonymous.

It's time to put a bandage on the open wound -

- which our town square resembles.

Work has been discontinued, and the stores are suffering.

House prices are tumbling down. Our society is built on mutual trust.

It's been replaced by distrust and...

It's as if we can't count on each other anymore.

One feels scared all the time.

We have to do something. I suggest we work in groups.

Group 1 and 2.

Well, let's form a group.

I baked a pistachio cake. That's how we usually do things.

But we've probably all lost our appetites.

Margrethe, come up here.

Come and sit with us. The coffee won't go anywhere.

- Should we have a spokesman? - Fine. I'm used to speaking.

Don't you own "Your Dressman"? I bought overalls from you.

It isn't Ulla's store. Ulla's potential lies elsewhere.

That's a weird thing to say. Are you trying to make a pass?

You might not take this seriously, but my friends are accused of streaking.

And they have families, Mr. Steen. We have to put an end to this now.

- Yes. We're doing what we can. - Let's hear from Mr. Bo.

- He can explain the problem to us. - Gladly, Lindy Steen.

We who work for our daily bread can't live with these accusations.

Perhaps you can, but working people can't.

We have to find out who it is. Otherwise I'll be blamed.

- No, no one would do that to you. - I've seen how people stare at me.

- I know exactly how you feel. - Shut your big fat ass!

It would be scary to meet the guy.

Once, by accident I went into the men's locker room at the pool -

- and there was this big full-grown man, and I felt all...

- The man could call the helpline. - He might be afraid of the reaction.

- It's not easy being him, mind you. - No, the poor man.

One could see everything and perhaps even more.

He needs help!

I don't think he should be mocked in public.

I think we should find a dignified way of solving this.

Dignified for him and for us.

We're good people, who live in a civilized society.

- Yes, it's me. - You?

I'm the one behind the phone counseling. The Silent Ear.

Some of you may have guessed. When I strip off my mask -

- it's because I believe the Ear can be of help.

We must demand that the naked man contact the Silent Ear -

- and reveal himself.

We're bound by professional secrecy.

Then we'll have to be there all the time.

Yes, we need 24-hour service, and we don't have the personnel.

So I'd like you to commit to a rota system.

Until this is over. You might ask how we'll go about it.

- How will we go about it? - It's a four-part plan.

1. The man calls. 2. The person on duty contacts Myrtle.

3. On behalf of the municipality, she will state -

- that his identity is established. And then the problem is solved.

How many of you will commit to a rota system?

- I've already signed up. - One, Erling.

Jens Peter. That's two. Three with Mette-Inge.

- Do I have to, Jesper? - We'll sign up.

- That's another two. - In principle, I'd like to.

But we're on strike.

How about you? That makes seven including me.

Listening to you, Jesper -

- has taken a great load off my mind.

There seems to be light ahead of us.

And perhaps there's a piece of pistachio cake as well.

- The Silent Ear. - Hello? I'd like to be anonymous.

- I see them outside my window. - Excuse me?

If you felt like crying, would you call a stranger?

Tell Jesper that his grandfather and father would cry if they knew -

- how he neglects "Your Dressman".

If you fell in the street, who knows if anyone would help?

I tried to help a woman with her groceries. But no!

She started screaming and tried to hit me...

Take for example Lindy Steen. He can't be trusted at all.

Lindy has inspired many people in this town.

I long for our home town where people trusted each other.

A man from the kiosk has been given time off.

They say he's the streaker with the newspaper.

Kiosk Henning? He has such warm eyes. It couldn't be him.

Not there. People stopped shopping there, so he had to go.

Some of us still shop there.

- I went into the men's locker room... - And you saw a naked man.

- A full-grown naked man. - He's just a naked man. Big deal.

- That's not what bothers them. - Shouldn't I talk to...?

No, stay here. It's because he won't turn himself in.

Someone probably reported Henning to the police.

The atmosphere in the town has changed. We need... Perestroika.

People are suspicious of each other.

I heard the Silent Ear is a center for ratting on people anonymously.

- That's not true. - No customers, Mette-Inge.

Why doesn't he turn himself in? I can't respect a wimp like that.

He's chicken...

Would you kindly get back to work?

Margrethe, how about "Children behind a window"?

- 1903. - Yes.

How about "Little boy alone in snow"?

- 1909. - Yes. Here's an easy one.

- "Home for Christmas". - 19... 75.

Nope. 1974. Now for a really hard one.

How about...

"Owl in Night"?

What are you doing? What are you doing?

- Are they gone? - Who?

If someone asks for me, say I'm not here.

- They really startled me. - I thought you'd seen the naked man.

- They really startled me. - I thought you'd seen the naked man.

I can't afford to have you clean for me anymore.

Are you firing me?

As things are, I have to make cutbacks. I'm selling my car too.

Here's what I owe you.

If it's a matter of money... I don't need much.

I'll come anyway. You can't live in that pigsty again.

- I can't accept that. - Yes.

- Take the money. - No, that's the end of it.

The cut is very simple and classic.

Without too many frills, as we say.

I have an ochre and purple scarf that I wear on stage -

- to protect my voice. I'd like something to match it.

Instead of your rag, how about this?

See what I mean? Sometimes one forgets the power of a tie.

- I'll just move your little... - I need it tomorrow.

I'm giving a lecture on one of life's great questions.

- You're welcome to come. - Okay. I have accounting to do.

- But I'll see. Do you like it? - Yes.

- You have good taste. - Thank you.

But come early. It'll be a full house.

We'll wait a few minutes. I'm expecting a young lady -

- who had some accounting to do.

- What's up? - Myrtle couldn't...

Speak up!

Myrtle couldn't make it tonight.

She's a bit beside herself. I promised to read this aloud.

"Thank you for yet another fascinating evening."

"You're an expert in seeing the exceptional in the ordinary."

"I'd like to give you a pipe from my torso series."

"For your untiring eye for the poetry of the female form."

"I've whittled it out from an elm in the pharmacy garden."

"You don't have to smoke it. It's also an ornament."

"Let's thank Lindy and give him a big hand."

Thank you very much.

I'm sure you've been wondering about the lion on the screen.

- Aren't we waiting for someone? - She had some accounting to do.

It's the Isted lion.

A monument commemorating the victory at Isted.

Here's another lion, which most of you recognize.

- Do you know where it's from? - "Inquisitive Jorgen".

Correct.

Storm Petersen's accurate illustration for the song "Inquisitive Jorgen".

We all remember that Jorgen was spanked and put to bed -

- because he asked too many questions.

- But did he? - Yes.

Tonight we'll take a long journey inside the word "why".

Often the only word Man is left with is "why".

Doesn't that word make us wiser today than we were yesterday?

And wiser tomorrow than we were today?

Was Jorgen pushing his luck when he asked why?

These are some of the questions I will attempt to answer tonight.

- We need more ashtrays. - Right.

Margrethe.

You are lost, Margrethe. You are hiding from God.

But now he has found you.

You cannot hide from God. Adam hid from God. Remember?

And he was thrown out of Eden.

He too was up to no good.

I... I just wanted to get away from home for a while.

God is your home.

I haven't done anything improper.

Can you face God and claim you haven't had improper thoughts?

- I should think so. - You can lie to us, but not to God.

- God sees everything. - Margrethe, get your ass in gear!

It's Satan, Margrethe. Satan has got his hooks into you.

Satan won't let you go. Man is powerless.

Only God can command Satan to relinquish you.

Down on your knees, Margrethe.

We ask you, Almighty God -

- to let this lost lamb back into the fold.

We beg you to release her from the fires of Hell.

Hold her in your strong hands and forgive her misdeeds.

Forgive her impure thoughts. Forgive her hideous love of the world.

We beg you on our aching knees. Amen.

- Amen. - Amen.

- May I have a glass of water? - We'll go home now.

Get out of this and come home. Call us when you're ready.

I have a cell phone now.

God can manage without you.

Yet you'll go directly to Hell -

- where your arms and legs will be ripped off.

- And you'll burn over a red-hot... - That's enough.

We'll see you soon, Margrethe.

Vicky.

- Is that an answering machine? - No, a microwave oven.

Our volunteers can heat some waffles or something.

The town will soon calm down.

THE DIRTY EAR

Take it easy. We can easily wash that off. I promise.

Are you having waffles?

- Have you had a busy watch? - I couldn't say, Jesper.

We've had lots of nice calls, but the naked man is still at large.

So you didn't see anyone painting the windows?

My God ! What a pig !

I bet it happened during my nightmare, it was awful...

We've lost control.

- Maybe we should close down. - We can't do that.

- Lots of people want to talk to us. - People need us now!

We can't give up now. We've fought hard for this.

- The girls can't take a shift alone. - Mette-Inge needs a weapon.

Like a brain... or an iron pipe. I can just stay home.

From now on, a man and a woman are on watch together.

- That's a risky cocktail too. - I didn't think it would come to this.

- The Silent Ear. - What if I suspect someone?

- Let's say it's my cousin. - Why him?

He falls asleep with the TV on. He doesn't hear me go to bed.

- God knows what he gets up to. - What does he do during the day?

- He works at the gas station. - Thorkild?

Wouldn't people have mentioned that it was a very fat man? Make an effort!

- The Silent Ear. - Erling?

My name isn't Erling. We are anonymous.

I'm in ward B2. Ask Erling to come.

- I'm all alone. Please help me. - Of course.

Thank you.

- The Silent Ear. - A hospital patient wants to see you.

I don't know any sick people. Forget it!

God says that what you do to my smallest, you also do to me.

When you're in the hospital, you feel small. Now you know she needs you.

- She's your neighbor. - I don't want a neighbor.

You can't say that, Erling.

Don't stay long. They've put her through tests all day.

- She likes to have her hand held. - The cow can hold her own hand.

- I heard that. - Then why are you playing dead?

I'm so tired.

- I have something for you. - What is it?

Take it. It's behind you.

- A closet? - Yes. Shall I carry it downstairs?

What the hell? Is this Mom?

No. It's Dad. You have the same hairstyle.

Shut up.

It must have been a good day. She's clearly been hitting the sauce.

When she had that look, she said, "Go polish your bike, Erling."

- Then some "uncle" would visit. - I don't remember.

No, you were placed in the care of Fat Face in Slagelse.

- And his red-haired sow. - Stop it.

- I can't help they didn't take you. - Shut the fuck up.

I might have been an ugly child, but you're fucking ugly now.

You look like shit. You look like fucking shit!

- This is a hospital! - Get out of my sister's room !

- I'll have to ask you to leave. - It's my sister's room !

- Thanks for coming. - I'm on the night shift.

- Here you are again. - I freaked out at the hospital.

- I need some of those pills. - As I always say: See your doctor.

He says I don't need them, but I do.

- You're turning me into a criminal. - You're very brave.

I wonder which one of us is the craziest.

- You're not cold, are you? - Sorry?

You're not cold, are you?

No.

I owe you one.

- The Silent Ear speaking. - Jesper? I'd like to talk to you.

Have a seat.

I hope you're not quitting. You're the one in control.

Don't worry. It's not that.

I've been working with the accountant, and things aren't looking good.

You're bankrupt. Completely and totally.

- What do you mean? - That you have to sell quickly.

Otherwise they'll do it for you.

- I can't sell my Dressman. - Sure. You have to.

And you can. There's a buyer.

Who?

Me.

- You? - Yes, the bank has already agreed.

You can have my job. You know the ropes.

Does this make you unhappy?

- Does it? - Yes.

I couldn't hear you.

- Hi, Myrtle. - You startled me.

- How's it going? - The square looks like a bomb site.

They're working round the clock at the Silent Ear.

Now it's harder for that poor man to confess.

We were forced to strike. A decision has to be made.

We're at home watching TV. I even watch interior design programs.

Our brains are turning into mush. We're workman, for goodness sake!

Can't you and the wife do something? Are you married?

My wife is in Grindsted. Visiting a school friend.

She's been there for nine years now. I heard she got a job at LEGO.

She's always been a wild one.

This is where I get off. I'm on strike. I can't be seen on the square.

Myrtle?

That pipe you made of the town hall was fantastic.

- I wanted you to know. - Thank you.

I thought it turned out rather well myself.

I'm staying here, Mom. Don't worry. I have an iron pipe.

I have to go now. I'll call later. Bye.

My mom read in the paper that the town was in shock.

- Where's Lindy? - He must have overslept.

Ulla is expanding, so I had to move out.

That reminds me of a story about a man who slept in a cowshed.

- He wasn't supposed to smoke, but... - Mette-Inge, not now.

Can I say something?

It's too bad you can't call the Silent Ear.

We could help you.

- It's the clothes store. - Thanks, Feline. Hello?

- Jesper here. - Is something wrong?

I want to close the Ear and turn myself in.

I can't take this anymore.

If I give myself up, the town will go back to normal.

Then I can go away. I don't have much to lose anyway.

- I can work in a department store. - Don't do anything stupid.

I don't have a place to stay.

There's room above the pharmacy.

- I've rented a space from Jens Peter. - A trainee room?

That's where I live! Now we can really talk. That's lovely.

Give me your hand please.

Let me see it.

There we go.

- Actually, this is Ulla's jacket. - Well, now it's yours.

I didn't know you played the guitar. The room isn't very big -

- but it's better than sleeping at the Ear.

- Thanks a lot, Jens Peter. - Let's get some sleep.

- Things will be better in the morning. - Do you think so?

I'm on night shift.

I brought you this. "Nocturnal instinct".

Lindy Steen wrote it. He's a local. That's interesting, isn't it?

- I don't want any trouble. - We've been estranged for 23 years.

Make her well instead of lording it over her.

"Lording it over her". Christ, Erling.

- What's wrong with those people? - One of the doctors...

The chief physician, actually, his breath is so bad you want to puke.

He has shit in his mouth while playing the chief physician.

I thought...

I thought you were in Slagelse or a teacher.

- I wasn't in Slagelse very long. - Why not?

- I ran away all the time. - Then what?

- I was sent to Bakkebjerg. - No, you weren't!

Think what you like. But I was.

At Bakkebjerg where they made you scrub the floor with your bare hands?

No rag, only our hands.

But that was only if you wet your bed.

What about you? You were at Solborg.

- A kid died there. - It was his own fault.

- I often wondered if it was you. - I should be so lucky.

Would you help me with this? Fold it for me.

Ouch! Under my neck.

A little more.

- Alright? - Yes.

- Do you remember Uncle Brumme? - Brumme? Yes.

He gave me cardboard to put on the spokes of my bike -

- so it sounded like a moped.

Do you remember when he tucked us in?

Yeah, man. That song. I've been afraid of the dark ever since.

- Haven't you? - Not exactly afraid...

Maybe a bit.

When the big black birds fly away from their perch.

When the evening breeze whispers that now it's getting late.

When the ferocious howl of wolves chills the blood in your veins.

It gets as dark and quiet as the grave.

The children out at play when the moon begins to shine.

The children who haven't made it home in time.

They often meet the troll, who's brown and big and ugly.

He will pull them, gnaw at them and suck them.

And swallow them and chew them and munch them.

And pat himself happily on the stomach.

Goodnight, kids. Sleep tight.

- I'm thirsty. - It's all that licorice you ate.

My glass is empty, and I don't dare refill it.

Do you think there are rats here?

You're just afraid of the dark.

The door is locked. Nobody can get in.

Would it be okay if I lie next to you?

Sure.

Jesus, you're trembling.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife.

But you're not married.

Oh, right.

- Should we answer it? - Let it ring.

- What if it's the streaker? - It's not. I know who it is.

- Good morning. - Hello.

- Hi. - Could you give me a hand?

- There you go. Whoops. - Thanks.

- Hi. - Hi, Jesper!

It's occupied, dear.

- Welcome. - Thanks.

You can go first.

- Your Dressman, Ulla speaking. - It's Lindy.

- Lindy who? - Steen.

Hi. Hang on.

Hi, Lindy Steen. I have a long distance call. What do you want?

Who's Michael?

He's helping me with my fishing and hunting department.

He says there's a lot of money to be made there.

- You don't know how to shoot. - Maybe I do. Here's some advice.

You should turn yourself in at the town hall. You'd feel better.

Bring "Nocturnal Instinct" and tell them now natural nudity is.

Happiness isn't found in money or in a dead rhinoceros.

Let me put it plainly.

I can't offer you material wealth. Money means nothing to me.

I can offer intellectual challenges. A simple life.

A winter evening talking and red wine, cold shrimp on toast.

That's what I can offer.

Will you move in with me, or don't I stand a chance?

- Sorry. What? - Will you move in with me, Ulla?

I have to go. It's too noisy. Get it over with and turn yourself in.

You can do it back to front as well.

Really?

I'd like to try that.

- Now? - Yes, please.

Open up! We know you're in there, Margrethe.

- Who the hell are they? - Lie still, Erling.

Don't say a word. You're not here.

We found you again. He who does not seek the light, finds darkness.

I don't remember that. Is it a quote from Paul?

- No. It's one of mine. - But nonetheless true.

Have a seat.

The Pure Paths are devastated. We're all praying for you.

We're ready to forgive you if only you'll come home.

When you've repented, just like in the parable of the prodigal son -

- we'll kill the fatted calf.

We'll pull it out of the barn, slaughter it, skin it and dismember it.

I've settled in well here.

I have plenty of work, a nice room and many good friends...

Settled in well?

Settled in Sodom where naked men run around with -

- something in their hands? What's gotten into you?

- Margrethe, what's gotten into you? - What slimy animal do you hold dear?

Lindy Steen says thoughts are free.

You must curb your thoughts and your mind.

Who is Linda Steen?

Is she proper company for you?

Is she? Is she proper company for you?

- You're not answering. - Tell them to shut the fuck up.

Come on! Tell them to shut the fuck up.

Shut the fuck up.

What did you say, Margrethe?

Shut...

Shut the fuck up.

Satan has possessed you. Satan speaks from your mouth.

Satan is within you. He's sown his disgusting seed in you.

No, it's not Satan.

It's a man called Erling.

- Erling? - Yes.

You're coming with us.

I command you in the name of God to come with us.

- Get thee hence, Satan. - Vicky, let's go.

- Are you cold? - No, I'm enjoying the good weather.

- Here comes the chief physician. - Dr. Ass Mouth.

- Hello. Will you come inside? - No.

I've looked at your test results.

- We should talk. - What's your conclusion?

I've studied your journal, which is massive.

I'm afraid we concur with the conclusions of the other hospitals.

There's nothing more we can do for you.

We've examined you thoroughly, and physically you're fit as a fiddle.

What? That can't be right.

Apart from muscular atrophy due to long-term bed rest -

- your sister is perfectly well. I'm sorry.

- Why can't I breathe? - I think you can.

Will you do it for me? How can he say that?

- I said you're not physically sick. - What should I do now?

I'm dying, and all the doctors say I'm well. You can't do that.

You've been released.

- Did you hear that? - Damn doctors.

- It's the same old thing. - Jesus Christ!

- Where did you get the book? - From the nurse.

What's it like?

That Lindy Steen is a weird guy.

It would be fantastic to meet him.

- Is that you, Margrethe? - The door was open.

- You don't have to come anymore. - I know.

- Did you make this drawing? - Yes.

It's beautiful. It reminds me of a picture of the Madonna I've seen.

It's the Virgin Mary, isn't it?

Yes, it's the Virgin Mary.

- Were you going to throw it out? - You can have it if you like.

Thanks.

On closer inspection, it looks like Ulla.

- Did that strike you? - Nope.

Would you like the Christmas plates? You're fond of them.

- The Christmas plates? - Yes.

- All of them? - Yes.

- Even "Fox in snow"? - Even "Fox in snow".

You should think about it. It's quite a big decision.

Go ahead and take them.

Ordinary sandpaper. We've always used it at home. Works like a charm.

- You've saved my life. - Bye.

I've never been so lonely before. I can't go on living like that.

- Of course you can. - But it's not a proper life.

I didn't say that, did I?

People have too much time on their hands.

It's loneliness. My brother knew a farmer who talked to his cows.

He told them his dreams and what he ate. What kind of pills are those?

We don't have them at the pharmacy. What are they called?

- They don't have a name. - I see.

- I know these. I take them too. - No way.

- I've taken one a day for years. - They're damn potent.

Once in a while I take a break.

- What happens then? - I get a cold.

- A cold? - They're vitamins.

Vitamins?

I may never become a pharmacist, but I know a vitamin when I see one.

Your speaking to the Ear.

- Hello, Myrtle. - Did I startle you, Jens Peter?

- How are things? - Just terrific.

I've just been relieved of my duties. After 24 years.

What do you mean?

The poor power of cohesion at the office seems to be my fault.

Poor power of cohesion? That's a bad excuse.

There were five fat men with incredible powers of cohesion.

It was with their deepest regrets, but a head had to roll.

So you're the scapegoat for the streaker?

Yes, to put it mildly.

But that's not why I came.

Do you have any more of that elm? I brought a bag.

I have an idea for a pipe. Life has to go on, as they say.

Myrtle, what would you say if I told you I was the streaker that night?

It's very big of you, but Erling has just told me that it was him.

- Erling? - I shouldn't... It was anonymous.

He's been very happy lately. Is he on medication?

- I can't divulge that. - He seems so serene.

My last day is Friday.

There's a farewell reception at 4 p.m.

When someone mentioned a newspaper, I realized it was me.

- You didn't turn yourself in. - I'm responsible for the pharmacy.

And sick people and the girls. It isn't easy for them.

- I'm a coward. - Why did you run around naked?

Sometimes before sunup when it's very quiet -

- I take a walk in my garden. In the nude.

That night I walked to the front door of the pharmacy -

- and picked up the newspaper.

Then I went back. Someone must have seen me.

I've lost my respect for you. You could have nipped this in the bud.

You can't just close the Ear without our say-so.

Let's go grab a parting cup.

What about Margrethe? And what about all our callers?

Due to certain developments, I have no choice. It's over.

Certain developments? What does he mean? What do you mean?

- That's the way it's going to be. - It's almost 4:00.

Myrtle's reception.

- We have time for a quick drink. - That's up to you. I'm going.

Me too.

They'll probably serve draft beer.

I'll be expected to say a few words. Be inspired, Lindy.

- Mona, would you like a truffle cake? - Been there, done that, thanks.

- These are from the administration. - They're are just lovely.

- Hardly anyone is here. - Jens Peter.

- Myrtle. - Lindy.

If you shoot for the moon and miss, you land among the stars.

That's certainly how you live.

Help yourselves.

Help yourselves to a drink. Erling, how about a truffle cake?

Help yourself. How is the Ear doing?

- Yes, well... - Goodbye and thank you.

- Too bad your efforts were in vain. - Thank you.

- It's a very strange day. - Yes.

I feel a bit beside myself.

I started working here 24 years ago. There was hessian on the walls.

I've been in and out of these rooms for years.

Myrtle.

I'm sorry to have put you in this situation.

And I'm sorry I haven't revealed this before, but it was me.

I was the one seen that night without clothes on.

I was just getting the paper.

- Enough! I already turned myself in. - Erling visited me...

That's kind of you, but I have to take the consequences.

- I turned myself in first. - So it's all for one and one for all.

Yes.

I'd like to turn myself in too.

- Hi, Myrtle. - I was hoping you would come.

- I'd like to have the floor... - A drink?

No thanks. In the presence of witnesses -

- I'd like to turn myself in as the naked man with the torchy thing.

It was me. I want it to end now. Thank you.

No, Bo. You're so busy...

I'd like to turn myself in. It might as well have been me.

Could you hold this? I have something for you.

I'd like to confess. I can't live with it anymore.

I'm here on behalf of my husband. He wants to turn himself in.

I tried to call, but...

This is very kind of you.

But we all know -

- that not one of you would even think of being nude in public.

Come along, Vicky.

- You look happy. What happened? - All the townsmen came forward.

They're all standing in the square. One can see everything.

I haven't been this happy in ages.

Now you can finish the square. Have a seat and a truffle cake.

No thanks.

I made this for you.

You've been a great help, so I thought...

Goodness, Myrtle!

It's very nice indeed.

Did you make it especially for me?

You don't have to smoke it. Put it on your TV or on a shelf.

- Put heather in it or a candle. - I have nothing to give you in return.

You could come over tonight.

I don't want to celebrate alone.

Come around 7, and I'll whip something up.

- I'll bake a cake for our coffee. - No need. There's plenty here.

Now I'm the only man in town you haven't seen naked.

Well...

There's still time.

- I read your book in the hospital. - Yes?

"He's a nutter," I thought. I almost forgot I was sick.

You know...

It's like trying to open the lid of a jar.

- All of a sudden it gives. - That's an excellent metaphor.

Was there one poem in particular that made the lid come off?

The one called "Inside Me" has made a lasting impression.

Darling was always good at memorizing things.

Frankly, it is one of my personal poems.

Do you just sit down and let poetry come to you?

Well, poetry is all about finding your inner self.

I think that as an artist it's a way of living.

Or at least the dream of a way of living. That's how I see it.

- Can I go now? - Yes.

- What do you dream about? - About finding my way home.

Sitting and talking together in the evening with red wine -

- and cold shrimp on toast.

Subtitles: Karen Margrete Wiin Dansk Video Tekst