All language subtitles for Strange Fascination (1952).eng

Paul, Paul! ─ Oh.

Jack, just a moment.

I want you to meet two charming
friends of mine from America.

From America? Wonderful.

Paul Marvan, meet Mrs Diana Fowler
from New York and her daughter June.

How do you do?
─ So pleased to meet you.

Cigarette?

You shouldn't, June.
You coughed all night.

Mummy is strict, huh?
─ Oh, that's nothing.

I have a brother two years older.
She actually pushes him around.

Waiter.

What did you want?
─ We have nothing to drink.

Say Paul, I've noticed
you drink quite a lot.

Just occasionally.

When I'm happy. Or when I'm
unhappy or when I'm indifferent.

Do you want to dance?
─ Why no, it's so hot in here.

I'm afraid I feel a bit dizzy
from this Austrian wine.

We can dance on the terrace.
Come on. I'll lead you.

Poor girl.

Oh now, shut up. Why don't you dance?

You should see me dancing.
You wouldn't ask.

Oh, he can't dance, either.

Look at him.

Mr Marvan, can I have your autograph?

Danke shön.

Tell me, is this your
first trip to Europe?

Oh no. I've been here several
times before with my late husband.

Waiter .. more wine.

Are you married, Paul?

Divorced.

Disappointed? ─ No, not at all.

My wife was also a pianist.

Professional jealousy.

Musicians are very ambitious, you know.

I think you would be
a big hit in America.

I want to get out of Europe.

I have had a lot of misfortune
in the last few years.

I want to start a new life.

I'd even be interested
in sponsoring you.

You mean ...?

You would invest in me?
─ Well ..

Don't you think it would
be an achievement ..

For an insignificant woman to
bring back such an artist?

A genius.

I'd be part of your triumphs in a way.

You are so charming.

Our Ambassador in Vienna
is a very good friend of mine.

A strong affidavit would
be impressive, you know.

What do you say?

Now comes a brand new question.

How can I ever repay you?

By courting me a little.

My friends will die of envy.

Widows are ambitious too, you know.

Say, what's going on here?

Mother, one can't leave
you alone for a moment.

Diana dear, shall we tell them?

Well, I suppose I should have
consulted my children first.

Very funny. Very funny.

Come, let's dance.
─ Oh, not really.

Come. I want to live dangerously.
─ Oh no ..

Jack, order champagne. We'll celebrate.
─ Celebrate what?

I don't know. Love, life.
Art, music .. America.

Your guest is certainly insistent.
─ That's nothing. He's just practicing.

Wait until you hear him play Chopin.

He's considered the greatest exponent
of Chopin in Europe, you know.

It's strange that in America he
is so completely unknown.

You won't say that twelve
months from now, my dear.

He will be a sensation, I am sure.

Tell me dear. Does he really live here?

Why not?

The left wing has been closed for
two years. Now at least, it lives again.

Why should the poor soul sit in a hotel
room and just rush over here to practice?

It's ridiculous.

Aren't you afraid people will talk?

I'd be tickled to death if they would.

I've heard some comments on it already.

Really? Oh tell me, please.

You really couldn't be pleased
by that. You're just showing off.

Perhaps you're right.

Listen mother, this is too much.

Who can listen to this 24 hours a day?

Can't you say "how do you do" dear?
─ Excuse me. Hello.

But mother, really ..

Stop that. It's only for a little while.
He'll be gone on his tour in 2-3 weeks.

Well, why can't he play something
pleasant for a change?

A rumba or a boogie-woogie?

Why not? Anything would be
better than this monotonous ..

Da da da da da da da!

It drives me crazy.

Mother, I'm sorry.

I can't read, I can't write.
My ears are full of all this music.

Oh, it's like house radiation.

Never mind, it's not for long, dear.

Oh, and Mister Shiner
is waiting for you.

Excuse me.

Walter, be a dear and
finish this for me, will you.

I'll be right back.

Tom. ─ Thank you. ─ What is it?

Mrs Fowler, I've got bad
news. I need more money.

It's alright, Paul. It isn't important.
How did you come up with that?

Right, here it is.

October, Columbus. It's put
the stock in a smaller place.

Form up, you know.

Then Pittsburgh, Richmond,
Washington. I'll join him there.

Then Baltimore and
Philadelphia. After that ..

Hartberg, Providence, Boston.

That will take care of October.

If the press is good and business, too.

We could prepare town hall in December.

And if this clicks, February
or March, Carnegie.

That sounds wonderful, doesn't it, Paul?

Oh yes. Wonderful.

Who is Mr Shiner?
─ A concert agent.

Your mother is certainly
getting involved.

Oh, don't misunderstand me.

I am very happy to be here
and very grateful to you, but ..

I understand.

Would you rather live in a
hotel, Paul? It can be arranged.

Maybe it would be better. Your children
don't like me. That's obvious.

I feel like .. like a displaced person.

Don't take any notice of them.
They're just jealous.

That's what I mean.

I'll have a talk with them
and straighten things out.

Don't worry about it.

Diana, you're an angel.
─ That's just what I am. An angel.

You know, here in America
an angel is a person ..

Who finances a theatrical enterprise
strictly for business reasons.

So, consider me an angel and relax.

Now, how is your financial situation?

Why, that's perfectly alright. You are
entitled to ask an angel for an advance.

Why, surely. It's done
all over the world.

What difference does it matter, because
in our case, I happen to be a woman?

You really are ..

Oh shut up and stick to the
point. How much do you need?

First of all I must pay
my insurance premium.

It is due at the end of the month.
─ How much is it?

You will please not faint.
Three thousand, four hundred.

I know it is a lot of money,
but it would be a crime to ..

Three thousand four
hundred for insurance?

My hands.

I've got my hands insured for $100,000.

Oh yes of course. Yes,
for you that is important.

Well, my secretary will take care of it.
Let's not talk about it anymore.

What do you say we have
dinner out tonight, huh?

I'll engage a table at the
Belleville for 8 o'clock, alright?

But she says it's strictly business now,
and as soon as she gets going ..

How would you like to
have him for your father?

Oh Walter, don't be silly.

I talked to her about that. She just
laughed and said it was nonsense.

Well, let's hope so.

But don't you see Joan, he's a stranger.

You can't talk to him about anything.

You know he hasn't got the slightest
ideas about movies or baseball.

And he's so absent-minded.

Well, on the first of next week,
he'll leave for his concert tour.

Tell me, do you think I could get
something to eat around here?

Well, it's kind of late, Mr Marvan.
The restaurant is closed.

Maybe they can fix you
something over there at the bar.

I'm terribly hungry.

The kitchen is closed, but if you
wish a cold plate or a sandwich ...?

A cold plate will be alright.

And hot coffee, yes?

Now I would like to have
some good wine. Let me see.

This lighting you know, I'd ..

Like to have an old vintage.

How about the Rhinelander white?
─ Rhinelander is fine.

1945 is a good year. ─ Yes.

But very cold, yes?

Don't let me wait too
long. I am starving.

That stupid idiot. Where is the manager?
─ What's biting you?

That guy out there ruined
the whole number.

Stop that and don't get hysterical.
After all, this is only a nightclub.

I don't care. I didn't give up
artistic ambitions for that.

Don't talk so big. Look.

People come here to drink. Have fun.

Not to watch your .. art.

You talked different when you
wanted me to team up with you.

And I, like a fool believed you.

Will you shut up! People can hear you.
─ They should.

Especially that old fool
who made all the fuss.

I'd like to kick him
right in the stomach.

What's going on here?
─ I thought the waiters were ..

What from a waiter?

He can't say: "Excuse me, I can't serve
you until after the number is over".

That's ridiculous.

Leave her alone.
She's nuts. She'll cool off.

Yes, that's all you have to say.

All you know is to run upstairs with
those crooks and lose all of your money.

And mine, too, you .. ─ Shut up!

You shut up!

Dancing to you means just
having some kind of a profession.

All you care about is
drinking and gambling and ..

You'll be surprised.

May I have my suitcase please?
─ What happened? Are you crying?

Have you seen my partner?

I think he went upstairs with
Mr Kennedy and the fat guy.

Look at him, that clumsy hick.
─ Who do you mean?

That guy sitting there,
eating like a savage.

You mean Paul Marvan?

Do you know him?
─ Why sure. He's a famous pianist.

His picture is in the lobby.

He has a concert here, I think tomorrow.
But I'm not sure.

$3.60. $2.40. $1.80.

That's a lot of dough
to invest in that stinker.

Shush.

What is he playing? I can't find it.

Please stop talking.

Excuse me, Mr Marvan. Would
you give me your autograph?

Of course.

You see young lady, this is my
first autograph in America.

I don't have a pencil.
─ Wait. I think I have one.

Here. ─ Thank you.

So, this is your first autograph?

There is even more to it.

I'm also the first one you've tamed.

I beg your pardon?
─ It's true. I came here to fight you.

To make you feel miserable.

And here I am waiting
for you, like a schoolgirl.

I'm afraid I don't know what
you are talking about.

Don't you remember me?

No.

You see .. and I performed
for you last night.

That must be a mistake.
─ No mistake, Mr Marvan.

You were the guest who
made all the fuss last night.

You lit matches and talked loud and
kicked chairs around during my number.

Don't you remember in
that little bar in your hotel?

Yes, I think I know what you mean.

Oh, it's such a shame.
How can you ever forgive me?

I did already, while listening to you.

How you played.
It was out of this world.

You know, I don't understand much about
serious music but it does a thing to me.

Are you sure you have forgiven me?
─ Sure I'm sure.

Are you alone here?

Yes. ─ No-one waiting for you?

No.

Let's have a drink together.

I know a wonderful little
bar not far from here.

Thoughtful .. let's go.

I didn't bring you good luck, huh?

Maybe you did. Who knows?

Everything's been over between
Carlo and me for a long time.

Tomorrow morning, I'll call me agent
and go out as a solo artist again.

It's more fun anyway.

And I've changed my mind.
I think I will have another drink.

Oh, fine. Hey, Miss.

Two more drinks, please.

I love dancing.

I must admit Carlo's a terrific dancer.

You know, we dancers arranged for
some of that stuff you played tonight.

You mean, Chopin?

Yeah, I think it was.

That's why your playing touched me so.

I almost cried.

To your success.

To our success.

How I like your hands.

You are joking. I have the hands
of a butcher. Not of a pianist.

No. You have the hands of a doctor.

Then of course, you have
the eyes of an angel.

Angel.

I forgot to make a phone call.

Well, can't you call now?

It's too late, now.

Well, I'll make up something tomorrow
morning before I leave here.

When are you leaving?

10:15. Pittsburgh.

Do you think I will ever see you again?
─ Who knows? Maybe you will.

I think I'll got to New York
and try to get in to a musical.

It would be fun if we
bumped into each other.

Trafalgar 3325. Shall I write it down?

Trafalgar 3325. I'll remember it.

What are you thinking?

I wish I was ten years younger.

An inferiority complex?

No. Just gray hair and wrinkles.

Oh you men are all so conceited.

What would you do? ─ What?

If you could be ten years younger.

Nothing. Forget it.

Coward.

Don't be modest, Paul.

When a critic of his importance
writes of a comparatively unknown:

"His emotional skill is above technique.
It makes his performance so attractive."

I think that's wonderful.
What more do you want?

We can use a lot of
quotations for publicity.

And I think we shouldn't
rush Carnegie Hall.

I'll need at least four or five
rehearsals with the orchestra.

That answers that.

I'll try to line up a few
towns in the meantime.

I'll be running along.

See you folks tomorrow.
─ Goodbye.

Diana.

I gave your secretary a check
for $600. I'll give you more ..

When I get the advance from .. Douglas.

Oh, that's alright Paul. How do
you like your new apartment?

What would I do without you?

I have to go.

It will be a very sad day for me when
you grow up and won't need me anymore.

Oh, I always forget to tell you, Paul.
You must sit up straight at the piano.

That's better.

You play like a King and sit
there like a tired old salesman.

Dorothy.

That reminds me. Somebody rang you the
day before yesterday, I think. A woman.

I gave her your number.

A woman? ─ Uhuh.

Hello.

Who?

Margo? No ..

I can't believe it.

I called you up so many times and
finally I got your new phone number.

Tell me. How long are
you here in New York?

I've got a part in New York shortly.
Before that, I've got three rehearsals.

Paul, I must talk to you
as soon as possible.

Of course. Where shall we meet?

Can't I come to your place?

1310 East 37th Street. Apartment G.

Thank you, Paul. I'll be right there.

Margo. Come in.

Oh, I'm all out of breath.

Do you know your elevator is stuck?

Yes, I know. I'm terribly sorry.
Come, sit down and relax.

Take off your coat.

Tell me, what can I offer you?

Nothing for the moment.

You know, I thought of you very often.

You did?

Oh by the way, I was at your concert
at the town hall. It was great.

You were there? Really?
Why didn't you come backstage?

Well, there was so many people around.

Besides a very attractive woman.

I didn't want to butt in.

That was a very dear friend
of mine. Just a friend.

Now, tell me all about yourself.

Oh I'm so mixed up, Paul.

I didn't have guts to walk out on Carlo
as I said. Now it's worse than ever.

I can't tell you all
the details, but he's ..

He's driving me down.

So I packed, and wrote him that I was
leaving town and he mustn't look for me.

Oh, I know he'll be furious.

That's why I must disappear,
so he can't find me.

Please, Paul.

Can I stay here with you?

Just for a few days?

What, you mean .. here with me?

Haven't you another room,
just for a short time?

Well, yes but ..

You are a young girl.
─ Oh, you are above all suspicions.

What I mean is .. well, look,
you're a respectable man.

He wouldn't dare make a
scandal with you involved.

That's different.

If he should find you here, you can
always introduce me as your grandfather.

Well, I think it is ridiculous.
It is just absurd.

I'm sorry.

I thought that you were different.

That you would understand.

Look darling .. I'm afraid
you overestimate me.

I have my problems, too. People
are coming here to see me.

Where shall I hide you?
How shall I explain?

Maybe I can find you a little
apartment somewhere near.

Maybe I can even
help you out financially.

As far as my situation permits.

Well, I hope to make some money
in the future, but for the moment ..

Well, what I need for the moment
is your .. your good influence.

Your ..protection.

Oh Margo, you are losing
yourself in big words.

If you haven't got your own moral
strength .. what do you expect from me?

Maybe you're right.
It was a foolish idea.

Please forgive me, Paul.

Now you make me feel like
a heel. But what can I do?

I'm terribly sorry.

What's this?

Oh, those belong to me.

I was so sure about you.

Fine. I'll call you tomorrow.

Goodnight, Diana.

Dinner's ready.

Who is Diana?

That's the woman that you
saw at my concert. She's ..

How shall I say?

My sponsor.

Sponsor? Are you on television?

You sit here, Paul. ─ Fine.

That woman.

She's very attractive
and dresses well, too.

She must be rich, huh?
─ Yes, she's a real lady.

Tell me something Paul,
that white streak in her hair.

Is that normal or artificial?

I don't know. Call her up. Ask her.

Wonderful.

I hope you like my cooking.

Hmm .. delicious.

I've been so happy you
didn't let me down, Paul.

I feel so safe here.
It's like a hideout.

All of a sudden I feel
like a married man.

Is that bad, for a change?

No, just unusual.

Oh, the coffee.

Well, I hope I get a job in a
show or a nightclub soon.

Oh, I have a brand-new routine.
Wait, I'll show you. It's very sexy.

What's so brand new about it?

Oh, you should see me do it
in tights. It really has style.

You will have to come and see me.
It will be good for my prestige.

You know, a lot of people know your
name already. You'd be surprised.

But before I forget, never
answer the phone. Understand?

Oh .. oh yeah, I think I understand.

That .. friend of yours. That sponsor.

You ..

Oh it's you.
─ Hi, Paul. Sorry to wake you up.

But I've got to have an
answer before 11 o'clock.

Douglas agrees that you
can make a few more towns.

Now that Carnegie is
postponed until spring.

Oh that's alright with me. I can
use some additional money.

That's what I thought.

Why are you sleeping here?

It's too hot there.

By the way, have you got a cup of
coffee? Just warm it up. I don't care.

You see, I ..

I'm thinking, my coffee is
usually downstairs .. in the ..

Oh, that's alright. I just thought ..

What's that? ─ What?

Don't you hear it? Your
shower started running.

Oh. It must be .. next door.

Say, Mrs Fowler told me
last night you don't feel well.

Tired, I suppose?
─ Yes. Maybe lack of sleep.

I'll sleep a little more
after you're gone.

Alright, don't rush me.
I understand your English.

I'll call Douglas right
away if you don't mind.

Wait a second. I want you to hear this.

Hello? Mr Douglas, please.

Oh, he isn't?

I'll call later.

Maybe it's better that
I talk to him personally.

I'll rush over before noon,
and call you from there.

How did you sleep, landlord?

You old goat.

Aren't you ashamed?

I'll call you around noon, Paul.

Take it easy.

Oh, I'm sorry Paul. Is it very bad?

Well, it was my agent.

I'm sure he won't miss a chance
to run around and tell everybody.

Do you really think so?

What did you tell him?

What could I tell him?
That you came to tune the piano?

I'm so happy you've
taken it with humor, Paul.

What else could I do?

I must make a phone call. Excuse me.

I'll make breakfast.

Hello?

Paul?

Why don't you answer?

Hello?

Mr Marvan is here.

Excuse me please for dropping in.
I just wanted to see you for a while.

I hope you don't mind.

Paul, I've just been calling you.
This moment.

Someone was there,
but they didn't answer.

Well, that's impossible.

I must have been dialing
the wrong number.

No .. dialing busy.

I can't understand it .. I mean ..

Don't get excited, Paul.

You're entitled to your little secrets.
I'm not spying on you.

You shouldn't think I have some ..

Don't worry about it.
I'm not even interested.

So, how do you feel about
your additional trip?

Fine. Wonderful. I'm in good shape.

You have a sort of mysterious
gleam in your eye.

See, you are provoking me. When I want
to explain, you don't give me a chance.

Don't you understand?

It's the saddest thing in the world
for a woman to become a confessor.

I like to see you embarrassed.

I am not. I assure you.

Alright. I'll tell you the truth.

I met a little girl. A dancer.

I think it was in Columbus, Ohio.

As a matter of fact, she was the first
to ask me for my autograph, you know.

Oh, I see. And you didn't have a pencil.

So you had to take her to New York. Now
she lives in your apartment. Poor Paul.

Oh, Paul! Don't be so tragic about it.
Where is your sense of humor?

Come on, let's have a drink and
you can tell me all about it.

Hello.

Hello, Paul.

What's that?

I was at the library.
Some additional music.

And for you, something.
Here, French perfume.

I left the price on, to impress you.
─ Oh, thank you.

Why didn't you go out?

I have great news for you.
─ Yes?

You'll get rid of me.

I talked to Yvette this morning.

Who's Yvette?

She's a girlfriend I know.
We were in a show together.

What about her?

Why she told me that
Carlo wasn't furious at all.

On the contrary, she
said he was very calm.

And about two days later he left town
on some roadshow or something,

Hmm. That's good.

Do you know it was
easier than I expected.

Just the fear of making
a radical change.

Carlo means nothing to me anymore.

You know, I think that after you
reach a certain point you ..

What are your plans now?

Yvette said I could share her
apartment on 14th Street.

Isn't it wonderful how
things work out sometimes?

I'm already packed.

We'll have dinner and I'll call a cab
and your troubles will be over.

I'll miss your beautiful music.
I really will, Paul.

And I'll never forget your kindness.

You know, it's a great feeling to know
I have a friend like you somewhere near.

You must have dinner with us before you
leave. My girlfriend's a wonderful cook.

Paul, what is it?

Did I say something wrong?

Why do you torture me?

I don't understand.

You are a woman with a normal instinct.

You know well what I mean.

Paul .. I can't believe it.

Please, turn around and look at me.

Yes, my dear.

It's sad but it's true.

What's so sad about it?
I think it's wonderful.

What's so wonderful about it?

That a great man like you could
care for a little schnook like me.

Is that all you have to say?

Well I'm saying what I feel.
Why don't you do the same?

Alright. I can read it in your
eyes. Let me answer you.

You're not too old.

So get that nonsense out of your head.

You are a great artist.

And that makes you
attractive and desirable.

I really mean it, Paul.

I'm crazy about you.

Now listen.

I'm going on tour.

About two weeks.

I'll return with a lot of money, I hope.

You will wait here for me?

And then? ─ Then what?

Then we'll talk business.
─ Oh, no.

I'm not the waiting type.

There will be another girl who'll
come for your autograph and .. uhuh.

Why don't you take me with you?

I'd like to watch the
people while you play.

And I want to have my aisle seat
in the front row at every concert.

People will look at me and
say: "Look. That's his girlfriend".

Maybe they'll say:
"Look, there is his daughter".

Hi folks. ─ Hello, Bob.

Hello, Mr Shiner. How are you?

I'm terribly sorry to interrupt you,
but I had a moment so I thought I'd ..

Won't you join us?

Oh, it looks delicious.
Just a little piece.

Any news from Paul?

Don't even ask me.
I hate to spoil your lunch.

What's wrong?
─ Paul is an idiot.

Here, read this.

You read it, Joan.

It's there, marked with a red pencil.

"Paul Marvan is a talented artist, and
the public paid tribute to his artistry."

"With a spontaneous ovation which
increased when the news leaked out."

"Then our celebrated guest
had a quiet and discreet .."

"Wedding ceremony".

"In the house of the Albany Justices
of the Peace that same afternoon."

It looks like Caesar and Cleopatra.
─ That old fool.

Dorothy.

Some fresh coffee, please.

Paul.

What is it?
─ Paul, look. That's terrible.

Why, everything is
completely underwater.

It's flooded for miles and miles.

Maybe it's the end of the tour.

Here, read it. It's in every contract.

"In case of earthquake,
fire, flood, or any .."

Yes. I know, I read it, but ..

What shall I do? It puts me in an awful
situation. I've spent all my money.

You can't expect me to carry
the whole load on my shoulders.

I can't insist on you returning
money which you don't have.

But you can't expect
me to pay you the rest.

Well.

Can't you pay me at least .. something?
I'm completely broke.

What did you do with that
money I advanced you?

Well, you know how it is.
I bought my wife some ..

Some beautiful things .. it's just ..

Good morning, gentlemen.
─ Good morning.

Good morning, Mrs Fowler.
What do you say about that mess?

Well, it isn't very pleasant,
but it's not tragic.

Hello, Paul. ─ Hello.

Congratulations on your marriage.
─ Thank you.

It seems I have chosen the wrong moment.
─ I should say so.

Well, who expects a flood
when they're in love?

It's one of those things.

We'll be right with you.

So your little autograph hunter,
wasn't so innocent after all, huh?

Well, at the time I told you,
I didn't intend to marry her.

Did you have to marry her?
─ Oh no.

A voluntary affair.

I understand she is quite young.

Yes .. she could be my daughter.

You must meet her sometime.7
She is very charming.

I'm sure she is.

Are you happy?

Yes. I think I am.

Diana .. I'm terribly sorry, but ..

You know my marriage has doubled my
expenses and then this interrupted trip.

I'm afraid I can't pay
you anything this time.

Then be diplomatic and don't discuss it.

How do you intend to manage?

My wife is taking a temporary job.

Paul, are you at home?

Good evening.

Why do you sit in the darkness?
It's so depressing.

My feet are killing me.

I couldn't sit down for a minute.

I was in negligees all day.

The boss was very disappointed
when he found out that I was married.

He asked me to have dinner
with him. That French wolf.

Who brought you home?

The boss himself.
Wasn't that nice of him?

Does he bring all his employees home?

Oh don't be ridiculous.
You should see him.

He looks like the jolly joker.

What is that dress you have on?

Oh, it's a model. He gave it to me.

Ain't it beautiful?

I'll go fix dinner.

How about yesterday's stew?

Hello?

Miss Margo? Just a moment.

It's for you. ─ For me?

Hello.

Oh, it's you.

Don't give me that.

No.

But there are a lot of unmarried
blonds running around.

No.

I'm afraid I'll have to hang up now.

Goodbye.

Who was it?

Mrs Carpenter's son. Rich people.
Park Avenue, you know.

One of the customers.

He's just a kid about twenty-seven.

A stupid boy.

You are not going to work there anymore.
─ What?

What did you say, Paul?

You heard me.

I hate to be a pest, but that
guy Marvan breaks my heart.

He keeps calling me day and night
asking desperately to get him a job.

How about Mrs Fowler? I thought they
were friends. She sure can help him out.

He says he couldn't ask her for more
money, and she seems unconcerned.

So what can I do?
─ Let his wife take a job.

She had one and lost it.

They moved to a cheaper
apartment downtown.

A terrible place.
I just came from there.

He keeps borrowing and selling.

Ah, it's a mess.
─ Well, I feel sorry for the guy.

Wait a minute, here's something.
─ What is it?

Yeah, it's for the 27th.

A matinee down at 2nd Avenue
with the Polish National Hall.

An anniversary celebration
with songs and dances.

Paul could play a few Chopin waltzes.
I'm sure they'd go for it.

Yeah. Chopin was Polish.
That's good. How much?

Oh, a hundred bucks.
Maybe a hundred and fifty.

That's really bad.

Margo, look.

I can feel where it's torn.
─ Oh, nobody will see it.

Why don't you wear your tuxedo?
After all, it's a mixed program.

Yeah. I haven't got it.

I sold it.
─ How about your blue suit?

Well, I had to pay my piano
rental for two months.

Aren't you going with me?

Look, Paul. I prefer to stay at home.

I don't feel too good, and ..

And to tell you the truth, I hate to
see you on such a mixed program.

I'd like to see you at Carnegie Hall.

In your old glory where you belong.

Margo.

To me, an audience is an audience.

Goodbye.

Jealous, stubborn, bohemian thick head.

Look. Why don't you let me ...?
─ No!

That's for me. I'm expecting a call.

Yvette? Hi. Can you come over?

Oh, I see.

Oh, you don't say.

Oh.

Oh, that is exciting.

Wait. I'll call you right back.

What's the number? Columbus 3545.

Wellington playhouse. Sure,
I know where that is. 55th Street.

I'll call you right back .. bye.

Imagine. They brought Carlo back to do
the choreography for a new musical.

And Yvette said he wanted me to
do the show. Isn't that nice of him?

Carlo? Of all the people.

Don't tell me you would
really consider it?

Well, it would keep us going.
Imagine, 200 dollars a week.

And I'd love to be in a show again.

Oh, don't be a child, Paul.

Carlo means nothing to me.
He knows I'm married.

Wouldn't it be wise to let me do it?
─ Listen.

I have a performance. Don't upset me.

And don't ever mention it again.

Ever!

Understand?

Old idiot.

I come after intermission?

Where is the phone?

Please, drive as fast as you can.
I've got to be back in 15 minutes.

It all depends on the traffic,
mister. I'll do the best I can.

Do you know where the
Wellington Playhouse is?

Yeah, sure. 55th Street.

Paul.

Why did you lie to me?

Pretending that you are
going to stay at home.

Paul, I didn't know.
I didn't intend to come here.

You can ask .. Yvette, please come here.

Yvette, this is my husband.
─ How do you do?

Yvette, tell Paul how it happened
that I'm here. I just came over to ..

But how come you're here?
Don't tell me that ..

Don't talk about me.
I'll be back in time.

I just want you to know
that your lies and tricks ..

What's the excitement? What happened?

You are Carlo? ─ Yes.

Why don't you leave her alone?

Paul, he had nothing to do with it.
─ He can talk for himself.

Why do you send her messages?
Don't you know that she is married?

If you want to know.

We danced together for three years.

I'm still concerned about her.

And I happen to know she
needs the work very badly.

How touching.

I saw your concern.

Paul.

His wife told me the whole
story. That he became ill ..

Ah, baloney! He's been drinking.

These Polish people told me
he was there. Backstage.

And suddenly he left
and didn't come back.

Never heard of anything
like this before in my life.

And I'll see that nobody will book him.

Take my word for it.
Nobody! He's through!

Where were you?

I was getting a little fresh air,
if you don't mind.

I've talked to a guy who will
get me a job downtown in a bar.

Nonsense. That's a different
kind of music. That's not for you.

Well, I'll try. What's the difference?
I'll play some old waltzes.

Just another disappointment.

Wouldn't it be easier to let
me take that modeling job?

No!

How about your agent?
Why doesn't he help you out?

The poor devil.
He can't even help himself.

How about your friends?

What friends?

That society woman, for instance.

Call her up. Ask her to help you out.

For her, it will be a cinch.

I can't.

Why not?
─ I owe her enough money.

No, it's impossible.

Is she jealous, or angry
because you married me?

I don't think so, but ..

I didn't pay her for about three months.

How much do you owe her?

Almost three thousand.

That much? For what?

I had to pay my insurance premium.

So much for insurance?

I've never heard of that.

What kind of insurance?

I have my ..

Paul, why don't you answer me?

What .. what did you say?

I asked you what kind
of insurance. Life?

No. It's a special insurance.

Diana.

It's Paul Marvan.

It's nice to hear your voice again.

I'm slightly drunk .. I must admit.

I had to. I needed the
courage to call you.

I'm lost. I'm desperate
and I need your help.

I need money.

Believe me, it's not easy for me.

To call you .. after I neglected my ..

Obligations to you.

Paul, it wasn't only
your obligations to me.

It was a little more than that,
but let's not discuss it.

I don't like to be here just for
emergencies. It's humiliating.

And I don't intent to finance or
sponsor your irresponsible adventures.

I know you understand, Paul.

Paul?

Are you there?

I am sure you must hate me.
─ Why should I hate you?

I just feel sorry for both of us.

I've brought you bad luck.

Money, money, money!
Everything is money. Isn't that silly?

No, it isn't.

Say, why don't you call up that woman?

I did. ─ And?

I can guess. She'd help
you if I weren't around.

What's the use talking about it?

So I was right.
She wanted you to leave me.

She didn't say anything of the kind.
If she did, what's the difference?

I couldn't.

You mean, you couldn't live without me?

Maybe it's just your imagination.
There's nothing so special about me.

For a man of your standard,
I'm not even too intelligent.

My face, maybe it's cute. So what?

Some people even think I look a
little cheap with my bleached hair.

My legs are okay,
but nothing to rave about.

You are sure trying hard
to talk me out of yourself.

Just for the good of both of us.

It's no use my dear.

It is some sort of strange fascination.

It's like a curse. Like a heavy veil.

I tried everything to get out of it.

In my despair, I even took
you apart like a little toy.

Basically, I stripped you to the bone.

Mentally, to a cheap little tramp.

Everything went fine. Just fine.

From the first moment
you came near to me.

I was lost again. So what's
the use? It doesn't work.

Why are you laughing?

Does it sound like laughing?

Oh yes, and you are?

I'm Paul Marvan, Mr Frim.
─ Of course. How can I help you?

I was recommended to you.

You see, I wrote a piano
piece some years ago.

It was very successful in Prague,
in Vienna, in Salzburg, in Rome.

It has never been published
before and I thought that maybe ..

You mean, serious music? ─ Yes.

Sorry. Do you have some hit tunes? You
know, for dance bands, things like that.

Well .. I mean if you like it,
I could rearrange it.

Mr Frim? ─ Yes.
─ The boss wants to see you.

I'll be right back, Mr Marvan.

Oh incidentally, that's a good idea
about that rearranging. We'll see.

Could I make a phone call, please?

Thank you.

Margo?

I just want to tell you that
everything looks very good.

Look, Paul .. it's hard
for me to tell you this.

Well, I think it was all a mistake.

You and I.

Look Margo, I ..
─ Let's be sensible.

I've made up my mind.

I want to go back to
show business, anyway.

So it will be better for
the both of us if we ..

You will see that
everything will change.

No Paul, it can't change.

I don't want to go on like this.

I've packed my things and I want
to be out before you get back.

I must get out.

I feel like I'm suffocating
here in this dirty, filthy place.

But Margo, for heaven's
sake don't let me down.

I'm telling you, I'll get
some money. I'm sure.

Excuse me. I'll be right with you.

Margo, I can't talk now.

Please promise me
that you'll wait for me.

I must have been cursed.

Well, promise you'll wait.

Alright, calm down.

I promise I'll wait.

Sorry. I had to call my wife.
─ Oh, that's perfectly alright.

Well, I haven't much time. If you wish
to play your composition, go ahead.

Yes.

What happened?

Excuse me. I'm a little upset. I ..

Why don't you come back
another time, Mr Marvan?

Excuse me, I've got
a lot of things to do.

Don't you feel well?

Can I do something for you?

No.

I felt a little dizzy,
but it's alright now.

Are you sure?

Thank you, yes.

Mr Frim! The man that
was here a while ago.

Yes. What happened?
─ His hand got caught in the press.

Heaven's sakes, that's terrible.
How did it happen?

I don't know.
─ Well, did somebody call an ambulance?

Don't worry. He doesn't feel any
pain. He's had a lot of morphine.

Is it very bad?

I think you had better go now.

Hello, Mrs Marvan?

I'm June Fowler.

Mother asked me to call you.

She's very sorry about the accident.

And she told me to ask you if ..

Thank you.

It's very nice of you but
I don't need anything.

Thanks. Bye.

That woman, Mrs Fowler.
She brought Paul over from Europe.

Now she asks what she can do to help.

What does the doctor say?

It's not as bad as they expected.

They stopped the machine just in time.

He'll get out of hospital in a few days.

But he'll never be able to play again.

That's terrible.

What will happen then?

I don't know. The insurance company
called about some papers.

I told them I didn't
know anything about it.

Well, don't worry.
Carlo said he'll take care of you.

He's well off now, you know.

I can't take money from Carlo.

From a friend? From a fellow artist?

Why not?

He's still crazy about you.

How do you know? ─ Well ..

I know that he let you
dance three solo numbers.

And gave you featured billing.

Did he tell you that? ─ Sure.

I would not make it up.

What's the use?

Can you explain how the
accident happened, Mr Marvan?

Did you slip or ...?

No. I fainted.

You see, I had some trouble.
─ Financial trouble?

Partly.

I had a quarrel with my wife.
Jealousy you know.

Your wife is very young and beautiful.
It's understandable. Go ahead, please.

So I came to the publisher's office
to play my composition, and ..

Pardon the intrusion, Mrs Marvan.
I am Diana Fowler.

I know. My husband isn't home yet.

I came to see you, Mrs Marvan.

I'm quite tired of apologizing
for this terrible mess.

But I don't feel responsible,
believe it or not.

Don't worry, please.

Sit down any place.
You'll get dirty anyway.

I must admit, I'm not fit to
make a very good impression.

I'm so tired.
─ I won't stay long.

If you came to offer me
financial help, thanks.

I don't need any.
My friends took care of that.

I hope you don't mind if I close
my eyes. They hurt so badly.

No .. no, not at all.

I understand Paul is doing quite well.

He is to be discharged in a few days.

I just talked to him a little while ago.

He just got his last check-up.

I was told as far as his
playing again is concerned.

It doesn't look too good.

That's the least you could say about it.

It's really tragic.

But fortunately, there is the insurance.

Good for him.

I hope they'll give him
some kind of security.

Well.

You won't have to worry for
quite some time at least.

Well, I don't worry about myself.

As a matter of fact ..

Yes?

Nothing.

May I guess?

It's such a delicate matter, I'm ..

Rather afraid of using the wrong words.

I'll try to take your words for what
they mean and not how they sound.

Well, Mrs Marvan.

I believe it was ambition rather
than love that attracted you to Paul.

It meant a great deal to you to be
the wife of a man of his .. genius.

His social standing.

You tried very hard to ..

Climb up to him, but only
succeeded in dragging him down.

Forgive me for saying it.

Alright, I made a mistake but ..

I didn't mean anything bad.

I didn't want to hurt him.
It just happened so.

But Paul is madly in love with you.

He is quite convinced he
can't live without you.

That's just the trouble.

Any sacrifice I make. Anything
I do will lead to nothing.

I feel trapped.

I want to get out.

What shall I do?

And without his music.

He will suffer even more.

He'll need peace .. rest.

And lots of patience.

Mrs Fowler, may I ask you a question?

Please do.

Are you in love with him?

No.

For a good actress, that
pause was a little too long.

Then consider me a bad actress.

Why do you ask?

I need your help.
─ Well, how can I help?

You can't expect me talk you into leaving
Paul just to ease your conscience.

But if I do leave him, not just for my
sake, but for the sake of both of us.

Would you take care of him?

You think I would make a good nurse?

I'm sure you could give him all
those things you talked about.

Rest .. peace of mind and patience.

What do you say?

It's open.

Oh excuse me. I didn't
know you had company.

It's alright. I'm leaving right away.

If there is anything I can
do for you, Mrs Marvan.

Anything at all, please let me know.

Goodbye.

Carlo.

I'm going to let you go home today.

But I want to see you Friday
and then every third day.

Come shaved, next time.

Tell me doctor,
what is the final verdict?

Give it time and let's hope.

That's all I can say for the present.
─ Uhuh.

Thank you.

Oh, are you still here?

The insurance company called.
I told them you had gone home.

Miss Peterson, thank you for everything.

Good luck, sir. ─ Thank you.

Margo.

Margo.

Hello? ─ Mr Marvan?

International Insurance
Company of Geneva.

Jack Lowell speaking.

Say, could you come over?
A very important matter came up.

I'm sorry, I can't. I'm ..

What is it?

We have a man, here.

An employee of the publishing company.

Who claims that he saw you just a
few seconds before your accident.

We have his statement here.

And we'd like to confront you with
him before we proceed further.

Can you read it to me over the phone?

Don't you think, Mr Marvan.

That this business of you staring
at your hand before the accident ..

Could involve you in a very ..

Well, I mean if you insist on going
ahead with your application.

We must take it to court.

You know what that could mean.

Thank you for giving me the chance.

Destroy the application.

Hey, why don't you play
something gay, you bum?