All language subtitles for The.Razors.Edge.1946.720p.WEB-DL.AAC2.0.H.264-DLg

This story consists of my recollections
of a very unusual young man...

...with whom I was thrown
into contact at long intervals.

In the summer of 1919...

...while passing through Chicago
on my way to the Far East...

...a friend of mine, Elliott Templeton...

...whom I had known
in London and Paris...

...invited me to dine with him
and his sister, Mrs. Bradley.

They were giving a dinner party at
one of those sprawling country clubs...

...which were so much a part
of the American scene...

...in the early days
of the postwar boom.

- Good evening, sir.
- Good evening. Mr. Templeton's table.

- Yes, sir.
- Are they here?

They're having refreshments, sir.

- Oh, here you are.
- With a dry martini, sir.

Prohibition, of all the bloody nonsense.

- Elliott.
- Yes, dear?

Who is this man
that you asked to dinner?

I had to get Sophie last minute
or we would've been 13.

He's an English author. He's quite
all right. In fact, he's really quite famous.

So pretend that you've heard of him.

That's too much. Get the other glasses.

Elliott, you must be slipping
if you frequent authors.

Not at all, my dear.
Authors go everywhere nowadays.

Why, in London, I even met actors
and actresses in society.

Here he is now.

My dear fellow,
how very nice to see you.

Hello, Elliott.

Let me present you to my sister,
Mrs. Bradley.

Louisa.

Louisa, dear,
this is Mr. Somerset Maugham.

How do you do, Mr. Maugham?
It's an honor to have you with us.

Thank you. It's very nice to be here.

What on earth are you doing
in this benighted city?

I'm just passing through, but you,
I thought you never left Paris.

Why should I?

In fact, I came to see my sister
and my niece, Isabel.

I haven't been back
since before the war.

I hope you don't mind, a few
young things are joining us for dinner...

...but we can leave early.

Why should I mind? I like young things
if they're good to look at.

Incidentally, you'll meet the young man
my niece has got herself engaged to.

His name is Larry Darrell, and I'll tell you
that Elliott doesn't approve of him.

I have nothing against him, but he hasn't
any money. And my sister's not rich.

- She needs all she's got.
- Elliott...

...is it necessary to tell Mr. Maugham
all our private affairs?

- We can't all be millionaires, Elliott.
- He hasn't even got a job.

- He can get one.
- He doesn't want a job.

- Why not?
- Because he's bone idle.

That must shock a man like you
who's never earned a penny in his life.

It may have escaped your notice,
my dear fellow...

...but I am not an ordinary man.

- Cocktail?
- Oh, yes, please.

For the run of mankind,
industry is essential.

I see no reason why this man
my niece has got herself engaged to...

...should not conform
to the customs of his country.

Here's my niece now.

Oh, Mother.

- Hello, Isabel.
- Hello.

- This is my daughter, Isabel.
- How do you do, Mr. Maugham?

- Where's Larry?
- Late.

Poor sweet. I suppose he forgot
to wind his watch last night as usual.

You wouldn't know about Larry.

Say, Mother, you've mixed up
the cards--

- Oh, Sophie, dear.
- Hello, Sophie.

This is Sophie Nelson. Sophie
is a neighbor of ours in the country.

- How do you do?
- You look charming, Sophie.

Yes, doesn't she? Excuse us.

Come here.
I want to have a look at you.

- Sophie, you look lovely.
- It's the dress.

- You sure you don't mind my wearing it?
- Of course not.

- If you like it, take it as a present.
- Oh, that's awfully sweet of you.

Oh, it'll be such a surprise for Bob
to see me decently dressed.

Oh, you know Bob's much too much in
love with you to notice what you wear.

He's no more crazy about me
than I am about him.

I don't think anyone ever loved
anyone as I love him.

- Isn't it heavenly to be alive?
- Yes.

- Hi.
- Hello, Gray.

- Hello, Gray.
- May I break this up?

Sure.

Hello.

- You look lovely.
- Think so?

- Hello, Sophie.
- Hello.

May I get you one, Miss...?

- Miss Nelson, isn't it?
- Yes, Sophie Nelson.

I'd love it.

No, I guess I'd better not.

- Why? What's wrong with cocktails?
- Oh, nothing.

Only, I promised Bob I wouldn't.

- Who's Bob?
- My boyfriend.

He doesn't like me to drink.
He thinks I'm too fond of it.

- Which is Bob?
- Oh, he isn't here. He's working.

He's putting himself
through law school.

He's gonna drop in later
and take me home.

Will you have one of these?
If my man Joseph could see me now...

...I give you my word,
he'd faint dead away.

You're a great friend
of Mr. Templeton's.

Oh, I wouldn't say that. Elliott has
no friends, only acquaintances.

- He's an awful snob, isn't he?
- Oh, awful. But he's kind and generous.

People laugh at him, but they eat
his food and drink his wine.

Oh, Mr. Maugham. Mr. Maugham,
you're next to Mother.

And Sophie, you're next to Gray.

- That's us, toots.
- Mr. Maugham, Mr. Maturin.

- Isabel.
- Yes?

- Dinner, my dear fellow.
- Oh, yes.

And who's Mr. Maturin?

Oh, Gray. He's our millionaire.

His father's a big broker.
We're proud of him.

He gives us class. But he's nice.

I know several girls who'd stop
at nothing short of murder to get him.

- They haven't a chance.
- Why not?

He's so in love with Isabel
he can't see straight.

I see. And she's in love
with Larry Darrell.

I suppose that does
complicate matters.

It does, if you're as
high-principled as Gray is.

And Larry isn't here.

Yes, he's just coming in now,
way over there. Look.

Come on, dinner.

This is the young man
of whom I write.

He is not famous.

It may be that when his life
at last comes to an end...

...he will leave no more trace
of his sojourn on this earth...

...than a stone thrown into a river
leaves on the surface of the water.

Yet it may be that the way of life
he has chosen for himself...

...may have an ever-growing influence
over his fellow men...

...so that,
long after his death perhaps...

...it may be realized that there lived
in this age a very remarkable creature.

- You're very late, Larry.
- I'm sorry.

Sophie, where is Mr. Maugham?

Larry hasn't learned that punctuality
is the politeness of kings.

Elliott. Mr. Maugham,
this is Larry Darrell.

- When can we start dinner?
- Mr. Maugham's a novelist, darling.

I may as well tell you that Larry's
very stupid and uneducated.

He knows nothing
about anything except flying.

When he came back,
he looked so lovely in his uniform...

...I camped on his doorstep
until he consented to marry me.

- The competition was awful.
- Don't believe a word she says.

Isabel's not a bad girl,
but she's a terrible liar.

- Dinner.
- Oh, yes.

I've seen you before.

Oh, when?

I happened to have work to do,
and I went into the library.

I saw you there this morning.

When I came back from lunch,
you were still there.

- I forgot about lunch.
- I couldn't help admiring...

...your power of concentration.

- It was that kind of a book.
- My fellow...

...you're at the end of the table
with my sister.

- Hello, Gray.
- Hi there.

Say, Dad tells me you turned down
that job in the office.

Oh, Larry, why have you done that?

I thought it over, and I figured
I'd be a disappointment...

- ...so I decided I'd better refuse.
- Sorry, old man.

It would have been swell,
us working together.

Hi. Looks as if tall, dark and legal
is standing you up tonight.

I'd like to catch him trying it.

- You're old friends?
- We grew up together.

I used to play shortstop
on his baseball team.

We used to think we could lick
any 10 kids our size.

- And could you?
- We tried.

Oh, here comes my young man now.

- Well, here you are.
- Hello.

This is Mr. Maugham. Bob MacDonald.

- How do you do?
- How are you?

He's the one who seems to think
he wants to marry me.

I can't see why, but there it is.

I just happen to be crazy
about the girl.

I wouldn't like him to know,
but just between you and me...

- ...I rather like him myself.
- Let's dance.

- Hello, Isabel.
- Hello.

Larry, why didn't you tell me that
Mr. Maturin had offered you a job?

What?

Larry, why didn't you tell me that
Mr. Maturin had offered you a job?

Answer me.

Answer me.

Well, I thought I'd better not until
I made up my mind one way or another.

You mad?

Darling, that's the horrible part
about you.

However aggravating you are,
one can't really be angry with you.

Oh, can't they?

Did you see those looks
Elliott was giving me?

Well, after all, Larry, a man must work.

And the longer you put it off,
the harder it'll be.

I've got a foolish notion I want
to do more than just sell bonds.

All right, then.

- Go into a law office.
- I don't wanna do that either.

What do you want to do then?

I don't know.

Loaf, maybe.

Oh, Larry, don't be funny.

This is serious.

I'm not being funny.
I think it's very serious.

I wouldn't make you miserable
for anything.

But you are making me miserable.

You see, I love you.

And I love you, Isabel.

Look, Larry, let's be sensible.

A man must work.
It's a matter of self-respect.

This is a young country, and it's a
man's duty to take part in its activities.

Gray's father was saying
only the other day...

...that we're beginning an era that
will make the past look like 30 cents.

He said that he can see
no limit to our progress...

...and that by 1930, we'll be the greatest
and richest country in the whole world.

- Don't you think that's terribly exciting?
- Terribly.

Why, there never was such a chance
for a young man.

I'd have thought
you'd be proud to be a part of it.

- It's such a wonderful adventure.
- I'm sure you're right, Isabel.

The Armours and Swifts
will pack more and better meat.

The McCormicks will turn
out more harvesters.

Henry Ford will make more cars,
and everybody will get richer.

- And what's wrong with that?
- Nothing.

Nothing. It just happens
that sitting in an office...

...and making a lot of money
doesn't interest me.

Oh, don't talk like a fool.
You can't live without money.

I have a little. That's what gives me
the chance to do what I want.

You're making it very difficult for me.

I'm sorry, darling.
I wouldn't if I could help it.

You can help it.

Yes?

The dead look so terribly dead
when they're dead.

- What does that mean, exactly?
- Just that.

Are you terribly unhappy, darling?

No, the only thing that makes me
unhappy is making you unhappy.

I don't think I'll ever find peace
until I make up my mind about things.

It's so difficult to put into words. The
minute you try, you feel embarrassed.

You say to yourself, " Who am I to bother
my head about this, that or the other?

Isn't it better to follow the beaten path
and let what's coming to you come?"

And then I think...

...of a guy I knew.

A minute before, he was
full of life and fun, and then...

...he was dead.

I've seen many men die,
but this one was different.

It was the last day of the war,
almost the last moment.

He could've saved himself,
but he didn't. He saved me and died.

So he's gone,
and I'm here alive. Why?

It's all so meaningless.

You can't help but ask yourself
what life is all about.

Whether there's any sense to it
or whether it's just a stupid blunder.

I hardly know what to say.
It's so unexpected.

Larry, do you think it would help
if you went away for a while?

- I think perhaps it would.
- Then why don't you go?

Because of you.

Larry, let's be frank with each other.

There's no place in your life
for me just now.

Does that mean you don't
want to be engaged?

Oh, no, foolish.

It means that I'm prepared to wait.

It might be a year, or even longer.

That doesn't matter.

It might be less.

Where have you thought of going?

Where?

Well, I thought I'd start
by going to Paris.

I went there several times on leave.

I've got it into my head that there...

...everything that's muddled
in my mind...

...would grow clear.

It's a funny place.

It gives you the feeling that you can
think out your thoughts to the very end.

I think over there I may be able
to see my way before me.

And if you don't?

I'll give it up as a bad job...

...come back to Chicago,
and take the first work I can get.

Oh, my darling.

Oh, Larry.

I love you.

I love you so much.

I cannot for the life of me
understand how Isabel...

...could possibly prefer that young man
to a fine chap like Gray.

Oh, I grant you, he's good-looking.
And his clothes fit.

But imagine, an opportunity...

...to go in with Gray and his father
on the ground floor.

Isabel.

Home so early?

Yes.

- What's the matter?
- Nothing.

- Where's Larry?
- Gone. Hello, Mother.

- Did you have a talk?
- Yes.

- May I venture to inquire the result?
- He's going to Europe for a while.

- I promised to wait.
- What is he going to do in Europe?

- Loaf.
- Loaf? Don't be ridiculous.

- It's what he said.
- I have no patience with you.

If you had any spirit, you'd have
broken off your engagement.

What can I do?

- I love him.
- Come along.

It's all right.

Well, things might be
a great deal worse.

Oh, thank heavens.
Merci, Joseph.

I was just saying, Louisa,
things might be a great deal worse.

Don't get up. I don't see how.

My poor Louisa,
you have no imagination.

When you're young, your emotions
are violent, but not durable.

It's a delusion that absence
makes the heart grow fonder.

With Larry out
and Gray on the spot...

...I don't see why Isabel
shouldn't marry him.

You've been away from America
too long, Elliott.

In this country,
a girl doesn't marry a man...

...because her mother,
or even her uncle, wants her to.

That's nothing to be proud of, Louisa.

As a result of 30 years' experience,
I may tell you that a marriage arranged...

...with a regard for position and fortune
has every advantage over a love match.

In France, which, after all, is
the only civilized country in the world...

...Isabel would marry Gray
without thinking about it twice.

After a few months,
if she was still in love with Larry--

That will do. I know what you're going
to say. The idea doesn't appeal to me.

That's one of the things I've never
understood about you, Louisa.

Though you've lived half your life
in diplomatic society...

...in half the capitals of the world,
you've remained hopelessly American.

It isn't often that you pay me
a compliment, dear.

- It wasn't meant to be one.
- I know.

Well, I think I'll go to bed.

- Will you lock up?
- Yes, dear.

- Good night, Mr. Maugham.
- Good night.

You're very full of worldly wisdom
this evening.

Have you ever known me not to be?

I don't mind telling you,
I have a sneaking sympathy for the boy.

He's young and wants
to sow his wild oats...

...before he settles down to married life.
Very natural and very proper.

I'll keep my eye on him in Paris.

Of course, he must cross
on the Aquitania.

I know the captain.

He'll see that Larry sits at his table
and meets the right people.

I'll look for an apartment for him
in a really smart quarter.

I'll do him proud.

I'll give some parties for him.

So many Americans, when they go
to Paris, get in with the wrong people.

And then they find it no end
of a job to shake them off.

I'll have my chauffeur, Marcel,
drive him about in the Rolls.

I detest the countryside.

But alas, all Americans
are born tourists...

...and no doubt,
he'll want to see the sights.

It would be perfect if I could arrange
for some older woman...

...to take him under her wing.

Princess Novemali, for instance.

He is young and he has a good figure.

I think she'd fall for him
like a ton of bricks.

In any event, the busier I keep him...

...the less time he'll have
to think about Isabel.

Anything for Lawrence Darrell?

This wireless came
day before yesterday.

Thank you.

Excuse me. Pardon me, when does
the boat train from the Aquitania arrive?

- Eleven-thirty, monsieur.
- Thank you.

Why, of course, madame.

Larry! Larry!

Oh, Larry.

Oh, Larry, I've missed you.

I've missed you so much.

May I ask how he knew
you were coming?

Isabel cabled him from the ship.

- Are they still engaged?
- As far as I know.

- What about Gray Maturin?
- Still faithful.

I don't believe you've played
your cards well.

- I never had much card sense.
- Mother, here he is.

- Oh, how good of you to come.
- So nice to see you.

- Hello.
- How do you do?

- May Larry come to dinner with us?
- I understand Larry doesn't dine out.

- He will tonight. Won't you?
- I will.

That's very good of you.
I shall be delighted.

We'll meet you at the house.

Taxi. Taxi.

Come along, darling.
I've got a million things to tell you.

I'm afraid I haven't a very good account
to give you of that young man, Louisa.

When he first came to Paris,
for Isabel's sake, I asked him to lunch...

...to meet the sort of people
he ought to know.

- And he told me he didn't eat lunch.
- Perhaps he doesn't.

When I asked him to dinner, he couldn't
because he had no evening clothes.

If I live to be 100, I shall never
understand how any young man...

...could come to Paris
without evening clothes.

Maybe he just didn't want to.

That's the most incredible reason
for refusing an invitation I've ever heard.

- And where does he live?
- I haven't a notion.

Isabel writes to him in care
of the American Express.

Like a traveling salesman,
or a schoolteacher on vacation.

My own belief is that he's living
in the Latin Quarter with some bit...

...who's no better
than she ought to be.

I'm afraid you'll have to write him off
as one of your failures.

It might surprise you to know it,
my dear, but I've already done so.

She speaks so quickly
I can't understand her.

It's an old French custom.
Everyone has to wear a sprig...

...of lilies of the valley on May Day.
They're a symbol of happiness.

May Day. Imagine it's being May.

- I've been here nearly a month now.
- Oh, impossible. It was only yesterday.

I still don't know a thing
about what you've been doing.

Tell me, Larry. You must know
I've been dying to know.

Oh, nothing very exciting.
I've traveled around...

...read a lot, gone to lectures
at the Sorbonne.

Have you found that peace of mind
you were looking for?

No, but for the first time,
I see things in a clear light.

What does that mean?

It's rather difficult to explain. And even
if I try, you'll only be angry with me.

How much longer do you think
all this is going to take you?

I don't know. I don't know.
It's hard to say.

And after that, what are you going
to do with all this wisdom?

If I ever acquire wisdom, I suppose I'll be
wise enough to know what to do with it.

You know what Uncle Elliott says.

Nothing to my credit, I imagine.

He says you have a cozy
little hideout somewhere.

Come and see for yourself. The cozy
little hideout's only a step from here.

- Monsieur Darrell.
- Madame Duval, Mademoiselle Bradley.

- Bonjour.
- Monsieur Jacques Duval.

Did you see the looks they gave me?

Ruined my character,
that's what you've done.

This is where you live?

- You don't like it.
- No.

Well, it's all right. It's convenient.

How about a cup of coffee?

Larry, how can you bear to sit here
in a backwash when America's...

...living through the most glorious
adventure the world has ever known?

You've been away a year now,
a whole year out of your life.

You just can't go on loafing forever.
Or can you?

- It's possible.
- And what about me?

Am I of no importance to you at all?

You're of great importance
to me, Isabel.

- I love you. I want you to marry me.
- When, in 10 years?

- No, as soon as possible.
- On what?

- I've got $3000 a year.
- Oh, Larry.

- Lots of people live on a great deal less.
- I don't want to live on $3000 a year.

I never have,
and I don't see why I should.

We could go to Capri
for our honeymoon.

And then in the fall,
we could go to Greece.

Remember how we used to talk
about traveling together?

Of course I want to travel.

But not like that.

Cheap restaurants, third-rate hotels.

Besides...

...I want to have babies, Larry.

- All right, we'll take them along with us.
- Oh, Larry, you're so impractical.

You don't know what you're
asking me to do. I'm young.

I want to have fun,
do all the things people do.

We wouldn't have a friend
in the world.

Oh, Isabel, stop exaggerating.

We'll do everything you want.
We'll do it together.

Oh, listen.
If you hadn't a cent to your name...

...and got a job that brought you $3000
a year, I'd marry you without hesitation.

I'd cook for you. I'd make beds.

I wouldn't care what I wore.
I'd think it was fun.

I'd know it was only a question of time
until you'd make good.

But this means living like this all
our lives with nothing to look forward to.

It's asking too much.

Oh, Larry, you've had your fling now.

For your own sake, I beg of you
to come home with us.

But I wouldn't make you happy if I did.

You see, what you forget is that
I want to learn as passionately as...

...well, as Gray, for example,
wants to make a lot of money.

I came over here because I was restless,
and because my mind was muddled.

I came looking for the answers
to a lot of questions.

Some of them I've found.

Others I may never find.
But I can't stop now.

Oh, I know it sounds vague
and trivial compared with....

Well, compared with everything
that's happening at home today.

And I know I'm being very difficult.

But I can't stop now, Isabel.
I just can't.

What would happen to America
if everyone did as you're doing?

The answer to that is that
everyone doesn't feel as I do.

Fortunately, most people are content
to follow the normal course...

...and take things as they are.

Oh, I wish I could too.

But I know if I tried, I'd just make
a mess of your life, and of mine too.

But...

...what's this all going to lead to?

I don't know.

It may be that I will find
something to give...

...that people will be glad to take.

It's just a chance. But even if I fail,
I shan't be any worse off...

...than a fellow who's gone into
business and hasn't made a go of it.

Then there's nothing more to be said.

Here you are.

Isabel.

Wear this on another finger, please.

- We're still friends.
- Of course.

Shall we go?

Well, go on, go on.

I don't believe it.

Do you realize that in the two months
you've been here...

...I haven't won a game?

- Who's winning?
- I am.

Good.

Well, I must say, Isabel's taking it very
well. Has she told you what happened?

Only that she and Larry came to
the conclusion they'd made a mistake.

- Has she written to Gray?
- I'm not in the habit of opening her mail.

If you ask me, she's very well out of it.
There was a physical attraction...

- ...but that's all--
- Here she is.

- Good night, Mother.
- Don't be too late.

Remember we have to catch
the boat train in the morning.

You're very dressed up.

- You seem to be going somewhere.
- Yes.

- Where?
- Oh, nowhere in particular.

- Larry and I are going out on the town.
- Larry?

We thought we'd spend
our last night together.

"Evening," I trust you mean.

I'm profoundly shocked.

If he had any decency,
he'd never have asked you.

But he didn't ask me. I asked him.

- You should forbid her to go.
- Will you pay any attention to me if I do?

- No, darling, none.
- In that case...

...I don't think there's any point
in my forbidding it.

Pretty dress she had on.

I hadn't realized
it was cut quite so low.

I've never seen you so beautiful.

Well, I guess this is goodbye.

Will you come in
and have one last drink?

Yes.

It's late. You'd better go.

Oh, Larry, for heaven's sakes, go!

Please, Larry.

Larry.

Uncle Elliott.

That was a brilliant performance,
my dear.

I left the door just a little open.

Shall I get you a drink?
I expect you want it.

You think you're very clever,
don't you?

I don't think it, I know it.

Come, come, child, be reasonable.

I guessed you were up to something.

Even your mother noticed
the pains you went to...

...to make yourself alluring tonight.

You're hateful.

But no fool, my angel.

Am I right that you thought if you
could get him to come back here...

...it was almost inevitable
that the inevitable should happen?

No one could put it more delicately.

We know what the consequences
may be when a poor girl...

...strays from the narrow path
of virtue.

Do we?

My guess is that if your
unscrupulous plan had come off...

...it wouldn't have been long
before Larry got a letter from you...

...telling him to come back at once
and make an honest woman of you.

You can be wonderfully disagreeable
when you like.

I know, it's one
of my most cherished gifts.

Why didn't you go through with it?

When I looked into his eyes...

...and saw he hadn't the slightest idea
I'd set a trap for him...

...I couldn't bring myself
to play such a dirty trick.

I couldn't help myself.

I suppose it was my better nature.

Nonsense. It was your sound
Middle Western horse sense.

You'd have been mad
to have married him.

I wonder.

Believe me,
when you've put the Atlantic...

...between you and that young man,
you won't care two straws for him.

Trust your Uncle Elliott.

He's a very wise old party.

Mr. Maturin, the cake.

Here's a knife, Miss Isabel.
I mean, Mrs. Maturin.

- What do I do with it?
- Gray, you get in. You're in on this.

- I told you what to do. Take her hand.
- Nothing would please me more.

Darling, this is the nicest wedding
I've ever been to.

- We should've thought of this sooner.
- Uncle Elliott...

- ...how do brides cut cakes in France?
- With a knife, dear.

- Now make a wish, Gray.
- I don't have to.

I've got my wish.

I've never understood why, when
there's so much space in the world...

...people should deliberately choose
to live in the Middle West.

What in heaven's name is this?

Is it alone?

Doesn't it come with something?
What is it?

- It could be a pickle fork.
- A pickle fork.

Two ninety-eight, no doubt,
at Ye Gifte Shoppe.

Four fifty, Mr. Templeton,
at Obendorfer's.

- We know, because we sent it.
- Charming. Is it for use or ornament?

Both.

Remember me? We met
the last time I was in Chicago.

- I certainly do, Mr. Maugham.
- Hello, sir.

Sophie.

Oh, darling, how sweet of you
and Bob to come.

Let me see you.

- Oh, you look beautiful, Isabel.
- Think so?

Like a million dollars.
Or should I say 20 million?

Darling, we never see you
and Bob anymore.

Where do you hide yourselves?

Just at present, for reasons
best known to ourselves...

- ...we don't mix with the rich.
- We find it expensive.

- How's the kid, Bob?
- Fine.

- Would you like--?
- Oh, please, darling, not now.

I'd love to come see you.
Where do you live now?

In a walk-up apartment
on the North Side.

I'd ask you to dinner, only I'm afraid
you won't care for my cooking.

Don't you believe her.
She's the best darn cook in Chicago.

All's well that ends well.

And I must say, they make
a very attractive couple.

Oh, no.

- I hope they'll be happy.
- Why shouldn't they be happy?

They have everything
to make them happy.

Money, position, a nice house.
And Gray's father can't live forever.

What about Larry?
Heard anything about him?

Good heavens, no. As soon
as Isabel and Louisa went away...

...I dropped him like a hot potato.
A most undesirable young man.

I tried to find him the last time
I was in Paris, but I couldn't.

I wonder what's happened to him.

Shall I tell you something,
my dear fellow?

I don't care a row of beans.

- Hey, Kosti.
- How about a beer?

- Well, I would like to wash up first.
- Oh, come on.

It's good, clean dirt.
You can wash later.

A couple of beers, sweetheart.
And a deck of cards.

I looked for you last night.
You were out.

Was she pretty?

You're wrong. I went
to a lecture at the university.

Missed the bus.
I walked back in the rain.

- It serves you right.
- Why?

Enlightenment is a curse
of civilization.

A man who wastes his energy
on knowledge is a fool.

The more he learns, the more he wants,
and the more unhappy he becomes.

Tear down the schoolhouses,
burn the books, strangle the teachers.

Then the world can get somewhere.

The beer.

And the cards.

We'll play for the drinks.

Why should a man who wants to
develop his brain work in a coalmine?

Answer me that. You could have
gotten a soft job on the surface.

I wanted to work below.

Hiding out, are you?

- Police after you?
- No.

- A woman?
- No, I just thought...

...it'd do me good
to work up a sweat.

What have the other Poles
told you about me?

Not much. They advised me not to play
cards with you because you cheat.

- Do you think it's true?
- Yes. I know it is.

Then why do you play with me?

For the fun of it.

I've been watching.
I can't see how it's done.

You never will, my boy.

I shouldn't have thought it worth
your while just for a few drinks.

I like to keep my hand in.

What are you going to do
when you get enough of this?

Go back to America?

I will, I suppose, one of these days.

- And do what?
- Sell bonds.

You're a rum one, Larry.

But what about the answers
to all those profound questions...

...you have been asking yourself?

Don't you know people have been
asking the same questions...

...for thousands of years?

Doesn't the fact that people have
asked those same questions...

...for thousands of years only go
to prove that they can't help asking?

Very good. Very good.

You're not altogether stupid.

As a matter of fact, you sound
like a very religious man...

...who doesn't believe in God.

I'm not sure that I believe in anything.

Have you ever thought
of going to the East?

No.

India, for instance?

I went there. I met a strange man.

A man I never thought
to meet in this world.

A saint.

People go from all parts of India
to see him...

...tell him their problems, ask
his advice and listen to his teaching.

And they go away strengthened
in soul and at peace.

But it's not his teaching
that's so remarkable.

It's the man himself.

- Did he help you?
- No. No.

But that wasn't his fault.
It was mine.

How did you ever come
to go to India?

To escape my pursuer.
He followed me there.

I've wallowed in the gutters
of half the seaports of Europe...

...to put him off my track.
He was waiting for me.

I know however far I flee,
one day he will come up with me...

...and I shall feel the terrible hand...

...on my shoulder.

Wouldn't it be better
to take your punishment?

You don't know
what the punishment is.

It's not prison or the hangman's rope.
I could face that.

It's mercy...

...forgiveness, love.

Didn't anybody ever tell you
that I'm a unfrocked priest?

It's not the police
I'm running away from.

I'd kill anyone who tried to arrest me.

It's God.

Get out, you fool!
I'm going to get drunk.

Sorry we were interrupted.
They're pilgrims.

They come from many places,
some from quite far distances.

What has brought you here, my son?

I've come to learn.

Ever since the war,
I've been searching for something.

Something that I've not been able
to put into words.

I've been told that from you
I might find guidance.

God is the only guide.

But perhaps if we talk,
he may show me a way to help you.

To my friends, I'm a loafer,
afraid of responsibilities.

I can't even make those I love
understand what I'm after.

The fact you've taken the time
to come this great distance...

...in search of knowledge proves that
you're not afraid of responsibilities.

Even to admit that you want to learn
is in itself courageous.

I've studied, I've traveled, I've read
everything I could get my hands on...

...and nothing seems to satisfy me.

Oh, like everyone else, I want
to succeed, I want to improve...

...but not necessarily in the terms
of what the world calls success.

Somehow I've lost confidence
in the accepted values.

I try to get excited at the prospect
of settling down...

...minding my own business
and making good...

...but it only increases my urge
to move on.

I know that if I do find
what I'm looking for...

...it will be something
that I can share with others.

But how to find it, and where?

All your restlessness and confusion
are not unique, my son.

The whole world is restless
and confused.

It will always be so, as long as men
set their ideals on the wrong objects.

There can be no real happiness...

...until men learn that it comes
from within themselves.

I know.

It is written that the wise man
lives from within himself...

...which is from God,
from within his own heart.

This is the way of calmness,
forbearance...

...compassion, selflessness...

...and everlasting peace.

- But that's not easy.
- No.

The road to salvation
is difficult to pass over.

As difficult as the sharp edge
of a razor.

But this much we know...

...and all religions teach it.

There is in every one of us
a spark of the infinite goodness...

...which created us.

And when we leave this earth,
we are reunited with it...

...as a raindrop falling from heaven...

...is at last reunited with the sea
which gave it birth.

- May I stay here with you?
- Of course you may.

Our life's very simple.
There are books.

We will talk together.

You can even work in the fields
if you wish.

We Indians believe there are
three roads that lead to God.

One is the path of faith and worship.

One is the path of good works
performed for the love of God.

And then there is a third path, which
leads through knowledge to wisdom.

You have chosen
the way of knowledge.

But you will find in the end, my son...

...that the three paths
are but one path.

One of my students
will show you where to sleep.

Thank you.

- Excuse me, please.
- Yes, sir.

Operator?

Michigan 7182.

I wanna get Mr. Gray Maturin.

- Is Dr. Thompson in there?
- Yes, he is.

We'll hold the hypo for now.
She's doing all right.

You're wanted, doctor.

I'm Gray Maturin, doctor.
They sent for me.

- How is she?
- She's conscious now.

She asked about her husband.
Will you tell her?

Tell her? Doesn't she know?

She should be told before
a possible shock reaction.

You're an old friend.

Hello, Gray.
It was nice of you to come.

I got here as quickly as I could.

It was such a silly thing to happen.

A bunch of drunks.
They ran into us at an intersection.

We might all have been killed.

It was lucky I was holding
the baby in my arms.

Is the car badly damaged?
Where's Bob?

Careful of her arm.

Where's Bob?

I want Bob. Bob?

You have to stay in bed,
Mrs. MacDonald.

- Take it easy, Sophie.
- No. I've got to see Bob.

- And baby. Baby, baby.
- Don't let her get up.

- I'll get the doctor.
- Sophie, lie down.

- Leave me alone, you swine!
- Please. Please, Sophie.

Is Bob dead, Gray?

Is he dead?

You can tell me, Gray.

Yes.

And...

...baby too?

Linda.

Linda!

Baby.

Hypo.

Linda. Wake up, baby.

Wake up, baby, wake up.

Well, are you ready to start
on your pilgrimage?

Yes.

But I'll miss it here.
I've been very happy.

We'll miss you too. But you've
got all you can get from books.

It's time for you to put the world
behind you for a while.

To isolate yourself completely...

...from everything.

Sometimes very strange things
happen when you're in the mountains.

Not a living soul within miles of you.

Nothing above you but the sky...

...and God.

What sort of things?

That, my son, depends on you.

You'll find a little shelter up there
at the very top.

Go in. Make yourself at home.

After you've been there some time,
perhaps I shall pay you a visit.

You've come.

Let me look at you.

Yes, I see.

You were right.

Something very strange
did happen to me.

I know.

Tell me.

It was just at that moment
before night ends and day begins...

...when the whole world
seems to tremble in the balance.

Gradually the light began
to filter through the darkness...

...like some mysterious figure
stealing through the trees.

And then the first rays
of the sun came up.

The mountains,
the mist caught in the treetops....

I'd never before felt
or seen anything like it.

I know. I come here often.

I felt that I'd been released
from my body.

That I was suspended in midair.

That all the things
that had been confused before...

...suddenly became clear to me.

I had a sense of knowledge
more than human.

I felt that I'd broken away
and was free.

I felt that if it lasted
another minute, I--

I'd die.

And yet I was willing to die
if I could just hold onto it...

...because for that one moment...

...I had the feeling that....

That you and God were one.

Yes.

I'm sure I could stay here forever
and never tire of it.

No. You must go back.

You are now ready to go back.

It's not necessary
to leave the world, my son...

...but rather to live in the world
and to love the objects of the world...

...not for themselves alone,
but for what there is in them of God.

Your place is with your own people.

You, my son,
are one of the fortunate ones.

By the grace of God, it's been given you
to see the infinite beauty of the world...

...which is only the reflection
seen through a glass darkly...

...of the beauty of God.

That sense of joy...

...that vision of his beauty...

...will remain with you, fresh and vivid,
till the day of your death.

This crest is not in the proper place
at all.

The crest belongs up here.
Up here.

I'm not running in the Olympic Games,
you know.

It'll all have to be done over
immediately.

Now, about this robe. It's really dreadful.
Dreadful.

And look at this tassel. Hideous.

It should strike me here, at the knees,
lower, lower...

...so that when I walk, it'll sway.

As it is now, it just bobbles.
Where are my ties?

It isn't.

By Jove, it is.

- My dear fellow.
- Elliott.

- Where have you been all these years?
- In the Orient.

The last time I passed through
you were away.

Come in, come in.
I have a house on the Riviera now.

I've reached an age
when I'm prepared to relax...

- ...and enjoy the beauties of nature.
- You surprise me, Elliott.

You always looked on nature as
an impediment to social intercourse.

Paris is not what it was.

There's practically nobody to know
here anymore.

But on the Riviera,
there's some nice people.

In fact, the shores of the Mediterranean
are simply littered with royalties.

Heavens knows I'm not a snob,
but just as a matter of interest...

...I don't mind telling you that on one
occasion I had two ex-kings to lunch.

Two.

How nice.

Elliott, what the devil is that crown
doing over your initials?

His Holiness has been graciously pleased
to revive in my favor my old family title.

- Your what?
- Oh, didn't you know?

I'm descended in the female line
from the Count de Lauria...

...who came to England with Philip II and
married a maid of honor to Queen Mary.

As an American citizen, I feel it
more modest not to use my title...

...except on all my personal linen.

I think that's a very pretty gesture
on your part, Elliott.

I take a modest pride
in concealing my rank...

...under the sober pinstripe
of an American gentleman.

You know that Isabel and Gray Maturin
are here with their two children.

Are they? I didn't know.
I've only just arrived in Paris.

- They were wiped out in the crash.
- Yes, I heard that.

Poor Isabel even had to sell
her jewels.

Gray tried to get a job, but it appears
there was no business.

The result was a nervous breakdown.

And he suffers from
the most frightful headaches.

He couldn't take a job now
if he could get one.

Oh, I am so sorry.

I couldn't let them live like pigs,
Isabel with no maid...

...and no governess for the children.

So I've lent them my apartment
until Gray is back on his feet.

You're the most generous creature
in the world.

Nonsense. If I'm taking care of them,
it's because...

...well, noblesse oblige, you know.

- Can I drop you somewhere?
- What about having lunch with me?

- I'm expecting an old friend of yours.
- I wasn't aware I had old friends in Paris.

And even if I have, nothing would give
me less pleasure...

- ...than to meet them at this time.
- Jump in. We're meeting at the Dome.

I dislike being hustled.

To the Dome.

And what about you?
Were you hurt in the crash?

God tempers the wind
to the shorn lamb.

I happened to be in Rome
in September '29.

My friends strongly advised me to sell
my American securities.

I very sensibly took their advice.

So when the crash came
you were sitting pretty.

An Americanism, which I see
no occasion for you to use...

...but it expresses my situation
with a good deal of accuracy.

In fact, I was inspired to sell short...

...and made what you would probably
call a killing.

- You're a downy old bird, Elliott.
- I have a flair.

I do not like the propinquity
of the hoi polloi.

- Oh, hello.
- Larry.

- Larry? I thought you were dead.
- Sorry to disappoint you.

- Where have you sprung from?
- India.

India.

If you will excuse me,
I will now leave you.

I find I have an engagement.

- Goodbye, my dear fellow.
- Goodbye.

- Goodbye.
- Goodbye.

- Did you know Isabel and Gray are here?
- Really? Where are they staying?

In Elliott's apartment
with their children.

I must look them up.

If you don't want to drive their
two girls into hysterics...

- ...you'd better get a haircut.
- That'd be a good idea anyway.

They've had a bad time. The Maturin
Company was wiped out in the crash.

Gray had a nervous breakdown.

Poor Gray. Oh, I am sorry to hear that.

What did you do in India?

I learned something about myself.

I was very happy there.

- Mr. Maugham, sir.
- Yes, I know.

- Hello, Mr. Maugham.
- Hello.

Isabel said she talked to you
on the phone.

Tell Mrs. Maturin
Mr. Maugham's here.

I'm sorry to hear
you've been under the weather.

It's one of those things that comes
and goes. I can't get rid of it.

I thought if I came here
the change might do me good.

Hello.

- Mr. Maugham.
- Isabel.

This is a pleasure.
How are the children?

Oh, wonderful.
Growing by leaps and bounds.

- How is it now, dear?
- Oh, I'm all right.

If you'll excuse me, I always feel
such a nuisance when I'm like this.

Do you want anything, dear?

- No.
- Sure?

- Poor boy.
- What a pity. I was hoping you two...

- ...would dine with me tonight.
- Oh, I'd love to. But he really suffers.

You look very well, Mr. Maugham.

I am very well.

Larry hasn't arrived yet?

Larry?

Yes, he lunched with me today. He said
he'd drop in on you this afternoon.

Larry in Paris? Where has he been?

- India.
- But I didn't know.

I didn't know he'd been in India.

Do you realize I haven't laid eyes
on him for years?

Did you tell him we'd lost
all our money?

It's funny when you think of it,
that we have...

...almost exactly the income that Larry
had when he wanted me to marry him.

And I wouldn't, because
we couldn't possibly live on it.

And now I have two children besides.

I don't think you're so terribly
to be pitied.

Excuse me.

Mr. Darrell.

Isabel.

Larry.

Hello, Isabel.

Larry.

Oh, Larry, I can't believe it.

- Where did they go?
- Who?

Oh, the brood. Come on, babies.
Come on, darling. Come back.

- Oh, come here. What's your name?
- Joan.

- Joan. And how old are you?
- Seven.

Seven.

This is Priscilla.

Seven. It has been a long time.

Yes. A long time.

- It's a lovely brood. Where's Gray?
- In the library.

Run along, darlings.

- Hello, Larry.
- Hello.

Come in and see Gray.

Gray, look who's here.

- Hello, Gray. Don't get up.
- Larry. I am glad to see you.

Sorry you caught me like this.

- Blinding headache.
- Yes.

Mr. Maugham wants to take us
all out this evening.

I thought we'd dine and do the town.
Do you feel up to it?

Well, that's very nice of you,
Mr. Maugham, but I'm afraid not.

- Larry'll go, won't you, Larry?
- Oh, poor Gray.

Sail on, all of you.
Don't let me spoil your evening.

Wait a minute. Would you let me see
if I can help you?

- How?
- I mean, I....

I might be able to help you
help yourself.

All right.

Here, sit down.

- What are you going to do?
- Wait.

What's this?

It's an old coin from India.

Here.

Close your fingers tightly on this,
palm downward.

Now don't fight me.
Don't make any effort.

Just squeeze the coin
with your closed fist.

Before I count 10...

...your hand will open,
and the coin will drop out of it.

One, two...

...three, four...

...five, six...

...seven...

...eight, nine....

I didn't let that coin drop.
It fell out of itself.

It's not important.

I just thought it might give you
confidence in me.

Why?

You'll see. Here.

Got it?

- Excuse me. Here.
- What do you want me to do?

Come back in the corner and sit right
against those cushions. Get comfortable.

- Are you comfortable?
- I think so.

- Have you got a watch?
- Yes.

Palm downward.

Thank you.

Six forty-three.

In 60 seconds, your eyelids
will grow heavy...

...so heavy that you will be
obliged to close them.

Then you will sleep for another minute.

At 6:45, you will wake up...

...and you will have no more pain.

No more pain.

Believe it or not, he's falling asleep.

- You learned that in India.
- There's nothing miraculous about it.

I merely put an idea into his head.
He's doing the rest himself.

I did doze off.

Is your head better?

I don't know. Could be.

- You did something. What did you do?
- I didn't do it. You did it yourself.

- Did I?
- Of course.

A moment ago, my head was splitting
wide open, from here to here.

- How is it now?
- Well, it's certainly better.

Could you cure him permanently?

I can't do miracles, but there's no reason
why he can't cure himself.

- But that was a miracle. I saw it.
- Well, whatever it was, it sure helped.

- Enough to come to dinner with us?
- Sure, I'd like to come.

- I haven't eaten all day.
- You'll come, Larry.

I'd love to. You know, I haven't danced
with you for years.

- I'd like to find out if I still know how.
- We'll see. I'll go get my things.

Oh, would you like a drink,
Mr. Maugham? Larry?

Everything's here.

Oh, hello. How is your friend,
Elliott Templeton?

Pretty well, I think.

- Who was that?
- The Princess Novemali.

Edna.

Funny fellow, that Larry.

He doesn't look a day older than he did
when he left all those years ago.

India changed him.

- Changed him?
- He looks extraordinarily happy to me.

Calm, yet strangely aloof.

- Excuse me. Do you have a match?
- Oh, here.

- Did you get the car?
- Not yet.

Thanks.

- Does he dance as well as ever?
- I didn't notice.

You aren't going to be so silly as
to fall in love with him again, are you?

I've never stopped loving him.
I've never loved anyone else in my life.

Marriage is a pretty difficult job,
even when one's in love.

I shouldn't have thought it fun
when one is not.

One can get on all right without love.

Gray's such a good fellow.
Be a pity to hurt him.

I'll never do anything to hurt him.
I'm too fond of him for that.

Well, it's your business, not mine.

Where to now?
How about Les Ambassadeurs?

Oh, no, I'm sick of all these
smart places.

Well?

How about the rue de Lappe?
I've never been there.

At least it will be different.

- The rue de Lappe in those clothes?
- Nonsense. I can keep my jacket on.

- Please. It'll be fun.
- Don't blame us if you don't like it.

Pull down the blinds if you don't want
a bottle through the window.

You asked for it, Isabel. Here it is.

I'm not scared. I like it.

Oh, look at that.

The police will probably choose now
to raid the place.

I should be thrilled to the marrow.

- Any champagne in Paris is all right.
- Well, I don't--

- Well, well, look who's here.
- Sophie.

Who'd you think it was?

Sit down. Sit down, all of you.

Hello, Gray. Sit down.

I'll get you a chair, Sophie.

Fancy meeting you all like this.

- Hello, Larry.
- Hi, brown eyes.

How are you?

Thirsty.

Come on, let's all have a drink.

Do I know them?
They're my childhood friends.

Who says I'm drunk?

I know you.

You came to Chicago.

- Bit of a stuffed shirt, aren't you?
- Maybe.

I can't say you seem
so terribly pleased to see me.

I heard you were in Paris, Sophie.

You might've called.
I'm in the phone book.

- Are you?
- Yes.

Having a good time over here, Sophie?

Fine.

You went bust, didn't you, Gray?

Tough on you.

I guess it must be pretty grim
in Chicago right now.

Lucky for me I got out when I did.

Where are those drinks?

Here they are, Sophie.

Here you are, Sophie.

My loving in-laws kicked me out
of Chicago.

Said I was gumming up
their reputation.

Look out, Coco. He's the quiet type.
He'll lay you out cold.

- Is that a friend of yours, Sophie?
- Yes, that's a friend of mine, Isabel.

- You living in Paris now, Larry?
- Yes, I am, Sophie.

You remember the summer
before the war?

Sure.

- We saw a lot of each other then.
- When?

When you and your mother
were being social.

We used to read poetry together.
Remember, Larry?

You used to write some poetry
yourself in those days.

Pretty good too, wasn't it?

Not bad for a kid.

It was good.

Well, I'd better get back
to my boyfriend...

...or he'll raise the roof.

He's a sulky brute.
But quite a man.

Come and see me
when you've nothing better to do.

I've got a case of Scotch.

So long, folks.

Come again.

I'm here every night.

I'm afraid that was not
a great success.

Some shock to see Sophie.
Boy, was she tight.

- If not worse.
- That's funny. I got the same impression.

- Do you remember her at all?
- Very well. I liked her.

I remember her husband.

You never saw two people
so crazy about each other.

They got to be a regular joke
around Chicago.

- But what happened?
- Didn't you know?

Bob and the baby were killed.

A car hit them.

- Oh, so that's what it is.
- She nearly went crazy.

We did all we could to help,
but it was no good.

If you asked her to dinner,
she'd come in plastered and pass out.

- We simply had to drop her.
- She became impossible.

Of course, it was a shock.
I was terribly sorry for her.

But a normal person recovers.

If she went to pieces, it was because
she was always unbalanced.

Even her love for Bob was exaggerated.
Aren't I right, Larry?

No, I don't agree with you, Isabel.

She was as normal as any person
I've ever known.

But remember, I knew her better
than you did.

- Was she in love with you?
- Good heavens, no.

She was only a kid.

Just a skinny little girl
with a bow in her hair.

I remember her crying once
when I was reading an ode of Keats'...

...because it was so beautiful.

Girls of that age are very emotional.

Oh, there was a lot to her
in those days.

She had what Keats probably
would have called...

...a sort of lovely purity.

Chauffeur, would you stop
at the next corner.

- You're not going to run out on us.
- Well, my hotel's only a step from here.

- Good night.
- Larry, will we see you?

- Yes.
- We're going to Vittel on Thursday...

...with Elliott.
He wants to take the cure.

We'll be back by the first.
I'll call you.

Fine. Well, good night.

- Good night, Gray.
- Good night, Larry.

And thanks for the dinner.

- Hello?
- Larry.

At last. I've been trying to reach you
for hours. Aren't you ever in?

Well, hardly ever.
When did you get back?

This morning.

Uncle Elliott insisted on being here
in time for Elsa's soiree tonight.

Poor dear. He's not at all well,
but he will go to all these parties.

How's Gray getting along?

Oh, Larry, you've simply done
wonders for him.

He's started to play golf again.
He blames it all on you.

And what have you been doing?

Oh, one thing and another.
I've seen a lot of Sophie.

Really? Why?

Well, after all, she's an old friend.

If you want my opinion,
I think you're wasting your time.

She stopped drinking.

Larry, you're the most gullible person
I've ever known.

She'll never stop drinking.

Sophie wallows in the gutter
because she likes it.

A blind person could see that.

Well, just the same, I do wish
you'd be nice to her, Isabel.

We're going to be married.

What?

Married?

Yes, that's right. It's all settled.

Well, you're not serious. You can't be.

But I am.

Well, aren't you going
to congratulate me?

I am not. I think you're-- You're--

- What's kept you? You've been hours.
- I came the instant I got your call.

- What's happened?
- It's about Larry and Sophie.

The idiot. The stupid, blind idiot.
He must be mad.

If you'd calm down, I might be able
to make out what you're saying.

He's going to marry her.

- How do you know?
- He just called me on the phone.

- Oh, I'm frantic.
- So I see.

He had the effrontery to ask me
to be nice to her.

- Well, it's his own affair, isn't it?
- She's an awful woman.

She's bad, bad, bad!

She's soused from morning
till night.

That doesn't mean she's bad.

Quite a number of respectable citizens
get drunk and do silly things.

They're bad habits, but I don't know
if they're worse than that.

I call a person bad who lies and cheats
and is unkind.

If you're going to take her part,
I'll kill you.

- I'd prefer if you'd give me a cup of tea.
- Oh, help yourself.

He's seen a lot of her since we were
at that dive.

He says she's quit drinking.
The fool thinks he's cured her.

- Did you forget what he did for Gray?
- That had nothing to do with it.

Thanks. Gray wanted to be cured.
She doesn't.

- How do you know?
- Because I know women.

Do you think she'll stick to Larry? No.
She'll break out. It's in her blood.

It's a brute she wants. That excites her.
It's a brute she'll go after.

She'll lead Larry to hell.

It's probable, but I don't see
what you can do about it.

I can do nothing about it.

But you can.

I?

Larry likes you, and he listens
to what you say.

You know the world. Go to him and
tell him he can't make a fool of himself.

Tell him it'll ruin him.

He'd only tell me it's none of
my business, and he'd be quite right.

It may not turn out so badly
as you think.

You make me tired!
She's rotten to the core!

Do you think I've sacrificed myself...

...only to let Larry fall into the hands
of a woman like that?

How did you sacrifice yourself?

I gave up Larry for one reason only.

Because I didn't want to stand
in his way.

Come off it, Isabel.

You gave him up for
a square-cut diamond and a sable coat.

Your Uncle Elliott wouldn't
have thanked you...

...if you'd broken one of his
Crown Darby plates.

They were made for the Duchess
of Dorset.

- Pick up that bread and butter.
- Pick it up yourself.

And you call yourself
an English gentleman.

No, that's one thing I've never done.

Get out of here! I never want to see
you again. I hate the sight of you.

I'm sorry for that, because the sight
of you always gives me pleasure.

Have you ever been told your nose
is like that of the Psyche...

...in the Museum of Naples?

And that's the loveliest representation
of virginal beauty that ever existed.

You've got exquisite legs,
so long and shapely.

I can't cease to be surprised at them.
They were lumpy when I first saw you.

- I can't imagine how you've managed it.
- An iron will.

But, of course, your most
fascinating feature...

...are your hands.
They're so slim and elegant.

I was under the impression
you thought them too big.

Not for your height and build.

I'm always amazed at the infinite grace
with which you use them.

Whether by nature or by art...

...you never make a gesture
without imparting beauty to it.

They're like flowers sometimes...

...and sometimes like birds
on the wing.

There are moments
when I don't positively dislike you.

Sometimes I think you're rather sweet.

I will not have my face
smeared with lipstick.

If you want to kiss me,
kiss me on the lips...

...which is what a merciful providence
provided them for.

Thank you.

- Now what's it you want?
- Advice.

There's only one thing you can do.
Make the best of a bad job.

Larry's gripped
by the most powerful emotion...

...that can beset the breast of man,
self-sacrifice.

He's got to save the soul
of the wretched woman...

...whom he had known
as an innocent child.

And there's nothing you or I
or anyone can do to prevent it.

But he's going to be so unhappy.

Do you love him very much?

It is a nuisance, isn't it?

But I can't help it.

And you don't want
to lose him altogether?

Then make friends with Sophie.
Be as nice to her as you can.

Ask her to lunch.

It would be rather awkward for me
after what I've just said to Larry.

- Will you behave if I do?
- Like an angel of light.

I'll fix it up.

One o'clock tomorrow at the Ritz.

What are you thinking?
I don't quite like the look of you.

I'm sorry. I thought that was
the one thing about me you did like.

You haven't got some scheme
you've been hatching up?

Oh, I promise you I haven't.

I'm terribly curious
to see what she looks like...

...now that Larry's reformed her.

- Larry.
- Oh, there you are.

Excuse me. Mr. Maugham's table?

- In the lounge, monsieur.
- Thank you.

Larry. You like it?

You look fine, come on.

- Hello, Larry.
- Miss Keith.

- How do you do?
- Nice to see you.

- Hello, Sophie.
- Oh, hello, Isabel.

- Sophie, I'm so happy for you.
- Thank you.

- Hello, Larry. Here they are.
- Thank you for asking us.

- Hello, Gray.
- Hello, Larry.

- Isabel says you're feeling much better.
- Not better, I feel great.

I haven't taken a sleeping pill
since we went out together.

If you ever hang out your shingle,
let me know.

- I'll do that.
- Oh, a cocktail.

- No, thank you.
- Here.

- No, thanks.
- You don't mind if we do?

- Oh, no, of course not.
- Go right ahead.

Oh, look. Uncle Elliott.

He behaves exactly as if the Ritz
were his private house.

I'm sure he's telling them how pleased
he is they accepted his invitation.

I'd rather not discuss it.

Isabel. That bloody woman.

How do you do?
It's charming to see you again.

May I offer you my best wishes?
I hope you'll be very happy.

Thank you.

- The same to you.
- Thank you.

Cocktail, Elliott?

No, I would not like a cocktail.
I drink nothing but Vichy.

Look at her. You all know her, of course.
The Princess Edna Novemali.

You'd never think she was American.

But I knew her before she came
over here from Milwaukee.

And that frustrated old-maid secretary
of hers, if you ask me...

...they look like a couple of fugitives
from Madame Tussaud's waxworks.

And where will you and Larry
go on your honeymoon, my dear?

Greece, isn't it?

- Greece?
- It ought to be lovely this time of year.

- Lovely.
- How about a liqueur, Gray?

- Yes, I think I will.
- Ah, yes, this.

Sophie?

- No, thanks.
- You're very foolish. It's excellent.

No, Uncle Elliott, she doesn't want it.

- Gray?
- A little glass for monsieur?

No, alas, it's forbidden me.
My doctors won't let me touch alcohol.

A tear of Perzovka
can do monsieur no harm.

Perzovka. Perzovka.

I'll just have a look at the bottle.

I'm sorry to hear you've been ill, Elliott.
You should take care of yourself.

Perzovka.

It can't hurt me for once.
Just a drop.

Two drops, perhaps.

We drank it at the Radziwills when
I stayed with them for the shooting.

You should have seen
those Polish princes putting it away.

They drink it by the tumbler
and never turn a hair.

I don't care whether Sophie's
on the wagon or not, she must try this.

It's an experience no one can miss.

It's like listening to music
by moonlight.

I'd rather not.

Isabel?

Nice smell.

That's the herbs they put in it.

Oh, very good. Can we have some
of this at the apartment?

Certainly. I'll have a few bottles
sent around.

What did you say it was like,
Uncle Elliott?

Like listening to music by moonlight.

It is.

Sophie.

- Yes?
- I saw the most divine wedding dress...

...at Molyneux's. Let me give it to you
for a wedding present.

- Uncle Elliott and me.
- What?

- Sophie has one already picked out.
- Oh, don't be stuffy, Larry.

Let us give her a dress.
I'll arrange a fitting.

May she?

- Certainly. It's very nice of you.
- Thank you, both of you.

Not at all, not at all.

Suppose you pick me up tomorrow
at 3 at the apartment?

- You know the address, don't you?
- Yes.

Oh, good heavens, we don't want you.
You're only the groom.

I'll see you at 3.

Yes, it was a lovely party.

No, of course I did.

I behaved like an angel.
I always do.

Oh, how silly.

Stop imagining things.

I meant every word of it.

Yes.

Yes.

Tomorrow. At 5.

That was Somerset Maugham
on the telephone.

He gives me the queerest feeling.

As if he were leading
other people's lives for them.

But I daresay that comes
of being a novelist.

Here.

Thanks.

Mr. Maugham.

I called him a stuffed shirt that night.

What does it matter?
That's all past. You weren't yourself.

Your mind was miles away when
I came in. Where was it? With Larry?

- No, right here. I was thinking.
- What?

- You always wanted Larry for yourself.
- I've always wanted to see him happy.

You hate me for marrying him,
don't you?

No. I don't hate you at all.

I'd hate anyone or anything
that came in the way of his happiness.

- I'll be a good wife.
- I hope you will.

I was before.

I know you were.
Sophie, don't misunderstand me.

I don't.

What are we getting into?
Coffee? Ice?

No, thanks.

I'm going to have a drink.

Oh, look. Uncle Elliott sent the Perzovka.

- The what?
- Don't you remember?

He raved about it yesterday.

Oh, yes, the Perzovka.

Poor Uncle Elliott.

Exaggerates about so many things,
but for once, he's right.

I love the color.

Like the green you sometimes see
in the heart of a white rose.

Poor Sophie.

I haven't had a drink since that night
in the rue de Lappe.

It must be awful just to break off
completely, all at once.

Sometimes when I've been alone...

...I've wanted to shake
the house down.

But I've quit.

- Yesterday at the Ritz was tough going.
- I know, I saw it.

Did you? Did I show it?

Only to me, I think.
It meant something to me.

Larry, you mean. Larry's happiness.

He's good.

He's really good, Isabel.

I was gone. Lost. Gone.

This is my only chance. I know that.

Excuse me.

- Is the car here?
- Yes, madame.

Could we talk more?

- Of course, as much as you want.
- Will you wait for me?

I've got to pick up Joan
at the dentist's. I promised I would.

Your baby.

- How old is she now?
- Seven.

Here.

She's lovely.

Linda would have been 9
in November.

This November that's coming.

Stay here. I'll be back
and we can talk.

If you see Sophie MacDonald,
the American, tell her I'll be back later.

Hi, big boy.

Please pass me some Perzovka.

Where's that?

- I speak the English from London.
- Very well, come along.

It is better I do not go in, monsieur.
I will wait for you there.

Come on, Sophie.

Let's get out of here.

Hello, Larry.

Come on. Join us.

Perzovka.

You must try some.

It smells like....

Like listening to music by moonlight.

Come along, Sophie. Up you go. Up.

Come on, Sophie.

Come with me now.

I'll buy you a drink someplace else.

Take your hands off me!

I don't need you! I don't need anyone!

That was the very last I saw or heard
of Sophie MacDonald for almost a year.

As a matter of record, it was
the very last any of us knew of her.

I settled down at my cottage
on the Riviera...

...near Cap Ferrat to finish my book.

And then one day, the police of Toulon
sent for me.

Good morning, Monsieur Maugham.

I see Monsieur Maugham
wears the Légion d'Honneur.

- I have that distinction.
- I apologize for being obliged...

...to inconvenience a person
of your distinction.

Nothing could make me happier
than being of service to you.

Now, about this.

Yes. This is a very dirty business,
monsieur.

It appears that the woman, Sophie
MacDonald, had a very evil reputation.

She was brutally murdered.

What?

Her body was fished out of the harbor.

Her throat was cut from ear to ear.

Dreadful.

How does it happen that a person
of your age...

...and respectability should be
acquainted with such a character?

- I knew her very slightly.
- This volume was found in her room.

If you will examine the autographed
page, you will see it hardly suggests...

...that your acquaintance with her
was as slight as you claim.

"My sweet, let us see if the rose...."

If you think I was her lover,
you're wrong.

It would be no affair of mine.

And without wishing to say
anything offensive to you...

...I must add that from what I've heard
of her proclivities...

...I should say you were not her type.

I'm prepared to take that
as a compliment.

Nevertheless, it is evident you
would not address a perfect stranger...

...as "my sweet."

That line, monsieur le commissaire, is the
first of a celebrated poem by Ronsard...

...with whose works I am certain a man
of your education must be familiar.

Ronsard, Ronsard. Oh, Ronsard.

Of course, I studied Ronsard at school.
But with all the work I have to do...

...I must confess that line
has escaped my memory.

As a matter of fact, I signed this book
for her years ago in Chicago.

Hello, Mr. Maugham.

I didn't know you were here.
I thought you were in Sanary.

Yeah, they sent for me.
Have they told you?

- It's dreadful.
- I've just seen her at the morgue.

I had to identify her.

Pardon, Monsieur Maugham,
do you know this individual?

I do. He's an American citizen.
His name is Lawrence Darrell.

And what do you know of
Monsieur Lawrence Darrell?

He's a student,
a young man of impeccable character.

Impeccable, eh?

And how long have you known this
young man of impeccable character?

Approximately 10 years.

Have any burial arrangements
been made?

Well, if you are prepared to undertake
the expense of the funeral yourself...

...you will receive
the necessary authorization.

Here is a card of an undertaker,
a personal friend of mine...

...who will arrange the matter for you
on terms and with dispatch.

- You are a marvel of efficiency.
- You flatter me beaucoup.

May I see where she lived?

- You have not seen that room before?
- No, I have not.

Look.

Who are these people?

- That's her husband. That's her baby.
- Where are they now?

Dead, monsieur. A long time ago.

May those be buried with her?

- In that frame, monsieur?
- Yes.

As you wish, monsieur.

This is the ode of Keats' I read to her
when she was a little girl.

I remember you mentioned it in the car,
on the way from the rue de Lappe.

It's something
I've always remembered her by.

The day is gone
And all its sweets are gone!

Sweet voice, sweet lips, soft hand
And softer breast

Warm breath, light whisper
Tender semitone

Bright eyes, accomplished shape
And languorous waist!

Faded the flower
And all its budded charms

Faded the sight of beauty
From my eyes

Faded the shape of beauty
From my arms

Faded the voice, warmth
Whiteness, paradise

Vanished unseasonably at shut of eve

My advice is that you go
and have a good dinner.

I have a card here
of one of the best restaurants in Toulon.

It will assure you
of the patron's attention.

A bottle of wine will do you both good
after this harrowing experience.

I've got to get to Nice.
Elliott Templeton's had a relapse.

I'm sorry to hear that.
Do Gray and Isabel know?

Yes, I hope they'll arrive in time.

- I wish you'd come.
- I'd like to...

...but I was never one of Elliott's
favorites, if you remember.

- Thank you. Good afternoon, Joseph.
- Good afternoon. Good afternoon.

I'll let Mr. Templeton know
you're here.

- How is he?
- Very weak, sir.

The doctors say there's no hope.

May I speak to you
on a very delicate matter?

- Of course.
- The time is growing short...

...and Mr. Templeton
should receive the last sacraments.

I hesitate to mention it to him,
sir, but perhaps--

- I shall be glad to suggest it.
- Thank you, sir.

I hear voices.

See who it is.

Mr. Maugham, Mr. Darrell.

My dear fellow,
how very nice to see you.

And Larry. Well, this is a surprise.
Sit down. Sit down.

- Mr. Maugham said you were sick.
- Did he?

- Well, I am sick.
- But you don't look it.

You look extremely well.

Well, really now,
young Mr. Larry Darrell...

...that's the most sensible thing
I've ever heard you say.

Of course he's right.

It's only a temporary indisposition.

I'm lunching with
a duke on Sunday...

...and I've told my doctor he must
put me to rights by then at all costs.

It's too bad this should
have happened just now.

It's a particularly brilliant season.

Are you going to Edna Novemali's party?

- Of course not.
- Has she asked you?

She's asked everybody in Europe.

She's giving a great do. Fancy dress.

Fancy dress.

She hasn't asked me.
It's a deliberate insult.

Don't be ridiculous.
Why should she want to insult you?

- It was just an oversight.
- I'm not a man that people overlook.

Perhaps she doesn't know
you're in the south of France.

Don't be ridiculous, Larry. Everybody
knows I'm in the south of France.

It'll be the best party of the season.

If I was on my deathbed, I'd go to it.

Never mind, old boy, it may rain
the night of the party. That'll ruin it.

I never thought of that.

I'll pray for rain
as I've never prayed before.

The old witch.

She'd never have got anywhere
if it hadn't been for me.

Now she doesn't invite me
to the greatest party of her career.

Fireworks, my dear fellow.
There are going to be fireworks.

So unkind.

I hate them, I hate them all.

They've eaten my food
and drunk my wine.

I've run their errands for them.
I've made their parties for them.

And what have I got out of it?
Nothing.

Now that I'm old and sick...

...they have no use for me.

They don't care whether I live or die.
Not one of them.

They're so cruel.

I wish I'd never left America.

Excuse me.

I'm afraid you're very ill, Elliott.
Much iller than you think.

I was wondering if you'd like
to see a priest.

Do you mean to say I'm going to die?

Oh, I hope not, but it's as well
to be on the safe side.

I understand.

Don't be upset, my dear fellow.

Noblesse oblige, you know.

You-- You ridiculous creature, Elliott.

Call the bishop. Tell him I'd appreciate
it if he'd send Father Charles.

He's a friend of mine.

- I'll go and do that now.
- Thank you.

- May I borrow your car a few moments?
- Of course.

I'll go to Princess Novemali's house.

Her secretary's an old Scotch girl
I know.

I think I can do something
about the invitation.

She's a spiteful woman.
There'll be 1000 people at her party.

It couldn't have hurt her
to have asked him.

- Leave that to me.
- Don't worry about the bags, darling.

- Mr. Maugham. Larry.
- Hello.

This is a surprise.
I had no idea you were here.

- Hello, Gray.
- How is he?

- I'm afraid you've come just in time.
- Poor Uncle Elliott.

- I think he'd like to see you. Come on.
- Larry, you're not leaving?

I'll be right back.

It's more usual
to come in by the door, Larry.

Hello. I thought the room was empty.

Then may I inquire
what you're doing here?

- I'm a burglar, dear.
- Fancy that, now.

And I thought for one happy moment
that you'd come here to attack me.

No, Miss Keith. No, I came to steal
a card for the princess's party.

- She hasn't asked Elliott Templeton.
- I know she hasn't.

She crossed his name off
on the list herself.

He's awfully hurt at being left out.

If he wanted to keep in with her...

...he shouldn't have said those terrible
things about her and her chauffeur.

The unfortunate part about it is
that they're all true.

- You have nothing against him.
- No. He's always been very nice to me.

He's a gentleman.
That's more than you can say...

...about most people who come here to
fill their bellies at the princess's expense.

Oh, come, Miss Keith, be a good sport.
Give me a card. He won't come.

He's dying, and it'll make
the poor old man so happy.

The cards are on the desk.

I am going to look out of the window
to observe the beauty of the prospect.

And what happens
when my back is turned...

...neither God nor man
can hold me responsible for.

Thank you, Miss Keith.

Our poor friend is very low.

He was a good man.

His defects were on the surface,
but he was generous of heart...

...and kindly toward his fellow creatures.

You may go in now.

A great honor, my dears.

I shall enter the kingdom of heaven...

...with a letter of introduction
from a prince of the church.

I fancy all doors will be open to me.

- You'll find the company very mixed.
- Don't you believe it.

There will be none of this
confounded democracy there.

I shall pick and choose my company
as I always have.

No, no, please don't draw the curtains.
I always love this time of afternoon.

Have a drink, my dear fellow.

- You always have a drink at this time.
- I have had it.

Have you? Isabel,
if you are going to make a scene...

...you will have to leave the room.

I'm a rich man in my way,
and I've left you everything I have.

- Oh, Uncle Elliott.
- Now, now, now. Gray, come here.

I understand you have a job in prospect.

Yes. A roommate of mine in college
has offered me a job in his business.

My idea is to see if I can raise enough
money to start up my father's firm again.

- It's still in receiver's hands.
- Splendid.

You have the money now, my boy.

Letter for Mr. Templeton.
It's marked urgent.

Joseph, you'd better stay.

- Elliott.
- What is it?

For you.

Open it.

- What is it?
- It's a card for Edna Novemali's party.

There, what did I tell you?

Get a pad and envelope.

- I'll reply.
- Please, don't bother about that now.

Why not? I've always been
a man of the world.

There's no reason why I should forget
my manners as I'm leaving it.

- Are you ready?
- Yes, Elliott.

Mr. Elliott Templeton regrets...

...he cannot accept...

...Princess Novemali's kind invitation...

...owing...

...to a previous engagement...

...with his blessed Lord.

The old witch.

Pardon, madame,
but Mr. Darrell wishes to know...

...if the chauffeur might drive him
to the station.

- The station? He's leaving?
- Yes, madame, at 10:30 for Paris.

But he didn't say.

Yes. Yes, of course.

Leaving?

- He's going to America.
- Oh, really?

How wonderful.

He's going to work his way back
on a tramp steamer.

He would do that.
But it doesn't matter.

At least he'll be home. I'll see him.

I wouldn't do that if I were you.

But you're not me.

All my life, I've done the things
other people have wanted me to do.

From now on, I intend to do the things
I want to do.

I intend to see as much of Larry
as I possibly can.

- It may cause you a lot of pain, my dear.
- I know, but it's a pain that's heaven.

Oh, Joseph. Tell Marcel
not to bother about the Rolls.

- I'll drive you to the station, Larry.
- Fine, thank you.

- You're on your way again.
- Yes.

I'm sorry I can't stay for the funeral.
I have to catch a boat.

- So you're going back to America at last.
- That's right.

And what are you going to do?

I thought I might take a job
in a factory or a garage.

I've always liked machinery.

And when I'm washing a car
or tinkering with a carburetor...

...my mind's free, and I feel
I'm accomplishing something.

And after that?

I don't know.

- I might buy a taxi.
- A taxi?

It's a good life, always on the go.
You meet a lot of people.

Oh, Larry, for heaven's sake.
What you need is a good psychiatrist.

Sometimes I think you're completely
out of your mind.

Just look what you've done
with your life. And with mine!

What in heaven's name
are you trying to prove?

I'd hoped you'd come back
to the States with us.

Gray's going into business again,
and he'll need help.

You've no idea
what you've done for him.

He spoke of it again only yesterday.
You can't see the change, but I can.

When you're around, he's different,
much like his old self.

- Gray's all right. He doesn't need me.
- But suppose he does?

Suppose something goes wrong again
and he has another breakdown?

You can't imagine
what he went through.

It wasn't just a matter of headaches
or nerves. He was sick, really sick.

I've never told this
to anyone before...

...but for months and months,
we watched him every minute.

It wasn't just losing his money
and the business his father had built.

It was more. He blamed himself
for all the things that happened...

...to those little people
who trusted him with their savings.

I honestly believe
if it hadn't been for the children...

...he'd have killed himself.

Well, there's nothing so surprising
about that, Isabel.

There isn't a man or woman
living today...

...who hasn't felt that way
at least once in their lives.

The wonderful thing about life
is that most of us get a second chance.

I got a second chance...

...right at the moment when I thought
there was nothing worthwhile living for.

Do you know what it means to see
another man give up his life for you?

Do you? Have you ever thought
what it is to walk the streets at night...

...knowing that you're walking
in another man's shoes?

That someone deliberately died...

...so that you might go on living.

Listen.

Do you remember that night in Chicago
when we talked at the country club?

I told you then that I didn't think
I'd ever find myself.

Well, I haven't yet, completely.

I've found some of the things
I was looking for.

Someday I may find them all, but in
any event, I'm going to keep on looking.

It isn't easy, and it isn't fun.

I've known moments of futility
and frustration. I've....

But that's all past now. Past and done.
I know what lies ahead.

I know where I'm going. Gray,
in his own way, can do the same thing...

...because this is his second chance.
And I know he'll come through.

All right. Suppose he does?
And what about me?

Doesn't it mean anything to you
that I love you?

That I've never loved anybody
else but you?

That my children might've been
your children? That--?

Oh, why didn't I marry you
when I had the chance?

I could have, you know I could have.

That night in Paris, you were ready
to give up all this foolishness for me.

If I'd had brains enough,
I could've saved you.

But no, I threw you out! I thought
I was being so noble, remember?

Look at me, Larry.
You know you love me.

You know that you've always
wanted me.

Say it's true.
Say you know it's true.

Oh, Larry, I love you.

I love you.

Promise you'll come back with us.

Promise you will.

Tell me about Sophie, Isabel.

Sophie?

What about Sophie?

That afternoon she came to your
apartment, did she have a drink?

- Yes.
- Perzovka?

How did you know?

Isn't it strange that she should've asked
for such an unfamiliar liqueur?

She didn't ask for anything.
She just helped herself.

I had to pick up my daughter
at the dentist.

And when I returned, Sophie was gone
and the bottle was empty.

When you found Sophie gone and
the bottle empty, weren't you surprised?

I thought she got tired of waiting.

When I noticed the bottle,
I thought the butler drank it.

I very nearly spoke to him about it.

You never were a very good liar, Isabel.

You don't believe me.

Not for a moment.

Then don't.

All right, if you want the truth,
I did it, and I'd do it again.

I was determined to prevent her marrying
you. Nobody else would do a thing!

They didn't care. I did!
Oh, Larry, you men are such fools.

I knew that sooner or later,
she'd break down. It stuck out a mile.

You saw how jittery she was at the Ritz.
I knew she'd give her soul for a drink.

The idea came when Uncle Elliott
made such a fuss about the stuff.

I hated it, but I pretended
it was wonderful.

I knew if she had a chance,
she'd never resist.

That's why I offered her a dress.

I made up my mind that if Sophie
hadn't touched the bottle...

...I'd make the best of things
and try to be friends.

That's true, I swear it!

When I came back,
saw the bottle was empty...

...I knew I'd been right all along.

That's pretty much what I thought.

Sophie's dead.

Dead?

Her body was found
in the harbor at Toulon.

She'd been murdered.

Oh, how horrible.

Do they know who did it?

No.

But I do.

There's no need to be shocked
about Sophie any longer, Isabel.

I've had the feeling all day that Sophie
is where she would want to be most...

...with Bob and Linda.

Oh, I know it's a very usual
and simple way to look at it...

...but it's comforting.

Goodbye, Isabel.

And take good care of Gray.

He needs you now more than ever.

- He's gone.
- I know.

I've lost him.

Lost him for good.

And I love him.
I love him so tenderly.

And now I've lost him.

Do you suppose we'll ever
see him again?

It isn't likely.

His America will be as remote
from yours...

- ...as the Gobi Desert.
- It's all so crazy, so useless.

What is he trying to do with his life?
What does he hope to find?

My dear, Larry has found what we all
want and very few of us ever get.

I don't think anyone can fail
to be better and nobler...

...kinder, for knowing him.

You see, my dear...

...goodness is, after all,
the greatest force in the world.

And he's got it.