Original subtitles

Wow,

that was, you found some essential truths at that stage. Absolutely.

Clearly, it's about Vietnam.

It's about whatever you want to think about.

Richard, we love to play.

Thank you.

I'm sorry, I don't know your name.

Shelly, my girlfriend.

How are you?

I'm Richard.

I'm Richard, and I'm thirsty.

We'll talk to you later. Bye -bye.

Oh, boy, look at all these people. Hi, gang.

What?

That was a fine, fine play. Absolutely.

I'm a friend. I don't know... Mike Miele, Chicago alternative.

Shelly, I'm going to go talk to this guy.

And he says he thinks this play might be good enough for Broadway.

All right.

Let's keep our fingers crossed. Come on, let's all have some cake.

Penelope.

Great. Okay.

Now look, I think the thing that we ought to do here is not... Everybody get

piece. There you go. Let me trade you that.

We got more coming around. I think we shouldn't cut the math.

You know, we save those for later. No, we'll space it in there. We'll leave

like that and cut them next time.

Who was she?

I never saw her in my life. What did she get you?

Oh, my God.

Is this a party or what? Let's have some tea.

How was the play?

Did you enjoy it?

Are you alright?

What? Where are you going?

I'm going on a trip. A trip? I have no idea.

What about the play?

Well, it isn't done.

Okay, when will it be done?

I don't know.

My God.

Richard, there are people waiting for that play.

They're going with you?

No, I don't think so.

We broke up.

How long will you be with us? Just tonight. I'm fine. If you'll sign in

sir.

Sure.

Arthur, 313, please.

Have a pleasant stay. Okay, thanks a lot. Thank you.

Is this your first time here, Mr.

Collier? Yeah. For some reason, I never got around to coming here.

I almost heard how nice it was, though. Oh, when was that?

Oh, about eight years ago.

I used to be a student up at Millfield College.

Yeah, the students come here now and then to enjoy the restaurant.

And the rooms.

It seems to me I remember they had a graduation prom here back in 47, was it?

Oh, really?

You've been here that long?

I've been here since 1910.

1910? Uh -huh. Came here with my parents when I was five years old. My father

was a desk clerk.

I used to drive him crazy playing ball in the lobby.

He's not so mad at me sometimes.

I'm lucky I live to be six. Three, George.

Got yourself a nice view here.

Oh,

great.

Okay, let's see now.

There you go.

Thank you, Mr. Collier. If there's anything I can do for you, just let me

My name's Arthur, and I live in the bungalow behind the hotel.

Okay, thanks a lot. See you around, Arthur.

Have we ever met before?

Have we ever... No, no, I don't think so.

No. No, I'm sure we haven't.

Have a nice stay here, Mr. Collier.

Okay. Thanks a lot.

Yeah, when do you open? In about 40 minutes, sir.

40 minutes?

Yes, sir.

Yes, Mr. Collier?

Arthur, you know, in the Hall of History, there's a photograph, a young

There's no nameplate.

Yes, that's Elise McKenna.

She was a famous actress in her day.

Starred in a play in the hotel theater.

I'm sorry, did you say there was a theater here?

Down by the lake.

Really?

When was this play done?

Oh, uh, 1912.

1912.

You take my luggage and put it back in my suite. Great. Thanks a lot. And can

you tell me where the nearest library is? In town, right past the church.

Great. Look out.

Thanks. Thanks a lot.

revered actresses on the American stage. For many years, she was the theater's

greatest box office draw.

Under the guidance of her manager, William Fawcett Robinson, Elise McKenna

the first American actress to create a mystique in the public's eye.

Never seen in public in her later years, apparently without an offstage life,

the absolute quintessence of seclusion.

Excuse me. Do you have any theater biographies that aren't in the racks? I

know, rare books or magazines?

Well, we do have some magazines, but they're in the back and I'd have to find

them. Oh, could you do that for me, please?

Well, all right.

Thanks. I'm in the back. Okay. You're great.

Here you are.

Oh, thank you.

Yes? Hello, yes. Miss Roberts?

Yes? Hi.

My name's Richard Collier, and I just read your book on famous American

actresses. I really enjoyed it a lot. What is it you want?

Information about Louise McKenna.

What sort of information?

Well, you see, I'm not a playwright, and I was thinking about doing a play based

on her life, and of course I've got to talk to you. I'm sorry, but I really...

Ma 'am, please.

Please don't.

This is not for a play, Miss Roberts.

This is something very personal.

I don't understand.

Where did you get that?

Well, she gave it to me, ma 'am.

At the opening night of a play that I wrote at Millfield College about eight

years ago.

Oh, it was very precious to her.

She never...

Never left it out of her possession.

Disappeared the night she died.

She died that night?

Won't you come in, please?

Thank you.

I have some things I've been saving for the theater collection.

costume from one of the plays she was in.

Miss Roberts, what was she like?

When I knew her, she was kind and thoughtful, but she was just too much

herself. She seemed empty somehow.

She wasn't always that way, was she?

Oh, no, not at all.

People who knew her when she was young said that she was quick and bright and

full of fun.

Strong. Well, not at all the way she was later.

What made her change?

I don't know, but change seems to have taken place.

About 1912, after she performed in a play at the Grand Hotel.

That was her manager, William Robinson.

Was he really as strange as you seem to indicate in the book?

There was something strange about their relationship.

Of course. This is incredible.

This guy, Vinnie, he was my philosophy teacher at Millfield.

Really? Yeah.

She read that book over and over.

She had that made.

What is it?

That's my favorite music in the whole world.

I don't understand what's happening.

Dr. Finney.

You'll have to walk with me, young man. I have another class.

What's your name?

Collier, sir. Richard Collier.

Student? Yes, I was nine years ago.

Well, I tried to make my... Class is interesting, but nine years.

What can I do for you?

I have a question for you, sir. Shoot, is time travel possible?

That is a question.

Let me tell you something, Richard, is it? Yes, sir.

I was in Venice in 1971,

staying in a very old hotel.

But I mean very old.

The structure, the furnishings, everything.

The atmosphere was aged, if you follow me.

In my room, I felt as though it was a century or more earlier than

1971.

You understand?

Yes, sir.

So, in other words, then, the location is very important.

Not all important, but essential.

The rest is here.

I was lying down in that room.

All the sights around me, a part of the past.

Even the sounds I heard.

And I conceived a notion. What, I asked myself, if I attempt to

hypnotize my mind, suggest to it that it isn't

1971, but 1571.

I closed my eyes and...

fed a suggestion into my brain it's august

1571 i am in the hotel del vecchio and i spelled

out the details for myself and did it over and over and again

and again and again

never done it since.

And I'm not sure I'd want to do it again.

I felt exhausted afterwards.

Completely washed out.

And if it really did happen, I was only there a fraction of an instant,

remember, of flicking.

Yes, sir, I understand that. But you were there.

Otherwise, there were objects around me that were clearly from the present, and

I knew they were there.

Oh, if I were going to try it again, mind you, I have no such intention, but

if I did, I would disassociate myself entirely from the present, move

everything out of sight that could possibly remind me of it.

Listen, do you have any 1912 money? Very specifically 1912.

Evening, Mr. McKenna. You don't know me, but you will.

Evening, Mr. McKenna.

You don't know me, but you will.

It is June 27th, 1912.

Oh, boy.

You are lying on your bed in the Grand Hotel and it is 6 p .m. in the evening

June 27th, 1912.

Your mind accepts this absolutely.

It is 6 p .m. on June 27th, 1912.

Elise McKenna is in this hotel at this very moment.

Her manager...

William Fawcett Robinson is in this hotel at this very moment.

Now, this moment, here, Elise McKenna and

you. Both in the Grand Hotel on this early evening of June 27,

1912. 6 p .m. on June 27, 1912.

Elise McKenna and you.

Goodbye.

even as you lie here on your bed in the Grand Hotel on June 27th, 1912, 6 p .m.

June 27th, 1912.

The stage is being set for their performance tomorrow night.

Your mind accepts this.

Absolutely.

It is 6 p .m. on June 27th, 1912.

You have traveled back in time.

Soon, you will open your eyes.

And you will walk into the corridor.

And you will go downstairs and find Elise McKenna.

She is in the hotel at this very moment.

Damn it!

It's no question in your mind. It is 6 p .m. on June 27, 1912.

Your mind accepts this absolutely. It is June 27, 1912.

What a place, huh?

You like those?

They're yours.

You suppose it is?

Oh yeah, it must be.

Look at the rest of the place.

Look at here. You ready to go picture?

wake yet, but you're the only one who can help me.

Listen, you know those things in the hall that fit you to the play case?

Where do they come from?

Is this our storeroom or something?

Arthur, please, where do those things come from?

The attic, Mr. Guy.

27th.

I made it

I don't know why you act in such a manner.

Indeed, I suspect you do not.

And what am I to make of that remark?

What you will, Frollo.

What you will.

Are we to have this maddening exchange each and every time I notice the

existence of a female other than yourself? Notice her existence?

That carefully describes your rapt appraisal of her every inch. Rapt

of her... You just don't love me anymore. Oh, Maud.

Christ. I want to lie down for a while. It's a good idea. Great idea. I warn

you, I've had enough of this constant bickering. That's what you always say to

everything. I will not discuss it. That's your answer to everything.

Unless you come to your senses, I shall leave without you.

Excuse me.

Did you see someone just trying to get in here?

Yes. Some young chap. Run that way.

I'll be damned.

I'd better report that.

Indeed, you'd better, sir.

I'd have reported it myself if I'd known that there was...

Good

afternoon, Mr. McKenna.

You don't know me.

Good afternoon, Mr. McKenna.

Good afternoon, Mr. McKenna. I've just come 68 years. May I please speak to

Yes. Yes, monsieur?

Um, is Miss McKenna here?

No, I'm afraid she's not. Could you tell me where she is? I'm sorry, I have no

idea, monsieur.

Strike one.

Oh, I beg your pardon.

Getting out.

Not inside, Arthur.

Are

you

Arthur? Yes, sir.

Here you go.

All right, sir.

Not inside.

Wish to God I didn't. All right, if he's that anxious to get out of here, let

him doff his fine coat and help us tear down the set. What?

Sorry.

You have a message for her? Give it to me and I'll see it reaches her.

I do not so regard her. Yes,

you do.

And you shall not marry her.

And I say I shall have her. Not in my life you shall not. David!

a comedy, not King Lear.

Let's not bury the playwright before his time.

Excuse me.

I'm terribly sorry to bother you. I wonder if you know where Miss McKenna

be.

Very well, very well. Let us take a decay.

From the beginning.

Take it again.

Why not put her on the scale and sell her by the pound?

Speak to you, please, Mr. McKenna, may I?

May I, please?

Mr.

McKenna, no, no.

Elise, may I?

I'm, um... I'm

looking

for Miss McKenna, please.

Oh, most likely walking by the lake, my dear.

Thank you.

Oh, watch it. I'm sorry. Excuse me.

Is it you?

Is it?

Yes.

Are you all right?

Yes, yes, I'm quite all right. I'm sorry if I startled you.

No, you didn't start. I think I did.

I'll take you into dinner now.

May I speak to you, please?

Anything the matter?

Who was that young man?

I've no idea.

Gave no name?

It was hardly time.

You were conversing, Carol.

No.

Well, not really.

No, no need to look back. He's following us.

Keep on walking. I'll be right along.

Are you a guest here, sir?

Mr. Robbins.

Are you a guest of the hotel?

Uh, yes. Yes, I am.

Then I must ask you to stop annoying Miss McKenna any further.

If you do not, I shall see that you're put out.

What did you say to him?

Oh, what I've always said to men of his sort.

That gown of yours in act two.

Not crazy about it, you know. It'll have to be redone.

I warn Marie that I shall discuss it with her later.

Reservations for four under wood, wood, wood.

What time was the reservation?

8 p .m. p .m. Monsieur, may I help you, please?

I'm dining with Mr. Kenner. Thank you.

I told you, you should have gone to a peep -see.

Oh, Kepsy. Oh, Peepsky.

And I just won't discuss it any further.

Isn't the lines at all?

The neckliner. Isn't he the nincompoop we thought he could handle last season?

Oh, mon cheri, we meet again.

Yes, hello.

I so admire a man not hide -burned by the dictates of vessels.

Yes? That suit. I haven't seen one like it for a decade.

A decade?

Yes. Oh, still looking for Miss McKenna? Yes, in fact, I... Over there.

What do you think you're doing?

Dancing with you.

But we don't even know each other.

I know everything about you. Yes, I'm sure you do.

What do you mean?

No, no, no, you don't understand.

I think I do. No, no, please, please help me.

I have no idea.

I have no idea how far I've come to be with you.

There's no need to be afraid of me.

The man's an intruder.

You kindly see to it that he is escorted from the premises.

If you will, sir.

Don't worry, William.

I shall return momentarily.

Thank you so much. I was so embarrassed. Your name?

Richard Collier. Your place of residence?

Chicago. Your occupation?

I'm a playwright.

A playwright.

Yes, but I'm not here because... And you say that you know everything about me.

Well, yes. Which is patently absurd. You couldn't possibly know everything about

me. We've never met. You're a complete stranger to me.

But then, why did you say, is it you?

I didn't have to answer that.

I know you don't.

I wish you would, though.

What is the matter with him?

Looking out for me, it isn't worth it.

Well, why is that? Do I look to him?

And have it ready by tomorrow morning.

I'll do my best.

Smiling, McKenna?

Seems appropriate.

You're a rather handsome young man, if you're married.

I'll keep an eye on him.

I'm sure you will.

Is he the one, William?

performance. Remember, stay ahead of them.

Keep the mystery.

Always a mystery.

Excess within control.

Sleep well, McKenna.

Richard Collier.

Good morning.

Um... You sleep all right?

Wonderfully. Oh, I'm sorry.

I didn't sleep too well either.

But I was on a porch chair, so... Don't you even have a room?

Yes, I will, at 918.

Room 416.

I mean, would you like to go to breakfast?

It's 6 a .m.

Oh, well, later?

I don't eat breakfast on performance days.

Oh, no, of course not.

Lunch? Mr. Collier. No, no, no, it's not Mr.

Collier. Isn't that your name? Well, yes, that's my name, but I've... Marie,

she's sleeping in the other room. Marie?

My maid.

Oh, I'm sorry.

Of course, my name is Mr. Collier, but I was hoping maybe you'd call me by my

first name.

Just hoped you would.

When can I see you today?

I shall be rehearsing all day. All day? You can't... Will you walk with me? Can

you do that much?

I can't.

Young woman, if you do not walk with me, I shall go mad.

I'll still be insane and do crazy things to myself.

Walk with me.

Say, Richard, that's me.

Thank you. I would love to walk with you and talk with you and get to know you

and not be afraid of you and resolve everything. Say yes.

Yes.

One o 'clock.

Outside the hotel.

to understand that you're a playwright.

You understand correctly.

No doubt you dream of seeing Miss McKenna in one of your opera.

That's plural for opus. I presume you've written more than one.

And seen them produced.

Really?

Not entirely unacquainted with the achievements of the American stage in

past decade.

Perhaps I've seen one.

No, I doubt it.

I also doubt very much that I shall ever see one graced by Miss McKenna.

You don't really believe that's why I'm here, do you?

Why are you here?

Is it money?

I don't think you really believe that either.

There is a law, Collier.

I warn you, I will not hesitate to make avail of it.

Oh, yes? On what charge?

The matter's concluded, sir.

No. Oh, yes. You may depend on it.

Good morning, sir. Good morning.

Excuse me.

Arthur.

Forgive me again, sir.

I'm very sorry, sir. That's quite all right.

I'd like a room, please.

Oh, don't you have one?

Well, I was rather ill when I arrived last night, so I stayed with a friend.

Ah, I see.

You do have a room, sir?

Three dollars a day.

Bathroom privileges extra.

Would you care to sign the register now, sir?

Um, excuse me. I'm sorry. Are you sure this is the right room? The right room,

sir? I don't understand.

Oh, I'm sorry, Mr. Bills. That room is reserved.

We've got to put a notice in the slot.

I'm very sorry.

Shall I sign? Would you please?

Excuse

me.

Let me just finish that for you.

918.

Thank you, sir.

I beg your pardon?

Oh, nothing.

Which room is your luggage in, sir?

Um, it's no problem. I can get it later myself.

See you around Arthur.

No. What did you do to your face?

Shaved. The new blade wasn't quite sharp enough.

I didn't think what you'd look like with a blade really sharp.

Oh, no.

I don't believe it.

I've got to give him credit. He's like a bulldog.

Would you like me to speak to him? It wouldn't do a bit of good.

I think I know what would...

To call you.

It isn't easy being a successful actress.

Over the years, I... I found it necessary to protect myself.

So understand, please understand... that I'm even with you today when...

when you and I met last night. Why did you say, is it

you?

I think you'll laugh.

Why, is it funny?

In a way.

Williams told me you were coming.

Robinson? Yes.

He knows somehow.

He really does.

He knew a lot of things before they happened.

He told me that one day I would meet a man and

change my life.

Did he tell you that man would be someone to be afraid of?

Yes.

And what do you think now? Do you believe that?

I saw him with the Philharmonic once.

I love his music, but I've never heard this piece.

Really?

Well, I'll introduce you to it sometime.

Sorry we had the carrot so long. Thank you.

Check out his face.

We're going to hang it for horse napping.

Stick out your tongue.

Huh?

The most peculiar moment in my life, Mr. Collier.

I think you'll survive it, Miss McKenna.

What time is it now?

Um... 4 .30.

I must be getting back.

You have to. Can't you stay a little longer? No, I have to rest a while.

When's the company leave?

Tonight.

Where are you going?

Denver.

Well,

thank you for this pleasant afternoon.

Could we talk just a little longer?

I really should rest a while. Please.

What did you want to talk about?

McKenna?

McKenna?

Come in.

I think you'd better go.

Have you been waiting all this time for our return? This is hardly the time for

discussion, McKenna. Have you?

Yes. Does that surprise you? Our relationship is strictly business.

Strictly business? I'm involved with you as an actress, Mr. Robertson.

Not a doormat. Do not attempt to wipe your boots on me.

Leave a ticket for you at the theatre door.

Excess within control, McKenna?

What?

Good evening, Miss.

Not good at all.

Particularly bad.

I'll not go downstairs again.

Oh, what is it, Miss?

I've just been dining with a man my father has determined that I wed.

Oh, Banker Harwell.

Banker Harwell, yes.

All 67 years and 5 foot 4 of height and several hundred pounds of him.

He does have money, though, Miss.

And never lets the soul forget it.

means he has the least desire to marry.

He's so happily wedded to his gold.

Well, perhaps it won't be all that bad, miss.

There must be something you like about him.

Yes, his absenteeism.

The man of my dreams has almost faded now.

And what man is that, miss?

The one I have created in my mind.

The sort of man each woman dreams of in the deepest and most secret reaches of

her heart.

I can almost see him now before me.

What would I say to him?

If you were really here, forgive me.

I've never known this feeling.

I've lived without it all my life.

Is it any wonder then I failed to recognize you?

You brought it to me for the first time.

Is there any way that...

I can tell you how my life has changed.

Anywhere at all to let you know what sweetness you have given me.

There is so much to say.

I cannot find the words.

Except for these.

I love you.

And such would I say to him if he were really here.

In God's name, what are you doing?

Nothing. Nothing? Rewrite the entire verse. See?

Can you hold a moment? We've just got to take that photograph.

Very well.

Just a moment. I have to change.

Quickly!

And a little flourish.

Yes, yes. It's very pretty. Very pretty. Just a moment.

I'm just trying to focus on that lovely... Oh, yes, yes, yes.

I'm just going to put in the plate.

One moment.

There we go.

A little smile, please.

No, not quite.

Perhaps you could think of something happier, brighter.

Yes, that's it. That's it.

Perfect.

Absolutely.

I think an old farm does it best.

Do you have any notion how many years I have been with Miss McKenna?

Since March of 1903.

March.

1903.

She was 16 at the time.

There she was, on that dingy stage, in that pathetic plague.

Total radiance.

It only took seconds for me to realize exactly what she had to be.

Mrs. Robinson?

Do you actually believe that I have nurtured her?

for her, molded, taught, developed her for all these years merely to groom a

wife?

What then?

A star.

Only someone with a limited awareness of your age could possibly conceive that

my entire passion for this woman is no more than physical.

Are you incapable of understanding that she... has it within herself to be one

of the greatest, if not the greatest actress of her generation?

I owe you an apology.

I understand you now.

You have nothing but the best motives in mind for her.

But so do I.

Of course, she'll continue to act.

She will continue to grow.

And she will become everything you want her to be.

With you at her side?

Yes.

With me at her side.

Never. My God.

You really think you own her, don't you?

Collier, I know who you are.

Ever since...

You came here, I've known from the start.

You came to destroy her. God, you're out of your mind.

No more.

No more?

What do you see, damn it?

No,

Miss McKenna.

Did she try his rope? He wasn't there.

What did they say at the desk? He had not been in.

He left no message?

No, I'm sorry.

This makes no sense at all.

What could have happened to him?

Marie.

Marie.

Let me change quickly.

performance in act one I I must say was somewhat eccentric where is he

what have you done to him I've done nothing McKenna mr. Collier has left

that's all what do you mean gone from the hotel

and your life I don't believe you I

must admit

He was somewhat more charming than others that we've encountered in the

You and I.

A trifle more sincere, perhaps.

Still... Then he was not the one you spoke of.

No. Then you were wrong about him, weren't you?

Can that make now?

He's gone.

I'll find him, William.

Don't you dare try to stop me.

Now, if you would excuse me while I change.

May I remind you that we leave within the hour.

The company, are they gone?

Company? Damn it, the ones that did the play last night, where are they? Are

they gone?

They left as soon as they were packed, sir.

You alright?

I thought I lost you. Oh, never.

Never, never, never.

You will marry me, won't you?

You won't?

Sure.

I was just laughing at the way you asked. For one moment there. What? I

you had a wife and children back home somewhere.

Oh, Lisa.

I want to be everything to you.

You are.

Tell me more about yourself, my love.

Well, I was going to... What sort of plays do you write?

Are there any parts in it for me?

I could... Oh, I would love to act in one of your plays.

Assuming that I ever want to act again after tonight.

You will.

Oh, Richard.

Good plays.

What? All right, good plays.

Never let you answer, did I? No. Sorry.

What time do you think it is?

I don't know.

I don't care.

I love you.

I don't look.

It's five o 'clock.

Really? I don't feel sleepy somehow, do you?

No.

Is that a thing I intend to do for you?

You've already done.

Well, the second thing, then. What?

Buy you a new suit.

I don't understand.

Nobody seems to like my suit.

Oh, can you blame them? Wait a minute.

I think my suit is terrific.

I mean, what's wrong with it? I don't care. So what if it's 10 years old? Or

least 15.

15? Mm -hmm.

Well, I think it's fabulous.

Look, let me show you.

It's really great. See, the first -class condition, the fleece fit, it's a

pretty good thing because my arms are about nine feet long.

And we've got pockets everywhere.

I could pull rabbits out of here.

Oh, yeah, this is the best part. This is a special coin compartment for

emergencies.

Richard.

Oh,

Richard.

Whew.

June 29, 1912. June 29, 1912. God, please.

June 29. I'm back. I'm back.

No.

Mr. Collier?

Are you sure he's in there?

Well, the maid says he's been in there for days.

Are you all right, sir?

Use the pass.

Mr. Collier?

Oh, my God.

Let's get him on the bed. Easy.

Careful, careful.

I got it.

Better take his legs.

All right.

Operator, get Dr. Hull up to suite 313 right away.

Looks like he hasn't eaten in a week. You better send for an ambulance.

I'll call one right now. What a shame.

If I'd only known.

Operator, get an ambulance. He is going to make it, isn't he? I don't know.

They're on their way.

How is he?

We're going to need some oxygen.

We've got some downstairs. I'll get it right now.

Keep him warm with this blanket.

A fine man.

What a shame.

I wonder what happened.

We've got to keep them going until they get here.